First Impressions (and some overdue pictures)

Aloha everyone!

Well, it's been 1 week and 2 days since arriving in the Aloha state, and so far things have been crazy busy and exhausting. As you know from my last post, we signed the lease to our apartment this past week-end (which officially went into effect on September 1). For the past 3 days we have done nothing but cleaned and painted our place since the previous tenants left the place absolutely filthy. Today was the first day we decided to take a break and just relax.

I thought I would give some of my first impressions of Hawaii as I had read a lot of mixed reviews before moving here (many of which happened to be negative). As most of you know, Daland and I honeymooned here 2 years ago, so while it's not our first time visiting Hawaii, it is our first time actually "living" here. One of the biggest complaints of people living in Hawaii is the cost. There is no escaping this reality: Hawaii is EXPENSIVE. Apartments are smaller and rent is higher; gas is more expensive, and groceries are definitely more expensive. On the bright side though, groceries at Sam's club are not much different than on the mainland (at most a couple dollars more). And to give local residents a break, you can get a maikai card that gives you pretty good discounts at participating stores. The high price of living is often called a "paradise tax" ... meaning, if you want to live in paradise, you have to pay for it!

One of the other big complaints I often read about was traffic. Well, if you've ever been in a big city, then this is nothing new. After commuting to Miami every other day for 2 years in rush hour traffic, Honolulu traffic is a breeze. People here drive slower... because the speed limits are much lower. On one of the main highways for example, the highest speed I've seen is only 55 mph. And throughout the city and Waikiki areas, the average speeds are between 25-35 mph. So, while people here move slower, it's better than the aggressive maniacs I've driven with for so long in south Florida in my opinion!

And finally, the other big issue I read about (and was most concerned about) was the discrimination of whites and/or mainlanders by locals. Locals have a term that they use for mainlanders and/or white people: haole (how-lee). This is apparently a derogatory term, but the first time I heard it (and only time thus far) I was having breakfast in a cafe and I heard the waiter ask a patron: "Are you a haole?" and the patron said "Well, I'm American, so I guess I'm a haole?" In this instance... there was no offense meant, and none taken. I think some people are just overly sensitive to the term. Would people be as upset if someone asked them "So are you from the mainland?" Or "Are you white?" Of course, I'm sure this term has often been used in a derogatory manner; but I'm also sure that there are probably many instances when it is probably deserved. The good thing about Hawaii though is that while white people may be a minority, there is no majority. So far, I haven't had any problems- and I'm as white as they come. As long as you go in with a big smile on your face and an open mind, you will be treated with the same attitude that you project. You just can't come here and think you own the place... you have to have a little bit of respect for the people here and their way of life, and try to fit in with it.

Still, even with all of the negatives that may come with living in a place like Hawaii, you certainly can't beat the weather, scenery, or beauty of this place. The atmosphere pulses with life and nature. It truly is gorgeous here. So anyway, those are my first few impressions so far. I'm sure I will come up with more as time goes by. See below for before and after photos of our new apartment!