Monday, August 24, 2009

I'm almost out of money!

August on the Garden Island!

Aloha!


It's been about a year since I last visited the "Garden Island." You all know this is one of my favorite spots to hang loose. The locals here tell me that the recession really hasn't hit Kauai very hard. My reply:

"It's hit me like a Mike Tyson blow."

Although I'm exaggerating a tad bit,
(as I wince and shake off the pain in my ribs from the Tyson punch)
it's still a different sort of a vacation when the global economy is in a funk. And I think they get it here. Never less, things are still pretty chilled on the island. Slow and easy in paradise. The steady flow of tourist money still finds its' way to the local economy. And even when times are difficult, the locals seem to find a way to divorce themselves from the issues and just enjoy life. That's what I've been trying to do.....



What's happening on Kauai





I've noticed more foreigners here this year. In addition to the typical Americans and Asians, I've noticed quite a few Europeans and Canadians. The weakness of the U.S. dollar realative to their currencies and cheaper airfares no doubt, has made this a more affordable vacation for them.

I've also noticed that the sales tax here is approximately 4%. Granted there are many other resort and luxury taxes on goods and services here in the islands. In comparison to the sky-rocketing Los Angeles sales tax, I find the 4% number a welcome relief.

I hope you all are enjoying the final weeks of summer.



I'll be back to posting and visiting your blogs in a few days......


Til then,

Aloha!


6 comments:

Chris said...

Aloha!

I'm jealous!!!!

intrepidideas said...

Thanks Chris.... Aloha back!

Chris said...

I really enjoy hearing about your trips.

I didn't post about it, but I had a wonderful time this summer visiting Facebook friends. Some of them didn't want to appear in my blog. Imagine that! ;)

Nothing to compare with the trips you take, though!

Heather Dugan ("Footsteps") said...

Kauai remains one of my very favorite places. ~Hope you'll be sharing some more photos in the near future!

intrepidideas said...

Chris,

Facebook seems to be really taking off. I hear it's almost as addictive as blogging. A trip down memory lane is a very good trip! And Cheaper! :)

intrepidideas said...

Heather,

I remember... Kauai is one of your favorite places too. I'll be working in some photos soon. Thanks for stopping by. Always good to hear from you.