The Beach and Burmese

June 15, 2021

Since we were still on Colorado time, we woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the wacky surfers already out waiting for their waves! Unless there was a coffee mug holder on my surfboard, I’m out. 

After waiting a long time for an acai bowl and bullet coffee for Don at his favorite coffee stand, he headed off to work so I had a whole day to myself. I’m not used to traveling by myself and am navigationally challenged but I was in luck. It seems that navigation comes easily if I use stores as landmarks so I was set since every store known to mankind was surrounding us. 

First off, I tried to follow the Waikiki boardwalk. When we were here with the kids in 2007, one of my fondest memories was walking along the boardwalk and hearing the music from all of the hotels along the way. After losing the boardwalk which really isn’t made of wood but asphalt, several times I gave up, thinking that it didn’t exist anymore. I have since learned that we had walked it from the other end. Where we are staying this time the boardwalk has never existed. Oh well, I got my steps in trying!

There is an outdoor mall nearby called the International Marketplace. It was built around a giant Banyan tree which is gorgeous. I truly wish that we could grow banyan trees in Colorado because they are my new favorite. I didn’t shop much, just picked up some rashguards- long sleeve UV blocking shirts- to protect our sun abused skin when we snorkel and kayak along with some beach towels. I tried to stay away from all of the touristy chatchskis because I don’t want to haul them around and they usually end up in the next garage sale!

In the afternoon, I picked up lunch and decided to join the hundreds of other people on the beach. My dermatologist and I have agreed that my sunbathing days are over so I rented a beach chair with umbrella. This is when I realized how much technology I rely on on a daily basis. I had my phone, smart watch -which is like an appendage so forgot to leave it in the hotel room- and my kindle. Not exactly beach equipment. Luckily there were no tidal waves to wipe out my devices and I spent a relaxing afternoon reading.

That evening we met Will, who is the managing veterinarian of the Honolulu practice, for dinner. Also included was Megan, the project architect, as well as Connor and Rich who we had Happy Hour with last night. Dinner was at a Burmese restaurant which is a favorite of Will’s so he ordered for us and the food was amazing! The dishes were loaded with different spices, similar to Indian food but not too hot. Great food and conversation equaled  a very fun evening.

Me and the Duke. Photo taken by a fellow tourist..

Surfer parking lot




M

Banyan tree in the middle of the mall.

Lunch at the beach,

A fun group- Don, me, Connor, Megan and Will. Rich is taking the photo.