Saturday Watercolors

Saturday Watercolors

Saturday, March 31, 2018

After a really active morning taking Belly Dancing with Murat + Classic Nia with Kristen, my hips were fucking killing me.  Honestly, that Belly Dancing class is NO JOKE.  Anyway, I was thinking of going shopping after my classes, but the rain came and because I decided to run home, I got back to my studio drenched (lol) only to meet my Airbnb host, Eva, who was painting the doors to the units.  I adore her, so we got to catch up a bit.  But as soon as she got finished and left, I showered and spent the rest of my afternoon painting in my studio.

FYI, it's totally my first time painting with watercolors, so it took a lot of trial and error.  But I REALLY wanted to commit to finishing a few watercolors so that I could give a few special women I've met here a token of my appreciation for being part of my sabbatical journey in Hawai'i.  As such, I legit painted from 3:30PM to 9:30PM when I got a text from Darien, one of the girls from the dance studio, to come meet her out for a bar crawl.  The grandma inside me screamed, "Quyyyynnnnhhhhhh... don't you want to go to beddddddddddd... it's almost 10PM" but the voice that told this was my last Saturday in Honolulu made me change with a speed of light and call an Uber A$AP Rocky.

I don't regret going out.  The beach squad was all present and I had a good time with them, but grandma Q can't hang like she use to.  I was ready to go by 1:30AM so called an Uber while they stayed til the break of dawn (JK, but they def didn't seem ready to leave any time soon... haha).  However, despite my faux-Irish Goodbye,  it was so sweet that the four of us finally got to go out at night and drink.  These women are seriously dope and if I were staying here longer, they legit would me by go-to girl crew.  We did exchange some remorse that it took so long for us to go out together (Darien and I tried multiple time previously but our events always crossed) but spoke of getting everyone to move to the Bay Area.  That idea would be pretty awesome and it made me grateful that I was able to meet such down to earth people that I do see myself maintaining a friendship with post-Hawai'i.  One thing I'm also grateful for though is my ability to say "peace out" when necessary, because upon going home, nothing felt more lit to me than my bed 😌

Last Friday Good Friday

Last Friday Good Friday

Friday, March 30, 2018

Happy Good Friday!

Today was definitely a blessed day.  Hula was especially special.  As I let my Hula sisters know that this was my last week in Hawai'i, I thanked them for such a great experience as many of them lamented that they didn't realize a month had already flown by (me, too).  It was particularly wonderful that my Hula teacher, Malia, specifically asked me what routine I wanted to practice (since I've learned a few in my month here) for the last song of the day given I only had this class and next week's left.

I didn't even have to say it but Malia knows how hard I fell in love with the song / routine to "Pua Kiele" so we got to do that one.  SO special to me because it's the song that can bring tears to my eyes by just listening to it.  Being able to dance it today made Hula really wonderful and I secretly promised that I'd try to nail it down before Tuesday's class so I could do it without having to second guess myself (as I often do when I learn something new).

Anywhoo, the rest of the day was eventful as I got to beach with some of the gals from the studio.  It was actually my first time hanging out OUTSIDE of class / the studio with them so it was really awesome.  At night, met up with Jeff to go to Honolulu's Art After Dark Museum party thing which was super cool... I got to look at all the different art galleries, the music was dope, and the scene was lit.

I don't know if I can make it through any more future blog posts without mentioning how devastated I am that I am already leaving.  The friendships (NEW and OLD) that I've made here are ones I'm not ready to just leave yet and I'm really bummed that I have to.

Countdown begins again...

Countdown begins again...

Thursday, March 29, 2018

It's hitting me that I have less than a week left here.  How did time fly so quickly?  I actually have to stop thinking about it because it makes me so sad that my time is coming to a close.

Knowing the limited time I have, I took today to adventure solo to a hike I have not yet done since most of the hikes so far have been the ones I've done at least twice each already.  Doing Manoa Falls wasn't difficult at all - definitely a family friendly trail that leads to gorgeous rewards all around.  Though the waterfall at the end of it was awesome, it was the lush green mountain and trees itself that left me feeling like I was in a scene from Jurassic Park or Avatar.  The serene feeling of being surrounded by nature while meditating (since it had been awhile since I turned on my Calm app) put me at so much peace.  I was really grateful for the time I spent there and it was a perfect way to start off the countdown for my last week here.

Later on that evening, I decided to do a quick run to my dance studio to take a Twilight Rooftop Nia class + Women's Yoga.  Ugh.  Both were so perfect.  As my class took to the roof of our studio to dance as the Moon and Sun simultaneously rose and set in the sky, I can’t describe the awe, the liberation, the positive energy I felt as I moved to the beat of my soul.  That's just it... how I've felt since I got to Hawai'i has been full of soul, intention, positivity.  I've been the happiest and most relaxed and at peace that I'm just hoping that I will find ways that these feelings will last even after I leave this island. 

As if that class wasn't fulfilling enough, I took Women's Yoga with Lee-Ann whom I actually have not met yet but so glad I got to for this class.  We ended up going 30 minutes past the class' end time because we were so enveloped in talking about everything!  Lee-Ann radiated such great energy and she's ABSOLUTELY rockin' her 40s.  I swear, if I look remotely as young as she does when I'm in my 40s... I will be blessed.  It was definitely a long and active day and I got home late with a lot of energy still.  The only word to describe my first day of my sad AF countdown though... is: perfect.

Tourist days

Tourist days

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The past week has been crossing off all things to do and eat for Hawaiian tourists (as recommended by Hawaiian locals) as Rain, Tien and Tim were visiting! 💞

Obviously, because the weekend-week was action packed, I didn't have time to really meditate or blog. Definitely missed both but when are my loved ones often in Hawai'i with me? So here's a snapshot of #alltheadventures. Moral of it all? We eat a lot + invest in an iPhoneX for all the beautiful scenic photoshoots you'll have with your travel buddies.

Memorable highlights:

• Makupuu Lighthouse Trail... what happened on this journey, stayed on this journey
• Watching a "Demigods Anonymous" - a play written by my Hula teacher's son 
• Pounding shot after shot at Bar 35 & Manifest even though we said we were going to "take it easy"
• Staying out after Manifest after everyone went back to the room to meet up with Gilbert and Jimmy for another round of rock band live covers!
• It POURING in Honolulu but after we drove out to North Shore, the skies cleared and the sun came out while we were at Turtle Beach
• Going to the West Side of O'ahu to the secluded Makua Beach to catch the best sunset EVER
• When the sun decided to come out in full force the ONE time during the weekend we decided to go hiking in the dead of the afternoon and we were burning up and then it decided to go away the moment we finished our hike and go to Lanikai Beach (LOL... the irony)
• Driving around the East Side of O'ahu and making pit stops just to catch the gorgeous sunset photos we were seeing 
• Pretending we were part of a hotel so we could lay out in the sun by their pool only to get caught and kicked out... but then realizing the water at Waikiki Beach was SO much better than the pool... but ALL OF US getting sick sunburns 
• Kokohead for a 3rd time and though stopped quite a bit, still made it in the fastest time yet!
• FINALLY watching Black Panther #wakandaforever
• Kuliouou Ridge Trail... 3 hours of mud, rocks, lush rainforest-like greenery, never ending steps, but the best view yet!
• Biking Magic Island even after a tiring AF hike (Kuliouou)
• Comparing and contrasting the two Katsu places (see below)
• Bringing all my friend groups together (my local Hi friends from WesCo - shoutout to Gilbert and Jimmy, my local Hi friends from AKPsi - shoutout to Jeff and Aaron, and my Bay Area peeps - shoutout to the guests of honor: Rain, Tien, Tim) for nonstop karaoke from 10:30PM til Goody's closed at 2AM

What we ate:

• Chicken Factory - Must eats: Kalbi
• YogurStory - Must eats: Ube pancakes & Prime rib loco coco
• Helena's - Must eats: Squid luau (for a super local taste of Hawai'i) & Pipikaula short ribs
• Zippy's - OPEN 24 HOURS - Must eat for drunkchieeees: the Zip Pac!
• The Pig & The Lady - Must eats: Pho French Dip & LFC Wings
• Giovanni's Shrimp Truck - Must eats: Shrimp scampi plate
• ANY McDonalds - I'm not kidding, order the Ube Pie... omg
• Sushi Sasabune - Omakase experience that was subpar... read my Yelp! review here
• Cinnamon's - Must eats: Kalbi locomoco with a side of gravy
• Sidestreet Inn - Must eats: Fried rice & korean fried garlic chicken
• Leonard's Bakery - Best Malasada's ANYWHERE, EVER... custard puff ASAP
• Rainbow Drive-in - Must eat: Shoyu chicken plate
• Marakume Udon - Must eat: everything
• Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin - Must eat: Pork tenderloin with their curry sauce
• Tonkatsu Tamafuji - Must eat: I like the above's Katsu more, but Tamafuji had BOMB flavored rice and it was BOMB
• Highway Inn - Must eat: Squid luau (sorry, I'm addicted to this) & KALUA PORK... omg
• Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha - too sweet for my taste, but everyone else liked it
• Moena Cafe - Must eat: Shortrib locomoco 
• Manichi Ramen - I didn't have the ramen, but the soup was good that I tried
• Sweet Creams - Delicious rolled ice cream... yummy!

Breakfast with strangers

Breakfast with strangers

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

While doing my laundry yesterday, I had met a fellow Hawaiian Monarch resident who had moved to Hawai'i a year and a half ago and we ended up spending an hour and 45 minutes just chatting it up.  I mostly learned his story:  Gerry is a Jamaican immigrant who moved to Florida at 16 years old and then traveled the US from state to state until he met his now wife (who lives in Las Vegas with their 5 year old daughter).

At the meat of our conversations, we talked about how he had never before experienced racism until he moved to the mainland - particularly in Florida.  And similar to my Uber driver ROLLN (previous post), he also moved to Hawai'i and felt right at home - saying how the color of his skin didn't seem to matter much (or even at all) here; that locals were friendly with no ulterior motives and everyone treats each other like they would family.  I shared with him that my experience so far in Hawai'i has been just that and telling him about my dance studio with the warm and all the hospitable folks I've met there.  

It was nice having his company for the time as he shared more stories of his upbringing as well as his travels - all super interesting - and he invited me for breakfast the next day at the Cheeseburger Waikiki.  So this morning, I got up, got ready and that's what I did.  Though he was friendly enough, as a female and staying solo at the same place he was at, unfortunately it is in my nature to still be very cautious, so I was glad that it was a pretty public area that was nearby (I'll rant another time about how unfair it is to be female and always having to be extra paranoid).  

Well, it was a peculiar start to the day given I had very much enjoyed our conversation yesterday.  However, things got weird.  He had also invited his friend, Marcus, who he mentioned had changed his life by introducing him to the job he has now (which all I understood it to be was something within the utilities industry).  Marcus, who then joined us for the latter half of our morning meal, arrived in a suit with his laptop and expensive watch on his right wrist.  Already, I felt like I regretted coming out.  Hahaha.  To keep a long story short, Marcus then proceeded to ask me questions regarding what I do for a living and what motivates me in life, only to follow up with a presentation on this "utilities" business that he is a part of... aka *drum roll please* ...pyramid scheme!  I didn't want to have such rude feelings - he was just doing his thang - but I could not help but mentally roll my eyes.  

After his presentation was over, I straight up told him thank you but it's not something I was looking to be a part of.  He tried to rebuttal me but I quickly stopped him in his tracks to let him know that really, I am not the type that has the energy or desire to be part of something like that.  It got real awkward and I could tell Gerry felt horrible for inviting Marcus; he had thought because of my friendly personality, I'd be a good networker and someone interested in this.  I guess I had taken his question too loosely when he had asked me yesterday if I would be interested in hearing more about what he did.  I WAS JUST BEING POLITE!  Anywhoo, what's done was done and now I can say that I have formally been a potential recruit to a pyramid scheme.  Lulz.

The day went on and at least I got to end it on a really nice note with Jeff and Aaron for dinner.  Jeff swung by my dance studio to pick me up after my yoga barre class and we had Pa'ina Cafe where the boys and I reminisced about Alpha Kappa Psi (the co-ed business fraternity we were both in at our respective universities) days and all things during our early twenties.  I told them about how I got recruited for a pyramid scheme and we had a good laugh about it.  I guess it's now a story I can tell 

Yin and yang

Yin and yang

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

So I had my first really sour morning since I've been here.  I went to two of my dance classes today giving probably 25% energy.  My feet were hurting and the blisters that have been on my toes since the previous week weren't feeling any better.  Needless to say, I was in a little bit of a funk and realized that maybe it was because I had skipped my morning meditations since I was running a little behind on schedule.  I honestly haven't been meditating long enough to clearly know if that was why I was in such a mood... but if the art of meditation is as powerful as majority of folks who do it claim, then it might be - which is a pretty cool thing to experience (how different a day can be without giving just a few moments to be still).  In any case, I tried to carry on by accepting what I was feeling and letting it pass.

Later that night, I went over to Take's house to hang with him and his girlfriend, Jessica, for dinner.  I  haven't seen Take in legit 5 years since my days at LinkedIn where we first met, so when he reached out via FB to reconnect given I'm in Hawai'i, I was glad.  I had known he had moved his life here to the islands so it was nice catching up on all the differences between good ol' Silicon Valley and how drastically it differs from the local life here in Hawai'i.  After a few glasses of wine and some bomb carnitas tacos (wraps) that Take and Jessica had cooked up, I was feeling a nice buzz and definitely grateful for people who are so easy to talk to no matter how little (Jessica) or how long (Take) its been.

Simple gifts

Simple gifts

Monday, March 19, 2018

A big part of my sabbatical is to practice putting myself first and reminding myself of the goals I have for the way I want to spend these days in Hawai'i.  I want to be intentional; if I "stray" off schedule, it's because I acknowledge the result of that action or that thought and accept it wholeheartedly with peace of mind and joy.  To simplify that into a cliche - "No regrets, yo"

As such, I've allowed myself to indulge in some fucking delicious Hawaiian food these past few days and thoroughly enjoyed it.  However, as I sat around in my Waikiki studio with a bloated belly, I knew I owed it to myself to run before my 7PM yoga class, and mannnnn... was that a hard call.

When I get bloated, I get into a state of numb laziness - the kind of lazy that perpetuates a cycle of wanting to be even lazier and lazier.  I kid you not, I sat there for 30 minutes with a familiar dialogue in my head (that I've had one too many times) on whether or not to do my run.  I felt gross, I felt tired, I felt like a run wouldn't get rid of my bloat and maybe I should just take a day to sleep it off.

✋Um... that's not even how it works!  But the mind (in this state of lazy) is so so incredibly manipulative and plays some of the most sneeeeeeaky tricks.

This time around though, I did something different as this dialogue debated back and forth in my mind.  I listened to my body.  

These past 10 days, I've felt more in tune with myself spiritually and physically than I have in awhile... maybe even years.  I have my dance studio to thank for that, but being here has truly unlocked my ability to listen beyond my mind and heart (two things I've solely relied on throughout my life).  I thought that was enough.  Nope, nope, nope.  Your body needs some of that TLC as well - how I treat it, what I feed it, how I use it... ALL SO IMPORTANT.

So tonight, I listened to what my body needed and it enabled me to silence that dialogue, put on my running shoes and get out of the apartment.  It was a lot of energy that I had to muster up, sure, but the moment I closed the door behind me, I already felt good.

Deciding to run the Ala Moana beach route to my yoga class, I was completely overwhelmed by what I was blessed with due to listening to my body and giving it what it needed (despite the resistance that I clearly had).  I know this sounds unbelievably cheesy, but when I took a pause to run to the edge of the runway, I actually gasped out loud.  The sunset was stunning.

I took a few photos and a moment later, a woman who was by herself sat on the ledge of the runway.  Her silhouette made for a photo op that I couldn't resist snapping (ya'll know how I am with taking photos!)  I approached her - hopefully in the most uncreepy fashion - and asked her if I could send the picture I had taken, that I was so enamored by the sunset after pushing myself to run when it was so difficult to get out of the house that I was in the most elated mood.  She laughed and entered in her number.  We exchanged little words - she telling me that she was out alone trying to catch the humpback whale that had been spotted so near the ocean shore and my route to yoga - and I then continued on with my run.  Moments later I heard a ding on my phone and she had texted back in return:

I couldn't help but smile thinking that ironically, everything I've experienced these past 10 days has been my gift.  I finished my run and yoga'd into the rest of the night feeling less bloated and with the realization that the choices I make for my body will return in the greatest rewards if I just truly listen.

All the things

All the things

Sunday, March 18, 2018

These past few days have been nothing short of eventful.  To highlight some key moments just for my own memory's sake:

THURSDAY

• Hiked Diamond Head for a second time so that Sheila's first HI experience was not only its infamous poke (which we picked up right before), but a view of the beautiful ocean
• Watching Sheila's expression as she bit into the best Katsu Curry for the most moist pork tenderloin AND chicken taste of Hawai'i (not pictured bc we were too busy eating it)

 

FRIDAY

• Breakfast at Egghead and then my regular Friday dance classes 
• Visiting our friend Jimmy who moved to Hawai'i 5 years ago for work and never left (and whom I've also known since he was like 4 years old bc his older sister was my best friend in Kindergarten) 

• Had a mouthgasm as I tried Rainbow Inn for the first time - that Shoyu Chicken! OMG 😱😭😍
• Hiked Kokohead for a second time - but this time during sunset hours which was the best decision ever because the view from the peak was 10x more beautiful 

• Went to Hawaiian Brian's for a live Nujabes Tribute show to see some ridiculously talented folks jam out on their instruments... I was literally groovin' to the vibes of the sax that had me dancing like it was a jazz / reggaeton / salsa performance with the beats of hip hop - can you even picture that?  It was the perfect mix of so many genres that I love musically. SO GOOD.

SATURDAY

• Woke up butt early to pick up a pile of spam musubis from the infamous Musubi Cafe and hiked Lanikai Pillbox with Jimmy and his roommate, Gilbert.  They hike in sandals... wtf.

• Had a little jam session at Lanikai beach with my backup singers (LOL) as I played "Can't Help Falling in Love" and "I'm Yours" 

• Chugged our pre-made drinks that we put into water bottles and got drunk on a bus filled with old adults like a pair of hooligan teenagers as we headed to Paradise Cove (#ratchet4life)

• Knocked out as we came home but woke up at midnight where I really struggled to get myself to go out again but SO glad I did because we caught another live band doing covers all night of rock modern and classics and I learned to put my hip swaying on pause and bob my head instead (seriously, it's been awhile) til 3:30AM

SUNDAY

• Northshore for Giovanni's Shrimp and Matsumoto's Shaved Ice
• Uke at Ala Moana beach and FINALLY went into the water like a real tourist (seriously, it took me 10 days to go into the water -- yes, I am one of those that actually do not prefer the beach... errrrr... I am here for the culture, the hikes, and the poke 😅)
• Went to my dance studio to watch the performances of my fellow dance members as we celebrated the center's 7th anniversary

I can't believe I've already been here for 10 days already and another 20 doesn't seem like enough.  I already know I'm going to have a tough time leaving this island.  Anywhoo, this was more of a quick bulletpointed post for photos.  I've been so exhausted and have had little time to digest my thoughts into writing, so will have to save #allthefeels for another time 💘 

Life's a potluck... what are you bringing?

Life's a potluck... what are you bringing?

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

I've been thinking about how spectacular my time has already been here in Hawai'i and it's really about how much I've been given so far - mentally, physically, spiritually.  The people I've met have been so warm and I only hope that I can give them something (anything!) in return.  That's really what life should be about - a potluck - the continuous giving and receiving of each others' best gifts.  The idea that these gifts (which come in the form of just about anything - generosity of time, knowledge, the talents that entertain or inspire, or even something as basic as common courtesy) make me more aware of the uniqueness of each person I've been encountering and self-observant of what it is that I bring to this "potluck."

Tonight in particular, after my yoga and dance class, one of the lovely older members of the studio offered to take me home after hearing that I was new and visiting for a month from the bay area.

Aileen, who at the age of 74 came to the studio to cure her body aches with "Feldenrkais" and is as spunky and spirited as ever, not only offered such kindness of a ride home, but went far out of her way to give me a friggin' tour of downtown Hawai'i; showing me where their financial district was, their Chinatown area and where to get the best dim sum, their city hall, and gave me a history on the Kings and Queens of Hawai'i in history.  As if that wasn't sweet enough, she took me to Foodland so I could get groceries.  WHAT IS MY LIFE?

Well, not really my life.  I guess that's just Hawai'i for you.  She tried convincing me to move here saying I seemed like a local (which she had earlier mistook me for) and that I would fit right in given my personality.  She even started giving me info on real estate and where I should look for housing... 😅 

You know, it could be easy to think that Aileen perhaps just had a ton of time on her hands; that she enjoyed my company because that's what she wanted... company.  And perhaps that's true.  But I do prefer to believe that she went out of her way simply because she wanted to treat a newcomer with kindness and make an impact on another's experience in a positive way.  I don't know, but I think if more people had that mentality, each day would be the best damn potluck that needn't wait for special occasion.  

I guess I'm just feeling grateful (of course) for the recent gifts I've felt I've been given this past week. Warmest mahalos, Hawai'i. 

Music makes friends

Music makes friends

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Like a scene from a movie I probably saw once, I thought it would be cool to practice my Ukulele on the beach today.  I mean, I had to know if it's as cool as it seems!  #duhh.

I took a pause from playing my Ukulele to shove a handful of Hawai'ian snacks in my face while sitting under a palm tree on a patch of grass that slowly melted into sand on the beach of Ala Moana Park.  At that very moment, I saw a stranger walk toward me.  My initial thoughts were to give off the "don't bother me, I'm eating" look as it seemed as though he wanted to ask me if I could take a picture for him.  I think I may have successfully done so because then he awkwardly walked past me and stood 10 ft away as he looked at his phone.

I instantly felt bad.  Why was I being closed off?  Poor tourist probably just wanted me to take a photo of him.  I spent a minute questioning my resting bitch face until suddenly, said stranger came back to stand in front of me and asked if he could sit down and listen to me play.  OHHHHHh... so that'ssss what his intention was.  My immediate response and yes, I did say this: "Uh... no"  Ok, so I likely was coming off as a total asshole at this point.  And as soon as I realized this, I followed up with the fact that I was super new to the Uke and only just started teaching myself this past Friday.  He sat down and shared that he, too, was learning and asked if he could show me.

Honestly, I still was a bit weirded out and unsure of how to handle this situation... that is until I reminded myself that I was in Hawai'i to be open, to let go of all things negative, and make space for new learnings.  I didn't necessarily come with the intention to make new friends, but I think one of the coolest things about the connections I've made so far in my life is the fact that they are kind of global; and the memories I've really valued are the moments that I've created with strangers whom I've encountered randomly who have similar interests as me.  So, I gave him my Uke, stopped being weird, and listened as he played some song.

We then exchanged stories and turns out, he wasn't a tourist at all.  He lived in San Francisco for 9 years before coming to Hawaii'i to now manage Airbnbs for the past 2 years.  I find it so interesting how many people I've already met that come from the mainland to just resettle their lives on this island; and to hear specifically why he did was really insightful.  People come here truly to find their own standard of paradise!  And to think... I thought it was just for the poke.

Anyway, his friends arrived and I got to meet them.  They asked if I wanted to play volleyball with them and though it was a kind gesture and definitely an opportunity for me to make some more friends, I really wanted to continue playing my Uke.  I rejected their invitation, but did move to sit by them and watch them play while I did my own thing meanwhile.  It was a delightful, picturesque type of an afternoon that reminded me of the friendly folks that live on this beautiful island.

Just do it

Just do it

I've always had a companion while hiking and though I had mentally prepared for solo hikes upon getting to Hawai'i (I mean, that was kind of the point in choosing this location) I felt a tug of resistance today.  I couldn't pinpoint whether the hesitation was due to fear (it was sprinkling a bit so what if it rained? what if my phone runs out of battery and I don't know how to get back? what if I spend forever trying to find the entrance? what if I don't like hiking by myself???)  But instead of listening to that tug, I pushed myself and thought of every reason why I should just do it.  

I mean, this view was worth it.

But first, rewind.  So after my morning ritual 😋 I packed my stuff and rented a Biki and biked towards Diamond Head Crater.  Nearly there, I stopped to walk my bike across a busy street with a cross walk and no traffic light (just in case since I'm a not-so-experienced biker).  As I was about to hop back on the bike after getting across the street, I (luckily) noticed some shit on my seat.

No, I mean it... SHIT ON MY SEAT.  A fucking bird pooped inches away from my head.  I had a split second of doubt thinking, "is that dried up poop and I just didn't notice I was sitting on it this whole time?" ...so I touched it.  YEAH, I TOUCHED IT.

...definitely fresh.

So instead of riding the last 20 minutes to the starting point of Diamond Head, I parked the Biki into a nearby station and walked the rest of the way.  Damn you, bird.

The actual hike itself was easy with switchbacks that weren't actually steep at all.  I laughed thinking about the time I did Kokohead and how nothing could be worse than the stairmaster of hell - I'll do that one later this week 😲

 

When I reached the top, I found a quiet spot to sit and did my daily meditation.  Today's theme was "Letting Go" and how perfect it was that I had the wind and ocean sound to help me with such a release.  On top of that, I had brought my paints so I took my time to do a watercolor.  The inspiration behind this were the colors of the ocean, the overcast sky, and the earth as I've been feeling more grounded since I've arrived to Hawai'i.

Despite my poor attempts to paint while keeping my wits together what with the high winds, I really relished in being still and not rushing to get back down after reaching the top (as I so often do after reaching the peak of a hike).  Enjoying it solo was a different experience as well which I enjoyed and I'm glad I got over whatever it was that was making me feel nervous about just doing it.

My phone was at 10% unfortunately, so though I had originally wanted to bike back to my Airbnb, I was afraid I'd get lost and wind up in loco land.  As such, I called an Uber and guess what... I got matched with ROLLN (refer to previous post). I got into his car we both had a good laugh about the likelihood of us getting paired with each other again - especially because when we had gotten Ono Seafood together, I had told him that I was going to try and do Diamond Head.  Ha!

What a funny day.

Ps: I just noticed that I also got the stupidest sunburn... lesson learned - facepalm - 

Sundays are for crying

Sundays are for crying

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Today I woke up later than my usual 6AM alarm (given I got home last night way past 2AM) and had to skip my morning ritual of blasting music while washing up, brewing my coffee, and 10 minute meditation.  I didn't want to miss my yoga class.

Blah blah blah...

Fast forward to my Hula class at 2PM.  The last 5 minute before class ended, my Hula instructor, Malia Helela (another incredible human, of course) had the tenured students practice one of their routines for this upcoming week's performance at the studio - celebrating it's 7th year.  I obviously sat this out but stayed to watch and I was so happy I did.

Malia played Josh Tatobi's "Pua Kiele" - a song about a flower's beauty - and I think I lost it.  If you ever get a chance to watch this song be performed or danced to, or even just center yourself to hear it without distractions... please do.  I was so moved.  I don't even know how to describe the feelings that I was overcome with.  Did I understand WTF the lyrics were saying?  Definitely not, haha.  But it felt warm, emotional, and much like falling in love for the first time.  Paired with the movement of Hula and I was a goner.

As though my heart hadn't filled with enough warm fuzzies... later on in the evening, I met up with my friend, Felicia and her fiancé, and given it's the annual Honolulu Festival, we made it to the Waikiki beach shore to witness the most spectacular fireworks show I have ever seen.  Eva, my Airbnb host, had so so sweetly texted me to give me a heads up that the Nagaoka Fireworks was one of the most anticipated events for the week.  She wasn't kidding.

As hundreddddds of folks swarmed the shore, we all sat in merriment (such a cheesy word, but all the squeals and exclamatory phrases of amazement definitely bucket under "merry") for 15 minutes to indulge in the epic showcase of fireworks.  The scale of it was massive and for those 15 minutes, I don't think I had a damn concern in the world 😌

Lit AF.

HI friends (not that kind)

HI friends (not that kind)

I’m fortunate to get in some local Hawaiian experiences thanks to my friends, Jeff and Aaron, as we met up for some drinks at (wait for it...) SALT at Our Kakaako, a super cute area with restaurants and bars.  It was interesting being part of their life here in Hawai’i given I've really only partied with them in large social settings back when we were raging 21+ year olds in San Diego, LA and Las Vegas, lol... our ratchet club days (I die).

I liked seeing them in their element as we bumped into some of their hometown High School friends.  Guys, DO YOU REALIZE HIGH SCHOOL WAS LIKE 10 YEARS AGO?  I die again.  It's a bit overwhelming for me to know that everyone has such layers of history, experiences, a whole different life beyond what I know of them - we can only be so lucky to get such glimpses into what it could have possibly been like if we weren't a part of it.

After a few drinks in, we rented Bikis (Honolulu’s bikesharing system) and biked through the empty streets of downtown and into the Chinatown area, where after pounding some shots of YOLO, danced at Manifest and regretfully, ended the night at Zippy's for my first taste of a Zip Pac.  I don't know what picture I should add here... me and my friends or the Zip Pac.

Alriiight, I'll post both.

Overall, these are the experiences that I want from any traveling that I do.  Touristy things are of course a must for the first time you visit a new place, but it's always the most uninteresting parts of my travels.  I crave the local experiences, the everyday seemingly mundane shenanigans that you get yourself into with company you enjoy.  It's everything I could have asked for in a night out with some goofy guys I call my friends.

Escape for Aloha

Escape for Aloha

Saturday, March 10, 2018

"ROLLN" as he renamed himself (really, it's Antoine) and as his license plate states (no really, it spells out "ROLLN") was my Uber driver that I spent a quick Saturday afternoon with on my third day in Hawai’i.

SAY WUHHHHh?

Now I don't often make it a habit to speak with my Uber drivers in San Francisco, but given I'm the new kid here in Hawai’i, I'm enjoying learning as much as I can from the people I meet.  Conversations usually end once I arrive to my destination and I thank the Uber driver with a Mahalo and wave an Aloha.  However, the conversation did not end this time as they always do.  Antoine was taking me to Ono Seafood and throughout our trip, he had shared his story on how he got to Hawai’i.

Originally from Inglewood, California - Antoine came to Honolulu to (as he describes it) escape what he had only known growing up: violence, gangs, drugs, and extreme racism that pervades Los Angeles County (think Eric Garner, Michael Brown Jr, Tanisha Anderson, and the list as we all know goes on).  I winced when he told me he was driving for Uber because he didn't think he'd be living this long so he had never planned for retirement (he's just into his 50s now).  He grew up with the wrong crowd, witnessed countless of his friends' death at an early age, and faced judgements daily with fear that those judgements could lead to the worst case scenario.  So he shared with me that though his wife (who, from Michigan, is getting island fever) has tried planting the seed of going back to the mainland, he refuses to even talk about it... quite literally, he said he'd pitch a tent and would let her leave without him.  He expressed clear love for Hawai’i and what it has been for him in comparison to his experiences in LA; speechless because I will never really understand a day in his shoes, I joked with him that if he loved it so much, how come he hasn't tried Ono's Poké.

I may have hyped it up a bit, because he mentioned he hadn't had lunch and would have to take my word on this hype and try it himself.  So there we were, arrived to our destination but instead of saying goodbye, Antoine parked the car and we got in line together for some of Honolulu's finest (actually, I prefer Foodland's Poké but this might garner an angry mob so I'm not taking this topic any further).

I got my food first so was heading out and nearly called an Uber when Antoine, who came walking out after said I didn't have to call because he'd take me back himself.  I was really touched at this and as we spent the 10 minute drive back to the Waikiki area, I thanked him not only for the ride home, but for sharing his story, and I let him know that I was happy for him.  He sought out Aloha, found it, and is damn well holding onto it for as long as he can.

Artistry at its finest

Artistry at its finest

After taking back to back classes at my dance studio - Bollywood Dancing & Turkish Belly Dancing - I was really inspired to blog about the instructors I've been able to learn from so far.

Willow Chang who taught my Bollywood session was seriously #goals - beautiful outside (obviously) but inside as well.  She had a spirit about her that is seriously irresistible.  I just wanted to be around her longer. 

Murat Demirtas who showed up fierce as ever to teach his weekly Turkish Belly Dancing class was unbelievable.  He grew up in Turkey and learned from his mother who was a professional belly dancer (then later instructor).  Man, if every woman and male moved like him, it'd be a dangerous world.

Both were so unapologetically themselves - quirks, unique eccentrics, total sass, passion and all.  I was in awe of how much soul bled from their hearts into their movements and I was humbled to realize the amount of passion it takes to drive the practice of their art so that they perfect it as each routine becomes so instinctive and deeply intentional.  Dancing is not easy, so to love it so much to commit the hours... #respect.

On another note - bellydancing is legit my new favorite form of working out.  You know when Lil' Jon says "...to the sweat drop down my balls" Yeah, I'll leave that there. 

Willow had invited her students to a performance at Hawaii Pacific University at 7PM.  So later on that evening, I debated on whether or not to go given the location was pretty far from my Airbnb.  I don't mind so much the solo aspect as I've watched shows on my own before; it was mostly the fear that I'd get lost on a campus I was unfamiliar with at night on an island (literally) I'm also new to... (lulz, that's me adding dramatic flair).  However, I had an awesome Uber driver who made sure I made it safely and I was so incredibly glad I went.  

The production of Arabian Nights: The Porter's Tale hosted in HPU's Paul and Vi Loo Theatre focused simply on Jeff Gere's 2 hour long monologue of storytelling and puppeteering 700 year old tales from the Islamic culture.  It was low production.  No real set or plethora of props whatsoever.  Just Gere, the stage, Willow Chang's add of dance and Babatunji Heath's improvised percussions as background for Gere's masterful ability to engage us in his words and animated expressions.  Freak-ing talented.  It had been so long since I've let someone's words trigger my audio senses to invoke my imagination, but his words were so full of imagery that it was easy to picture and follow along with each tale that was told.

I've been so impressed with every creative I've met or have had the chance to witness here in Hawaii.  It reminded me that this kind of talent exists everywhere.  I only need to push myself to seek it out more 😊

Community

Community

Friday, March 9, 2018

One of the most beautiful things that we create as people in this world are communities.  Innately, I believe all humans seek this sense of belonging - something that makes us feel at home or connected.  I think it's the one thing that immediately wins me over when choosing to do something solo or be part of something that connects me with others (that's the extrovert in me).

I woke up and had the best morning ever - details unnecessary because really, it was all just ordinary day things... but damn it, did it bring me so much warm fuzzy joy.  I had the singular goal today of trying out a few dance studios that I had Yelped! so I took the bus to my first stop and entered in to inquire about membership and classes.  However, within 30 minutes of meeting one of the Hula instructors and one of the long time members, Doris, I signed up for my own unlimited class membership.

It caught me off guard what I found today.  I was expecting to explore a few more options in my area before making any decisions at all, but I was overwhelmed by the sense of community that I found at this studio.  The energy that I felt was so incredibly positive and the studio felt like such a safe haven for those that want to use movement as a means of fitness, release, passion, et cetera.  That's the beauty of movement in my opinion.  That it is yours.  YOUR expression.  It is whatever and however much you want it to be in order to feel what it is that you need it to feel; it's just a matter of finding the best platform or resource(s) for you to further tap into that movement.  The studio radiated something magnetic and the women, especially Doris, made me feel instantly like I belonged there.

Today was actually Doris' birthday and as we spent time chatting with each other - I shared my story on why I was in Hawai'i and what I was seeking.  Soon after, I got to know her also; not by what she told me, but by the actions and clear impact that she had on others that was shown.  We started today's Hula lesson in a circle giving thanks and well wishes and every woman there shouted out Doris for her birthday.  Some got emotional (as did Doris who broke into tears) speaking about what she meant to them and the community and spirit of the studio.  Honestly, at first when I had met her I had thought to myself, "how lucky am I that this woman befriended my n00b ass?!"  But I caught on quickly; this is who she is... the welcomer, the one that makes you feel invited and comfortable unhesitatingly.  She was adorned by not only kind words by her Hula sisters, but by lei's that they brought for her as gifts, cupcakes, and food to celebrate after our lesson today.  It was all so special.  I couldn't help but admire her and sense my own feelings of gratitude to be now part of her story and I in hers.

I spent nearly 3 hours at the studio today before I walked along Ala Moana to get home.  Meanwhile, thinking that it's only day two of my HI life and I've already found a community.  Lucky duck me.  Tomorrow, I'm taking Intro to Bellydancing (LOL) and I already can't wait.

Gratitude

Gratitude

Friends, thank you so much for sending your well wishes and love my way as I head out on sabbatical.

During my guided morning meditation today (DL the app: "CALM" - I really like it) I was guided to think about what I'm most grateful for. A LOT crossed through my mind - I mean, c'mon I was sitting crossed legged in Hawai'i with a beautiful view of the ocean - but one overall resonating thought was the family and friends in my life that have made such an impact on me (you might not even know you did, but you did!)

A BIG PART of this trip is practicing everyday gratitude - not just internally but externally. As such, I'd love to take the time to send *you* some thanks. If you'd like, please send me your address in the link here and I'll send you a postcard.