Being Asian...

We hired a local boy to carry our beach mat around...LOL...kidding. That is my son and I couldn't help but make fun of the situation.

Being Asian and extremely tan now, a lot of tourists assume that we are locals. We find it quite funny that we get stopped and get asked for directions. And since we've been here way too many times, we know where to point them out to. Which even makes us look like we are from here.

But looking like local folks isn't all that great. Sometimes we tend to get less service like on a one-day boat cruise my husband and I took one time where the boat crew assumed that we are local islanders. They were especially running and waiting on other tourists. I had to get their attention a couple of times and let them know --- "We are from Chicago, can you please help us?" And then that's when we get waited hand and foot.

We really don't let it bother us. After all, this is where you are supposed to SHAKA -- Hang Loose!

Comments

Jill said…
Love the picture. He does kind of look like an "island boy." Don't let him start surfing or he'll never leave :-)
Anonymous said…
I remember visiting Hawaii with my sister--we're Taiwanese-American. We weren't mistaken for locals, but when we went to Denny's, they gave us menus written in Japanese. They thought we were Japanese tourists. I guess they're very common there. :)
MJ Tam said…
jill If you only knew how much he's bugging us on surfing lessons.

asianmommy The Japanese tourism in Hawaii is huge. Half of these stores are not likely to survive without them. It is actually cheaper for them to vacation in Hawaii than their own country.
Lee said…
Hi MJ Tam, Holy Smoke! You're in Hawaii?
That is always my dream....Waikiki, Honalulu...
By the way, you heard of Hawaii's most famous nite club singer, Don Ho?
Unfortunately he passed away last year.
His voice, his songs really makes you feel Hawaiian.
Aloha, Lee.
MJ Tam said…
adventuresinbabywearing Hiya Steph! We are having a grand time!
MJ Tam said…
u.leeWe are in Waikiki! woohoo...No escaping Don Ho even on the main land. lol...I think I've danced to Tiny Bubbles since I was a little girl.

You must visit Hawaii one day. It is really that beautiful.
Crooked Eyebrow said…
Next time you go, get a plys size suitcase and sneak me with you, ok?

Glad you are having a great time!
Anonymous said…
awww what a sweet photo! Glad you are having a good time!
Mommy Liz said…
Christian does look some kind of Hawaiian boy there, hehehe..He's a little tan. I bet yo are all having fun there...Inggit ako dun, wahhhhh!!! Enjoy yourselves, guys...