We spent Friday December 7th at the Polynesian Cultural Center. They had lots of shows and fun activities. Don't you think Rich would have made an awesome dancer?
Tap was a Samoan that did the Fire Dance at the evening show. His bi's weren't that much bigger than Rich's. :):):)
On Saturday we went to the temple. After the session we went over to the BYU Hawaii cafeteria and had lunch. Reminded me of the galley days with Daija and Michael. Rich watched the BYU-Michigan game on the TV although it was pretty blurry. I bought a book at the bookstore and was very content to read.
Sunday evening we took a walk on Sunset beach. It was a beautiful sight.
Monday morning we went on a hike to Waimea Falls. The park was closed, but we had met some locals and they told us to just walk up anyway and pay on our way out. Good plan, but we got busted and they park lady wasn't very happy with us. It was a beautiful park though and there weren't many people there. Only us and a couple of other "locals."Helicopter Tour Monday December 10
On Monday we also went for a helicopter ride of the Island. It was awesome, although it took a while for my heart to stop racing. We were at least able to see Pearl Harbor from the sky because I hadn't looked into seeing what time they closed and when we got there Tuesday they were closing and so we didn't really get to tour Pearl Harbor. 
The falls is over 1000 foot drop. A few years back 7 hikers were killed trying to hike to it. The falls is closed and you can only see it from the helicopter. Rich and I both had the thought that before they closed it -- this would have been a great Gutzman adventureDolphin Swim -- Sea Life Park
One of the highlights of the week was the Royal Dolphin Swim. It was at a Sea Park. We have a video of it and sometime if you are interested you will be able to see the Dolphins pull us and give us what is known as a foot push. It was amazing. Thanks to Trent and Jen Eckmen who took some pictures of us, we have a couple of shots of us in the pool with the Dolphins. Grandkids - get ready -- because Grandma thought this was so much fun that everyone should have a chance.Philosophical Observations: It is amazing what you can grow when there is plenty of water. The shades of green are innumerable. The flowers are plentiful. The colors are brilliant everywhere - flowers, birds, fish.... This reminded me that we really do live in a desert.
The Hawaiin people are always saying Mahalo which means thank you. Are we too busy to thank people? When you are in a group it is expected that when someone says Aloha that you respond back with that greeting. Are we too busy to greet our neighbor?
The north shore is very country, the top speed limit is 45 mph (and yes Rich did go the speed limit) and you don't pass. People are very friendly, even to the tourists. The Polynesians seem to be gentle giants, ever ready with a beautiful smile and a warm handshake. The locals take your orders on paper, you wait in line and aren't wondering why they won't hurry(even if you do wonder -- it won't help)
The church is still a 3 hour block and they start on time even at 8:00 a.m. Brown skin, white skin, long hair, no hair, old, and young all come to worship and be grateful for our Savior and for this time of year when we get to celebrate his birthday and hopefully be a little kinder, a little gentler, and little more like HIM. Mahalo
5 comments:
Looks like fun Vicki! Im glad your back safe.
Oh, I am so glad you had such a wonderful time! And perhaps you should move from that desert...to the northwest!
Love the pics of the dolphins, can't wait to see the movie.
I always thought the desert was where all you saw was sand for miles and miles. After being in New Jersey, I realized that yep, we are desert dwellers. ;) I loved your pictures and stories. What a great trip.
sounds fun, maybe it would be more interesting to do a Shark swim.
That looks like too much fun!!!!!:) I'm jealous!!!
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