2014 Exciting Year and Longest Dec 25 of My Life

This time of the year I always fly to the Philippines.  There's nothing more precious than spending the holidays with my family.  My journey started Wednesday, Dec 24 and I'm hoping to be in Manila evening of the 25th.  It was a fun and enjoyable journey from the Twin Cities to Narita, Japan.  We arrived in Narita on Dec 25 at 3:15PM.  Flight went well and all the flight crew made the flight fun and relaxing.

The most challenging part started from waiting for the flight boarding from Narita to Manila.  My flight was full and all other airlines' flights as well.  So I was stuck in Narita and have to plan for my next move. 

I sent messages to my family in Manila that I won't be able to make it and that they have a great holiday.  I'll just see them next year.

Thinking my best option is to turn back and just head home.  I think that's a good plan and went with it. I took the evening flight from Narita to Honolulu to catch a flight to Los Angeles then to the Twin Cities. 

Flight was 7 hours. Arrived in Honolulu on Dec 25 at 7AM feeling refreshed.  I can't imagine how time flies .....back.

Honolulu! It's not my first time at the Honolulu airport so I thought I'd stay a day and take the first flight out the next day. 

I took a Speedi Shuttle from the airport to Courtyard at Marriott Waikiki Beach where I had my good friend Laura book me for a night.  The trip to the hotel was good and just took a few minutes drive.  Our driver even said we're lucky because usually it takes over an hour drive from the airport to the hotel.  Next time I'm in Honolulu I'll take Speedi Shuttle again. 

At the hotel, I asked if they already have my reservations and the hotel associate said they don't have it yet.  Hotel check-in is still at 3PM so I walked around and went to Waikiki beach.  It was a good 5 minutes walk through nice shops and hotels.  Great weather too. 

Actually perfect weather.  Good water.  No great water, good waves, fun group of people just getting their tan and swimming. I sat for hours just basking under the sun not thinking about anything.  Just enjoying the sun, cool air and sound of the waves. 

I'd like to stay longer but I decided to just continue my journey home.  Fortunately, the hotel associate helped me cancel my reservation with her manager who was kind enough to let me.  Thanks Marriott!

I called Speedi for a return trip to the airport.  Got to airport on time with some to spare for shopping.  Los Angeles flight from Honolulu was good. Dinner was good.  Got caught up with sleep.  Flight was 6 hours.  Arrived in Los Angeles on Dec 25 at 11PM.

Finally it's Dec 26 for my final leg to the Twin Cities.  My flight left Los Angeles on Dec 26 at 12:33AM and arrived in the Twin Cities on Dec 26 at 5AM.  Great flight! Great journey!  I might do this again next year! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  The January 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge starts January 1!  Please follow my journey and wish me well.