For the first time in America we were not searched, perhaps, because nobody it seems is being searched on the way out of Orlando. I was a little disappointed in a way, because I had come prepared; I was wearing no belt, and had no shoes, just thongs or Flip Flops as they are called here. Whatever you do, don't ask for thongs, they will probably give you a G string, which could be kind of awkward if you’re male. A short monorail journey conveys us to the airport terminals. Our flight left at 12.50pm; five hours to LA, and another five to Hawaii.
There's nothing enjoyable about flying in the States. I much prefer the train. I really enjoyed our train trip from New York to Washington; we didn't have to battle to the airport, or arrive two hours early, or be searched, or sit like sardines into an uncomfortable seat. What I hate most about the plane, apart from the inconvenience, is the inability to see whats going on down below. Just to sit and watch the world go by in relative silence is one of the train's chief pleasures. I miss the great train journeys we had in Europe: the fast train from Paris to Monaco, through Italy to Venice, and then the night train across Austria to Prague.
We arrive at Los Angeles around 3pm, and wait until 5pm for the plane to fly the next leg to Honolulu. The flight is really starting to drag; without the monitors in the back of the seats, we can't entertain ourselves by selecting movies or programs - I can't even watch that little plane move across the map.
Around 8pm we see the dark outline of Hawaii, and the amber lights of Honolulu ahead. 'Aloha' the captain says as he taxis up to the gate. We're very weary, because it's 1am on Orlando time now.
Hotel Renew is everything we expected: cold fruit juice upon arrival, professional friendly service, and the hotel room (pictured above) had everything, including this huge projection TV on the wall (Pictured below).
Then it was time for a stroll along the famous, Waikiki Beach. The weather is perfect, warm, but with a nice cool sea breeze. We didn't see too much, but what I saw I liked; flaming torches line the promenade, people seem happy and relaxed, and most importantly we saw our favourite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory.
