Hello all,
I saw Stacy and John off last night as they boarded Spoilsport, their 4 day liveaboard with about 20 passengers and 12 crew! They will be diving day and night, and will be back on Monday morning. I'm sure they're having a fantastic time and just as you, I can't wait to hear all about it!!
It's Friday night here in Cairns, and I spent my Friday on Reef Experience, a daytripper to 2 outer reefs (Hastings and Saxon). It was a bit bumpy getting out there (those of you who rode the hydrofoil to/from Naples and Capri may know what I mean by bumpy - I was focused on the horizon for a while!)... Anyhow, once at the reef, the waters calmed. I got in and it was absolutely amazing!!! So much coral, so much animal life, and the most different and brightly colored fishies than I've ever seen in one place! I even saw an eel and a dolphin today! I almost spotted a whale, but I think he was hiding :( It was the most awesome experience, I'm so glad I went, even though I was alone! There was a photographer scuba diving in the waters so I did purchase a few professional pics, which I will post asap. I had a great day!
After showering off the salty ocean, I had a yummy steak dinner (yes, beef, not roo or emu - yet!) and then of course some gelato, which is quite abundant in the land down under. Now to relax and get a good night of sleep, especially since I was up so early this morning. It's supposed to be sunny tomorrow, so I think I may spend the day sunbathing by the pool :) Aaah, this is the life!
There was a moment today when I was floating in the ocean in the beautiful reef, a World Heritage location, and I just had to savor it. This is the trip of a lifetime, and today was an experience of a lifetime! And I am so grateful that I am fortunate enough to be able to take a trip like this and experience the world, live life to the fullest, see as much as possible, take it all in. I will likely not be back here ever again in my life, and there are many people who will never get here in their lifetime... and I am just so grateful to be here. I recognize how fortunate I am and promise to savor every moment. Today was definitely a day to sit back and reflect on how awesome this is. The Great Barrier Reef is something I've only read about in books - until now!
Well followers, I'm off and will write again in Stacy's absence asap. Hope everyone has a good start to their weekend and is staying cool!!
Love,
Diana and Stacy
xoxo
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hello from Cairns (Pronounced Cans)
Greetings to the fellow blog followers from my terminal at the local 24 hour convenience store!
We have arrived safely in Cairns after our short flight from Sydney. Cairns is everything Sydney is not. It is like going from New York City to a Resort point in Florida! So yesterday was basically our travel day..not too much else to report from there!
Today however was very exciting! After sleeping in (YAY!), the four of us headed off to tour the world's oldest rainforest. We did this two ways. First we arrived at the Skyrail, which is a gondola car that carries us for an hour above the rainforest tops, with two stops to walk around for pictures! When we arrived at the top we came across the little town of Kuranda, a town in the middle of the rainforest, complete with hotel, supermarket and post office! We spent time walking the streets and happened upon a Koala Sanctuary, where we (Diana and I) actually held a real live Koala!!!!!!!!!! Picures will be uploaded as soon as possible...network issues! We then had lunch, the four of us, at a little cafe, and more shopping commenced. At 3:30, we boarded a train that would take us for our return trip down the rainforest...the train's cars were some that rode the tracks when they were first laid 120 years ago!!! We arrived back at our hotel at 530, just in time for Happy Hour where Diana, Sharon and I enjoyed some yummy wine and spirits! We capped off our evening with some terrible chinese food (Never eat at the chinese place inside the casino in Cairns!) and played a few games of Roulette. We will be heading off to finish our evening as soon as I am done typing!
Tomorrow I head off for 4 days of Scuba Diving along the Great Barrier Reef...Diana has said she will update the blog with her activities and I will fill you in when I get back Monday (Sunday for you guys!) Until then, have a great weekend and go Phils!
Love
Stacy and Diana
We have arrived safely in Cairns after our short flight from Sydney. Cairns is everything Sydney is not. It is like going from New York City to a Resort point in Florida! So yesterday was basically our travel day..not too much else to report from there!
Today however was very exciting! After sleeping in (YAY!), the four of us headed off to tour the world's oldest rainforest. We did this two ways. First we arrived at the Skyrail, which is a gondola car that carries us for an hour above the rainforest tops, with two stops to walk around for pictures! When we arrived at the top we came across the little town of Kuranda, a town in the middle of the rainforest, complete with hotel, supermarket and post office! We spent time walking the streets and happened upon a Koala Sanctuary, where we (Diana and I) actually held a real live Koala!!!!!!!!!! Picures will be uploaded as soon as possible...network issues! We then had lunch, the four of us, at a little cafe, and more shopping commenced. At 3:30, we boarded a train that would take us for our return trip down the rainforest...the train's cars were some that rode the tracks when they were first laid 120 years ago!!! We arrived back at our hotel at 530, just in time for Happy Hour where Diana, Sharon and I enjoyed some yummy wine and spirits! We capped off our evening with some terrible chinese food (Never eat at the chinese place inside the casino in Cairns!) and played a few games of Roulette. We will be heading off to finish our evening as soon as I am done typing!
Tomorrow I head off for 4 days of Scuba Diving along the Great Barrier Reef...Diana has said she will update the blog with her activities and I will fill you in when I get back Monday (Sunday for you guys!) Until then, have a great weekend and go Phils!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A Little Fun!!!
To change things up we have a little fun.... We came up with a few top ten lists, and today we deploy our first list....and now Diana and Stacy present....
Top Ten important observations so far on Vacation
10. Burger King is called Hungry Jack
9. You can swipe your debit card, enter it as credit, and give your pin...confusing??
8. We should have packed more Mucinex D ( who really thought we would go through that much!)
7. Stacy should have packed another pair of jeans, cause both were wet at the same time.
7a.Stacy should have packed another sweatshirt, cause both were wet at the same time!
6. Diana did not need her water shoes... Could have packed another pair of jeans...lol!!
5. Australia Ketchup= Tomato Sauce....tomato sauce=??????
4. We got to see a Dugong and Duck Billed Platypus!!
3. Who knew we needed rain gear.. Wettest July in 50 years...only while we are here!
2. Not only do they have Kangaroo Jerky, but Emu Jerky as well! Might need to try it!
And the number one observation is...
1. Local bank LJ Hooker, where their motto is, " No one does it better!!!!!"
Top Ten important observations so far on Vacation
10. Burger King is called Hungry Jack
9. You can swipe your debit card, enter it as credit, and give your pin...confusing??
8. We should have packed more Mucinex D ( who really thought we would go through that much!)
7. Stacy should have packed another pair of jeans, cause both were wet at the same time.
7a.Stacy should have packed another sweatshirt, cause both were wet at the same time!
6. Diana did not need her water shoes... Could have packed another pair of jeans...lol!!
5. Australia Ketchup= Tomato Sauce....tomato sauce=??????
4. We got to see a Dugong and Duck Billed Platypus!!
3. Who knew we needed rain gear.. Wettest July in 50 years...only while we are here!
2. Not only do they have Kangaroo Jerky, but Emu Jerky as well! Might need to try it!
And the number one observation is...
1. Local bank LJ Hooker, where their motto is, " No one does it better!!!!!"
Exploring Sydney and Beyond!
Good Morning Blog Followers!!!
I am back at the helm of writing after giving Diana a crack at it and taking the day off yesterday!
So here we have completed our weekend as it is currently Sunday evening here, with to or row being our last full day in Sydney:( Our weekend, however, was most excellent as the rains finally subsided ( the most rain here in July in 50 years, go figure!)
So yesterday (Saturday), Diana and I got up early and headed down to Circular Quay ( in the last of the rain),to catch the city hop on, hop off bus, where we get to see the entire city and get off and on the bus as we please! We got to see Pitt Street, the most expensive street in Australia with some fancy stores! We then saw Hyde Park, a swing by the Opera House, out to the " happening" section of town...wink, wink.. And a few of the older buildings. We finally hopped off the bus in the Rocks where the street was shut down for a outdoor market! We walked the market, stopped in a store for fresh scones, cream, jelly and beverages...very lovely! We walked back through town to the Hyde Park Barracks, which have been there since the time of the convicts! Afterward we hit the Australian Museum, because we are nerds like that, and then went to Queen Victoria Place, one of the shopping areas.
After our very busy day, we rested and headed out for dinner at, again, Wagamama! We capped off the evening at the hotel bar, with Albert, our fantastic bartender! My parents came by after church and drank and ate dinner at the bar with us! My parents also got to do their tour of the Opera House today too! It was a great day and fantastic evening!
So today, Sunday, Diana and I were again up and out!! We decided on a trip west to the Blue Mountains, which we found out are blue because of the eucalyptus oils emitted from the trees creates a blue haze... Totally awesome! So we hopped the city trains and two hours later were well into the mountains where we again, grabbed a hop on, hop off bus and we found ourselves in one amazing setting! Please consult Diana's fb page for some fantastic pics! We then hopped back on and back to the little town of Katoombah ...where we found a lovely cafe...imagine Cracker Barrel on steroids! It was great! Lunch was pumpkin soup and open faced grilled cheese! We then headed back into Sydney for a relaxing evening!
Tomorrow will be time for my Dad and I to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, then the zoo!!
Hope everyone at home is holding up in the heat...we sympathize with you!!
Much love
Stacy and Diana
I am back at the helm of writing after giving Diana a crack at it and taking the day off yesterday!
So here we have completed our weekend as it is currently Sunday evening here, with to or row being our last full day in Sydney:( Our weekend, however, was most excellent as the rains finally subsided ( the most rain here in July in 50 years, go figure!)
So yesterday (Saturday), Diana and I got up early and headed down to Circular Quay ( in the last of the rain),to catch the city hop on, hop off bus, where we get to see the entire city and get off and on the bus as we please! We got to see Pitt Street, the most expensive street in Australia with some fancy stores! We then saw Hyde Park, a swing by the Opera House, out to the " happening" section of town...wink, wink.. And a few of the older buildings. We finally hopped off the bus in the Rocks where the street was shut down for a outdoor market! We walked the market, stopped in a store for fresh scones, cream, jelly and beverages...very lovely! We walked back through town to the Hyde Park Barracks, which have been there since the time of the convicts! Afterward we hit the Australian Museum, because we are nerds like that, and then went to Queen Victoria Place, one of the shopping areas.
After our very busy day, we rested and headed out for dinner at, again, Wagamama! We capped off the evening at the hotel bar, with Albert, our fantastic bartender! My parents came by after church and drank and ate dinner at the bar with us! My parents also got to do their tour of the Opera House today too! It was a great day and fantastic evening!
So today, Sunday, Diana and I were again up and out!! We decided on a trip west to the Blue Mountains, which we found out are blue because of the eucalyptus oils emitted from the trees creates a blue haze... Totally awesome! So we hopped the city trains and two hours later were well into the mountains where we again, grabbed a hop on, hop off bus and we found ourselves in one amazing setting! Please consult Diana's fb page for some fantastic pics! We then hopped back on and back to the little town of Katoombah ...where we found a lovely cafe...imagine Cracker Barrel on steroids! It was great! Lunch was pumpkin soup and open faced grilled cheese! We then headed back into Sydney for a relaxing evening!
Tomorrow will be time for my Dad and I to climb to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge, then the zoo!!
Hope everyone at home is holding up in the heat...we sympathize with you!!
Much love
Stacy and Diana
Friday, July 22, 2011
Drying out!
Mornin friends!
Friday in Sydney started off as a soggy mess yet again. Apparently Sydney is experiencing record-breaking rain... Go figure! After breakfast, we headed to the Sydney Opera House for a scheduled morning tour. Well, we were delayed due to both main concert halls being in use, so we had to reschedule for the afternoon. We took a ferry ride around Sydney and Darling Harbours just for fun to pass some time while it rained and rained!
The Sydney Opera House is absolutely stunning inside! We weren't sure what to exactly expect, but we were amazed at the architecture and beauty of the exterior of the building as well as the inside space. If we ever happen to be back in Sydney, we would love to catch a show... All sorts of shows are put on there, from opera to plays to orchestral performances, even rock concerts!
When we left the opera house, the rain had stopped!! We were so excited that Stacy was skipping along the harbor...hahaha... So we went for a nice walk along The Rocks, took some pictures, did some window shopping, and then had dinner at a restaurant called Pancakes on the Rocks! Delicious!
The rain is supposed to ease up the next 2 days, so we are hoping to do some more outdoor activities without our umbrellas!
I think I will enjoy reading a book tonight since Stacy has confiscated the TV and is watching cricket... Lol. Happy Friday everyone!
Xo,
Diana and Stacy
Friday in Sydney started off as a soggy mess yet again. Apparently Sydney is experiencing record-breaking rain... Go figure! After breakfast, we headed to the Sydney Opera House for a scheduled morning tour. Well, we were delayed due to both main concert halls being in use, so we had to reschedule for the afternoon. We took a ferry ride around Sydney and Darling Harbours just for fun to pass some time while it rained and rained!
The Sydney Opera House is absolutely stunning inside! We weren't sure what to exactly expect, but we were amazed at the architecture and beauty of the exterior of the building as well as the inside space. If we ever happen to be back in Sydney, we would love to catch a show... All sorts of shows are put on there, from opera to plays to orchestral performances, even rock concerts!
When we left the opera house, the rain had stopped!! We were so excited that Stacy was skipping along the harbor...hahaha... So we went for a nice walk along The Rocks, took some pictures, did some window shopping, and then had dinner at a restaurant called Pancakes on the Rocks! Delicious!
The rain is supposed to ease up the next 2 days, so we are hoping to do some more outdoor activities without our umbrellas!
I think I will enjoy reading a book tonight since Stacy has confiscated the TV and is watching cricket... Lol. Happy Friday everyone!
Xo,
Diana and Stacy
Thursday, July 21, 2011
What day is it? And Rain, rain go away!!!
Well good morning Everyone!!
We have officially traveled through time! Yesterday ( I think), we left Honolulu at 1245 on Tuesday, and ten hours later we landed, in Sydney, at 745 on Wedneaday. Amazing! Lol!!! After landing in Syndey, things were a bit odd...first they are super sensitive about this not bringing in anything that will upset the ecosystem, so first a quarantine officer came on board to complete a walkthrough, then we had to sit and wait for five minutes while they sprayed the inside of the cabin and our carryon's to disinfect and kill anything we brought! After the time passed we went through immigration, all good there, but we had to either dispose or submit for quarantine, all food we had, so my peanuts, combos, and nutrageous ended up in the trash...no need for the additional hastle!
We got our luggage, and went through customs where a trained beagle sniffer dog checked out bags for anything we should not have! After all this, they let us in! We grabbed a taxi and got to hotel to crash..thank goodness the time chance technically was only four hours, so we were asleep my midnight. But when we landed we discovered it was pouring...and the rain continues!
So today we got up and headed for breakfast...Mom and Dad were there, so we enjoyed breakfast together, and with the rain, the parents stayed put, but we decided to adventure out into the rain! We hit the convience store and purchased two umbrellas and we were off! We headed toward the water and before we knew it the Sydney Harbor Bridge was on our left and the Opera House was on the right...I could not stop smiling!! I also had a moment where I could have cried...being someplace where most in the US never get to, and I was there...it was quite a moment!
We then walked around the Rocks, which is where the first settlement in Australia was...great little shops and and cafes! We then headed for a warm beverage and a chance to plan out next move. Walkling was a bit out of the question since even with the umbrellas we were very wet! So we decided on a ferry ride over to the aquarium, which was great! We then hit the Wagamama for a late lunch/ early dinner...and it you don't know about Wagamama, it's a fantastic Asian noodle restaurant chain that is impossible to find in the US( just in Boston) ..so when we see it, we eat there! We took the ferry back to Circular Quay (pronounced key)... and arrived back at the hotel just a half hour ago.... So while we are finishing our Thursday here, you will just be starting your Thursday in a few hours... ( it's 410 am for you as I type!)
Tonight we will relax, have a few drinks and maybe hit the indoor Jacuzzi! Tomorrow forecasts more rain ( and the continuing high of 65...sorry everyone...stay cool!!!)... But we are heading to the Opera house for our tour in the morning, and more indoor activities for sure! I will blog everyday since there is free wifi here!
I hope all of you have a great day while we sleep...and a special shout out to Johanna on her birthday...sorry we aren't home, but we will see you in San Fran soon! So make sure to shout out to Johanna since her family is hall way around the world!
Have fun and continued thanks for the thoughts, prayers and following of our blog!!! Love to you all!!
Love
Diana and Stacy
We have officially traveled through time! Yesterday ( I think), we left Honolulu at 1245 on Tuesday, and ten hours later we landed, in Sydney, at 745 on Wedneaday. Amazing! Lol!!! After landing in Syndey, things were a bit odd...first they are super sensitive about this not bringing in anything that will upset the ecosystem, so first a quarantine officer came on board to complete a walkthrough, then we had to sit and wait for five minutes while they sprayed the inside of the cabin and our carryon's to disinfect and kill anything we brought! After the time passed we went through immigration, all good there, but we had to either dispose or submit for quarantine, all food we had, so my peanuts, combos, and nutrageous ended up in the trash...no need for the additional hastle!
We got our luggage, and went through customs where a trained beagle sniffer dog checked out bags for anything we should not have! After all this, they let us in! We grabbed a taxi and got to hotel to crash..thank goodness the time chance technically was only four hours, so we were asleep my midnight. But when we landed we discovered it was pouring...and the rain continues!
So today we got up and headed for breakfast...Mom and Dad were there, so we enjoyed breakfast together, and with the rain, the parents stayed put, but we decided to adventure out into the rain! We hit the convience store and purchased two umbrellas and we were off! We headed toward the water and before we knew it the Sydney Harbor Bridge was on our left and the Opera House was on the right...I could not stop smiling!! I also had a moment where I could have cried...being someplace where most in the US never get to, and I was there...it was quite a moment!
We then walked around the Rocks, which is where the first settlement in Australia was...great little shops and and cafes! We then headed for a warm beverage and a chance to plan out next move. Walkling was a bit out of the question since even with the umbrellas we were very wet! So we decided on a ferry ride over to the aquarium, which was great! We then hit the Wagamama for a late lunch/ early dinner...and it you don't know about Wagamama, it's a fantastic Asian noodle restaurant chain that is impossible to find in the US( just in Boston) ..so when we see it, we eat there! We took the ferry back to Circular Quay (pronounced key)... and arrived back at the hotel just a half hour ago.... So while we are finishing our Thursday here, you will just be starting your Thursday in a few hours... ( it's 410 am for you as I type!)
Tonight we will relax, have a few drinks and maybe hit the indoor Jacuzzi! Tomorrow forecasts more rain ( and the continuing high of 65...sorry everyone...stay cool!!!)... But we are heading to the Opera house for our tour in the morning, and more indoor activities for sure! I will blog everyday since there is free wifi here!
I hope all of you have a great day while we sleep...and a special shout out to Johanna on her birthday...sorry we aren't home, but we will see you in San Fran soon! So make sure to shout out to Johanna since her family is hall way around the world!
Have fun and continued thanks for the thoughts, prayers and following of our blog!!! Love to you all!!
Love
Diana and Stacy
Monday, July 18, 2011
Luau and beach!
Good evening Blog Followers!!
Well it has been a busy two days here in Hawaii! We started off our day yesterday, Sunday, with two excellent hikes. First we took a taxi over to Diamond Head Crater, a dormant volcano where the US Military had a station. We hikes from inside the crater, up the side, through the side and out to the outside at the top edge of the crater...it was over 500 feet up, hiking, and 225 steps to the top! But the view was totally worth the hike up! After we made our way down, we grabbed a cab and headed to Manoa Falls trailhead for a mile hike to a waterfall. The trail was muddy, rough and looked right out of a scene in Lost...it was awesome! After the two hikes, we were spent and headed back. After resting we met up with my parents and headed to the Luau! Food..excellent, show, excellent, music, excellent!!! It was great to see a bit of culture from a vairety of islands across the Pacific! It was a great day, filled with fun and excitement!
Today, we slept in a little, then he add down for some beach time! We rented chairs, umbrella, and tubes and we were set! We floated out in the ocean, in our tubes, riding over the waves coming in to the shore. It was a perfect mix of fun in the water and the sun! We moseyed off the beach, grabbed a shower and went back to CJ's for lunch...very yummy! Lastly today, we did some shopping and shipped home anything that was food, since you are not allowed to bring food into Australia.
So tonight is a relaxing dinner and packing. Tomorrow we leave for Australia, with our flight leaving at 12:45pm. It will be about a ten hour flight to ge to Sydney. I will, unfortunately, not have facebook access via my phone, but Diana will have her blackberry to keep everyone updated...so the blog will be my major way to get things out there. Facebook with be an evening or morning update, but most of you will br sleeping for that!
So my next post will be Thursday, my time, Wedensday, your time, from Sydney!!
Have a good few days and keep the comments, thoughts and prayers for safe travel coming!!
Love
Diana and Stacy
Well it has been a busy two days here in Hawaii! We started off our day yesterday, Sunday, with two excellent hikes. First we took a taxi over to Diamond Head Crater, a dormant volcano where the US Military had a station. We hikes from inside the crater, up the side, through the side and out to the outside at the top edge of the crater...it was over 500 feet up, hiking, and 225 steps to the top! But the view was totally worth the hike up! After we made our way down, we grabbed a cab and headed to Manoa Falls trailhead for a mile hike to a waterfall. The trail was muddy, rough and looked right out of a scene in Lost...it was awesome! After the two hikes, we were spent and headed back. After resting we met up with my parents and headed to the Luau! Food..excellent, show, excellent, music, excellent!!! It was great to see a bit of culture from a vairety of islands across the Pacific! It was a great day, filled with fun and excitement!
Today, we slept in a little, then he add down for some beach time! We rented chairs, umbrella, and tubes and we were set! We floated out in the ocean, in our tubes, riding over the waves coming in to the shore. It was a perfect mix of fun in the water and the sun! We moseyed off the beach, grabbed a shower and went back to CJ's for lunch...very yummy! Lastly today, we did some shopping and shipped home anything that was food, since you are not allowed to bring food into Australia.
So tonight is a relaxing dinner and packing. Tomorrow we leave for Australia, with our flight leaving at 12:45pm. It will be about a ten hour flight to ge to Sydney. I will, unfortunately, not have facebook access via my phone, but Diana will have her blackberry to keep everyone updated...so the blog will be my major way to get things out there. Facebook with be an evening or morning update, but most of you will br sleeping for that!
So my next post will be Thursday, my time, Wedensday, your time, from Sydney!!
Have a good few days and keep the comments, thoughts and prayers for safe travel coming!!
Love
Diana and Stacy
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Day 5...Harry Potter
Good Morning Blog Followers!!!
Today, day five was a bit of relaxation... We are both fighting a bit of a cold at the moment, and my ear was bothering me from the dive yesterday. The current was a bit rough and it took a bit out of us both, with Diana fighting the waves on top while snorkeling.
The diving in and of itself was ok..nothing really to write home about and I would not actually dive here again, unless there are better sites somewhere else...but they served their purpose to prep and check all the gear for our dives in Australia!!! We had a great dinner at CJ's, a NY style restaurant where I had a club sandwich and Diana dined on Breakfast. Wecame back and enjoyed some beverages on the balcony, while we watched the fireworks, over the beach and ocean!! Amazing evening and a great way to end the day!!
So today was relaxation, breakfast from room service and then decided to take a walk and ended up at the movies for.....HARRY POTTER!!!!!! It was Greta to get out and the movie was awesome as well! If you are a book reader or movie goer, it is great. I also got my coke icee I was jonesing for too!! Afterwards we came back and had a quiet dinner at Sergio's Italian restaurant.... Excellent food...we are following up our relaxing morning with a relaxing evening. Tomorrow we will be out and about early for a morning hike up Diamondhead Crater, then tomorrow night a live luau and show with authentic Hawaiian food!
Not too much else to report here. I got a few requests for pictures and I cannot get them up onto the blog, and when we take pictures, I use the camera and Diana uses her phone, so feel free to friend her for real time pics....if not then you will have to wait til we arrive back home after August 7th.
Hope you are continuing to enjoy our adventures and look for a new post tomorrow!!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Today, day five was a bit of relaxation... We are both fighting a bit of a cold at the moment, and my ear was bothering me from the dive yesterday. The current was a bit rough and it took a bit out of us both, with Diana fighting the waves on top while snorkeling.
The diving in and of itself was ok..nothing really to write home about and I would not actually dive here again, unless there are better sites somewhere else...but they served their purpose to prep and check all the gear for our dives in Australia!!! We had a great dinner at CJ's, a NY style restaurant where I had a club sandwich and Diana dined on Breakfast. Wecame back and enjoyed some beverages on the balcony, while we watched the fireworks, over the beach and ocean!! Amazing evening and a great way to end the day!!
So today was relaxation, breakfast from room service and then decided to take a walk and ended up at the movies for.....HARRY POTTER!!!!!! It was Greta to get out and the movie was awesome as well! If you are a book reader or movie goer, it is great. I also got my coke icee I was jonesing for too!! Afterwards we came back and had a quiet dinner at Sergio's Italian restaurant.... Excellent food...we are following up our relaxing morning with a relaxing evening. Tomorrow we will be out and about early for a morning hike up Diamondhead Crater, then tomorrow night a live luau and show with authentic Hawaiian food!
Not too much else to report here. I got a few requests for pictures and I cannot get them up onto the blog, and when we take pictures, I use the camera and Diana uses her phone, so feel free to friend her for real time pics....if not then you will have to wait til we arrive back home after August 7th.
Hope you are continuing to enjoy our adventures and look for a new post tomorrow!!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 3 and 4
Good afternoon to all our Blog Followers!!!
Our trip has been wonderful so far and yesterday we took the time for some sightseeing and historical touring of Pearl Harbor.
Our tour started at 6am, with our tour guide Kanoi... Who took us out to Pearl Harbor for our tour. We started off by touring the USS Bowfin, a WWII submarine. Unfortunately Mom could not do this tour with us. We had forgotten how tight a sub can be! After this tour, we had some free time so Mom and Dad toured a museum display while Diana and I walked along the shore, really reflecting on what it was like on that Sunday Morning in December.
Our movie and boat time was 9am, where we viewed a 23 minute video about December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor. It gave me new information on what prompted the attack and what exactly occur that morning. After the video, we boarded the boat to take us to the USS Arizona Memorial. For those who ace been there, you know what it is like...form those who have not, It is difficult to explain...it is surreal, eerie, emotional, powerful, and the energy there is nothing I have ever experienced.
After this time, we headed back and had the chance to tour the USS Missouri, where Japan surrendered to the US, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, which is housed in hangers that were there that fateful day.
It was a very long tour that finished up with a drive through Honolulu and Punchbowl Cemetary.
We returned to the hotel around 430, and naps were in order. We took the time to rest, shower and the four of us met up for Dinner at Bali seafood and steakhouse. Dinner was amazing, with an open air, ocean view table, and fantastic food and service!
The day was busy and emotional, but important to visit the site where our involvement in WWII began.
Today, day 4 will be some activity and some relaxing. We got up this morning, had some breakfast and are heading out in an hour for some water fun! My dad and I are going to scuba dive, while Diana snorkels above. My mom will be relaxing in the room after the busy day yesterday...she is doing really well considering her foot decided to cause issues!!
Tonight there are fireworks at the resort, so we will be viewing them. Dinner is still in the air, but rest assures it will be yummy!!
Thank you again for following our trip and we hope you are enjoying the blog so far!!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Our trip has been wonderful so far and yesterday we took the time for some sightseeing and historical touring of Pearl Harbor.
Our tour started at 6am, with our tour guide Kanoi... Who took us out to Pearl Harbor for our tour. We started off by touring the USS Bowfin, a WWII submarine. Unfortunately Mom could not do this tour with us. We had forgotten how tight a sub can be! After this tour, we had some free time so Mom and Dad toured a museum display while Diana and I walked along the shore, really reflecting on what it was like on that Sunday Morning in December.
Our movie and boat time was 9am, where we viewed a 23 minute video about December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor. It gave me new information on what prompted the attack and what exactly occur that morning. After the video, we boarded the boat to take us to the USS Arizona Memorial. For those who ace been there, you know what it is like...form those who have not, It is difficult to explain...it is surreal, eerie, emotional, powerful, and the energy there is nothing I have ever experienced.
After this time, we headed back and had the chance to tour the USS Missouri, where Japan surrendered to the US, and the Pacific Aviation Museum, which is housed in hangers that were there that fateful day.
It was a very long tour that finished up with a drive through Honolulu and Punchbowl Cemetary.
We returned to the hotel around 430, and naps were in order. We took the time to rest, shower and the four of us met up for Dinner at Bali seafood and steakhouse. Dinner was amazing, with an open air, ocean view table, and fantastic food and service!
The day was busy and emotional, but important to visit the site where our involvement in WWII began.
Today, day 4 will be some activity and some relaxing. We got up this morning, had some breakfast and are heading out in an hour for some water fun! My dad and I are going to scuba dive, while Diana snorkels above. My mom will be relaxing in the room after the busy day yesterday...she is doing really well considering her foot decided to cause issues!!
Tonight there are fireworks at the resort, so we will be viewing them. Dinner is still in the air, but rest assures it will be yummy!!
Thank you again for following our trip and we hope you are enjoying the blog so far!!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day Two...Drinks and Pool!!
Good Afternoon (evening for you) our Blog Followers!!!
Today was one day full of nothing for us here!! After a good nights sleep we hit up Starbucks for breakfast and scoped out the perfect seats at the pool as soon as it opened at 8 am! We had breakfast, and swam, we ate lunch and went swimming, we drank and we went swimming...see a theme here? Lol!
We left the pool around 2 and went to the shaded bar for, you guessed, a fresh drink! Right now it's about 4 and we are relaxing in the room, enjoying some more relaxing time before heading out tonight for dinner and drinks ( at the resort sports bar and restaurant).
We really took today to relax and Enjoy the is first day of vacation together. My parents were also spending the day together and will report back on their first full day tomorrow.
Tomorrow we have a full day of touring at Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Aviation Museum as well as the USS Missouri, then a late dinner. We hope everyone at home is doing well and continue to follow the blog as well as picture updates on facebook.
Thanks again for being so involved in our trip, from so far away!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Today was one day full of nothing for us here!! After a good nights sleep we hit up Starbucks for breakfast and scoped out the perfect seats at the pool as soon as it opened at 8 am! We had breakfast, and swam, we ate lunch and went swimming, we drank and we went swimming...see a theme here? Lol!
We left the pool around 2 and went to the shaded bar for, you guessed, a fresh drink! Right now it's about 4 and we are relaxing in the room, enjoying some more relaxing time before heading out tonight for dinner and drinks ( at the resort sports bar and restaurant).
We really took today to relax and Enjoy the is first day of vacation together. My parents were also spending the day together and will report back on their first full day tomorrow.
Tomorrow we have a full day of touring at Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Aviation Museum as well as the USS Missouri, then a late dinner. We hope everyone at home is doing well and continue to follow the blog as well as picture updates on facebook.
Thanks again for being so involved in our trip, from so far away!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Day One
Aloha to all my blog followers!
I am retyping what I lost yesterday when I trieed to post using my phone, so you get yesterday plus today's blog!
So back to day one!
Our alarm went off at 3am and I headed off to Wawa for coffee for everyone, with my parents arriving around 330, and our fearless driver John, from King Limo, loaded up the eight suitcases, and we were off! We did a curbside check-in and off through security, getting to our gate with plenty of time!
Our first flight to San Fran was perfect, and I got a tasty preview of Boudin Bread!
Then it was time for our next flight to Paradise! The flight was great, and there was even a contest to guess when we were halfway to Hawaii! We landed on time, after 16 hours of travel, on the island of Oahu and let me tell you, it's more beautiful than I ever imagined or dreamed! We are so excited to get started on the first stop on this amazing vacation!
I am retyping what I lost yesterday when I trieed to post using my phone, so you get yesterday plus today's blog!
So back to day one!
Our alarm went off at 3am and I headed off to Wawa for coffee for everyone, with my parents arriving around 330, and our fearless driver John, from King Limo, loaded up the eight suitcases, and we were off! We did a curbside check-in and off through security, getting to our gate with plenty of time!
Our first flight to San Fran was perfect, and I got a tasty preview of Boudin Bread!
Then it was time for our next flight to Paradise! The flight was great, and there was even a contest to guess when we were halfway to Hawaii! We landed on time, after 16 hours of travel, on the island of Oahu and let me tell you, it's more beautiful than I ever imagined or dreamed! We are so excited to get started on the first stop on this amazing vacation!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
day one continued...
gotta love the phone that has a mind of its own
so we are staying at the hilton hawaiian village in the rainbow tower, yes seriously, the rainbow tower...lol... we saw the lagoon, walked along waikiki beach and saw the pools, restaurants, bars and shops...we poked our heads into some shops, and bought some drinks and snacks for tonight...
so tonight is relaxing and tomorrow will be more of the same...relaxing and enjoying vacation, with time together.
my parents are doing well too..they have a nice room with a great view too and are looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow...they did well flying with both getting a good bit of sleep...i wish i could sleep that easily sitting up.
that is all for now...hope everyone following had a great day....thanks to all of you for the comments here as well as to our posts on facebook... keep em coming..we love them all and we love you alla
Love
diana and stacy
so we are staying at the hilton hawaiian village in the rainbow tower, yes seriously, the rainbow tower...lol... we saw the lagoon, walked along waikiki beach and saw the pools, restaurants, bars and shops...we poked our heads into some shops, and bought some drinks and snacks for tonight...
so tonight is relaxing and tomorrow will be more of the same...relaxing and enjoying vacation, with time together.
my parents are doing well too..they have a nice room with a great view too and are looking forward to a relaxing day tomorrow...they did well flying with both getting a good bit of sleep...i wish i could sleep that easily sitting up.
that is all for now...hope everyone following had a great day....thanks to all of you for the comments here as well as to our posts on facebook... keep em coming..we love them all and we love you alla
Love
diana and stacy
Monday, July 11, 2011
6 hours and counting!
Good Evening all Blog Followers!!
Our car to take us to the airport will be here in less than 6 hours. Our coach will wisk us to the airport and onto the beginning of our amazing adventure. We wish we could have packed all of you in our suitcases, but they are full of clothes and scuba gear right now!
Today was a busy one with last minute shopping at Target, then I headed to physical therapy while Diana packed, then we headed off to get pedicures (our toes must look good by the pool and on the beach!) and stopped to see Diana's parents before we go. Dinner tonights was cheese steaks...very yummy!
Well all the suitcases are by the front door, the apartment is secure (So no B and E people!!) and the bed is calling for a few hours of sleep....I will hopefully be posting tomorrow, if not for sure on Wednesday...Everyone have a great day tomorrow!
Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes for our trip... we know it will be wonderful and safe knowing all your thoughts are prayers are with us! Thanks again and keep em coming!
Also, we love the comments, so keep them coming too!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Our car to take us to the airport will be here in less than 6 hours. Our coach will wisk us to the airport and onto the beginning of our amazing adventure. We wish we could have packed all of you in our suitcases, but they are full of clothes and scuba gear right now!
Today was a busy one with last minute shopping at Target, then I headed to physical therapy while Diana packed, then we headed off to get pedicures (our toes must look good by the pool and on the beach!) and stopped to see Diana's parents before we go. Dinner tonights was cheese steaks...very yummy!
Well all the suitcases are by the front door, the apartment is secure (So no B and E people!!) and the bed is calling for a few hours of sleep....I will hopefully be posting tomorrow, if not for sure on Wednesday...Everyone have a great day tomorrow!
Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes for our trip... we know it will be wonderful and safe knowing all your thoughts are prayers are with us! Thanks again and keep em coming!
Also, we love the comments, so keep them coming too!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Outlet Shopping and final packing
Good Evening Blog Followers!
Today was almost a mirror of yesterday. We headed to the outlets to shop for new bathing suits, sunglasses, jeans and socks! I am happy to report that our shopping list was fulfilled and all four suitcases are almost packed! Our carry on cases are also packed and ready to go!
I checked in with the parents today as well and packing is occuring there as well. Everyone is getting very excited and is ready for Tuesday to arrive!
We did get to watch the Phillies today and it was a fantastic game with the Phils handling the Braves easily today! Tonight was Thai for dinner, the a Rita's Water Ice to cap off the day. Tomorrow brings last minute things, preparing for departure and hopefully getting some sleep before out car arrives at 4am on Tuesday!
Not too much else to report here...hoping to get a blog written tomorrow before the trip begins! If not, stay tuned for the first post from the state of Hawaii!!
Mahalo!!
Love
Diana and Stacy
Today was almost a mirror of yesterday. We headed to the outlets to shop for new bathing suits, sunglasses, jeans and socks! I am happy to report that our shopping list was fulfilled and all four suitcases are almost packed! Our carry on cases are also packed and ready to go!
I checked in with the parents today as well and packing is occuring there as well. Everyone is getting very excited and is ready for Tuesday to arrive!
We did get to watch the Phillies today and it was a fantastic game with the Phils handling the Braves easily today! Tonight was Thai for dinner, the a Rita's Water Ice to cap off the day. Tomorrow brings last minute things, preparing for departure and hopefully getting some sleep before out car arrives at 4am on Tuesday!
Not too much else to report here...hoping to get a blog written tomorrow before the trip begins! If not, stay tuned for the first post from the state of Hawaii!!
Mahalo!!
Love
Diana and Stacy
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Busy and Relaxing day all in one!
Good Evening Blog Followers!
Today was another day of preparation. We decided to put off our small shoppping at Target, CVS, and a few other places until today. We spent the morning shopping and have all but taken care of the lists. Just a few more items tomorrow at the outlets and we are all set! While the morning into the afternoon was busy with shopping and packing, we took the afternoon and evening off and headed to Chubby Balboas for drinks, food and Phillies with our friend Yo meeting up with us (shout out to Yo!). While the Phils lost today, we had a great day and the final touches on vacation have made the trip very real, with the anticipation building! Tomorrow is the outlets and final packing....we are hoping to have Monday to relax, and prepare the apt for a month without us! Tuesday morning will come very early!! It was a day that started busy and ended with relaxing, just as vacation should be!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Today was another day of preparation. We decided to put off our small shoppping at Target, CVS, and a few other places until today. We spent the morning shopping and have all but taken care of the lists. Just a few more items tomorrow at the outlets and we are all set! While the morning into the afternoon was busy with shopping and packing, we took the afternoon and evening off and headed to Chubby Balboas for drinks, food and Phillies with our friend Yo meeting up with us (shout out to Yo!). While the Phils lost today, we had a great day and the final touches on vacation have made the trip very real, with the anticipation building! Tomorrow is the outlets and final packing....we are hoping to have Monday to relax, and prepare the apt for a month without us! Tuesday morning will come very early!! It was a day that started busy and ended with relaxing, just as vacation should be!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!
Love
Stacy and Diana
Friday, July 8, 2011
Countdown at 3 Days!
Good Morning Blog Followers!
We have received great feedback from you already and we are as excited to share our trip with you, as your are to read about it. We love that we can keep in touch with all of you as we are trendsetting across the globe!
Dinner last night was wonderful and I will plug Pescatore's Restaurant on 202 in Glen Mills...ask for Lindsay as ur waitress as she is a friend of ours...great food!
As for today, the first full day of vacation for Diana, we are starting off in style with a massage for myself and a scrub and spray tan for Diana. We will be heading to Joseph Anthony for that, followed by lunch. I will be heading to Physical Therapy at 3..for those who do not know, I hurt my shoulder a little over a week ago in martial arts class trying to tumble from a standing position... Master Heath said you have to commit to it, and I committed my shoulder right into the ground...I saw a doctor the next day at Rothman and started PT...Thanks goodness nothing was broken and its just a type I separation, the lowest grade...talk about good timing, right before vacation. Anyway the shoulder is doing tons better and won't hamper any of my activities on my trip! So while I am off at rehab, Diana can start making her piles of clothes and packing without me in her way! She never makes a pack list, so she will be copying off of me to make sure she has everything...lol! (No seriously, she made one for this trip...to long of a trip to forget something!)
Later today we will be off to Target to do round one of shopping, for last minute items and some small, cute shampoo bottles and hairsprays. Tonight will be more packing and laundry, with the viewing of the Phillies/ Braves game...Go Phils!!!
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoy the beginning of the weekend!
Love
Diana and Stacy
We have received great feedback from you already and we are as excited to share our trip with you, as your are to read about it. We love that we can keep in touch with all of you as we are trendsetting across the globe!
Dinner last night was wonderful and I will plug Pescatore's Restaurant on 202 in Glen Mills...ask for Lindsay as ur waitress as she is a friend of ours...great food!
As for today, the first full day of vacation for Diana, we are starting off in style with a massage for myself and a scrub and spray tan for Diana. We will be heading to Joseph Anthony for that, followed by lunch. I will be heading to Physical Therapy at 3..for those who do not know, I hurt my shoulder a little over a week ago in martial arts class trying to tumble from a standing position... Master Heath said you have to commit to it, and I committed my shoulder right into the ground...I saw a doctor the next day at Rothman and started PT...Thanks goodness nothing was broken and its just a type I separation, the lowest grade...talk about good timing, right before vacation. Anyway the shoulder is doing tons better and won't hamper any of my activities on my trip! So while I am off at rehab, Diana can start making her piles of clothes and packing without me in her way! She never makes a pack list, so she will be copying off of me to make sure she has everything...lol! (No seriously, she made one for this trip...to long of a trip to forget something!)
Later today we will be off to Target to do round one of shopping, for last minute items and some small, cute shampoo bottles and hairsprays. Tonight will be more packing and laundry, with the viewing of the Phillies/ Braves game...Go Phils!!!
Hope everyone is doing well and enjoy the beginning of the weekend!
Love
Diana and Stacy
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Perparing for departure
Good Afternoon Blog Followers!
We are at t-minus 4 days, 18 hours from our departure on our month long summer vacation! Diana is completing her last day of work for the next month, and the packing, laundry, and cleaning has commenced! All of the flights, hotels and activities have been booked! Shopping and packing will be the order of business for the weekend. It has been a very busy two months with workouts, martial arts class and planning, but all the hard work is done and vacation is ready to start! Tonight will be dinner out at Pescatore's...a local italian restaurant, complete with celebratory drinks! I will be looking to blog throughout the entire vacation, sometimes from locations half way around the world! It is sure to be an adventure for ourselves and my parents as well (who are vacationing with us as well!)
For those who do not know how this vacation came to be, a little background for you... I have always loved Scuba diving and was certified when I was 18. I have always dreamed of diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Well I mentioned this to Diana and I said that when I turned 30, I wanted to do the dives. Being the supportive Wife, she agreed, and the dreaming and planning of a trip to Australia had begun. My dive buddy, for all my dives has been my father, and I did not want to make these dives without him. After some discussions (and a great deal of convincing to fly that far), he and my mother were on board for the trip! We had decided to stop in San Francisco as well, to break up the long flights to Sydney, and with a suggestion from my father (Who denies he ever suggested it because its "another up and down on a plane") we added Hawaii to our Itinerary, and the trip of the summer was born! We had set out a trip itinerary, but with the release of the Phillies Schedule, we altered our itinerary so we end our trip in San Francisco, seeing our Phillies play the Giants. And so, after a year of planning, we are ready to roll, with just the packing left to do! My sister will be joining us in San Francisco for the last part of the trip since we are missing her birthday :( So We bought her a plane ticket for her birthday and she is excited too!!!
We hope you enjoy the blog and please feel free to comment as well. This will be the best (and cheapest)way to keep in touch with everyone (International Phone Data plans are INSANE!) so we are excited to have you come along, even virtually, on our vacation with us!
Love
Stacy and Diana
We are at t-minus 4 days, 18 hours from our departure on our month long summer vacation! Diana is completing her last day of work for the next month, and the packing, laundry, and cleaning has commenced! All of the flights, hotels and activities have been booked! Shopping and packing will be the order of business for the weekend. It has been a very busy two months with workouts, martial arts class and planning, but all the hard work is done and vacation is ready to start! Tonight will be dinner out at Pescatore's...a local italian restaurant, complete with celebratory drinks! I will be looking to blog throughout the entire vacation, sometimes from locations half way around the world! It is sure to be an adventure for ourselves and my parents as well (who are vacationing with us as well!)
For those who do not know how this vacation came to be, a little background for you... I have always loved Scuba diving and was certified when I was 18. I have always dreamed of diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Well I mentioned this to Diana and I said that when I turned 30, I wanted to do the dives. Being the supportive Wife, she agreed, and the dreaming and planning of a trip to Australia had begun. My dive buddy, for all my dives has been my father, and I did not want to make these dives without him. After some discussions (and a great deal of convincing to fly that far), he and my mother were on board for the trip! We had decided to stop in San Francisco as well, to break up the long flights to Sydney, and with a suggestion from my father (Who denies he ever suggested it because its "another up and down on a plane") we added Hawaii to our Itinerary, and the trip of the summer was born! We had set out a trip itinerary, but with the release of the Phillies Schedule, we altered our itinerary so we end our trip in San Francisco, seeing our Phillies play the Giants. And so, after a year of planning, we are ready to roll, with just the packing left to do! My sister will be joining us in San Francisco for the last part of the trip since we are missing her birthday :( So We bought her a plane ticket for her birthday and she is excited too!!!
We hope you enjoy the blog and please feel free to comment as well. This will be the best (and cheapest)way to keep in touch with everyone (International Phone Data plans are INSANE!) so we are excited to have you come along, even virtually, on our vacation with us!
Love
Stacy and Diana
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