Hawaii, Part I

Timeshare presentations? I am a believer.

Okay, we weren't actually dragged into the presentation because they were 2 hours late for our appointment. And after watching 2 hours worth of America's Funniest Home Videos in the waiting room, we simply didn't have time for the lecture. SO, off we went, straight to the gift department. At that point, we just stole two vacations.

Along with a few complimentary nights in Galveston, AMC and I scored a five day/ four night hotel stay in Hawaii. But airfare, obviously a ridiculously huge expense, wasn't included. But I'm thinking, "Have a little faith!" With airline miles, Groupon gift certificates, and months and months of searching (and praying!) for other killer deals, we went on our dream vacation! Well, I say our... but I really mean my dream vacation! AMC would love to go to Italy and tour the beautiful areas of Europe. We even started learning Italian together. Ooh-la-la! That trip is now on the top of my vacation list! Is it crazy that I'm probably going to try and make that trip happen? Even maybe sometime soon? 

I'll take a vacation over any gift. Any day.

A destination in Hawaii that had my heart most excited was the Polynesian Cultural Center....a place where I had worked for five months. When I lived in Laie in 2006, I was a waitress for the afternoon BBQ's and the evening Luau's. I really loved it there. I was working with happy tourists on vacations.  ALOHA!            

AMC was laughing at himself hysterically while dancing to the men's Tahitian 'knee clap'. I do love that he is such a good sport and feels comfortable enough to look so silly and score a few laughs from me. I really love him...

This Samoan performer had me rollin' with giggles. (He was my favorite when I worked there.) He was so funny. He would stare at Aaron with intense eyes as he would crack another joke about his life, culture, and manhood.

He produced fire in about 15 seconds. Speaking of manhood...

Quirky little statues convinced us that we were in another world.

"Tree90X"

Fabulous island show complete with performers dancing on the river. How cool is that? Each Polynesian group shook their hips to their island's unique form of dance.

Tonga. I love the kicks they do with their heads throughout their dance. It made the experience incredibly authentic.

Tahiti (My favorite! Their hips don't lie.)

New Zealand (Yup. This rad dude's glare was directed at Aaron. I'm noticing a trend here.)

Samoa (Beautiful colors and spirit in their dances.)

Hardcore Figi

We then hopped to a 30 minute open-window tram tour to visit BYU-Hawaii and the LDS Temple.

Of all of the temples I have seen, to me, the Laie temple has the most beautiful and breath-taking grounds. I love the sprinkling fountains of water, palm trees, Plumeria flowers, and the pure white temple. The Spirit near the temples is warm and calming. Oh how lovely it is.

With hungry little tummy's, we made our way back to the PCC for a much needed Polynesian buffet and Luau. The poi potato was a favorite dish of mine. The poi rolls are even yummier!

Any guesses for the smokin' main entree?

Wait for it...

Kailua Pork. Props to whoever saw this pig-like-beast and knew that it would be ever-so-tasty. I tried not to think of the preparation process in too much detail.

PCC Night Show. AMC and I were grinning with astonishment! It's beautiful in every way. Look at how in sync their dancing is! Their smiles and happiness is contagious. I love the polynesian people.

(Note-Our short videos didn't come out as well. I pulled the following clip from youtube.)

Yours truly, Me