Hawaii travel log Part II

On the Monday, I started my AOW diver course. I took a bus to Ala Moana harbor to meet up with Liv, my instructor for the day. Oh well, I didn't answer the question at the back of each chapter.. shame me.. And another shame for me is throughout the whole diving course, I did not have any underwater photo. Firstly, I do not have a casing for my camera... its water proof can only endure snorkelling but not diving. Secondly, Gabe actually told me that he can take some pics for me, but too bad, he wasn't the one who dove with me :(

On bus 57. Thanks to Timothy's monthly bus pass :D

Ala Moana Harbor

Ala Moana Beach Park

The first dive suppose to be a refresher dive. I am suppose to do some simple skills underwater. However, halfway down, I wasn't able to equalize my ear on 1 side. So I hung myself to the rope and waited for the crew to dive around. The wave was damn strong and I felt so sick. Interval time, I vomitted. Rested for around an hour, and continue to do the second dive. The second trip was good but my buoyancy suck big time. I am suppose to do hand stand but somehow I don't know how. I felt quite embarrassed actually. After finished the second dive, I vomitted so much on the boat. I thought it may due to the cheesecake I had in the morning. I always felt super bloated with the food during and after diving.

So after finished our dives, Jessica, my dive buddy sent me to the dive shop to wrap up our day, and very kind of her, sending me back to darling's condo. It was a very tired day. I wasn't able to make myself to move outside anymore. Not until when darling comes back and go for dinner, I have actually forgotten what we ate on that night ohh nooo~

The next day is a diving day as well, I got to meet Drew at the dive shop at 645am and he got to pick up another 2 people from Waikiki. This time we went to West shore to dive. It was a long drive... more than an hour I think. But the view was scenic. Especially when we reach our destination, Waianae Harbor. From the harbor, the mountains look so magnificent.

Getting ready

We are supposed to do 2 deep dive, and wreck dive. However, my first dive was disastrous. I had palpitation when I got deeper. I had anxiety and I can't control but keep telling myself it's deep. So, Drew took me to a higher level and make sure that I am all well. I really respect his professionalism. He really know what he was doing and showed all the professionalism. Throughout the dive, he keep me with him and make sure I am ok. I can't do my deep diving skills though.. On the second dive, we went to a wreck and I tried to perform what he told me to but he didn't really want to check on the wreck dive skills. Anyway, the second dive was much better. Maybe because I told myself that was the last dive trip for the week :P
I thought I like diving. But at that point of time, I am so scared of it and hope it pass quickly.

So Drew sent me back and since it is still early, I took a walk around the downtown.

St Andrew Cathedral. I didn't go in because there were a couple taking their wedding photo at the church.

Iolani Palace, which I visited in the second week

The coat of arm at the gate of Iolani Palace

King Kamehameha Statue. The building behind is the Jurisdiction court. Downstairs open for visitors, upstairs are real courthouse.

It says King Kamehameha fights enemy

Caption Cook invitation to King Kamehameha to his ship

The peaceful Hawaii under King Kamehameha 

King Kamehameha oversees his troop of warriors

Aloha Tower

Star of Honolulu dinner cruise

I am very impress of myself. Because from darling's condo, I walked to King Kamehameha's statue, then continue to Aloha tower, and followed by Ross, near darling's house. Thanks to his GPS haha! When darling was off from work, he fetch me from Ross and head to dinner at Lobster king, together with Frank, his housemate. Frank was very kind to give us a treat, for welcoming me Yeah! The lobster was only 9.90USD with other dishes ordered. Superlicious, but we forgotten to take any pics of them.

Wednesday, rest day for me. I went to send postcards, visit the courthouse, and to Ross! Yes, again, because I did not manage to buy anything the day before. Call me a shopaholic and I happily agree. I do watch over my pocket though...Darling came to find me for lunch, but apparently the shop that we wanted to go is close during the time. So, darling headed back to his office and left me to had my own lunch at Nijiya Market. Yes, I was smart enough to find bento food so that I do not need to give any tips to the waiter/waitress. Then I proceed to Ala Moana shopping mall.

My lunch. sumptuous isn't it?

I did not buy a lot at Ala Moana, which I really regretted so much. Coz after the labor day holiday and I went back again, all the sales were gone! No more sales! I was in Ala Moana until 7pm when darling called me to fetch me. Very impressed on myself again on how much I can walk. I had a bad ankle, having accessory navicular bone. But I still can endure the pain and walk for more than 8 hours! We went back to the restaurant that we were supposed to had our lunch earlier. It was a great choice.

The interior of the restaurant

Japanese porridge. I deeply fell in love with this porridge and basically all porridge. I have been cooking porridge since I got back from Hawaii and I love them!

My beloved darling in action!

The next day, we were off to Hilo for our 5d4n trip. Stay tune for my next post ^^