Oahu Trip January 7 to 7 with Michael, Teresa, Al, and Cathy
Oahu Trip, January 2018: Cathy, Michael, Teresa, and Al
Carolyn Burt and Stephen Murphy generous gave Michael and me a spectacular gift to celebrate our 40th anniversary. They gave us a week-long timeshare at Marriott Vacation Club at the KoOlina Beach on the southwest side of Oahu. We invited our dear friends, Teresa and Al Todd, to join us.
The adventure began on January 3, when Michael and I flew to San Francisco to spend several days visiting family members.
We rented a car and drove to Santa Rosa to stay with Toni Dolan Eaton for two nights. We graciously brought much needed drizzle and rain. Toni hosted us and cooked wonderful dinner for us, Cyrus, Nathaniel, and Lucas, who entertained himself with Lego building and storytelling. On Thursday in Cyrus’s clock shop, I interviewed him and photographed his clocks. Toni drove us around the devastated areas ravaged by the horrible fires. At Nathaniel’s new home, we had pizza with Toni, Cyrus, Nathaniel, Lucas, Isaiah, and Glory. What a lovely home and yard in Santa Rosa. On Friday, we stopped at John and Beth who were getting their home ready to rent while they travel to New Zealand and Australia for three months. After having scrumptious bugger with them in LaFayette, we drove to visit Aunt Susie, who was humorous, lively, and charming. She is frailer and has short term memory loss. Our next stop was Mountain View to visit Colin, Nicole, and Kira. We enjoyed several restaurants while there, hiked estuaries populated by numerous water fowl. The highlight was visiting Apple’s new store and getting a sense of what Colin’s team designs. Spent Saturday night at their lovely apartment overlooking the mountains, a parking lot, and stores. Sunrise and sunset views from their apartment windows were an added treat.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
After getting up at 5:30, Colin drove Michael and me to San Francisco airport for our early 5 ½ Hawaiian Airline flight to Honolulu, Oahu. We rented a Rogue and drove to KoOlina Beach to the Marriott Vacation Club. Our accommodations were grand on the third floor of Hale Nai’a Building: two spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, livingroom/dining room, and balcony. After unpacking, I picked up beach towels and swam at the sandy beach. Lounge chairs dotted the beach where vacationers sunned, swam, snorkeled, and relaxed. Then Michael and I drove back to the Honolulu airport to pick up Al and Teresa whose flight had been delayed multiple times. They arrived 6 hours late around 10 PM without Al’s suitcase. We drove back to the Marriott.
The resort has a central major building and two adjacent buildings. Our building was the tallest at 17 stories. Pools with waterfalls, hot tubs, fire pits, grills areas, a circular slide, bars, and an informal restaurant occupied the beautifully landscaped grounds between the buildings and beach.
Monday, January 8, 2018
I woke early and joined the end of a yoga class, and then both Teresa and I learned hula moves on the Great Lawn while Al tried breakfast at the oceanfront Longboards casual restaurant. Later, Teresa and I hopped and jumped at Aqua Fit. For several days, Al called American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, trying to get his suitcase sent to resort. Al, nursing a head cold, napped while the rest of us drove the short distance to an upscale shopping area where we enjoyed fish tacos at Just Tacos Mexican Grill and Cantina, where Teresa ordered a margarita. To our amusement, we watched two photoshoots by a stop sign and railroad crossing of Japanese brides and grooms. Then we provisioned at Targets for breakfast, lunch foods, wine, beer, and rum and coconut/pineapple concoction. Teresa found terrific Hawaiian gifts for the folks at home, most notably a hula dancer for car dashboard. Back at the resort, we tested out the clear warm ocean water. We watched show on the lawn of men making fire and lighting the torches and children dancing. For dinner, Teresa with me as sou-chef cooked steak and mushroom prepped by Michael at the Nai’a grill site which had over 12 large grills next to the hottest hot tub. Salad and wine made our first dinner in our suite complete.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
I started the morning with yoga at Lagoon 3 from 7 to 8. Amazing double rainbow. One photo I didn’t take. I enjoyed breakfast of granola, yogurt, and fruit. Al drove us to northwest of island to sit on the famous Sunset Beach and watch the surfers drop into the huge waves. No swimming for the uninitiated. After we ate at three different food trucks. At Waimea Bay, we turned into a canyon to the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (59-864 Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa) where we strolled past “major botanical collections situated in a narrow valley extending from sea level to 1,000 feet. The plant collections focus on native Hawaiian plants, Polynesian introductions, and plants of island ecosystems. The Arboretum also emphasizes the cultural and ecological resources of Waimea Valley.” Fees for admission are $15.00 for adults and $7.50 for seniors. Michael used the trekking poles and we all wound our way past native constructed buildings, remarkable monkey pod trees and a multitude of fascinating trees and plants ¾ of a mile to Waimea Falls. The recorded tour added some interesting information about plants. Donning life vests, we swam to the falls in the cold, fresh, and supposedly healing waters, and let the powerful water push us toward shore. Teresa plucked out a large pricker from my throat. I didn’t have any adverse effects from the pricker, so maybe it was healing water! The walk back to the parking lot was downhill, and there was a drummer at the entry buildings that kept our feet moving to his beat. We drove back to the cute surfing/artsy town of Hale’iwa and had Shaved ice at Mosu Mato, shopped around a little, the guys had a cold beer and Teresa a coffee, and we saw the amazing shop of Clark Little’s photographs. Shots from inside waves were remarkable as well as video showing him swimming with the sharks. We then ate cheese and crackers at the beach while watching the sunset. Cathy and a local photographer studied light angles and reflective clouds to get the best photos. As dark descended, we drove home past pineapple fields; lights from Schofield Barracks military base sparkled in the distance. We had fish and chips at Long Boards. We finished the evening luxuriating in hot tubs with rum and pineapple drinks. Al’s long awaited suitcase finally arrived.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
I started the day at 6:30 with ReNew stretching at Lagoon 3 followed by Tai Chi from 7 to 8 where we learned six basic moves. Glorious sunrise. Al prepared yummy eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit. We lounged at the beach and tried out our snorkel gears. The man-made barrios protected us from the waves. We relaxed at the Meditation Pool, rode down the curvy tunnel slide, and soaked in the hot tubs with hot water showers into hot tubs, and waded through the tunnel waterfalls. For lunch, we shared yummy pizzas at the upscale shopping center. Cathy and Teresa accomplished successful swimsuit shopping while Michael picked up more food provisions (and some souvenirs of his own). Al napped, and finally declared himself feeling well again. Al with sou-chef Cathy cooked chicken, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and zucchini (prepped by Michael) in foil on grills. Another perfect evening.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
I attended 7-8 AM yoga. Al drove us through Honolulu to Hanauma Bay snorkeling where Al, Teresa, and I were snorkeling buddies. Parking was $1.00 and entrance fee was $7.50 per person. We watched a film teaching us to care for coral reef, not disturb turtles or fish, and we learned about the formation of the reefs. The bay was made from a volcano crater, where one side opened to the sea, allowing reefs to form in the protected cove. The bay was a long steep walk down from the parking lot, but none of us used the electric tram, and instead we hiked and stretched our hamstrings! I watched a sea turtle dive and maneuver between reefs of coral. We saw quite a variety of colorful fish as we floated above shallow coral and deep canyons such as Raccoon Butterflyfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Achilles Tang, Forcepsfish, Whitespotted Surgeonfish, Bluespine Unicornfish and Convict Tang. Teresa saw a Stocky Hawkfish. I bought silky soft shirts with turtles and jelly fish and two turtle bags at the gift shop there. Michael sat in the shade and we all liberally applied sunscreen. When Al drove to Kailua Beach, traffic crawled due to construction. We stopped along at scenic overlooks, and Al and Teresa saw a whale blowing water far from shore. We had a yummy late lunch at Buzz’s. I enjoyed a Kailua Salad and a Volcano rum concoction with pineapple, coconut and strawberry. Michael and I shared key lime pie, and Al (who didn’t want dessert) succumbed to a coconut ice cream pie treat. Teresa continued her comparison of mai-tai’s on the island. Then we walked across the street to the beach and put our toes in the water. We drove back through the tunnel on the H3 highway that pierced the impressive Ko’olau Mountain Range, which rises up sharply from the sandy beaches on this beautiful eastern side of the island. We ate light dinner at resort. I had tuna sandwich, and Al enjoyed Taco Thursday. Funny to watch young boy keep filling up on Taco fillings.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Yoga from 7-8 and then drove east, through the mountain tunnel pass again, and up the rural east coast past beaches with lively waves and quiet coves. Al drove scenic route. Arrived at Polynesian Cultural Center at 55-370 Kamelameha Highway in La le around 11:45, and Al enjoyed yummy lunch while the rest of us ate ice cream.
We visited 6 or 7 island nations:
We attended the first setting of Luau and sat near stage. We were given magenta and white orchid leis. The children performers were delightful. A female fire dancer caught herself on fire. A Master of Ceremony welcomed us, introduced dancers, celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymooners. Teresa snapped 40th anniversary photos of Michael and me. Al was chosen from our table to go up and dance the hula in front of stage (he was awesome) with other men while women from audience danced on stage. We sat with young couple on their first anniversary. Diners were encouraged to greet others at table. To become family. Couples climbed onto stage and danced with Hawaiians. Dinner included pig roast, yams, fish, pineapples, cantaloupe, rice, purple taro bun, lemony dessert and other tasty treats.
We walked around and checked out shops and listened to a local family singing traditional Hawaiian songs in the gazeebo. Al got brief ukulele lesson and learned a song with three chords. He was tempted to buy a ukulele. Michael finally found some Hawaiian print shirts, and both couples bought a night light. We watched a film called Hawaiian Journey capturing the beauty of the islands. We sat on comfy chairs that moved and sprayed us with gusts of air and spritzes of water. It was tempting to stay through a second showing of the film because the film was so good and because the seats were so comfy after a long day of walking around.
“As the lights fade to black, the sounds of ancient Hawaiians can be heard; they have assembled in this very chamber to listen to their elder telling stories about their heritage. The amazing 4D seats and surrounding environment come alive with the rumbling, physical sensations of an erupting volcano and the audience is transported to the origins of Hawaii.
Technifex’s custom designed and engineered 4D action seating and special effects, blur the lines between reality and the imaginary. It engages all the guest’s senses while presenting the natural wonders of Hawaii and the spirit of the Hawaiian people.
Guests feel the ocean’s mist as they fly through a spouting blow hole; experience a physical surge forward as they travel over the falls of mountain streams, and then feel the sensation of flying as the camera floats up though a canopy of trees; and are kissed by a gentile bouquet of flowers while gliding low over a lush, tropical canyon.
The theater facility has been themed inside and out and transformed from being a traditional theater facility to an ancient Hawaiian volcano. Using black light scenic painting, the interior of the theater appears as a cool volcanic chamber with rows of seats stepping down the inner slope of the volcano. This environment is heightened and reinforced with Hawaii seaside sound effects and Hawaiian rhythms.
Guests experience stereo speakers mounted in the head rests and a motion tilt system while facing air blasts and mist, low frequency emitters (butt kickers), and scent spray during the film.”
(7:30 to 9:00 PM) Main Show: Breath of Life; HA
Narrator is grown up baby from first scene.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
After yoga from 7-8 AM, I swam at the beach. We were all happy to have a zero day and hang out at the resort and swim at the beach. Al brought Teresa and me yummy coconut pineapple rum drink. Teresa spilled hers, so we shared. The resort hosted vendors, and it was great looking at the jewelry, the clothing, and the photographs on metal. Teresa bought a lovely swimsuit cover up. Al and Teresa gave me ride to adjacent resort past Disney resort where I took photos and walked back while Al and Teresa enjoyed hot tubs and live music back at the resort. Michael always enjoyed the hot tubs, the hotter the better, helpful for his sciatica pain. Teresa took photos of me playing in the waterfalls and strutting my stuff. The surf was the fiercest of our stay, and we all took crashing wave photos. Teresa and Al treated Michael and me to delicious dinner at Monkey Tree Café where Caesar waited on us and told us the story of his rebellion and his tattoos that celebrated the people of all the Polynesian Islands. Caesar loves working at the Monkey Tree Café because the people are family and so supportive of each other. We had yummy meals and tasty drinks. Our final night ending in hot tubs and walking through all the pools and standing under waterfalls. I finished packing before bed.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
I attended ReNew (chair stretching) at 6:30 and Teresa and I did Tai Chi at Lagoon 3. I took photos. Then I swam. As always, we breakfasted in the room before finishing packing and returning towels. Teresa was coming down with cold and rather cranky. After checking out, we drove north along the west coast, all the way to top of island (end of the road) where there were huge waves and surfers tackling them. I was touched and saddened by angel memorial. We noted the enclaves of homeless people living in tents at the beach. We got subway take-out and Al’s special Poke (marinated ahi) and then ate picnic on the beach with a beautiful view. Then we drove to Waikiki where we left Al and Teresa at a hotel next to the zoo. They went to beach and watched local kids jump off pier. We drove to La’ie and Marriott Courtyard with pool and waterfall. The rooms were nice, and visitors were from many countries so multiple languages were everywhere. Michael went to hot tub, and I walked to beach across the street and walked til almost dark. We ate at the little restaurant inside the Marriott. After dinner, I worked on photographs. Al and Teresa went out to dinner in Waikiki at the famous Dukes Restaurant.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Martin Luther King Day. Al and Teresa saw Martin Luther parade and celebration. They spent the day in Waikiki and found fabulous Hawaiian shirt store and rode bikes all afternoon, even riding up to the lighthouse on Diamond Head. They got a real sense of the local culture with the holiday and so many families at the park. Large family gatherings in the parks with many generations, grills puffing smoke and many shade shelters. The children, obviously from more than one family, would play in the sand and waves together, with no adults hovering nearby; they took care of each other. We had yogurt and granola in room and then drove to La’ie point near hotel where we saw large opening in rock with view of sea and sky beyond. Then we drove to Turtle Bay and took photos of surf and checked out golf course. We continued down coast and returned to town of Hale’iwa. We ate at Fat Boy’s, then returned to Turtle Bay where I snorkeled despite big swells and saw quite a few fish. I took photos with the tripod. On way back, we stopped for frozen yogurt (which took a while since machine was broken) and I bought a swim cover up. Michael purchased t shirts as gifts. Michael went to hot tub. Again we ate at hotel. Teresa and Al had dinner and expensive drink at airport and walked in Japanese garden before their flight back to Baltimore. They arrived in late afternoon on Tuesday to cold Baltimore with all bags accounted for and no flight delays.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Michael woke up with head cold. Poor guy. No fun. But like Al, he was a good sport. We drove to Lanikai and saw Elizabeth Cleveland’s house and walked to the beach where Dawn, Elizabeth and I swam and walked every day in September/October 2016. Of course, we went to Island Snow, and I bought Island Snow tee-shirt. We also went to Kailua Beach. I have so many memories of our lovely sojourn and rituals there. The beaches are spectacular, joyous, and calming. We ate lunch at Buzz’s and sat at bar and watched competent energetic bar tender who had worked there for 14 years. I again had salad and Michael had burger. I took photos, walked on the beach, and swam. Michael sat on a bench and read and continued to be patient. A man took photo of me on beach with hands on my heart. Michael took photo of me sitting up in tree. Back at the hotel, I organized photographs.
Wednesday, January 16, 2018
Our last day. After breakfast, we drove to coast line where we had not been. We saw sky divers and Monkey Pod Trees. Big wind and tumbling waves. On way to Lanikai, we drove up to Pali Lookout. 45 MPH winds blasted us, and I couldn’t hold iPhone still. I worried the wind would rip it out of my hands. I walked on Lanikai Beach after we went to book store. We again lunched at Buzz’s with Jessi Sue, Nicole’s close friend from West High School. I had marlin fish taco and Michael had salad. After, I swam at Kailua beach. Michael tried to snooze in car but read and talked to Devon instead who had gone rock climbing with Meg. Then we went to Kailua Beach to change and Michael tried again to sleep in car. I walked to part of beach where guys were flying on kite surf boards and then to point between the two beaches. In town, I bought another t-shirt, and we gave a cooler with bottle of wine, beer, Windex, tuna fish, seltzer and bread to salesgirl. We had tasty dinner at Italian restaurant. I had shrimp on toast. Michael had pot stickers. We drove to airport and returned car and checked in. Drank pricey glass of wine and whiskey at bar and waited for flight on Virgin Airlines to Los Angeles. Michael was scrunched and cramped at window seat and I was cramped in middle seat. It was so frustrating that seats wouldn’t tilt back. No real sleep. I watched a film. Our seat partner was Hawaiian who loves surfing and lives on North Shore. He was headed to Florida for wedding and to see family. He had to buy warmer clothes because the temperature in Florida was in the 20s.
Thursday, January 17, 2018
We had 45-minute layover at LA airport. Michael got aisle seat but was next to lady with juicy cold. I sat further back by window, ordered yummy turkey/cheese/egg/hummus/grapes/pita bread lunch and watched Never Ending Story in between napping for several hours. The ending of film struck home to me because it emphasized the need for each of us to continually write our own story and to never stop imagining. I took sunrise photos at beginning and snowy photographs at end of flight just like I did on way from Boston to San Francisco. Michael, despite being exhausted, drove all the way home. We stopped for groceries. I unpacked and put everything away. Colin called. Nice to chat. He and Devon plan to fly to Las Vegas to go rock climbing. I watched Goonies and stayed up til 10:30.
I miss Oahu: the beaches, the swimming, the laughter, our friends. It was so energizing and relaxing. The people are so kind. We saw such beautiful land and seascapes. I miss the exercise classes on the lawn watching the waves roll in. I miss the temperatures in the 70s and 80s, the pools, the hot tubs, the waterfalls. I miss our fun meals together. It was a joyous ten days. I am very grateful to Carolyn and Stephen for their generous gift of a timeshare. Truly, we celebrated our first 40 years of marriage.
Friday, January 18, 2018
Now we are back in snowy, chilly New Hampshire. I went snow-shoeing with my friend, Jan Brown, and had my hair cut and wrote this journal. Teresa added details to my journal. She is such a wonderful writer and captures adventures and landscapes with such virtuosity. Teresa said, “Cathy wrote this journal beautifully, and her awesome photographs capture and explore the island with insight, joy, and beauty.” We are a good team.
Carolyn Burt and Stephen Murphy generous gave Michael and me a spectacular gift to celebrate our 40th anniversary. They gave us a week-long timeshare at Marriott Vacation Club at the KoOlina Beach on the southwest side of Oahu. We invited our dear friends, Teresa and Al Todd, to join us.
The adventure began on January 3, when Michael and I flew to San Francisco to spend several days visiting family members.
We rented a car and drove to Santa Rosa to stay with Toni Dolan Eaton for two nights. We graciously brought much needed drizzle and rain. Toni hosted us and cooked wonderful dinner for us, Cyrus, Nathaniel, and Lucas, who entertained himself with Lego building and storytelling. On Thursday in Cyrus’s clock shop, I interviewed him and photographed his clocks. Toni drove us around the devastated areas ravaged by the horrible fires. At Nathaniel’s new home, we had pizza with Toni, Cyrus, Nathaniel, Lucas, Isaiah, and Glory. What a lovely home and yard in Santa Rosa. On Friday, we stopped at John and Beth who were getting their home ready to rent while they travel to New Zealand and Australia for three months. After having scrumptious bugger with them in LaFayette, we drove to visit Aunt Susie, who was humorous, lively, and charming. She is frailer and has short term memory loss. Our next stop was Mountain View to visit Colin, Nicole, and Kira. We enjoyed several restaurants while there, hiked estuaries populated by numerous water fowl. The highlight was visiting Apple’s new store and getting a sense of what Colin’s team designs. Spent Saturday night at their lovely apartment overlooking the mountains, a parking lot, and stores. Sunrise and sunset views from their apartment windows were an added treat.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
After getting up at 5:30, Colin drove Michael and me to San Francisco airport for our early 5 ½ Hawaiian Airline flight to Honolulu, Oahu. We rented a Rogue and drove to KoOlina Beach to the Marriott Vacation Club. Our accommodations were grand on the third floor of Hale Nai’a Building: two spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, a kitchen, livingroom/dining room, and balcony. After unpacking, I picked up beach towels and swam at the sandy beach. Lounge chairs dotted the beach where vacationers sunned, swam, snorkeled, and relaxed. Then Michael and I drove back to the Honolulu airport to pick up Al and Teresa whose flight had been delayed multiple times. They arrived 6 hours late around 10 PM without Al’s suitcase. We drove back to the Marriott.
The resort has a central major building and two adjacent buildings. Our building was the tallest at 17 stories. Pools with waterfalls, hot tubs, fire pits, grills areas, a circular slide, bars, and an informal restaurant occupied the beautifully landscaped grounds between the buildings and beach.
Monday, January 8, 2018
I woke early and joined the end of a yoga class, and then both Teresa and I learned hula moves on the Great Lawn while Al tried breakfast at the oceanfront Longboards casual restaurant. Later, Teresa and I hopped and jumped at Aqua Fit. For several days, Al called American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, trying to get his suitcase sent to resort. Al, nursing a head cold, napped while the rest of us drove the short distance to an upscale shopping area where we enjoyed fish tacos at Just Tacos Mexican Grill and Cantina, where Teresa ordered a margarita. To our amusement, we watched two photoshoots by a stop sign and railroad crossing of Japanese brides and grooms. Then we provisioned at Targets for breakfast, lunch foods, wine, beer, and rum and coconut/pineapple concoction. Teresa found terrific Hawaiian gifts for the folks at home, most notably a hula dancer for car dashboard. Back at the resort, we tested out the clear warm ocean water. We watched show on the lawn of men making fire and lighting the torches and children dancing. For dinner, Teresa with me as sou-chef cooked steak and mushroom prepped by Michael at the Nai’a grill site which had over 12 large grills next to the hottest hot tub. Salad and wine made our first dinner in our suite complete.
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
I started the morning with yoga at Lagoon 3 from 7 to 8. Amazing double rainbow. One photo I didn’t take. I enjoyed breakfast of granola, yogurt, and fruit. Al drove us to northwest of island to sit on the famous Sunset Beach and watch the surfers drop into the huge waves. No swimming for the uninitiated. After we ate at three different food trucks. At Waimea Bay, we turned into a canyon to the Waimea Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (59-864 Kamehameha Highway in Haleiwa) where we strolled past “major botanical collections situated in a narrow valley extending from sea level to 1,000 feet. The plant collections focus on native Hawaiian plants, Polynesian introductions, and plants of island ecosystems. The Arboretum also emphasizes the cultural and ecological resources of Waimea Valley.” Fees for admission are $15.00 for adults and $7.50 for seniors. Michael used the trekking poles and we all wound our way past native constructed buildings, remarkable monkey pod trees and a multitude of fascinating trees and plants ¾ of a mile to Waimea Falls. The recorded tour added some interesting information about plants. Donning life vests, we swam to the falls in the cold, fresh, and supposedly healing waters, and let the powerful water push us toward shore. Teresa plucked out a large pricker from my throat. I didn’t have any adverse effects from the pricker, so maybe it was healing water! The walk back to the parking lot was downhill, and there was a drummer at the entry buildings that kept our feet moving to his beat. We drove back to the cute surfing/artsy town of Hale’iwa and had Shaved ice at Mosu Mato, shopped around a little, the guys had a cold beer and Teresa a coffee, and we saw the amazing shop of Clark Little’s photographs. Shots from inside waves were remarkable as well as video showing him swimming with the sharks. We then ate cheese and crackers at the beach while watching the sunset. Cathy and a local photographer studied light angles and reflective clouds to get the best photos. As dark descended, we drove home past pineapple fields; lights from Schofield Barracks military base sparkled in the distance. We had fish and chips at Long Boards. We finished the evening luxuriating in hot tubs with rum and pineapple drinks. Al’s long awaited suitcase finally arrived.
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
I started the day at 6:30 with ReNew stretching at Lagoon 3 followed by Tai Chi from 7 to 8 where we learned six basic moves. Glorious sunrise. Al prepared yummy eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit. We lounged at the beach and tried out our snorkel gears. The man-made barrios protected us from the waves. We relaxed at the Meditation Pool, rode down the curvy tunnel slide, and soaked in the hot tubs with hot water showers into hot tubs, and waded through the tunnel waterfalls. For lunch, we shared yummy pizzas at the upscale shopping center. Cathy and Teresa accomplished successful swimsuit shopping while Michael picked up more food provisions (and some souvenirs of his own). Al napped, and finally declared himself feeling well again. Al with sou-chef Cathy cooked chicken, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and zucchini (prepped by Michael) in foil on grills. Another perfect evening.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
I attended 7-8 AM yoga. Al drove us through Honolulu to Hanauma Bay snorkeling where Al, Teresa, and I were snorkeling buddies. Parking was $1.00 and entrance fee was $7.50 per person. We watched a film teaching us to care for coral reef, not disturb turtles or fish, and we learned about the formation of the reefs. The bay was made from a volcano crater, where one side opened to the sea, allowing reefs to form in the protected cove. The bay was a long steep walk down from the parking lot, but none of us used the electric tram, and instead we hiked and stretched our hamstrings! I watched a sea turtle dive and maneuver between reefs of coral. We saw quite a variety of colorful fish as we floated above shallow coral and deep canyons such as Raccoon Butterflyfish, Yellowfin Surgeonfish, Achilles Tang, Forcepsfish, Whitespotted Surgeonfish, Bluespine Unicornfish and Convict Tang. Teresa saw a Stocky Hawkfish. I bought silky soft shirts with turtles and jelly fish and two turtle bags at the gift shop there. Michael sat in the shade and we all liberally applied sunscreen. When Al drove to Kailua Beach, traffic crawled due to construction. We stopped along at scenic overlooks, and Al and Teresa saw a whale blowing water far from shore. We had a yummy late lunch at Buzz’s. I enjoyed a Kailua Salad and a Volcano rum concoction with pineapple, coconut and strawberry. Michael and I shared key lime pie, and Al (who didn’t want dessert) succumbed to a coconut ice cream pie treat. Teresa continued her comparison of mai-tai’s on the island. Then we walked across the street to the beach and put our toes in the water. We drove back through the tunnel on the H3 highway that pierced the impressive Ko’olau Mountain Range, which rises up sharply from the sandy beaches on this beautiful eastern side of the island. We ate light dinner at resort. I had tuna sandwich, and Al enjoyed Taco Thursday. Funny to watch young boy keep filling up on Taco fillings.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Yoga from 7-8 and then drove east, through the mountain tunnel pass again, and up the rural east coast past beaches with lively waves and quiet coves. Al drove scenic route. Arrived at Polynesian Cultural Center at 55-370 Kamelameha Highway in La le around 11:45, and Al enjoyed yummy lunch while the rest of us ate ice cream.
We visited 6 or 7 island nations:
- Samoa with Kap, humorous stocky Samoan sharing history and puns, young Samoan who scampered up palm tree but DIDN’T jump to another palm tree; opening coconut with machete, squeezing milks out of fuzzy coconut fiber. Starting fire. So much is used from the palm trees, leaves, and coconuts. Nothing wasted.
- Islands of Aotearoa: New Zealand: Maori male and female performers. Tongues out and aggressive stances; facial expression fierce; sending men to war and hunting. Alarming; Assertive. Black lipstick; grimacing facial expressions -- warrior like. Quivering, shaking hands. All about battle.
- Fiji: I learned much more about place I only visited for 36 hours in 1969 on way back from Australia which was year previous to when it gained independence from Britain. We were taught rhythms: Sticks thumped on ground in different rhythms to accompany songs: sets of three, sets of three/two/ sets of four. Interesting architecture, where the taller the building, the more holy the place. The huts were pole framed and lashed together with coconut twine (made into ropes) and had woven mats for walls and floor coverings. The roofs were all thatch. There was a long wooden canoe on display with a rotating sail that was said to navigate the seas. We couldn’t imagine heading out to sea in a canoe with a sail and one outrigger, and of course no life jacket. This was the mode of transportation for the over 300 Polynesian islands.
- Canoe pageant parade: Graceful, energetic, smiling men and women danced and swayed as the floats were poled past visitors lining the river. We took videos. The guys definitely liked the pulsating hips of the Tahiti women in yellow. The colorful outfits, elaborate tall headdresses, and added tufts at the hips made one think the women were trying to be like birds, puffed up and preening to attract a mate. The Hawaiian women and men dressed in blue, and the hula was much smoother and gentler than the Tahiti dancers.
- Tonga: participatory experience: Three men volunteered: young men from Texas and Colorado, and older man from Japan drummed, yelped, and took fierce stances. Slender elderly Japanese man was everyone’s favorite, and he was a good sport. Wonderful commentator led them and with his wide eyes showed his humorous reactions.
- Hawaii (seen by Teresa and Cathy): hula dancers; ukulele girl played behind head; headdresses were woven wreathes; beads on ankles; guy in puffy skirts; chanting; Pele (goddess of destruction); man and women hula with serious expressions when honoring gods. More than a dance, hula recounts stories that an oral culture passed from one generation to another. Performers drummed on gourds; dancers tossed baton sticks, featuring shakers one in each hand; They wore blue dresses and were barefoot.
- Tahiti Courtship (seen by Michael and Al). Wedding ceremony. Given red flower; knock-kneed men with loin cloth; women shake hips with straw brush and grass skirt (mother in law chases suiter away); man who performed ceremony had bishop like headdress; big splash; young man dives for pearl from oyster to show his manliness, all wet; teased by mates. No is answer to “will you ever leave this woman or leave this men.” Wedding procession. Married couples from audience were invited to renew their vows. Unfortunately, Teresa and Cathy weren’t there to join their spouses.
We attended the first setting of Luau and sat near stage. We were given magenta and white orchid leis. The children performers were delightful. A female fire dancer caught herself on fire. A Master of Ceremony welcomed us, introduced dancers, celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymooners. Teresa snapped 40th anniversary photos of Michael and me. Al was chosen from our table to go up and dance the hula in front of stage (he was awesome) with other men while women from audience danced on stage. We sat with young couple on their first anniversary. Diners were encouraged to greet others at table. To become family. Couples climbed onto stage and danced with Hawaiians. Dinner included pig roast, yams, fish, pineapples, cantaloupe, rice, purple taro bun, lemony dessert and other tasty treats.
We walked around and checked out shops and listened to a local family singing traditional Hawaiian songs in the gazeebo. Al got brief ukulele lesson and learned a song with three chords. He was tempted to buy a ukulele. Michael finally found some Hawaiian print shirts, and both couples bought a night light. We watched a film called Hawaiian Journey capturing the beauty of the islands. We sat on comfy chairs that moved and sprayed us with gusts of air and spritzes of water. It was tempting to stay through a second showing of the film because the film was so good and because the seats were so comfy after a long day of walking around.
“As the lights fade to black, the sounds of ancient Hawaiians can be heard; they have assembled in this very chamber to listen to their elder telling stories about their heritage. The amazing 4D seats and surrounding environment come alive with the rumbling, physical sensations of an erupting volcano and the audience is transported to the origins of Hawaii.
Technifex’s custom designed and engineered 4D action seating and special effects, blur the lines between reality and the imaginary. It engages all the guest’s senses while presenting the natural wonders of Hawaii and the spirit of the Hawaiian people.
Guests feel the ocean’s mist as they fly through a spouting blow hole; experience a physical surge forward as they travel over the falls of mountain streams, and then feel the sensation of flying as the camera floats up though a canopy of trees; and are kissed by a gentile bouquet of flowers while gliding low over a lush, tropical canyon.
The theater facility has been themed inside and out and transformed from being a traditional theater facility to an ancient Hawaiian volcano. Using black light scenic painting, the interior of the theater appears as a cool volcanic chamber with rows of seats stepping down the inner slope of the volcano. This environment is heightened and reinforced with Hawaii seaside sound effects and Hawaiian rhythms.
Guests experience stereo speakers mounted in the head rests and a motion tilt system while facing air blasts and mist, low frequency emitters (butt kickers), and scent spray during the film.”
(7:30 to 9:00 PM) Main Show: Breath of Life; HA
Narrator is grown up baby from first scene.
- Story of pregnant woman and husband who escape volcanic eruption and arrived bedraggled and discouraged and orphaned. “On a perilous night, in an unknown place, a child, Mana is born and breathes the breath of life.” Tumbling sheets shaken by performers recreate the storm and voyage.
- TONGA: Kindly villagers royally welcome the little one and his parents to their new home.
- Hawaii: Mana grows, and the villagers celebrate his early years of life. Clever images of baby becoming toddler becoming little boy becoming a teen are projected on large screens.
- Aetearoa (New Zealand): As Mana becomes a man, he learns the ways of his fathers (learning to hunt and learning to fight) and sets out to find his place in the world
- Samoa: Discovering new villages and new people, Mana also finds new love. His character is played by boy, teen, and young man who goes courting lovely lady whose father forcible keeps them separated. Crazy fire butting routine shows him achieving manhood and finally convinces woman’s father to accept him. Mana marries Lani.
- Tahiti: After Mana and Lani start a new life together, warriors attack. The lesson is forgiveness instead of killing enemy.
- Fiji: Mana becomes a father and defends his new family; sadly, he must say goodbye to the one who gave him life (his father) who is welcomed by the ancestors. He grieves, but his grey-haired mother and wife help him move forward. His child is born, and Mana learns that HA, the breath of life, goes on forever.
- Spectacular Fire Dancing is finale.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
After yoga from 7-8 AM, I swam at the beach. We were all happy to have a zero day and hang out at the resort and swim at the beach. Al brought Teresa and me yummy coconut pineapple rum drink. Teresa spilled hers, so we shared. The resort hosted vendors, and it was great looking at the jewelry, the clothing, and the photographs on metal. Teresa bought a lovely swimsuit cover up. Al and Teresa gave me ride to adjacent resort past Disney resort where I took photos and walked back while Al and Teresa enjoyed hot tubs and live music back at the resort. Michael always enjoyed the hot tubs, the hotter the better, helpful for his sciatica pain. Teresa took photos of me playing in the waterfalls and strutting my stuff. The surf was the fiercest of our stay, and we all took crashing wave photos. Teresa and Al treated Michael and me to delicious dinner at Monkey Tree Café where Caesar waited on us and told us the story of his rebellion and his tattoos that celebrated the people of all the Polynesian Islands. Caesar loves working at the Monkey Tree Café because the people are family and so supportive of each other. We had yummy meals and tasty drinks. Our final night ending in hot tubs and walking through all the pools and standing under waterfalls. I finished packing before bed.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
I attended ReNew (chair stretching) at 6:30 and Teresa and I did Tai Chi at Lagoon 3. I took photos. Then I swam. As always, we breakfasted in the room before finishing packing and returning towels. Teresa was coming down with cold and rather cranky. After checking out, we drove north along the west coast, all the way to top of island (end of the road) where there were huge waves and surfers tackling them. I was touched and saddened by angel memorial. We noted the enclaves of homeless people living in tents at the beach. We got subway take-out and Al’s special Poke (marinated ahi) and then ate picnic on the beach with a beautiful view. Then we drove to Waikiki where we left Al and Teresa at a hotel next to the zoo. They went to beach and watched local kids jump off pier. We drove to La’ie and Marriott Courtyard with pool and waterfall. The rooms were nice, and visitors were from many countries so multiple languages were everywhere. Michael went to hot tub, and I walked to beach across the street and walked til almost dark. We ate at the little restaurant inside the Marriott. After dinner, I worked on photographs. Al and Teresa went out to dinner in Waikiki at the famous Dukes Restaurant.
Monday, January 15, 2018
Martin Luther King Day. Al and Teresa saw Martin Luther parade and celebration. They spent the day in Waikiki and found fabulous Hawaiian shirt store and rode bikes all afternoon, even riding up to the lighthouse on Diamond Head. They got a real sense of the local culture with the holiday and so many families at the park. Large family gatherings in the parks with many generations, grills puffing smoke and many shade shelters. The children, obviously from more than one family, would play in the sand and waves together, with no adults hovering nearby; they took care of each other. We had yogurt and granola in room and then drove to La’ie point near hotel where we saw large opening in rock with view of sea and sky beyond. Then we drove to Turtle Bay and took photos of surf and checked out golf course. We continued down coast and returned to town of Hale’iwa. We ate at Fat Boy’s, then returned to Turtle Bay where I snorkeled despite big swells and saw quite a few fish. I took photos with the tripod. On way back, we stopped for frozen yogurt (which took a while since machine was broken) and I bought a swim cover up. Michael purchased t shirts as gifts. Michael went to hot tub. Again we ate at hotel. Teresa and Al had dinner and expensive drink at airport and walked in Japanese garden before their flight back to Baltimore. They arrived in late afternoon on Tuesday to cold Baltimore with all bags accounted for and no flight delays.
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Michael woke up with head cold. Poor guy. No fun. But like Al, he was a good sport. We drove to Lanikai and saw Elizabeth Cleveland’s house and walked to the beach where Dawn, Elizabeth and I swam and walked every day in September/October 2016. Of course, we went to Island Snow, and I bought Island Snow tee-shirt. We also went to Kailua Beach. I have so many memories of our lovely sojourn and rituals there. The beaches are spectacular, joyous, and calming. We ate lunch at Buzz’s and sat at bar and watched competent energetic bar tender who had worked there for 14 years. I again had salad and Michael had burger. I took photos, walked on the beach, and swam. Michael sat on a bench and read and continued to be patient. A man took photo of me on beach with hands on my heart. Michael took photo of me sitting up in tree. Back at the hotel, I organized photographs.
Wednesday, January 16, 2018
Our last day. After breakfast, we drove to coast line where we had not been. We saw sky divers and Monkey Pod Trees. Big wind and tumbling waves. On way to Lanikai, we drove up to Pali Lookout. 45 MPH winds blasted us, and I couldn’t hold iPhone still. I worried the wind would rip it out of my hands. I walked on Lanikai Beach after we went to book store. We again lunched at Buzz’s with Jessi Sue, Nicole’s close friend from West High School. I had marlin fish taco and Michael had salad. After, I swam at Kailua beach. Michael tried to snooze in car but read and talked to Devon instead who had gone rock climbing with Meg. Then we went to Kailua Beach to change and Michael tried again to sleep in car. I walked to part of beach where guys were flying on kite surf boards and then to point between the two beaches. In town, I bought another t-shirt, and we gave a cooler with bottle of wine, beer, Windex, tuna fish, seltzer and bread to salesgirl. We had tasty dinner at Italian restaurant. I had shrimp on toast. Michael had pot stickers. We drove to airport and returned car and checked in. Drank pricey glass of wine and whiskey at bar and waited for flight on Virgin Airlines to Los Angeles. Michael was scrunched and cramped at window seat and I was cramped in middle seat. It was so frustrating that seats wouldn’t tilt back. No real sleep. I watched a film. Our seat partner was Hawaiian who loves surfing and lives on North Shore. He was headed to Florida for wedding and to see family. He had to buy warmer clothes because the temperature in Florida was in the 20s.
Thursday, January 17, 2018
We had 45-minute layover at LA airport. Michael got aisle seat but was next to lady with juicy cold. I sat further back by window, ordered yummy turkey/cheese/egg/hummus/grapes/pita bread lunch and watched Never Ending Story in between napping for several hours. The ending of film struck home to me because it emphasized the need for each of us to continually write our own story and to never stop imagining. I took sunrise photos at beginning and snowy photographs at end of flight just like I did on way from Boston to San Francisco. Michael, despite being exhausted, drove all the way home. We stopped for groceries. I unpacked and put everything away. Colin called. Nice to chat. He and Devon plan to fly to Las Vegas to go rock climbing. I watched Goonies and stayed up til 10:30.
I miss Oahu: the beaches, the swimming, the laughter, our friends. It was so energizing and relaxing. The people are so kind. We saw such beautiful land and seascapes. I miss the exercise classes on the lawn watching the waves roll in. I miss the temperatures in the 70s and 80s, the pools, the hot tubs, the waterfalls. I miss our fun meals together. It was a joyous ten days. I am very grateful to Carolyn and Stephen for their generous gift of a timeshare. Truly, we celebrated our first 40 years of marriage.
Friday, January 18, 2018
Now we are back in snowy, chilly New Hampshire. I went snow-shoeing with my friend, Jan Brown, and had my hair cut and wrote this journal. Teresa added details to my journal. She is such a wonderful writer and captures adventures and landscapes with such virtuosity. Teresa said, “Cathy wrote this journal beautifully, and her awesome photographs capture and explore the island with insight, joy, and beauty.” We are a good team.