our first port of call – wow. we arrived very early this morning and went through immigration. it was a huge job, 700 students and then all the faculty and we life-long-learners. Audrey and I were among the last to be cleared, as they did all the American citizens of all categories first. but eventually we were free to step onto dry land – Hawaii. And what was the first thing we did? i blush to confess, we took the shuttle bus to Walmart. Imagine, the Walmart busses were waiting right there at the port entrance. Well, of course we had a list of things we knew we wanted, and with the bus right there it seemed a perfect opportunity to get such essentials out of the way. But we did feel embarassed. As Audrey said it’s a long way to go to Walmart!
The fun part came later. We went on a basic tour of Hilo. We went on a coach, with many stops to get off. We saw fabulous HUGE Banyan trees, HUGE Monkey trees and other species; all huge and exotic. Apparently Hawaii is one of the wettest places in the world, although there has been a shortage of rain recently. So much so that the famed waterfall was little more than a trickle. But it was in a beautiful setting. We were never out of sight of the sea, and caught glimpses of whales. Hilo has beaches, but not the famous surfing beaches of Honolulu, another of the Hawaii’n ( just can’t get that spelling right!) islands. We are sailing over there tomorrow night, and have booked into another tour which will take us all around that area. And I promise myself some beach time.
Then it is back to sea again. We then go back to sitting in on some of the classes. It is all very interesting, but it can be quite a challenge keeping up with everything. And I don’t mean just mentally Of course, as I said in my last blog we were struggling with rough seas, and getting from a to b was quite a challenge. But the last day at sea was much calmer so we are keeping our fingers crossed. The people we have been meeting are a nice bunch. If I ever get all their names sorted out it will be a miracle, but as we wear name tags most of the time, I get by.
I seem to be making progress with all the technical stuff, ie computers, cameras etc. I am going to send this written blurb off ( I hope) and then TRY to get my photos onto the computer and then get some of them onto my blog. Oh the everlasting challenges of this modern world!! Wish me luck.
The only thing I could wish to improve life at the moment would be being able to have the odd chat you – that would be nice. But at least I have this.
Love to you all Granny, Mum, Liz
I have just sent you an enormous response to your latest blog. Needless to say, it has got totally lost. I wish I could find out why that keeps happening!!! David.
ReplyDeleteHey! That one got through! So perhaps it is only the miserable, whining complaints that make it and happy thoughts and fond wishes get swallowed up. Anyway, I will start again and hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteIt was simply GREAT to hear from you and to know that you are having a wonderful time. You obviously have survived the Pacific's angry outburst with flying colours. Good on yer, as the Australians - who are but a stone's throw away from you, by Ontarian standards - say. I see no reason for you to be embarrassed about putting Walmart at the top of your Hawaian list. I mean to say, Walmarts in Ancaster is a mite on the humdrum side, I agree, but Walmarts in mid-Pacific, garlanded with leis (is that what those flower bracelet things are called, and is that how you spell it?)is a totally different matter. Ultra Exotic, I would have thought.
I have sent you several bloggy bits and several Emails but it is not improbable that you haven't received any of them. If so, do not worry. Anything I have to say from -20C Dundas is ultra low grade compared with what is happening to you two.
I could go on going on but I won't because this is more than likely to take to the ether, never to return, if my previous efforts are anything to go by. And, anyway, it is all getting pathetically long and boring, as I may have said before, because walking on ice with my friend Bailey (who would much rather stay at home, anyway)is not far from the bottom of the dullsville barrel. So I will shut up and take the poor unwilling soul out for her late night constitutional. She sends her love. So do I. I don't know whether she misses you but I certainly do. David.
Hello from Texas, Liz!
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a wonderful time in Hawaii. I have an aunt and uncle and cousins in Honolulu. My parents are heading to visit them early next week. I was there a couple of times as a child, and my favourite thing about Honolulu was Hanauma Bay - I hope you get to see that.
Everything is OK here. I will send an e-mail to update you further. Stay safe and give my best to Audrey!
Love,
Alex