Dinner with Friends

A couple of the girls invited the 'old broad' along for a night of cooking, eating, drinking, and laughing.  I can never turn down a night like that so headed to my co-workers/friends house for a great night of relaxing.  She was a wonderful host and lives in an absolutely beautiful home in Diamond Head with her boyfriend and his parents.  It was so nice to wind down, COOK (which I can't do here seeing I don't have a kitchen), and laughing about others at work.  I thanked them for allowing me to tail along seeing that I am 10 years older than they are - they of course told me to shut up.  Everybody has been so friendly here and am finding it fairly easy to make friends.  Menu?  Asian marinade pork tenderloin (my mom's marinade), sour cream/chive stuffed avocado, couscous with bell peppers, a GIANT piece of chocolate cake, and of course all of our favorites - red wine.  Thanks Vic!

Rainbows Everywhere

Another magical aspect of Hawaii are the rainbows that appear almost on a daily basis.  Because it is almost always stormy and rainy up in the mountains and clear down on the beaches it tends to create some pretty amazing scenery.  While sitting at my desk I noticed this big one below.

As I was walking back to my room from throwing in a load of laundry I was hearing music and a loud roaring sounds from outside so I went from the pool area to take a look.  It was a parade!  The elections are going on here so the parade is featuring the candidates.  It was pretty amazing how as the military walked through the crown would go crazy.  They were definitely stole the spotlight - as they should!  Speaking of which I am going to try and tour Pearl Harbor tomorrow.  I was sitting on the beach the other night and just couldn't imagine the devastation that brought to this little island all those years ago.  I'll post more pics if I go.

Forever Bowling

So after watching the sunset for the umpteenth time (which by the way DOES NOT GET OLD) and seeing a surfer walk out of the water with his surfboard and setting up a hammock to watch the sunset and wondering how does somebody get to that point in their life (cause I wanna know) I got a message from an old friend.  Two bowling buds from my past life are randomly here for their Hawaii tour of bowling centers!  This morning while headed to work I noticed on FB that they had just checked in at the Ilikai hotel which is literally next door from me!  I still thought it was a long shot but decided to grab some fish tacos next door and send them a message - not long after two more seats were filled at my table.  We had a blast.  It seems no matter where I am in life and what I am doing my buds from bowling are there to have my back.  We had so much fun.  We are going to meet up tomorrow after work to do it up in proper bowling style but it was nice being out and about.  Maybe pics Sunday to come from the weekend!

BBQ

After running down Ala Moana Blvd with a 6 pack of beer and Halloween cupcakes to try and catch my bus, I hopped on to take me downtown where my co-worker was going to pick us (me and another guy from Chicago) up to head to the other side of the island where another co-worker was having a BBQ.  I was ready for some proper social interaction and it was a blast.  We hung out at his beach for a few hours then headed back for brats and a whole fixin' of BBQ foods.  I just couldn't get over the view at the beach. Amazing.  There is talk of all of us renting a house on North Shore which is supposed to make the below picture look like a trailer park.  Good people, good drinks, good food = good times.  I'm exhausted.

Alone and happy

I just went to Due Divino's Pastaria around the corner from my hotel by myself.  Not sure I've done something like that before.  I walked in with the intention of getting a slice of 'za and head back to my room but the owner urged me to go buy a bottle of vino, come back , order some pasta, and settle in.  So I did.  Prices were cheap and I was WAY overdue for a hot, home cooked meal.  Salad, hot chiabatta rolls, shrimp scampi, and tiramasu.  The entertainment was a local Hawaiian playing the guitar and literally singing ALL MY FAVORITE MUSIC.  It was fun.  Met some neat people.  Although the pasta was BAD.  I think I had a pile of about 10 chunky garlic cloves in a pile on the side of my plate when I was done - but the pasta was gone :).  I almost even wrapped up the last roll to take back to my room, haha.  There was a middle aged lady there with her husband who kept looking over at me and I could tell she was trying to figure out my story and why I was alone.  I ended up meeting them in my elevator while headed to my room and she informed me she thought I got in a fight with my husband and decided to take on the night alone - hahaha.  Not sure if it's because a lot of people are on a trip of lifetime while here or what but people here are incredibly friendly - local or tourist alike.  Tomorrow I will get some interaction with some new friends.  Headed to a Hawaiian BBQ on the beach at a co-workers house on the other side of the island.  A friend is going to drive us there for a few hours so will get the chance to see a little more of this beautiful place at the same time.  Aloha po  and sweet dreams.

Random Info

1. People actually do say "Aloha" ALL DAY long - good for both hello and goodbye.  "Mohalo" - is the second most used word - Thank You.
2. Hawaiian shirts ARE actually worn here.  It's all the local men wear.  I mean even in the business district; they wear them tucked into their kakis.
3. I've been given the 'hang loose' sign probably a half a dozen times by friendly passer-byers.  I couldn't believe it the first time I saw it.  Ya know?  Close your fist, stick your thumb and pinky out only.  Ha!  Love it!
4. People are on their own clock here for sure.  Mandi - I thought of you the other day while grocery shopping.  Every turn I took I was behind THE slowest person in the store - then realized every one was that way.  I'm starting to adjust but might need a kick in the ass when I get home. :)
5. Locals actually wear leis as well - dead serious.  The elections are going on and as they debate they wear flowered leis around their neck!  Also newspeople, hotel workers, etc.  It kills me.

Falling In Love With Hawaii

People in the office today were explaining to me that they avoid Waikiki (where I'm staying) at all cost.  Hanging out in Waikiki is like me hanging out on Michigan Ave....full of tourist, commercial, and annoying.  I took the bus home and watched as people were almost arguing as to who should give up their seat for the elderly that come on at various stops.....seriously, SO different from Chicago.  Once I got home and changed I had planned to walk the beach tonight to avoid constantly hanging out in my room until I meet friends and I was struck with "I'm so lucky" moments all night long.  I watched the sunset while listening to live music.  I watched the surfers pull their boards up for the night - can you see them in the below picture?

Afterward I walked until I found where the Hawaiian music was coming from and fell upon a luau.  If my mom comes we are definitely going to check this out.

I started to head home and realized there were beautiful white flowers scattering the sidewalks - I scooped one up and wore it in my hair on the way home.  As I looked around I noticed most of  the girls had them in their hair. 

 

Anyway, I'm starting to REALLY like it here!  Don't worry mom and dad - I'm definitely coming home but am starting to realize what an experience I have ahead of me for the next several months.  I think I will only fall more in love with this place the further away I get from the commercial, touristy places but I will take what I can when I can.  For a Tuesday night after work, tonight wasn't bad.

Permanent Residence

So I am staying in the hotel.  I've moved to another room where I have a couch, table, etc.  I'm going to go out and buy a hot plate and toaster oven and I should be set for a few months.  The beach is across the street, only 15 minutes via bus to work, and the staff is friendly.

1850 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 - Room #215

The couch pulls out so ready for some visitors!

First Weekend

I'm enjoying my first weekend here in Hawaii.  The office went to happy hour yesterday that took us to around 10:30 last night, haha.  We were at an outdoor bar in Chinatown not too far from the office where I got the chance to get to know some of the people I will be working with the next few months.  Today I was up early to see kick off of the UoM/ND game....the game started here at 9:30 am.  I met the other two guys I was hired with for lunch at half time up the coast here in Waikiki.  Giovanni Pastrami was hopping and I think we found our place to watch all the football games.  After taking my time walking down the beach to get back to my place I moved my stuff permanently into my new room here at Aqua Palms.  I've decided to stay here my entire duration of my stay.  It's in a great location, not far from work, and super close the the beaches.  Look at the price of milk at a store down the road - I don't think I will be drinking too much milk while I'm here!

Penguins in Hawaii?  They were too cute - they live across the street at the Hilton.

Legendary entertainer Alfred Aholo Apaka introduced contemporary Hawaiian music to the world and made America take notice of the Territory of Hawaii which was to become the 50th state.  Alfred was known as the golden voice of Hawaii and he personified the charm and romance of the islands. 

PARTAY!

My first glimpse of a social life tonight was the manager's reception in the lobby.  It was nice they put it on but the last slot for the 5 minute massage and the last slot for caricature drawings were taken by the time I got down there.  I was however able to get free chips and salsa and a taste of their signature drink 'The Sway'.  As you can see I coulda had a few more.  Haha.....I'm sure the social life will pick up more with people in the office ;).

Mid Pacific Waters

I touched the mid-Pacific for the first time today.  I couldn't believe the sunset and the fact that it happens EVERY NIGHT.  Free entertainment.

Miles to Tokyo - 3898
Miles to Chicago - 4255
Miles to Detroit - 4470
Miles to Taipei - 5089

1st Day At Work

Here is the view from our office....not bad.  As we were in training it was a given that at any time one of us was dazing out the window.....including our instructor.  Downtown Honolulu is a bit more of a metropolis than I imagined.  My co-workers were all very friendly and familiar with what I am going through.  Each of them are transplants from England, Australia, Chicago, California, Wales, etc.  I don't think I will be lacking a social life once we all get to know each other.  I will be working from 7 am to 3:30 pm so plenty of time to still get after the sun.  One large lesson I learned today is that jaywalking is taken very seriously and police officers are always on the look out for culprits.  I think I heard the fine is 1950......I'm not sure if that is $19.50 or $1950.......I'm not going to do it either way.

Finally Here!

Short flight and layover in Phoenix then a 6 hour flight to Honolulu!  So glad to be settled and here.  It's been a busy few weeks so now a day or two to relax before my first day of work on Tuesday.  As Jenn mentioned, the first thing I noticed when I left the airport was the scent around me.  Sugar and flowers....not bad.  My driver brought me to my hotel where I will be for the next few weeks while I look for something permanent.  The hotel is actually down the coast in Waikiki and is perfect for the time I will be here.  Today was spent attempting to learn the bus system and get a few groceries and essentials.  After a nap, unpacking, and a little shopping, I finally walked across the street to sit on the beach for a bit.  I might head back to catch the sunset!

Jenn's Wedding

Before getting to Hawaii I got to spend 4 nights with close friends in Denver, CO for Jenn Tucker's wedding.  It was honor to be standing by her side for it all and I've truly never seen a more beautiful wedding.  Wednesday night we hung out at her place to prepare for the next few nights.  Thursday we drove to Evergreen to start the festivities.  Leslie was keeping it real with a massive PBR at the bachelorette party.  You can see by the pics that Jenn made a beautiful bride.

The trip begins.....

I knew the next few weeks were going to be planes, trains, and automobiles.  Amtrak took me from Michigan to Chicago where I would spend my last night in my hometown before heading west.  It was tough saying goodbye to the family and Paxton but four months will fly by before I know it.  Love you family!