9 Comments
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Kjeld Duits's avatar

What a wonderful experience. I lived in Hawaii for a few years, but unfortunately never made it to the Big Island and never experienced an eruption. Thanks for being kind to Pele!

Eli K.P. William's avatar

Witnessing a volcanic eruption, and one that doesn't explode! A stroke of good luck indeed. And perhaps it augurs more good fortune for your new book.

Matylda Krasoczko's avatar

Thank you for taking us on that trip, Hiroko-san!

Curious Ordinary's avatar

What an amazing experience, thank you so much for sharing it.

Neural Foundry's avatar

Incredible timing on that eruption! The parallell between Pele and kami really lands when you describe both as being nature rather than just symbolizing it. I've always thought shield volcanoes get overlooked compared to stratovolcanoes in pop culture, but witnessing one fountain must change that calculus immediately. That chance encounter with the elderly woman adds a whole other layer to the expereince.

Ann Trinca's avatar

You are so lucky to see that! I am immensely enjoying your book right now. I have fallen in love with Japan, and I love diving deeper into its spirituality! Thanks, Ann

Hiroko Yoda's avatar

I put my heart and soul into my book! Thank you for your kind words.

Scott Kikkawa's avatar

It sounds like you actually met the lady herself (the woman with the dog). Local lore is full of such encounters . I hope you and Matt enjoyed your stay!

Hiroko Yoda's avatar

I only just learned the folklore of the woman and the dog last week, when I was writing this newsletter. It was a pleasant surprise! We really had a great time in Hawaii. Visiting a heiau, enjoying a Hawaiian feast at Highway inn, seeing a live eruption and...finishing your book Kona Winds! We certainly plan to visit again, hopefully sometime soon!