Everything is different in Hawaii. Nothing is the same. They drive on the wrong side of the road, speak a completely different language and eat really weird food.Ok, so maybe thats not true at all. But just because Hawaii is one of the 50 states does not mean that life in Hawaii is identical to life on the mainland. It has been and continues to be quite an adjustment.
Just as a point of reference: I'm living in Honolulu, HI on the island of O'ahu about a mile north of Waikiki Beach attending Chaminade University this fall (the next four months).
The 6-hour time difference is the first and most obvious adjustment we've been faced with down here. It gets better with every passing day, but it's still impossible to sleep in. That may also be a result of other contributing factors as well, but we'll get to those. It's been almost a week and I'm fairly certain I've gotten a handle on the time change, but it was rough at first. The first day I flew out here I stayed up for 24 straight hours. Apparently, that's the best way to get your body to adjust to the change, but if you know me at all, you know the lack of sleep was brutal at best. I sleep through the night now and try my best to get my required 8 hours.
The heat and my living arrangement have also been an adjustment. The apartment is smaller than I'm used to at UD, but it's big enough. I don't have air conditioning, which I knew going in, but still wasn't fully prepared for it. I have a fan now, and all is good.
I have never really lived in an entirely urban setting, which is why the noise of traffic outside my window has been an adjustment as well. I live on Kapi'olani Boulevard which is a main cause way on the island. It's six lane's wide and very loud. It's managable at night and at this point I don't even hear it.
I've been told I complain too much, and I think I'm starting to see why. That's it. No more complaining. I am in the most beautiful place on Earth. No exaggeration. As evidence by the couple of pictures in and around this posting.
As part of the orientation for new students on campus, the school organized a "Mystery Bus Tour" that took us around the island and stopped at different attractions. We got to see Pearl Harbor, the North Shore and Kualoa Ranch. The picture at the top is a shot of the famed Sunset Beach on the North Shore. The picture immediately below is from the Kualoa Ranch (home of beautiful landscape and countless movie sets).
Look like Jurassic Park or Lost?
It was quite an adventure and I had a good time and took some amazing pictures (if I do say so myself). If you'd like to see them let me know and I can email them to you, or check out my Facebook page.
I've gone to all my classes (It's true, Mom. I have). But before and after many of them I have spent quite a bit of time at Waikiki, our local beach. We stumpled upon a free movie on a huge projector one night after sunset on the beach and hung around for it. I bought a $7 snorkel set and have been convinced that it is the best $7 I have ever spent. There is coral right off shore and there are tons of exotic fish living in and around the coral. I've been kept very busy chasing the fish around and just laying on the beach. The 25 minute walk is worth the trip to the beach every time.
Classes started Monday, and they're just fine. Classes are classes, no matter where you are. The campus is up on a hill and is absolutely gorgeous. I've still yet to get pictures of it and of Waikiki for that matter. I'm also adjusting to carrying around my new camera all the time. Usually someone else takes all the pictures for me. I'll get there.
I should be updating this page once a week. Most likely on Tuesdays, but don't hold me to that. I'm in Hawaii. I do what I want.
