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!