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<\/a><\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\nThis post was originally published in 2008. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. <\/em> On the other side of this island, we arrived in Hawaii and found ourselves in a rainforest<\/a> and lava<\/a> paradise. We learned the art of permaculture, and living in an ecologically sustainable manner. We learned to eat well, discovered so many amazing foods<\/a>, and got in shape. Kelly lost 30 pounds without even trying, and I \u2013 well, not so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I learned how to milk goats<\/a>, we both learned the art of hitch hiking<\/a>, and we enjoyed the spectacular waves in our little paradise<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t We became acquainted with the modern hippie life<\/a>, and learned to just let go and dance like no one is watching<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We were incredibly remote<\/a>. Incredibly. Being reliant on nothing but solar power and with constant rain for over a month, the wet hikes into town for internet connections wore us down pretty quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t Couple that with centipede bites<\/a> (two attacks in our first two weeks, I might add!), enduring overt acts of racism<\/a>, and a few other challenges, we couldn\u2019t go on living there<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What will we remember at the end of it all? Lots of things. Good things. In fact, not more than a week after we left Popai, we found ourselves reminiscing about some of the things we missed<\/a>. We continue to reminisce, and relive some of the great memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Onwards and upwards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t In search of some sunshine and a little more convenience, we settled in at a hostel<\/a> in Kona, working in trade for our accommodation and other perks. We certainly enjoyed lots of sunshine, beach time, and I got a chance to test my artistic side with some murals which I painted right on the building and other fixtures. My most ambitious piece wraps around the front corner of the building, spanning over 8 feet wide by 4 feet high. What a way to leave a mark!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t Some of the latest pieces of artwork I was so lucky to do…<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n We met some amazing people<\/a> and have increased our network of friends around the world, and I even conquered a fear or two<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t We experienced a mild culture (and environmental) shock<\/a> in coming here from where we were staying. We observed all too clearly the abysmal animal rights situation in Hawaii. I got a black eye<\/a>, and we both contracted a rare neurological disease<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\nHilo Side<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t
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Kona<\/b> Side<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\n\n