Wednesday

Steve, Stefan and Jaclyn went on a snorkeling expedition this morning. Here's Steve's story:

The pictures on the travel brochures, that's how most people would visualise Hawaii! But like all pictures, they're crafted to tell a story. And the ones you see from Hawaii make you believe that it's a tropical paradise. Well having seen the sites and experienced the culture, tasted the food, smelt the air, etc, for a week now, I feel qualified to say that it's not quite like you imagine! Yes, it's a beautiful place, that's for sure, and the people are really nice, but everything is jolly expensive and it's not as serene as it's made out to be! However, like any place, you've either got to know about the places to go and see or go and find them! Boy, did we come across a beauty today: Hanauma Bay. 

 Hanauma Bay

 

Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling places on the Island. Apparently three million visitors come and have a look and swim here each year. It's full of reef called coralline algae, home to many varieties of colourful fish as well as turtles. Too bad we didn't have an underwater camera! Swimming with the turtles was truly amazing. They gracefully glide through the water and appear not to be alarmed by onlookers; I even stroked one as I swam directly above it! We were truly awe inspired at our Lord God's creating and sustaining power.

Getting ready to explore the reef

A common Hawaiian gesture: Aloha, Hang Loose

After returning back "home" by mid afternoon, Jaclyn and I thought we'd try out the surf on Waikiki beach. We loaned some boogie boards from the hotel and caught a few waves. We're hoping to go back tomorrow as we need some more practise! It's amazing watching others do it, they can ride the wave for a long time, zig zagging as they go!

 Waikiki beach. You can see Diamond Head crater in the background.

Did you know that most of the sand on Waikiki beach is imported from California and Australia--

no wonder we felt right at home, we were on home turf!

 On the left hand side of the pier, a wall provides a barrier for the surf, it's like a swimming pool.

Fiona took the two younger girls for a swim on this side. After body boarding, Jaclyn and I joined Fiona and the girls. The temperature of the beach water is nice and warm, cool enough for a swim, but warm enough not to want to get out! 

 Can you spot Fiona and the girls. They're right in the middle, Fiona is wearing a white shirt and she's standing at the edge of the water holding the string attached to the boogie board.

Jaclyn with two of her darling sisters

We had a hard time convincing the girls it was time to go "home". We managed to persuade them by promising a swim in the pool and spa at the hotel; there was method in our madness: it was a nice way to wash off all the salt water!

 And Shantel's second tooth came out today! She could even poke her tongue through. That's what the other kids in her class could do!

And Taleesha gained her confidence and can swim on her own (but with her floatie on)!