Hawaii RECAP 2

Date: January 25, 2012 (Wednesday)
Time: 12:39 PM

Continue...

The fam took a group shot and tried to pressure me.  I don't drink straight, hard liquor so I refused.  Luckily I didn't.  Heard one of them got sick in the middle of the night.  Could have been me ;)

Recap of Saturday, January 21, 2012.
Woke up early to hike Diamond Head.  Fell asleep on the car ride there.  I didn't even know what city it was located in (Honolulu btw).  It was $5 per car or $1/person if walking in.  It'd be the same for us either way.  The start of the walk I was already tired, and it wasn't even anything challenging.  It was a paved walkway with a slight slope.  Getting to the hill (mountain? crater?) pavement turned to rock and that was basically it the whole way besides some stairs.   We stopped at almost all the check points on the way up.  At one point I gathered enough energy to run up some slopes.  Also ran a stairway.  It wasn't until after the first tunnel where we were like "Oh Sh..." when we noticed a tunneled staircase that led straight to the observatory.  Chose not to go that way and went around the other way.  Slightly sloped stairs and a better view.  At the top, it was incredible to see everything up there.  The water was surreal and all the greenery.  Took a bunch of pictures then headed back.  The walk back was so much easier and faster and funnier.  Had the fam ask me a bunch of times what the Japanese tourists were saying haha!  Went to grab breakfast.  The first choice had too mnay people.  The 2nd choice at Sweet E's was a tragic mistake.  Service took 30 min to get our food AFTER 20 min of sitting around for someone to tak our order.  Bad experience.  Went to Target and Au'lani resort.  Finally got to see the Disney Resort.  It's Huge!  And greatly detailed.  Even picked up a new Vinylmation only sold in the hotel of a menehune.  After a slight rest there and talk with the cousins, went back to the condo for a nap.  Soon enough it was dinner time and met up with some fam.  Ate at a Japanese restaurant.  Food was great.  Place was really nice, a little expensive, but good.  Even nice to see fam I haven't seen since 1993.  Got mistaken for my sister.  Probably because of how old I've gotten haah!

Recap of Sunday, January 22, 2012.  Woke up early, finished packing whatever was left, cleaned the condo and off we went to Aloha Stadium for the swap meet.  Picked up a bunch of stuff: new dress/top/skirt, warrior head, cellphone charms, nail art stuff, etc.  Sooo many goodies.  This place was incredibly huge! So many booths.  If we ever go back, gotta be a time to spend a whole day there. Ended up seeing the cousins, but had to go.  Went to get gas for the rental and off to the airport.  Not gonna bore with the airport details, but let's just say I got an Anna Sui eyelash curler for $8 and our flight was delayed.  At least no tantrum kids, but I ept needing to use the bathroom because of too much POG Juice.  That's pretty much it.  A great memorable vacation and a wedding in a gorgeous place.  Can't wait until the next trip.
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PICSPAM:

 (Aloha Stadium swap meet. SO MUCH STUFF!)

 (Top left: Bathroom sign at the airport, Top Right: view from the plane, Bottom: travel info)

Hawaii RECAP 1

Date: January 24, 2012 (Tuesday)
Time: 1:23 PM

And 2 days later after touchdown in SF.  Recap first so I don't forget.

Saturday after Diamond Head, ate at a restaurant called Sweet E's.  That sucked.  Slow service.  Food was OK.. not worth the wait.  Went to Target AGAIN so we can pick up some laundry detergent.  Took a long nap, got ready for dinner with some fam at a Japanese restaurant (Gyotaku), then met up with the cousins for dessert.  Only thing open was Zippys/Napoleon bakery, then chilled in the villa in Ko Olina.

The next day was the last day.  Went to the swap meet at Aloha Stadium then headed to the car rental place and then to the airport.

Now for a detailed report from Friday to SUnday.  Let's see if I remember everything.

Recap of Friday, January 20.
It's wedding day!  But that isn't until 4:30.  So that morning we decided to head to the Dole plantation with the other cousins since it was a nice sunny day and the bro didn't get a chance to go last time.  Looked around the shop and was stopped to open up the treasure box again.  Again, I opened up the box and pulled out a folded piece of paper.  This time my discount was 40% off.  I wanted a white pearl this time and the lady suggested one.  I picked it and sure enough it was a white pearl.  Unlike the other one, this pearl was humongous and heavy.  Thanks lady!  This lady tried to sell me a setting for $200+ for s "special" Queen's only setting.  The last girl tried to sell me a $35 plumeria setting.  I'd rather get a cheap one I can make myself haha.  Took a walk through the plantation and fed the Koi fish again.  They weren't as aggressive as the last time but this trip was funnier when Chloe dropped her hat in the water and watched it float away.  Finished off some Dole whip, bought snacks and then headed to Giovanni's.  Got the same thing as last time, the shrimp scampi.  Soooo good!  Not a lot of cats this time, but a rooster was wandering around.  Went straight to Matsumoto's.  This time everyone got a small.  I didn't get anything this time since I was full.  Went back to the condo and took a short nap and got ready for the wedding.

Got there before 4 since me and the BC had to do ushering.  The venue was so pretty.  It was a nice grassy "field" with tropical flowers and trees and the beach as a back drop.  It was really hot out and the sun was shining on us.  The parasols and fans really helped out.  When the ceremony was over, hor d'oeurves were sent out and cocktails.  Hor d'ouerves were good I assume.  Didn't get to try any, but there was mini gourmet corn dogs, stuffed wontons and one bite loco mocos.  We sat down in the dinner tent.  There were chandeliers in there which surprised me.  It was ridiculously nice.  Food was buffet style, hella good.  Lots of fresh foods, a lechon and prime rib.  They even had a malasada station for dessert.  Entertainment was cute.  The niece and cousin did a duet of "Lucky" on the Uke.  Dancing at the end.  Danced teh night away and took pics of everyone.
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PICSPAM:

  

(Chloe's hat floating away)

 (Diamond head sign, map and view from the top)

 (Breakfast from Sweet E's. Waffle with fresh fruits)

 

(Left: Au'lani pool, Right: Dinner at Gyotaku)

 

 

(Top Left: The parasol favor, Top Right: Close up of the sunset, Bottom Left: Dinner place setting, Bottom middle: Coffee to go with my Malasadas, Bottom Right: Flower arrangement)

Day 6 - WEDDING DAY!!

Date: January 21, 2012 (Saturday)
Time: 12:26 AM

It's time to sleep, but I'll do a short summary of today's events before I head to bed.  I'll do a detailed report later on.

Went to Dole plantation again, Giovanni's and Matsumoto's.  A repeat trip with different people.  Rested at home and then went to the wedding.  I'll go over in details the rest.  I'm sleepy.  Catch ya after Diamond Head.

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PICSPAM:

 (Left: View of the beach from the venue during the day, 

Right: The sunset after the ceremony, just in time for the reception)

Day 5 - Bachelor/Bachelorette Day!

Date:  January 19, 2012 (Thursday)
Time:  11:26 AM

Writing from the nail salon.  Woke up at 6 and got ready to go out for breakfast.  Went to Boots and Kimo's and got me blueberry pancakes with macadamia nut sauce and hashbrowns . Sooooo Good!  Best pancakes ever!  While the girls went to the nail salon, the guys are apparently riding scooters around.  So, got some 3D gel nail art done here at La Jolie nail salon.  Looks pretty good.  Just got a "natural" nail gel with 3D flowers.  It's cute and not too flashy for the cake place.  I should have got a manicure too since my nails got dry all of a sudden.  I'll eal with it tho.  After this we're heading to Au'lani I think.  That'll be nice.  Get some Disney stuff and get my money from the ATM Haha!  Going out for dinner too, or drinks later.  I'll write again later.  Until then :)

Time :12:13 AM (January 20, 2012)
Ahh, good evening.  The day went by too quick.  After the nail salon did a crazy drop off down the strip in Ko Olina.  Headed back to the condo to freshen up and headed to Rainbow Drive-In for lunch.  Got Mahi Mahi and damn was that amazing.  2 scoops of rice, mac salad and 3 filets plus a "small" soda (a regular) for less than $10.
Went to International Blvd. for some shopping.  Although the parking garage is cheap for the first 4 hrs ($1 an hour).  Split up half way so that we can go to Ala Moana for drinks for the bachelor/bachelorette last night for the bridge and groom.  Went to Mai Tai.  Had an ID check to get in, even though the fencing was low.  Though you do need a stamp to show you got carded.  Stayed for an hour then headed home.  Did a drop off at Au'lani, had a major pee attack with the guys and then stopped at Zippy's AGAIN for dinner.  Got the Chili & Chicken mix this time.  I think i've had enough rice to last me a the month.  I'm ready for other foods please.

I'm ready to sleep.  Gonna wake up early-ish and go to the Dole Plantation again and also to Giovanni's.  Then get ready for the wedding.  I'm an usher so gotta get there early enough to prepare.  Good night for now!

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PICSPAM:

 (Boots & Kimos.  Blueberry pancakes with macnut sauce!!!)

 (My nails with 3D art.)

(View from the resort villas during the day. Finally!)

 (View of Rainbow Drive-In)

 (International Market Place. From from the coffee shop on the 2nd floor: Live entertainment)

 (Bought a Hawaii Vinylmation figurine)

Day 4 - Cinnamons/Pearl Harbor/Shopping

Date:  January 18, 2012 (Wednesday)
Time:  11:16 PM

Such a long day!  Woke up at 7 as usual, went to Cinnamon's which is a great family restaurant/diner.  Got a cinnamon roll and hashbrowns. Really good!  The cinnamon roll was soft and the hashbrowns had a nice crunch to it.
Afterwards, headed to Pearl Harbor for a quick look around.  The bay is really pretty but it felt surreal to see the history behind the tragedy.  First thing to come to mind was "letters from Iwo Jima" and Nino haha!  Got me a flat penny here.  In total so far I got 3.

Picked up the bro from the airport and went to Pearl Ridge center to look around the mall.  Main trip was for the Sanrio Cafe! Got an oreo cheesecake with a cute Hello Kitty chocolate on top.  Stopped at the condo to get swim gear then back to Ko Olina villas to see the cousins.  Brought Zippys to share with everyone and just sat around, talked and planned for tomorrow.  I should actually sleep soon.  Gotta wake up extra early for breakfast at Boots & Kimo's and have a mani appointment at 9:30 AM.  Tomorrow's gonna be a long day since the wedding is coming up.

Anywhoo, gotta rest up now.  Gotta get up at 6 and I'm sure Imma need the sleep haha!
Also gotta ensure that the bites heal soon.  I got more :( and my tuition still didn't kick through.  PLEASE HELP ME!

Okay, enough ranting... sleep time!  BENADRYL KICK IN! Good Night :)
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PICSPAM:

 (Cinnamon's! My cinnamon roll and hash browns)

 (Pali Lookout.  I don't know why I didn't mention going there in my notebook, but We did stop by here.  Got lost along the way as well)

 (Pearl Harbor.  One of the maps and planes on display)

 (Sanrio Cafe. My little Oreo cheesecake cup)

Day 3 - Dole Plantation/Giovanni's

Date:  January 17, 2012 (Tuesday)
Time:  8:00 AM

Good Morning!  Up early and the only one so far.  Not sure what we're doing today.  outside looks ugly so it really changes how our day will go.  Can't do the each in this weather and even going through the Dole Plantation will be difficult.  more shopping?  I'm going to get ready. Updates later!

Time: 4:23 PM
Went to the Dole Plantation first.  Went around the store first, tried some Dole whip and got my flat penny.  It's of the Dole maze.  At the store, they were doing a prize giveaway thing if you're able to open the lock with the key they give.  I ended up getting it and pulled a 50% off pearl that I pick up (chose) myself from an oyster.  The one I pulled was a pink pearl for "love & beauty" (?).  Wanted the plumeria setting but was talked out of it.  But the pearl was $7.95 in the end.  We took the Dole train around called the Pineapple Express and headed out to lunch right after.  Had shrimp scampi at Giovanni's and OMG was it great!  Best shrimp ever!  After lunch looked around a bit and stopped at the beach for a bit.  The water is so pretty, not to mention really open! like, it seemed to be at eye level when looking at the distance.  Chillin in the parking lot of Matsumoto's for shaved ice.  Can't wait! Updates later :)

Time: 11:49 PM
OMGoodness, please lord save me from misery!  My right leg is covered in bites! HUGE! Huge ones too (a/n: didn't I just say they were huge? wtf? LOL)  Please, I beg you, let them die down before the wedding.  Anyways, got a strawberry and lilikoi (passion fruit) shaved ice with red bean.  So good, but sweet.  Went to Costco to pick up food and brought them to the Ko Olina resort village for fam dinner.  So good, but too filling.  I took a benadryl so I might Zonk out soon.  I'll do another update tomorrow.  Until then, good night and hope these bites go away and my tuition gets released!!!
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PICSPAM:

 (Left: A Dole Pineapple plush, Right: One of the many oysters to choose from)

 

(A part of North Beach)

 (Left:  Shrimp Scampi!!!, Right: Shaved Ice!!!)

(Random - Costco self check-out.  We dont have those in the Bay)

 (Left: Night view from the resort, Right: Salad I prepared for the Fam)

Day 2 - Shopping and Wedding Preps

Date:  January 16, 2012 (Monday)
Time:  7:28 AM

Good Morning! Up early to start the day.  Heading to Leonard's for malasada's and then to the mall.  Gonna do some window shopping.  Maybe find a crossbody bag finally.  Time to get ready.  See you later!

Time: 11:09 PM
Such a good day.  Picked up a dozen mansalas (a/n: wtf, why did I write it like that?!!! MALASADAS!) at Leonard's (mango, original, & custard).  met up with the soon-to-be-weds and went to Ala Moana center.  Spent a good chunk of money on souvenirs there.  Got cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Co, and souvenirs from the ABC store.  Spent the next 2-3hrs at a hair trial for the wedding, plus the sis got eyelash extensions haha!  met up later at Ko Olina resorts and saw the area where the wedding will be.  The area is super beautiful, wish we were able to see it in the day, but got plenty of time for that.  Ate dinner at Genki Sushi which is a conveyer sushi place.  The food wasn't too bad, a it pricey for such a small amount of food.  Ended the night at Target and back home. I ran out of cash.  I'm in serious need of my finaid, like NOW.  I don't even know when my next paycheck is, but I seriously need money... anyways, that's all for tonight.  Getting sleepy.  Good night.

[side note: highlights at the "salon" - hairdresser and beautician both from Japan, talked to me a bit and stupid bopper chicks thinking they the shit for being models]
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PICSPAM:

 (Left: The Leonard's sign, Right: MALASADA'S)

 (Left: Hello Kitty items from the ABC store, Right: View from the resort)

 

(Left: Genki Sushi sign, Right: Conveyer belt)

Day 1 - Off to Paradise!

Date:  January 15, 2012 (Sunday)
Time:  7:38 AM (PST)

Early early early!  So early in the morning.  Only got about 3hrs sleep last night, but its probably from the excitement.  Heading to Hawaii for the first time!  Gonna be living there for a week.  I'll write more when I get on the plane, a little distracted.

Time: 10:03 AM (PST)

On the plane.  Been about an hour and 15 min so far.  I think?  Flight sucks so far.  Not the plane or service.  Just people on here.  Or just at least a crappy passenger with her annoying, bratty grandson or whatever.  Talk about temper tantrums, I swear.  Everyone in our area was hella peeved.  All because of a window seat.  Now they're all trying to buy an in-flight package for movies and stuff.  At this point the window seat isn't even a concern which pisses me off even more.  They've been bothersome since the terminal waiting area.  Anyways, I shouldn't go on about this anymore (unless they do some more crazy stuff).  Food is about to be served.  Been hungry since 7 haha!  Breakfast burrito!  I still miss that nut cluster bar from the Japan trip.  That was hella good.  A lot of the things I miss about Japan is the food, it's ridiculous!
[Kids throwing another tantrum].
I'm liking that the plane got a USB port for me to listen to my phone and have it charge :)

Time: 11:14 AM (PST)
Halfway there!  Keeping the TV on the destination map just so I know how far we are.  Kid threw another tantrum that finally people were complaining, even one of the stewards.  Kid wouldn't be quiet until they got the TV working.  Grandma doesn't seem she has a handle at him and her scare tactics are lame.  Anyways, I feel like continuing story writing but I'm going to need to write in the back of the notebook.  I really should have brought the other notebook with my story ideas.  I'd write in my phone, but typing everything is a pain.  I also need to list who I need to get stuff for on the trip.  I can do that later.

Time: 1:25 PM (PST)
Going to land soon.  TVs have turned off.  Turned my music off.  Doing a last minute charge on the phone and hope for a smooth landing.  The seat belt announcement just came on.  Time to start landing soon.  See you later at the condo.

Time: 11:11 PM (HST)
The day is over :(  boo I know.
Where did I leave off?  Well, once we landed, got our luggage, got the rental van, headed to the condo.  The condo is a small, but cozy 2 bed, 2 bath place.  I'm currently living in the 2nd bedroom, up until my brother gets here.  We rested a bit before heading out.  Took an hour nap or so.  Got zippys for the first time which I was excited about.  Got my chili cheese fries.  next time I want a hamburger steak :) (me and my hamburger steaks haha!)
Stopped at a Starbucks then to Costco.  Already got some shortbread cookies for the coworkers at the cake place.  Still got to make a list of people I need to get gifts for.
Spent the rest of the night planning the week.  I should sleep soon too, since we got a full day planned tomorrow.  Until then.. good night!
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PICSPAM:

 (Left: Current traveling notebook!!, Right: My plane ride view)

 

(View heading towards the condo)

 

(My bedroom for the first few days)

 (Top Left: Zippy's Chili cheese fries, Top Right: Box from Napoleon's Bakery, 

Bottom: The pastries we bought)