Probably we shouldn't be allowed out of the house. We have too much fun when we are on the loose.
Our adventure started with a very early flight out of Hilo. When we got to Honolulu, we had breakfast at the airport Interisland terminal (recommended: inexpensive and very good) and we hopped on the bus to Ala Moana in the wrong direction and ended up at Hickam Air Force Base. They wouldn't let us in, so we had to wait outside the gates for the bus to return. We had a pleasant chat with a young couple from Maui who had made the same mistake we had. The nice driver allowed us go back for free on his way out, and we arrived at the hotel in plenty of time for David to pick us up at the front entrance to Ala Moana Hotel. We enjoyed lunch and social pleasures with David, Gigi and the gang, as related below and on their blogs, and then went to the Hawaii Opera Theater performance of The Pearl Fishers. We all agreed it was a fine performance with some notable highlights. David said that Bizet's Carmen was a superior opera, no doubt of that, as it has a better plot and more consistently excellent music, but the duet (see below) and some of the choral pieces were wonderful. We went out afterwards for a bite at a nice restaurant and then home to our rather small but adequate hotel room. I really had to laugh at what they referred to as our lanai, which was about six inches in width. However, since our view was mostly of other high rises, we did not really want to hang out on it anyway. The basic amenities at Ala Moana were quite acceptable; we're just spoiled.
Next a.m. we went over to the lobby of The Hawaii Prince Hotel, a fancier hotel next door, and got coffee and croissants (Good!) at the espresso bar and read the free newspapers. The barista told us how upset she was that Sears is closing. We said she ought to get a group together and signs and do an "occupy" protest against this closure. She said yes, there's a big parking space there. We could do it! See why we shouldn't be allowed out and about? We're always trying to stir up trouble.
Then we walked over to the Ala Moana Center. They have a busy food court. We didn't eat there, but I had great saimin a couple of years ago at this place. Highly recommended. As shopping centers go, this is a nice one. But I would guess that locals mostly shop at the big box stores, except for a few high fashion types.
There were many many Japanese tourists about, and a lot of chic and very thin women. I suppose they are the ones that these stores cater to. I have some pix of the matchlessly vulgar soft porn window displays at American Apparel. One of these is enough to convey the flavor.
On our walk back, we saw the barriers that keep junk out of the harbor. A fellow passerby said, "Wow, that must have been some party!"
These mynahs in the park were misbehaving.
Mynahs of Ala Moana from Marianna Scheffer on Vimeo.
On our return flight Terry got this stunning shot of Hanauma Bay. The only time we went out there, a few years ago, the parking lot was at capacity and we didn't get to go snorkeling. So next time we visit Oahu, we'll take Da Bus out there and try again. Its supposed to be the best snorkeling in the Islands, and I don't want to miss the experience.
All in all, an eventful 36 hours!
