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Maui Rainbow

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 26th – Mokapu Beach

It was raining all night and I did not sleep well. I am next to the window so visions of a leaping pink lizard kept me awake. He was still on the windowsill this morning giving me the eye – well singing with bum in the air – nice.

Hostel was busy this morning with guests, it makes a nice change from the anonymity of hotels. Apparently it does not matter if it is raining here the beaches are still sunny so we set off towards the SW coast to Kihei and Wailea in search of some good snorkelling. We finally decided on Mokapu beach as it had free parking and snuck in the last spot (much to the annoyance of the car behind us). Driving around showed us some amazing beach front houses – you can only guess at how much they are worth but how cool to wake up with that view every morning. The towns are so under-developed here compared to Oahu. Wailea has been landscaped to death as there are a few v posh resorts with golf courses. It is stunning but feels a bit too perfect. O found out in one of the freebie mags that all the stars come here – knew I should have got out the lip gloss!

The beach was a nice bay with a long sandy shelf in the water and a reef that started about 10m out. It was only later that I found out the beach had been shut twice this week due to shark sightings! Wow – the visi\bility was so much better than Hanuama bay and it made for better snorkelling as it was not so shallow. W saw so many fish and swam through shoals of them. I can’t describe how cool it is to just float and watch a whole other world carry on below you. We saw puffer fish – huge at about 12 inches each, shoals of long stick fish that just sat on the bottom and even divers beneath us.

Got talking to a Maui resident who gave us lots of tips and a nice couple from San Diego who kept having to phone home – their house was about 4 miles from the current fires that have destroyed a lot of California. Luckily that were not affected. Went in for a third snorkel (O went off to the loo – beaches have fab facilities here) and there I was just floating when a sea turtle swam beneath me. It just looked around and swam on. I followed it for about 5 mins (keeping my distance above) and it was amazing. You can imagine how annoyed O was when she found me.

She managed to take out some of her frustration by helping me building Josh into a mermaid in the sand…………….

Following on from a beach recommendation we finished the day off at Maui Ocean Centre. It has an amazing array of fish and is very well set out. It was great to see the kids pointing and saying how they had swam with this one or that one. There were turtles for them to see too!

So all this today and on the way home a double rainbow. I have never seen such a huge rainbow but I guess that’s Maui style.

Maui View 1

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 24th – Maui Bound

The transportation for the airport was a no show so reception ordered us a taxi. A limo arrived – nothing like doing it in style. The kids were very under-whelmed by the whole trip but that’s teenagers for you. The half hour plane trip was worth it just for the views of the islands – breath taking.

We have hired a car on Maui as public transportation is scarce. We have a Chrysler PT Cruiser so should be doing the sights in style. The hostel Peace Of Maui is in the middle of nowhere but the scenery really is stunning. Mount Halekala is in the distance with clouds that are nearly as low as you stand – this still freaks me out – that the clouds in Hawaii could be so low. There are dogs, mango and star fruit trees and the owner Tammi could not be more friendly.

Maui is so completely different from O’ahu. It is certainly less developed but the earth is red and the highways pass huge fields (tall sugar cane?) that you can imagine has some interesting wildlife. We have already had a little pink lizard come and visit us in our room but I think Josh’s shirt frightened him away. Rugged I sthe word to describe the scenery and the local population certainly tend towards the hippier side of life (without meaning that as an insult at all).

We parked for the local health food store in the library next door and the library police (even had a uniform) came running out and told us off for parking – can not have been a very exciting day. As soon as he heard my accent you could see him warm to us – bless they’re from England – they’re just stupid!

North Shore – Outrigger

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 23rd – North Shore

This island has so much to offer we felt like a change of scenery. An hour and a half on the bus takes you to the famous North Shore – surfing capital of the world. We passed the Dole pineapple plantation and arrived at Matsumoto’s store ready to sample the infamous shaved ice. We all had different flavours, got completely sticky but it was yum.

The North Shore is not built up like Waikiki and Honululu but small roads are dotted with shacks and tin roofs. It is a great feel – unspoilt. There are many more locals here, some live on the beach and I felt like a conspicuos tourist walking past. The surfing culture has left it’s mark and the language was sometimes foreign. Everyone is your “bra” not “bro” and I still have no idea what a gromit is. Oh yes and it’s not boogie boarding here – it’s the more dude version – body surfing. I expected to get down to the beach and see lots of surfers riding 10ft waves but apparently the waves arrive in the winter when the towns get packed. We saw a few surfers but not I think they were more beginners. Lost was filmed up here and you can see why…………………..

Got back in time for another fabulous sunset and then time to pack as it’s off to Maui tomorrow.

Waikiki Sunset 3

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 22nd – Retail Therapy

A rest day today. We had a lie in and got the free shuttle to a Hawaiian institution – Hilo Hattie’s. Josh got to finally live out his fashion destiny and is now the proud owner of a Hawaiian shirt – bright, trashy and completely Josh.

I am surprised by the number of Japanese tourists here – they must account for about 50%. You say hello in Japanese (which I am not going to try and spell) as much as you say Aloha. Sushi bars and all the promotional books are in Japanese so it must be big business. O still has her flowery converse boots which she insisits on wearing even with her shorts – I think she might be a harajuku fashion hit as they get pointed at a lot. Either that or they have an older perspective on fashion like her past it mother.

Walked along the beach in the evening to catch the sunset. It makes me laugh as the tourists all come out for that 5 mins – do the photos and then it’s straight off again. Whatever happened to soaking in the atmosphere? There was a street artist doing paintings with aerosol cans on the street – amazing paintings. I could not resist and we decided on an underwater scene with turtles. I hope everytime I look at it I will be reminded of our snorkelling trip so thank you my old work as I have used some of the money to buy it.

We also invested (to Ophelie’s delight) in some UV tee shirt things so when we go again no issue with having to worry about burnt bits.

Oh PS – Ophelie managed to find her bag. By a strange co-incidence it is the same pattern as my sister’s ski jacket so T I think she has her eye on a matching set!!

Hanuama Bay From The Plane

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 21st – Hanuama Bay

This place had been recommended, it is a natural horseshoe shaped cove with a natural reef which makes for some of the best snorkelling on the island.

It would have been a lot easier if I had not panicked and got off the bus too early. Half an hour walk later (up a hill) with the kids staring daggers into my back we arrived – wow. Imagine a curved bay with turquoise waters lined with palm trees – yep paradise. It’s a protected site so you have to watch a film before you go down to the bay. Up to 3000 people can visit the bay daily, there are lots of people at the first bit of the beach but once you are in the water it’s like you are on your own trying to find Nemo.

We rented O a special lens snorkel mask – so at least she could differentiate between Josh and the humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish. OMG – it was like a whole new world. Shoals of fish, stripey, yellow, pink – all different kinds. I kept hearing the kids shout through their snorkel tubes as they saw another amazing sight. It was one of those memories that I will not forget, absolutely incredible. http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/underwatertour.htm

I took an underwater camera but have not had the photos developed yet. We had lunch under the shade of the trees and straight back in for some more. The sights really were amazing and to think it was all in the wild……..

The bus back was less eventful and I even got off at the right stop – good thing really as although we had been very liberal with the suncream there are 2 patches on my bum that were on fire by the evening. Nothing could keep the smile from my face though. Amazing day.

USS Arizona

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 20th – Pearl Harbour

I actually read some of the guide book and have made a plan of what we would like to do and see. I doubt we will have time to do everything so I guess we will just have to come back one day! It was supposed to be cloudy so I thought a trip to Pearl Harbour would be educational. The bus takes just over an hour and only $4 return for all of us. Lots of tourists use the bus which is so much better than our system. I have yet to meet a bus driver who was not friendly or very helpful. The bus can take 2 wheelchairs and the getting on and off is very easy for them. The worst is lokking a complete idiot when you are trying to pronounce the place names to the driver. I have tried to just lilt my voice to try and sound more native but there is just no chance.

I will not re-cap the history of Pearl Harbour – that’s what the internet and the film is for! There is a memorial “gateway” which sits above the water where the sunken Arizona resides – with 1100 interred. I found this a bit spooky but some men after they die have their remains also interred there so that they can be with their brothers again. It still has oil leaking from it – commonly referred to as black tears.

The memorial can only be accessed by boat – the entry and boat trip are free. It was a very sombre day, made more so by the tour guide who introduced a film about the events. He had cerebal palsy I think and had many facial muscle spasms. To get in front of an audience anyway is tough going but his emotion really made you think about the events even more. He got a cheer from everyone as I think we were all touched – made him laugh.

Shopping at Walmart lifted us back up – Josh and I now have snorkels!

Diamond Head View

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

Up early as we were all excited. Straight off to the beach. Not very crowded, the beach stretches right round all the way to Diamond Head. It’s quite a view. There were some surfers but the waves seemed to be quite calm. We had fun watching the catamarans come and go and swimming in the turquoise waters. We even saw a turtle swimming near the shore raise it’s head – on our first day!!

As we are all quite pale I thought it wise to only stay for the morning. We were smothered in factor 30 but O managed to get burnt on her ankles and also has a nice red line on her cheek. Fingers crossed it will not hurt too much.

Back to the hotel for some sarnies and then we ventured onto the bus to Diamond Head. You can go to the top which according to the guide book was an easy trail including 100 steps. Well let me tell you by the time Josh and I got to the top (O faded before the top) we were both red faced, panting and weak kneed. For those of you that know me can only begin to imagine my hair and the humidity – yes finger in light socket scenario. The views were spectacular – you can see the crater just below and from the mountains to the shores. Felt like a real idiot though when some Japanese guy came up behind us, he must have been about 70 and wasn’t even out of breath!

We celebrated our trek but at base camp with a shaved ice. Other tourists just starting the ascent asked us what it was like – we lied and said you’ll be fine – just pace yourself.

The sun was quickly setting so dumped our stuff back at the hotel and a quick walk to the beach to catch the sunset. The beach was full of people with the same idea and all taking photos so who needs fireworks! It was beautiful – the crowds disappear as soon as the sun descends into the ocean but to watch the bay turn into a night scene with all the twinkling lights was well worth the wait. I hope I get to see this most nights. I have fallen completely in love with the island and am already not looking forward to leaving…………..

Waikiki Beach

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

October 18th – Arrival At Hawaii

After a long and crowded flight it felt so good to land. The kids were fidgety and appalled that the only film was on screens in the ceiling – no seat back personal DVD players. What did we do before?? The film was the latest Harry Potter so it was good to see all the props from the Warner Bros tour in action on the screen.

A quick wait for luggage and straight into a taxi and it was time to get that first taste of a new place. I stuck my head out of the window – it was night – hot and so exciting. Hawaii is always a place I have wanted to explore – ever since I can remember and certainly since Magnum. Passing through Honululu we were confronted with a warm breeze, lights, palm trees and high rises. The hotel was in Waikiki which is about 20 mins out from the airport – road names such as LikeLike (lie – kee) Highway and Kaeleania added to the exotic vibe.

I noticed lots of women and old people walking around Waikiki which is good so it hopefully is quite safe. The hotel seems to be right in the middle, near the bus stops, 5 mins walk from the beach and near the shops. O was excited to see they had a Roxy shop as she is still on the lookout for a bag. The hotel has a pool and a kitchen so fingers crossed we should be able to save some money. We dumped our bags and went straight out for a walk – how long till the sun comes up???

Los Angeles 001

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

Tuesday- chilling out day today. We went out to Venice Beach to get some of that SoCal vibe. How can you describe it? It has miles of sandy beaches with hardly anyone sunbathing and just a handful of surfers catching the waves.Palm trees line the beach walk and tehre is a line of small shops/stands by the seafront. I must have seen about 30 homeless people – most just sleeping by the beach in sleeping bags.

VB is like a mecca for the weird and wonderful. There are lots of tie dye stalls, palm readings and the generally obscure. The funniest moment was seeing a small white fluffy dog (complete with tie dye tee shirt and sunglasses) being sniffed by a dog the size of a great dane – the owner of the white dog dragged her away and was last seen telling her off in a very stern voice about her bad behaviour. We all found it very hard to keep our laughs in.

Yesterday we pushed the boat out and decided against the theme parks but went for a movie studio tour instead. We picked Warner Bros – which turned out to be the most difficult to get to (we were very late) but it was brilliant. You get taken in a golf buggy thing round the back and front lots. There was only 1 other family with us, when the Dad asked the tour guide if he had found Jesus in his life yet I knew it was going to be a fun day – we saw so much………..

Original cars like Batmobile and Scooby Van
Soundsatge where they filmed Casablanca
The Friends set (so now we have seen the outside in NY and inside in LA!). We looked through the front door of Monica’s apartment and touched the couch in Central Perk – felt very surreal.
Got “sorted” by the original Harry Potter hat and saw loads of props from the film, costumes, wands, spiders, maps -so much
The original Wonder Woman costume

We saw the filming of an ER scene – outside the hospital bay. The Heliport is a car park in the lot! They were also filming a Terminator series – apparently there is also going to be a T4 too.

It was a 2 hour tour and we were all completely starstruck – seeing the sets, props and history was brilliant – we all loved it and I would recommend it to anyone. You have to lock your cameras away so did not get to take so many photos.

We arrived back at the hotel late – my fault. We had 2 amicable drunk homeless men on the bus who were entertaining us. I gave them our day bus passes before we tried to get off so they could use them for the rest of the night. Pressed the button to get off and it was only then that I discovered (as we saw our stop go sailing past) that we were on a rapid bus that only stopped at the main stops. Dilemna – do I ask for our passes back?? I am too British – we slid off at the next stop and paid to take the bus back in the opposite direction! There mus be a lesson in there somewhere.

Leaving the mainland tomorrow – Hawaii here we come!

Lifeguard Hut Santa Monica

Originally uploaded by roupiesontour

You can tell a lot about the people in a town by the way they drive. LA’s roads are chaotic, very fast and on the 5 lane freeways there is no fast or slow lane – everyone weaves in and out of the traffic as they please – so no rules either. There are a lot of older less expensive cars on the road here too. Hmmm should be fun!

I have decided to give the car back early so we can save a bit of money by using public transport. It was a pull saying goodbye to our trusty white steed – after 4653 miles it had done us proud.

The buses here are only 75c and I don’t think I have ever encountered such a concentration of weirdos, freaks and hustlers in one place. Don’t get me wrong I have never felt in danger but we have had….
the religious singing guy
the blind guy with his funny hustling story
the skateboard dude (about 70)
the guy who hit on 3 different women on our 1 journey (it was soo funny)
Mr polyester combover (should have been in Vegas)

Quite a slice of society. Yesterday we went up to Santa Monica pier. I couldn’t resist having a paddle in the ocean – just to complete the whole coast to coast feeling. It felt great – first stage completed. The whole beach/ pier vibe was great – really chilled. There were lots of entertainers, jugglers, r&b singers oh and Jesus was there dancing and singing away too.

The boardwalk stretches for miles and people were jogging, roller blading, cycling and skateboarding along, yes most were posing but it was still nice to chill out and watch the world go by.

Today we did the touristy Hollywood bits. All I can say is that Hollywood really is a dive – the walk of fame goes on forever over both sides of Hollywood Boulevard so it was fun trying to look at all the stars’ names but I just did not like it. Of all the place I have been this has to be the least popular…………We are going to try another of the beaches tomorrow to see if that manages to change our mind.