Hawaii Part 1: Aloha, O'ahu!
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| 2019 Honolulu, Hawaii |
Aloha… This “Hawaiian” word does not just mean hello and goodbye. Though that is what it is most often known for. The weight of this word carries so much more in the native language it originates – Polynesian this three syllable carries the meaning of warmth, love, compassion, peace, and even mercy. At this point in my journey my dark thoughts were cascading back, and it seemed that I was mired in my own failures when thinking about all my greatest expectations and goals in going Down Under. I wanted to stand on top of some sort of proverbial mountain and show not only can dreams come true but inspire, like Anothony Bourdain did, travel is worth it… Dreams are worth it… Because it is possible and accomplishment has been proven. What all that I proved was how to ultimately turn back without much to prove other than a depleted bank account and more emotional scaring. Oh, wow was me… I landed in Hawaii on my journey back to the mainland US, was it truly all bad? When you’re in your own head, the answer most often reached is, yes. All is lost. But at least the the sweet air of O’ahu was helping but not a cure. I never understood the draw that Hawaii has with people until I landed and got out of the airport. The air is truly sweet and there is a vibe of unlike any other I have been to in the world. Even Australian “No worries” culture has nothing on the Hawaiian “Aloha”.
For now, I had gotten all my luggage and headed to the car rental for a huge nob mistake. Travel tip for those venturing to Hawaii… Do not get the boat sized car that is a convertible Camero. This overcompensating phallic toy sucks to drive in the compact island environment of O’ahu. I venture to say all the other seven islands in the eight island chain. But it was a shiny toy… Vroom! Vroom! iI goes fast, vvvahroom! I couldn't help but have a little joy from the experience of driving this toy around. But do not let the smile fool you too much. The disappointment and feelings are utter failure surrounded my thoughts constantly.
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| 2019 Honolulu, Hawaii |
The usual routine on this romp… Check in to the Airbnb, get groceries, figure out parking which I did not expect to be such a pain in O’ahu. But it truly was! So, research a bit more before you get yourself a rental in Hawaii. I was really regretting not going with a JEEP. Random fact… This was the first time I had driven a car since September 2018. It was around mid-January of 2019 and in American culture those absent months without a car are like dog years. Public transpo is really lacking in the States expect for NYC and other mega cities. Other random places I checked out before my friend arrived (she was and still is not one for big cityscapes) was Waiki beach area. Honestly, if you like Vegas styled hotels that mildly threw up all over a small, overcrowded beach - Enjoy. Was not a bad or rough area, but defiantly the US needs think a little more when balancing nature and development.
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| 2019 Waikiki Beach, Hawaii |
I will say that whilst parking is an f’off nightmare in Honolulu, you can take some truly beautiful pictures. Last note… Restaurants and everything is expensive there… But keep in mind folks that almost everything must be shipped in from the mainland. Lastly… Do not be an ass and ask a local why their Highway 1 is an “Interstate”. I mean, which State are you connected to? I did ask a local and got the look of death from the front desk staff at the Anytime fitness Gym. Then again, kind of worth it.
A day or two later my friend Alicia was flying in and she picked out a great 3 story Airbnb away from downtown area of Honolulu. But for now, sit tight, sleep tight, and no worries about any bugs that bite. Seriously, so few bugs flying around. Plenty of loose rando chickens though. They are almost everywhere outside of the major city. When I think back to Hawaii I think of beaches, macadamia nut pancakes, and wilds chickens.
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