DAY 7 of 145.
- Seven Seas Voyager sailing into Honolulu. Taken by John Douglas, who will sail with us from Bangkok.
Aloha! Which, of course, means “hello” or ‘good-bye” and sometimes even “I love you”.
- We are docked next to the Aloha Tower. Once the tallest structure on the island!
Our first of two full days in Honolulu was spectacular! It was warm, sunny and Waikiki Beach was full of tourist from the northeast USA, or so it seemed, who were warming their chilled bones and reddening their skin. We were able to get out and enjoy a couple hours and recharge our batteries for the next stretch of 5 days at sea.
- Waikiki Beach looking away from Diamond Head.
Waikiki, certainly one of the top beaches of the world is lovely, despite the crowds. But with Diamond Head as the backdrop it's hard to beat. There are even better, more secluded beaches down the coast, but this is most convenient for us Voyagers and hotel goers.
- Waikiki Beach looking towards Diamond Head.
The surf this day was minimal, but here in surfers paradise, there were many tourists out there giving it a try. You can rent a board and take a lesson, or go it alone - if you dare.
Previously, I, of course, tried it without a lesson. Afterall, I consider my self to be somewhat athletic so, how hard could it really be, I thought? Plus, I had seen it on TV. Well, that strategy didn't work too well...Although I did stand up!
The beginner surfboards are actually pretty easy to get up on as they are about as long as a dock. I believe mine might have even had legs it was so stable? They probably could have even moored a boat to it.
- Surfers who own them can store theirs right at the waters edge.
While standing up, I soon figured out, that was not the first step. In order to actually surf (which is why I rented that stupid thing) you have to first get on your stomach and then paddle your "dock" forward with enough speed that you get in sync with "your" oncoming wave, which is really the main key to having any success. Personally, I felt that a small outboard motor tied onto the back end might have been quite useful.
I found the paddling part of it to be somewhat like a relay race, because first you look back and pick "your" wave. Then you have to to start paddling like a boat onthe Mississippi in order to get your speed up. But I found that the "dock" and I were so slow in getting up to takeoff speed that I had to start choosing waves that were two back. Then three, then four... But then the problem was that by the time "my" wave finally got to me, eventhough I had enough speed, my arms were ready to fall off and became too weak to thrust me up into surfing form!
After burnout all I could do was to just lay on the board like a seal as my arms and lungs recovered. By that time the feeling came back the current had pushed me back towards the beach so I had to paddle way out again to catch my wave. At which time my arms were tired again so I had to rest again...Are you beginning to see a pattern here?...I should have taken that lesson!
Thinking back..Please, if you see Dana, don't ever ask her about how I "learned" to windsurf and snowboard!
- Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s legendary surfer greets you at Waikiki.
Late afternoon we hosted the first of three special events planned for our full world cruisers and it was a great success. We visited the only Iolani Palace which was built as a seat of government for Hawaii’s final king, David Kalakaua, who became known as the “Merry Monarch”. He was the world’s first monarch to travel around the globe visiting other sovereign states, taking advantage of Hawaii’s new prosperity. When he threw parties at the palace he was known for his dancing. He was said to have two big sessions of dancing, with dinner in between. He danced with every lady in attendance except his wife as she did't dance. I wish he was here today, I’d hire him as a Gentlemen Host!
His residence was inspired by the grand palaces owned by other monarchs around the world. It was completed in 1882 at a cost of over $360,000 and is an architectural masterpiece! It even had electricity and telephones four years before the White House did! Unfortunately, pictures were not aloud inside.
- How darling! Dana , receiving her lei from this lovely little girl.
We were met by 20 miniature hula kids who placed leis over each of our guests head and ours too. Other children did some dancing near the palace entrance.
After an interesting tour of the palace we went out to back lawn where we enjoyed cocktails. In the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku", Hawaii’s legendary surfer, swimmer and greatest athlete, I enjoyed a Longboard Beer along with THE BEST appetizers I have EVER enjoyed… And for those who know - that says a lot! They were prepared by a very well know local chef out of his restaurant nearby. Gosh, they were good!
- Longboard Beer and more importantly a look at the back of the palace.
Then we enjoyed a most unusual presentation of music and dance by a well known local tiki group. I believe everyone expected the usual Hawaiian brand of entertainment, but our company stepped out of the box and hired something different and I believe everyone enjoyed the novelty of it. Sorry no photos of it. But it was a great day all around.
- Captain Scala also came and entertained our guests in his natural way. Here he is visiting with a beautiful world cruiser who is a whole lot of fun - "Hilley."
- A parting shot of my world cruise team. Elda, me, Dana and Andreana.
