Hawaii 2014: Friday 25-Saturday 26 April

Checked out the views from the member's lounge, the pool before heading out.
Last day for shopping in Hawaii. Walked Kalakuau Avenue, down to Waikiki Beach and the Duke's statue.

Then went to King's Village.  Was hoping to catch the Farmer's Market which is held every Friday, but the market starts at 4pm and it was only 11am.  Oh well.  Checked out the shops, bought some jewellery in one of them.  Kaylene and Janet used the toilets, before we headed back to the main strip.  Looked in Crocs and Lily bought some shoes there.

Then it was time for lunch so we went to Cheesecake Factory.  No need to line up.  Had a Kalua Pig pizza, Evelyn's pasta, fish and chips and the factory chopped salad.  This time around, we managed to squeeze in a piece of cheescake, opting for the key lime cheesecake which came with whipped cream.

Shopped in Forever 21 and Victoria's Secret. Then shopped in Ross.

For dinner we stayed close and went to Giovanni Pastrami - a New York style bar and restaurant. Ordered spaghetti and meatballs, garlic shrimp with rice and macaroni and a Cobb salad.

So full after dinner, we went for a walk up to Hard Rock cafe and Brandy Melville, Kaylene wanted to see what they had.  She ended up buying a hoodie.  Then we walked some of the japanese shops, and Lily ended up buying some leather sandals for Kaylene.  I just bought more souvenir keychains for gifts.

When we got back to the hotel, there was a fire truck and a ERS paramedic truck parked out front.  The emergency was in the hotel across the road, phew...was thinking all our shopping would be up in smoke. 

It was around 10pm and time to pack.

Saturday, checked out just before 8am. Our cab was already waiting for us when we went down. The ride to the airport was pretty quick.

The queue to check into Qantas was long and slow.  They had two lines, one for Qantas and one for Virgin? or was it Jetstar?, anyway they had signposted them, but it was very misleading and almost everyone would go into the line they thought was for Qantas, but was in fact for the other airline and the Qantas one was just shuffling along.  Being early, it was ok, as we were in no rush.

Checked in and then went through customs and immigration.  Security check was fine with the bags, there was no need to take anything out and have them in mini plastic bags.  But if you had a jacket on, that had to come off and the shoes also had to come off.  It was a full body scan.

It was a full flight and this time we were in the middle aisle seats. Had problems with the ipads and wasted an hour before I got them to reset it and then I could watch some movies, although not many that were interesting.

Landed in Sydney around 6.30pm.. Mark came to pick us up and when we got home and we went out to Canton for dinner, minus Justin and Nathan.

Hawaii 2014: Thursday 24 April

Shopping at Don Quijote, Ross, Walmart and Ala Moana.

Aimed to catch the pink trolley to Ala Moana, but waited and waited and then go sick of waiting so we crossed the road further down to catch the bus.  As soon as we caught the bus, a pink trolley came by, oh well.

Got to Ala Moana and went shopping at Old Navy. Janet got a bargain, even cheaper than the outlets.  Then it was up to Longs, for Lily to buy her stuff.  Bought Izzy's tutu and PJ set at Disney, then we went to Don Quijote.  Bought nuts and japanese food for lunch.  Ate the food outside. I think this is the start of Kaylene's appendicitis.  Walking to Ross, dress for less, she started complaining about pains to her right side.  Bought some more bras and some tops.

Then across to Walmart. After Walmart, back to Ala Moana. Dinner in the food court, Garlic shrimp and rice and Scampi pasta with teriyaki beef with rice and mixed vegies.

Then catch the trolley back and do a loop of Waikiki before getting off and walking back to the hotel.  As we get off, it starts to sprinkle.

Spend the rest of the night packing and seeing whether we have room to still shop.

Hawaii 2014: Wednesday 23 April

Polynesian Cultural Center.

Shuttle bus pick up at Sheraton Waikiki at 8am.
Bus driver, Vau, Guide, Ash.  Commentary on the bus to the center. 
3 major industries of Hawaii - Tourism, Agriculture and Army (Military)
ABC stores - what does the ABC mean - Aloha Brings Customers

Passed many movie sites - Karate Kid, Juraissic Park, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Blue Hawaii.

Arrived at the Center around 11.30am.  Everyone on the bus was given a chance to upgrade their tickets to include a lunch buffet, most took on the offer.  We declined - knew we had to fit in as many mini shows as possible.

Once, Cousin Ash handed out our tickets and we helped ourselves to the guided map and show times, Kaylene and I sat down to see what shows we should see and in which order.

First stop the village of Hawaii, which was the furthest from the entry - but we figured we'd work our way back for dinner and the show.  At every other village we passed, the villagers would try to get us to stop for their shows, but when we said we were going to Hawaii, they just directed us in the right direction.  Missed a small section of the show, but managed to catch some of the history behind Hawaii and see some hula dancing using various dance instruments. Also got a history in the ukelele and the instruction on how to pronounce it properly.

After Hawaii, we stopped off in Tahiti.  Saw the raising of the flag, got a history lesson on their drums and even did a bit of hip shaking when we had to all get up and participate. Bendz the knees and move the feet and the hips will follow.

After Tahiti, we visited Aetearoa (New Zealand) - saw them perform a traditional greeting ceremony, then we all filed into the big hall to see them perform tradition maori dances and games, like the stick throwing game as well as the Haka.

Then onto Samoa.  As remembered, it was the same performance as years gone by, but not the same performer. They showed us how to make fire, how to crack a coconut and then extract the milk.  Then another performer climed the 40-foot coconut tree.

Ummed and ahhed about buying coconuts to drink.  Eventually gave in and bought 2 coconuts at USD$6 each.  Then went to grab our places to watch the canoe pageant.  Managed to get a good view.

After the pageant, went back to catch the show in Tonga.  This show was hilarious.  All based on following the drummer, he got 3 guys from the audience and they just had to follow his every move. But the simply act of following could not even get off the ground, as the drummer was left handed and most of the guys were right handed.  Whenever he started off, he'd start off left handed and they would hold up their right hands.  And then when he ended, he'd do the start of the, bup de de up up..and wait for them to finish it off with the da da..but they would just follow him and hit the same beats.  Oh so funny.

Fiji was next, as we walked into the hut, they handed us a log drum, which we started playing straight away...joining in the song, Isa Lei. Then we had a mini history lesson of Fiji, got questioned who had been to Fiji, watched some dancing and more singing.

After Fiji, it was time to go for a paddle.  No lines and not much of a wait, so we jumped into a canoe and the steerer had us paddling quick time and changing oar sides like pros, except for Janet who had no sense of timing..looking at the photo afterwards, she also didn't know how to hold a paddle. Lily at the front, was too busy taking photos to paddle, so it was up to Kaylene and Megan to do most of the paddling.  When we finished, the steerer complimented us saying we had broken the record for the day, being the fastest around the course.

What next, a more leisurely canoe ride, this time we didn't have to paddle.  The steerer did all the work and all the talking.   Took us along the lagoon through all the villages, back to Hawaii the drop off point, where it started to come pouring down just as we landed.  It was quickly off the canoe and under shelter.  Lucky for us, just a passing shower, as soon as Janet took out her umbrella, it stopped raining.

Coming up to 5pm, it was time to make our way back to the entrance and look for the Aloha Hale - where we would be having out dinner buffet.  They have several options for dining now, not just the one.  So having found the end of our queue to get into the dinner buffet we waited and shuffled.  When we got to the entrance, they leid us and took a photo. They wouldn't however take a photo using our own camera.  So we ended up buying a print of the photo, along with one from our canoe ride.  They showed us to our table which we shared with a couple celebrating their anniversary and another young asian couple. There was a waiter to look after us and let us know when to go up to eat and he also topped up our drinks.

Had taro buns to start follwed by salad, pickled cucumbers and carrots, kimchee, lomi lomi, pulled pork, teriyaki chicken, baked fish.  Piled on the plate.   Kaylene went for seconds.
Dessert was ok, but Janet said they were too sweet.  I just went for more fruit, pineapple and rock melon.

After dinner we spent a little time in the souvenir tent, before lining up for our seats to the show.  They were pretty good seats, nice and close, 3 rows from the front, but to the side. No photography or videoing allowed.  The show was called Ha: Breath of Life.  Follows the birth of Mana, from baby to young boy to man and finally completing the circle of life by marrying and having his own child. for each stage of life each village is showcased.

After the show ended, no time for photos with the performers, just had to head for the bus, otherwise it would leave without us. 

Left the center at 9:30pm and got back to Waikiki around 11pm. Was a long day.

Hawaii 2014: Tuesday 22 April

Early morning walk along the Waikiki Beaches, it was a miracle I got Kaylene up at that hour to go with me. We walked all the way to the statue and back, stopping now and again to get some sun and take in the other beach goers. Kaylene managed to get her feet wet this time around.

By the time we got back from our walk, Janet and Lily were up, so we had a little breakfast.

Then I had to go to the Post Office to post my 1 and only postcard. So we all walked down to the post office.  I had worn my new sandals which I thought might be ok to walk in, but by the time we got to the post office, I thought better of it, and decided that if we were going to Ala Moana, I'd better change into my walking shoes instead, so I left them to go back to the hotel and change and said I'd meet them in Ross.

When I got to Ross - Dress for Less in Waikiki, after asking for directions, I couldn't see them anywhere.  Looked upstairs, downstairs, waited outside...thinking they couldn't take that long.  Went back inside and finally saw them looking for bras.  I decide to buy a few too as well as a pair of shorts which Lily also bought in her size.
Loaded with our shopping  we caught to bus to Ala Moana SC for lunch at their food court, Little Cafe Siam. Order 1, 2 and 5 from the board 1. Shrimp Pad Thai Noodle, 2. Thai satay combo (bun thit mung with chicken satay) and 5. Glass Noodle Salad.

Then it was time for a whole lot of shopping, starting at Williams-Sonoma - bought a scraper, checked out Vera Bradley (Sue Hoy's shop - she bought me a coin purse), followed by Ann Taylor - bought a few items here, so did Janet, but Janet managed to get a further discount via Kaylene, who had looked up on the internet and found out that as a student she could get like 10% off. I had already bought my stuff - bummer. Then into A and F where I bought a t-shirt, Banana Republic - more shorts and a knit top,  American Eagle Outfitters - some perfumes and Kaylene's jewellery - bargain, Lego - Ninjago for Matty, Longs Drugstore - Lily and Janet buy their stuff, I waited outside, Disney - checked out what to get for Izzie, Forever 21 - Kaylene bought more clothes.

Then before you knew it, it was dinner time, so we went back to the Food Court. This time I thought we'd try the Blue Water Shrimp and Seafood Market, they always seemed to have a queue of people. So I ordered the shrimp with brown rice, tossed salad and corn, and Seafood pasta while Lily ordered the beef teriyaki plate with rice and stir fried vegies from Hibachi-San next door.

Then after dinner we walked to the supermarket on the other side. Janet bought some Japanese hot food and cheese and bacon rolls.  She had gone in there to buy cereal, but too expensive. Then we walked to the bus stop to catch a bus back.  After seeing a couple busses go pass, but not our one we started thinking maybe there weren't any more buses. So Lily checked the bus timetable on a pylon and there weren't any more buses going to Waikiki so we headed for the trolley stop.  If we couldn't get on a trolley, we'd have to walk back.  Lucky for us, we managed to catch the last Pink Trolley back to Waikiki by Lily and Janet flashing their Ohana cards from their previous stay.  Bonus, no problems and we hopped on the trolley for the ride back. Phew...my feet were sore.

Hawai1 2014: Monday 21 April

Monday 21 April

Had 3 min noodles for breakfast and then waited downstairs for Loong, the Hello Cab taxi driver to come pick us up at 10am to take us to Waikele Premium Outlets.

Dropped us off outside Coach and arranged to pick us up at 5pm that afternoon.  Little did we know that 6 hours of shopping would not be enough time. We rang him back up at 3 pm that afternoon and asked him to pick us up at 9pm instead.

Shopped in Adidas, Banana Republic, Skechers, Le Sportsac, Crocs, Famous Footwear.  Then went across the road to Waikele Center.  Made our phone call. Had late lunch in K-Mart Pizza and Pasta station. Ordered 3 different slices of pizza, 10 wingettes and a salad.
After lunch, shopped in K-Mart, then in Gap, than to Old Navy. Used the toilets in Sports Authority and I ended up buying a tennis racquet.

The sun was setting and we decided to have dinner in Subway - quick and fast, but by the time we finished we only just enough time to head back to Samsonite and buy a suitcase, before having to meet back for our cab ride back to the hotel at 9pm.

Hawaii 2014: Sunday 20 April

Sunday 20 April

We headed out to catch a bus to Ala Moana SC around 10am, but ended up walking all the way there.  Bypassed Ala Moana SC and went to Crooks and Castles to buy Nathan's t-shirts, ended up also buying Kaylene a t-shirt there as well. Then we checked out his other shop, which he'd asked Lily to get something from which was just around the corner, Kicks/HI- another T-shirt for Nathan.

Then we head to Don Quijote.  Pass a bank on the way and Janet withdraws from the atm using Darren'c card.  Get to Don Quijote and decide to have lunch first. Decide to try some local takeout and order Loco Moco, Chicken and Pork with rice and Beef Stew with rice. They all come with macaroni salad. Buy three meals and share between the four of us.

After lunch we shop in Don Quijote. Check out their prices, buy a few things (grosgrain ribbon, lei making stuff) some noodles and more cup of soup.

 After we go to Walmart. I buy my snail glue and sports bras and a Lego set from the Lego movie for Matty.

After Walmart we check out the shops in Ala Moana,

Walk back to the hotel, our back packs filled with our shopping. The sun is setting so we make a detour to the marina.

Too tired to go looking for some place to eat so we have dinner at Denny's downstairs.

Hawaii 2014: Saturday 19 April

Saturday 19 April.
Lily, Kaylene, Janet and I caught our Qantas flight out of Sydney on Saturday 19 April at 7:40pm bound for Honolulu. Seated in seats 49A and B and 50 A and B, window seats one behind the other, when we got on the plane, we found that it wasn't fully booked, so Kaylene and Janet immediately claimed the empty seats in the middle of the plane.Lily and I remained in the window seats. Couldn't stretch out as much, but not too bad.  Ipads were used to access movies and tv, so I watched 3 episodes of Glee and the Free Birds movie. 

No peanuts, but bottles of water was handed out (had to keep them to refill), then the meal was served. I had the chicken, Janet had the fish.  Kaylene had her meal and then asked for another..I think because it was an empty plane, they had more than enough for her to have another.  She also managed to get extra ice cream. So all of us ended up having 2 bars of Weiss mango ice cream each. Air steward, Peter, chinese gay lo was picking on Kaylene - told her off for not speaking chinese.

I tried sleeping but couldn't get comfortable. When I eventually did, the lights came back on, so I watched a documentary of Asians wanting to be white. Didn't get to finish it. They served a light continental breakfast, before we landed around 8:40am when we went through customs and immigration. They had to fingerprint the entire hand and take a facial photo.  Then to baggage collection and then through food check, but they just waved us through.

Janet called Hello Cabs $35 to take us to hotel and tips. His name was Luong, and he was Vietnamese. On the drive in, Janet asked him how much it would cost to go to the Waikele Preium outlets. At $110 for the 4 of us, return trip, Janet booked him in for Monday. Pickup at our hotel at 10am.

Got to the Imperial Waikiki at around 11am. Put our bags into storage and went out to the Royal Hawaiian SC. But first we checked out the ABC store just outside our hotel. I bought 4 postcards got 1 free, to send back to work. Then we checked out Nathan's t-shirts in Zuminez. Checked out the bags in Le Sportsac. Then stopped outside the Apple store. Updated FB status. On the way to see the Polynesian Cultural Center performers perform on center stage, Kaylene and I got waylaid by a saleslady trying to sell us facial creams.  Managed to catch the end of the show and Janet booked us in for Wednesday for the village and luau package with free transport at USD$100 each. Looked in Forever 21, bought a top, Kaylene bought shorts.

Then we had lunch in the food court. Tried their Beef noodle pho from the Pho Factory.  Not as authentic as the ones here.

 Checked out Sephora, H and M and Macy's. By then it was around 5pm.  Janet's eyes were bloodshot and we were all feeling tired. So we headed back to the hotel and checked in. Lily paid $6 for free wifi for the week - $1 a day.

We stayed in room 1806 - same corner as 2 years ago, but I think higher. 10pm came around and we were still up.

Had summer rolls which were left over from lunch and a cup of soup for dinner. Then Lily and Kaylene went downstairs to buy water and ended up coming back with a pineapple and some rice with fried chicken and a 6 pack of Hawaiian POG fruit drink. Got to bed around 11pm.

Easter Show 2014

Kaylene managed to win 4 tickets to the Royal Easter Show from the Daily Telegraph. After resigning to the fact that we wouldn't be going this year, the arrival of the tickets in the post was a bonanza, but when to go. Last minute decision and it was decided that we would go on Wednesday. I managed to get a 1/2 day flex, but didn't really need to, as we left home just before 5pm.  Oh well.. I managed to finish off my paper SVGcuts easter eggs for work.

So first stop was the floral display.  This year they have combined the floral displays with the Arts and Crafts and Cake decorating.  Lots of minions around this year.

 

Then in was into the Food Pavillion where we nibbled on the free food given away by Woollies. Pieces of bread, bruschetta, hams, soup, desserts..enough to keep the hunger pains at bay.

 The District Displays weren't too colourful this year.  The drought has not been kind to farmers and so not too many crops, but there were some stand outs.  I loved the ram made of wool.

 

Lily felt it was time to buy food for the boys, so we settled on the "Works" burger, as she was buying them, I thought what about us..we come to the show and they get the food.  So I bought a burger which we quartered and shared. Then later when we passed the Dagwood Dog stand, Kaylene succumbed and bought a Dagwood Dog.

In the Home and Garden and Technology Pavilion, there wasn't much happening, but we did buy a vegie chopper/peeler etc for $50. And then we did some Silent Disco dancing...headphones had music, 3 channels, and the disco lighted dance floor wasn't filled, but was a bright backdrop.

Then we had a quick look at the Show Bag Pavillion.  So expensive these days $25 for a showbag.  Oh we did buy 2 showbags, Taste and Good Food at $10 each. Full of foodie goodness. 

 

 Out of the Show Bag Pavillion and into Sideshow Alley and the Rides.  All lit up, but again too expensive.

More minions and so many stuffed toys. Kaylene wanted to know what do they do with the big stuffed toys once they got them home? ..who knows...dust collectors.



We managed to make it into the Main Arena just in time to see some of the Australiana highlights and the fireworks finale.

Took our time walking back to the train station to avoid the crowds and managed to catch a first stop, Strathfield train. Got home just before 10am. So glad it was only 4 hrs of the show...my legs were starting to get tired and back packing all the heavy foodie goodness was a bit much.