Post #286216 by TraderPeg on Sat, Feb 17, 2007 7:23 AM

Thank you for directing me here, Chip'n'Andy.

At the adjoining table sat a tiny blond girl, no older than six who couldn't stop talking to her parents about my exotic drink. When they got up to leave, my GF offered the tyke my umbrella, who accepted it as if it were the most rare and precious gift... a future Tiki-0-Phile in the making!

That was ME in 1965, watching my Mom empty her evening purse on Sunday after a Saturday night at the Hawaii Kai (I grew up in NYC). I sat in silent awe as she handed me the umbrellas she'd saved so carefully. In my child's mind the glamor and exoticism of this Polynesian oasis was the epitome of why it would be great to be an adult someday.

When I did hit 21, it was Steak 'n' Ale and Beefsteak Charlie's and everyone was making fun of "umbrella drinks."

Where did all the sparkle and fun go?

Thanks for keeping it ALIVE on Tikicentral!