It began on Monday. APEC (Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is something it feels as though the state has been preparing, repairing, bracing, anticipating, dreading for the longest time.
Returning from Chicago, we were surprised to see some renovation work at Honolulu International Airport. It wasn't done two weeks ago. I hope it's done now. We've been told that as of Monday there would be all kinds of traffic snarls and congestion and we should remember to show our aloha spirit.
There will be presidents from the U.S. (local boy Barack), Russia, Philippines, South Korea, China, Peru, Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia, etc. and Prime Ministers from Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. Can you imagine the security? There are supposed to be world leaders from 21 member nations, 1,500 top executives and 2,000 members of the world media. With staff, family and friends, there are supposed to be a total of between 15,000 and 20,000 extra visitors here. Do we really have that many hotels?
I just hope Mother Nature cooperates too because there's a forecast for a whole lot of rain. Then again, it's usually dry in Waikiki so maybe all those world leaders will be OK and in the mood to cooperate and be friends.
There will be presidents from the U.S. (local boy Barack), Russia, Philippines, South Korea, China, Peru, Vietnam, Mexico, Indonesia, etc. and Prime Ministers from Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, etc. Can you imagine the security? There are supposed to be world leaders from 21 member nations, 1,500 top executives and 2,000 members of the world media. With staff, family and friends, there are supposed to be a total of between 15,000 and 20,000 extra visitors here. Do we really have that many hotels?
I just hope Mother Nature cooperates too because there's a forecast for a whole lot of rain. Then again, it's usually dry in Waikiki so maybe all those world leaders will be OK and in the mood to cooperate and be friends.
I love the way you refer to Barack...local boy! Let's hope they get something good done.
ReplyDeleteI hope they all get the aloha spirit and are in a frame of mind to actually accomplish something.
ReplyDeleteWell, the rain might keep them inside instead of out enjoying the wonders of Hawaii, so maybe they will get things done. Love your new header!
ReplyDeleteA boost to the local economy, the hookers'll be busy!
ReplyDeleteWonder how many flew in just for the forum?
great location for an important meeting...I'd come too if invited. lol!
ReplyDeleteI hope many positive things get done at APEC.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was commuting to work I hated these gatherings. Tied up traffic in all directions.
ReplyDeleteI always thought Honolulu was Washington West.
Dianne
Steve: I don't think there are any more rooms left for those ladies.
ReplyDeleteGood time not to be a tourist in Honolulu.
ReplyDeleteKay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Great post!
ReplyDeleteAnd the 'golf ball' too, Kay!
Always a good read here, and often quite a bit more. . .
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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Hope it goes well, when we have summits here there is lots of security!
ReplyDeleteNo, I really can't imagine that level of security!! How interesting, though, to watch the process of getting world leaders safely from one place to another.
ReplyDeletePS Absolutely love your wave header!!
You have been posting some nice header photos lately. Love them all.
ReplyDeleteYes, your photos are wonderful! We've had limited rain for this past season. Water tables are down. That said, I got a soaker in a hole in my boot. Life is good!!!
ReplyDeleteCheers from Cottage Country!
Hawaii will receive national, even worldwide, publicity from the APEC summit. And about prostitutes .... I'm only too sure that the diplomats have access to the escort ladies. Does $5000/night sound about right? I dunno the premium rate.
ReplyDeleteRon: Ummm... Art was just wondering out loud what the standard rate is as opposed to the "premium rate." :-)
ReplyDeleteHehe, I see you will have a new topic for research, Kay.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of VIPs! I hope everybody behaves. Are demonstrations expected?
ReplyDeleteLinda: The newspaper does explain the procedures for doing a demonstration. I haven't heard of much in the news though.
ReplyDeleteKay, your decent upbringing is showing. Those ladies do not require a room all to themself. The arrangers who organise them to come to the island already have several small apartments they use, near to Waikiki.
ReplyDeleteThe ladies can just bunk in there 6 to a room, instead of the usual 2 or 3.