Was a Tourist Today

My cousin Ayumi had a day off today from work (she's leaving tomorrow) so Naomi, Maki, Ayumi, and I went on a grand 'tour' of the island today. ^_^ I woke up late (9:30 or so) then after quickly getting ready, we all left since Naomi had gone earlier to pick Ayumi up from her hotel.

We first drove over to Punchbowl because it has such a great view from the lookout point there. I've been there so many times, but every time I got I have to take just one more picture of the view there! Our timing was perfect, too, because just as we were leaving, three busloads of tourists came by to see the view from the lookout. Whew!

Next we went to Queen Emma's Summer House and got a nice tour of the place. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to take pictures but the tour guide was nice enough to let us take picture of Queen Emma's pianos; even allowed Maki and I to play! It was hard to play because the pedals don't work well and it's really old. I wish I could have taken a picture of Queen Emma's chinaware; I know my mother would have loved all of them since they were sooo beautiful and the designs so intricate and exquisite. It was cool because there was a huge vase that the emperor of Japan had sent as a wedding present for Queen Emma. ^_^

Afterwards we drove over to the Pali lookout which I haven't gone in a looong time. The view was beautiful so I took a ton of picture; I shall practice 'self-control' and only put two scenic pictures. :P We were also able to see Chinaman's Hat which Maki thought was interesting because she didn't know that the legend about Chinaman's Hat was actually about a real island in Hawaii. ^_^

At the entrance to the walkway up to the Pali lookout, there was a food stand with all kinds of interesting snacks and drinks. We decided to share a coconut since Maki had never tried one before. The man who owned the 'stand' (it was actually a large bus) was nice enough to give us two coconuts. First he cut open a little hole so that we could poke a straw through and drink the coconut milk. After drinking it all, the man cracked open the hole a little bigger than using a knife cut up all the 'meat' inside. The man was so kind, he also gave us pineapple pieces for free! So nice of him to do all that for us.

Next stop was the beach which was sooo nice. I loved taking off my shoes and walking in the sand. I just wish I had brought my swimming suit so that I could have swam; the sun was so hot and the water felt soooo good!! Spent quite a while at the beach just getting my feet wet (and my pants, too...). :P

Next drove to Waikele Shopping Center. It was around 1:30 or so by the time we got there; ate lunch at Chili's then started shopping first at Old Navy. Because it's the day after Thanksgiving, every store was having a special sale (it's an annual thing for all stores to have a special 'Day-After-Thanksgiving Sale'.) It was pretty crazy with sooo many people and soooo many cars.

At Old Navy I got some nice pajama bottoms; Christmas-y with lots of gingerbread men. ^_^ Naomi and I also got a cute toy for Bianca though we're doubting very much if it'll last long...

Shopped all over and I ended up getting one more pair of army-colored sports pants. I love it... it has pockets (for those who know me, you know my 'obession' with pockets...) lol!

Bought some ice-cream before heading home. The traffic was crazy so it took a while to get home (I slept a bit in the car). Stopped by Long's Drugstore so that Ayumi could buy some 'omiyage' like chocolates and coffee. Went home and I was happy to see that my package from Tower Records arrived with my Hogan's Heroes Season 2 dvd! After Ayumi left (Naomi dropped her off), Maki and I watched the Hogan's Heroes special features like the gag reel, commercials, and home videos taken by Bob Crane and his wife. Soooo cute!

Took some time to write my blog for yesterday then for today's. :P Also video chatted with my parents and chatted with various other people. ^_^ Off to bed now. Nothing going on tomorrow!! Am definitely going to sleep in and perhaps relax and watch a movie. What a way to relax... *wink!*