Oh, by the way, I’m in Hawaii.
I didn’t want to make a big announcement as I assume I’d get the same reactions here as when I put in my vacay notice at work. “Oh, what? Your tan from Costa Rica is fading? You poor thing!” Well, you know what? One, I’m not exactly in paradise here and two, yes, my tan was fading! So there.
I’m here with my parents and sister. This is my fifth time in Hawaii and my fourth time in Oahu, and gosh, maybe I’m just spoiled, but I could live a very complete and content life if I never again have to yell “Aloooooooooooha!” as directed by some tan dude in a grass skirt. Don’t get me wrong, the island is a gorgeous, idyllic place, but it’s just so commercialized. And expensive! I’m like, no, I don’t want pay $12 to learn how to turn a banana leaf into a headband, and they’re like, dude, we’re in a recession too you know, and I’m like dude, call Obama, he grew up here, and they’re like fine! Or something like that. Yeah, I don’t know. I’m tired.
Despite being somewhat of a brat about the destination, I decided to come on this trip because this could very well be the last family vacation we take together, just the four of us. It’s kind of sad when I think about it. Being here brings back so many memories of vacations of the past. My sis and I on the pull-out bed, stacks of meal coupons in my mom’s purse, photos every five minutes.
And it’s still my dad and his three “whining women.” Today, as we were driving to North Shore in our rental car, he was fumbling with his giant map, trying to figure out which freeway to take next. Discord ensued.
Sister: Just give me an address. I’ll plug it into the GPS.
Dad: Do you have a compass?
Me, sister & mom: A COMPASS?!
Sister: Just name any place in the area we’re heading to.
Dad: We’re just driving and exploring. We don’t really have a destination.
Me, sister & mom: WHAT?! WE NEED A DESTINATION!
Me: I have to pee.
After more bickering, we finally happened to land in a place called the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is like an amusement park without rides. It saved us. Our day ended up being full of activity and it was all pretty educational and fun.
As we were driving back to our hotel underneath the stars, there was something about sitting there in the back seat with my parents up front and my sister beside me. We stared out the windows in silence, and I felt so safe. Like I always have.
I am glad to be here.
Have a fantastic time! I would love to go there even once. =)
That sounds like such a beautiful feeling- from the squabbling with parents to being in the back seat with your sister again. Whenever that happens with me, I immediately feel 7 years old. I hope you have more beautiful starry nights out there (and that you can get a refresher on your tan!)
When my dad turned 60, my brother and I joined him and my mother for a family vacation in Rome. And while it was great to all be adults on a trip together, some things never change, like, for example, the way siblings and their parents fight. ha!
“dude, call Obama, he grew up here” That totally cracked me up!
Ah yes the Polynesian Cultural Centre! We spent an afternoon there….all 11 of us! Go to the Honolulu Coffee Co. for an “Island Latte”…you won’t regret it!
This is not a postcard. People in gloomy England demand pictures so we know what summer looks like!
hehe. you’re funny.
my 8-hr drive up to tahoe w/ my parents was somehow kind of similar. bickering about different “best” ways of getting to the same place or achieving same thing, interrupted by either me or my mom needing to pee. families are awesome.
haha i’ve totally been to the polynesian culture center on my one trip to hawaii. sort of a fun place. man i want to go back. woo hawaii!
A little surprised Hawaii doesn’t get a “woo!” icon, but I guess we have to wait for specifics.
Live it up while you’re there!
I always love family trips. I feel like a kid all over again, the world feels less grown up that way, just the way I like it. Have a fantastic time :)
Aw, I’m glad that you found the joy in spending time with your family on vacation.