This week I finally got to downtown Honolulu to visit some of the attractions.

‘Iolani Palace was interesting, especially when compared to the palaces we’ve visited in Europe.

This palace, the only one in the United States, was influenced by European ones as the Hawaiian monarchy had close ties to England (the Hawaiian flag even incorporates the Union Jack). There were also some features, however, that were distinctly Hawaiian. Probably the most interesting fact about the palace is that it had electric lights before either the White House or Buckingham Palace.

After visiting the palace, I climbed the Aloha Tower. Located on the coast of Honolulu Harbor, it used to be the largest building on Oahu, and it was hit in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Afterwards Margaret and I went to Don Ho’s for some, yes, lava flows. We then went on a self-guided walking tour of Chinatown, which we cut short when some shady characters seemed to be checking out our electronic gear.

The Pro Bowl on Sunday was enjoyable; the related events that occurred during the week, however, were miserable. That’s good—it’s a lot easier to write a funny recap of terrible activities than fun ones.

Jamie K. arrived Saturday, but left Monday morning for the Big Island to camp by himself for a few days. He’s planning to emerge from the volcano and return to Oahu later this week.

Last night Diane and Stan had us over for dinner. It was a little strange going to my seventh grade math teacher’s house, but less so than it would have been if my mother wasn’t a teacher as well, showing me that teachers do in fact have a human side (usually). We had a fantastic time: the food, wine, and conversation were great. It was also the first time we saw the sunset in Hawaii.

Carolyn and Chris are en route for a four-day stay with us, but their three-flight trip from Massachusetts got extended to four flights. Not good times. Chris just sent me a text message; they were on a plane waiting to fly from Seattle to Maui, but had no idea of its flight number.

And finally, I just received this DC weather alert:

National Weather has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 7AM Wednesday. Cloudy with periods of freezing rain. Temperatures will remain freezing and slowly start rising after midnight. Accumulations of 1 to 2 tenths inches of ice and the AM temperatures around 35 degrees.

We’d appreciate it if our friends in DC would make sure that ice is all cleared up by the time we return in two weeks. Thanks!

Sunday we were in a brew pub next to our hotel to watch the Super Bowl. We got there early to get a great spot in front of the TV. A couple sat next to us, the man was wearing a Sox hat. Figuring I’m going to be next to these folks for four hours and that they’re friendlies, I asked them where they’re from.

He responded: “Reading, Mass. You?”

Usually I say I’m from the DC area. If the other person is from Massachusetts, I’ll say just outside of Boston. I don’t have a canned answer for when the other person is from my hometown.

Me: “Same here. Pine Ridge Circle.”

His wife said they lived on a street I hadn’t heard of; no surprise, there’s been a lot of construction in Reading of late, and she said that it’s part of a new development.

Me: “I actually live in DC now; but I grew up in Reading.”

They smiled. “Did you go to school in Reading?” he asked.

Me: “Yep, RMHS class of 94. Parker Middle School and Joshua Eaton too.”

Woman: “I was your math teacher. I’m Diane Portman.”

I felt like the fool that I am for not having recognized her, she looks the same (and I didn’t write that last sentence just because we gave them the URL for this blog). I blame the context: I hadn’t seen her in about 15 years, and I don’t recall ever having seen her outside of a classroom. Certainly not at a brew pub in Waikiki.

Of course, I called Dan immediately as he’d had her for a teacher as well. While outside on the phone, I realized how bizarre it was for my wife and middle school math teacher and her husband, Stan, to be drinking with my wife

Anyway, for the next five hours Margaret and I sat–and drank–with the Portmans. We had a fabulous time talking about their travels and ours. Afterwards they came up to our hotel room for some more wine. We’re heading to their place for dinner next week.

And that’s all I have to say about the events of Sunday.