Honolulu

Honolulu – shopping – what a disaster. The bank account was the winner on the day. We didn’t get out ‘til 11.45 with Hoppy not really 100% yet. Some passengers had been out early and were dragging huge new suitcases behind them to cope with the 104 days of travel and just a little shopping. My solution is to drop a case full at Rodney’s in Auckland and bring back the empty case. I’d rather take our wooden clogs through NZ customs than Oz. There were shuttle busses to everywhere. In my impatience to fulfil the day’s mission we grabbed the first one – Maui Divers. It did go to Ali Moana but only after a 30 minute “tour” of Maui Divers pearl and designer jewellery shop. The shopping centre was a disaster. Just too big these days. Typically the big stores covered all floors and were quite expensive. I searched for a nice negligee set but wouldn’t spend $150. on a compromise. It was a bit different last time I went in 1996! We then set out for Wal-Mart the wonderful . We got lost and after an almost complete circle, despite asking people about five times, arrived at the building. We went up some stairs to find that only card holders were allowed here. It was a bulk grocery shop for locals. Wal-Mart was down the stairs we had just staggered up! No signage! Well I bought 4 eyeliners for $10 and Hop got some more medicine!!  Now to find a shuttle back to the boat under Ali Moana. Twice we were asked for directions – silly people. We were eventually led to the shuttle stop by one of the rowdy younger passengers and made it back. Lunch was next on the menu. By now I had the shakes from lack of food. Into our swimming gear and off to target another goal for the day – a swim at Waikiki. Out to the shuttle stop. Ah, Hilo Hattie’s shuttle would do. Only had to go through the shop and then on to Waikiki. Where was the woman we told “we will be back later”? Oh, having a smoke and telling her boss no-one was there. Eventually 12 hopeful passengers turned up all given the traditional shell lei and waiting in excited anticipation. “Yes there’s one coming. We’re just trying to decide which bus is the closest.” An hour later six of us grabbed a cab to Waikiki, and 10 waiting had handed back their lies. Two were left for the bus. Finally, Waikiki Beach and a swim. It was very nice and I felt my frustrations melt away. We watched the sun set and took some photos trying to avoid a moon belly standing in everyone’s view, But then when can you get the sun and the moon in one shot? I had worn my swimming shoes and Hoppy valiantly offered me his dry shoes to wear. Good to get on a bus and go…but no go! We were actually looking for a pub for a beer but Hop was distracted by trying to find some sunnies to fit over his regular glasses. This was a mission unaccomplished at Ali Moana. He found two pairs that would do. He had lost his original pair which survived for 15 years or so!! Trolley busses galore, yeah. Not so yeah. It wasn’t until the fourth trolley that the driver kindly explained we had to walk a block to get the bus we wanted. Off we trudged, my feet objecting to the unsupported walking. It was only 7 o’clock, all aboard was at 9.30. We stood and waited. An American couple who now hailed from Melbourne came along to wait for their bus to Whole Earth. They were organic vegetarian greenies I’d say. I apparently inspired her to guess my occupation was in administration.  Hop confirmed the vibes by agreeing I had administered (to) five children. We sat by a homeless crippled man who didn’t seem to mind me moving his banana along the seat. When he staggered up to relieve himself in a major way by a rubbish bin, we moved back to the side of the street. By 8 o’clock we hailed a taxi to make sure we wouldn’t have to fly to Nawiliwili. We caught the end of a cultural show by a Hula School with the dancers between the ages of 6 and 16. Not the usual grass skirts and coconut bras which one at our table would have preferred, but little girls in dresses far too voluminous and struggling to keep their leis in place but quite the heart-melters.  Yeah Honolulu! Of course just opposite the ship was Rosses – an outlet mall, it had all one could desire!!        Gosh – the sea here is 5,635 METRES deep!!!! We are corkscrewing our way across the blue, blue Pacific with a swell on our stern port, cloudy sky, 30C and 20knots of breeze.  Off now to sleep on a lounger (in the shade).