March 17, 2008
Serene interlude
My friend visits the monastery in the hills every now and then and has stayed there on retreat a few times. I’m not Catholic, so it’s not a place I would have thought to visit on my own, but she invited me, so off we went. We drove through acres of pineapple fields to cross the island to the North Shore, then bumped along a mud and gravel road that climbs through corn fields and up a mountainside.
A small cluster of building sits amid landsaped grounds. The views in every direction are spectacular.
Access to the monastery winds its way through farm and ranch lands. I’ve inspected some of the condos you can see along the shore, but never knew this quiet community overlooked me.
Orange, mango and other fruit trees are scattered around the property. Bowls of freshly harvested fruit sat on a table outside the dining hall, free for the taking. We were invited inside, where meal preparations were underway, coffee makers lined up and ready as a gesture of hospitality. My friend spent a few minutes catching up with her priestly-chef friends while I refilled my water bottle for a hike up the mountain.
Several small areas of formal plantings surprised us as we wandered the pathways around the grounds. I was told that they are all maintained by one elderly nun. Most of the sixty-something acres have been left in their natural state, with only a few acres dedicated to buildings and lanscaping.
We wandered back down the hillside and came across a small group of people. A mother sat on a blanket stringing rosaries, surrounded by her children. Introductions were made and I was asked if I knew who the woman was. Seen out of context and without glamorous stage attire, I’d failed to recognize one of the most well known and beloved singers in Hawaii. Under other circumstances I’d have dashed to my car to retrieve one of her CDs for an autograph. Respecting the nature and purpose of the place, I restrained myself and was rewarded with a half-hour or so of talk story and pleasant conversation.
As we drove back down the mountain we came across this handsome brute. When I put down the windows for a closer look he moved in to check us out, almost putting his head inside the car. His mistress informed us that he was being trained for dressage and needed socialization. My friend is a horse woman and was happy to oblige.
I forgot to buy a bottle of the monastery’s delicious honey before we left. Maybe I’ll go back soon and do that.
[tags]countryside, Hawaii, monastery, photos, retreat, scenery[/tags]
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March 17th, 2008 at 10:52 am, Karen Says:
Oh, Skeet. That looks like such a beautiful place. Very pretty pictures. Thanks for sharing them.
March 17th, 2008 at 11:13 am, Whim Says:
How beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
March 17th, 2008 at 11:35 am, Colleen Says:
There’s a monastery on my college campus, as the original school was started by Brothers years ago. Not as exotic as yours, but still pretty. Your post made me want to visit!
March 18th, 2008 at 9:16 am, skeet Says:
It really is a beautiful place Karen, and very peaceful. A perfect setting to get away for a while.
March 18th, 2008 at 9:17 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo, Whim! I couldn’t go to such a lovley place and not share!
March 18th, 2008 at 9:18 am, skeet Says:
You should follow up on that impulse, Colleen. I felt relaxed and revitalized after visiting, and I’m not even Catholic.
March 18th, 2008 at 3:03 pm, Jenn Says:
Wow. That place is breathtaking. Right now I wished I lived in Hawaii so I could take advantage of driving at and hopefully staying at such a beautiful place!
March 19th, 2008 at 6:34 am, skeet Says:
It would be much better than staying in a Waikiki hotel, don’t you think, Jenn?
March 20th, 2008 at 8:03 pm, Jenny Says:
Those are some awesome photos.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:12 am, skeet’s stuff » Carnival of Aloha Says:
[…] we’re back where we started, and I present Serene Interlude here at skeet’s stuff, sharing a quiet day in a country […]
March 31st, 2008 at 6:11 am, Anela Says:
Truly beautiful pics! It looks so peaceful! Thanks for sharing!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:06 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo Anela! It’s hard to take bad pictures when such beauty is all around you!