Monday, February 9, 2009

Virtual Concierge

This blogspot is intended to provide the reader with my personal recommendations and critiques of places in Indianapolis, as well as on any vacations I might take.

Of course, these are just recommendations based on my personal experiences and preferences: A "Joe the Plummer" reflection on the world.

First, I'll start with my recent trip to Hawaii. I tagged along with two couples -- friends of mine who own timeshares through Shell Vacations. We spent the first week in their condos. The second week was purchased for a very minor fee with the agreement that we'd attend a two hour presentation where they try to sell you something.

I went into the presentation protecting my emotional body with a spiritual armour; expecting to be brainwashed into purchasing a timeshare. To my surprise, the formal presentation was actually very good and informative.

Afterwards, we spent several more hours going over options. My friends ended up upgrading their plans. While a timeshare wasn't the right thing for me at this time, I did end up purchasing a two-year, try it out, package. I was given several thousand points to "spend" over the next two years for a very modest fee.

So, my timeshare experience was actually a very good one.

Now for a quick review of Hawaii! I have been to the big island of Hawaii and thought it was beautiful. I hear the air quality is degrading these days due to the volcano, so if you're planning a visit there, make sure it doesn't affect you. If you are asthmatic, I'd give that island a second thought.

This trip, we spent three days in Oahu. We visited Pearl Harbor and I must say that is a sobering experience. It is one of those things you should do once in a lifetime.

If you are interested in the night life and love Miami and New York -- which I loathe -- then Oahu might be for you. I found it crowded, commercial and not what I was looking for.

However, the next leg of our trip, Kauai, was magnificent! The 25 x 33 mile island has something to offer for everyone. For me, it was the beauty, the people, and the laid back nature of the island that impressed me. Must do's in Kauai:

1. Eat a Puca Dog
2. Try a Masalada
3. Eat fish, fish, fish
4. Take a catamaran trip with Captain Andy
5. Watch sunsets any day weather permits
6. Shop, shop, shop
7. Visit Wamea Canyon
8. Eat at Brennecke's Beach Broiler
http://www.brenneckes.com/
Poipu
808-742-7588
9. Eat at Bubba's Burgers and get fun T-Shirts
4-1435 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI 96766
808-823-0069
10. Take the Hawaii Movie Tours Very Fun!
http://www.hawaiimovietour.com4-885/
Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa - (808) 822-1192

That's all for now. If you have questions, please blog me back!

Peace - c~