Aloooo-ha!

Aloha Friends, from what is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu!

Let's start by finishing up on the Vegas leg of our trip...where we continued to drink, gamble, drink and gamble. The Dirty Dancing pokie got relagated towards the end of our trip by "The Munny Returns" (think Mummy Returns). It was a very cool game with one significant downside, the "munny" never returned! We had a blast playing that game though and we filled endless hours at various casino's in search of said Munny.

We also found a fantastic duelling piano bar on our last night, at Harrahs Casinos, courtesy of two new found friends, Mike and Karen from England. Basically, two guys take it turns to play whatever song you request (with generous cash donation)...some they play brilliantly (Benny and the Jets, Livin on a Prayer, Piano Man) others not so brilliantly (they completely killed a Buble' number)! Anyway, we had a great last night with them, drinking and singing along.

So, Monday night and we were headed for Hawaii. We arrived after midnight so had to wait until Tuesday morning to see the spectacular beauty around us. WOW. It really is everything you imagine, palm trees, sunny days, beaches as far as the eye can see. Our room even overlooks the amazing Waikiki Beach, what a way to wake up! We hit the ground running on Tuesday, as we always do, starting with a tour of the Atlantis Submarine.

30 minutes on a rocky boat there and back and some 45 minutes in this submarine, going anywhere from 30-108ft underwater...and what did I learn? I have learnt, ladies and gentleman, that I do not have sea legs, nor a sea head or stomach. I am no person for sea and there shall no longer be any sea for me unless I'm swimming in it or standing on the shore with a fishing rod in my hand!

After that we headed to the well known Kalakula Shopping Strip, oh-la-la. We wandered up and down until we could wander no more and, believe it or not, we only spent money at Macy's! Who knew they would have such wonderful things for us to spend our mulah on?

So yesterday we were up bright and early, catching our bus to Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial. We started at the Missouri, walking all along this massive battle ship that was last used in action during the Gulf War. You can't really fathom the size of the ship until you see it and you know what, even when your walking on it, you can't really take in it's size. It is huuuuuuge. Very interesting to see and we got a cool history lesson on how it was used to.

From there, we headed to Pearl Harbour, strolled around the park area looking at various cannons, missiles and other war things. Then we watched a brief documentary about that day, 7 December 1941 - I don't think I've ever seen the real footage but it was heart breaking. The American's were completely unaware and, when all was said and done just two hours later, some 2500 were dead. Tragic is an understatement.

Another boat and off we went to the Arizona Memorial, built atop where the USS Arizona came to rest on that fateful day. The ship is still spilling oil, the smell of which overcomes you as you step inside the white, rectangle shaped memorial area. About 1400 men were entombed in the Arizona when it sank that day and they continue to find their resting place there. What gave us both goosebumps is the fact that there were those who made it out alive that day, only to die years later and request that they be entombed in that same spot, alongside the comrades and friends. It was a pretty solomn day all 'round but one we were glad we did.

Finishing there we drove through Punchbowl, the National War Memorial and Cemetary and took a short city tour before being dropped at the Ala Moana Shopping Centre, rated the 6th best in America.

LADIES, pay attention! It was here where I finally decided TO Jimmy Choo. I was still umming and ahhing as we walked in the first time but then something clicked and I decided to bite the bullet. I went in for a second time and found the shoes I had seen in Vegas. About a second later I fell in love, with a completely different pair of shoes. They were black and sparkly, a sling back and a peep toe and they were $695. Here's the gold version http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/60041. I asked for my size. There were none. SHATTERED. Not only was there not my size in the black, but there was not my size in the tan snake skin or sparkly silver either. I walked out, crushed and Jimmy Chooless. I think there might be a need for an online purchase here.

Today we are taking it easy before heading off to Paradise Cove for a Lu'au http://www.paradisecovehawaii.com/index.htm. That will involve some singing and dancing, some lei making and spear throwing and some eating and drinking. I can't wait!

So, we're almost at the end of our grand adventure. By the time we land on Monday night we will have completed 13 flights in six weeks for a grand total of 56 hours and 55 minutes of flying. We have had the most amazing time and we've met some wonderful people. We have seen sights we will never forget and some we can't wait to drop from our memory (case in point, the not so slender random European walking down the beach in her bikini this morning)!

I hope to post once more before we leave, a summary and a list of our favourite things so, stay tuned for more.

In the meantime, the sea is calling me...don't worry, I'm just going to SWIM in it this time!

Mahalo!
Px