Recap of the BEST WEEK EVER

A made the most profound statement in regards to our vaca last week:

"We're terrible travelers, and GREAT vacationers."

Case in point our tumultuous departure. If you live near LAX the "rules" that they set regarding the time of check in don't really apply to you. We all know that it is quite unnecessary to be there three hours before your plane is scheduled for take off.In fact, A and I have found that one hour and fifteen is usually the optimal arrival time needed in order to ensure check in (for all those who are lame-o and don't print online), bag check, security check, bathroom stop, and starbucks run.

What we didn't take into account for this trip was the inefficiency from our airline carrier, DELTA.

Now, I will not make this into a huge rant about the terrible service, inefficiency, outdated computer systems, rude personnel, and overall worst-airline-we-have-ever-traveled-on type of post, however I will say that when I turn around after pleading with the Delta lady (who was struggling with the power trip associated with the short person syndrome) to allow us to get to the security check since our plane had boarded ten minutes prior and they were shutting the gate, and then after her rude response turn and see my sister begin to cry... Well, I will say this - I am the younger and more (if not most) protective sister you will ever know and my inner fury knew no bounds. After being cleared by a gentle TSA man, A and I huffed it to the end of the entire terminal to barely make the closing door. Sweaty, crying (A),and infuriated (me) we took a deep breath and prayed our vaca would be much much sweeter.

With that said, I can honestly say that this was hands down, by far, the best vacation I have ever been on. Not only was Kauai relaxed, under-developed, completely friendly, beautiful, and removed, but t also had the three components that made our trip what we have dubbed "The Trip of a Lifetime":

1. Our Accommodations
A and I stayed at the Princeville Westin Ocean Resort Vacation Villa Hotel. I didn't quite know how good it was going to be when I booked it from Costco, but man did we score. Absolutely the most amazing five star ISLAND GEM I have ever experienced. Not only did we walk into a stone floor, granite countertops, full kitchen, two shower head shower, jet soaking tub, plush living room, complete with glass utensils and a normal sized fridge, dish washer, and washer and dryer, the softest two bath robes you can even dream about, and a complimentary umbrella in case of rain - but the grounds (two of the top rated golf courses in the world), restaurants, and staff were all five star. It made coming home after a day on the island a pleasure.

I am a self-diagnosed germophobe and not having to worry about wearing shoes in the hotel room or in the shower or stressing about the nasty comforter on the bed, etc. was so...freeing. A and I were relaxed and so so happy.

2. The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook
Our great friend Shin offered his rad Kauai guidebook when he heard we were headed there. We didn't realize how crucial this would be to our vacation success. There was no way that we would have experienced Java Kai, our Kayak/Hike/Zipline extraordinare tour, Ocean snorkeling trip, Hanalei, Anahole, Kapa'a, and every dive restaurant that we read was a real gem. Thank you Shin!

3. My Traveling Companion
I've said it before, but I'll say it again - there is no one greater to travel with than A. Maybe it's because we're sisters, but I think it's mostly because we're our mother's daughters. We are like-minded when it comes to what it means to relax, what makes it enjoyable, how much we're willing to spend, and how much we're willing to exert physically. She's truly just the best person in the world to go to the best place in the world with. I was the driver and she was the navigator - and it could not have been a better relationship. On top of that, she's the only one I can share a bed with and still be completely comfy. :) Love you A - thanks for the best week ever.

The mosquito bites, dealing with an early checkout, time crunching with Alamo, and rushing to and from the airport were nil...I can't even complain about it because anything negative was totally overshadowed by the awesomeness of our trip. It was so good, I'll even throw our rough start in there as well.

BEST WEEK EVER.