Have you ever come across a parrot fish sleeping during a night dive? Freaky…
They’re big enough to be able to sleep relatively soundly. I love watching eels hunt at night. The smaller fish better not be sleeping too soundly!
I’m glad I’m not a fish or shrimp or crab, etc. Everything is out to get you, esp when you’re small.
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As I understand you. I know a lot of stories like yours. Thank you for sharing and I will definitely take into account your advice, it turned out to be very close to me.
And all the best to you
I had the same experience. I was rebooked several times on flights from Italy to Boston via London. The last flight had a less than one hour connection in Heathrow. I called and the first person told me that it would cost over $1K per flight to change. I called again the next day and they switched flights at no cost. If you are elite status, I would definitely call the separate line for your status. That may have helped in my situation.
Interesting reading a USVI travel forum thread and seeing some tourist complain about the “mask police.” Then all, or almost all (a couple are vague) come on defending the policy, esp since it’s put on their website in plain English - and one must go through that website acknowledging the mask fact before being allowed to come. The last one I read sums it up (seems to be from a person living on one of the islands):
“Well duh … did you not research before you went? this is NOT new news ______ and thank you everyone for wearing your masks and keeping us safe (our hospital is NOT prepared for a major outbreak)”
If you’re planning travel, know your destination and choose wisely.
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We are having a lovely visit to Hawaii. Started on Oahu and now on Maui. Mask compliance seems pretty good. Checking vaccine status at restaurants is hit or miss. It is strict at the fitness center however. One thing tho, I am registered on the Covid safe app and got a notice that I had been exposed to someone who tested positive while we were on Oahu. The problem is the notice came after 9 days. I tested negative but I’m not sure what good the system is when notice is delayed like that.
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For those planning to travel to Hawaii.
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3 of us are heading to Maui and Big Island next week. We are all 3 fully vaxed and boosted. We aren’t thrilled with this news. And I understand there are a lot of locals on the islands that aren’t either (concern of immediate rising numbers; their limited hospital beds filling up with visitors who may become sick while there). Of course there are those who are delighted.
We flew on Tues to Honolulu from Chicago. The flight wasn’t full and it was probably our best ORD-HNL experience. Concerning the flight we had everything set before we arrived at O’Hare and it was a breeze getting through security and checking bags.
We were surprised when we arrived at the gate that we had to re-verify our vaccination through United in order to get the wristband needed for Hawaii arrivals. I saw it mentioned upthread but thought people said it was for their Southwest flight. The gate guy (1 of 3 for our flight) said United just implemented it in order to cut down processing time once you arrive in Hawaii. All I can say is they had to be patient because there were a lot of confused passengers when they walked up to the gate.
And since I mentioned Southwest, I’ll also say competition is a a good thing. In the past we have flown this route and United used old planes and didn’t even provide a meal for an 8 hr flight. We would have to bring food and snacks. However since Southwest now serves the islands we had a much nicer plane and got 2 meals! Lol.
We have been on Oahu for almost 48 hrs and will say mask compliance seems very good. Every restaurant we’ve eaten at (only ones with outdoor seating) have checked vax cards and photo IDs. In the more crowded Waikiki areas, we’ve seen a lot more mask wearing outdoors than expected.
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Hawaii is thinking about scrapping the Safe Travels program and travel restrictions sometimes in the spring.
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Attention Oahu travelers. If you want to see some American Idol filming, make dinner reservations at Mina’s Fish House for 2/14 or 2/15. The stage will be right next to the outdoor dining area.
We accidentally were treated to a dinner show in 2019! Sadly, not going to make it this year.
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The visitors I’ve spoken with have assured me traffic on Oahu is back to very heavy. I’m not looking forward to more visitors and more traffic, especially if they don’t have to show they’re vaxed or tested negative. I guess we will just have to see what happens.
First dive in almost 3 years today. I’m reminded of both how good it feels to be under the water “critter watching” and how glad I am that not everyone feels the need to have a “typical” job. Our guide, Ryan, is excellent at what he does. (He’s also helping medical lad’s GF get dive certified.)
For that matter, BJ and Liz were excellent at their jobs taking folks like us ziplining yesterday.
It’s a big world out there. As long as everyone finds their niche in it, life can be enjoyed.
It really is tempting to ditch “typical life,” but for now, we probably need to stick to our month in winter with a goal of 3-4 months in a couple of years, esp since we still have FIL to consider.
The rat race just isn’t us. It never has been TBH. I’m glad H can mostly work remotely.
And FWIW, who cares about politics or Covid. The first people just don’t seem to care about here - not enough to share with others anyway. The second, here on the USVI, just wear masks inside around people, distance outside, and all is well. It fits us extremely well.
The view doesn’t hurt either. Saw another Indigo Hamlet under water today (and the other “typical” fish. Later I’ll find if H got a good pic of it or not. He’s showering now to return to his paying job.
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I’m a frequent traveler to Hawaii (and previous resident of Big Island) - and I’m not at all happy about this. The risks on an island are far more severe than on the mainland for a rapid spread. The islands simply do not have enough hospital beds for their residents, let alone visitors who might get sick or do stupid things (the rescues on Maui so far this calendar year have exceeded previous years, for the same period, in spades) - I feel for those that live on the islands. I understand that from a financial perspective they “need” the tourist dollar, but seriously, at what cost? I’m heading out there again next week, fully vaxed (that includes booster), and will still test 72 hours in advance of departure, to ensure I’m not dragging anything along with me. And I will mask up indoors, regardless of mandates. It’s not difficult, and it makes sense.
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I may stop dining out at restaurants all together if they stop wanting folks to present VAX or negative tests. I guess the safe travels program costs too much to run, but it scares me and I hope it doesn’t crush our medical facilities.
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I feel you @HImom - we haven’t eaten out on our travels other than the food trucks, and then we take the food back “home” to enjoy on our lanai - otherwise we’ve enjoyed cooking at “home” using local ingredients. Big hugs (distanced) to you, your friends and your ohana.
I have only been doing outdoor dining at places and only where they check your card and ID. H and I are high risk and we provide some care for my 92 year old mom.
Don’t kill the messenger. Not my decisions to make. 
I would prefer to keep the program at least through 2022. We traveled to Hawaii a few times (testing, then vaccination exemption), and it was efficient and felt quite safe.
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Me too - at least through 2022. It’s not difficult.
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I don’t get to make the decisions but I do think it’s a mistake to end too early. The med centers are still trying To recover from the huge omicron surge and we have no option to go to the next state for treatment.
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