Aloha from Waikiki, Hawaii

Well, we made it to America without any hiccups. There was some nausea and sleeplessness, but what do you expect on a 10 hour flight. We've since managed to catch up on some sleep and eat some cholesterol free eggs and turkey bacon. Only joking... us Aussies eat the real stuff.

So, onto our adventures so far. I think we've managed to see every "American" shop that we've heard about including Macy's, and 31 Flavors, but we have resisted the urge to shop. The people are incredibly friendly and helpful. Lots of smiles. Even the bus driver from the airport to the hotel insisted on giving us a sight-seeing tour.

We had our first of many Hard Rock Cafe experiences for the year. Next time the menu says red pepper, I'll know that means red HOT pepper. I did eat most of it though. Adie managed not to buy another mug, but we got a cool photo of the car over the bar.

On the way home from the Internet cafe we will be stopping at Godiva for some oh-so-yummy Belgian chocolates right here in the heart of Honolulu. I'd better not savour them for too long though as the weather is simply beautiful.

Yesterday we thought we'd check out Waikiki beach, just across the road from our hotel. You can hire everything there, from lockers to beach chairs and surfboards. We didn't stay very long though because it was totally packed! We did have a little paddle though, the water was warm and clear, we could see little fish swimming around. I would have thought that they'd be frightened off by all the people, but no... maybe they feed off dead skin cells and toddlers piddle.

The beach was a real treat for me though because we got to see two fantastic sights. The first was this older lady, about 60-70, who had decided to get a tan. Now, most people wear bathers and a beach towel, not this ingenious woman, she decided why buy bathers when a bra will do. So, there she was basking in the sun's warm rays with her skirt hoiked up and her top off. I have to admit though, she did have a great tan!

The second treat was the opportunity to see a 'typical' American family just as I'd always imagined them. Mom, Dad and 2.4 kids. All overweight and posing for a family photo in front of the Big Kahuna. Not only did they look the part, they also acted it. Picture this... the photo has been taked and chubby kid number one has decided he's bored, so he's punching the big metal statue. Mom sees him and starts shouting "Brandon! Brandon stop that!" Dad then also chimes in and then so does the little sister. Eventually Brandon stops and they start walking down the street. Brandon sees a McDonlads. "Dad, can we have McDonalds?" And he just kept saying this over and over again. Fantastic. (I should make a note though. This family, while a definite stereotype, have not been the norm so far.)

And that's it for now. Tonight we're off to Paradise Cove to get laid and see a traditional Hawaiian lu-au before feasting on some pig that's been cooking underground throughout the day. Mmm, yum? Then tomorrow we go on a tour of the entire Island of Oahu. We're looking forward to all of this and will tell you all about it eventually I'm sure.

In Less Than 24 Hours

That's right folks, in less than 24 hours we leave. How do we feel? A little anxious, a little queasy and a whole lot excited!!

Adie and I are ready to go. We've packed and cleaned the house. We washed the car. We've crammed all we can into our suitcases. We've even both had a haircut. Adie in the backyard with me wielding the clippers and me with a small personal loan in a salon near the city.

I wasn't actually going to write again until I arrived in Hawaii, but I had to share one last story from home. Up until recently, we have very rarely been visited by huntsmans, and when we have it's only been for a day or two. About 6 weeks ago, Eddie moved in. (Named by Heaven.) Now, for the past six weeks, Eddie the huntsman has been on a walking tour of our house. He started in the dining room, then moved into the small hallway near the laundry, he spent a couple of days in a rather picturesque corner of the main bathroom and then quite some time in the lounge before moving into the kitchen area and then back through the hallway and into the foyer. While we were surprised that he had not made it into any of the bedrooms, we just assumed that he was respecting our privacy, much like we were respecting his desire to walk through and arachnophobe's house.

Anyway, tonight... our last night here... Eddie decided to boldly go where no spider has gone before (and lived to tell). Our bedroom! And not just near the door, or in the wardrobe. Right next to MY side of the bed! How do I find out? Adie comes into the study to say "Now, don't freak out but..." Grrrr.

Needless to say Eddie is no longer in the bedroom. He was gently placed back in the loungeroom. (Sorry Heaven, it's cold outside and Eddie is like a pet these days!) Here's hoping he left the map to our bedroom behind.

Can we just leave already!?!

We're pretty much packed. The house is almost clean. We've said goodbye to a lot of people, so can we just go now?

I have to say that it's pretty exciting knowing that my next post will be from another country... that is unless I'm bored out of my brain at Sydney airport. It's just so odd to be so close and yet still have Christmas before we have to leave. Oh well.

Here's to beautiful sandy beaches and people swaying their hips to the music as we drink from coconuts and sigh. I can't wait for Hawaii!

The Countdown Has Started

For those of you who know us, you will be aware that Adie has been counting down for the past twelve months or so. You may also have noticed that I have not been doing the same.

This is all about to change. We have only 20 days before we leave and I am starting to feel the anxiety and excitement that comes with that knowledge.

I think I was waiting for our Xmas/Going Away party before I would allow myself to actually think about all of the packing and shopping that still needs to be done. That's without actually thinking too much about Christmas.

Well, the party came... was fantastic fun... and then finished. Adie cleaned up and now I have to clean the bathroom, work out what to take OS, clean the kitchen, clean up my crap at work, clean the rest of the house.....

On the bright side, I know myself pretty well and as a result I know that everything will happen. The bags will be packed, the house will be cleaned, goodbyes will be weeped through and Adie and I will have the most exhilarating and wonderful time over the next 12 months. *Exhales a big sigh*

Let's hope that we don't do what my dad did last week and turn up 24 hours late for the plane. *Furiously knocking on wood* Hehehe, my dad's funny.