Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Saturday, July 7, 2012 – Aloha! Today is my third day in Honolulu. It is still early morning, or should I say it is dawn. I glance out at the balcony, giving up on sleep since Phil is snoring and I am almost convinced there is a freight train running around in this room and the king size bed. Honestly, just how can someone snore so annoyingly and still manage to sleep? I’ve tapped him, encouraging him to roll over. I’ve pinched him. I’ve covered his nose. He ignores me. I’ve wanted to hit him, but I’m not a violent person, so I throw the covers back, toss my pillow in his direction and grumble to myself. After all, my trip to Hawaii was totally unplanned, so I must suffer the consequences of hearing a freight train coming from my husband’s snoring! Sometimes, the less said, the better!

I open the balcony doorway and watch the shifting colors of dawn. At first a midnight blue, then fading to clouds of darkness. Suppose this is another day of early morning rain, then bright sunshine.

Looking to the right of the balcony, I see Diamond Head. http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=15 Most of the view of Diamond Head is blocked by towers of hotels, and businesses. Nevertheless, the early morning view, with the sun breaking brightly through the clouds of the hotel room is stunning, with exception of the continuous cloud of darkness that is always over one of the mountains where residents of Hawaii live.

Last night, the butterfly wings of sleeping pills failed to let me sleep. Add to the fact Phil snores like a freight train, and no sleep for this chick. I suppose I’ll attempt sleep at the pool today. Not such a bad idea, after all. He is working today. Later, we are scheduled to go to the luau at Paradise Cove. I’m so excited, not to mention sleep deprived! Besides, who wants to sleep in beautiful, tropical Hawaii! There’s too much to do. Too much to see, and way too much to fall in love with! Paradise I think I love you! I glance at the lei I made, resting on the night stand. So many jokes are made about ‘getting lei’d’ in Hawaii. Yes, I got “lei’d” but not the type my friends are suggesting. Every time I phone a friend, that is the first thing asked, “So Barbie – did you get lei’d?” Yes, I got lei’d, because I made a lei, but – I didn’t get L-A-I-D!” Oh well. A woman can dream – about Hawaii!

Off to another conversation now! Tomorrow is Phil’s birthday. Since we were scheduled to be apart on his birthday, we celebrated it at the Elks Lodge the Wednesday before he left. I had a nice birthday cake for him with “Bon Voyage and Happy Birthday,” written on it. The cake was a beach setting with tropical colors. No, I do not intend to order him another birthday cake. I mailed a birthday card to him on Monday, but apparently, it takes a while to get mail on the islands. Looks like I arrived before his birthday card. We are on a tight budget and I have to pinch my pennies so I can still enjoy Hawaii while he works. Besides, I haven’t seen any grocery stores or bakeries nearby. I imagine they are around – concealed within a tower! Tonight at Paradise Cove we will celebrate his birthday, quietly while he fantasizes about the Hawaiian women and the way they dance! So graceful, artistic and beautiful. I’m so envious. Each time I attempt the Hula, I give up. I know, you are supposed to bend your knees, move gracefully and tell a story with your arm and hand movements. Easier said, than done! Normally I am a great dancer with lots of moves, but these hips and leg movements simply don’t agree.

How I wish this trip could’ve been an editorial research trip, or a press trip. There are so many beautiful sites to see, so many tours, but I really do have to budget, so during the day, I relax at the pool, take walks along Kalakaua Avenue and occasionally I stroll into the International Market Place. If only I had the time to plan this trip, but 24-hours’ notice simply wasn’t enough time. Next time, I’ll make certain I have a two week timeframe to gather information, make contacts and plan an itinerary. I managed to research and print a few venues while rushing to get packed, get the house cleaned, make certain the dogs would have the proper foods, finish an assignment and sending it to my editor…and after all that, I simply forgot to pack the 30 pages of research about “Things to Do in Hawaii.” Oh well…My Bad!

Walking along the streets of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu, the sidewalks are full, but there is still room for more pedestrians. Never did I see anyone shove or push. Hospitality is truly nice here in Hawaii. South Carolina could take a few notes from their “Aloha” hospitality. Even when driving, I notice people allowing others to cut into a lane without body language, or rude remarks. The sidewalks along the downtown are wide and easy for pedestrians to walk along. So different from the dangerous sidewalks in downtown, historical Charleston, SC. Surprisingly, I haven’t noticed an abundance of cell phones being used while people stroll along the streets. I’m a bit amazed at this because everywhere I go in Charleston; people have cell phones glued to their ears. Yes, this Hawaiian style of life could easily be the type of life I’d like to live!

Stay tuned for the scoop about Paradise Cove and the Luau!

As the sun sets on Paradise Cove, the fun begins!