Where are you Ganes?

I was looking forward to meeting my next TravBuddy. This time it was Ganes (TravBuddy = Kaantie95) who was coming to Honolulu. Whenever I read one of his blogs or forum posts, it seems like he has a happy and laid back demeanor. I like people like this. Ganes made a last minute decision to visit Honolulu and he was coming all the way from Germany for only 4 1/2 days in Hawaii. Impressive. Ganes asked for some help in finding lodging and other activity information. I was happy to help.

On Monday morning I logged into TravBuddy to see what was new. I had a message from Ganes. He wanted to know the best way to get from the airport to his hotel in Waikiki. I wrote back and told him about the shuttle bus service from the airport to Waikiki. I wanted to show some true aloha spirit, so I told Ganes that I would meet him at the baggage claim and drive him into Waikiki. I knew that Ganes had a layover in San Francisco, so I was hoping that he would check his messages during the layover and realize I would be waiting for him.

His flight was due to arrive at 5:45 pm, but was delayed until 6:10 pm. Yay!! I get to drive in rush hour traffic. Aww, quit complaining. I arrived at the airport shortly before 6pm. Around 6:15, people from the flight began to show up at baggage claim. I wasn't sure if Ganes had received the message that I was going to meet him at the baggage claim, so I made sure to pay attention. Wait a minute - there's someone who looks like him!! I noticed he was talking to a girl. Maybe they are honeymooners and it isn't Ganes. He saw me looking at him and he gave me a strange look. "Why is this guy staring at me?" he probably thought. I walked up to him and said:
"Is your name Ganes?"
"James" he replied.
"James? Sorry. You look like someone I was meeting"

I walked away and began looking again. Soon, there wasn't anybody left at baggage claim. How could have I missed him? Perhaps he stopped off to check his messages before he came to baggage claim. I waited a little bit longer to see if anyone else entered baggage claim. Nope, nobody else came in. I reluctantly left the airport, convinced that he would show up as soon as I left.

I went home and had some dinner. Afterwards, I checked my TravBuddy account. I have a message from Ganes. It turns out that it WAS him at the baggage claim. He thought I was asking for James, not Ganes!!! At least he knew I was there with my aloha spirit. We also have an amusing story to share with everyone. He gave me a phone call, we had a laugh and agreed to get together the next day.