I was stirred awake by Neema’s urgent voice. “Maarten, the rental car! It needs to be returned before 10 am,” he exclaimed. I had totally forgot the car returnal. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was already 10 am. Neema swiftly dialed the rental company, reassuring them amidst the traffic delay. “We’ll be there in 15 minutes,” he assured them confidently. I couldn’t help but smile at Neema’s quick thinking. Truly a hero in the moment of need.
Neema suggested I stay in bed, but I insisted on accompanying him. I didn’t want him to feel burdened with the responsibility alone; after all, I was part of this too. Together, we returned the rental car, and thankfully, everything was in order, including the fuel level.
A Day of Resting
I didn’t do much that day. Upon returning, I spent the entire day holed up in the dorm. The girls embarked on a hike to Diamond Head, a plan I had initially considered, but fatigue weighed heavily on me, and I craved a day of rest. Once again, the weariness of travel settled upon me. I passed the time reading my book and tending to some tasks on my laptop.
Around 2 or 3 pm, I noticed Phillip stirring, the only other person still present in the dorm. He seemed to be nursing a hangover, but I didn’t inquire further. Phillip busied himself by tidying up, tossing various items into the trash bin and gathering scattered playing cards strewn across the floor. It brought a smile to my face, recalling the antics from the previous day. Overall, I felt content. Joining Neema earlier had revitalized me, and now I felt refreshed and clear-headed.
Travel Chores
I spent a significant amount of time on my laptop, ensuring all preparations were in place for the upcoming week. I booked a hostel for my next destination and packed my backpack accordingly. Tomorrow marked my departure from Honolulu, with the next stop being the Big Island. I felt a surge of excitement at the thought of exploring volcanoes and the stunning natural landscapes awaiting me. Realizing I didn’t have a Lonely Planet guide, I made a mental note to purchase one at the airport or a similar outlet before my journey.
In the evening, I grabbed a meal at Subway, if memory serves me right. There isn’t much to recount; it was a rather uneventful day. I felt the need to simply unwind and let go, embracing the tranquility of a quiet evening.
I turned in for the night around midnight, setting my alarm for 5:30 am. The plan was to catch the bus around 6 am and arrive at the airport by 7 am, as my flight was scheduled for 9:30 am.
