Friday, June 12, 2009

Day Thirteen of Travel to ? 6-12-09

OKINAWA JAPAN (Camp Foster)So "technically" I got into Japan tonight at 7:30 pm and I sort of skipped a day. After Immigration and Customs, the Marines drove us back to Kadena where we signed up for travel from Kadena and then a nice couple (who were in the group with me on the plane) drove me to Camp Foster to find lodging since Kadena was full. I camped out on the couch in the lobby for an hour or two until they "found" a room available for me. hahah! Cute little rooms with a KING size bed and all the amenities you could need. I was SOO happy to have a bed to sleep in!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Day Twelve of Travel to ? 6-11-09

KONA TO OAHU TO OKINAWAGot up early this morning with Sarah's brother, Ian, and enjoyed the drive to Hilo Airport.Caught a hop from Hilo to Oahu and a shuttle from Honolulu Airport to the AMC terminal on Hickam.I was SUPER grateful to get on a direct flight from Hickam to Kadena (Okinawa Japan) on a C17! About 7:30pm local time (After a 9.5 hour flight) we arrived in Okinawa and were transported to Immigration and customs.
I thought this sign was funny and the group of us were laughing about the old person being included in the restroom sign, so I took a picture. I almost got kicked out of the country for taking a picture in the immigration office, so I learned my lesson on that one...but still got to keep the picture! haha! I have a cool visa in my passport now to prove I've been to Japan! YAY!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Day Eleven of Travel to ? 6-10-09

HAWAI'I (BIG ISLAND FUN)

I did some MAJOR sleeping in this morning and then we were off on our adventure for the day. This is a cute shot of Sarah Whittle on our hike at Pololu.
Sarah calls this spot the "breezeway" because after a hot and humid hike this particular spot has a fresh cool breeze and is a great place to rest before the finishing the hike.
Shaka!
Great view of the valleys and coves.
Trying for a "Zoolander look" but looking more like silly monkeys! hahah!

This hike was incredible!
After hitting a few cute shops we drove to the Marriott where Sarah will be Married August 7th! The views are incredible! Sarah's wedding and reception will be absolutely stunning.
Ian (Sarah's Brother) and I fished while Sarah and her Mom worked out some details with the hotel.
Standing in the warm water and fishing.....rough....really rough!
Caught a beautiful rainbow.
Sunset view from where Sarah will say her, "I do." What an incredible day!
Anyone visiting the Big Island should try Solemene's for dinner! Yum!

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Day Ten of Travel to ? 6-9-09

KONA HAWAII Here my friend Sarah Whittle cranks through some waves!

Sarah's brother Ian surfing.
Sarah's Dad surfing.
Me celebrating my first attempt at surfing. Status: not bleeding, took some hard hits from a set of big waves and kept on tickin', caught a few waves and learned to steer the board but didn't stand up, and only got a little rash from the board on my tummy! Surfing is fun! I can't wait to do more. :o)

The whole family went out to eat at Cafe Pesto to celebrate their dad getting a job promotion he'd wanted for a long time! Seafood risotto and incredible desserts and drinks! WOW!
What a great day!

Monday, June 08, 2009

Day Nine of Travel to ? 6-8-09

HONOLULU OHAHU - KAILUA KONA I missed all 4 possible flights to Kadena Japan this morning because I wasn't high enough on the list, so I hopped a plane to Kona to visit my college roommate Sarah! The plane only had 5 people on it including me! Wow!

Shots from the air.
Mokulele Airlines was awesome!


Sarah picked me up and we went for some awesome Sushi, hit Costco and her Dad's Firehouse on some errands. I got a shower and some laundry done! Played wii with Sarah, her Mom and Brother. Talked fishing and had a good night sleep! :o)

Sunday, June 07, 2009

Day Eight of Travel to ? 6-7-09

HAWAII- NORTH SHORE Cool shell ring and necklace I got from Global Creations Interiors in Haleiwa, Hawaii.


Motsumoto Shave Ice! The best one in Hawaii! Worth the hour and a half bus ride just for this little treat!





Saturday, June 06, 2009

Day Seven of Travel to ? 6-6-09

HAWAII- WAIKIKI
Blue Hawaii at House Without a key!


Waiting for the bus on Hickam AFB




House Without a Key was amazing! Creamy Pesto Pasta with Ahi and live Hawaiian music right on the beach! (Not to mention the tasty chips they make right there! yum!)

Waikiki

Beach in front of the Hale Koa.

Swimming in the ocean!





Friday, June 05, 2009

Day Six of Travel to? 6-5-09

TRAVIS AFB CALIFORNIA to HICKAM AFB HAWAII

I was thrilled this morning when I was moved up into the last seat available to Hawaii because I was a solo traveler and they only had 1 seat left! Only 20 seats and I was # 20! I was still thrilled when after the selection process had been closed they opened up another 38 seats so more of the hundred or so people waiting in the terminal to go to Hawaii might go too. After arriving Sunday night and exploring California I am REALLY READY to move on to Hawaii now that it's Friday!!
Here I am sitting in my jump seat on the C17. Although this picture shows me sitting...as soon as we reached cruising altitude...I laid out on the floor in my sleeping bag and snoozed most of the 5.5hour flight!
When I asked to have my picture taken sitting in my jump seat the gentleman in the flight suit took it and then said, "come with me" like he was giving a harsh order. I wondered for a second if I had broken some mysterious Space-A rule, but then he said watch your step and still holding my camera, took me to the cockpit and took my picture where there was a much better view! Cool! As I was walking (and sweating...not just a feminine glisten either...) toward the base lodging, a crew member from the flight stopped and asked if I needed a ride. THANK GOODNESS! Once I reached lodging and got a room, I quickly headed off to catch the bus into Waikiki!


Waikiki beach was so fun, exciting, relaxing to walk down and I had a great dinner/drinks before catching the bus back to the base hotel. It was a really successful day and I'm looking forward to wearing a swimsuit and hanging out at the beach all day tomorrow!
Aloha~ Sarah








Thursday, June 04, 2009

Day Five of Travel to ? 6-4-09

This is Joe and Maddy my "travel friends."
So as I checked out of my room this morning I asked just if by chance there was a cancellation and a room available for the night tonight and I SCORED BIG TIME! I got a TLF unit with a full kitchen, dining room, washer-dryer, living room, bathroom, and 2 bedrooms. Well I firmly believe in paying things forward when you have the chance (and it's not too dangerous) so I paged a fellow traveling Father-Daughter duo at the AMC and offered them the other room that had 2 queen beds if they could give me a ride with their vehicle into town to get a few things I needed. It's so nice how things work out sometimes. While we were in town we ate at Applebees and went to a movie. After doing a couple loads of laundry and watching the Burn Notice Premiere I am ready to hit the hay for an early morning tomorrow.