If You Like Pina Kahalua's, and Getting Caught In the Mud…

This blog is not about poker. I'm not that vain. It is much more important than that. It details what poker has allowed me to do with my life. Places I've been. Experiences I've had. People I've met. Things I've learned. Who I have become. I write this for me. I post it for you. To encourage those to live, love, learn and grow.

It gets folded around to the me on the button and I make it $300 to go. Dan Bilzerian, a good friend and fellow Victory Pro, shoots me a look as he folds the small blind.

"Torelli-O."
"Mr. Blitz."
"What are you doing next week fuckwit?"
"Going to Hawaii for 2 weeks with my girl."
"The Swedish girl?"
"Lina, yes."

We are playing 25/50 No Limit Holdem with a 200 ante at the Bellagio. It's midnight on Saturday. I ran down to the Bellagio without any intention of playing, but I saw a lucrative game with a belligerent cowboy from Alabama and couldn't resist. I scrounged up $25,000 (rich friends) and sat down to play. I positioned myself next to my good friend and Victory Pro, Dan Bilzerian.

For those of you who don't remember the encounter in New Zealand on the bus ride, you should check out that blog (it's one of my favorites). To update the rest of you, I met Lina on a five hour bus ride through the New Zealand countryside. When we arrived at our destination, we exchanged information and went out separate ways. After communicating on facebook for a few months, I convinced her to fly out to California from Sweden (only having met me on the bus ride). To keep a long story short, we fell in love and have been traveling around the world together ever since. We went to New York in May, Vegas in July, Sweden and Norway in August, Italy in November and Cali, Vegas and Hawaii in just recently. So why didn't I mention her in the blogs over the past year? Simple. Our experience is not something that can be explained or understood by a 1,000 word blog entry. It needs more. No. It deserves more. It will be explained, in time, ideally in the format of a book. A best selling one at that. But for now, this information will have to suffice…

"That sounds sick," he replied. "What do you guys have planned?"
As I began to share details of the trip with him, I saw him gaining interest. Knowing that Dan would be a riot in Hawaii, I decided to push.
"What are you doing next week?"
"Nothing, just hanging around here."
"Do you have a girl you could bring? We are doing couples week, my buddy from LA is going along with…" Before I could finish he interrupted me with a look that said it all. It said rather plainly, "it's not if I have a girl, it's what girl."
"Perfect."
"What islands are you going to?"
Now it was time for the sales pitch.
Maui, Kauai and Lanai."
"Well…" I saw him pondering it over. The thing about convincing someone to do something is you have to make them an offer they can refuse.
"It's so last minute though. I'd have to deal with the hotel, car, my girl is in Florida and I just…"
"The hotel and car is already taken care of. All you have to do is show up," I said, cutting him off before he could finish.
"Yea? How'd your retard ass manage that?"
"American Express has the sickest concierge service ever. They get exclusive deals at all the best hotels. We are staying right on the beach and if you let me book it for you then you get a free upgrade to a suite, 4 pm late checkout, free breakfast for you and your girl everyday and $100 resort credit during your stay. Plus I got the car rental for half off."
"That's awesome."
"Well I really want to scuba dive."
"I'll tell you what. Email me a list of what you and your girl want to do and I'll have American Express book it for us. Like I said, all you have to do is show up."
"Count me in."

Perfect. At least my efforts at Bellagio weren't futile. While playing had cost me $10,000, at least I got Dan Blitz to go with me to Hawaii. I had to justify it somehow.

The next day I get a call from Jonathan "Fatality" Wendel. He is the undisputed best video game player in the world for nearly the past decade. Featured on the hit MTV show "True Life" he has amassed a fortune traveling around the world and crushing his competition. Intrigued by the thought of Pina Colada's, he quickly got on board for Hawaii. I also caught wind that internet phenom Nick Rainey and his girlfriend Channing were going to be there. Shortly thereafter, Adam Bilzerian (Dan's brother) whom I had bonded with in Slovakia, decided to come as well from Minneapolis with his girlfriend Audrey. A few phone calls and a small persuasive effort got all 10 of us at the same hotel. What started as a romantic getaway for two quickly turned into a circus. Our final crew stands as Dan Blitz  and "insert girl of the week here", Adam and Audrey, Fatality and Sandia, Nick and Channing and Lina and I. Who loves it?

Nick, Channing and I arrived in Hawaii just in time to meet Lina at the airport. After spending new years together, Lina left for Oahu with her parents and met up with the rest of us in Maui. We were set to stay at the Kea Lani (http://www.fairmont.com/kealani/) in the town of Waliea.  It's has a decadent decor and is prominently located right on the water. The staff is extremely accommodating and upgraded us to a ocean view room free of charge. The concierge gave us some great insight as to things to do on the island, from surfing and scuba diving to hiking and volcanoes. Famished after a long day of traveling, we headed to the lobby restaurant for some appetizers and drinks. I made a pact to try every drink on the rather lengthy menu. It wasn't one of my better ideas. I didn't get halfway done before stumbling back to my room and passing out for the night.

The next three days were the only down time I had the entire trip. They were filled with hiking, relaxing, swimming and excess Kahaluas (the drink of choice during our stay; comprised of Kahlua, Baileys, Amaretto, coconut syrup and ice cream). With the arrival of Adam and Audrey several days later, our leisure time was up. We immediately headed to Halakela Creater, one of the world's only active volcanoes. Along the two hour drive, we saw breathtaking views and climbed 10,000 feet in elevation to the summit. We did a few mild walks, took unbelievable scenic pictures and marveled at the wondrous sights.

Clouds above Haleakala Crater 

Lina and I awoke the following morning to the peaceful sounds of birds singing on our balcony.
"I'm starving," I complained after our morning delay.
"Let's get breakfast." Her soft tone and quiet nature made it seem more like a question than a statement. I knew what she meant.
"Yes let's go."
"You're going like that?" She exclaimed as if I was committing a felony.
"Like what?"
"That! In your robe and slippers?"
"Why not? It's comfortable." I wasn't sure she believed me.

We found our way to breakfast and were surprised to see two combined tables with Adam, Audrey, Nick, Channing, Fatality, Sandia and Dan all seated eating breakfast.
"Holla everyone!" I introduced Lina to the crew and exchanged a few measly words before realizing that we had an odd number of people.
"Dan, where's your girl?"
"Florida."
"You told me yesterday that she was coming to Hawaii."
"She was."
"What happened?"
"She flew to Vegas and said that if I want her to go to Hawaii I have to be "with her" or she's going to fly home."
"And?"
"Like I said, she's in Florida."
Puzzled, I inquired, "Wasn't this a conversation she could have had over the phone?"
"I guess she didn't expect me to say no. She obviously doesn't know me that well."
"I guess not."

Over the next few days, we tore up the island. We whale watched, scuba dove, surfed, hiked, swam, shopped and enjoyed lavish afternoons at the spa. Naturally we bet on everything from who could catch the most waves to chicken fighting in the pool. Through all the madness, none of the activities stuck out quite like our experience at the famous Lahania Luau…

Petting sea turtles while scuba diving!

Several days before everyone's arrival, Nick and I purchased Luau tickets from the Kea Lani concierge. Expecting a crew of 10 people, we bought nonrefundable tickets. When it came time to leave for the Luau, Nick was feeling sick and decided to stay at home. And since Dan sent his girl to the other side of the country, we had two extra tickets. We headed to Lahaina for the day (the former capital of Hawaii and Maui's largest city) to do some shopping and sight see. While hanging out at the park, we came across a group of bums playing dominoes. Within a few minutes we were playing dominoes (a game none of us have ever played before) and gambling with the homeless guys. We messed around for half an hour before it was time for our Luau. As we were leaving, we remembered we had two extra tickets...
"Hey," I shouted back to the kid we were playing with. He couldn't be more than 21.
"What's up?"
"What are you doing tonight?"
"Just hanging man."
"You want to go to a Luau? We have two extra tickets."
"Uhhhh… yea sure man. When is it?"
"Now. Follow us there."
"I'm supposed to meet up with this girl. Let me grab her and I'll meet you there in 10 minutes."
"Perfect. What's your name again?"
"My friends call me Montana."
"I'm Alec. I'll see you soon bud."

Clockwise from Left: Me, Dan Blitz, Fatality, Homeless Guy 1, Montana, Homeless Guy 2

After what only an American would consider a long walk we wound up at the Luau. A Luau is an ancient Hawaiian custom that is revered by many natives on the island. They serve  food, cocktails and perform ancient tribal dances. Music is played and sang by descendants of the locals (polynesians) and some 400 people watch in amusement while the sun sets over the ocean.

Montana arrived several minutes after with his girl. They joined us at the table and we learned (as is the case with many locals) that they made their living selling weed and sleeping wherever they could find a hammock. They booked a one way ticket to Hawaii several years ago and never left. They spent their days enjoying the island, relaxing, reading and smoking. In a way, I envied them. They knew little of the everyday problems we so commonly face back home - no societal pressure, nobody telling them what to do, where to be or how to live.

After learning more about our newest editions, our compulsion to gamble kicked in and we played a game of "Lodden Thinks." The objective of the game is to guess what the "Lodden" (or person answering the question) is thinking. The real answer is irrelevant.  For example if we ask someone, "how many pushups do you think President Obama can do before collapsing?" the real answer is inconsequential. Obviously, there is no conceivable way to prove the real answer so we bet on what the subject thinks. After the "Lodden" or brain has locked in an answer, the players begin bidding. If there's two people playing, Player A kicks off the bidding at 10, at which point player B has two options.
1) To bid any number higher than 10, at which point player A has the same two options.
2) Or to "Buy." When you buy you have all numbers lower than 10. If the answer is exactly 10 you lose as well (sometimes double if we are playing with bonuses).

If there are more than two players, the bidding goes in a circular clockwise motion. The standard bet is $100 per person, meaning that the more people that play, the more you stand to lose. If three people are playing and Player A bids 20 and Player B buys, then Player C is left with two options. He can either choose over or under. If he chooses over, it means he sides with Player A (over) and thinks the answer is 20 or higher. If he sides with player B it means he takes the under and thinks the answer is 19 or below. Note: whenever someone buys, the last person to bid is automatically locked in at the number they bid. In the case above, because Player B "bought," Player A is forced to take 20 and over and has no option.

The scoring is very simple with two people. Whoever is right wins $100 from the other person. However when more people are involved, the stakes are increased. If three or more people are playing, you stand to lose $100 for each person if everyone sides against you. For example if Player A bids 20, Player B buys and Player C takes the under (siding with player B) then its Player A vs. Player B AND Player C. If the answer is 15 (under) and player B and C win, then Player A pays BOTH Player B and C $100 (costing Player A $200). To the contrary, should the answer be 30, both player B and C pay Player A $100 (netting Player A $200). Being the degenerates that we are, the stakes are often doubled and tripled and bonuses are placed for getting the exact answer. In one legendary game of "Lodden Thinks" I lost a $5000 bet to Phil Laak when we both thought we bet on the right side.

"Montana, how much for you to strip down butt naked and run around the Luau?" I blurted out.
"What?"
"That's the question. Let me know when you have answer."
After a few minutes he gave the green light. "I have an answer."
"You realize that this must be your REAL answer, meaning if someone put this amount of money in front of you, that you would actually do it right now."
"Yes."
"The only reason I'm warning you is because I've seen it happen many times."
"There's a good chance your ending up naked," Dan chimed in.
The bidding process began at $100 with Adam Blitz.
"$200," said Fatality.
I came back with $300.
"$400," said Dan.
$450" from Adam. "500" from Fatality. I quickly jumped to $600.
Dan thought for a while before saying, "$700." Fatality quickly bought and I went under. Adam went under as well. It the three of us vs. Dan.
"I'd do it for $700 for sure," said Montana.
"Pay up retard," I said needling Dan. "By the way, I'll put up $200 for sure to see him run around naked."
"Me too," Dan retorted.
"Adam… Fatality?" I said with an earnest look.
"We're in." They said.
"Booked."
Before we had time to get his real answer, we raised the money for him to do it. Not expecting to have to stick to his word, he looked a bit nervous.
"Let me get a few drinks," he said before agreeing to go.
"I want to eat first," said Dan.
"Good call."

After we stuffed ourselves, we prepared the necessary precautions for the stunt that consisted of an employee exit, Montana strategically placing his bike a quarter mile away so he could have easy access to it should he be pursued, a baton handoff of the cash afterwards between Dan and Montana and two videographers setup to film the excursion. The following is the documented experience of what actually happened for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.youtube.com/user/VictoryPokernet#p/a/u/0/Z-WF5nMuwQw


After getting bored with the south side of Waliea we decided to pack up and make the epic journey to Hana. For those of you who don't know, Hana is a tiny town on the southeast side of Maui. The only problem being there's only one way of getting there - a 3 hour journey on a narrow and windy road. On the way you can enjoy fresh fruit stands, stunning scenic views and hikes to private waterfalls. This waterfall in particular had a large rope swing and a 30 foot ledge that daring passerby's could jump off.

Jumping off the 30' waterfall

 Banana Fruit Stand

Throughout the trip, we "did" more things that one can imagine. More that can be written about in a blog. However, there were a few seemingly trivial events that stuck out in my mind. The first occurred while on our journey to Hana.

"STOP!" I shouted to Lina who was driving at the time. She slammed on the breaks as if we were about to annihilate a baby kitten.
"What" she cried.
"The road to your left. Let's see where it leads."
We proceeded down the one way windy road for several minutes. We passed a lush residential community, each home heavily spaced apart. After ten minutes, we came to a a small quaint church. The building looked like it had seen a lot. Beyond the church, there was a bridge which one had to cross before continuing. There was an old decrepit sign standing between us and the bridge that read:

Private Road:
Enter At Your Own Risk



"Why are we stopping?" I asked as the car came to an abrupt halt 10 meters shy of the sign.
"Did you see the sign?" said Lina. I could sense the uneasy nature of her tone.
"I think we should turn back," someone chimed in.
"No shot," I argued. "We drove this far, we cant' go back now. What's the worst that can happen?"
"We get abducted by locals!"
"Yea your right, let's turn around," I argued sarcastically.
"It's getting dark and starting to rain, we still have a ways to go until we get to Hana."
"We're only here once," I retorted.
They argued, I held firm. After offering a rebuttal for more excuses than a 5th grader with no homework, they gave in. We inched forward across the narrow bridge, passed the sign. We moved at a glacial pace, scouting for predators. The valley was dark and only a hint of light shined in through the deep trees that entrenched us. The scene had the aurora of the Blair Witch Project, and we said our prayers around each turn. Less than a mile down the road, we drove around the bend and the road dead ended into a beach more beautiful than any I had seen thus far. The rays of light from the sun protruded through the clouds at sunset and a light mist made the sky a majestic haven. To our left, four locals sat drinking beer and admiring the beauty. The winter moon forced the monstrous waves onto the rocks below. We stood and watched. Humbled. Inspired. Awed. For five minutes, nobody said a word.

We got back in the car and drove back up the road which a half hour ago seemed treacherous. We laughed at our ignorance. I found it ironically symbolic of many experiences I've had in the past. So often, we find ourselves wondering what's on the other side of the bridge. We have desires, goals and ideas that we think if we could only accomplish, would make our lives better. Sadly, it's much easier to make excuses than take action. How many times have you said one of the following? If I could find a way to have more time for golf…. If only I didn't have to work as much… If I could travel more…. If I had more free time…. If I worked as a this instead of that…. Have you ever stopped to think what might be holding you back? If you came across the F word you are right. Fear.

Fear stopped us from crossing that bridge. What the other side held was the treasure of beauty I am not arrogant enough to attempt describing. So often, we fall short of our own goals, desires and will because we are held back by fear. Fear of failure, success, change, ourselves and worst of all - others perception of us. We come to the bridge and are apprehensive to cross. Sadly, we don't know that an ocean of possibilities are awaiting us on the other side. Even worse, we blame the everything and everyone except the only person responsible - ourselves. Money, friends, family, our job - any tangible thing except the virus that eats us from within. The cancerous that fear spreads through our body until we can no longer cure the cancer. The fear we posses in ourselves.

***

The following morning Lina and I woke up in pitch darkness. Instead of going back to sleep, we decided to take advantage of the situation and watch the sunrise on the coast. We grabbed my camera and walked down to the shore. We reminisced about all the good times we've had, from meeting in New Zealand to our latest trip to Italy in November. There was not a person or sound in sight. Just the music of the waves crashing onto the rocks below.  We sat in awe of the ocean as we watched the sun rise over the horizon. It was overcast, yet the clouds could not contain the power of the suns rays. They oozed through clouds like sand through your fingers. For that hour, it was just the two of us. No text message that needed to be answered, no bills to be paid, nowhere else I'd rather be. I am always humbled by the things that can take your breath away. The moments that don't make you worry about your FullTilt balance, how many friends you have on Facebook or what designer item you wish you could afford. It's ironic that of all the experiences, the one that sticks out the most was the moment where nothing spectacular happened. The moment could have passed without being mentioned - written off as another trivial morning. Following the event, if one were to ask, "what did you do this morning?" one could easily reply, "nothing." That's precisely what made it so magical. We didn't have to be doing anything. We had each other...

***

Check back soon for Part 2 of island hopping in Hawaii!

Alec spends most of his time in Orange County, CA (which he considers vacataion), Las Vegas and traveling internationally. Alec has recently left DoylesRoom and is now sponsored by Victory Poker.  In the future, Alec plans to move to Italy to study Italian, live, eat and enjoy life...

To sign up with Victory Poker, use bonus code: "Alec" for a special 300% deposit bonus up to $1500 exclusively for my website readers. To watch a video demonstration on how to do it, click here: http://www.traheho.ws/Victory300.mov


You can follow Alec Torelli on twitter under the name "Alec Torelli." 

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