The Aloha Diaries, Part 1: A Wing and a Prayer

Well, the Greenwich High choral groups are safely in Hawaii, having landed in Honolulu about 8:30 our time last night.

It was a looooong day — for them traveling and for me waiting to hear they had finally arrived.

I dropped them at GHS to get on the bus to the airport at 2:30 am.

Catherine, right; and her friend Amanda boarding the bus.

By 6, they were winging their way West.

On their way!

During their stopover at SFO, Catherine sent me this photo, with the caption: “I hate flying.”

Most of you know that she was preaching to the (at home) choir there.

The views along the way were as stunning as those they are now taking in.

Over Colorado.

Over Nevada.

Long hours in cramped quarters meant employing a little creativity.

But finally, this was view as they awaited the bus to their hotel.

And Basil posted this on Facebook last night.

Honolulu after dark.

Everyone keeps asking why I’m not there. Many, many more than enough moms came forward for the trip — they did not need or want another female chaperone.

Plus — as strange as it may seem to many of you — I’m perfectly happy to let the two of them have this special experience together (likely their last as Catherine will start college in the fall) while I enjoy a bit of my own vacation in the comforts of home.

Today they visit Hickam Air Force Base for a tour and lunch, and then can choose to climb to the top of Diamond Head Crater or spend time on Waikiki Beach.

Catherine is keen to see the crater; I can’t wait to hear all about it.