Ask Endora

Dear C.K.,

Using a travel agent who specializes in destinations and provides personalized service is more important now than ever before. Not only will you most likely not get a better deal, what a destination specialist will do for their best clients is get upgraded rooms, guaranteed late check outs, complimentary breakfasts, offer travel advice based on personal experiences plus other amenities and frills at no cost to the traveler. In addition to the long list of perks you have the security knowing that your agent, the agency and supplier are all on your side in case a problem arises.

So darling, in the world of travel today, I believe it is to your advantage to use a travel professional to help plan your Incredible Journeys.

Best of luck,
Endora

Dear Sarah,

Darling, a few of my friends and colleagues swear by www.ancestry.com - so I would see what they have to offer. Another great tool for research is the Mormon Church! I wish you luck in your pursuit of finding your ancestry.

Endora

Dear Jill,

I could tell you lots of stories, and so could the Volcanoes Park rangers, of those who thought they could sneak away with a piece of lava from Pele's mountain, and shortly after attaining their prize are hurriedly sending it back to Hawaii at any cost!

Pele is probably the most well known of the legendary Hawaiian demigods. She creates and destroys with fire, has a quick temper and takes offenses seriously. There are several traditions concerning Pele, the best known of these is about lava rocks.

Since Pele created the islands the lava rock is like her flesh or a piece of her. It's said that misfortune will befall anyone who removes lava rock away from Hawaii. This also includes black sand, which is pulverized lava rock.

So when visiting I wouldn't dare disturb Pele the Goddess of Fire. For those who thought otherwise you might check out the large display at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park of lava rocks sent back to Hawaii by visitors who have had bad luck since taking them home. Letters of apology also on display accompanied the rocks begging Pele for forgiveness.

If you would like to return lava rock you have taken from any Hawaiian Island you can return it to Pele by mailing it to: Headquarters, Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, HI 96785