The second half of the day started with lunch. I was actually hungry and didn't want to wait another 6 hours to eat. So I went to Lulu's. I had a Bearded Lady Burger which is a half pound burger topped with salsa, bleu cheese crumbles, 2 fried onion rings, and of course the thousand island dressing on he bun instead of mayo (why? I don't have a clue.). I got rid of the bun anyway so it didn't matter. It came with fries, I chose volcano fries (basically cajun seasoning).
I sat at Lulu's and talked with folks and enjoyed the gorgeous view again for a couple of hours. Then I went and meandered around the shops a bit, wondering desperately why people like shopping. After I could manage no more looking at stuff i went back to where I tend to be a lot, the Aston Waikiki Beach lobby. The reason is that it is open to the air but shaded and cool, has a nifty waterfall feature that i find peaceful (I took a picture for you to see) and is where most of my tours pick me up. Please realize this ia a crappy picture and it is nice and shaded and much more vibrant.
Soon the motorcoach came to get us for the nighttime adventure. I chose Ali'i Kai Catamaran Cruises for a sunset dinner cruise tonight. I took this on arrival.
I got a huge discount because of my other touring I have done. This was the menu:
Island Salad Bar
- Alii Kai Salad Bowl with Island Dressings
- Chinese Chicken Salad
- Lomi Lomi Salmon (Diced Ripe Tomatoes with Scallions & Cured Salmon)
- Pineapple Cole Slaw
- Kim Chee Won Bok
- Chef’s Antipasti Salad
- Fresh Maui Gold Pineapple
- Hawaiian Sweetbread Rolls
- Steamed Rice
- Roasted Red Potatoes & Dill
- Steamed Fresh Vegetable Potpourri
- Mango Teriyaki Chicken on Chinatown Noodles
- Hawaiian Kalua Pork with Bok Choy & Maui Onions
- Fresh Silver Salmon on Coconut Spinach with Mandarins
I took a ton of pictures of the sunset. Here are some of my favorites. (sortof a panoramic view)
A few pictures of the entertainment.
I met some great folks on this tour and we enjoyed sitting together at dinner. Being one person instead of a couple on things like this makes for interesting seating. However, I find it very easy to talk to strangers and have enjoyed meeting many new people.
After the tour ended we returned to Waikiki where I caught a cab back to my place. I got a cab driver who spoke little English. There is a HUGE number of Japanese tourists here and I am pretty sure he spoke Japanese. However, he offered to drive me then didn't understand me and got lost. Twice. I finally pulled up google maps on my phone and showed him how to get to my place. ARGH. So we FINALLY got to my place and I gave him the amount I normally pay for the trip. He can just suck up the difference because it isn't my fault he got lost. This was my first experience with an inept cab driver. I am sure it won't be the last. The guy apologized a lot and even gave me more money back. I certainly didn't argue and just smiled, wished him a good night (that he doubtless didn't understand) and took my money and went inside.
Unpack the day's bag, shower, and blog. I am now pretty darn tired. This was the last of my tourism stuff I had planned. Tomorrow is Farmer's Market and a day of rest afterwards. I need it.
Aloha auinapo oukou, (Goodnight, after midnight, to all of you)
~Melissa
Cab drivers are cab drivers, I think that is a staple for all cities all over the world. Not quite sure why a good portion of them do not understand the language of the country/city they are working in.
ReplyDeleteタクシーを止めてください、私は脱出しています。 - that is how you say "Please stop the taxi cab, I am getting out" in japanese
Oh, and the dinner cruise looked fantastic, would have loved to try some of those noms!
ReplyDeleteerrrr... That is how you WRITE it. I still don't know how to SAY it. *GRIN* Well I held my own with Mr. Taxi driver and got home for the same cost as normal. He may be pissed but who cares.
ReplyDelete