We love love the Likelike Highway - Part #2

It has been less than a week and memories of Hawaii are rapidly fading. Rain, wind, and subzero temps have scrubbed out what is left of my tan. Maybe that is a why I am a little depressed. Instead of going out and binge drinking like I normally would, I am at home watching the Celine Dion Special as I update the blog.

It's Just Like Fantasy Island
No midgets, but there was no mistake that Hawaii was fantastic. With only a short time on the island it was hard to get an actual itinerary together. So lucky for us the Bride organized events everyday.

Thursday -
The morning was spent in a garden restaurant called the Willows. The Bride's aunt wanted to throw her a party. It was our first introduction to a Fantasy Island like place. The restaurant is outdoors on a series of wooden platforms over a man-made garden. Tropical plants and a waterfall matched the thatched roof and open air seating. As we walked in a young man in floral print shirt took drink orders for plantation ice teas (pineapple juice and tea). We sat around at the henfest. It was an all you can eat buffet, something I always can go for. Luckily, I was wearing a forgiving skirt. And while there were basic bridal things going on, I could not helped be hypnotized by the cascading water. The day was misty and rainy and warm enough to drink iced drinks. The whole restaurant seemed to be shrouded in a cloud that only Mr. Rourke could penetrate.

Later that night was a catamaran cruise. I had to skip this event as I am not good on the water. Something I only discovered this summer. Instead I watched the sunset on the beach. It was still a little cloudy and the sky lit up in dark reds. The sky in Hawaii is another thing that was amazing. Everyday I was there I saw a rainbow. And not just any rainbow, but rainbows that are full arcs with all seven colors prominent. Who knew those my crayon drawings from the first grade could come true?

Friday-
ET#2 and I woke up early in the morning feeling a little antsy. We called KenTak3's and Mamacita's room to see if they wanted to go for a run. The four of us suited up and headed to Ala Moana Beach Park, which was across the street. In the park we jogged along the beach, witnessed homeless people getting fed, and poured out sweat in the tropical humidity.

The wedding rehearsal was at noon. We showered and got ready to head out to the Haiku Gardens. The Haiku Gardens is a popular wedding site and it is easy to see why. Do you remember how in the show there was a scene where the elderly couple all of a sudden are young again and running through the lush tropics? That was Haiku gardens. It was a little muddy from the rain, but every thing was a bright verdant. The flowers were all red and white, and in background there was a green mountain whose peak was covered by white mist.

Sometimes Mr. Rourke will lead a perhaps research scientist to fulfill her dreams of singing stardom. And so went our night of karoke. The Bride and Groom rented out a large karoke room filled it with food and libations. I was giddy to have my moment under the lights. What would we sing? All of the Bride's and Grooms extended family were in attendance. Would we make asses of ourselves? Naturally. Mamacita confessed to me that she had never karoke'd before. What? That would change shortly.

ET#2, the Bride, I are old pros at this and have our signature songs. ET#2 has a strong penchant for all songs by the Backstreet Boys, and she debated between "As long as you love me" and "Quit playing games with my heart." I enjoy bad eighties crap so I sang a little Peter Cetera and some Elton John. Perhaps one of the highlights was Mamacita and Kentak3 doing a duet. Mainly. because we think Kentak3's deep baritone, attracted one of the Groom's male cousins. Apparently no amount of having his arm around his financee would shake this dude.


Tropical locales and wish fulfillment and high laughter, seriously where is Tatoo when you need him?