Jungles, Mountains, and Rivers

On By Lois RoelofsIn aging, memoir, retirement, travel, writing

I’m on my way home now— over 2,000 miles across the Pacific from the Hawaiian Islands to LA. This Viking cruise was literally just a taste. I remember our first trip abroad was called The Taste of Europe. The idea was to sample several countries and then return to the favorites for an in-depth look.

(For background, there are no children or casinos on a Viking cruise. Most of the travelers appear to be retirement age.)

Now I’ve sampled four islands—Hawaii (the “big” island), Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Each day I took an “included” tour that took us to limited spots by large new comfortable buses, sometimes dropping us off for a train ride, a short hike, photo shoots, or shopping.

I wonder now how to summarize the experience. I’m thinking I don’t need to return since I’ve gotten a good flavor, and there’s other places I want to go while I’m able. But I’ve enjoyed the local terrain— so much greenery, island history (by bus drivers or numerous lectures on the ship), and interactions with fellow travelers.

Traveling “solo,” as it’s called in the industry, has turned into a new adventure since I was widowed six years ago. I’ve taken nearly twenty trips alone now and find it’s fun to be my own boss of what I want to do. I don’t need to consult anyone. I have a little strategy, though. This time, as soon as I landed in LA and was waiting for the bus to take us to the ship, I scouted out the dozens of travelers, identifying those who appeared to be alone, and introduced myself. Then I followed with a few couples.

Interestingly, on this cruise of about 850, I’ve bumped into these people off and on the last eleven days. They feel like my anchors. Then for meals, I either ask if someone sitting alone wants company or I tell the restaurant receptionist I’m open to sharing a table. No one has said no.

And sometimes I like sitting alone to eat. A great place for reverie.

But when with others, I’ve heard the most interesting stories. It’s like I’m a “a safe other” to hear the tragedies some people need to tell. I’ve heard about losses of spouses, children, and even grandchildren. I’ve heard much about serious, and not so serious— illnesses. Always interesting as a nurse to hear laypersons’ descriptions. One person had a serious illness she repeatedly called “sinuous.” Plus I’ve heard happy things—about numerous other cruises people have taken. And fun advice as an older widow about never remarrying! “Old men are just looking for a nurse!” A warning for me to run away!

The ship’s educational programs are numerous and varied. From WW II details, to the rise and fall of raising sugarcane on the islands, to the inner makings of a volcanic eruption, to all you ever wanted to know about ocean currents but didn’t dare ask. As a retired educator, I figure if 15 hours of class equals earning one credit hour, I’ve earned over one credit and have time yet to work up to two!

I’ve titled this piece as jungles, mountains, and rivers because I’ve heard this phrase several times from locals. They are proud of their beautiful country. Several islands have restrictions on the height of their buildings— four stories. They don’t want high rises to spoil the beauty of their islands. I’ll close with a sampling of photos. Put these islands on your bucket list!

16 thoughts on “Jungles, Mountains, and Rivers”

  1. richarmrf8eb2ec7d7's avatar richarmrf8eb2ec7d7

    Looks like a wonderful trip, Aunt Lois. I’ve been thinking about taking Amanda on a Hawaiian cruise. Would you recommend the cruise line you went on? It likely won’t be 2025 since I did Great Britain with Sean and Jade May & June 2024 and Portugal and Southern Spain with my childhood friend, Sandi, Sept & Oct 2024 so I’m still tired. 😊

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  3. Cynthia Sander's avatar Cynthia Sander

    Hawaii has been on my bucket list but I can now scratch it off as your posts have provided me with a vicarious experience. I’ve always enjoyed travel but no longer as it’s too much for me. But I do enjoy reading about your travels so do keep on cruising and writing.

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  4. Barbara Blumenthal's avatar Barbara Blumenthal

    Your travels always sound so wonderful and I am so happy you are taking advantage of as much as possible! You are on the go and living the life that Marv would have wanted for you….soon you will be in Arizona for the winter which came through Chicago quickly last week but today was clear, sunny and beautiful 😍! Let us know if you are coming back for a visit anytime!

    Barb

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  6. Pleased to see you had a wonderful trip to Hawaii and to do it via a cruise is a great idea. I’ve been to the Big Island and loved it and also to Maui with hubby which was fun. My husband is still alive but I enjoy solo travelling as well. I make more friends that way. xo

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  7. Thanks Lois for taking us with you on your trips. I have really enjoyed the few times I’ve been to Hawaii but I’ve never been on a guided tour. We were fortunate in that my husband had a friend who lived there and showed us places that tourists would never see. At my age I don’t expect to return but I’m glad I went

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