Tressa’s Travels

by Tressa Washington (United States of America)

I didn't expect to find USA

I took a trip to Seattle and Hawaii summer of 2019 with my sister and found it to be one of the most exciting and beautiful trips ever. Seattle was nice because we had the opportunity to not only see the tourist spots, but sort of live like a local by staying at an Airbnb that was in the suburbs away from all the traffic. We also were able to see how much Japanese influence the city really has by visiting the Seattle Japanese Garden, visiting Japantown and eating at the various restaurants (which were great, by the way). I recommend eating at Makai at Alki Beach Park if you’re interested in Hawaii-Korean fused foods. It’s right on the water and gives you a great view of the city skyline which includes the infamous Space Needle. You can’t go wrong. Although I loved and enjoyed Seattle, Honolulu was the best travel experience ever! My sister and I stayed at another Airbnb, which was the perfect location, because we were just far away to be away from the hustle and bustle of heavy traffic but close enough to be in the mix of nearby shops and restaurants. We managed to get in a 7 hour guided bus tour for less than $50, a luau and more shopping and time on the beach. On the tour, we stopped at the Dole Plantation which is home to the Dole Pineapple. The store is filled with all things pineapple from keychains, refrigerator magnets and t-shirts. There’s also a jewelry section. This caught my eye because the saleswoman gave customers the opportunity to “go fishing” for a pearl. Not really, but you had to pull a card from a box and if you were lucky, the card would have a key. It must’ve been my lucky day because I had the card with the key to open a bowl full of oysters. The lady said whichever oyster I pick, may or may not have a pearl(s). She suggested I get one of the grimiest looking ones. The pearls age better, I guess, I can’t quite remember. Lol. I took heed to her instructions and got the ugliest, dirtiest looking oyster and pulled it out. She tapped on it three times before opening it and there were two of the most beautiful pearls I had ever laid eyes on. The icing on the cake? On our way back to the bus, we saw a double rainbow, which is considered to be a sign of good luck and prosperity. I couldn’t have asked for a better vacation.