For what it's worth...

As diligently as he played, the winner of
the first Slots Tournament during this cruise...

... DIDN'T WIN THE SECOND!

Once more ... ?

I promised Thursday that something fun, interesting or overpowering would be posted.

Having won the Slot Tournament on the 7th, Dan's once again in good position for a second win. Some passengers grumble.

Wish him well.

Great Galli Gathering

This team of kids are enjoying their latest reunion. We miss them all, but we know they're having great, youthful fun together.

Aloha Aweigh

This last day in the State of Hawai'i began with a bit of accidental whale watching. This is always more interesting than conventional watching wherein the animals are actually under contract with tour operators. During breakfast, several critters were spied not far from the anchor position of the ship.

We were among the first to board the tenders and head in to Lahaina. Perhaps that was a mistake; the city, already resembling touristy ports (Acapulco comes to mind), when barren of its hawkers, smells of lunch fish, lost tourists and screaming kids, appeared rather bleak. The bright moment was being met at the dock by the local assembly of elderly Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers. They're a delight. One may think of younger hula girls being better at their craft than these old ladies, but it's just not so. Their grace, supple movements and tender smiles were a welcome greeting.

After an hour long walk and a visit to a great art gallery, we were almost ready to return to the ship. First, though, was a lingering stroll through the city's central park, 4 square-blocks large and shaded by a single, massive banyan. The tree was planted in 1873 and today is the only plant on Maui which has it own 3-person crew devoted to the tree's maintenance, health and protected accessibility.

While boating back to the ship, I took one long, perhaps final, look back at Lahaina and snapped a reminder that some past events are past whilst their memory colours the future.

This is likely the last post of this trip. The quiet mood of the next few days may not provide material to share here. Be assured: should something truly fun, interesting or overpowering take place, we'll put it up.

Aloha!

PS: We just received word that our Uncle Tony Galli passed away this afternoon. He was 89 years old. We enjoyed seeing Uncle Tony one last time during the Galli Reunion, last August.

Nawiliwili Aweigh

Today was especially great! That's because we visited one of our favs, JJ's Broiler, in Nawiliwili on Kaua'i. JJ's isn't a particularly great place, but we call it our 'hang out' when here due to one thing: they serve me the one drink I've come to crave - the Mango Dream. We found this joint about six years ago, and it's a given: visit Kaua'i, visit JJ's.

Beside the drink, the wild hens and roosters milling about and the warm, inviting beach strolls, we visited briefly with Kelly, a JJ's server for the past twelve years. She has been a regular server for us, but for the times we visited on a Saturday - her day off. As we were leaving the place today, Kelly grabbed us and gave us a hug for Auld Lang Syne.

Forgive the poor photoshopping that was necessary to get us into the same frames.

We have left Kaua'i behind and are now headed for Maui and the port of Lahaina.

Aloha Honolulu

We say Aloha to all from Honolulu even as we bid Aloha to Honolulu during what's likely our last visit here.

We have visited Waikiki's International Market Place in the past. Two or three friends have asked where the market is located. Here it is (first picture.) Got it?

I admired a man with his parrots that was standing in front of the market - two macaws and a moluccan cockatoo. I could have held one of them for a picture, but the $10 asked was a little steep. This picture cost me an unfriendly gesture. Inside the market, Dan searched some particular t-shirts. One lady showed off her merchandise but, when Danny said he wanted a particular brand - Island Motion, she told us to go to the Island Motion Store on Kamanawanaleia Street. The instruction was understood but the tone of her voice was even more informative: "Get the hell out of here."

The state of Hawai'i could easily be called the Bouquet of the Pacific. Each of the islands greet visitors with such elegant floral offerings, they become one of the greatest of memories to take back home. Perhaps it's that memory I'll cherish the most as I say Good-Bye.

Tomorrow: Nawiliwili, Kawai'i - and a visit to K-Mart for some wine.

Hopes Dashed!

I spent 20 minutes in high anticipation at this Hilo crosswalk sign today. Then, Danny came along and explained what "Flashing" meant.

---

Actually spent only two hours away from the ship. Time enough for me to buy some new jeans and for Dan to look for a book he's been wanting to read. He didn't find it. After returning to the ship, he located a copy in the ship's library. (Saved $10 there.)

We did not eat the lunches we had packed. We also did not go to Cronies. (Saved $20 there.)

Tomorrow: Honolulu! (We'll see what we can save there.)