Day One Hawaii

Pacific- North California Coast

Welcome to Hawaii!

What a view!

Palms on Waikiki Beach

Monday
Got up at 5:00, hit the road by 6, in the air by 11:15. We were in Hawaii by 3pm. The first photo shows the Pacific Ocean-Northern California border. I thought that turned out pretty cool. I like how the wing frames the photo. On the way home, we were right on top of the wing so we had limited viewing. Wells Fargo had a charter bus to meet everyone, all 2,2oo at the sales and service conference. When we got off the bus at the hotel we were greeted by WF managers (who played the part of hosts at the conf.) They had a double line for us to walk through and they were cheering, waving noise-makers, congratulating the winners, leis for everyone and it was quite a surprise, made me wonder what was in store for us this week.

So they escorted our bus to the reception area where you see Dan in the second photo. They had punch, and all the information we needed for the week including our rooms. First off they suggested getting our gifts so we did that. They had a Hilo Hattie store set up where we were given a backpack & bag with little goodies like sunscreen, raingear, etc.. Then we could pick out a Hawaiian shirt or pareo (wrap). I went for the wrap, Dan obviously got a shirt. :) Next, we took off to see our room. We didn't have our hopes up for a view but boy did we get one! We were very pleased. We heard that room assignments were just the luck of the draw, not everyone had a great view. We started our day and ended it on our lanai. (deck) Dinner was at 6 at nearby Fort DeRussy on the beach. Our room actually looked out over it and we could hear the music as well. So, dinner the first night was themed "Hawaii Under the Stars." There was a wonderful buffet, bar, music and Hawaiian entertainment. The girl with the flowers coming out of her head was from the first evening. Here's one with a lampshade. There were quite a few with elaborate contraptions on their heads. Not quite sure what that was all about! It was a long first day but we were so excited to be there that we weren't tired. When we finally hit the sack it was 9:45 Hawaii time but 2:45 Central time, yikes...it did hit us later! Dan's new Hawaiian shirt