06-17-2014, 05:47 AM
The first few weeks are a fantastic time, where there is still the feeling that it's an illusion or you are just on vacation. If you are first coming from the mainland, you are driving too fast and not seeing anything. After awhile, you will notice the greenery, then realize you don't know the names for any of it, beyond albizia trees which can't be missed. Then, when you down shift some more, you will notice more and more small areas that you missed before. Then you start collecting the stories, the legends of Puna.
"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"
"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*