I was very fortunate yesterday to have a hostel manager who was willing to keep the TV lounge open into the early hours to watch the royal wedding of Will and Kate on BBC America. It was a wonderful spectacle with grand parades, pageantry and a wealth of colour - we watched mesmerised from 10pm through to 2.30am as the wedding unfolded before adulating crowd culminating in the balcony kiss with memorial fly over… Suffice to say a memorable night… My only regret was not being in London to experience it first hand, However, I did raise a glass here in celebration. Cheers...
Congratulations to the Royal couple :)
Friday 29 April 2011
Downtown Hilo
The Hostel turns out to be in downtown Hilo, which is a FREE bus ride away from both the volcano national park and popular beaches. The downtown area is a little run down with many vacant lots and what appears to be a high number of homeless catered for and supported by charitable groups. However, you still feel safe walking around the wide streets and there are small independent stores catering for the tourist with a range of novelty items. Also there is a cinema with recent films for just $1.50 a ticket!! Excellent value for an evening of entertainment (even has an old space invaders original arcade game for 25c a game).
Attractions within downtown Hilo include the Tsunami museum - a one of a kind with excellent interactive exhibits an in depth video and range of first hand accounts which are brought to life by guides (some of whom have personal experience of the tragedies of 1947 and 1960). Well worth a look and good value at $8 entry. There is also a cultural centre and art/craft/farmers market - but that is about it! No direct access to the coast here as there is a highway and fence between the settlement (in part to give more protection from Tsunami’s) so not a beach lovers location…
Attractions within downtown Hilo include the Tsunami museum - a one of a kind with excellent interactive exhibits an in depth video and range of first hand accounts which are brought to life by guides (some of whom have personal experience of the tragedies of 1947 and 1960). Well worth a look and good value at $8 entry. There is also a cultural centre and art/craft/farmers market - but that is about it! No direct access to the coast here as there is a highway and fence between the settlement (in part to give more protection from Tsunami’s) so not a beach lovers location…
Flight to Hilo, Big Island
Due to depart from Honolulu to Hilo on an evening flight with ‘Go’ airlines meant organising a transit to the airport ($9 one way with Roberts coaches are good value) but remember that security at the airport is the same as in any other - no water, no lotion bottles above a certain amount… etc…
Arrived 2 hours early for the flight and settled into the sparse airport lounge with no real facilities to speak of other than chairs and an overpriced vendor of snacks… Well with two hours to pass it was out with the reading books over an ice cream ;)
Our flight was running a little late, but the plane was one of those ‘private jet’ style affairs with the engines either side at the rear of the fuselage. Climbing on board I soon realise that the cabin is tiny but claim one of the two seats right at the front of the cabin - leg room and window seat :)
It is then that the stewardess introduces herself as ‘Bambi’ and the flight crew - captain ‘Stephen’ and co-pilot ‘Matt’… what are the odds of that!? Well the flight is a rapid affair with a much faster take off than usual, a 37min flight over twinkling islands before a rapid descent and landing at Hilo. Wonderfully smooth for the most part… Landing and baggage claim were completed in a jiffy while transfer to the hostel was organised by the staff and was FREE :) Awesome. Hilo Backpackers Hostel is amazing with a huge communal space, kitchen area, massive TV and cavernous dorm rooms with space for all your possessions - it even has a massage chair for stressful days - however, the whole set up seems relaxed and well run… Already enjoying my stay…
Arrived 2 hours early for the flight and settled into the sparse airport lounge with no real facilities to speak of other than chairs and an overpriced vendor of snacks… Well with two hours to pass it was out with the reading books over an ice cream ;)
Our flight was running a little late, but the plane was one of those ‘private jet’ style affairs with the engines either side at the rear of the fuselage. Climbing on board I soon realise that the cabin is tiny but claim one of the two seats right at the front of the cabin - leg room and window seat :)
It is then that the stewardess introduces herself as ‘Bambi’ and the flight crew - captain ‘Stephen’ and co-pilot ‘Matt’… what are the odds of that!? Well the flight is a rapid affair with a much faster take off than usual, a 37min flight over twinkling islands before a rapid descent and landing at Hilo. Wonderfully smooth for the most part… Landing and baggage claim were completed in a jiffy while transfer to the hostel was organised by the staff and was FREE :) Awesome. Hilo Backpackers Hostel is amazing with a huge communal space, kitchen area, massive TV and cavernous dorm rooms with space for all your possessions - it even has a massage chair for stressful days - however, the whole set up seems relaxed and well run… Already enjoying my stay…
Wednesday 27 April 2011
The Battleship Missouri
Last on my list today was this mighty battleship - seen from the Arizona memorial it doesn’t look to big… but a short shuttle bus ride later I get a close up view of her - she is massive, I mean MASSIVE (the size of a 12 story building and the length of 6 football pitches!!). Standing beside her I feel insignificant like a grain of sand on the beach…
Included in the price of the ticket is a tour of the deck of the Missouri undertaken by a retired volunteer (paid for through the ticket cost and donations). I found this superb - the knowledge of our guide was exceptional and he brought every aspect of the ship fully to life from the 16” rifles (with there 2800lb shells) to the teak decking. Did you know for example that the shells could be fired at targets 25miles away with precision and that they had been used during the gulf war? (25 miles is further than you can see with the naked eye due to the curvature of the Earth!!) When the rifles were fired they had to be fired broadside as if they had been fired forwards or aft they would have damaged the ships decking - even broadside the blast wave actually boils the sea water!! 0_0 while all the crew must be below decks to avoid the effects of the concussion wave… Whoa… and to think that these mighty guns where employed against the Iraqi army in operation Desert Storm, an impressive account of how the technology of the early 20th Century could still be employed in the modern theatre of conflict - although updated with Gatling cannons (that look like R2-D2), modern computing and of course a load of cruise missiles!! Now however, Mighty Mo rests in Battleship Row, Pearl Harbour - an antique, mothballed into the role of tourist attraction and stewarded over by enthusiastic volunteers. A glorious and iconic ship saved in part due to the fact that WWII officially ended on her deck as the Japanese surrendered to General MacArthur. Wonderful tour.
Included in the price of the ticket is a tour of the deck of the Missouri undertaken by a retired volunteer (paid for through the ticket cost and donations). I found this superb - the knowledge of our guide was exceptional and he brought every aspect of the ship fully to life from the 16” rifles (with there 2800lb shells) to the teak decking. Did you know for example that the shells could be fired at targets 25miles away with precision and that they had been used during the gulf war? (25 miles is further than you can see with the naked eye due to the curvature of the Earth!!) When the rifles were fired they had to be fired broadside as if they had been fired forwards or aft they would have damaged the ships decking - even broadside the blast wave actually boils the sea water!! 0_0 while all the crew must be below decks to avoid the effects of the concussion wave… Whoa… and to think that these mighty guns where employed against the Iraqi army in operation Desert Storm, an impressive account of how the technology of the early 20th Century could still be employed in the modern theatre of conflict - although updated with Gatling cannons (that look like R2-D2), modern computing and of course a load of cruise missiles!! Now however, Mighty Mo rests in Battleship Row, Pearl Harbour - an antique, mothballed into the role of tourist attraction and stewarded over by enthusiastic volunteers. A glorious and iconic ship saved in part due to the fact that WWII officially ended on her deck as the Japanese surrendered to General MacArthur. Wonderful tour.
The Arizona memorial
The trip to the Arizona is FREE starting with a documentary style film introducing the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbour, the events on the 7th Dec 1941 and the immediate after effects. It is a moving film and several people are watery eyed by the end…
As the film ends we are left in silence for a couple of minutes before anyone considers moving out towards the ferry to take us to the memorial.
Once settled into place on the ferry we are shuttled over to the pearl white island of concrete situated directly over the resting place of 1177 souls. It is a fundamentally moving experience with both American and Japanese visitors paying their respects to the men who died that day in the moment that the on-board magazine exploded. The remains of the Arizona can clearly be seen below the surface of the water and small amounts of oil continue to leak out from her…
It is a simple and well designed tribute paying respect to the crew who died on that fateful day. I found it a moving experience.
As the film ends we are left in silence for a couple of minutes before anyone considers moving out towards the ferry to take us to the memorial.
Once settled into place on the ferry we are shuttled over to the pearl white island of concrete situated directly over the resting place of 1177 souls. It is a fundamentally moving experience with both American and Japanese visitors paying their respects to the men who died that day in the moment that the on-board magazine exploded. The remains of the Arizona can clearly be seen below the surface of the water and small amounts of oil continue to leak out from her…
It is a simple and well designed tribute paying respect to the crew who died on that fateful day. I found it a moving experience.
Pearl Harbour part I
Pearl Harbour is quite the experience, from a personal viewpoint, a must if you are on the islands of Hawaii. It stands as both a historical and educational site of great importance, which cannot be overstated. It houses some of the most important artefacts from WWII, displayed in a manner that is poignant, emotive and respectful to the men and women who fought on both sides of the Pacific conflict.
In order to reach Pearl Harbour directly and independently from Waikiki, take the bus (Either 42 or 20 for $2.50 in exact change only). The journey will take approximately 1hr 10mins picking up and dropping off passengers on route - be prepared for it to be busy as many locals use the bus!!
On arrival at the memorial site you will be required to leave all bags at the baggage store ($3 per bag) before entering via the security gate. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the construction and development of the site. I was impressed with the peaceful open spaces even with large numbers of visitors, in part down to wide spacious walkways encouraging people to wander off to poignant displays dotted around a green open park visible from a distance (I found myself moving between memorial plaques and displays for some time just to find out more about the ships and people who crewed or serviced them). The ticket office has very knowledgeable staff who will aid you in the selection of the best ticket for you, there are several to choose from covering three main sites including: 1. The Bowfin submarine exhibit 2. The Missouri Iowa Class Battleship exhibit (Mighty Mo) and 3. The Aviation museum… As well as the FREE Arizona memorial site. There is too much to do in just one day so if you plan to complete everything here spend two days to avoid rushing!! I opt for two out of three ($28 combined entry) and the trip to the Arizona memorial.
Bowfin
The submarine ‘Bowfin’ exhibit begins with a walk past several forms of undersea weaponry including gas powered torpedoes up to the iconic (for my generation) black and white ‘Polaris’ nuclear missile. Then through a series of plaques commemorating submarine crews lost on active service in WWII and finally the Bowfin Submarine itself. The boat has the sleek silhouette that invokes memories in me of those old war movies. Your ticket is stamped on entry before you are posed for a picture beside the sub for viewing on exit. Only then do you climb the gangplank (audio guide slung around your neck) onto the grid iron work of the main deck… It is only now that you begin to get a feel for life on a submarine - the main deck is narrow and houses two large calibre guns for and aft as well as the conning tower with its plethora of antenna… Hatches to climb below are indicated for tourists (specially widened to give us easy access) while other hatches are left for us to see the real life crew entry points!! Below decks the audio guide plays patriotic music while a voice over describes in some detail each of the chambers throughout the ship - instantly I feel claustrophobic, the spaces are tiny (even for the officers!!) and the torpedoes are HUGE in the confined space (apparently this tiny vessel could carry 24 of them!!)… Walking back along the vessel I explore rooms filled with valves, knobs and switches including: offices, sleeping quarters, the mess, the operations room, the engine room, the battery room and finally the aft Torpedo room… It is an eye opening visit and one which is brought to life by the audio guide (clearly read by someone who had actually served on the ship). Brilliant. Two of the facts that I remember from the audio guide is that the sub was able to purify sea water to drinking water on board and that there where certain incentives to crewing a sub including the luxury of ice cream!!
Suffice to say it would not have been enough to get me onto one of these vessels 0_0 I can just imagine what it must have been like to be trapped in one of the tiny compartments with the small watertight doors sealed from the other side and no possibility of escape should things go wrong… Enough said - the guys who manned these vessels deserve great respect.
In order to reach Pearl Harbour directly and independently from Waikiki, take the bus (Either 42 or 20 for $2.50 in exact change only). The journey will take approximately 1hr 10mins picking up and dropping off passengers on route - be prepared for it to be busy as many locals use the bus!!
On arrival at the memorial site you will be required to leave all bags at the baggage store ($3 per bag) before entering via the security gate. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the construction and development of the site. I was impressed with the peaceful open spaces even with large numbers of visitors, in part down to wide spacious walkways encouraging people to wander off to poignant displays dotted around a green open park visible from a distance (I found myself moving between memorial plaques and displays for some time just to find out more about the ships and people who crewed or serviced them). The ticket office has very knowledgeable staff who will aid you in the selection of the best ticket for you, there are several to choose from covering three main sites including: 1. The Bowfin submarine exhibit 2. The Missouri Iowa Class Battleship exhibit (Mighty Mo) and 3. The Aviation museum… As well as the FREE Arizona memorial site. There is too much to do in just one day so if you plan to complete everything here spend two days to avoid rushing!! I opt for two out of three ($28 combined entry) and the trip to the Arizona memorial.
Bowfin
The submarine ‘Bowfin’ exhibit begins with a walk past several forms of undersea weaponry including gas powered torpedoes up to the iconic (for my generation) black and white ‘Polaris’ nuclear missile. Then through a series of plaques commemorating submarine crews lost on active service in WWII and finally the Bowfin Submarine itself. The boat has the sleek silhouette that invokes memories in me of those old war movies. Your ticket is stamped on entry before you are posed for a picture beside the sub for viewing on exit. Only then do you climb the gangplank (audio guide slung around your neck) onto the grid iron work of the main deck… It is only now that you begin to get a feel for life on a submarine - the main deck is narrow and houses two large calibre guns for and aft as well as the conning tower with its plethora of antenna… Hatches to climb below are indicated for tourists (specially widened to give us easy access) while other hatches are left for us to see the real life crew entry points!! Below decks the audio guide plays patriotic music while a voice over describes in some detail each of the chambers throughout the ship - instantly I feel claustrophobic, the spaces are tiny (even for the officers!!) and the torpedoes are HUGE in the confined space (apparently this tiny vessel could carry 24 of them!!)… Walking back along the vessel I explore rooms filled with valves, knobs and switches including: offices, sleeping quarters, the mess, the operations room, the engine room, the battery room and finally the aft Torpedo room… It is an eye opening visit and one which is brought to life by the audio guide (clearly read by someone who had actually served on the ship). Brilliant. Two of the facts that I remember from the audio guide is that the sub was able to purify sea water to drinking water on board and that there where certain incentives to crewing a sub including the luxury of ice cream!!
Suffice to say it would not have been enough to get me onto one of these vessels 0_0 I can just imagine what it must have been like to be trapped in one of the tiny compartments with the small watertight doors sealed from the other side and no possibility of escape should things go wrong… Enough said - the guys who manned these vessels deserve great respect.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Another country another volcano to climb :)
After a couple of days of relaxing around the coastal walks it was time to complete the small challenge of hiking the nearby trail up to the national monument ‘Diamond Head’ a bunker complex at the peak of the Diamond Head extinct volcanic crater.
Deciding to wait until after lunch at the yogurt store (fantastic place to have a lunch break snack coated in nuts and fruit for just $4 - affordable lunch in AC luxury - even provides free strawberry infused water, but take my advise select the lighter fruit options and ignore chock as it is all charged by weight)… Typically for Englishmen and mad dogs I end up heading off on my trek soon after mid-day when the sun index is extreme (And that’s Hawiian standard)!! Wearing a sensible black T-shirt and carrying a pack filled with water I soon find the 3km long road to Diamond head. After 20mins in the sun I’m feeling hot 0_0 but I continue through the heat of the day and eventually run out of foot path so end up on the side of the road on the approach to the turn off to the crater - initially it is a walk along the side of the entrance road, through a tunnel and into the main crater - a wonderful site with a park in its centre.
Be aware however that much of the site is restricted for military use and so you must keep to the track and park areas. Entry for hikers is $1 ;) Great value (but expect to pay more if your in a car). The hike to the summit complex is 1.3km each way starting off with a gentle climb along paved footpaths before morphing into a rough trail and finally into a set of steep stairs (another stair-master moment) However, after all the recent hiking I hardly feel it and virtually sprint up to the summit resting only when I reach the first bunker meeting a man selling certificates of achievement for the climb [Mike: you would love this - a pill box on the crater edge with views out to the open ocean and across to Waikiki beach). Resting in the cool air I notice my T-shirt is pasted to my back with no dry patch evident 0_0 (The sun is a little stronger than you might expect so make sure you put a little sun-cream on).
The final ascent is through the front of the bunker - literally squeezing through the gun shield (slit) out onto the trail to the top where the views of the ocean, Diamond Head Crater and mountain backdrops are stunning (Be prepared to be part of a crowd if you come at popular times). The Ocean is fabulous with aqua-marine colours merging into the dark blue of the deep ocean off the coast - it is even possible to see the larger sea life and kayaks gently cruising the shallows while larger ships and yachts gracefully ply the deeper waters. A breeze at the summit aids recovery from the climb before the return journey back to the base. Take your time here - enjoy the fabulous views…
Returning to the base I ignore the option of a bus $2.50 (exact change only) and walk back along the road stopping only to have coffee at the ‘Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’ café. Definitely feeling the heat today more than any other… Time for an afternoon siesta and Hershi bar for Easter :)
HAPPY EASTER to all :)
Deciding to wait until after lunch at the yogurt store (fantastic place to have a lunch break snack coated in nuts and fruit for just $4 - affordable lunch in AC luxury - even provides free strawberry infused water, but take my advise select the lighter fruit options and ignore chock as it is all charged by weight)… Typically for Englishmen and mad dogs I end up heading off on my trek soon after mid-day when the sun index is extreme (And that’s Hawiian standard)!! Wearing a sensible black T-shirt and carrying a pack filled with water I soon find the 3km long road to Diamond head. After 20mins in the sun I’m feeling hot 0_0 but I continue through the heat of the day and eventually run out of foot path so end up on the side of the road on the approach to the turn off to the crater - initially it is a walk along the side of the entrance road, through a tunnel and into the main crater - a wonderful site with a park in its centre.
Be aware however that much of the site is restricted for military use and so you must keep to the track and park areas. Entry for hikers is $1 ;) Great value (but expect to pay more if your in a car). The hike to the summit complex is 1.3km each way starting off with a gentle climb along paved footpaths before morphing into a rough trail and finally into a set of steep stairs (another stair-master moment) However, after all the recent hiking I hardly feel it and virtually sprint up to the summit resting only when I reach the first bunker meeting a man selling certificates of achievement for the climb [Mike: you would love this - a pill box on the crater edge with views out to the open ocean and across to Waikiki beach). Resting in the cool air I notice my T-shirt is pasted to my back with no dry patch evident 0_0 (The sun is a little stronger than you might expect so make sure you put a little sun-cream on).
The final ascent is through the front of the bunker - literally squeezing through the gun shield (slit) out onto the trail to the top where the views of the ocean, Diamond Head Crater and mountain backdrops are stunning (Be prepared to be part of a crowd if you come at popular times). The Ocean is fabulous with aqua-marine colours merging into the dark blue of the deep ocean off the coast - it is even possible to see the larger sea life and kayaks gently cruising the shallows while larger ships and yachts gracefully ply the deeper waters. A breeze at the summit aids recovery from the climb before the return journey back to the base. Take your time here - enjoy the fabulous views…
Returning to the base I ignore the option of a bus $2.50 (exact change only) and walk back along the road stopping only to have coffee at the ‘Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’ café. Definitely feeling the heat today more than any other… Time for an afternoon siesta and Hershi bar for Easter :)
HAPPY EASTER to all :)
Thursday 21 April 2011
First two days in Hawaii
As it is my first day and I am operating on just two hours sleep in 36 hours 0_0 I decide of course to shower, fuel up on coffee ($1.78 at Starbucks - ask for drip coffee if on a budget!) and hit the pavement in search of the cities sites… I cover most of the CBD during the afternoon and even have time to go to the FREE war museum. This is well worth it as it is housed in the old coastal battery, consisting of 2 HUGE naval Guns in a massive re-enforced concrete complex with a range of well sized chambers housing interesting exhibits from a range of conflicts. The Vietnam section has a few surprises, but you will have to visit to find out what they are ;). Most interesting for me is the American take on the Pacific conflict of WWII and I find that it is well balanced and makes good use of both American and Japanese exhibits.
After a walk along the beachfront admiring the surfers performing tricks and the sea crashing over the sea wall I retire to… THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY J of course made famous for me in the ‘Big Bang Theory’ and it is a Cheesecake fans DREAM… There are too many types for me to try even with the time I have here!! Oh well - Blue Cheese Burger and Strawberry Cheesecake for the first night here as I make the effort to stay awake until a sane hour ;) Tomorrow I feel a cycle tour is on the cards…
After a walk along the beachfront admiring the surfers performing tricks and the sea crashing over the sea wall I retire to… THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY J of course made famous for me in the ‘Big Bang Theory’ and it is a Cheesecake fans DREAM… There are too many types for me to try even with the time I have here!! Oh well - Blue Cheese Burger and Strawberry Cheesecake for the first night here as I make the effort to stay awake until a sane hour ;) Tomorrow I feel a cycle tour is on the cards…
Entering Hawaii you are at once made aware of the booming tourism of Waikiki beach as the whole waterfront is crowded with a magnificent range of high class hotels, stores and eateries (Along with the ubiquitous Starbucks, McDonalds and Burger King ;)). The buildings all offer a fabulous view of the beach with its numerous adventurous water sports enthusiasts - most showing off some prowess with the surf board, while others flounder amongst the shallows on body boards ;) The beach is of course packed with sun worshippers (Another contentious issue on many levels) but all this development has led to huge investment in transport (Including the fab trolleys) and entertainment - so lots to do here :)
I took a taxi from the airport (flat rate $30/~£22), but this is well worth it for the local knowledge gleaned on where to go and what to see/do - my driver was a veteran and had plenty to highlight, many of them FREE. We arrive at the hostel (Waikiki Beach Hostel on Lemon Street) just one street away from the beach (prime location) with a cycle/moped hire facility next door (you can even hire a Harley if you have $150 a day!! I will I think opt for the ‘Granny style cycle’ for $10 a day)… The Hostel does have space for me (PHEW :)’ but does set me back an extra $29)… The room lacks something that the YHA’s in NZ offer yet it does have an on suite toilet and shower along with complementary breakfast and free Wi-Fi connection (So it works out about even with YHA’s for value) ;)
I took a taxi from the airport (flat rate $30/~£22), but this is well worth it for the local knowledge gleaned on where to go and what to see/do - my driver was a veteran and had plenty to highlight, many of them FREE. We arrive at the hostel (Waikiki Beach Hostel on Lemon Street) just one street away from the beach (prime location) with a cycle/moped hire facility next door (you can even hire a Harley if you have $150 a day!! I will I think opt for the ‘Granny style cycle’ for $10 a day)… The Hostel does have space for me (PHEW :)’ but does set me back an extra $29)… The room lacks something that the YHA’s in NZ offer yet it does have an on suite toilet and shower along with complementary breakfast and free Wi-Fi connection (So it works out about even with YHA’s for value) ;)
Flight to and arrival in Hawaii
The journey continues with an unexpected complication to my travel plans… I had not taken into account travelling over the international date line!! In effect this meant that although I had already had a Wednesday 20th April I was about to have another one (Time travel without a TARDIS) 0_0 As I wound my watch back 20hours!! Oops - this in effect meant that I had nowhere to stay for tonight… So prayed furtively that the hostel would have some room for me a day early…
The flights themselves went like clockwork and the transfer through Sydney was quick and painless with just a 2 hour wait for the next plane, even had a chance to talk about home made sausages with the staff on duty ;) (Don’t ask)… No need to collect bags as they are sent on automatically so nothing to do but kick back with a coffee and attack the crosswords in the free papers J The overnight flight to Hawaii was a little over 9 hours with a 4 hour time difference with Oz… I had a spare seat beside me and another passenger stated that as he was reading a paper on bullying so he would not comment on my double bed luxury ;) Suffice to say I remained cramped and I slept less than 2 hours in total - but did eat 4 in flight meals!! (depending on your opinion this is either lucky or terrible)… As we Passed through the international date line the sun was just beginning to lighten the sky on the horizon in a series of reds and pinks before revealing its full blazing white hot glory.
Landing in Hawaii means arriving in the USA (And the home-state of President Obama) - the security is tight, professional and pleasant although now you are treated to the full works on entry… I had my picture taken along with all of my finger/thumb prints being scanned electronically. Personally I don’t mind as I feel that I have nothing to hide but I realise that this is a contentious issue for many. The debate will go on…
The flights themselves went like clockwork and the transfer through Sydney was quick and painless with just a 2 hour wait for the next plane, even had a chance to talk about home made sausages with the staff on duty ;) (Don’t ask)… No need to collect bags as they are sent on automatically so nothing to do but kick back with a coffee and attack the crosswords in the free papers J The overnight flight to Hawaii was a little over 9 hours with a 4 hour time difference with Oz… I had a spare seat beside me and another passenger stated that as he was reading a paper on bullying so he would not comment on my double bed luxury ;) Suffice to say I remained cramped and I slept less than 2 hours in total - but did eat 4 in flight meals!! (depending on your opinion this is either lucky or terrible)… As we Passed through the international date line the sun was just beginning to lighten the sky on the horizon in a series of reds and pinks before revealing its full blazing white hot glory.
Landing in Hawaii means arriving in the USA (And the home-state of President Obama) - the security is tight, professional and pleasant although now you are treated to the full works on entry… I had my picture taken along with all of my finger/thumb prints being scanned electronically. Personally I don’t mind as I feel that I have nothing to hide but I realise that this is a contentious issue for many. The debate will go on…
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Farewell New Zealand...
Oh well - that’s it for New Zealand (4 weeks have absolutely blitzed by!!), a country of warm and welcoming people, blessed with a unique jaw dropping landscape which I have had the pleasure and privilege to travel through. A truly wonderful experience and a place that I will be returning to in the neat future :)
Next stop - Hawaii
Next stop - Hawaii
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