Today nothing much special happened, the one thing to mention is my breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things and a stroll along the boulevard. I woke up later than usual, feeling somewhat aimless about the day ahead. Neema, Jeanne, and Mel, whom I had met yesterday, invited me to join them for breakfast, so I decided to tag along. They suggested a bustling spot along the boulevard called Eggs ‘n Things. Although I wasn’t particularly hungry, I lacked the motivation to plan my day and engage in activities. It seemed like today would be a low-key one for me.
Breakfast with a Nice View
We strolled down the boulevard, just a brief two-minute walk from our hostel. The restaurant, Eggs ‘n Things, however, was a bit further, about a ten-minute walk away. Upon arriving, we were met with a sizable queue. Opting to pass the time elsewhere, I suggested grabbing a drink at McDonald’s while we waited. Neema requested a cup of water, noting that it was complimentary.
After waiting for about 10 minutes, we placed our orders with the young Hawaiian girl. Despite her lack of friendliness, the lady at the register was delightful. She handed us each a small device—a fancy beacon—that would vibrate and light up blue when our orders were ready.
For breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things, I ordered French Toast while the girls opted for eggs, and Neema chose something else. The French Toast itself was alright, but the excessive cream topping left much to be desired. This was a disappointing start to the day, particularly after making a promise to myself to cut back on fat intake the day before.
Street Dwellers
Following breakfast, we made our way back to the hostel. Along the boulevard, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of homeless individuals. Their presence didn’t strike me as unusual; rather, I’ve always been intrigued by observing different aspects of life in various countries. Among them, one individual caught my attention – resembling Santa Claus with his large, white, unkempt beard. Despite his disheveled appearance, he sported a deep tan and a significant amount of hair on his back. Throughout the day, I encountered approximately 10 people sitting along the boulevard, each with cardboard signs detailing their reasons for needing money. One particular sign stood out and elicited a chuckle from me: “Why lie about it? I need money for weed and alcohol!”
An Afternoon of Relaxation and Unexpected Discoveries
Back at the hostel, I settled in with my book. I was nearing the end of the second volume and contemplated purchasing the third book here in Honolulu. However, my plans hit a snag when I realized the scarcity of bookshops in the area, a fact corroborated by online reviews. I spent the entire afternoon lounging in bed, engrossed in my reading, and appreciating the comfortable indoor temperature. While the air conditioning in Jeanne, Mel, and Neema’s room provided relief, the front room lacked its effectiveness. I found myself longing for the cool comfort of the back room.
As the afternoon wore on, I noticed a persistent itch on my leg, resulting in the appearance of numerous red spots. The itch didn’t resemble typical mosquito bites, leading me to suspect the presence of bedbugs. I resolved to inquire with Phillip later, as he occupied the lower bed in the room.
A Walk along the Boulevard
Later in the afternoon, I took a leisurely stroll along the boulevard, venturing into the southern part. As I meandered through a park adorned with a Gandhi monument, I caught sight of the Honolulu Zoo nestled within. Glancing at the admission prices, which amounted to about $20, I decided against visiting. The sweltering heat and my previous experiences with zoos during my journey left me feeling disinterested. Reflecting on my visit to the Batu Secret Zoo, I concluded that none could surpass its charm. Resolving not to venture further south as Waikiki reached its end, I turned back.
In the evening, a new addition joined our dorm named Malena, hailing all the way from Argentina. With only one day to spare, she was eager to explore as much as possible. I had ambitious plans for the following day, though uncertain if they were feasible. From what I gathered, the public bus system was notoriously troublesome, a fact I was about to experience firsthand. Sharing my intentions with Malena, I expressed my desire to visit Lanakai Beach and a few other spots.
We decided to embark on the adventure together, and Malena mentioned another hostel guest named Bruce who might be interested in joining us. I welcomed the idea of company for the excursion. I informed Malena that I planned to rise around 6 am. As the night progressed, everyone else retired to bed, except for Phillip, who had plans to meet with some locals. Engrossed in my book, I remained awake until around 1 am before finally switching off the light and drifting off to sleep.
