Post #786617 by TikiAno on Mon, May 7, 2018 11:17 PM

Mr. Tiki arrived today in San Diego, and though he was a little tired after his long walk from Colorado, I convinced him to go for a drive.

He asked,"Am I going to another wedding? I like weddings..."

While I told him people did get married there...

(and my own wedding rehearsal dinner did take place there)....

No one here was getting married- at least as far as I knew. The important thing, was not to act like a Goof. Since that job was already taken.

I had called a few friends to extend Mister T a warm welcome to San Diego. As you may or may not know, there's not very much to do here in America's Finest City, and since it was only 68 degrees today, my friends really needed a drink because the weather just wasn't up to par. There was even a cloud in the sky, which only made things worse. Ewww. Some asked Tommy to turn the heat up a little bit in the restaurant.

(I had thought he had been here before, but after looking back, I don't think so??)

The Bali Hai restaurant, on Shelter Island, San Diego, has been open for over 60 years, and is known for its beautiful views, its hospitality, and, of course, its mai tais. My son has learned his way around there, but he didn't come with us tonight.

On the way in, Rick & Barbara saw Mister Tiki pestering me for a photo with Mr. Bali Hali. (Photo above). Mister and Mr. had a good chat, but Mister wanted to go upstairs.

It was time for a drink. He requested a classic Bali Hai mai tai. I asked Mister Tiki if he was sure, since if you're new to the Bali Hai Mai Tai, ya might want to take it easy. He didn't flinch.

After three mai tais, Mister Tiki was kind of pushy, and introduced himself to a few of the San Diego Ohana, who were there specifically to meet this celebrity, not at all for their "First Monday" Meet Up that they do there every month on the first Monday of the month. No way.

Barry, who has lots of experience with the Bali Hai Mai Tai, asked Mister Tiki if knew what he was doing...

(insert shot, close up of Barry's shirt, bearing a terrifying resemblance to Mister Tiki- paying homage, perhaps? Man, these San Diego people are taking this "welcome event" to the extreme. Barry, along with a bunch of the "Original" SD Ohana, sported the SD Ohana pendants I made 3 or 4 years ago.

Barry gave Mr. Tiki his advice on the Bali Hai Mai Tai. He recommended to let the drink sit for a bit, allowing the crushed ice to slowly melt. Drink it slowly, and enjoy the flavor as it changes as the ice melts. We've discussed this, over mai tais, and Mr. Tiki may or may not have been paying attention. There's lots of stuff to look at at the Bali Hai.

The San Diego Ohana was excited to meet the miniature celebrity- and was passed around. He was a good sport about it with both the TC members (like Bamamamamalu here (just kidding, Amy!), and those "newer" tiki people.

Mister Tiki asked Julie why Mr. Bali Hai was on her mug...

She shrugged, and said that John had contacted some other guy named John to make mugs for us.

John took credit for it, while enjoying his beverage, while hinting at the new Ohana Bowls that are supposedly being mailed from Florida. He kept talking about Pay Pal, so I stepped away...

While normally the group takes most all of the lounge, word had spread regarding Mister Tiki's arrival, and the Bali Hai was packed. More of the Ohana sat up near the bar...

They were curious about Mister Tiki, and there may be some more traffic to TC after introducing some new folks to TC. And reminding past members to remember their log in and visit the site.

All in all, a good first night. We cruised back home, where he crashed in the van. Too many Bali Hai Mai Tais, apparently.

Hopefully he's in good spirits tomorrow, since there's more to do....

[ Edited by: TikiAno 2018-05-08 00:38 ]