Holualoa Christmas Festival

It just doesn't feel like Christmas here. Let me rephrase that, it doesn't feel like what i've been conditioned to believe Christmas should be like. It's warm, there are no shopping malls, and decorations are quite understated (nothing like what you see in new england.. whole houses covered in lights from top to bottom, giant snowmen blow up dolls in yards... you know). How WEIRD is it that we begin to believe that certain criteria must met in order for the celebration of Jesus' birth to be complete. So, the fact that "holiday fever" doesn't seem severe here is actually a good thing in my eyes. People aren't at all distracted with what is "supposed to happen" around Christmas time. For one, it hasn't felt like the whole world has stopped in a panicked frenzy to buy buy buy. Personally i detest the "Christmas shopping" syndrome (not Christmas) so I am grateful the world around me here doesn't not seem to be too concerned or overcome with a desperate need to buy "stuff". Nevertheless, i miss the things i've grown accustomed to associating with Christmas (the good things) So, when I heard we were going to a Christmas festival in a little town up the mountain (called"Holualoa") It sounded like something i could really enjoy... a small town, small shops and art galleries... and good coffee (which I do not drink :) I think i got some decent pictures. I hope to somehow get my hands on a camera someday seeing my days with this one are numbered (it's borrowed from a friend). At any rate, forgive me for my lack of writing the last couple of weeks. It's hard to find a moment to sit down here, and it takes forever to upload pictures where I live. Time I would much prefer spend with the people i might never see again....

enjoy the pics!








The boys


Art Galleries


Therese and Maria


street shops


Kona COFFEE!


Maria waiting :)


small shops


Dancing!