ローカルガールの華麗な生活2001-05-26　Candles

May 22, 2001 Candles

I just spent an hour in Illuminations today. It wouldn’t be too bad, but I just went there on Sunday, too.

Illuminations is a candle store on the third floor of Ala Moana Center. All kinds of candles and related accessories fill the dimly-lit store. Once, my husband Kyle walked in with me, and then asked to wait outside because he didn’t like all the smells. It’s true the different scented candles provide a strong aroma. But there are so many cool things there!

I was looking for a little thank-you gift for a friend, and finally found something I liked. It was a bowl with a cone floater that holds a floating candle. But the part I liked was that you could put a little flower in the bowl part for decoration. Still, those who shop know that deciding on the holder is just one step.

Perhaps the hardest part is deciding which flower and what color candle to use. First, I thought pink was cute, then I picked up a blue set. Finally, I decided on a mauve flower and ivory candle. Then I wrapped it in cellophane when I came home.
Illuminations is not just about its wares, though. I really like the staff, too. They’re not too pushy, or not too snobbish. They know youﾕre in there, politely ask if you need help, and then let you browse, think, ponder, and select the perfect items. I think many shoppers will agree that this is important.

The only downside to Illuminations is that it is pricey. I don’t think you can really get anything for less than $20, unless it’s on sale. For example, they have these new candles that are really, really cute, but I just couldn’t afford to buy them this time. One candle cost $19.95, and the little matching floaters were $6.95 each. I wanted to buy a few, but just had to resist.

Still, if you have the time and the money, Illuminations is a great place to shop. Many times you can get the items in its original box, so you donﾕt have to worry about the glass breaking. And just make sure you can carry your purchases back home. Candles can get pretty heavy!

Susan Sensei’s English Lesson #78（スーザン先生の英語講座）

For two years I taught English in Japan, and was “スーザン先生” to my students in Ikaho town, Gunma Prefecture. I will try and introduce new words and phrases for the Japanese visitor to Hawaii. Here is this week’s situation:

【今週のレッスン】
旅行代理店を通さずに、個人手配でのハワイ旅行。車を借りていないとタクシーをひろうことが多くなりますね。空港とホテル間の送迎サービスをするホテルはけっこう多いものです。タクシーを呼ぶ前に、ホテルに電話してこう聞きましょう。

Sometimes you may plan a trip without the help of a travel agency, and may not rent a car. In this case, instead of catching a taxi everywhere, many times your hotel will provide a complimentary shuttle to at least transport you to and from the airport. To inquire about this service, call the hotel and say,

“I have reservations to stay at your hotel on —-. Do you provide airport shuttle service?”
「x月x日に宿泊予定なのですが、エアポートからの送迎シャトルサービスはありますか」

もし送迎してくれるなら、あなたのアライバル・インフォメーションを伝えておきましょう。

If they do, then tell them your flight information. For example,

“I’d like to request the airport shuttle service. My flight arrives on Friday, May 25 at 9:00 AM. I am flying Japan Airlines.”
「エアポートシャトルサービスをお願いしたいのですが。到着は5月25日金曜日の午前9時です。日本航空(ｘｘ便)で到着します」

Loco Girl’s Profile（ロコ・ガールのプロフィール） Born in Hilo, I grew up going fishing with Dad, shopping with Mom, and trying to be a good “big sister” to a younger sister and brother. A Waiakea High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa alumni, I taught English in Japan for two years on the JET Program. I love doing a lot of things-shopping, reading, lettering, making jewelry & crafts, watching Friends-and that’s just the start of my list! I like being busy, and am active with the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) and the Honolulu Junior Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJJCC.) My family and friends are, of course, very important to me, and are why I live a very typical, happy, local-style life in Hawaii and will never leave!