I headed out at 6am to walk off the jet lag, the sun was barely shedding light on Wakiki. There were several police along the beach in what looked like a sweep of the nights most obnoxious street people. I headed towards the leeward side of the island, it was quiet, unlike last nights cacophony of sounds.
The Pacific a vivid turquoise with gently rolling waves. A few surfers were making their way to the water, some stopping to stretch on the sand before entering the water. I picked up my pace and followed the flagstone path along w joggers, other walkers, and a few just leisurely strolling while sipping coffee...most of the homeless were still sleeping.
I left the beach behind and entered a residential area, circled around to a huge park, and headed back towards the hotel. I cut back over to the beach near a large ornate archway that read 'War Memorial.' I feel woefully deficient in the history of Hawaii and vow to pick up a copy of Micheners 'Hawaii' while I'm here to come up to speed. Statues line the beach and parks of various kings, princesses and other people important enough in the islands history to warrant a statue. As I connect with the flagstone walk. Along the beach again, I catch a whiff of what can only be human excrement...lovely. On a bench near the walkway sits a badly made up transvestite, wig askew, make up smeared, yet she was trying to sell it to the man sitting next to her. Obviously some negotiation going on....not my circus, not my monkeys ....I just keep truckin.
I had to make it back to the hotel for the 8a yoga class! There are several activities each morning, both cultural and fitness. I decided this was my Summer Camp, today yoga, tomorrow a hula dance lesson. And I think I will even try the surfing lesson...why not? Yoga w Lauren was much needed after sitting on an airplane for 10 hours yesterday. I asked her about local eateries (I know a yoga instructor can't afford to eat on Wakiki Beach!). She gave me four restaurants to try, I thanked her and said I would see her Thursday morning.
I made a couple of purchases for the beach and headed out. People watching is one of my favorite sports and this place is the Super Bowl of people watching. After a couple of hours, I moved to the hotel pool where there were more comfortable chairs and an endless stream of Mai Tai Punch (non alcoholic for me), served by cabana boys.
Paul was back at the hotel early and joined me at the pool. We decided to drive up the beach a ways, around the Diamond Head area and check out the Rainbow Drive In for dinner. Half way up the mountain we pulled over to snap a few photos. The drop off to the beach below was sheer, yet surfers were making their way down, toting their boards on their heads. The view is awesome and I realized the water was crawling w surfers who looked like little ants from our viewpoint!
Siri directed us to our destinations, and we certainly saw the divide between the haves and the have nots on the island. Opulent estates fronting the ocean, while a few blocks back, the homes are ramshackle, stacked virtually on top of one another. The Rainbow Drive In.....isn't. But it looks like it used to be. Now you walk to the window to order. We both tried the Moco Loco Combo Plate; BBQ beef, boneless chicken breast, Mahi Mahi, with cole slaw and fries.....yum. All for under $20...for both of us.
Drove up to Diamond Head Park, but it was closed so we headed back to our hotel. A stroll along the strip to find a good spot to watch the sunset. Much like Mallory Square in Key West, there is a nightly sunset celebration on Wakiki, and the visuals were spectacular! The street is just alive w people and music...topped off by a fireworks display courtesy of the Hilton. A frozen yogurt to end the day and we were ready to call it a night.
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