Hawaii, New Orleans, San Fransisco
Hawaii
We started this trip basically in February 1990 when we asked the Sheraton for a transfer, or else if nothing was available, then I would effectively resign as at June 30th 1990. Margaret and I had felt that the 26 months were long enough in China, especially seeing the first year was very busy for us and then going through Tiananmen Square episode in June 1989 and the changing attitude prevalent in Beijing after that. Coming down to our departure date we still didn’t have a new contract, although had been one in Sanai (Yemen) that we turned down and waited for a few more maybe coming up. Our holiday plans were in trying to get to America, but all flights to America were full for when we wanted to travel. Near the last minute we were offered Bali Sheraton and to come for an interview, the travel agent was able to book us through to America via Hawaii and so the race was on. The packers came in, we raced around for the visas that only I needed, (Australian Passport) as Marg had a British passport and left Beijing early morning on the 9th of September. We needed to go through Hong Kong to place our valuables in a safe Deposit Box, arrange for travelers cheques, meet some people for lunch and be back on the plane 5 hours later – which we succeeded in doing. When we arrived in Bali there was nobody to pick us up (Editor – which should have been a good indication of what was to come later!!!) Only by chance did we book a room in the same Hotel for the Sheraton staff, so had a look around for a day, agreed to work here – and left the day after. Into Hawaii flying a bad airline (American of course – United) – where through contacts we were able to stay in the Royal Hawaiian Sheraton Hotel complimentary – and in a VIP suite – smile! (Sorry, the photos here are quite old, from 1991!)
A great 3 days here – getting burnt on the beach, touring the island in a hired convertible and trying out the restaurants. I was quite impressed with it and so was Margaret. Only problem was the 2 hours spent arriving through immigration along with thousands of others. Leaving the islands was much better.
San Francisco
Next stop San Francisco, staying at Fisherman’s Wharf Sheraton – only 50% discount on the room here! We also enjoyed our time here even though again only about 3 days. Visited and ate at the Fisherman’s Wharf – enjoying the atmosphere but crowded with tourists, trying out the Californian Cuisine and the Californian wines, taking Boat trips on the Bay and seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oakland Bay Bridge and riding the trams up the steep streets as always shown an TV. Onto New Orleans and where the Gumbos, Creoles and Jambalayas are very popular, plus the music and parties – it is after all the place of Louis Armstrong and the Old Jazz Hall. Great place this, great food trips and Paddle wheel boats on the Mississippi River, boat rides down the Bayou’s, and walking around a very historical port of the country. This was the first time that we came across the homeless problem in America – not a surprise but still a bit of a shock. We spent 5 days here and enjoyed every minute of it. Good to spend some time in a place where everyone speaks English. Just some that I can find at the moment from Hawaii below.
New Orleans
My apologies but these are all old photos and not too many of them found yet! Hopefully as I continue to work through my albums and scan in, I will find more from these travels!
