11th April 25. To Honolulu.

My seal-turtle luck from this morning followed me to Honolulu. I took the shortest flight ever (19 minutes). Literally, you could pop over for lunch and a swim. 

Anyway, the traffic was terrible from the airport, so I took a bus. (Bus lanes = quicker transport). 

The Aussies in the broken down car I met in the supermarket carpark last week were pretty scathing about the area of Honolulu I am in. They said it was pretty touristy. They were right, it is, but it's also been brilliant. 

I arrived to check in. 

The loveliest lady at the reception desk of this huge hotel (25 floors) was so welcoming. She told me that there was a music/hula show from 6-8pm and then fireworks. I got really excited and told her so. She asked about my holiday and we chatted (as you do). She then told me that a room upgrade had become available and I was being put in a king size, with balcony, kitchen and ocean view! I got even more excited. So she popped in the back and said, 'there's one more thing I need to give you and she came back with this:

It's a lei. Made with fresh orchids, they are expensive and not generally handed out. Carolina (me new mate) absolutely made my day. 

So I told her so. 

Then I watched show, which was just brilliant. 

Then I saw the fireworks.

Then I went to John's hotdog stand and met a retired Colonel, a German girl (Louisa) who is working abroad and the Colonel's son, Trey. I had a really good hotdog and a really great chat about travelling and their politics. It was a privilege to have that discussion with them. 

All wearing my lei. 

To top it off the hotel has a washing machine. I might never come home.