Hawaiian Retreat

Sightseeing on Oahu outside of Pearl Harbour

Tantalus Lookout out to Diamond Head

I just took the opportunity to visit my former flatmate in Hawaii for a week. So good to see her. A good opportunity to tick off visiting a friend using a single flight considering she had indicated intention to move back to the USA mainland. It was also so good to fly to a destination without switching flights. I never really connected that the USA can be just a 9 hour and 35 minute flight from Brisbane. I mean sure it's just Hawaii, not the mainland USA. But still it's the USA and the culture associated.

I had been to Hawaii way back. Heck I had an issue with Hawaii. Last time we met at the end of 2006 I had my nose broken outside a nightclub. So I was under strict instructions not to do it again. Well that wouldn't be hard. I sure as heck think the guy who punched me those 12 years ago was a druggie and, at best moved on and grown up. More likely returned to the earth. But anyway I digress. Wasn't in Hawaii to revisit the past. This was Hawaii trip 2019. And my nightclubbing days were over. Especially when traveling alone.

Plan for this trip was simple and clear. Visit my friend, see more of Hawaii, watch some college basketball, and get some beach sun life. And well as I write this post I feel it was mostly achieved. Alas the weather didn't really cooperate in terms of getting a few beach days. Was it the most inspirational travel I've ever completed, no. It was just a week. What was different this trip was the feeling of not being on the move. This trip had only one real stop. Be it I stayed at my friend's place a few nights, and then in the same hotel for the rest. It was still only a short drive between stops. Like staying in different suburbs. Normally over a week I would have moved through 3 European cities, perhaps 2 countries.

Blowing by the Blowhole

Alas my friend had flown out to the mainland for a major interview. Due to the windy conditions preventing skydiving my former flatmate's partner became my tour guide on my first full day in Hawaii. Managed to get quite a bit in during the day. First off was a drive of the whole Western side of the island, which is very local, and starved of tourism. From there it was a sightseeing drive upto Tantalus lookout before a cultural lunch experience at Hooters. The afternoon then took me into the eastern coast including the blowhole, and the Chinaman's Hat (or well the island nic-named this). Can't really say that name these days in the time of social media cultural awareness. FYI official name is Mokoli'i Island according to google searches.

Heading to the North Shore for Shave Ice

The surf at North Shore. How about some wind instead?

Having already visited Pearl Harbor I didn't plan to do the major historical attraction again. My major visit was to be the North Shore. Where the big wave surf contests are held. Alas the big surf if you want to see it is mainly in November and December. Contrary to the tourism brochures saying there should still be some waves at the end of January my experience was no big waves. And there were definitely no tourists left either in the North Shore. Hence giving the place the real feel of an underdeveloped Noosa. Alas the USA needs a backpacker market it give this a relaxed Byron Bay surfer feel. There was no vibe. USA government if you're reading this, can I just say you're missing a big tourism market here. One that fills in the low season, and gets money into the local communities. Even if it was Monday morning on the North Shore there was absolutely noone just chillin' waking up to the new day.

So instead of surf the feature of my North Shore visit was the other tradition. Shave Ice. And yes if I hear anyone else give me the corny "it's shave ice, not shaved ice" statement I could go postal. We get it. No need to repeat it like you're a Scientology member. And yes I watched too many hipster videos before traveling focusing on this in their Youtube clickbait pawning themselves to be considered a glorified monetized Youtuber. Matsumoto Shave Ice was our stop for the traditional venue. And well I would say it had the best shave ice I had during the week away. Others I tried in Honolulu itself were nice for their location. But for sheer spectacle of seeing it made in front of you with the theatre of swishing bottles like a bartender this was the place. Colours on the rainbow shave ice were vivid and spectacular.

 

Driving on Oahu isn't that relaxing

Another point worth noting of Hawaii is I now understand the need for a car if going around Hawaii. It's a volcanic mountain island with steep ups and downs you need to get around. There is an overland rail network under construction when it will be ready and just how useful it will be is a hot topic for the locals. I can confirm I didn't enjoy the driving in Hawaii. I ended up in an upgraded convertible too big for relaxed driving when still converting driving sides, and terrible to park. The roads were not always that well maintained, drivers were aggressive in their big trucks, and speed limits were never respected on highways. Somehow safety was assumed during all this and I just could not believe these drivers respect the risk of injury they impose on pedestrians or other drivers. Driving seemed too much like "my lane, my speed, so get out of my way".

Relaxing by watching College Basketball and visiting Sports Bars

The following days, after having dropped off the hire car were spent in Honolulu itself. The idea being that I could still catch up with my friend, and then spend the days going to the beach, and then see some basketball at night. Alas the weather didn't play ball. I only had the one day of true sunshine suitable to tanning. My last full day. The other days were therefore spent walking up and back into Honolulu, and around the Ala Moana Shopping Centre where my hotel was. I guess I wasn't so silly booking the hotel next to the biggest outdoor shopping mall after all. Knew it was to be winter and hence wanted the backup plan knowing full well coastal towns can be boring if the beach is out of the question. Co-incidentally chain sports bar restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings wasn't far from my hotel either. Allowing me to sit and watch the NBA live. You can't do that in Australia at night. The bar here became my second feed zone. Cheap if you get it in happy hours. And yes from 10pm until close I found was one... how cool is that?

The diet of Hawaiians I found myself questioning every day. There is no doubt the locals bring up the average in terms of Americans. Alas over eating is probably just as bad as the lack of healthy options. And well the cost of food is always an issue for islands as everything imported is expensive. Now I'm no role model. But these people made me look like a saint. I need only refer you to example one of why Hawaiians are fat. A photo of a snack option for purchase in Walmart. Spam Macadamia Nuts. How to make good food bad 101. Food in shopping centres were often too big and overkill for the needs of an average person. A one protein and 2 sides way off life need not supersize them. But serving sizes were sure to ensure it was achieved.

I spent 2 nights watching the basketball at the University of Hawaii. A men's and women's game. Ironically someone gave me a free ticket to the men's game at the gate. So technically I financially supported the women's basketball program more if you exclude food and drink sales. Alas neither game was very busy even if they are the biggest indoor sporting codes on the island. I had to remember Hawaii is about surfing not normal American sports. Poor cheerleaders had hardly anyone to inspire.

Couldn't help myself

Ask yourself If I were going around an art museum and I see an empty chair at the 'Ask Me' point what would I do?

Damn right I'd take a seat and let people ask me questions. Heck it's no different to where-ever I am. People always ask me questions, and I'm always giving answers. They may not be right but they're still answers.


As I figured, if they had of asked me something I didn't know, then I would have re-directed them to ask me about something about Sports.

And if all else failed then they could of always asked another 2 questions. After all it was '3 for a dollar'.

Truth though is that the above photo is staged. Not that it's half easy to guess. Still it made for a funny moment in the Chicago Art Museum.

Snappy and the South Beach

There is not a better way than to lay on the beach to get over a horrendous bus ride.

Miami, South Beach. Home to the rich and famous. And me too. Be it for only a few days.

I had decided upon South Beach on the basis of there being no cheap accommodation in Memphis for the weekend with some big College Football tournament on. Yes there was a long bus ride getting to Miami, but in the end it was worth it. I had found white sand again. The only thing missing was waves. There ain't gonna be no surfing contest in Miami I can confirm.


Aside from the beach Miami is well known for the Art Deco. A style to its own. This was different and enjoyable to see, but well it wasn't as profound as I thought it would be.


Find of the first day had to be at lunch. The restaurant I stopped in at had a 'Grilled Dolphin Steak Sandwich'. Yes Dolphin my jaw dropped. Here I was thinking do I order 'Flipper' or not. Heck through all my university days when I worked at the restaurant we used to joke about putting Dolphin Steaks onto the special menu board on Aprils Fools Day. We never actually considered serving it. Thankfully the news was that it was not the Bottle Nosed Dolphin we love. It was in fact Mahi-Mahi.


I took the opportunity to do another tour. A tour of the Florida Everglades. Yep the type of tour done by fan boat. And of course no tour would not be complete without the Alligator show. Alas I missed out on trying an alligator burger and settled for the photo instead.


Aside from this tour I spent all my time on the beach. I didn't get to go hang out with the elite in a Miami nightclub. Even if I could have afforded the drink prices, it was impossible to organise a group from the hostel to actually move. But still had a good time there overall. In a way it was a shame I didn't have longer in Miami.

Chillin' to the Jazz in New Orleans

New Orleans has always been a destination I've always wanted to get to. The whole Hurricane Katrina issue did originally put a halt on the idea of completing the idea on this trip. But then I got thinking that this would probably be my best chance. And I knew that the French Quarter, the main historical centre and party area of New Orleans, wasn't affected by the floods and storm surge.


Getting to New Orleans has been an adventure. But the goal has been worth it.

The French Quarter lived upto expectation. Although as a single traveler I didn't get into the drunken debauchery of Bourbon Street as much as others did. And before anyone asks no there was no flashing for beads done by anyone in the street. Although it could of happened I didn't see it. But anyway that partying on Bourbon Street is just a part of what makes New Orleans. What I was there for was the Jazz. And the history of it which is very interesting in itself.


First day I arrived into New Orleans I checked into the Hostel and head straight for the Quarter and Jackson Square. Around Jackson Square I happened to luck upon the National Parks Service having a National Park dedicated to the history of Jazz. Cool. Not only was I again in a 'Free' National Parks tour, but it was on Jazz. The national parks Jazz History tour is unique. Usually you associate a National Parks Ranger with either hugging a tree, or hugging a monument, not being a musician dedicated to talking through the history and development of Jazz. Alas my concentration span for the Jazz history was not as long as the actual talk on the development of Jazz. That's the cost of catching those overnight buses to destinations. So I don't know the technical aspects of Jazz after their movement from work songs into the early jazz. ie Before Louis Armstrong.

Of course to protect myself from the spirits I also took the opportunity to consult the Voodoo Reader.


The second day in New Orleans I found another of the 'free' National Parks Service tours. Heck give me a chance I'll sniff them all out. This time it was a walking tour of the French Quarter. The French Quarter is the historical district of New Orleans. New Orleans for much of the early settlement period was a French colony. Until the Louisianna Purchase. Of course there were a few times that the colony came under the Spanish, the British had a crack at it, and gees I think the Dutch even had their hands in there too. Heck New Orleans was popular with its positioning right next to the Mississippi.

Other than this, I really didn't acheive much of note. Heck it was too hot and humid to do much more.

There is one more place though I really enjoyed. A simple as it was I found this cool little Pancake House near the hostel. They fed me well there the 2 days I visited, and more importantly I received great 'Southern hospitality'. They even made sure I tried the Gumbo.

News: I have Kissed the Nakiska Goodbye

Hello from Seattle. Yes Seattle.

For some of you this is a surprise. What is Chad doing in Seattle, its not a part of Canada.

Yes true, Seattle is not a part of Canada. But Seattle is the reason I'm here. You see about a week ago I got onto a computer of a friend at Nakiska. While on the computer I decided to look at the NBA website. Ahead into the schedule of NBA games, and what did I see? An omen. First of Cleveland at Seattle on the 16th January, and then Milwaukee at Seattle on the 19th. This was enough for me to remember part of the reason I'm here is to see basketball. And who better to see than the number one player, LeBron James, and then number one Australian player Andrew Bogut. So after a short thinking period I decided it was time to leave the hill.

I just had overnight in Calgary. Visited the Calgary Fort, and Calgary Tower. Other than that my first impression of Calgary is that it is a hole. Perhaps its good in the spring. Oh well to me it was just cold and ugly. Mind you I was only there for a night. Hardly gave it a chance.

Anyway to keep with the update here are a few photos. For a laugh I've included a photo of me sruggling to attempt indoor rock climbing. Basically I sucked at it. Not enough upper body strength, and I've also had very swollen fingers from a combination of wearing gloves nearly every day (sweeping snow, and skiing).


Then there is the another photo of Nakiska Resort. On a slow weekday this was taken. Don't ask me which run it is. I suspect though it was Maverick or Lower North Axe. One of the last runs opened. My favourite run though was Whoop-Up. I skied that on the last day. It had a nice groom on it that day, which made it easier to negotiate the steep pitch near the top.


A photo of the view (with the Eagle Tail and Easy Way Down) at the Top of the Mountain near the Gold Chair.

Interestingly I have come to the conclusion I can't ski 'powder'. I learnt on groomed runs. Put me on a fresh bit of snow, on a black run and watch me do cartwheels, while swearing my head off at the ski buddy at the bottom the run.

Which brings me to the next photo of me at the Sunshine Ski Resort outside of Banff. The resort is one of the bigger ones around, and full of powder. Especially on the day I went. They had 20 cms the night before. I've never tasted snow so much. I just kept hitting soft powder and face planting it into the snow. It also didn't help I had forgotten my googles that day and was using my sunglasses instead. Sunglasses as I knew beforehand are usless after the first stack.


Some of the regrets I have of leaving Nakiska so early besides the friends include, not having learnt to ski backwards, not having convinced a ski patroller call through a 'Yard Sale' (think about it) instead of an accident, and not having skied at a 4th Mountain.. Oh well. There's always Whistler.

And then finally I have also included 2 photos of Calgary. The Fort, and the view to the Calgary Tower.

The Nose knows

I thought I'd update peoples with news on the broken nose. It's all but healed. Every day I find it harder and harder to successfully achieve the homeless look. The broken nose with black eyes gives one such a head start.

Last week I went to the specialist here in Vancouver. They weren't so keen on re-fracturing the nose to re-align it. There was a 1/3 chance it'd be back to normal, a 1/3 chance there'd be only slight improvement, and a 1/3 chance of no change.

The alignment is only slightly out up on the bridge. Now that the swelling has gone I can feel the difference. I'm left wondering whether it'll affect me during hayfever season. For the moment it just gives me a whole new point at which the glasses can sit.

If I find it annoys me, or I have trouble breathing then I'm ok to go get it fixed while I'm here. But it can be fixed later. I'm not so keen on the alternative. That being to find a psycho with a right-hook to re-align it.

Anyway here's a photo of the face as it stands.

I went to Hawaii and all I got was a this crappy pen.. and a Black Eye

Well the news is I'm in Vancouver.

And with the arrival into Vancouver comes the good news I have better internet access to write to people.

And more importantly ability to post photos of the trip so far.

The first photo is that of Hananuma Bay. It's the prime snorkeling spot of Honolulu. A short 30 minute bus ride around from Waikiki. We visited here the day before I left. Yeah I snorkeled with the broken nose.

It was only slightly uncomfortable to do so. There was no way I was letting the nose finish off my stay in Hawaii.


The second photo is that of the Pearl Harbour memorial. The Americans have made the memorial a national park. Or well its run by the national parks service. Therefore its actually free. The memorial was a picture presentation and then boat ride out to the site where the Arizona sunk. All free. I like free.

This was about an hour long bus ride out from Waikiki. Good for the fact it only cost $2 to get there. Bad for the fact it was an all stops bus.

Other than that I also happenned to climb the Diamond head Crater. Or well from the park base. This was a interesting moment. We were waiting to catch a bus to the park when a stretched limo driver pulled over and offered a ride to the park for a fairly cheap fee for the 3 of us from the hostel. Actually if you were to get this limo normally you'd be a bit disappointed. It's seen better days. Although it might be the same original owner, it is also in original condition. But hey who can say they've gone to a national park in a stretch before.

This photo smaller photo here is at the top of Diamond Head. In the photo is Jason (from Arizona), and Alexa (from California). A few of the good people I met in the Waikiki hostel.

And before I go, the photos you've all been waiting for. The photo that caused all my problems, and me with broken nose.

Oh yeah. Forgot to mention. The pen came from the policeman reporting the assault. As I had blood on me and I had to sign something he had to leave me with the pen.

And then there was the Hawaii attack

This was the email I sent just after my being attacked in Hawaii. For all to read...
......................................

Hi all

Thought I might just update everyone with news. I'm still in Hawaii. Leave tomorrow.

Question for you all? What would you think I was doing Thursday night?

If you answered, spent 4 hours in the emergency room of a Honolulu hospital then you'd be right.

Why was I at the hospital?

Well the story goes. Me and a few of the backpackers thought we'd go out that night. Started at a cocktail bar, moved to a another area of Honolulu. Things were going great.

Well about 1am in the morning our unofficial group leader decided we had to move on as the club would be closing soon. So on the way out I decided to do the touristy thing and take a photo of the club we were at. Outside there was a big samoan bouncer, a id card checking girl, and some random guy standing there chatting up the girl. Anyway the girl decided to be funny and jokingly said, no photos when I started to line up a photo of the club's sign of which she was in front of. So I just moved over and took a photo of the sign from the other side of the doorway with the bouncer in front. I proceeded to say goodnight to them both and walked on to catch my group 20m in front.

Anyway this random guy took offence that I took the photo of the sign and commented 'hey man she said no photos'. I didn't think much of it and just kept walking off. Anyway the group had hailed a cab across the road and I looked back and found this idiot tailing me. After I crossed the road and was about 15 metres from the cab this guy said 'hey man erase that photo'. Dismissing the comment as stupid dickhead talk I just picked up the pace to the cab. All of a sudden he catches up to me, I turn, and he clocked me right on the nose.

Next I know I'm picking myself off the floor and racing into the cab. Everyone else jumped in and we hightailed it back to the hostel with me in the back seated and nose bleeding everywhere. Anyway on arrival I filed an incident report with the cops. The cops suggested I go to the hospital for a suspected broken nose. Incidentally the cop wasn't that friendly. He was a bit miffed we had fled the scene, and I only had a photo of the bouncer and not the perp.

After much waiting, xrays, and stuff it has been established I officially have a multiple fracture crooked nose. This I can't get reset until the swelling goes down. Which means I can't do anything until I get to Vancouver. I also have what is the blackest of black right eye.

The cops doubt they'll catch the guy but will give me a follow-up tomorrow I'd say. I gave them a description, there's not more I could do.

Interestingly the cabbie said the same guy had beaten up some woman a few days earlier. But that wasn't reported.

Anyway that's my news. No photos yet of it. I can't download the pics here from the hostel.

Other than that Hawaii has been good. Visited the Pearl Harbour Memorial, climbed the Diamond Head Crater and just lazed about.

It's been good but for one isolated incident of bad luck.

The trip started with arrival into Hawaii

Well as I've only just started this blog let me first start with the trip in review.

There was the Auckland stopover connection.

After which I made it to Honolulu.

For simplicity reasons I'm going to just post the original emails for people to read if they haven't already. Plus it'll help with continuity of the story so far.
..................................

Thought I'd just send off a quick email to say hello from Hawaii.

Today was a terribly stressful day.

I got up about 9am. Walked along the waterfront for an hour or so. Did nothing for a bit more.

Oh and then baked in the sun for a while.

The beach is ok. Water was good. Although it is not a surf beach here. and tehre is coral beneath the foot. once you get out into the water.

How does everyone else's day compare?

Sadly though it hasn't been all beer and pretzels. I've had a set back. And I'm not happy. My Camera died. ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Yes again. And yes its the camera they just replaced a month ago with a brand spanking new model after the previous one died twice in 6 months. This time though I didn't even get a shot off. It died in transit to Auckland. I took it out to take a photo in Auckland. Never ever buy a RICOH camera. I fear for the safety of any Ricoh staffers I see in the future. Lets hope they have good reflexs when they see a camera hurled their way.

I've now bought a Panasonic camera.

And I'm also having issues with the laptop. Unable to connect to the wireless yet. Beware of dodgy advertising on backpacker accomodation. Wi-fi access means, access to sponge wi-fi connections off multiple hotel complexes nearby at certain times of the day if you're lucky.

Anyway gotta go. Going to take a walk along the beach this evening...