Vacation Day Ten: Pearl Harbor

Well here we are – last day (of vacation).  I'm in the airport typing this.  I have notes on other days I need to fill out. 

Today we left the ship a little after 8 in the morning.  After storing our bags at the pier (for $5 a pop!)  we then left for pearl harbor.  My father rented a car, and we had two GPSs.  One was in the car itself and the other was given to us and also came with the car.  (I think... I mean that's what someone told me – but it was a Garmen just like dad's so … I thought it was dads.  )

Anyway we attempted to put in pearl harbor in each gps... and couldn't come up with the exact location.  We ended up finding it by putting in Arizona Memorial.  Both my dad and my brother found the location at about the same time using different GPSs (My dad was driving).   My dad put in “fastest” route on the car GPS.  Both started giving directions.   we were to move forward.... and one said to turn right – 10 second later the other said to turn left!   We all burst out laughing.   We turned off the hand-held GPS and just followed the cars.   Boy was that confusing.  It kept saying “bear right” and bear left” instead of “turn”.   And it NEVER said the street name.   A typical instruction was “in .3 miles bear right, then bear left.”   Then it tended to give the next instructions when we had not turned yet.  Thus we would be just about to turn and it would go - “continue for the next 4 miles”  and we all would go “WHAT?”.   We did get there though- and we only had to make one U turn. 

Pearl harbor was interesting and sad.  I knew the generalities of course.  Even though I'm horrible in History and dates and times and places slip through my mind like water.  December 7^th 1941.  I'm writing it down, because I will forget it again.  But I won't forget what happened, and the added experience of listening to the recorded voices of the survivors. 

They gave us headphones to do an audio tour.   My parents had paid ahead of time so we did not need to buy each headset.  I listened to some before and some after all the tours... just due to time.   We were scheduled to take the boat over to the Arizona at 10:30- so I only had a small amount of time after we arrived at about 9:30 by the time we got the tickets and set up the headphones and bought our drinks.

BTW did you know – you can't take ANY bags inside.  Though I did see someone with a small camera bag.  It may vary depending on where you are in the park... but you defiantly cannot take bags onto the ship.  So I had worn my jeans Capri with cargo pockets and placed my money and license and other needed items throughout – and wore my basic point and shoot around my neck.

We saw the sunken Arizona first.  They had built a nice memorial over it.  You can look down amoung the remains and you can see the names of those that died – over 1000 with oer 900 still entoumed there. 

That's what people didn't understand I think.  I felt the urge to cross myself – like if I warmongering grounds.  And later they did say it considered a sacred site.  It is over a graveyard—a tomb  But there were people who were admiring the view – ok I admit I was as well – but these people were smiling and taking pictures of each other – asking strangers to take a group photo of them smiling – like they were at the grand canyon or something!   HELLO your at a TOMB!   Would you take such pictures at a mausoleum?  oh granted there are people that would – but not your average tourist.

Of course if some of the people were obviously veterans or relatives/friends of those that had died-and they stood there all solemn while someone marked their trip with a photo – that's different.

But to see these happy smiling couples – smiling for the camera just like the ones at the beach – that sickened me.  I really was surprised actually – that I'd feel that way.  I don't think I would have thought about it before visiting.   But it is a tomb and you need to treat it that way.

Smile and pose on the battleship that helped win the war – not on the sunken ship with the dead beneath your feet. 

We also saw a submarine (with lots and lots of births in close quarters – there were even bunks over the torpedoes. )   and the battleship Missouri. (look up and find spelling)  nicknamed the mighty MO.  It was sent to the war front and pounded Japanese cities.  Later, when Japan surrendered, it was on its deck that the official surrender and signing took place.   The battleship was used in the 2^nd Korean war, and then “moth balled”  put into storage – only to be taken out 30 + years later, revamped with new improved weaponry and used in Desert storm.  That surprised me, and I thought it was very interesting.   They had painted the number of rounds fired at the enemy as well as a map on each turret, during that war.   The MO was attacked by several kamikaze pilots.  One of which slammed into the side of the ship – a wing and other part of the airplane taking out a gun on the deck.  The body of the pilot was left behind, and the captain (or was it admiral?) of the ship had the body treated with honor and gave him an honorable burial at sea.   It was supposed to be an object lesson for the men.  I can't recall what the guide said, but to me – it tells us how we are supposed to treat our enemies.  I know many people would not like this- just dump the body into the sea.  Truthfully I don't know how I would have felt if I was there.   But I understand that this can be used as an example of “Love your enemies” (Luke 6:27-28)  It sends a message not only to the men on the ship – but also the world, including Japan.   The young (19!) man was just fighting for his country and following his leader's orders – just like the young men here.   We need to be civil – even if the rest of the world is not.  This is especially true of Christians IMHO.   There are too many people who act “un-Christian” by wanting to nuke Iran – or treat war criminals as less then animals – forgetting that God loves them too – and that they can be saved just like anyone else. 

We could have gone to an aviation museum – which is apparently the newest addition to the overall memorial – but we were ALL exhausted.  So we just went back to the beginning, where I did my last pearl – they had a pick a pearl there and I had not done one on the island of O.   Then we had ice-cream and waited for my brother and SIL who had gone in a different direction.  While waiting I listened to most of the rest of the original audio tour for the AZ.  This is where I heard a lot of the survivors talking.  It's amazing to me that anyone survived the giant fireball that occurred on the AZ when the bomb hit the munitions area.  

After this, we found our way back to the pier, picked up our bags and headed for the airport – where I am now.  

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Ok I’m at home now.  I’ve been playing catch up and editing all my blog posts. 

To conclude this one:   When we got on the plane the seating arrangement was as follows: My parents in a row together (2 seats to a little row – window and aisle.), my brother and his wife in a row – and me by the window with someone unknown in the aisle.

Well I got on and my mom tells me – your by that lady over there.   I go past my parent’s seats, and past my brother and SIL’s seats – and lo and behold, who is seating in the aisle seat?   None other then Helen… the lady I met the day before at the hula graduation show!  I actually said (out loud)  No WAY!  It was so funny as I was just telling mom about her earlier.   So I got to introduce the two “Helenes”  to eachother.   To bad it was a red eye.   We talked a little bit but then both of us went to sleep.

After I left the plane she was waiting for a wheelchair.   Then my family and I went to pick up our luggage, use the bathroom, etc.   And here we are walking out – and there’s Helen again!  In her wheelchair I guess waiting to be picked up.  So I got to say goodbye one more time.   I joked with her that I’m going to start looking for her in stores and things.   I probably will never really see her again, but it was kinda cool how that worked out.   And it wouldn’t have happened if I had decided not to attend the hula graduation (which I had thought about.)   Of course I’d still have met her on the plane, but it wouldn’t have been as fun.  

Vacation Day Nine: Kauai day 2

Today was the 2^nd day in Kauai and effectively the last day of the cruise as tomorrow morning we leave the ship.   Yesterday before the Luau I signed up for a snorkeling excursion.  I figured that going with a guide may be better.  My dad also wanted to go so I set up 2 of them on my room.  (My parents told me they will pay for all the excursions – except I insisted on paying for the luau upgrade – and we are responsible for everything else we buy on the ship.)  Anyway – I wasn’t sure I got the excursion because the stupid desk was closed in the middle of the day!  It was open in the morning but I wasn’t ready in the morning because my dad wanted me to wait to see if my brother and SIL wanted to go --- they didn’t.  So I got to the desk at about 12 or 1 and it was closed --- until 6!  But we’d be at the Luau then and not back in time.   So the front desk people had me fill out a registration card which was then put into the shore excursion box.   I didn’t know that there was room and I got in until after the Luau.  

            But I did get the tickets so off we went.  The first stop was the country club we were at last night for the Luau.  Only this time they were picking someone up.   It was funny as the driver/guide talked about the place and mentioned that they had Luau’s there.  At which point I mentioned we were just there last night!  There was also a white cat watching us from a wood pile and the driver mentioned the feral colony nearby.  At which point I mentioned the grey cat – he was surprised. 

           

            Then we stopped to pick up equipment.  They gave us wetsuits - we were to use them instead of life vests as they were supposed to be buoyant.   When it came down to it… though I think it helped, I wasn’t completely comfortable in one.  After that we went to the snorkeling location.   The current was strong so I didn’t feel comfortable going on my own.   I ended up hanging on to the surfboard (one of two provided with a guide for each one)  or the rope attached to the surfboard, the entire time.   My camera immediately said it was out of power – but it kept taking pictures.  When I restarted it – it said 3 out of 4 bars for the battery – but went to no battery right when I put it back into the water.   So I assumed it was just a glitch and kept taking pictures.   Unfortunately I must have done something wrong putting my mask on as it kept filling with water.   Finally I got the guide to adjust it and I was able to do well after that.    The pros:  I felt more secure, the coral was way more healthy with lots of extra things living on it;  I saw more fish.   The cons:  It was harder to take pictures – in fact I looked at some of my pictures and videos since then, a lot of the pictures are blurred, and the videos are jerky.   This was because either the guide was paddling us out somewhere – or we were being carried by the current.  There was no real still area (like when I was in the Caribbean)  to just sit still and watch.   Overall I had fun.

            At 1:00 I took my second hula class.  The only reason why was because I was thinking of doing the “graduation” and I wanted a refresher.  We pretty much just practiced the two dances we were going to do at 3:00.  I relaxed between times and then changed into a flowery shirt.  I didn’t really have a dress or good pants but hey I wanted to have some flowers.   I also wore a couple of the leis I had received earlier in the week.   The white crochet one from the church and the big nut one from the Luau.  I sat up front in the lounge area (the lounge was called the Marti Gras) and next to an older lady.  She watched my video camera for me.  Before the show started we were chit chatting a bit – and the subject got to aging in general and I mentioned I was 40 – and got the customary surprise because I don’t look 40.   So she then told me it was MY turn to guess her age!   Now she looked really old to me, and I didn’t want to offend her.   I was like “maybe I shouldn’t”  and she laughed.   I wanted to say 80 something, but was afraid she was one of those people that were in her 60s and looked older.   So I guessed in her 70s.   Turns out she was in her early 90s!  (I can’t recall if she said 91, 92, or 93.   I told her truthfully that she didn’t look that old and the most I would have guessed was mid 80s.  

So I set it up and taped the show previous to the “graduation” to try to get an idea of where I’d be on the stage.   At the end of the show, our hula instructor (who had also performed in the show) talked about the classes and announced/called us to the stage with a traditional chant.   I tried to get in the 2^nd row but ended up in the third.  You can still see me relatively well in the video I made…….  As well as the video the cruise ship made.   They cycled that video into the channel 27 programming later so my parents got to see me.  (My dad called my room to tell me I was on TV LOL)  

            After the performance we all got to go up to a microphone to tell everyone who we were and where we were from.   Then we got in line to get our certificates.   I also paused to have my picture taken with the hula instructors.   It was taking forever to get to the head of the line and I was worried about my video camera – and my kindle that I had left on the chair.   The area was clearing out and I felt uncomfortable leaving them.   When I went back to get them however, I discovered the lady and her friend had stayed and were watching my stuff.   I thanked them of course and the lady asked me – “did you say you were from Colorado”  I was like: “Yes, Westminster Colorado.”   Well she said she was from Colorado too!   Longmont.  I was shocked.  I hadn’t yet met anyone from Colorado on the cruise, though one of our guides earlier in the week had lived in Colorado for a time.   So I asked her name and she said Helen!   My mom’s name is Helene! (pronounced the same.)  That was so funny. 

            Afterward I went and grabbed my pearls to get them set.  I had several white/cream ones and picked two that were the closest to make into stud earrings.  Another I had set in a sterling silver geco pendent – it looks like he’s running away with the pearl in his mouth!  It’s so cute.   The last thing I did was something my mother suggested, I had the black and silver pearls set in the same setting.  Unfortunately the only setting they had for two pearls was a white gold with a diamond pendant (well they had a ring too but that was way expencive)  that was about 100 more then I wanted to spend.   I went ahead anyway. 

            Then we cruised along the shoreline of Kauai.  I forgot the name of the coast – it’s supposed to be scenic… and it was, but someone told me you could see waterfalls and I never did.   :( .    I was outside on one of the decks for one side, then they turned the boat around and I watched the other way on my balcony.   I tried to tape it to put in as a soothing scene video – but my neighbors were really noisy and so I’m not sure how much I got with just the ocean.  I of course took lots of pictures.

            Lastly I finally got the sunset from the boat.   I ended up standing there on the deck in the wind with a vid camera in one hand and my DSLR in the other.   I stood there so long though I ended up with a back ache that bothered me into the next day. 

            Now for a side bar.  Earlier in the week I mentioned a guy in a Santa hat being brought up on stage for the variety show.  Well – it turns out he was my next door neighbor.   And he must be a professional Santa – because after dinner that evening my mom and I went to pick up a few photos and they had a bunch of photos out on the desk of him and his wife that they were getting ready for him.  And he was dressed to the 9ns as Santa on vacation!  And his wife was perfect as Mrs. Claus.   They looked so cute together.   Most of the pictures I saw were posed by a spiral staircase that is in the middle of the ship.  Apparently they dressed up for their embarkation picture as well!   The photo lady told me the dancers (they had hula dancers both male and female pose with everyone as they got on the boat) were beside themselves and everyone was whispering “that’s Santa”.   One of the girls told me she went right up to him and gave him her list.  LOL.  She enacted what she said and was so funny but I don’t think I can accurately reproduce it.    Apparently at some point he also showed up in the pool dressed up and gave out candy canes.   I’ll bet he has a great time doing this.   Then, going back to my room I saw him talking with someone else.  I waited until he was done and then told him I just saw his pictures and thought they were great!.    After that I went back to my room and packed – boo.  Even with my mom’s help I was up until 12:30  (eek.) 

And on to the next day. 

Vacation Day Eight: Kauai day 1

Today we are in Kauai – the garden island.  I’ve been waking up pretty early- 5 to 6, so today I decided to get up and take pictures of the sunrise because I kept missing the sunsets!   I just put on a basic T that I brought as an extra and for gym (which I never did because I exercised so much on the other shore excursions.) and a general pair of shorts.   Afterwards, I went to one of the side restaurants for breakfast.  I was tired of the buffet’s claim of “crispy bacon” not being very crisp.   Crisp bacon is SNAPABLE.  If you bend it it should snap in half, not flex.   So I ordered crisp snapable bacon, and got it.   Mmmmmmmmm.   

            My parents and I went ashore to just generally walk around and shop.  My mom found a chocolate pearl pendant that was on sale almost 50% off – it matched the ring she had bought on the boat earlier in the week.   What was interesting is they had the same ring in the shop- for twice as much.   I’ll bet they had the same pendent on the ship – for more.   These were different store chains with similar jewelry lines and they just had different sales.   My mom didn’t like the rose gold setting, so the lady pulled out a (I think) yellow gold setting.   The pearl in the setting was much larger then the pearls in the other settings.  It was just random and the sales girl was just as surprised as we were.   She said they just get the pearls separate and set whatever they are given.   I bought some sun catchers that you put in the window – except these were made of lightweight dyed shells instead of glass – so they will not break.  (Unless you step on them.)   I also bought a T-shirt.    Oh and of course did my pearl.  We took a little walk by the beach and then went back.  

            All week I was trying to get back to the ship in time to do a hula dancing class.   This time I finally made it – only to discover that it was an ongoing class with a “graduation” at 3:00 pm the next day!   She did start from the beginning with basic steps for new comers, but spent most of the time explaining the “finished dances” we were going to do.   It was fun, though when I first started my hip didn’t like it and it ached a bit. 

            Today was the Luau.   I missed the sunset again because we were at a country club like place and not on the beach.   It was ok.  This still isn’t what I pictured a Luau to be.   I guess I picture it as somewhat of a beach party.   In fiction, when characters go to a luau – they participate – and it becomes just like a party where you mingle with people.   Granted, here I could have gone up on stage – they invited people up as part of a “pre-show” to show what they learned in the Hula classes.  It was just a massive group so it wasn’t like single people or anything, but I still felt uncomfortable doing it at the time, having only had one class.   So I looked at the booths they had set up outside the pavilion.   There was only one booth were someone was making something.   The rest were stuff like spices or jewelry.  I was disappointed, I was hoping for handmade Hawaiian crafts.   During an early trip to Hawaii we had stopped by some booths at a lookout point and I bought a nice made of shell cross necklace and I think that’s where I got my malleable hat that looks like it’s made of woven straw or other plant material (I think it says it’s paper?)  it’s treated so it doesn’t fall apart.    I was hoping for something like that at the Luau.   The food was served buffet style and… weird.  I mean there was macaroni salad and chow main!  I guess it was a sample of the different foods modern Hawaiians eat.   BUT the other Luau (the one my parents originally signed up for) was supposed to have a bunch of different dishes based on each island and served to you.  That would have been interesting – try different foods. 

            This Luau I think was known mostly for the entertainment (that and it was sponsored by the ship)  and the entertainment/show WAS good.  They told a story about some of the first people to sale to Hawaii.   The chief left his daughter behind (and also took with him her boyfriend, to her dismay).   However, once he and his men had settled on the islands, he sent for his daughter.   It was a nice little story and the fire dancers were amazing.   Remember earlier how I said I got the upgrade to be able to vid the stage?   Well the table we were at was on the opposite part of the room then the table that was indicated to me on the seating chart by the shore excursion guy.   I think he was the main manager because I saw him the next day and he asked about it.   Anyway- he tried to put me by a main wide aisle so I could set up my camcorder and not be in anyone’s way.   Except the ACTORS used that aisle.  So I couldn’t do that.   One of the hosts of the Luau suggested the table – but that would have blocked people’s view.  So I ended up holding the camcorder in my left hand during most of the show, and sneaking pictures with my fancy camera (and adjusting it!) on the fly.   I’ve only been able to look at a few pictures.   One I really like – I managed to capture one of the dancers as he is about to do a fire-eating bit and you can see the flame in his mouth!  

            On a side note, prior to the Luau getting started, I spotted a little grey kitty.  This cat was totally ignoring EVERYTHING around him (her?).  He first washed himself, then settled down to watch something in a tree.  A train came in (they had a train tour of something for extra – we didn’t go on it.)  and he didn’t so much as flinch.   So I thought I’d see if I could pet him.   I could- and he was the most unresponsive cat I’ve ever seen.   Just let me pet him without any reaction – AT ALL.  (laughs).  No hissing and no purring, no turning his head – nothing.    But still I got my kitty fix.  :)

Vacation Day Severn: Kona- Meeting Friend

Today we were in Kona, and I had arranged to meet a friend there in the early afternoon.   My mom and I went shopping late morning first, then met my friend at a pre-arranged site.   Kona was the only destination where we had to disembark the ship using a tender.   The area is too shallow for the cruise ship to dock directly.  Because of this, we had to allow extra time to get back to the ship – just in case. 

            One of the first things I did was find the place to select an oyster.  This time I went to the Pearl Factory instead of Maui Divers/ Pick a pearl.  I got a silver pearl (and it really looks silver too – like the metal) which is supposed to be a 7% chance of getting.   We also saw the first church of Hawaii and did some general shopping.   I was reluctant to buy anything though because I wasn’t sure I was getting the best deal.   After we met up with my friend and her husband, they took us to a farmer’s market.   There I bought 100% Kona coffee for cheaper then anywhere else we saw it.  I also bought some sea shells and a fan for mom.  I had wanted sea shells from Hawaii – but apparently they don’t collect/sell them anymore.  :(   Must have been over collected.  So I bought shells of stuff that CAN be found in Hawaii instead – though they were collected elsewhere.   (IE stuff found in more then one place.)

            C and her DH bought some fruit which we tired.   One was like a cherry with a pit, but tasted different.  I can’t recall what else we had now (writing this part after the vacation.)  - all the fruits have blended together in my mind. 

            After this C took us to a semi-private beach.  I’m using the term semi-private instead of private, because I would define private as one being owned by someone, not public.  This beach was public, but tended to only be frequented by locals.   As such it was pretty barren.  :)   There were petroglyphs on the ground in the area leading to the beach – but we could hardly make them out.   There are only a few and thus were not as well preserved as some in other areas are.  

            When we got to the entrance of the beach (where the trail met the beach) there, in plane view, sunning himself was a big Sea turtle.   There was a sign about not touching the turtle nearby.   We weren’t sure if this was a general sign put up where turtles were known to sunbathe… or if it was put up for this particular turtle and he had been there awhile.   They are called “green” sea turtles even though they are more grayish – apparently because there meat is green.  (The Polynesians used to eat them.  I don’t know if anyone does anymore.) 

            We walked down the beach aways until we came across a log.  Everyone sat on that log while I went off and set my video camera up.   Then I came back and chit chatted with everyone while my camcorder recorded about 15 to 20 minutes of ocean.   I’d like to make a relaxing background video to play on my TV.  Hopefully I’ll do that before the summer is over…. :)

            While we were there we also could see something bobbing/surfacing way out in the water.  But all you could see was a black blob – it could have been a seal – but it also could have been a diver.   I took telephoto pictures with my DSLR camera.  I haven’t had a chance to look at them yet, but from what I could tell I don’t think it will be identifiable.  

            After we got back we bid goodbye to C and her DH and I  ducked into an ABC store to by macadamia nuts.  I had seen a bag with a bunch of little sample size bags in it in another ABC store earlier – I just didn’t buy them at the time because I thought I could find a better price.   I DID find a better price at the farmer’s market – but for bulk of one flavor, not a bunch of different flavors that I could hand out to people in individual packs… So I decided to get them at the ABC store instead.  

Then my mom and I got in line for the last tenders back to the ship.  It was about 4:30, but we didn’t get back to the boat until about 5:00.   It was really cloudy so I didn’t think I could get the sunset.   Set myself up to go to dinner with my parents instead.   …. And then later logged on to the bbs (Prophecy Fellowship)  - that C and I belong to- to discover that C had posted a beautiful sunset picture and she said the sunset was outstanding.   (headdesk)  So I missed it again!

Vacation Day Six: Hilo

Today, my parents and I went on a botanical garden tour in Hilo.  I had wanted to see lava again like last time, but it's not flowing close enough this time.  The bus driver/guide took us to several spots along the way and talked briefly of some history of the Island, including the two tsunami's that devastated the “old” downtown area. (It's built up/restored, and you can go shop there, but only if you take a taxi or rent a car)  He also pointed out different plants along the way, including umbrella trees – which are called “monkeypod” trees.  I have no idea why. 

When we arrived at the park it was about 10:35 and we had until 12:05.   I thought this was plenty of time, but with all the flowers and waterfalls, we were half way trough and only had 30 minutes left.   My father had pulled away from my mother and I, as he wasn't into taking as many pictures as we were... well I am.  :)  My mom takes more then my father, but not as much as I do.    The unfortunate thing in my opinion is none of the flowers were native to Hawai'i  (they each had placards saying what they were and where they were from)  and I'm not sure how many of them were considered “Hawaiian”.  As I learned yesterday, most of the “native” plants were brought by the Polynesians and other cultures.  The only true native plants are ones that could have survived getting here on their own over the ocean.   But I'd still consider plants that natural grow all over the island and are not invasive to be native... or maybe “semi-native”.   I still was unable to have time to get anyone to ID the flowers I took pictures of yesterday.

It was a short trip – we made it back to the van just in time.  I'm sure they wouldn't leave without us as they did a count, but I'm not sure what happens when someone doesn't show up in time.   I missed out buying plant seeds though. :(   I hope there is a store in Kona that sells approved plants and/or seedlings.   Though I want something as native to Hawai'i as possible.  

After we ate lunch, Mom and I went back into town and Helo Hattie's where I purchased another pearl... and agonized over jewelry.  I really want some black coral, but it is expensive and they didn't have smaller studs, which I'd prefer.   I also want to save money for mounting at least one pearl.   I DO want to mount one in the gecko I saw- that is cute – and the sterling silver one is not bad in price.  But I'd like a pretty piece as well.. not gold this time but something I can wear with silver.   We also went to Radio shack (I had called Office Max and they did NOT have an AC adapter),  and gasp!  Found the adapter!  This is why I'm typing this now.  *Does dance of joy. *   70 something bucks (probably close to 80)  a bit more then the one I saw online earlier – but I didn't have to order it.  Also I can use it I think for laptops and netbooks (I have to check)  or at least a variety so it's possible I can use it as a backup to my laptop, which would be good.   I think it may have a surge protector as well as there is some other little thing that I currently didn't connect, I'm going to check out what it is later.   The lady at Radio shack was nice enough to take the whole thing out of the package and connect my netbook to test it for me. :)

Now I'm back here.  It's after 4:30 and I want to check out a Jewelry event- I need a choker.  I don't know if I'm going to do the inch by inch where you can pay by the inch and make your own chain, or if I'm going to buy the adjustable chain. 

Ok it's now 8:36 and I'm back.  I bought an adjustable silver necklace instead of the inch by inch.  The inch by inch is basically various gold and silver PLATED and most was thick.  The idea was to design your own... I guess you could maybe put sections together.   Well I just wanted a basic chain, nothing fancy.    I wanted a gold choker too, but they were more then I wanted to spend.   I asked if it was a faux pas to ware a gold pendent with a silver chain, and the person helping me never heard that expression before.  (and yeah I pronounce it fa O paw not fa-ox like I've done in the past)  Anyway he said that there was a lady who wore a $3000 gold pendent with a silver chain so... guess I can do what I want.   

I also ate a very quick dinner consisting of cheese and grapes.  They have a “cheese tray” with different cheeses and I LOVE cheese.   Then I attended a “ball room dancing class”  As feared there were no single guys.  :(   But hey if I didn't go I would never know right?   And they taught the “cha cha” I'm like “this is ballroom dancing?”  To me ballroom dancing is elegant gowned ladies being swept across the floor... OK I think “Renaissance” when I think of ballroom dancing... so I thought I would learn a waltz or something similar. Oh well.

I missed the sunset.   I guess you really need to go out about 15-20 minutes before the listed time.  I went out about 5 before and really – the sun was already down below the water.  I also don't get it.  It seems like the sunset here has been getting earlier and earlier instead of later and later- it started at 7:04 and now is listed as 6:49.   At home I think it has to be at 7:30 by now.   I wonder if it's due to different placements of the islands?  

Lastly I decided to go to the comedian Tim Kaminsky.  Apparently he is a “use the audience” type of comedian.  I know he did that in his little preview earlier this week but I didn't realize his whole show was like that!   He was funny but it's scary for me because I don't want to be drug up on stage.   For that reason I sat almost literally in the center of the theater.  A little bit toward the front but far enough back so I wasn't “in the front”.   And right in the center of the row.   I thought his first routine was a bit inappropriate.  He picked two women and had them – one at a time then both at once... become his arms.  That is they had to stand right behind him and put their arms under his pits and were supposed to gesture with their hands to what he was saying.   That was ok up to the point in time he mentioned riding a horse and the woman behind him started bouncing up and down.

Then the next part he brought a BUNCH of people – mostly guys – up to the stage.  He said we were going to re-create a great movie.... the Wizard of Oz.   He went down the row and asked each person their name and what they did and where they were from.  He made fun of the guy from Utah through this whole thing - I guess people from Utah are supposed to be backward?  The guy took it in stride.  (NOTE do NOT go to a comedian show if you don't want to be made fun of.)  Then he got to one guy who said he was an engineer.  … Tim said “of what a train?”  the guy said something and next thing you know Tim is going “a ROCKET scientist?”   I don't know if the guy really was or not or if it was something close enough for Tim to use as a gag.   He DID get to use the line “This isn't Rocket science” later though when the person couldn't get his part right.  

Then he got to the two women ---  the first one said she was in pharmaceuticals.  The next one?  She was a pharmacist.   Both ladies looked at each other and started laughing.  Of course Tim did too.   Sometimes real life is funnier then anything made up.   What's worse is the guy next to them was in medical supplies.  There was also a Doctor a few people before them...   named “Bong”  (the guy was Asian.  I don't know from where)  - of course that was joked about.  Bong took it in stride though. 

After this everyone was assigned a place to stand and got a part.   One guy was in a striped shirt – green and white – and was dubbed “Waldo” because of this.   He was instructed to go behind the curtain off stage right – way off.    Bong was asked to go behind the curtain and just stick out his head.  As Tim walked away, Bong acted like he was chocking by sticking his tongue out. 

One poor guy with close spiked hair was designated as a “chia” pet so he got to be Toto.  He had to be on his hands and knees and if he sat up then Tim yelled at him.  He did get knee pads though.  His part was to rub against “Dorothy”'s leg when Tim made a barking noise.  Toward the end of the show he went over to Tim (on all fours) and lifted his leg instead.  We all laughed.  However, I found out that this happened at the show my parent's went to as well – so I guess he's instructed to do that, which makes it less funny then if he had done it spontaneously.

The “where's Waldo” guy also was instructed – which was obvious but in this case still funny.   First he came out where he was supposed to.  The next time he came out from the right.   The gag BTW was when Tim would say “where's Waldo”  the guy who was Waldo would run out to the stage and hold out his arms  and the audience would go “THERE's WALDO”.   The third time he was dressed in the red and white striped sweater and hat and came from a completely different area – so we never knew which direction he would come from.   At the end of the show we were instructed to say there (or here)'s Waldo if we saw the guy again.  I have horrible eyesight so I wouldn't be sure if I had the right person.  

Vacation Day Five: Maui day 2.

Today I went on a rainforest/waterfall shore excursion.   I had signed up for it yesterday and also upgraded our Luau at the same time.  The Luau is later in the week and the base price was paid for by my parents – but  I wanted an upgrade to get a better chance of being able to film it. 

            Anyway I had no problems getting up and ready.  I needed to be at the meeting point at about 8:45.   I didn’t want to be late so I aimed for 8:30 and got there about 8:35.   It was just me, so I was nervous of making a mistake.   I tried joining with two other ladies that were there by themselves – so we could look out after each other as I tend to lag behind and take pictures.  It didn’t quite work out that way but it still went fine.  It was a very interesting tour.   We were split into two groups.  The guide our group got was named Glori and she was a very nice guide.  Both ways to the site and back she talked about history and general trivia of the area.  Before I forget, I should mention that we were still on Maui at this point.  Maui was a two day stop- but you had to be back on the ship by sometime in the afternoon.   I’m forgetting the exact time it was.  Anyway, Maui has the only working sugar cane processing center in Hawaii.   For the most part, the cane is sent to California to be processed.   In the next few years they will be replacing the sugar cane with another crop, but no one knows what that would be yet.  Glori explained to us that the cane is harvested by burning the fields.  This gets rid of the “chaff”, leaves and other non-cane plant matter as well as the bugs and rats.   The cane sugar also condenses a bit and it makes it easer to harvest.   – Side note – I found out later in the week on another tour that supposedly the benefits of burning the fields were discovered when a disgruntled worker set fire to them out of spite.  Apparently there used to be “ash  days” much like snow days when they burned the fields.   The heavy ash far makes driving very hard and so they cancel school. 

            The area we went to is actually privately owned but the owners allow these tourers.  We each were given a backpack and a lunch for the day.  We wore bathing suits under our clothing and took a towel --- so we could swim in the waterfall ponds.   We hiked over rocks and tree roots.   Most of the trees are shallow rooters and thus there are tree roots everywhere.  I’m used to hiking in the Colorado mountains where rocks can shift so I was being careful with my footing.  Most of the rocks were actually pretty well set.    As we walked the guide would tell us about various plants that were in the park.   Most of what she said, I forgot of course.   My brain just doesn’t like to retain some kinds of info.   I learn best by doing, so facts and stuff tend not to stick in my brain. 

            Some things I recall though are the following:  Most plants were what Glori called “canoe plants” – Meaning they were brought over by the Polynesians (and later peoples) rather then finding their way to the islands themselves.   Hawaii is pretty isolated, and most scientists believe only things like ferns are the original “native” plants.   Though there is some debate on both orchards and coconuts.   Bamboo grows 3-6” a DAY and is mature in a few months time.   Pineapple can grow anywhere – btw is NOT a tree – they grow on the ground.   But if a plant is placed in a tree – it roots there.  It takes 20 months for a pineapple to be ready to harvest.  

            We ate several things along the way, including the bud of a plant (forgot name) that tasted like a mild walnut, and a heavy nut that the guide cracked open on a rock.  Again very mild, not sure what to compare the taste too.   The outer shell is too hard to eat. 

            I did lag behind a bit while taking pictures, but Glori stopped often to explain something.   Also, another photographer also tended to stop and take pictures of the various plants and flowers along the way – so I wasn’t the only one being left behind.   She was one of the women I met at the beginning. 

            Despite my precaution, I did end up falling once.   And this was after the first waterfall, where we had to go down a steep and complex slope with help of a rope (and back up again after).   I didn’t fall there, but later just before a ledge over a river.  I was trying to climb over a large tree root.   Because the terrain was rough, I wasn’t sure of my footing on the other side, so I got down almost on all fours to begin with.   I had put my right foot over and was trying to get my left over when I became unbalanced.   As I was holding my expensive DSLR camera – I couldn’t catch myself exactly.   I had the camera around my neck and cradled in my left hand.  I had my right hand already on the ground but that didn’t help.   I aimed to land on my left forearm, however I still managed to bang and scrape my left elbow in the process, as well as scraping and banging my left knee.   I had bruises in both locations later, but I didn’t break the skin to the point of bleeding.  There were of course a few gasps and “are you alrights”.   Glori (guide) looked back and her comment: “Thank God you were holding on to the camera”  lol!   I’m sure she could see I was ok.   I took a picture of a mini cave created by the river going through a rocky area right after that and a man behind me said “for having bad eyesight you sure do take interesting pictures”.  (paraphrase).  I do have bad depth perception, and my brain doesn’t like it when I try to go down a slope or other area where I can see both the nearest step area, and down to the bottom.   I have a really hard time with boats because when I get on or off I must look down for my footing, but then I also see the drop to the ocean/lake and that makes me dizzy.  

            Later, I did get to “swim” in a waterfall fed pond.   I had bought booties to protect my feet before I left.  They were meant for snorkeling (so you don’t cut yourself on the coral)  but – I thought they were too heavy for that, and as they could be used for other water activities – I used them here to help me traverse the rocks on the bottom of the pond.   I didn’t really swim because I didn’t feel comfortable.  Instead, I edged my way around to the waterfall, slowly walking in the shallow edge of the pond.   I had forgotten my goggles and didn’t want to wash out a contact, so I didn’t stand under the waterfall – but behind it.   I did lean into it a bit and let the water fall on my head, but I didn’t want to go all the way in in case I washed out my contacts.   I asked Glori to video tape me (I had brought my camcorder)  she was great at being willing to take pictures and video of anyone who wanted it.   She constantly was telling people she would take their picture.   Many people also jumped off a small ledge into the deep part of the pond and she was taking video and pictures of them as well. 

            We saw three waterfalls in all, the third one being the one I went into.  We also had lunch there and then headed back.  The path was one large loop so we didn’t go back the same was as we came in.  Of course I took a zillion pictures of plants and flowers – most of which I have no idea what they are.   I will need help in IDing them.  When we got back to the van, Glori passed around some goodies, including fresh pineapple – yum!

            On the way back Glori remarked on how clear and calm it was on the island.  We were on the side that normally gets a lot of wind- but not for the last several days.  It also was so clear we could make out the neighboring island, Moloka’i which is apparently rare.

            After cleaning up I went and attended an Art auction.  I didn’t bid on anything, but I got a free painting of the boats at Catalina Island when I filled out a credit card application.   This also allowed me to buy a Tom Kincaid painting.   The people on the ship said that the prices hadn’t gone up yet.  (He passed away about a month earlier.)  However, it’s not on canvas.  I found out most of the paintings are on paper/are prints.   Canvas paintings are A LOT more money.  (As in thousands).   I paid ~250 for the painting, and then an additional 199 for EACH painting to frame them.   The ship people said that it was less expensive on the ship- I didn’t trust this, but didn’t want to chance it so I decided to go ahead and let them frame the works as well.  The frame includes an acid free backing and a plexi-glass sheet instead of a glass one (and I know those are more expensive).   They are done this way to protect the painting.  So I most likely would have taken that type of precaution if I had it done myself anyway.   Plus- I know myself – if I left them unframed, I may never hang them.  They’d go in a closet rolled up – I might even end up accidently ruining them.   This way – I can display them right away after receiving them. 

            Then I went to dinner at the Sushi bar.  I actually order Sashimi – which is the same thing as Sushi- but without the rice.  I ordered three types of tuna and some salmon.  The two fish I KNOW I like raw.   Most everything doesn’t have much flavor I’ve noticed.  I still prefer the tuna sashimi that I ate at Bonefish grill awhile back.  They put some sort of light sauce  on it.   Apparently Sushi bars/restaurants don’t do this.   So I dipped my pieces in the soy sauce and also ate some with the ginger provided.  I don’t use too much wasabi though – because I can’t stand spicy things.   In the past I’ve accidently ate too much wasabi – (and too much was not even pea size)  and felt like my mouth was on fire.   When I use it I tend to carefully dip my fork in it, getting a barely there amount and then using the fork to eat the sashimi piece.   Oh and I DID try the chopsticks.  I’m not very good and my hand started cramping. 

            Before I went on the tour in the morning, my dad wanted to borrow my netbook in order to use it to get on the internet.  Internet on the boat is really expensive, but I generally buy the 250 minute plan (for 100 bucks).  You can use their computers, but it’s harder to move around.  Anyway, at some point after I got back from my tour, my parents told me that the netbook cord was broken.  In fact, it was sparking!  (eek!)   So I couldn’t use it.   I’m not sure what happened.   I know I noticed that the batteries were not holding a charge and were not charging, but I didn’t realize part of the cord was frayed.   So now I’ll have to replace the AC cord.  :(   This put a bit of a damper on an otherwise nice day.  

Vacation Day four: Maui Day 1- Mother's Day

Today is Mother’s day!  I have a plan. (hehehe)  Anyway mom and I went to church this morning.  It was Christ the King church on Maui.  We arrived a little late because we had to walk there and didn’t know our way around.   The church was packed and we had to stand in the back.  Then one of the ladies motioned to us to go around to a side area where there was some seats.   My mom believes that they gave up their seats for us and some other visitors.  I’m not sure about that, but there was more room in this annex area.   At the end of the service all the mothers were given a card, and all the visitors (which of course included both of us) were given hand knitted or crocheted yarn leis.  My mother’s was pink and white, and mine was just solid white.   What a nice way to welcome visitors!  At this point I was looking for a nearby grocery story – but didn’t see one.  We did get a drink in wal-greens on the way back though. 

Later my parents and I drove in a rental car to Iao Needle park.  The parking fee was 5 bucks – but we think we were tricked.  There was someone in the lot taking money, but he never gave out any sort of pass or sticker for the car.  We concluded later that it must be free on Sunday – and the person was scamming visitors.  Oh well.   The “needle” itself is a large straight and narrow rock sticking up from the surrounding landscape.  Here a major battle took place that was instrumental in Hawaii’s future.   I just scanned the signs, but took pictures of them to read later.  (I’m horrible at history anyway.)  We had to climb a bunch of stairs for a good view of the needle – then we went down into a mini garden area.   There is also apparently some sort of nature center there with interactive exhibits – but we didn’t see it.  (I found this info on the park site online). 

            In the meantime… I forgot my hat – so I was trying to find a hat similar to one I had bought in Hawaii years ago.  My mom suggested Hilo Hatties – which is a “all in one” store chain on most of the islands.  So we put “Hilo Hatties” into the GPS and headed off to the nearest one.   It turned out it was RIGHT next to a Safeway.   Perfect.  So I mentioned I needed to pick up a thing or two from Safeway.  (I really did – I needed a small empty bottle – but I also wanted to go for another reason.)   Well I didn’t find a hat.  All the hats I liked were “made in china”  which defeated one of the purposes of me wanting a hat.  (I wanted one made in Hawaii).  Thought I NEEDED a hat – I didn’t want to spend a lot if it was just to cover my head.  I was looking for the same type of flexible “straw” hat I had bought last time.   At Hilo Hatties they also had a Maui Diver’s Jewelry section with “Pick a Pearl”.   This is where you pick the oyster and pay roughly $15.  They open it and you get a pearl.  They come in various colors and sometimes can be doubled.   Admittedly I discovered the Oysters are from a farm overseas and not Hawaii, but Hawaii specializes in pearl jewelry.  So I bought one – and got a nice size black pearl.  Later I decided to collect a pearl from each stop/island we went and one from the boat.   Most of the time it was at the pick a pearl places – but two times I picked one from “The Pearl Factory” which boasts being the first store to offer picking your own oyster – and also say their oysters are cultivated in salt water rather then fresh.   I did verify later that the Pick a Pearl’s/Maui Divers’ oysters were done in fresh water… but to be honest I didn’t see a difference between the oysters or pearls from each store.  (shrugs).   Oh and I also got to pick a random paper from a basket that gave me 50% off. :)

            After that I went to Safeway – while mom waited with dad in the car.   This allowed me to not only get the little item I was looking for --- but also buy her a rose for Mom’s day.  :)   We will do our traditional mom’s day garden center shopping a little late – when we get back from the cruise, but I wanted to give her a little something in the mean time.   So I was glad I was able to do that.   I hid it behind a paper bag and presented it to her when I got back to the car.   She used a water bottle for a vase back on the ship. 

            Last note of the day – went to dinner at one of the free cafés.  These are in addition to the buffet and they serve a little bit better quality food for free.   Some parts of the menu change, and others do not.  The ship also has specialty restaurants you can go to for a flat fee.  Anyway they had Salmon tartar (I believe tartar means “raw”) and it was really really good.  

Vacation Day Three: We're Off!

            Not much to tell today.   We boarded the ship around noon.  It went very very smooth – unlike the cruise we took out of Miami.  In Miami the check in/security line was outside and wound around several “back and forth” areas.   Here it was pretty straightforward and we were checked-in in no time.   My parents had bought a special suite for themselves (they did this to celebrate their 50^th wedding anniversary – which was in March)  so they were VIP.  We were allowed with them and got to sit in a special lounge where people explained the amenities of the ship.  We also got to eat lunch in “Lazy Js” a restaurant that is for VIPs and their guests only for breakfast and lunch.   (Though it is open to anyone for dinner.)   When our rooms were ready – we simply went to them and unpacked and relaxed.  The ship sailed at 7:00.  Later my parents and I attended a variety show which highlighted the various acts that were going to play later in the week.  Unfortunately my SIL wasn’t feeling very well so neither she nor my brother went to the show.   The highlight of the show (IMHO) was the comedian.   He had various people come up on stage and did a rendition of “Old McDonald had a farm” with the audience doing part of the song, a designated “singer” (he could kinda sing) doing part of the song, and various people as the animals.   There was a guy there in a Santa hat that of course caught the attention of the comedian so he was up on stage.   He looked the part as well.  Tomorrow we will be in Maui. 

Vacation - Day two: Oahu

The highlight of today was the snorkeling trip we took in the morning.  I forgot to mention yesterday that we are currently on the island of Oahu.   This is where we will sail from tomorrow.   I don’t recall the company we went with, but basically we just paid for the transportation and to be able to enter the park.  I think we were at the Hanauma Bay Park.   But I could be wrong.  I just remember it started with an “H”.  (And I googled it).

            The park was crowded, and the officials would not let our van in right away.   Only when a similar number of people (in a tour- not individual cars, which are counted differently) had left were we allowed in.   We first had to watch an informative video about the coral reefs and what we were allowed and not allowed to do.   You can’t feed or touch the fish.  (fish touching you is different).  If you see a turtle, you must try to keep about 5 feet or more away from them.  (Again, if they come up to you and you can’t help it – it’s ok.)   They supposedly had people dressed “normal” out there watching to make sure you didn’t break the rules, but some of us were skeptical of that. 

            We chose to ride a tram down instead of walking as it was very steep.  My mom mentioned brining quarters to pay for the tram – turns out it was 75 cents going down and a full buck going back up!  A bit more then we expected.   Once settled, my brother, SIL and my dad all went into the water.  My mom can’t swim so she just relaxed in a shady area and watched our stuff.   I took longer because I wanted to make sure my underwater camera was secure on my wrist – and on the float thing I bought.   I had a lifeguard help me.   Then I attempted to go into the water.   Side note – I bought my own snorkel mask and breather a few years ago when we went to the Caribbean.  When I was a kid the mask always flooded and due to my horrible eyesight – in order to see anything I HAVE to wear contacts, so I wanted a mask fitted to me instead of getting a generic one.   So I also wanted to make sure the mask was set right. 

            Then I went into the water.  It was colder then I expected.   I got to about 3 feet in and dunked myself.  Then I tried floating in just three feet.   I only had been snorkeling as an Adult once before – on the Caribbean trip (which was also a cruise) mentioned above.   Well I started hyperventilating a bit.   No matter how long I stood their breathing through the snorkel first, as soon as I stuck my face in the water my brain told me I had to hold my breath and I had trouble relaxing.   Then I found out I couldn’t even stand back up.   It was windy and there was a currant and I just couldn’t get my legs under me very well.   After a few tries I realized there was no way I was going to be able to do this without some sort of floatation device.  As I was heading back in I met my brother – who had had the same thought.  He was carrying two devices- one for himself and one for his wife.   He told me that they were 7 bucks to rent!   Well I had money so I rented one, and it was much better.  I was able to feel confident, even when waves caused water to enter my snorkel and I had to clear it.   It was interesting and I took pictures, but the coral was covered with sand and there didn’t seem to be much life other then fish.    I also found out that I had the camera set for “land” instead of “underwater”  and thus it’s possible the pictures I did get weren’t colored correctly (though they looked fine to me).   Still it was fun and a learning experience.   I defiantly want to go again.  After doing this, we pretty much relaxed the rest of the day and prepared to board the cruise ship—tomorrow. 

Vacation Day one:- The Journey

            Note – this and all my vacation posts are being back dated to the correct date this stuff happened.

            Here we are!  First day of vacation. :)  We (my parents, brother and SIL) are going on a cruise of the Hawaiian islands. – Paid for by my parents!  (Thank you!)  This day started out with me getting up super early (alarm at 4 am  - got up around 4:30).  The time my parents were picking me up had kept changing.  First it was 10, then 9, then the night before mom calls and tells me the boarding time is 11:15 – so to be safe the pick up time was pushed back to 8:30.   It had taken me much longer the night before to get everything packed, so I had a lot of stuff to do in the morning.  I booked out time.  Luckily I had done the litter box area the night before so I didn't have to do that in the morning.   I spent some time on last min stuff in the snake room, then concentrated on giving a last meal and watering the spiders.  That took much longer then I thought, but I got it done.   I also discovered one of my avacs that I was worried about – dead.  I was afraid of that.  he/she just wasn't right the last few weeks.   But as I have 50+ spiders it is more likely for me to lose one.  I also have two mature males I know will go any time. 

            Anyway back to the trip.  So my parent's picked me up just as I was finishing.  I know I had a thing or two I could have done (like unload the dishwasher) but I was out of time.   Everything went smoothly at the airport.  We had a 7 hour flight from Colorado to Hawaii. There were several movies, but they didn't reset on a continual basis.  As a result, I wasn't able to finish watching the last movie.

            At first they loaded the wrong ones, and I was looking at one of the “Underworld” movies – which I'd be more interested watching at home, not on an airline.   They reset the movies which took time, and mom and I (she was in the seat next to me and selected the same movie)  watched “The woman in black”   a ghost story.   I should mention (for those who don't know) that the TVs were embedded in the seat backs... everyone had one.  You also could play games, and there was a detachable remote in the seat as well.  

            It was an interesting movie... after we got it to play in English instead of French.  We both had selected English to begin with but somehow this was changed when the movie started playing. :(  So I missed the beginning.   The one thing I didn't know is why the main character wanted to go to the haunted house in the movie to begin with.   It is reveled as we follow the main character that a woman living in the house had a son, who was adapted by her sister and her brother in law.  The woman was most likely insane – or seen that way.  The setting was I THINK in the 30s or 40s.  They had older cars and still got around in horse drawn carriages.  The setting was also in Europe, as the man mentioned traveling back to London.  The little boy was in a carriage accident and drowned in the marsh surrounding the house.  His body was never recovered, and the woman committed suicide – which we see when the main character finds a death certificate.  (It's listed as “Self murder”)  The woman has enacted revenge on the town in general – anyone that sees even a glimpse of her causes her to act.  She entices children to kill themselves.   The opening scene in the film show three little girls playing with dolls and a tea set who suddenly get up and trance-like walk through the tea-set and dolls, crushing the china and open a set of windows – where they step out – presumably to their deaths as later the protagonist rents out that room and it's an attic. 

            The man whose adapted son was killed is the 2^nd main character.  His wife is going insane and seems to be able to channel the dead children.  The curse of the woman in the black dress is reveled by this couple.   I won't mention the end of the movie – other then to say – sometimes it's not so simple to resolve a hunting. 

            The second movie that I watched – after taking a break and skipping the next go around of movies – was Chronicle.   I had wanted to see this one.  Unfortunately, though we had 7 hours and there should have been plenty of time to fit three full cycles of movies as the longest one was about 1 hour and 45 minutes... they paused way too long between showings and the last part of the movie was cut off for me.  So I will have to rent it or something.   I think I get an idea of how its going to end though. 

            Once we arrived at our hotel, we discovered a mix up.  Somehow the rooms got booked under MY name.   My parents straightened it out and got an upgrade too.  We were all to have ocean views.  I was skeptical it would be no more then a glimpse between two buildings... but was pleasantly surprised when we not only had a GREAT view but a balcony as well.  One thing I forgot about places that tend to be in the 80s or higher all the time – it's too hot outside and too cold inside, because inside they have the AC on full blast!.  We had a long day – so for the most part we just relaxed, had dinner and went to bed.