Piko

 Last morning at the Andaz. We got down to the buffet before it opened to get a jump start on the day. They unlocked the doors soon after we arrived and we got served quickly.

       I tried the breakfast noodles. Not a fan. 

One last plate of pineapple! I will miss the Maui Gold.

I took one last walk down to the beach. It was already filling up and busy. 

The flight of stairs back up seems symbolic of the trip back home. The time change going back east is a challenge for me. 

I was introduced to the Hawaiian concept of piko on this trip. Piko is the complex understanding of connection. Connection to our ancestors, our God, our children, our family, the earth, all humankind. There are other symbols for piko. Most of the ones I have noticed are a swirl. The hotel staff wear piko pins that look like this basket weave. 

I love the concept of piko. It describes the connection I feel that keeps drawing me back to Hawaii and the Polynesian culture. 

One last look at Haleakala on our way to the airport. I could actually see the summit, which is usually hidden by clouds.

Ricky was notified our flight would be delayed about 40 minutes. We had the taxi service pick us up early, just to be sure we had plenty of time. We were in no way prepared for what waited for us at Kahului.

I have never seen that small airport so overwhelmed with travelers. There were not enough security checkpoints to handle the crush of people leaving. The lines wound through the airport and baggage claim area, like Disneyland lines for rides only a lot less fun. People were missing flights due to the long wait. 😬

We did make it to our gate in time, thanks to the delayed flight. No time for lunch. The plane was full of loud talkers and lots of young children.  Everyone seemed tense and tired due to the ordeal of the long lines and delayed flight.

We were thankful to land safely in San Jose and finally get to our hotel at 11 pm. I grabbed some takeout for a late meal and Ricky went to bed without lunch or supper saying he was too tired to eat. 

We retraced our steps, staying at the Doubletree Tree again so at least things were familiar at the hotel and I was grateful they were serving food late. I finally got in bed at midnight.

We set alarms and asked for a wake up call at 6 am. Last leg home tomorrow.