In the jungle, the mighty jungle

People here in Alohaland often talk about places "back in the valley", meaning an area on the other side of the highway towards the pali mountains. We never quite knew what back in the valley meant until today. A woman I had met at yoga, an Italian woman called Flavia, invited us to visit her at her house back in the valley. What a surprise! Incredible, a whole other world. Flavia lives there with her daughter and two grandchildren, two dogs, nine cats, three geese, loads of hens and a huge jungle-like garden. It was fascinating to spend some time with her and explore her vast garden. And also inspiring to hear her story, how she left her life in Trieste, where she ran a business with her brother, to come over here and be with her daughter who had married a Hawaiian. The marriage didn't work out, but Flavia and her daughter have created a whole new world and life here. Truly inspiring!