USA Holiday - Luke & Cheryl: Oahu - Hawaii

Friday, July 11, 2008

Oahu - Hawaii

Aloha!

Just a quick note before we head out for our last dinner of the 4 week adventure. Had an awesome time in Hawaii, relaxing yesterday and doing a great tour of the island Oahu today. This place is very pretty, but not until you leave the commercial Honolulu and head into the many mountains, beaches and volcanic areas. A lot of diversity here, and a lot more people! Breathtaking scenery that has been the backdrop for many movies and TV Shows too - Lost, Jurrasic Park, Hawaii 5.0, Blue Hawaii, Fantasy Island, Giligans Island etc.

All in all a perfect way to end our amazing trip!

This time tomorrow night we will be home....

C&L

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Ripped off back in OZ

Movies - $8 a ticket, with food for 2 coming in at less than $12...thats a movie, Milk Duds, popcorn & soda for less than $30!
Alcohol - 12packs of beer, less than $10. Full strength, premium and light are all the same price. Even Imported Tooheys New is on par!
Computer Consoles & Games - Poor Luke...Games for WII, PS3, DS, XBOX consoles are less than $20!! PS3 console is $350
Brands - All Luxury brands, most particularly American about 80% cheaper. Victoria's Secret, Quicksilver, DKNY, Kenneth Cole, Coach and lots more
Food - Eating out & Groceries range from about 30-50% cheaper

Things we hav learnt about Canada

Architecture is quite often European inspired...makes places like Vancouver and Whistler that much more pretty
TV Stations are very different, with programs we get on Foxtel back home...predominantly the UK ones. Not much US stuff, or at least their own version of it
They love cycling. Vancouver and Whister revolve around it this time of year. Must be that French influence...
A lot of French people...TV stations in French, everything in 2 languages etc
They still tip, which we actually like now when eating out. Makes staff so much more attentive!
Alchohol also slightly more expensive than the US
Food is more expensie, closer on par to back home
Metric system...so much less hassle for us!

Things we have learnt about the US

Full cream milk is reffered to as 2%, whilst low fat is 1%
Days are very long - Sun comes up by 6.30, and its not dark until 10pm! (Daylight saving)
There are drive through banks, food outlets, Starbucks, Video stores, pharmacies
Forgot to add Biscuits and gravy to the breaky menu...or as we would refer to it...dry scones and gruel. Not at all apealing to us!
Cars only have one number plate and they can pick whether they want it on the fornt or back.
You never see a music store here! Most music is downloaded or boutgh from an IPOD vending machine.
Breakfast is not American without a waffle and/or boiled egg (odd yes, but they serve them with every continental!)
Most foods are sweetened, unessarily...like even the brown bread :(
They use non-dairy creamer in coffee as opposed to milk....not good, but neither is the percolated coffee!
Beer has no head, yet tastes just as good
The sun is a lot less intense burning wise.
Broadcasters dub over or redub all swear words.
Dont go anywhere without dollar bills
Squirrels are like rats....getting into mischief, and everywhere. Much cuter though :)
There are TOO many TV channels...oh the decisions
CDMA is the only coverage the further inland you go
You have to pay to enter most Nat. Parks, but it is well worth it.
You can go 65m/h on many hwys (135km/h)
1 Gallon = about 3ltr
An AUS cuppacino is more like a Latte here.
106F is HOT 60F is COLD
Food portions are massive! Aus Small = USA Large Aus Medium = USA MASSIVE!
You will never make it to dessert
You don't need an apetizer
They call a main meal and entree
Tipping system is very effective when eating out. Average meal (as in so full you never ant to eat again), with alcohol is less than $70 with tip!
Food is cheap - eating out and groceries are about 30% cheaper than Aus - ripped off!
WIFI is everywhere!
Right turn allowed at all red lights
Indicating is optional! Most cars have no orange indicator, instead it is another brake light that people rarely choose to use
Hotel roms come with coffee perclators and ground beans...but no kettle for tea
American's love condiments - with everything! (ketchup, relish, A1, pickles, mustard, mayo)