Co-existing with your neighbors

Let's just say that on #Maui you learn that a wake-up call in the morning can be as early as two o'clock. It can be relentless, too, and it is almost impossible to drown out the sound even covering your head with a pillow. As the sun rises, so does the pitch.

Free-range chickens, hens and roosters are everywhere on this #Hawaiian island, and after a week or so, you pay little attention. You give each other space and go about your business.

This colorful one named "Henrietta," like the song "A Boy Named Sue" I suppose, followed me around the property one day daring to come up on the patio.

Celebrating Chinese New Year on Maui

This is the Year of the Rat, and also, the story of how I had my first ever home cooked Chinese dinner.

There is a large Chinese population on Maui having settled originally to help lay the irrigation system bringing water from the mountains. Now second, and even third generations, remain or return for family events such as this one at the Maui Mall.

Many Chinese families reside in Up Country Kula, where I stayed. Often as I was walking up the hill on Cross Road, a waving hand out of a car window would greet me. I would not be a stranger for long. Hawaii has got to be the friendliest place on the planet.

On Sunday when the society members gathered for a potluck meal and a little conversation, my husband and I joined them thanks to an invite through our home owner. What a treat that I will not forget.

Every dish was prepared lovingly by one of the ladies, and as I spooned portions onto my plate, each stood near me while explaining what ingredients were combined into familar dishes considered their personal specialities. You and I both know that home cooking is best, and the freshness of vegetables, herbs and meats cannot be surpassed. Smelling different combinations of spices was amazing that brought forward unique flavors - lemon and ginger in particular - combined with steamed rice and noodles.

What I loved best of all was how the ladies didn't hover while we ate; they stood nearby or sat down at another table, and waited for our approval.

A lot of the folks were of the older generation and they told us about their children and grandchildren successfully working at careers all over the United States. Conversation around the table brought all of us together in spirit.

How gracious the society was that afternoon, and they even took us upstairs to their shrine.

We left with a huge bag of lemons and grateful hearts.

The celebration at the mall lasted all day, and I believe we stayed so as to not to miss a thing. The warm temperatures and cool ocean breezes made it comfortable being outside knowing full well that is was snowing back home. There were Tai Chi and cooking demos, musical entertainment and a children's beauty pageant with contestants outfitted in traditional clothing.

My favorite part was when the dragons appeared with a burst of firecrackers in the background to the excitement of one and all.

I saw these big-eyed, dancing creatures take ... by feeding it a small donation in a red envelope (called hong bao) and I waited my turn, too, until I ever-so gently fed my offering into the giant mouth.

Chinese dragons are a symbol of China's culture, and they are believed to bring good luck to people, therefore the longer the dragon is in the dance, the more luck it will bring to the community. The dragons are believed to possess qualities that include great power, dignity, fertility, wisdom and auspiciousness.

Living among the local population on Maui and not part of the tourist area where things are all familiar, definitely enabled me to have a new appreciation for others.

How I spent weeks in Hawaii without the cost of a resort

Think Hawaii, especially Maui, and dollars can leave your wallet as quickly as birds in flight. It's an expensive location although no one will deny its beauty and desirability as a vacation destination. It's called paradise for a reason.

So, how did I manage to spend time there and get to take in the sights without overloading my credit card?

Back in the fall I had no intention of visiting Hawaii until I met a woman on my Russia trip who was searching for a house sitter for the winter while she was away. I was all ears when she mentioned that she had no houseplants and pets to manage. She cautiously told me that she lived Up Country, and not in the tourist areas along the beaches. It would be cooler when the sun went down and very quiet. If I could handle being eight miles from a supermarket, then she thought that it would work for me. (Insert laughter here. That sounds like my ususal circumstances).

Somehow it felt like an opportunity not to be missed. Everything checked out after doing a little research, too.

Using the Kula residence as a launching point, my husband and I toured around the island at our leisure. We lived like the locals, shopped and engaged with some of the friendliest people in the world.

Would I house sit in another location? Good question. It would depend upon the situation.

The view across the road from our home.