So this is paradise...

We woke up at 5:15 this morning. I think it's the first time I've been up this early out of my own volition. We can't see the sun yet but can tell that night is fading. The first, and even the second, time Amanda and I went to Hawaii we were surprised and annoyed by all the wild roosters (scattered among the islands by storms). The ones we hear in the distance now are unobtrusive, even oddly familiar.

Panoramic view from our balcony at sunrise.

This was our first sunrise in paradise and we didn't know what to expect. I can tell you that there is no burning globe that emerges from the horizon. It was more like when your eyes get used to the dark and you begin to see light where it wasn't before. I love impressionist art, but it wasn't until this morning that I "got" Monet (even if the camera couldn't).

Orange and pinks at sunrise.

The rest of the day goes by like a blur. I ran 2 km in the morning, we went to the gym and did some P90x inspired Vinyasa flow yoga. Rinsed off after yoga by jumping in the ocean followed by shower number one.

The gym at the Hilton Moorea.

Breakfast was a shameful display of gluttony. French Polynesia = French pastries! Baguettes, croissants, chocolatines, warm brioches, cinnamon roles, fresh doughnuts, coconut cakes, danishes, muffins and more. Good thing we went to the gym. Amanda and I spent the next two hours with Will Shortz gorging ourselves, sipping on coffee (earl grey tea for me) and matching wits on a Thursday crossword puzzle.

Crosswurdz r fun.

After breakfast we went snorkeling. All the resorts provide equipment but we decided to bring our own masks that we bought the day before we left from Costco. Why the Costco in Montreal was selling snorkeling equipment at the end of January is beyond me, but we are glad it was. Shower number two rinses off the salt water.

Amanda snorkeling around our bungalow.

A couple hours of sunbathing, a nap and shower number three later we check the clock to see how much sunlight we have left in the day. It's only 1:30pm! Unbelievable. Is this what it is like to be an old person? Maybe tomorrow we will find a mall and do some laps.

Despite having been up for 8 hours, lunch is out of the question. It's almost 6pm now and we are thinking we will just share an entree for dinner. Surprising considering that we spent the afternoon in a two-person kayak, exploring the lagoon. Maybe we ate too much at breakfast, but then what is a honeymoon without eating delicious food until you are so bloated that you want to puke?

Lastly, words really can't describe this idyllic island and amazing resort. We were lucky enough to get upgraded to the furthest bungalow on the pontoon (thanks Mitra) so we have some more privacy and an excellent view. Every time we walk around or look out the window it seems surreal.

Just watch the video.