Middle-aged flash packers

 

Credit card trauma and the resulting phone calls and organisation left us with a sleepless night. As a result we were more than ready for the shuttle bus to LAX airport at 6.30am.

Dalaman airport in Turkey holds the record as the most expensive airport I’ve visited.(300ml water £3.00, a McDonald’s cheeseburger £8.00.) However, Los Angeles airport is not far behind. $12.50 for a smoked salmon sandwich. That’s approx £9.00. It was no different to a m&s one. Needless to say I didn’t buy it, settling instead for a small tub of Pringles for my lunch.($2.49). Steve however went for a chicken and avocado roll at $10.49. Ouch.

Wishful thinking led me to believe the flight from LA to Hawaii was about 4 hours but it’s actually nearer 6. The time passed quickly though thanks to the game “Bookworm”. (Very addictive.) The air crew were much nicer, none of Joan’s relatives. Mind you, I expect a stopover in Hawaii has its perks.

Kona airport gets the prize for the most laid back airport. It’s open air with a few roofs over the baggage conveyors and seating. I felt instantly relaxed. Steve wasn’t though as he was worried there might be issues over the hire car as it was supposed to be paid for by the drivers credit card and we only had my emergency back up card. The guy didn’t even look at the name on the card so all was fine and (as usual) after heading off in the wrong direction, we were soon on our way.

This side of the island is covered in old lava flows so is very moon-like, contrasting with the turquoise blue of the sea. As I looked out to sea, I saw a whale jump! Absolutely brilliant! Can’t believe it. Really looking forward to more sightings.

It was a 2 hour drive to Hilo, with the weather deteriorating as we drove. By the time we got to our destination, it was truly miserable. Never mind I’m sure it’ll get better and our apartment overlooks a little bay. Beautiful.

Decided to eat in for the next few nights so hit the supermarkets. Nice organic offering but sooo expensive. All food whether organic or not, pretty much double what we pay at home. The only cheap stuff is the junk food – eg vast tubs of “ice-cream” that don’t even contain milk, crisps, etc. I really feel for the people on low wages. How on earth can they afford to eat healthily?

Managed to stay up until 9, then fell asleep to the sound of whistling frogs – very strange noises!
Hope the weather’s better tomorrow.