You're a long way from home!!!

Last week I noticed that a TravBuddy from Ukraine, Alyona (TravBuddy - Alyonushka), was going to visit Honolulu.  Her profile mentioned that she was traveling alone.  I thought it would be nice to be the Ambassador of Aloha again and make myself available for visitor orientation.  She took me up on my offer and she gave me her mobile number.  I sent a text message with my contact info and I also her sent a private message on TravBuddy.  Good thing I sent a TravBuddy message because Alyona never received the text message.  I probably sent it to the wrong number.  I can image some stranger in Kiev receiving a text message from Aloha_Keith.  Who the hell is this Aloha_Keith guy and why does he want to meet me?  hehehe.

We spoke on the phone today and made plans for dinner.   She wanted some authentic Hawaiian food.  Most people think that authentic Hawaiian food is something like broiled mahi mahi or macadamia nut crusted chicken.  Nope.  We were going out for the real stuff tonight.  Now, for those of you unfamiliar with Hawaiian food, here are some of the dishes:

Ahi Poke  (pronounced: ah-he po-kay) - Chilled tuna cubes seasoned with sesame oil, chili pepper and sea salt
Tako Poke - Diced octopus with chili pepper water, maui onions and cucumbers.
Lomi Lomi Salmon (pronounced: lo-mee) - salted salmon, tomatoes, onion and salt
Poi - taro root pounded until smooth
Lau Lau - pork wrapped in ti leaves and cooked for two hours until tender
Kalua Pig (pronounced ka-loo-ah) - slow cooked pork with cabbage and onions
Chicken Long Rice - Hawaiian style chicken noodle soup
Shoyu Chicken - Chicken cooked in soy sauce and spices

There is a restaurant near the University of Hawaii that has a nightly buffet of Hawaiian food.     The name of the restaurant is The Willows.  In the event she didn't like the Hawaiian food, there are plenty of other entrees.  Unfortunately Alyona wasn't feeling 100% - a combination of jetlag and a recent bout with pneumonia.   The Willows is a buffet dinner which means we could cut dinner short if she started feeling poorly.

The sun was setting as I left my house and drove towards Waikiki.  The sky was beautiful tonight.  I drove a little faster so I could get to the beach a little early and take a few photos.  I made it to the hotel at 6:45.  I had 15 minutes before I had to meet Alyona.  The sun had dipped below the horizon and the colors were fantastic.  Too bad I brought the point-and-shoot camera instead of my DSLR.  Click click click.  I left the beach and walked over to the lobby.   There she is.  Aloha, I'm Keith.  Hello, I'm Alyona.  Blah blah blah.  Let's go eat!!!  15 minutes later we arrived at The Willows.

We were seated, the waiter took our drink orders and then Alyona and I went to the buffet.  I explained all of the different food choices.  I'll have some of this, a little of that, and a lot of the roast beef.  Alyona found a few tasty items and put them on her plate.  I tried not to talk too much because she wouldn't eat when I was talking.  She has good manners. hehehe.  We talked about a lot of different things.  Travel (of course), careers, life in our hometowns, etc…  Okay, plate number one is finished.  Shall we go get more food?  Alyona declined.  She was looking a little tired.  I was still hungry so I went up for more food.  Well, not really.   I got a plate filled with desserts - tiramisu, fruits, flan and ice cream.  Yeah baby!!!!!  I stuffed the sweets into my mouth and asked for the check.

I drove down to Waikiki and dropped her off at her hotel.  She will be in Hawaii for another week and we plan to get together again before she leaves.  Aloha!!