In this edition of 'Your Mom Goes To Hawaii,' I'll slowly but surely tie up some loose ends.
Pig update: In my last two weeks at the hostel, I only saw the pigs thrice. I was less apprehensive about seeing them, but because my anxiety level was high (about leaving, about heading home, etc), I was reluctant to walk anywhere on the property alone at night. I still don't like to be startled by wild animals in the dark! Shoot me.
The bidet. I did become accustomed to washing my own ass with a hose while sitting on the toilet. even though it was cold and awkward. Jungle life!
Swimming. I cannot recall the name of the beach that I went to with B, J, L, and A, but I will say this: eff you Portuguese Man-of-War. They were everywhere. Babies, kids, old ladies and your mother were swimming right alongside thousands of these stinging creatures. Me? I opted out. I have never been, nor will I ever be a fan of being stung. The damn ocean is scary enough without these things, even though they are tiny. Get off of me! On another note, seeing sea turtles swim around is pretty damn cool, even if I wasn't in the ocean. Also, standing in the surf, watching the waves roll in and out around my feet gives me crazy vertigo. Nothing like feeling like you're going to fall down in the scariest thing imaginable. Damn, I'm a city girl. I'll sit on the beach in my princess space.
Dirty feet. My feet are still covered in mud and sand from the magical and amazing island, and I kind of don't want to wash it off. I also still want to be barefoot all the time, but that's just plain stupid when you're in a city, let alone downtown (I'm barefoot now, regardless. Old habits are hard to break).
Puna-fication. As in, Puna will take everything you have, including yourself, and dominate it. I chose to leave so many things behind, simply because the humidity ruined them. Mildew is a dirty bitch. As for me, I feel Puna-fied. I no longer care about basic things like showers (I'm not THAT dirty or stinky, I promise) or changing my clothes. Hell, I want to run around naked (again, another thing that doesn't go over well in downtown Denver). Let's roll around in some mud. Fuck it.
Travel. I literally just spent 50+ hours getting from Pahoa to Denver. First a bus, a three hour wait, another bus, a night in a hostel, a five mile walk, three mile hitch, two hour flight, two hour layover, six hour flight, six hour layover, two hour flight and now I'm here. I have maybe slept twelve hours in the past three days. I haven't eaten much. I am so sick of air conditioning. If I have to sit near another talkative five-year-old on a plane, I may be escorted off because of bad behavior. Sigh. Breathe from the belly. It's all over now.
Tan lines. Mine are epic. Ha.
Okey dokey. Think you have your fill for the day?
See ya soon,
Aloha
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I'm Ron Burgundy?
Ahh, San Diego. Airport. For six hours. Chain-smoking is going on.
I feel relieved to be back on the mainland, yet anxious to finally be home. I doubt I'll sleep tonight in this freezing airport. My mind is racing. My heart is already aching for a few of the people I got to know in Hawaii, and it always aches for Denver when I'm away from it. I cannot wait to see my friends in the morning.
I know this blog kinda dropped off lately, but I assure you, I had better things to do. The past two weeks have been some of the best of my life. I look forward to detailing some of the finer points here soon.
Until the jet lag wears off,
Aloha
I feel relieved to be back on the mainland, yet anxious to finally be home. I doubt I'll sleep tonight in this freezing airport. My mind is racing. My heart is already aching for a few of the people I got to know in Hawaii, and it always aches for Denver when I'm away from it. I cannot wait to see my friends in the morning.
I know this blog kinda dropped off lately, but I assure you, I had better things to do. The past two weeks have been some of the best of my life. I look forward to detailing some of the finer points here soon.
Until the jet lag wears off,
Aloha
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Kailua-Kona
Whew.
The past few days have flown by. I've been camping and beach hopping on the other side of the island, among other things. Let's see if I can relay this properly:
Tuesday I woke up a little early with the intention of walking M and K to their bus stop. They had planned on camping for a few days before they both flew home. Long story short, they convinced me to go with them. Why not? I'm on vacation, after all. After packing my shit, we jumped in the back of a truck with another couple headed to Hilo. From Hilo we would take a bus to Kailua. I was excited to be venturing away from not only the hostel, but from this side of the island. I needed a change of scenery and camping sounded great.
Once in Hilo, we were dropped off at the mall, where we had some time to kill and so proceeded to walk around and drink beers out of a paper cup. We wanted to keep things classy, after all. There was a small arcade, which made me long for some skee-ball with my bitches back in Denver. This arcade didn't even have skee-ball. Boo. We ate some noodles and wandered back toward our stop at the mall.
Just before the bus was to arrive, we asked an adorable group of old ladies to take our picture, which led to our finding out that we were in the wrong place to catch the bus. Yay! Luckily one of the ladies, adorable Patsy, told us to get in her car, and she drove us to the next stop, where the bus was boarding. She told us she would park her car right in front of the bus so that it couldn't leave without us. I thought this was funny until she actually did it, then it was awesome and hilarious. She got out to hug and kiss us goodbye, and went on her way. Much love, Patsy.
We had to put our bags under the bus, and when that was done, we found ourselves some seats near each other and were again glad to be on the road.
Twenty minutes later M had to pee. It was urgent. I had to pee too. Urgently. Damn!
And so we had to get off the bus. M and I pressed the button for the next stop. We suggested to K that she stay on the bus so that she could get her rental car but she refused and got off the bus with us. Immediately it was apparent that we were in for a rough trip.
Let me say this before I say anything else: K, I love you girl, and had the circumstances been different, I'm sure things would have had a smoother flow. Aloha always.
So there was a freak-out on the side of the road which I had to turn around and walk away from. We had to get to the highway anyway. Pack time. Walk time. I didn't want to argue because there was nothing that could be done about the situation except to just deal with it. About fifteen minutes later we were in a good place to hitch from on the highway. Then there was another freak-out of epic proportions, but while it was going down, a guy in a jeep pulled over to pick us up, or ask questions, or who-knows-what. I didn't wait to hear anything. I immediately opened the door, and essentially just said the word 'Kona.' Luckily the guy, N, was headed that way to his condo, so we all three piled in, thankful to be off the road, and thankful for no more goddamn freaking out. We could relax, at least until we got to Kailua.
Approximately one and a half minutes into the drive, N passed a "road soda" into the back seat for our enjoyment or choking pleasure. Imagine a Nalgene bottle half-full of vodka, and topped off with Powerade. What better way to cool our throats and top off whatever beer buzz we may have had going? Mistake. K had enough to pass out about an hour into the drive and remain unconscious for about seven hours straight.
Once we arrived in Kailua, M, N and I left princess K asleep in the jeep an got into some shenanigans. We drunkenly walked down to the rocky beach at one point. It wasn't until the next morning that I realized I had left my boots on the beach overnight and so would have to deal with damp, stinky boots for the rest of the trip. It was no worse than dealing with my princess K, but I felt like an idiot. I would have been screwed without those boots. Anyway, I found them, that's what matters.
The next morning K informed M and I that she had drunkenly, angrily changed her flight to the next day, so she wouldn't be renting a car, and we would only be camping for one night instead of several. This also meant that we would now be either hitching or hiking to wherever we planned on camping that evening, and truthfully we did not have a plan.
We packed up our things, said goodbye to N, and started walking from the condo. Since we were so close to the coast, it made sense for us to walk along Ili'i and try to find a place to camp on a beach. We looked at my map, found a nearby beach, and began moving toward it.
As we were hiking, we happened upon a godsend. Da Poke Shack. I have been craving sushi like a mofo, so there was no way I was passing this place up. Nevermind the scorching sun, thirty-pound pack, or miles ahead of us, I wanted to gorge on fish. Making a selection from the case of poke of every variety was difficult, to say the least. The poke special of the day had my name written all over it: Spicy Ahi with scallions. I scarfed a half a pound like it was my friggin' job. And so, with our bellies full of amazing fish, we set out again with Magic Sands Beach and a dip in the water on our minds.
In an attempt to find an undercover place to camp, we hiked onto a public access beach trail. There was a giant tree that we thought might work, but walked down the beach to check things out further. After looking at the most bug-infested area I have ever been in, we asked a guy who was playing guitar on the beach what he thought about camping in the area. The answer we got was "right back there might work, but honestly I wouldn't go past this point right here." Creepy. So we continued on the Magic Sands.
Magic Sands was great from the start. We plopped our packs on some rocks, laid out our sarongs, and got our shit together for swimming. I am still afraid of the GD ocean, whether I want to be or not, so I didn't really swim. I sat in the water, stood on the beach, and watched small children fearlessly play in deeper water than I was willing to enter. Fuck it. I'm not getting in that shit.
In between splashing around and chilling on the beach, it started to rain. It was heavy enough that we needed shelter, if not for us then at least for our packs, which were getting soaked. M and I pulled out our tarps, and we made ourselves a plastic cave on the beach. It was a happy time.
When we learned from a friend of a friend that camping at Magic Sands wasn't a good idea, we were disappointed in the realization that we would not only be leaving this cush environment but that we would also be hauling our packs around for a while more until we could find the next beach. Nevertheless, we were determined to find someplace to sleep, so we marched on, our drying swimsuits dangling from our packs, dripping a trail of saltwater behind us. The sun would be setting soon, and none of us wanted to set up camp in the dark. Our next destination would be St. Peter's Church beach.
When we arrived at the church, not far from Magic Sands, I immediately knew that this would be a fine camp spot. There were lava rock walls all around, so we would have plenty of cover for the two tents. There was no space for my hammock, so I'd be bunking with M. After surveying the area, we decided to camp in a narrow walkway behind the church. The space was maybe 3 1/2 feet by 16 feet. The ocean was thirty feet away, just beyond the rock wall and a rocky beach. We watched an amazing sunset from here that I'll not soon forget.
We had a beer with a guy who was chilling on the beach, and after he determined for me that I didn't have the correct fuel for my stove, we had to reassess our dinner options. I had a package of freeze-dried mashed potatoes that we all drooled over, until we tried them, that is. I had used luke-warm water instead of boiling water, and it was a mistake. What a total disappointment. So K went for some food. We dined in the dark on hummus and bread, with roaches crawling all around us. The tequila helped the situation a bit. I can also proudly say that I didn't freak out about the bugs, except for when we were breaking camp in the morning and I found not only ants in my pack but an inch-long cockroack as well. Yuck.
Anyway, when it was darker and later, we set up the tents. I crawled in with M, on the rocky ground, and we attempted to sleep. I did not sleep. I spooned a rock that was under the tent and listened to K snore peacefully a tent away. At one point I woke up with my face pressed to the bottom of the tent, my feet on top of my boots, and one arm asleep. Eff. So sleeping didn't really work out, and I was definitely wide awake from 4:30 on, and actually got up out of the tent at six. It's been a long time since I was up at that hour. Watching the ocean roll in and out and listening to its slapping on the rocks as the sun came up at my back was definitely not horrible though, I have to admit.
we set out to return to Magic Sands not long after waking up, and I noticed that I had a sore spot on the bottom of my right foot. Thinking it was from my boot and the fact that it was slightly wet from sitting on the beach two nights before, I marched on with a crazy energy that I could not explain.
We made it to Magic Sands, and M and I went inthe water for a bit. After showering, I figured out why my foot was hurting. I had a deep gash on the underside of my foot. Boo. I bandaged the shit out of it and put my boots back on. This injury would prove to be painful all day.
Da Poke Shack was calling to us from down the road, so we hiked over for lunch before being picked up by a friend of K's. He took her to the airport and M and I to the Kmart in town where we would catch the bus back to Hilo.
So we waited for about four hours on the sharpest grass I've ever lounged on. We ate nothing but sweet bread. The bus took forever. It was uncomfortable. Blahblahblah.
When we got to Pahoa, I was ready for a damn beer. M and I went to PVC (the local bar) and proceeded to turn their open-mic night sausage fest into dance-party dyke-night. We danced our asses off and were shooting pool but not one person was focused on the game or who was playing on what team.
Since then, it's been nothing but beaches, dirty dance music, and dance parties at the hostel. We celebrated everyone's slutty birthday with a giant sheet cake, threw down on some bud lights, and I have personally been having the time of my friggin' life.
I've been working on this post for three days. I hope it's entertaining, but honestly no longer give a shit about the grammar within. Judge not, fair friends.
Until the next freaky episode,
Aloha
The past few days have flown by. I've been camping and beach hopping on the other side of the island, among other things. Let's see if I can relay this properly:
Tuesday I woke up a little early with the intention of walking M and K to their bus stop. They had planned on camping for a few days before they both flew home. Long story short, they convinced me to go with them. Why not? I'm on vacation, after all. After packing my shit, we jumped in the back of a truck with another couple headed to Hilo. From Hilo we would take a bus to Kailua. I was excited to be venturing away from not only the hostel, but from this side of the island. I needed a change of scenery and camping sounded great.
Once in Hilo, we were dropped off at the mall, where we had some time to kill and so proceeded to walk around and drink beers out of a paper cup. We wanted to keep things classy, after all. There was a small arcade, which made me long for some skee-ball with my bitches back in Denver. This arcade didn't even have skee-ball. Boo. We ate some noodles and wandered back toward our stop at the mall.
Just before the bus was to arrive, we asked an adorable group of old ladies to take our picture, which led to our finding out that we were in the wrong place to catch the bus. Yay! Luckily one of the ladies, adorable Patsy, told us to get in her car, and she drove us to the next stop, where the bus was boarding. She told us she would park her car right in front of the bus so that it couldn't leave without us. I thought this was funny until she actually did it, then it was awesome and hilarious. She got out to hug and kiss us goodbye, and went on her way. Much love, Patsy.
We had to put our bags under the bus, and when that was done, we found ourselves some seats near each other and were again glad to be on the road.
Twenty minutes later M had to pee. It was urgent. I had to pee too. Urgently. Damn!
And so we had to get off the bus. M and I pressed the button for the next stop. We suggested to K that she stay on the bus so that she could get her rental car but she refused and got off the bus with us. Immediately it was apparent that we were in for a rough trip.
Let me say this before I say anything else: K, I love you girl, and had the circumstances been different, I'm sure things would have had a smoother flow. Aloha always.
So there was a freak-out on the side of the road which I had to turn around and walk away from. We had to get to the highway anyway. Pack time. Walk time. I didn't want to argue because there was nothing that could be done about the situation except to just deal with it. About fifteen minutes later we were in a good place to hitch from on the highway. Then there was another freak-out of epic proportions, but while it was going down, a guy in a jeep pulled over to pick us up, or ask questions, or who-knows-what. I didn't wait to hear anything. I immediately opened the door, and essentially just said the word 'Kona.' Luckily the guy, N, was headed that way to his condo, so we all three piled in, thankful to be off the road, and thankful for no more goddamn freaking out. We could relax, at least until we got to Kailua.
Approximately one and a half minutes into the drive, N passed a "road soda" into the back seat for our enjoyment or choking pleasure. Imagine a Nalgene bottle half-full of vodka, and topped off with Powerade. What better way to cool our throats and top off whatever beer buzz we may have had going? Mistake. K had enough to pass out about an hour into the drive and remain unconscious for about seven hours straight.
Once we arrived in Kailua, M, N and I left princess K asleep in the jeep an got into some shenanigans. We drunkenly walked down to the rocky beach at one point. It wasn't until the next morning that I realized I had left my boots on the beach overnight and so would have to deal with damp, stinky boots for the rest of the trip. It was no worse than dealing with my princess K, but I felt like an idiot. I would have been screwed without those boots. Anyway, I found them, that's what matters.
The next morning K informed M and I that she had drunkenly, angrily changed her flight to the next day, so she wouldn't be renting a car, and we would only be camping for one night instead of several. This also meant that we would now be either hitching or hiking to wherever we planned on camping that evening, and truthfully we did not have a plan.
We packed up our things, said goodbye to N, and started walking from the condo. Since we were so close to the coast, it made sense for us to walk along Ili'i and try to find a place to camp on a beach. We looked at my map, found a nearby beach, and began moving toward it.
As we were hiking, we happened upon a godsend. Da Poke Shack. I have been craving sushi like a mofo, so there was no way I was passing this place up. Nevermind the scorching sun, thirty-pound pack, or miles ahead of us, I wanted to gorge on fish. Making a selection from the case of poke of every variety was difficult, to say the least. The poke special of the day had my name written all over it: Spicy Ahi with scallions. I scarfed a half a pound like it was my friggin' job. And so, with our bellies full of amazing fish, we set out again with Magic Sands Beach and a dip in the water on our minds.
In an attempt to find an undercover place to camp, we hiked onto a public access beach trail. There was a giant tree that we thought might work, but walked down the beach to check things out further. After looking at the most bug-infested area I have ever been in, we asked a guy who was playing guitar on the beach what he thought about camping in the area. The answer we got was "right back there might work, but honestly I wouldn't go past this point right here." Creepy. So we continued on the Magic Sands.
Magic Sands was great from the start. We plopped our packs on some rocks, laid out our sarongs, and got our shit together for swimming. I am still afraid of the GD ocean, whether I want to be or not, so I didn't really swim. I sat in the water, stood on the beach, and watched small children fearlessly play in deeper water than I was willing to enter. Fuck it. I'm not getting in that shit.
In between splashing around and chilling on the beach, it started to rain. It was heavy enough that we needed shelter, if not for us then at least for our packs, which were getting soaked. M and I pulled out our tarps, and we made ourselves a plastic cave on the beach. It was a happy time.
When we learned from a friend of a friend that camping at Magic Sands wasn't a good idea, we were disappointed in the realization that we would not only be leaving this cush environment but that we would also be hauling our packs around for a while more until we could find the next beach. Nevertheless, we were determined to find someplace to sleep, so we marched on, our drying swimsuits dangling from our packs, dripping a trail of saltwater behind us. The sun would be setting soon, and none of us wanted to set up camp in the dark. Our next destination would be St. Peter's Church beach.
When we arrived at the church, not far from Magic Sands, I immediately knew that this would be a fine camp spot. There were lava rock walls all around, so we would have plenty of cover for the two tents. There was no space for my hammock, so I'd be bunking with M. After surveying the area, we decided to camp in a narrow walkway behind the church. The space was maybe 3 1/2 feet by 16 feet. The ocean was thirty feet away, just beyond the rock wall and a rocky beach. We watched an amazing sunset from here that I'll not soon forget.
We had a beer with a guy who was chilling on the beach, and after he determined for me that I didn't have the correct fuel for my stove, we had to reassess our dinner options. I had a package of freeze-dried mashed potatoes that we all drooled over, until we tried them, that is. I had used luke-warm water instead of boiling water, and it was a mistake. What a total disappointment. So K went for some food. We dined in the dark on hummus and bread, with roaches crawling all around us. The tequila helped the situation a bit. I can also proudly say that I didn't freak out about the bugs, except for when we were breaking camp in the morning and I found not only ants in my pack but an inch-long cockroack as well. Yuck.
Anyway, when it was darker and later, we set up the tents. I crawled in with M, on the rocky ground, and we attempted to sleep. I did not sleep. I spooned a rock that was under the tent and listened to K snore peacefully a tent away. At one point I woke up with my face pressed to the bottom of the tent, my feet on top of my boots, and one arm asleep. Eff. So sleeping didn't really work out, and I was definitely wide awake from 4:30 on, and actually got up out of the tent at six. It's been a long time since I was up at that hour. Watching the ocean roll in and out and listening to its slapping on the rocks as the sun came up at my back was definitely not horrible though, I have to admit.
we set out to return to Magic Sands not long after waking up, and I noticed that I had a sore spot on the bottom of my right foot. Thinking it was from my boot and the fact that it was slightly wet from sitting on the beach two nights before, I marched on with a crazy energy that I could not explain.
We made it to Magic Sands, and M and I went inthe water for a bit. After showering, I figured out why my foot was hurting. I had a deep gash on the underside of my foot. Boo. I bandaged the shit out of it and put my boots back on. This injury would prove to be painful all day.
Da Poke Shack was calling to us from down the road, so we hiked over for lunch before being picked up by a friend of K's. He took her to the airport and M and I to the Kmart in town where we would catch the bus back to Hilo.
So we waited for about four hours on the sharpest grass I've ever lounged on. We ate nothing but sweet bread. The bus took forever. It was uncomfortable. Blahblahblah.
When we got to Pahoa, I was ready for a damn beer. M and I went to PVC (the local bar) and proceeded to turn their open-mic night sausage fest into dance-party dyke-night. We danced our asses off and were shooting pool but not one person was focused on the game or who was playing on what team.
Since then, it's been nothing but beaches, dirty dance music, and dance parties at the hostel. We celebrated everyone's slutty birthday with a giant sheet cake, threw down on some bud lights, and I have personally been having the time of my friggin' life.
I've been working on this post for three days. I hope it's entertaining, but honestly no longer give a shit about the grammar within. Judge not, fair friends.
Until the next freaky episode,
Aloha
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Mur
When I realized that I was missing out on the gay pride festivities in Denver on Sunday, I decided to gay it up in Pahoa. The dyke drink of the day was draft Bud, and the twink drink of the day was vodka Red Bull. I enjoyed both. I played a ton of gay-ass dance music while we shot pool. Not sure how the locals feel about Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Cher and Katy Perry, but we had a great little dance party around the pool table. It was... fabulous. It was like being at Vinyl in the jungle. Ha ha.
Monday, Tuesday, Boring. Blah blah blah. I don't have much to write about this week. I haven't been sleeping very well. I wake up nearly every hour of the night, if not more often than that. Sometimes I'm cold, sometimes sweaty, sometimes stuck in an awful position or I have a numb limb. I just can't find that comfort zone to sleep well through the night. Which makes for awesome mornings. :)
I've been homesick, too. I know that's natural, but it still sucks. I feel like I'm in a funk. A sad, lonely, lazy funk. I miss my friends. A lot. I miss my city. Oh, Denver. How I miss your charms. Things like sidewalks, public transportation, bike lanes, cars that don't sound like they're going to explode any second, nightlife (however limited) and most of all the lack of mosquitos. I'm being eaten alive everyday. Booooo.
Ok now that that's all off my chest, I'm going to try to pep up! I'm in frickin' Hawaii, right? Ok, be happy; don't dwell; let go of anxiety. Ready, go.
Monday, Tuesday, Boring. Blah blah blah. I don't have much to write about this week. I haven't been sleeping very well. I wake up nearly every hour of the night, if not more often than that. Sometimes I'm cold, sometimes sweaty, sometimes stuck in an awful position or I have a numb limb. I just can't find that comfort zone to sleep well through the night. Which makes for awesome mornings. :)
I've been homesick, too. I know that's natural, but it still sucks. I feel like I'm in a funk. A sad, lonely, lazy funk. I miss my friends. A lot. I miss my city. Oh, Denver. How I miss your charms. Things like sidewalks, public transportation, bike lanes, cars that don't sound like they're going to explode any second, nightlife (however limited) and most of all the lack of mosquitos. I'm being eaten alive everyday. Booooo.
Ok now that that's all off my chest, I'm going to try to pep up! I'm in frickin' Hawaii, right? Ok, be happy; don't dwell; let go of anxiety. Ready, go.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
I didn't do shit today
Thursday Schmursday.
It's frickin' hot. Everyone's favorite complaint.
I say, let's get sweaty! And dirty. Let's play in the mud and smell like animals. After that, let's sit around and do nothing all day. Later, we'll comment on how unbelievable it is that it's [insert hour here]:00. We'll make some food. We'll sit around some more, and then go to bed. And it will have been a great day!
Now you know how I spend my days when I'm not hitchhiking around.
Oh, I can't believe it's nearly five! Whatever will I make for dinner?
Random Fact:
There is a chicken here whose name is Barbara Bush.
Until I say so,
Aloha
It's frickin' hot. Everyone's favorite complaint.
I say, let's get sweaty! And dirty. Let's play in the mud and smell like animals. After that, let's sit around and do nothing all day. Later, we'll comment on how unbelievable it is that it's [insert hour here]:00. We'll make some food. We'll sit around some more, and then go to bed. And it will have been a great day!
Now you know how I spend my days when I'm not hitchhiking around.
Oh, I can't believe it's nearly five! Whatever will I make for dinner?
Random Fact:
There is a chicken here whose name is Barbara Bush.
Until I say so,
Aloha
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'll leave the swimming to the fish
Sunday I went back to Kehena, the hippie black-sand beach. Hitching was nothing less than entertaining, as one ride was from some trouble-making local boys, and another was from some tourists who had no idea where they were going, but were willing to take me past where they should've turned.
I had a great time relaxing on the beach with a few others from the hostel. After standing on the beach for some time with my feet in the water, I decided to venture farther in. I was invited by another swimmer into deep water, but politely declined, on the grounds that I was scared shitless. Nonetheless, I continued to creep closer to the waves.
In an instant, I was under the water, wondering: which way is up? Wasn't I just standing? Shouldn't my feet be touching some of those rough stones by now? Then, light. Air. Sounds. And then instantly under the water again. I wanted out. Now. I kicked and swam toward shore, which seemed by now so far away even though I hadn't drifted but forty feet from where I went in. I was coughing up salt. Bile. Felt crazed.
At last, my feet hit rocks, but I was not out yet. I kept kicking, and let myself wash upon shore, exhausted and defeated.
As I walked heavily toward my bag and clothing on shore, I thought only two words to myself. "Fuck that!" I knew that I made a mistake standing up to the big bad ocean, and felt ten times the anxiety I felt after snorkeling around the tide pools.
When we left the beach, we had to wait for hitches in the glaring sunlight. After our ride, as we walked down the street to the hostel, I began to have tunnel vision. Usually this means I've got a migraine headache coming on pretty soon, so I began to prepare myself for the first one I've had in years. I started chugging water and had some caffeine. I stuffed my face full of food. I filled all of my water bottles and made my way to bed at about 6:30 Sunday evening.
Monday morning, I didn't feel any better. I had slept a fitful sleep the night before, which didn't help. I opted out of working and slept all day. I was back in bed by 7 Monday evening.
Tuesday morning, I still had that damned headache, but it was less pronounced than the night before. I was given a light cleaning shift and told I could take all day to do it. What a blessing. We had a pick-up in Pahoa, and so I rode along to buy groceries. Other than that, Tuesday had been a lazy day. I've been staying the heck out of the sun, because eff migraine headaches.
I've nearly finished Wicked, and am looking for another book. If you have any suggestions, I might be able to find some things at the small bookstore in town.
Pig Update: The pigs and I are living in peace and harmony. Except when they decide to sneak up on me from behind when it's dark out and I'm taking a pee. And then they stand there and won't move. Sad face. Or Nervous face.
Some people have asked, and so I'm going to post this address in case you feel so obliged to mail me something. :)
13-657 Hinalo St.
Pahoa, HI 96778
Until Whenever,
Aloha
I had a great time relaxing on the beach with a few others from the hostel. After standing on the beach for some time with my feet in the water, I decided to venture farther in. I was invited by another swimmer into deep water, but politely declined, on the grounds that I was scared shitless. Nonetheless, I continued to creep closer to the waves.
In an instant, I was under the water, wondering: which way is up? Wasn't I just standing? Shouldn't my feet be touching some of those rough stones by now? Then, light. Air. Sounds. And then instantly under the water again. I wanted out. Now. I kicked and swam toward shore, which seemed by now so far away even though I hadn't drifted but forty feet from where I went in. I was coughing up salt. Bile. Felt crazed.
At last, my feet hit rocks, but I was not out yet. I kept kicking, and let myself wash upon shore, exhausted and defeated.
As I walked heavily toward my bag and clothing on shore, I thought only two words to myself. "Fuck that!" I knew that I made a mistake standing up to the big bad ocean, and felt ten times the anxiety I felt after snorkeling around the tide pools.
When we left the beach, we had to wait for hitches in the glaring sunlight. After our ride, as we walked down the street to the hostel, I began to have tunnel vision. Usually this means I've got a migraine headache coming on pretty soon, so I began to prepare myself for the first one I've had in years. I started chugging water and had some caffeine. I stuffed my face full of food. I filled all of my water bottles and made my way to bed at about 6:30 Sunday evening.
Monday morning, I didn't feel any better. I had slept a fitful sleep the night before, which didn't help. I opted out of working and slept all day. I was back in bed by 7 Monday evening.
Tuesday morning, I still had that damned headache, but it was less pronounced than the night before. I was given a light cleaning shift and told I could take all day to do it. What a blessing. We had a pick-up in Pahoa, and so I rode along to buy groceries. Other than that, Tuesday had been a lazy day. I've been staying the heck out of the sun, because eff migraine headaches.
I've nearly finished Wicked, and am looking for another book. If you have any suggestions, I might be able to find some things at the small bookstore in town.
Pig Update: The pigs and I are living in peace and harmony. Except when they decide to sneak up on me from behind when it's dark out and I'm taking a pee. And then they stand there and won't move. Sad face. Or Nervous face.
Some people have asked, and so I'm going to post this address in case you feel so obliged to mail me something. :)
13-657 Hinalo St.
Pahoa, HI 96778
Until Whenever,
Aloha
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Kapoho sweetness
Welcome to the weekend, everyone!
Today I woke up with the intention of going back to Pohoiki for a swim, but after mentioning my plans, I took the suggestion from someone to go snorkeling instead. I had never been before, so why not?
We hitched to the tide pools (Kapoho), and walked down a hidden path to a better spot to enter the water. I had never used a proper swim mask or snorkel before, and so had to adjust a bit after getting in the water. The temp was chilly, but easy to get used to. The second I put my face underwater and told myself to breathe through my mouth, my eyes adjusted to looking through the water. It was amazing AND magical. I followed my swimming partner out into the tide pool, checking out the underwater world below me. Seeing all of the different fish and coral blew my mind. I've seen these things in pictures, but really seeing them before me was such a cool experience.
Being from the land-locked and very great state of Colorado, I had some apprehension even being in the ocean, especially swimming out toward the breaks as we were doing. Let me say that I knew this was perfectly safe, but I still had anxiety. More and more so the further we swam out. I told myself over and over to get the shit over it. My mask didn't fit properly, and I had to hold the snorkel up and out of the water, which was difficult but worth it. I saw more awesome things today than I ever thought I'd see while on this extended vacation.
After snorkeling, we hitched to a warm pond. Lava-heated water is amazing. It is truly nature's bathtub. We floated around for a while, discussed our cravings for hamburgers, and came back to the hostel. I thought about showering, but gave up on that thought when I decided to hitch into town to grab some things for a beach day tomorrow.
I spoke to four of my most beloved friends on the phone, and spoke to my little bro for almost an hour after that. Now, as I sit surrounded by chill people writing this, I realize how sunburned and worn out I am. Swimming is great excercise! I can't wait to make dinner, read for a bit, and hit the hay! Tomorrow I'll go back to the black sand beach I went to last Sunday (Kehena), and I am excited to actually take some pictures this time.
I hope all is well with everyone wherever you are, and that this Summer has started as spectacularly for you all as it has for me.
Until whenever,
Aloha
Today I woke up with the intention of going back to Pohoiki for a swim, but after mentioning my plans, I took the suggestion from someone to go snorkeling instead. I had never been before, so why not?
We hitched to the tide pools (Kapoho), and walked down a hidden path to a better spot to enter the water. I had never used a proper swim mask or snorkel before, and so had to adjust a bit after getting in the water. The temp was chilly, but easy to get used to. The second I put my face underwater and told myself to breathe through my mouth, my eyes adjusted to looking through the water. It was amazing AND magical. I followed my swimming partner out into the tide pool, checking out the underwater world below me. Seeing all of the different fish and coral blew my mind. I've seen these things in pictures, but really seeing them before me was such a cool experience.
Being from the land-locked and very great state of Colorado, I had some apprehension even being in the ocean, especially swimming out toward the breaks as we were doing. Let me say that I knew this was perfectly safe, but I still had anxiety. More and more so the further we swam out. I told myself over and over to get the shit over it. My mask didn't fit properly, and I had to hold the snorkel up and out of the water, which was difficult but worth it. I saw more awesome things today than I ever thought I'd see while on this extended vacation.
After snorkeling, we hitched to a warm pond. Lava-heated water is amazing. It is truly nature's bathtub. We floated around for a while, discussed our cravings for hamburgers, and came back to the hostel. I thought about showering, but gave up on that thought when I decided to hitch into town to grab some things for a beach day tomorrow.
I spoke to four of my most beloved friends on the phone, and spoke to my little bro for almost an hour after that. Now, as I sit surrounded by chill people writing this, I realize how sunburned and worn out I am. Swimming is great excercise! I can't wait to make dinner, read for a bit, and hit the hay! Tomorrow I'll go back to the black sand beach I went to last Sunday (Kehena), and I am excited to actually take some pictures this time.
I hope all is well with everyone wherever you are, and that this Summer has started as spectacularly for you all as it has for me.
Until whenever,
Aloha
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Plastic devil card
Yesterday while in town, I did something idiotic. I went to an ATM for some cash, and left my friggin' card in the machine when I walked away. Luckily for me, no one took the card and used it. The machine sucked it right back in after I didn't grab it. So today I had to trek back into Pahoa to get my card from the bank. Annoying, but I got it back. No harm, no foul. Except that I feel like an idiot.
Other than my great credit card retrieval adventure, today has been pretty tame.
I made three salsas tonight. Pico de Gallo, carrot scallion, and apple lychee. OMG. It felt like I was in Denver again, chopping jalapenos.
I've started reading Wicked. Love it so far. The jargon can be a bit much sometimes, but I guess that's what you get when reading a fantasy novel. Still, it's entertaining at the very least, and funny for sure.
I'm looking forward to some beach time this weekend. Plan on chilling tomorrow with the book. Hopefully by Monday I'll have a bunch of pictures to upload. I've been slacking on that front.
Until whenever,
Aloha
Other than my great credit card retrieval adventure, today has been pretty tame.
I made three salsas tonight. Pico de Gallo, carrot scallion, and apple lychee. OMG. It felt like I was in Denver again, chopping jalapenos.
I've started reading Wicked. Love it so far. The jargon can be a bit much sometimes, but I guess that's what you get when reading a fantasy novel. Still, it's entertaining at the very least, and funny for sure.
I'm looking forward to some beach time this weekend. Plan on chilling tomorrow with the book. Hopefully by Monday I'll have a bunch of pictures to upload. I've been slacking on that front.
Until whenever,
Aloha
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Pee gardens and BBQ chips
Wednesday, June 6th 2012
Dear Diary,
Today was a wonderful day in Paradise. The songbirds awoke me at dawn, and upon waking, I felt so refreshed and joyful.
Wait, let's back up. Those weren't songbirds. That was my cell phone at seven in the morning, screaming a Flo rida song in my ear. Thanks, Mel! :) No but seriously, there's a four hour time difference between myself and Denver. Don't call before noon, people, I will not answer.
The day started the same as usual, with a slow wake-up followed by work time. I worked with another person today sprucing up some pee gardens. yes, it's what it sounds like. We pee there. and yes, I said 'sprucing up.' Why shouldn't we pee in a beautiful place?
After work and a jungle shower, I hitched to town with the girl I worked with. I'm realizing that I find hitchhiking totally amusing and really enjoy doing it. I think it's because it's one of the things I can do here that I would never ever attempt back home. Only crazy crackheads do that shit in Denver, right? I wouldn't know.
Anyhoo, I bought some groceries. I bought cheese. I couldn't help it. I love that shit. I also got some sopressatta to go with it, and bottle of Tempranillo. Keeping it classy in the jungle, that's me. Well, kind of. I also bought a tiny bag of BBQ chips and a gingerale. Because screw it. I'm living in paradise, and I'm going to eat what makes me happy.
Pig update: i have seen as many as four pigs at one time (this happened one very moonlit night after I had gone to bed. I heard them rummaging around and so watched them from inside my tent). I'm still working on not allowing them to scare me, but honestly, when you're walking through the jungle at night, and it's pitch black except for the light from your headlamp, anticipating a dark-colored animal emerging from the shadows is pretty much impossible. So for now we'll say that they definitely still startle me, and only scare me a little.
I hope that those I sent postcards to have begun receiving them. :)
Until tomorrow,
Aloha
Dear Diary,
Today was a wonderful day in Paradise. The songbirds awoke me at dawn, and upon waking, I felt so refreshed and joyful.
Wait, let's back up. Those weren't songbirds. That was my cell phone at seven in the morning, screaming a Flo rida song in my ear. Thanks, Mel! :) No but seriously, there's a four hour time difference between myself and Denver. Don't call before noon, people, I will not answer.
The day started the same as usual, with a slow wake-up followed by work time. I worked with another person today sprucing up some pee gardens. yes, it's what it sounds like. We pee there. and yes, I said 'sprucing up.' Why shouldn't we pee in a beautiful place?
After work and a jungle shower, I hitched to town with the girl I worked with. I'm realizing that I find hitchhiking totally amusing and really enjoy doing it. I think it's because it's one of the things I can do here that I would never ever attempt back home. Only crazy crackheads do that shit in Denver, right? I wouldn't know.
Anyhoo, I bought some groceries. I bought cheese. I couldn't help it. I love that shit. I also got some sopressatta to go with it, and bottle of Tempranillo. Keeping it classy in the jungle, that's me. Well, kind of. I also bought a tiny bag of BBQ chips and a gingerale. Because screw it. I'm living in paradise, and I'm going to eat what makes me happy.
Pig update: i have seen as many as four pigs at one time (this happened one very moonlit night after I had gone to bed. I heard them rummaging around and so watched them from inside my tent). I'm still working on not allowing them to scare me, but honestly, when you're walking through the jungle at night, and it's pitch black except for the light from your headlamp, anticipating a dark-colored animal emerging from the shadows is pretty much impossible. So for now we'll say that they definitely still startle me, and only scare me a little.
I hope that those I sent postcards to have begun receiving them. :)
Until tomorrow,
Aloha
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Things and stuff
Random statements:
When I landed in Hawaii and was waiting for my pickup, I smoked a Nat Sherman cigarette.
I feel like there are more mosquitoes inside my tent than outside.
I haven't had cheese since San Fran.
I've been reading for at least an hour everyday.
My feet are always dirty.
I've been drinking more water everyday here than I ever have.
I really miss shooting pool.
I would love to watch some basketball right now.
I want potato chips REAL BAD.
Hitchhiking has been interesting and not at all scary.
I know in my heart that this will not be the only time I come to Hawaii.
I have been so, so lazy.
Everyone here makes really great smoothies, but I hate bananas.
I have a bug bite in my ass crack.
There's a gecko living on my tent.
The 'K' key on my keyboard doesn't always work, and it's annoying.
I haven't had sushi in Hawaii yet, damn it.
I'm going to get a tattoo in town asap.
This has been your blog experience for today. I'm not going to write about walking up and down a hill or picking weeds or planting shit. It's too monotonous to even describe.
Aloha
When I landed in Hawaii and was waiting for my pickup, I smoked a Nat Sherman cigarette.
I feel like there are more mosquitoes inside my tent than outside.
I haven't had cheese since San Fran.
I've been reading for at least an hour everyday.
My feet are always dirty.
I've been drinking more water everyday here than I ever have.
I really miss shooting pool.
I would love to watch some basketball right now.
I want potato chips REAL BAD.
Hitchhiking has been interesting and not at all scary.
I know in my heart that this will not be the only time I come to Hawaii.
I have been so, so lazy.
Everyone here makes really great smoothies, but I hate bananas.
I have a bug bite in my ass crack.
There's a gecko living on my tent.
The 'K' key on my keyboard doesn't always work, and it's annoying.
I haven't had sushi in Hawaii yet, damn it.
I'm going to get a tattoo in town asap.
This has been your blog experience for today. I'm not going to write about walking up and down a hill or picking weeds or planting shit. It's too monotonous to even describe.
Aloha
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Kehena
Last night was probably the most entertaining time I have had here so far. We played a game in which you write ridiculous poetry by passing the poem around. You can only read the previous line. You may remember this game from such times as: middle school or high school. :) It was actually really funny. I'll transcribe the one that started with the line I wrote. It's going to seem stupid, childish, etc., but you had to be there, man. You had to be there.
"On the third of November, you will surrender.
This is a day you will always remember
A day so hard to forget, but still keep it balanced.
To balance on a beam of light
It's fun to make sweet... chocolate.
Like a Hershey's kiss
it got melty in my mouth
like an ice cube on a bald man's head in Arizona
so cold and wet, yum yum make me want a
milkshake man steak
filet man flake
collect clam cake
spit on the ground, and hmm
what was under his shoe? it looked like
a big poop!
A fruit loop de loopy goopy gumdroppy poppyfun.
fun in the sun!
Oh wow I'm stoned!
said the curly-haired, ponytail-wearing woman to the
7-headed Beast of Proof and Smurf Power, Fists up."
So there's that.
If you get tired of me writing the word 'amazing,' you should read another blog.
Today was AMAZING!
I hiked to nearby Lava Tree State Park. It's only about a mile, but by the time I got there, I was a ball of sweat. I stank. FYI: It's hot in Hawaii. And humid. And amazing. :) Lava Tree is worth the walk. Basically a couple hundred years ago some lava collided with some trees. Since in the lava vs tree game the tree never wins, what you're left with are lava rock formations that resemble those ancient trees. And as always, if you're walking through any part of the jungle, what is around you is awe inspiring.
From Lava Tree, I hitch-hiked into Pahoa. I was craving a good ol' Amurican breakfast. Two eggs over-medium, hashbrowns, sausage and some toast. and some OJ. Cholula. Glorious Cholula, how I have missed thee. I doused my eggs in it. Feel the burn.
After breakfast, I wandered around town, through some shops and into the grocery. I got my damn chili powder, ghetto chili be damned! Got some lychee, because they are so, so good.
When I left Pahoa, I walked nearly all the way back to the hostel, but when nature began to call, as it always does in inconvenient times like when you're walking along a busy road, I hitched the rest of the way down the road.
I'm glad that I arrived when I did, because as soon as I walked up, I was offered a ride to the beach. Kehena, to be specific. The sand is black, folks. Jet black. On Sundays there is a drum circle, so the beach is full of hippies, dogs, swimmers, and naked people. Oh, I forgot to mention that it's a nude beach. Nothing like seeing old, wrinkled parts on a beautiful afternoon.
Today, for the first time, I stood on a beach someplace where the sun was shining and the water was actually warm enough to swim in. I saw some frickin' dolphins jumping around in the ocean. Couldn't really get more magical, could it?
You should prepare yourselves for the repeated use of the word 'magical' immediately. Apparently.
I never told you how we got to the beach. Shame. We rode on an adorable scooter, along a road that follows the coast for a bit. Probably one of the best rides ever. The ride back was even better.
Now I sit writing this, feeling amazing and magical, and I don't really feel like doing this anymore today. I'm going to make some mushroom soup and chill like there's no tomorrow.
Aloha
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Ohm
I have been connecting a lot with the others here at the hostel. Sharing lychee with one girl, sitting in an ohm circle (if I can call it that) with everyone, seven people snuggling on one bed, singing songs together and just enjoying being around each other everyday have been great experiences. It's like adult hippie summer camp. Ha ha. Exactly like that. We sometimes eat together, watch movies together, mourn the sudden loss of the internet together, praise the rain together and get dirty and smelly together. We sit around chain-smoking talking about a huge range of things. This shit is the shit.
The sense of community between these people (and now myself included) is so different from Denver and the people I feel community with there. Maybe it's the different pace of things, the surroundings, or possibly just the difference in mental state. Everything is fluid here.
Yesterday I woke up feeling like a pile of garbage. My whole body ached and felt like it was on fire. I took the day off from working and sat around like said pile of garbage, scarfed some ramen and drank lots of water and green tea. I felt much better before bed.
We had six people come to stay last night, and it was cool to A: not be the newbie anymore (even though I technically still am because none of those people are staying more than one night), and B: see the integration process and not be the one integrating.
I caught a ride into Pahoa with two of the girls that arrived and got some groceries. Thanks, ladies, for saving me the hitchhiking hassle!
I pretended to be chivalrous by walking a girl to her tent who was scared of the pigs, but then later let someone walk me to my tent. Because I do what I want!
Today a few people went to Kona, but I decided to hang here and relax. I really don't want the fevah to come back. Tomorrow, however, I'm going to an MMA fight in Hilo. Looking forward to not only being in Hilo, but seeing a fight for the first time (why do people like to watch people beat each other up? My grandma once described boxing as watching two guys hit each other until one falls down, which I find accurate and hilarious).
The internets are intermittent here currently, and possibly for the next couple of weeks, but I'll post when I can so all you crazy cats can get your fill of my ramblings.
Aloha
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Ghetto chili
Working today was better than yesterday, not because it was less work, but because it was different work. I utilized many muscles instead of a few. My job today was transplanting some things from near the driveway across the property to the border between this property and the next. Before I could plant, I had to remove cane grass from the area. Apparently this plant is a nuisance and must be destroyed. It can be difficult to uproot, but after a mid-shift rain it became easier. I took the uprooted plants and piled them under the branches of the avocado tree, as a cushion for the ripe fruit when it falls. Then I planted 16 plants in the area I cleared, as the beginning of a privacy barrier for the Guava Hut. I got extremely dirty and I loved it!
After a much-needed shower and shave, I made some ghetto chili for lunch. Pinto beans, black beans, one tomato, one jalapeno, half a yellow onion, three scallions, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Note to self: buy chili powder when I'm in town on Saturday.
Today the subject was brought up that I'd have my touch-base meeting in a few days to discuss what my plans are regarding staying at the hostel and specifically in the tent I'm staying in currently. My immediate thought was 'I love it and I want to stayyyyyyy!' But now I guess I need to figure out for how much longer. I'm thinking an extra month to start. Hiking can wait, this is too perfect.
After a much-needed shower and shave, I made some ghetto chili for lunch. Pinto beans, black beans, one tomato, one jalapeno, half a yellow onion, three scallions, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Note to self: buy chili powder when I'm in town on Saturday.
Today the subject was brought up that I'd have my touch-base meeting in a few days to discuss what my plans are regarding staying at the hostel and specifically in the tent I'm staying in currently. My immediate thought was 'I love it and I want to stayyyyyyy!' But now I guess I need to figure out for how much longer. I'm thinking an extra month to start. Hiking can wait, this is too perfect.
Suck it, weeds!
If anyone wants to mail me some Arnica cream, every muscle in my body needs it.
Ha. I started working at the hostel today, and darn it if I didn't for some mysterious reason wish yesterday to get to use some machinery today. I used a weed whacker for two and a half hours straight, literally mowing down weird tropical plants and grasses from an area equivalent to three average yards. Not that I'm complaining, but by muscles are. This fuckin' thing was longer than I am tall, and weighed at least twenty pounds. On the bright side, with the amount of sweat I produced, I probably dropped eight to thirty-five pounds.
Took a post-weed-whacking shower. First shower with soap since Friday night. I now know how smelly I can get. :) I like it. And being dirty. Because fuck it. I don't need to smell like some damn roses.
After my shower I took an amazing nap. The pure exhaustion probably helped. I'm wondering if that's what's behind the crazy, crazy dreams I had. In one dream, the pigs and I had a picnic. We ate bacon. What the crap.
In other pig news: I saw no pigs tonight but had terrible anxiety about seeing them. Maybe it was the guy who told me right before I left for my tent, "if you see anything with tusks, STARE IT DOWN." Well, thanks, guy, I'm totally not scared shitless to walk to my bed now.
Whatevs. I'm gonna write out some postcards to some peeps and hit the hay. If wishes work like they did yesterday, then I really wish they would put me to work napping tomorrow.
Ha. I started working at the hostel today, and darn it if I didn't for some mysterious reason wish yesterday to get to use some machinery today. I used a weed whacker for two and a half hours straight, literally mowing down weird tropical plants and grasses from an area equivalent to three average yards. Not that I'm complaining, but by muscles are. This fuckin' thing was longer than I am tall, and weighed at least twenty pounds. On the bright side, with the amount of sweat I produced, I probably dropped eight to thirty-five pounds.
Took a post-weed-whacking shower. First shower with soap since Friday night. I now know how smelly I can get. :) I like it. And being dirty. Because fuck it. I don't need to smell like some damn roses.
After my shower I took an amazing nap. The pure exhaustion probably helped. I'm wondering if that's what's behind the crazy, crazy dreams I had. In one dream, the pigs and I had a picnic. We ate bacon. What the crap.
In other pig news: I saw no pigs tonight but had terrible anxiety about seeing them. Maybe it was the guy who told me right before I left for my tent, "if you see anything with tusks, STARE IT DOWN." Well, thanks, guy, I'm totally not scared shitless to walk to my bed now.
Whatevs. I'm gonna write out some postcards to some peeps and hit the hay. If wishes work like they did yesterday, then I really wish they would put me to work napping tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Pohoiki
Oy oy oy! What a day. I hiked about 3.5 miles to the nearest beach (Pohioki), on what is possibly the most beautiful stretch of road that I have ever walked. The road winds through the Puna area of Hawaii, eventually narrowing into a grove of mango trees just before the beach. Le sigh. Along the way, I made sure to watch for traffic, because although the posted speed limit is 25-35mph, the average speed of passing cars is 40-50mph. There are no sidewalks, so attention to detail es muy importante.
When I arrived at Pohoiki, there was really no beach, as is typical of this side of the island. Lava rock prevails, as do some pretty big waves. I swam near the boat ramp, which seemed like the norm. After about fifteen minutes in the surf, I decided it would be safer with a surfboard, which I did not have, so got out to wander around the area. Luckily for me, I stumbled upon a geothermically-heated pool not far away. I floated around nature's hot tub for about forty-five minutes, staring up into the palms. It was M.A.G.I.C.A.L.
When I decided to leave, I took my neighbors' advice and threw my thumb out at passing vehicles. Got a ride in two minutes that saved me the hour walk back home. Mahalo!
I got an odd look from one of my neighbors because of my lunch of lettuce and sardines, which amused me because they just killed, gutted and ate a pig the day before, but se la vie.
After a glorious but sweaty nap, I did something I have not done since high school, perhaps. I went for a run. Yeah, you read that right. I ran. With no destination and no one chasing me. Don't get too impressed though, I'm not sure I even made it a mile. But I did it! Any step forward is a good one.
Tomorrow I start the volunteering aspect of staying at this hostel, which I'm excited about. I'm ready to learn about the sustainable farming that is utilized here, and to contribute to this community. I hope they let me use some machinery. Not sure why.
Oh, last thing. Update on the pig situation. Tonight as I walked to my tent from the barn (150 yards approximately) I let those pigs know who was boss by continuously yelling the word pig the entire way. I could have done without this, though, because the pigs were (delightfully) RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY TENT when I got there. Shit. I didn't scream this time, I barked at them and those pussies ran right into the jungle. Pshhh they know there aren't any dogs around here. ;) Seriously though, I'm going to try to get used to them, because I love where I'm staying and don't want to cop out and move closer to the main building. It's just a pig in the dark, right?
When I arrived at Pohoiki, there was really no beach, as is typical of this side of the island. Lava rock prevails, as do some pretty big waves. I swam near the boat ramp, which seemed like the norm. After about fifteen minutes in the surf, I decided it would be safer with a surfboard, which I did not have, so got out to wander around the area. Luckily for me, I stumbled upon a geothermically-heated pool not far away. I floated around nature's hot tub for about forty-five minutes, staring up into the palms. It was M.A.G.I.C.A.L.
When I decided to leave, I took my neighbors' advice and threw my thumb out at passing vehicles. Got a ride in two minutes that saved me the hour walk back home. Mahalo!
I got an odd look from one of my neighbors because of my lunch of lettuce and sardines, which amused me because they just killed, gutted and ate a pig the day before, but se la vie.
After a glorious but sweaty nap, I did something I have not done since high school, perhaps. I went for a run. Yeah, you read that right. I ran. With no destination and no one chasing me. Don't get too impressed though, I'm not sure I even made it a mile. But I did it! Any step forward is a good one.
Tomorrow I start the volunteering aspect of staying at this hostel, which I'm excited about. I'm ready to learn about the sustainable farming that is utilized here, and to contribute to this community. I hope they let me use some machinery. Not sure why.
Oh, last thing. Update on the pig situation. Tonight as I walked to my tent from the barn (150 yards approximately) I let those pigs know who was boss by continuously yelling the word pig the entire way. I could have done without this, though, because the pigs were (delightfully) RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY TENT when I got there. Shit. I didn't scream this time, I barked at them and those pussies ran right into the jungle. Pshhh they know there aren't any dogs around here. ;) Seriously though, I'm going to try to get used to them, because I love where I'm staying and don't want to cop out and move closer to the main building. It's just a pig in the dark, right?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Lord of the Flies
Starting my day at 5:30 A.M. San Francisco time, I was scooped up in a van and on my way to the airport. Mind you, I didn't fly out of Oakland until about 9, and so had plenty of time to waste. Or sit around probably looking like the walking dead. When I finally boarded my flight to Honolulu, I was pleased to be sitting next to a very chill couple from Cali. We chatted, we chuckled, we thanked our lucky stars that there were no screaming children near us. Even sleeping sitting straight up for five hours didn't dampen my spirits. The Honolulu airport is amazing. I took off my shoes and walked around the gardens inside until my next flight to the Big Island. Slept like a baby until we landed. Couldn't erase my perma-grin. I had arranged for a ride from the airport to the hostel, with a stop for groceries (and a much-needed icy cold beer) on the way. was pleasantly surprised when two very attractive women were the ones to fetch me (and my heart?). I digress.
I have since unpacked a few of my things, toured the property, chugged a beer in the jungle, and acquainted myself with all of the residents of the hostel by spending the evening with them in the common area. There are about seven people living here, and all of them have been here for weeks, if not months. Everyone is very friendly and open. One of the guys living here is a comedic rapper, which is quite entertaining. Another was cooking the wild pig they shot on the property. Pig. Shot it with a bow and arrow. In the face. Straight out of Lord of the Flies. While we're on the subject, I already ran into a wild pig while walking to my tent in the dark, and screamed like I never have before. I made sure to laugh really loudly afterward so that my new neighbors would know I was okay. Or maybe to let myself know I was ok, but DAMN that thing was big, and I wasn't ready for it. I look forward to being made fun of tomorrow for the scream.
So. Aside from the pig, this place is incredible. The shower is solar heated, and it's conveniently located outside in the freaking rainforest. To die for. The toilet is the same way. They've rigged up a bidet, if you can call it that, to save on toilet paper cost. It's basically like the sprayer you'd find connected to a kitchen sink. No, I didn't try it on myself yet, but yes, I did spray it into the bushes and amused myself. It's freezing cold and has quite a bit of pressure behind it. Not sure if I'm ready to spray my own ass with it yet. Ha.
Now my day is done, because I'm exhausted. I'm lying in my tent listening to rain and coqui frogs all around me. The perma-grin is back.
I have since unpacked a few of my things, toured the property, chugged a beer in the jungle, and acquainted myself with all of the residents of the hostel by spending the evening with them in the common area. There are about seven people living here, and all of them have been here for weeks, if not months. Everyone is very friendly and open. One of the guys living here is a comedic rapper, which is quite entertaining. Another was cooking the wild pig they shot on the property. Pig. Shot it with a bow and arrow. In the face. Straight out of Lord of the Flies. While we're on the subject, I already ran into a wild pig while walking to my tent in the dark, and screamed like I never have before. I made sure to laugh really loudly afterward so that my new neighbors would know I was okay. Or maybe to let myself know I was ok, but DAMN that thing was big, and I wasn't ready for it. I look forward to being made fun of tomorrow for the scream.
So. Aside from the pig, this place is incredible. The shower is solar heated, and it's conveniently located outside in the freaking rainforest. To die for. The toilet is the same way. They've rigged up a bidet, if you can call it that, to save on toilet paper cost. It's basically like the sprayer you'd find connected to a kitchen sink. No, I didn't try it on myself yet, but yes, I did spray it into the bushes and amused myself. It's freezing cold and has quite a bit of pressure behind it. Not sure if I'm ready to spray my own ass with it yet. Ha.
Now my day is done, because I'm exhausted. I'm lying in my tent listening to rain and coqui frogs all around me. The perma-grin is back.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
You stay classy, San Francisco
What an interesting few days I have had. And mind-blowing, amazing, trying and exhausting. This is how you know you're on vacation in a major city. Everything feels amazing until it doesn't really, and you have to remind yourself to relax. Take a break. Take off your shoes and think about all of the miles that you have walked in one day. Think about all of the cool shit you've been seeing. Have a damn cocktail at a swanky bar and let someone take care of you. Because it's your va-ca-tion.
It's MY vacation.
-
Leaving Denver was easier than I thought it would be, mainly because I slept for only an hour and a half the night before, and the delirium numbed my body and mind. The hard part was realizing that the giant pack on my bag would be my only true companion for the whole trip. Not in a sad way, but in the way that I knew immediately after I put it on for the first time that it would annoy me and possibly be the death of me. This bag is enormous. And heavy. More specifically, it weighs 37 pounds. And did I mention the word 'enormous'? It has been hilarious trying to get to know this thing and all of the smaller things I have stowed away in it. I planned on bringing a very small camp towel that is supposed to be incredibly absorbent and quick-drying. Not the case. After using the thing for about three and a half seconds, I wanted to throw it away. Burn it. Wish it on my worst enemy. I've since replaced it, but using that thing was like trying to clean up a kool-aid spill with a grocery bag. Shit is just getting smeared around, and there's no mistaking it. Almost everything else is pretty ok in the bag, but I have yet to master packing it correctly so that I don't feel like I'm walking around in a hurricane while wearing it. I'm sure practice will make perfect.
San Francisco. Is the place to be. I love love love this city. It has intrigued, entertained, confused and exhausted me. There are a lot of things I want to say about the past two days, and since I'm not feeling very organized mentally at the moment, I'm going to write all of those things in a list-y type of manner.
The wind and cold weather can suck my... Especially considering it's the end of May.
Same goes for the hills. I know, I know, San Fran is known for steep ass hills. That doesn't mean I have to like them.
People here are rad! I've seen more STYLE here in a day and a half than in my 15 or so times visiting NYC. And I love NYC and the people in it, so that's saying something.
Amazing food. Thai, sushi, Italian, blah blah blah. eating here has been wonderful.
I'm sick of public transportation.
I love the architecture here. And the landscape. I've seen bigger trees here than ever before in my life. Also I saw and hugged a palm tree for the first time (I felt compelled; it felt like I was embracing more than the tree).
I nearly fell into the bay. Pure clumsiness is the only reason.
It has been disheartening to be under dressed everywhere I go. I'm travelling with the ugliest wardrobe. Screw functionality when you want to look good for about an hour. On the other hand, my new tattoo and newly dyed mohawk seem to be going over pretty well. :)
I watched a guy play 'Stairway to Heaven' on a single steel drum. <3
Getting a smooch from the cute bartender is always nice.
The Golden Gate bridge turned 75 today. I went. Impressive damn bridge, but screw the commute I had to suffer through to get there.
I was mistaken for a local and was asked for directions, which always makes me feel good because then I know I don't look as lost and confused as I really am. Until I have to tell the mistaken party that I, in fact, have no idea about a single thing they are asking about.
-
So glad that I'm here; so glad I started this blog-thing; so hoping this isn't boring to read. I really wanted to post some pictures this evening, but I'm not sure I can stare at this screen anymore.
Adios for now, and tomorrow I will be saying ALOHA. :)
It's MY vacation.
-
Leaving Denver was easier than I thought it would be, mainly because I slept for only an hour and a half the night before, and the delirium numbed my body and mind. The hard part was realizing that the giant pack on my bag would be my only true companion for the whole trip. Not in a sad way, but in the way that I knew immediately after I put it on for the first time that it would annoy me and possibly be the death of me. This bag is enormous. And heavy. More specifically, it weighs 37 pounds. And did I mention the word 'enormous'? It has been hilarious trying to get to know this thing and all of the smaller things I have stowed away in it. I planned on bringing a very small camp towel that is supposed to be incredibly absorbent and quick-drying. Not the case. After using the thing for about three and a half seconds, I wanted to throw it away. Burn it. Wish it on my worst enemy. I've since replaced it, but using that thing was like trying to clean up a kool-aid spill with a grocery bag. Shit is just getting smeared around, and there's no mistaking it. Almost everything else is pretty ok in the bag, but I have yet to master packing it correctly so that I don't feel like I'm walking around in a hurricane while wearing it. I'm sure practice will make perfect.
San Francisco. Is the place to be. I love love love this city. It has intrigued, entertained, confused and exhausted me. There are a lot of things I want to say about the past two days, and since I'm not feeling very organized mentally at the moment, I'm going to write all of those things in a list-y type of manner.
The wind and cold weather can suck my... Especially considering it's the end of May.
Same goes for the hills. I know, I know, San Fran is known for steep ass hills. That doesn't mean I have to like them.
People here are rad! I've seen more STYLE here in a day and a half than in my 15 or so times visiting NYC. And I love NYC and the people in it, so that's saying something.
Amazing food. Thai, sushi, Italian, blah blah blah. eating here has been wonderful.
I'm sick of public transportation.
I love the architecture here. And the landscape. I've seen bigger trees here than ever before in my life. Also I saw and hugged a palm tree for the first time (I felt compelled; it felt like I was embracing more than the tree).
I nearly fell into the bay. Pure clumsiness is the only reason.
It has been disheartening to be under dressed everywhere I go. I'm travelling with the ugliest wardrobe. Screw functionality when you want to look good for about an hour. On the other hand, my new tattoo and newly dyed mohawk seem to be going over pretty well. :)
I watched a guy play 'Stairway to Heaven' on a single steel drum. <3
Getting a smooch from the cute bartender is always nice.
The Golden Gate bridge turned 75 today. I went. Impressive damn bridge, but screw the commute I had to suffer through to get there.
I was mistaken for a local and was asked for directions, which always makes me feel good because then I know I don't look as lost and confused as I really am. Until I have to tell the mistaken party that I, in fact, have no idea about a single thing they are asking about.
-
So glad that I'm here; so glad I started this blog-thing; so hoping this isn't boring to read. I really wanted to post some pictures this evening, but I'm not sure I can stare at this screen anymore.
Adios for now, and tomorrow I will be saying ALOHA. :)
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Tick-tock
Let's blog this shiz!
Welcome to this blog-thing! If you want to see and hear about the next few months of the adventure I'm calling life, then tune in for as long as you can stand it! Honestly I'm not very diligent when it comes to this kind of thing, but I've made it a goal to at least try to maintain it. We'll see. Beach time may be higher on my list of priorities. ;)
There are four days left until I leave Denver, and I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm sad already to leave friends that I've been spending so much time with lately, but am also so grateful for them. Currently trying to breathe. Breathe. Really trying to get my things together and breathe. I realize now more than ever that this crazy idea of a vacation is happening right now and that this is going to be amazing.
Aside from all the illegal camping I plan on doing, there's nothing to worry about. I'm just psyching myself out because it has been a few years since I've packed up and journeyed about for awhile.
Saturday morning I fly to San Fran for a few days, and from there it's on to Paradise. I'm out! If you like postcards, you'd better send me your address. I'll try to be diligent with that endeavor as well.
Welcome to this blog-thing! If you want to see and hear about the next few months of the adventure I'm calling life, then tune in for as long as you can stand it! Honestly I'm not very diligent when it comes to this kind of thing, but I've made it a goal to at least try to maintain it. We'll see. Beach time may be higher on my list of priorities. ;)
There are four days left until I leave Denver, and I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm sad already to leave friends that I've been spending so much time with lately, but am also so grateful for them. Currently trying to breathe. Breathe. Really trying to get my things together and breathe. I realize now more than ever that this crazy idea of a vacation is happening right now and that this is going to be amazing.
Aside from all the illegal camping I plan on doing, there's nothing to worry about. I'm just psyching myself out because it has been a few years since I've packed up and journeyed about for awhile.
Saturday morning I fly to San Fran for a few days, and from there it's on to Paradise. I'm out! If you like postcards, you'd better send me your address. I'll try to be diligent with that endeavor as well.
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