Peter and Vicki's Travel Blog: Kona is "hotting up" as Ironman fever hits town!

It's Monday and the start of the biggest Ironman week in the world! Quiet, sleepy Kona is erupting!
Ironman fever is striking everyone! Excitement is flowing through the town, heading for the big explosion on Saturday! So exciting!

Feel it!...........................

2012 Ironman World Championship theme is
THE SPARKLING EYES OF MY ROOTS
Aa Na Maka O Na Aa

This year’s theme is Aa Na Maka O Na Aa, or “The sparkling eyes of my roots.” It came from a conversation between Bertsch and Aunty Elizabeth Maluihi Lee, a “Living Treasure of Hawaii” and legendary master lauhala weaver. Bertsch was introduced to Lee by Wally Lau, a mutual friend and the county’s deputy managing director. Bertsch shared how race organizers wanted this year’s theme to include reflection of the past and one’s roots.

Lee told Bertsch of the hala tree, which is a reflection of “our past, present and future.” She explained how our ancestors and kupuna represent the roots, and from the roots come the tree (the parents) and the branches (the children). As the branches continue to spread, the leaves come and represent the grandchildren. She explained how eventually they blossom into the beautiful hala seed, which will separate and fall to the ground, as well as begin a new cycle while assuring the legacy still lives.

“As we live our lives, we will never lose our way as long as we remember where we can from. Success is about respecting our roots, taking value in what we have learned, and embracing our journey,” Lee said. “Knowing your roots is knowing your way. Our roots represent the path that our ancestors have taken and the choices that have been made that define and illuminate who we are.”