Pia and Isabella got Friday off and we were Hawaii bound just after the classmates had pledged their allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. We arrived at the condo in style. It’s an incredible privilege to be able to use the flat in Oahu and the views continue to take our breath away every time we roll the shutters to the side.
Isabella and Pia ran off to the Canoe Club and stayed in the ocean so long that only Mogens and Birgit lasted long enough to keep an eye on them until the ocean ejected them for the last time. But next morning they were ready for the ocean again, and we only made it to Waimanalo beach before they begged for a change of clothing and more wave action. Waimanalo Beach is pristine and one of our favorites.
We went around the island and stopped at China Man’s Hat which is almost straight opposite of the farm where parts of Jurrasic Park were shot. As always we stopped at Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck for some spicy shrimp and took off to see if there were any turtles to be found. It turned out to be a record for us, and counting the ones in the water as well the numbers were past 10.
Had some pineapple ice-cream at the Dole Pineapple Plantation and called it a day. Light snack at home for dinner with the breaking waves as soothing background music. A sound none of us will ever get tired off.
Mogens and Birgit treated all of us to a traditional Luau Sunday evening. It was a very nicely done with lots of activities before the cooked pig was pulled out of the ground. The girls got to maneuver an outrigger and decided to get non-permanent tattoos. The fire and dance show was very impressive with dances from all over the world. Isabella and Pia jumped on every opportunity to get on stage – nothing new there…
Our last day – Monday – was largely spent at Pearl Harbor. Olivia had been some years back, but the exhibition was recently overhauled. We highly recommend it. The entrance was free and our only cost were the narrative devices. The visit to the memorial was great but the displays and movies around the entrance is probably what made the biggest impression. Pia emerged herself into code breaking and deciphered several important messages although 70+ years too late.
We were back in San Francisco early Tuesday morning. In fact so early that the girls could sleep a couple of hours before heading to school.