Browse Month: August 2006

two leftover

Derek and Elise had a post-wedding brunch in the morning and then afterwards we moved to the Sheraton Waikiki for our last two days. Most people were leaving today so Jes and I got a hotel room for our last two days.

In the afternoon, we went to the Dole Plantation. It was your average tourist trap but it was nice to eat some pineapple and Dole Whip. Ti and Thilan also got a pineapple chili dog that tasted like a chili dog. I think it would have been better if they put fresh pineapple on top.

Afterwards, we took everyone to the airport. For dinner, we had pub food and beer with Jes’ WoW friend who happens to live here. I thought it would be weird but he’s a pretty cool guy.

Happy Birthday, Yoon!! Happy Birthday Daddy!

The Whang-Dang Gang Nuptials

Saturday’s wedding was fancy. It was in a fancy hotel, on a fancy beach, and we had fancy food. It was at the Kahala Mandarin Hotel that was right on the beach. Derek and Elise’s ceremony was by the water and decorated with white and coral flowers. At the end of the ceremony, they released a basketful of white doves that was brought to them by a large man in a green aloha shirt…kinda funny.

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The hotel had live reef fish swimming around in their lagoon. They also had six dolphins in a larger lagoon nearby. Poor exploited mammals. Anyway, the reception was inside the ballroom with hors doeuvres and open bar. In the banquet hall, it was decorated with white linens and orchids. The food was buffet-style with a strangely large selection of salads. Fortunately for the boys, there was a prime rib and pork waiting for them at the end of the table. My favorite part was the dessert bar complete with tiramisu and key lime pie…mmm.

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The couple was so cute and their bridal party performed a little “Summer Nights” for them. Of course there was dancing and Derek’s dad and Scott stole the show with their antics. By the end of the night the back of Scott’s shirt was soaked and he was grinding every living thing in the room…including the bride’s mom. Ew. Fancy wedding. Fun wedding.

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Here are the photos.

Happy 30th, Dayantha!

IMG_4454.jpgOn Thursday, Rus, Jes, and I went to the Waikiki Aquarium. It’s such a cool place since most of their reef exhibits are lit by sunlight and not that artificial purple light. Rus had so much fun looking at the filter system and he kept saying to the fish, “You guys are so lucky.” He’s in the aquarium/fish industry now so he was sorta doing some research, making some contacts with the gift shop lady, and just having a good time.
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In the evening, we went to E & O Trading Co. for Derek and Elise’s rehearsal dinner. It was quite a production. All of their guests were invited; there was a hula dancer; everyone got “leid”; we all got party favors to take home; and the booze kept flowin’. After dinner was over, we stayed after to continue the drinking and at the stroke of midnight, we all welcomed Dayantha into the 30 club. Yep, our youngster is the Big 3-0 and we got him mighty liquored. In addition to the shots and numerous vodka tonics, we made a special request to the DJ and Dayantha was handed the mike for his rendition of “Ditty”. Good times…

Sun and Sand

DSC_6867.jpgThis morning Jes and I walked down to Waikiki beach to check it out. The water is as blue as I remember it to be and the beach was as crowded as ever. But it’s still nice to walk along the waterline and feel the extra-soft sand and watch the little Japanese kids playing in the water.
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Later we drove up to to Kailua after Rus arrived. He was so giddy since it was his first time in Hawaii. We stopped at Pali Lookout where the view was awesome and the wind was really strong. The beach at Kailua was nice not nearly as crowded as Waikiki and the water was nice and warm.
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On our way back to the condo, we stopped at Costco and Safeway for food. We had a BBQ on the Rec Floor that happened to be just outside of our room. We fired up the grill and had burgers and dogs for everyone. It seemed like the most enjoyable way to feed about 15 people. It’s been crazy trying to mobilize that many people to dinner at a restaurant. Another good day on an island…

I hate hiking.

On Wednesday morning I went shopping with the girls and came back with 3 pairs of flipflops, a quilt, and some cookies.  Later in the afternoon, we hiked up to Manoa falls to find only a trickle. Instead, I ended up with 10 mosquito bites on my legs. I don’t know why I go on hikes.  I always get eaten alive.  I’m sooo itchy.
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After dinner we partied in the bride and groom’s suite on the 26th floor with an amazing view of the beach. More drinking ensued and we all managed to walk back to our condo in one piece.

Good Morning from Hawaii!

Last night was a hoot…a little over-stimulating and loud but it was fun. We landed at Honolulu Airport, picked up our bags, changed into the appropriate attire, got picked up by Dayantha, and went straight to a bar/club for Happy Hour. Food was half-priced and drinks were $2.50. Most people were buzzin’ already once we arrived but we caught up quickly.
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Woke up this morning around 7:15 am HST and went for a 2-mile jog. Luckily it wasn’t too warm yet but I only managed a short run before pooping out. Stopped at the trusty ABC store for pineapple, Hawaiian bread, and water.
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I think I’m going shopping with the girls today. Victor, Yoon, and Scott when golfing this morning. Being on vacation is fun.