Middle-aged flash packers

This morning we went for a run around Ala Moana park and beach. It was lovely, so pretty and lots of people out for an early morning walk.
We spent the rest of the morning reading the local paper and swimming on Fort Derussy beach, the far end of Waikiki beach. Much quieter and nearer to where we are staying.
It’s always fascinating people watching, but even more so here.
Honolulu is very popular with Japanese and Korean people. In particular, there are lots of young people here and it’s been so interesting to observe their behaviour.
For starters, Asian young couples who have just got married have their photos taken on the beach in their full wedding outfits. I googled this and even if they got married in say Tokyo, on their honeymoon they have more pictures taken in full wedding regalia. Eminently sensible I’d say , get full use out of that expensive wedding dress.
I also noticed couples dressed in the same clothes or material. One couple (Korean I think) were wearing swimwear in the same pattern and fabric. They looked so cute, I wish I’d taken a photo. Again I believe it’s to do with being on honeymoon.
The other thing I noticed was unless a photo is taken, it doesn’t exist. It was endemic the amount of Japanese girls (not so much the boys) taking photos of themselves. Very choreographed and staged, not a hair out of place or a pose that wasn’t carefully considered. In some ways it was quite sad – there was no spontaneity – but on the other hand, they were having fun and it was great to see girls on holiday with each other and not feeling they needed a man around to look after them.
In contrast, the Americans were all foghorn ing into their phones – one woman was even in the sea talking(shouting) into her iPhone. For goodness sake! You’re on holiday, put your phone away and cut the decibel count! Or text!

In the afternoon we decided to walk to Diamond Head, a nine mile round trip. It was the most beautiful walk. We strolled along mainly by the sea and occasionally on the pavement. Lots of state parks, meaning seating to eat a picnic on, toilets and well tended facilities. Lots of people enjoying the sunshine – a really good vibe.
Surprising amount of police about. I guess they’ve got a reputation to hold up – “book ’em Dano”. There really doesn’t seem to be that much crime, maybe the odd fag end thrown on the street, or someone crossing the road when the red hand is up. But what do I know? Steve Mcgarret found enough for God knows how many series.
I saw quite a few homeless people again. I can’t get used to seeing elderly ladies pulling along their trolley bags full of everything they own, or rummaging through bins. One old dear was sleeping on the beach, lying on newspaper, covered up with a blanket to protect herself from the sun. Heartbreaking.
By the time we got back we were desperate for a beer and a shower. More travel trauma, this time we could nt check in on line because the details said Steve instead of Steven. Now we have to sort it out at this airport and check in there. This is Hawaiian airlines fault, not ours. Tres irritating.
Dinner was at Da Smokehouse. I ordered a mai tai thinking it would be like the delicious one I had last night. It was virtually pure rum. I had to have a Coke to water it down with.
Very local place, again nice to see individual places rather than all the chain restaurants we see in the UK.
Tomorrow we fly to Brisbane. Excited!