Day 1 Hawaii
We arrived in Oahu around 7 p.m., which would be 1 a.m. my accustomed time. The trip involved a 5 hour flight to San Francisco, a four hour layover, and then another 5 hour flight to Hawaii.
The trip started out with a challenge. We made the reservations in January with confirmed seats that were together. When we arrived, they had us sitting apart, all three in the dreaded center seats! They claimed no record of affirmed seat assignments, although we had it in writing. So I had to make a quick decision on my part not to let this sour my vacation. I can be combative by nature, so it took a bit of attitude adjustment. Still, when we get back home, I think I will revisit the complaint and see if Delta might at least assuage us with some kind of discounts or something of that nature.
On the way to San Francisco, the people on either side were quite pleasant folk. The lady to my left was an advocate for the SPCA, which I found to be quite interesting. And the gentleman to my right had an Ipod Touch, a toy which I long to acquire. I showed him my ancient Palm Tungsten t/3, and he just laughed. And the lady on the other side did not seem to like my collection of photos of chicken fights. Just kidding.
I would have loved to take a couple of hours to see something in the amazing city of San Francisco. I did visit the city many years ago, and still remember walking across Golden Gate Bridge and riding the cable cars. However, we ended up hanging out at the airport. We rode the monorail, checked out the shops, and at some high-priced food. I noticed they seem to take recycling quite seriously in SF, for there were specific refuse containers for all variations of trash. Hey, more power to them!
We are staying at a cabin on the Kaneohe Marine Base, about 30 miles north of Oahu. And I would venture to say this place seems a world and a half away from anywhere I have ever been before. It compares somewhat to the Forida Keys, another fabulous other-world-place, but the breeze is sweeter, sun more golden, and the beaches even nicer. Below are a few pictues. I'll be sharing more in the following days. Here's warning that, likely, I'll not check my spelling or worry too much about deep thoughts. These ten days are much about family, rest, and of course connecting with God. But analysis will have to wait!
Here is an interesting tile mosaic at the SF Airport.
Maybe it is just the kid in me, but I love to watch and consider the clouds outside the window. They look to me like big balls of soft cotton. And, yes I do allow my imagination a bit of freedom. I think of bouncing ontop for hours and hours. What a fun time it would be.
So, how were your early morning sights, sounds, and breeze?
04.21.09 (10:29 pm) [
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posted by:
tampi (
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post date:
04.21.09 (8:10 pm)
pics look great and have a vacation that you will remember
posted by:
PirateGirl (
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post date:
04.21.09 (8:25 pm)
Aloha Mr. Hand! ...er...PD! - Glad you had a safe trip there, and hope you all enjoy it immensely Matey!
posted by:
chrisflea (
reply)
post date:
04.21.09 (9:34 pm)
Ooooo...you are in my neck of the woods. Make sure you get shave ice from waiola's shave ice. It is the best. IT is in honolulu off McCully st if you want to check it out. It is the best.
posted by:
Ladyg (
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post date:
04.22.09 (1:08 am)
Enjoy yourself, We spent two years in Oahu. I use to love the shrimpburgers there.
posted by:
Bonegnawer (
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post date:
04.22.09 (1:40 am)
Today was misty, like beached cloud a thick white blanket obscured the world. I heard a muffled sound of cars and some construction workers talking as i walked my dog. Some optimistic birds called in the trees. The breeze was cold and clammy, it worked itself relentless through sleeves greedily seeking every inch of warm skin to warm it cold fingers at..
posted by:
fractalmom (
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post date:
04.22.09 (7:32 am)
the first place i lived when in hawaii was kaneohe
posted by:
rosietulips (
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post date:
04.22.09 (8:34 am)
Oooh, look at you! You made it! On your flight home, if you end up being separated from your wife again, you can always ask people if they are willing to switch seats with you. But shame on the airline for not following through!!
posted by:
barnabus1 (
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post date:
04.22.09 (12:49 pm)
I think they owe you on the seat deal, but it's cool to meet other people too!! Looks like yer havin' a great time...keep it up!!!
posted by:
bawdy (
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post date:
04.22.09 (1:30 pm)
At least you met some decent folks despite the seating inconvenience.
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
04.23.09 (1:15 am)
Reply to: tampi
Thanks, my friend.
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
04.23.09 (1:16 am)
Reply to: bawdy
Yes, meeting good folk is always a positive. Besides, my wife has the sneaking suspicion that I made arrangements for us to travel apart, for my own peace of mind. I'll let her continue to wonder about the matter.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:18 am)
Reply to: barnabus1
They owe me. The flight was packed like sardines. They've cut back on the number of flights. And, they've cut back on customer service. So, these things will continue to happen.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:19 am)
Reply to: rosietulips
Getting someone to trade so they can sit in a middle seat will be a hard sale. I think the best seat is the aisle set- more room for feet and legs.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:20 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
You lived in Kanehoe? it's a nice little town. We drove through the whole city yesterday, looking for McDonalds, and finally found it at the far end, about five miles away. So, any suggestions on some things to see and do in this area?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:21 am)
Reply to: Bonegnawer
Uhhh.....
Waxing poetic, I suppose?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:23 am)
Reply to: Ladyg
Shrimpburgers? I'll have to find one of those. I noticed, driving along the coast, several entrepeneuers selling shrimp, cooked and uncooked. One little shack looks especially intriguing, offering shrimp meals, and having locals lined up for the food.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:26 am)
Reply to: chrisflea
Laliha Bakery was the destination last night. My son insisted it was a great place to eat. I suspected he was right the moment I pulled up and saw the line of folks waiting to frequent one of the bar stools in the modest establishment. I had a fish sandwich the likes of which I've never had before. Great food!
If I can brave to go into Honolulu again, I'll definitely try to check out the shaved ice!
Your neck of woods? So, you live in Hawaii?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:27 am)
Reply to: PirateGirl
Mr. Hand? What do you mean? That is a funny and strange comment, and I am sure it will make sense once I get some sleep!
posted by:
PooPotPie (
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post date:
04.23.09 (7:09 pm)
Wow, I've always wanted to visit Hawaii, I guess I'll live vicariously through you for now.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (8:19 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
LOL! Have you never seen the movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" with Sean Penn? - there was one teacher in the movie named Mr. Hand who loved Hawaii and all the students would greet him by saying "Aloha Mr. Hand!" - I thought you'd get a laugh from it - guess the movie was before your time ;)
Hope you had a great time in Hawaii either way :)
posted by:
surrogate (
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post date:
04.23.09 (9:41 pm)
Gonna visit Lavarock? I think he's on Maui.
Have a grand time.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (10:14 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
toilet bowl (north shore, anyone will know.) sacred falls is worth the walk.
queen's beach, look for a stand that says Leonard's Hot Malasada's. Trust me. then again, maybe you shouldn't. I haven't had one in 30 years and have been craving them that long. They are what I think Manna is going to taste like.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (6:39 pm)
Reply to: PooPotPie
Come on over. We've a couch you can sleep on, and some spam in the fridge.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (6:40 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
Today we viewed the toilet bowl, from a distance. We snorkeled in the bay, and standing above on the mount, were able to see the toilet bowl. 30 years and still craving? Seems you should check and see if they deliver.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.25.09 (6:41 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
He's on the big island. That will be the next time. And, I'm thinking, somehow there will be a next time...
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
04.26.09 (1:30 pm)
Well good to see you made it to Oahu ~ and from what I see I am sure you will return.
My hubby and I lived near the base of the Punchbowl and we had a nice unit in a building of four apartments. I am sure it is so much busier now than when we were there, but I will never forget my three year of living in Hawaii. We were all over the island and there is so much to see. Enjoy!
posted by:
(
reply)
post date:
04.29.09 (1:51 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Yes sir that i do. I truly hope you got coco puffs at liliha bakery. They are heaven.
