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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Day 22: A Bitter Departure with a Sweet Arrival
Day 22: A Bitter Departure with a Sweet Arrival
When you go to bed around 11-12, 5:30am comes up reeaal quick. And when the cab runs a bit late that 530 could have been 550 or even 6. Ask anyone, I squeeze every single minute of sleep I can from the mornings. Yeeeah mornings and I like each other as much as the South likes BP right now...
Taking this cab service was definitely worth the $7 over the $2.50 bus ride that takes over an hour and a half. I didnt even come close to missing my flight this time. Im telling you Hawaii has it out for me within 10-15 minutes of any deadline.
I say goodbye to Jean and Oahu. Im extremely sad to leave it all but have soo many great memories and new friends that I cant be too sad. I will miss them but I am sure I will see them again. Especially some before others I hope. Nothing eventful happens on the flight either. Just a routine boring flight by myself. And the Korean woman sitting next to me couldnt even speak english. Just as well because she slept the whole time anyway. At least the food was good. A muffin amd some kind of spinach and egg deal.
When I arrive in Las Vegas again, I have the challenge of killing a 4 hour layover. Since Im alone and just kinda out of it I stay at the airport and pretty much do nothing. Sooooo boorring. And then when the flight comes around finally its bloody delayed! Ends up being around an hour too because our original pilots didnt show for whatever reason. Sorry Britt for keeping you up even later! But we at last take off to Fresno!
And for those who are not aware why Fresno, allow me to inform you. One of my oldest BFFs lives there and we met when we were 14. Her name is Brittany and we have NEVER met. We have only ever talked on the phone...for nearly 12 years! Yes very crazy stuff but true. So you can imagine how nervous and excited we both are right now. And really thats an understatement..for me at least.
So I arrive in Fresno at long last and walk down to the terminal....and there she is. Shes real! And she sounds SO different than on the phone but its nice. And despite how tall she appears in her pictures, I am taller. Whew. Not that it would matter of course. Well we both cant stop smiling and thinking that this is ACTUALLY happening. Britt we finally met!!! And yes as I lay here on your couch at 2:30am writing this it is most certainly all too sureal still. Ill probably freak out a bit when I wake up and realize it is in fact real. Im here. In Fresno. In your apt. On your couch. And you physically exist on the other side of a wall. No more faceless voice in my ear. Ahhhhh I cant wait to hang out! Just seeing you already has made the trip here worth it.
And with that Im going to pass out and never think about airports again.
Ill miss you Hawaii... Thank you for the memories and new friends.
When you go to bed around 11-12, 5:30am comes up reeaal quick. And when the cab runs a bit late that 530 could have been 550 or even 6. Ask anyone, I squeeze every single minute of sleep I can from the mornings. Yeeeah mornings and I like each other as much as the South likes BP right now...
Taking this cab service was definitely worth the $7 over the $2.50 bus ride that takes over an hour and a half. I didnt even come close to missing my flight this time. Im telling you Hawaii has it out for me within 10-15 minutes of any deadline.
I say goodbye to Jean and Oahu. Im extremely sad to leave it all but have soo many great memories and new friends that I cant be too sad. I will miss them but I am sure I will see them again. Especially some before others I hope. Nothing eventful happens on the flight either. Just a routine boring flight by myself. And the Korean woman sitting next to me couldnt even speak english. Just as well because she slept the whole time anyway. At least the food was good. A muffin amd some kind of spinach and egg deal.
When I arrive in Las Vegas again, I have the challenge of killing a 4 hour layover. Since Im alone and just kinda out of it I stay at the airport and pretty much do nothing. Sooooo boorring. And then when the flight comes around finally its bloody delayed! Ends up being around an hour too because our original pilots didnt show for whatever reason. Sorry Britt for keeping you up even later! But we at last take off to Fresno!
And for those who are not aware why Fresno, allow me to inform you. One of my oldest BFFs lives there and we met when we were 14. Her name is Brittany and we have NEVER met. We have only ever talked on the phone...for nearly 12 years! Yes very crazy stuff but true. So you can imagine how nervous and excited we both are right now. And really thats an understatement..for me at least.
So I arrive in Fresno at long last and walk down to the terminal....and there she is. Shes real! And she sounds SO different than on the phone but its nice. And despite how tall she appears in her pictures, I am taller. Whew. Not that it would matter of course. Well we both cant stop smiling and thinking that this is ACTUALLY happening. Britt we finally met!!! And yes as I lay here on your couch at 2:30am writing this it is most certainly all too sureal still. Ill probably freak out a bit when I wake up and realize it is in fact real. Im here. In Fresno. In your apt. On your couch. And you physically exist on the other side of a wall. No more faceless voice in my ear. Ahhhhh I cant wait to hang out! Just seeing you already has made the trip here worth it.
And with that Im going to pass out and never think about airports again.
Ill miss you Hawaii... Thank you for the memories and new friends.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 21: Shopping Waikiki
My mission today: To shop for Savi, Abby, Hannah and Grace. Especially Savannah because she turned freaking 3! I grab a bite to eat, prepare myself because I hate shopping alone ESP for girls, and set out.
Now I know that shopping in Hawaii would be huge, but what I got myself into was far more. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on some accessories so I could at least have something to show for my effort. Then the real mayhem began. I walk west towards downtown and then an entire universe of shopping opened up. Once past the shops in buildings, I entered this international market shopping ocean. I could NOT believe how many vendors there were. It was overwhelming to say the least. But I plunged into the Labrynth determined to find the best deal as yall well know I usually do.
I cant recall how many shops and venders I went through but finally I stumbled upon a "sale" on little girl dresses and after finding the right sizes I can at long last pull the trigger on my gifts. Yeeess! Im done!
And while searching I also came across some big towel vendors who had this hawaii towel I HAD to have. One of my only gifts to myself as I agreed from the start was a huge Hawaiin towel. I love those big blanket wannabes. It ended up being a map of the sandwhich isles in brown, tan, cream, and black. Its awesome. Mom will be jealous for sure because she has a picture of the same in her bathroom. Im a bit miffed though because those Asian women WOULD NOT haggle with me AT ALL. I tried all kinds of flattery and haggling skills but they simply wouldnt budge a dollar. NOT COOL LADIES! Haggling is one of the great lost arts in America and one of my alltime favorite sports so you can imagine my disappointment at paying the full 12 bucks. Oh well =\ Enjoy both your egg rolls on me tonight mean ladies. Get me back to Mexico. Now THOSE people know how to haggle!
Now with a full big bag of loot, I start heading back. Its around 4 and Im a bit hungry so when I passed a sign that said $2 fish tacos I just had to stop. I grabbed a quick one and headed to the beach to enjoy it and my finally momemts of Waikiki's hustle and bustle on the sand. Despite how busy it is I like certain aspects of the crowds. People watching is always fun for instance, although doing it solo tends to be not as fun because you cant point out weird people to anyone but yourself. And the taco was amazing by the way.
After watching some surfing I meandered back to Jeans where I starting getting everything together, wondering if it all would even fit now. Jean came home and we went for a walk along the canal. And it turns out they practice paddling in the canal every evening so we got to watch both women and men race. Looked like a lot of fun. 6 paddlers a cannoe thing and they paddle on opposite sides alternating back and forth on command. Very cool stuff.
We get back and have dinner outside which was nice. I finished packing and then cleaned up for bed. I had to wake up at 530 to be ready for my cab to the airport in the morning. Yuck. But luckily Im used to getting tired early, which I did, and passed out. Last day in Oahu...sad panda.
I know you may never read this Jean but thank you so much again. You rock and are an amazing humanitarian! I hope our paths cross again and if/when Im back on Oahu Ill make sure they do. Take care my Hawaiin Granny!
Now I know that shopping in Hawaii would be huge, but what I got myself into was far more. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on some accessories so I could at least have something to show for my effort. Then the real mayhem began. I walk west towards downtown and then an entire universe of shopping opened up. Once past the shops in buildings, I entered this international market shopping ocean. I could NOT believe how many vendors there were. It was overwhelming to say the least. But I plunged into the Labrynth determined to find the best deal as yall well know I usually do.
I cant recall how many shops and venders I went through but finally I stumbled upon a "sale" on little girl dresses and after finding the right sizes I can at long last pull the trigger on my gifts. Yeeess! Im done!
And while searching I also came across some big towel vendors who had this hawaii towel I HAD to have. One of my only gifts to myself as I agreed from the start was a huge Hawaiin towel. I love those big blanket wannabes. It ended up being a map of the sandwhich isles in brown, tan, cream, and black. Its awesome. Mom will be jealous for sure because she has a picture of the same in her bathroom. Im a bit miffed though because those Asian women WOULD NOT haggle with me AT ALL. I tried all kinds of flattery and haggling skills but they simply wouldnt budge a dollar. NOT COOL LADIES! Haggling is one of the great lost arts in America and one of my alltime favorite sports so you can imagine my disappointment at paying the full 12 bucks. Oh well =\ Enjoy both your egg rolls on me tonight mean ladies. Get me back to Mexico. Now THOSE people know how to haggle!
Now with a full big bag of loot, I start heading back. Its around 4 and Im a bit hungry so when I passed a sign that said $2 fish tacos I just had to stop. I grabbed a quick one and headed to the beach to enjoy it and my finally momemts of Waikiki's hustle and bustle on the sand. Despite how busy it is I like certain aspects of the crowds. People watching is always fun for instance, although doing it solo tends to be not as fun because you cant point out weird people to anyone but yourself. And the taco was amazing by the way.
After watching some surfing I meandered back to Jeans where I starting getting everything together, wondering if it all would even fit now. Jean came home and we went for a walk along the canal. And it turns out they practice paddling in the canal every evening so we got to watch both women and men race. Looked like a lot of fun. 6 paddlers a cannoe thing and they paddle on opposite sides alternating back and forth on command. Very cool stuff.
We get back and have dinner outside which was nice. I finished packing and then cleaned up for bed. I had to wake up at 530 to be ready for my cab to the airport in the morning. Yuck. But luckily Im used to getting tired early, which I did, and passed out. Last day in Oahu...sad panda.
I know you may never read this Jean but thank you so much again. You rock and are an amazing humanitarian! I hope our paths cross again and if/when Im back on Oahu Ill make sure they do. Take care my Hawaiin Granny!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 20: Easy Going in Waikiki
After waking up in my now familiar self-inflating bed on Jeans floor, I grab some breakfast. My only intention for today is to take it easy and thats exactly what I do. So this should prove to be a short post.
I left around noon to walk about and take back in the warm weather and beaches and people. It actually felt pretty good to be back around all the hustle and bustle and really crowded beaches. Everyone on Big Island loves to be away from it all but sometimes I love just being in the middle of the action. Blame it on me being from the south and geauxing to LSU and New Orleans. I love being where the action is at and then being able to get away when Im done with it.
After walking probably 2 miles I find myself on the second floor of some major hotel in a really comfy chair where I pass out for awhile. After I wake I geaux get some ice cream lt dan. Pecan praline in a waffle cone ohhhh buddy. So good. I take it slow on the way back and take another tour through Kings Village which is this awesome shopping center that reminds me of Magic Kingdom where all the houses are small. Its all so tight knit and just fun to walk around in. Thats where I found the doggy dresses too haha.
I eventually find my way back to Jeans and make dinner and we watch an old show on the Blue Angels. Very cool stuff. And now Im blogging my 20th day in Hawaii! I leave on Thursday which gives me all day tomorrow to shop. I loooaathe shopping alone because Im so indecisive. Where are yall ladies when I need yall?! If you want something small you should comment here pronto. I have extremely limited room in my pack but would love to get everyone something if I can. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. Suggestions for a 3yr old on gifts from Hawaii? Clothes is first thing to mind but you already saw how I managed on that one.
Anyway Im going to bed now. Its been odd being alone again. Very quiet and uneventful but I guess it was rather nice in a way. Alone time only makes you crave those you really care about that much more. Oahu Im going to miss you after tomorrow. Please surprise me somehow once again :)
I left around noon to walk about and take back in the warm weather and beaches and people. It actually felt pretty good to be back around all the hustle and bustle and really crowded beaches. Everyone on Big Island loves to be away from it all but sometimes I love just being in the middle of the action. Blame it on me being from the south and geauxing to LSU and New Orleans. I love being where the action is at and then being able to get away when Im done with it.
After walking probably 2 miles I find myself on the second floor of some major hotel in a really comfy chair where I pass out for awhile. After I wake I geaux get some ice cream lt dan. Pecan praline in a waffle cone ohhhh buddy. So good. I take it slow on the way back and take another tour through Kings Village which is this awesome shopping center that reminds me of Magic Kingdom where all the houses are small. Its all so tight knit and just fun to walk around in. Thats where I found the doggy dresses too haha.
I eventually find my way back to Jeans and make dinner and we watch an old show on the Blue Angels. Very cool stuff. And now Im blogging my 20th day in Hawaii! I leave on Thursday which gives me all day tomorrow to shop. I loooaathe shopping alone because Im so indecisive. Where are yall ladies when I need yall?! If you want something small you should comment here pronto. I have extremely limited room in my pack but would love to get everyone something if I can. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. Suggestions for a 3yr old on gifts from Hawaii? Clothes is first thing to mind but you already saw how I managed on that one.
Anyway Im going to bed now. Its been odd being alone again. Very quiet and uneventful but I guess it was rather nice in a way. Alone time only makes you crave those you really care about that much more. Oahu Im going to miss you after tomorrow. Please surprise me somehow once again :)
Day 19: The Return to Oahu
I woke up this morning and I was somehow dreamin I was laying in a bed. Then I remembered yesterday and realized it was real. 3 weeks and finally back in a real bed. I would have slept half the day in it until we heard a knock on our window at 5:50am. Yes A.M.! I dont even have to write more for those that know me huh. It was Sherry picking us up to give us a ride to Walmart before she had to go to work. And Papa and Nana were there too. All were really chipper and made the morning easier to deal with. How Ill EVER be an early bird when I get old Ill never know until it gets here if it ever does.
But its really nice to see them again, despite my zombie-like state. We say our goodbyes with hugs and kisses and get to Walmart. We thank Sherry for everything about a million times and shes just happy as can be. Bless her. Sara and I shop around for a bit and eat some McDs. Then Ilene came and gave us a ride to the airport. Again we thanked her profusely and said our goodbyes.
Our flight was about 1.5hrs away so we killed some time by making hemp jewelry. The flight was extremely short but we finished the anklet.
Now at the airport again we had about a billion hours to kill until Sara's flight back to DC. No prob. We walked around and then laid in this garden area and fed some local birds. They were so much fun because they were really brave and would come right up to us. Once we gained their trust they would even let us pick them up! Way cool. Later we splurged a bit at a restaurant there in the airport and although it was really nice to just sit a a restaurant again I will NEVER do it again. The drinks were very weak and the food very subpar. But I had great company and thats all that mattered :)
We somehow kill all the time and then figure out what she needs to do and where she needs to be. Since she has to redo security we say our goodbyes earlier than expected. Very hard. Its interesting how well you get to know someone in such a short amount of time when you spend every day together. Sara I had an amazing time with you exploring every part of Hawaii we could in such a short amount of time. And amazing doesnt even cut it. It wouldnt havent eem come close to being half as fun without you and your amazingly adventurous personality. Kauai and Maui are next so dont forget! And we are seeing Sherry and fam too! And Jean! I will miss you tremendously but I know we'll see each other again soon enough. Thank you for being the best travel partner I could have never have hoped to randomly find.
While Sara caught her flight I caught my bus back to Waikiki. I arrive fairly quickly and Im glad to see Jean again. I tell her all about my trip and very quickly get exhausted. So much has happened and all too much to reflect on now that its getting close to an end. I cannot believe I was able to write for every single day that I was here but absolutely stoked I did. I know I will be grateful in years to come, even months or weeks. And thank you Sara for putting up with my blog time every other day or so. And of course for being able to put up with me somehow for nearly 3 solid weeks every single day. My family thanks you also...dont yall?!
But its really nice to see them again, despite my zombie-like state. We say our goodbyes with hugs and kisses and get to Walmart. We thank Sherry for everything about a million times and shes just happy as can be. Bless her. Sara and I shop around for a bit and eat some McDs. Then Ilene came and gave us a ride to the airport. Again we thanked her profusely and said our goodbyes.
Our flight was about 1.5hrs away so we killed some time by making hemp jewelry. The flight was extremely short but we finished the anklet.
Now at the airport again we had about a billion hours to kill until Sara's flight back to DC. No prob. We walked around and then laid in this garden area and fed some local birds. They were so much fun because they were really brave and would come right up to us. Once we gained their trust they would even let us pick them up! Way cool. Later we splurged a bit at a restaurant there in the airport and although it was really nice to just sit a a restaurant again I will NEVER do it again. The drinks were very weak and the food very subpar. But I had great company and thats all that mattered :)
We somehow kill all the time and then figure out what she needs to do and where she needs to be. Since she has to redo security we say our goodbyes earlier than expected. Very hard. Its interesting how well you get to know someone in such a short amount of time when you spend every day together. Sara I had an amazing time with you exploring every part of Hawaii we could in such a short amount of time. And amazing doesnt even cut it. It wouldnt havent eem come close to being half as fun without you and your amazingly adventurous personality. Kauai and Maui are next so dont forget! And we are seeing Sherry and fam too! And Jean! I will miss you tremendously but I know we'll see each other again soon enough. Thank you for being the best travel partner I could have never have hoped to randomly find.
While Sara caught her flight I caught my bus back to Waikiki. I arrive fairly quickly and Im glad to see Jean again. I tell her all about my trip and very quickly get exhausted. So much has happened and all too much to reflect on now that its getting close to an end. I cannot believe I was able to write for every single day that I was here but absolutely stoked I did. I know I will be grateful in years to come, even months or weeks. And thank you Sara for putting up with my blog time every other day or so. And of course for being able to put up with me somehow for nearly 3 solid weeks every single day. My family thanks you also...dont yall?!
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