MAY 1976.

HIGH GEAR

HONOLULU DIARY

By A. Mark-Joseph

Will only spend four days on the Golden Sands of Hawaii. Waikiki that is. But hope for four unforgettable days, as Mitch is meeting me. I met him on my last trip, when I walked into a disco and there he was cutting up to the tune of "Ain't anyone straight in L.A.?"

The biggie "747" heavily turned into the Honolulu airport on what the pilot called the smooth swoop of a condor also pointing out Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head on our approach for landing. I couldn't help but feel the look of "Paradise Found" so evident on the faces of the passengers. Although the flight was eight hours, both young and old seemed to spring

to life.

Reflecting my many visits to Hawaii I could not help feeling infected by this spirit. There he was waiting for me and in the traditional manner of Hawaii placed a flower lei on my shoulder. Driving to our hotel, we made plans to enjoy the

scene.

To-night we decided to dine at Chez Michel. Thought it would be best before the money runs out. This restaurant unpretentiously situated in the middle of Waikiki, could without difficulty enjoy continental popularity should it be found in the center of Paris. We dined on Duck al'orange with a wash of wine chosen by Monsieur Michel. Lables never make anything taste better. Allow the Maitre to choose your wine. Oh yes tell him "not too expensive."

Mitch asked me if I were tired after the long journey. The beauty of blue seas, warm breezes, soft sands, the dinner and being with someone you liked, all I could say is "Hell, no. Let's go dancing.

I mentioned to Mitch we should visit the three more popular clubs. The Tomato, Gay Nineties, and the Blowhole (formerly the Apartment).

The Gay Nineties and the Tomato are just a parking lot distance away from each other. We began with the Gay Nineties and should our strength hold out, we planned to take in the Tomato. The crowd is young.

Twenty-five with a few pluses. I couldn't help but view with controlled hypnosis the features of polynesia, oriental, Europe and of course the blonde or chiseled features of the mainlander. There were a few in drag.

I suspect many in attendance were members of Uncle Sam's Gang. No problem asking for a dance. Drinks are fifty cents more than stateside. Oh! incidentally dear diary, we met one of Hollywood's wittiest. He was there with his "friend." Then it was on to the Tomato. I didn't find too many wanting to dance. It appears cruisy and clicky.

I don't know why, but I don't like pool tables in the bars. Takes up to much valuable space. Interestingly there is a many perched in front of cash register as you enter.

The sign states two dollars cover charge. Forget it, walk by. Good way of guaranteeing a purchase. Well to bed to bed. Tomorrow, Friday, Mitch and I will go to Queen's Beach. Yes Queen's beach.

Friday.......

Queens beach is located across the street from Kapiolani park or where the Honolulu Zoo is situated. We arrived with our beach mats and towels. Beach mats are a handy item and is definitely suggested.

The sun was high and no sight of clouds. The temperature announced as we drive to the beach was 82 already. To-day we tan.

I was aware of a community of those with special preferences. The distaff was off in the distance. It's nice to be with someone nice. To converse with smoothness of thoughts. To spend quiet moments with each other. And occasionally observe the panorama.

We decided to do the baths because they had a suana among other things in order to soothe the day's sun. The Surf is located discreetly in commercial building on Lewers St. Membership is necessary. All you need is pay the initiation fee of three dollar plus the cost of locker.

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Quiet a few public rooms and the usual t.v. lounge. The announcement indicated movies on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I hear the place really becomes jam-packed on these nights. Cleansed and refreshed we left to have dinner at the Ranch. A little out of the way of the Waikiki area. Not expensive, homey and excellent Italian cuisine.

Finished off the evening with a visit to the Waikiki Business Plaza Building, located across the street of the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. There is rotating bar mountain high over Waikiki where we enjoyed a drink and chat. To bed to bed....

Saturday.....

Our breakfast was enjoyed by the oceanside terrace of our hotel. We were up early enough to catch some shopping at the Ala Moana shopping center. A must when you visit Hawaii. Then it was on to the beach.

Page 21

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To-night we visited Wo-Fat Chinese restaurant located in Honolulu. Actually located on the notoriously publicized Hotel St. Their Cantonese dinner is something you will talk about foretic the rest of your days. And not expensive. Incidentally this. street has a drag show on the Style of Finocchio's of San Francisco. It is recommended you take a friend. Well to-night would be our last night together so it was on to the Blowhole for drinks and sighs.

The Blowhole is located on Kapahula Ave. across from the Honolulu Zoo. The crowd is mostly older. Thirty five plus interspersed with under twentyfive year olds. Very easy to make this observation there. No dancing. Entertainment on weekends.

not.

Notes Hawaii is expensive. There are charters costing approximately $400. Including air transportation and hotels for a week. Check with your travel agent.

See you in Toronto and Montreal

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