For instance, I've just returned from Honolulu (located on the island of Oahu, FYI). This was a very different Hawaii from the one I met last year. In fact, during my visit I generally felt no connection to the Big Island, which is just 200 miles and a handful of islands South. Huge buildings and lights aplenty grace the skyline. It could have easily been so many other cities in the world.
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| Not a particularly great photo, but certainly was a cool spot |
But for some reason, however, I maintain a romanticized image of Hawaii in my mind, and therefore, my attraction is sustained. I plan to revisit Hawaii as many times as possible in my life. However, the cultural differences of Honolulu (and specifically the tourist mecca, Waikiki) were undeniable. (Disclaimer: my short visit was limited to Honolulu alone, and therefore in no way illustrates the island of Oahu in its entirety.)
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| Balcony view made for a nice & breezy breakfast |
I mostly wandered around on foot. I had a very pro-active and entertaining couchsurfing host, so I was also introduced to a number of other local pleasantries that I probably would not have sought otherwise. (One of which enabled the reassurance that I'm really not a big fan of snorkeling - another story altogether). But for the most part, I opted to meander alone. On my last day, I found myself moseying down Waikiki Beach. I figured I better at least take a glimpse at this famous landmark while I was there. It was conveniently located just a few blocks from where I was staying, and naturally, it provided some excellent people-watching.
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| Two very different families documenting similar experiences simultaneously |
Such a diverse group of people that tour Hawaii, especially Honolulu. In the midst of my beach stroll, I happened upon a group of reclining beach chairs, all unoccupied, while the rest of the beach was speckled with sand dwellers. I think deep down I knew why they were unoccupied, but I couldn't resist stretching out in the sunshine. So, I removed my shoes and cozied up. Before I was able to even scan the horizon, a gentleman approached me. "Ma'am, how are you doing?" Ahh, of course. "Just fine, thanks," I replied, perhaps subconsciously in my best Texas accent. Certainly with a smile. "Well, these chairs are actually for rent," he said, pointing to all the empty recliners. "You mean I have to pay to sit here?" I asked. "Yeah," he smirked. "Not much is free is Waikiki." At least he was honest. "And how much does it cost to sit here?" I continued, still comfortably reclined. "Well, it's usually $40 a day, but we'll be closing down at 4:00, so we could do $25." It was 2:00. Paying $25 to sit in a chair for 2 hours was obviously out of the question. "So, can I sit in them for free after 4:00 then?" I questioned. No, of course, they lock up the chairs at that time. "Okay," I sighed, "I'll sit right next to it." And I rolled over to land on the sand a foot below. Not bad, really. Still a delightful spot no doubt, lacking only in back support. To be perfectly clear, I was not attempting irreverence (indeed if I was, I would have asked how much it cost to swim in the ocean). I was merely intrigued by the price alone, and not necessarily the concept. While I may not be the world's best capitalist, I do still want to be a good person. A thoughtful one, to boot.
And now I've arrived in Melbourne, Australia. Seems to be a wonderful place thus far, but obviously I have much more to learn. Admittedly, I was initially perturbed upon arrival into Sydney. I had to travel by bus from the international to the domestic terminal. I followed a litany of signs & arrows and eventually found the stop. However, upon boarding, I was shocked to learn of a charge for the transportation - five and a half dollars! I pleaded ignorance with the driver, who seemed genuinely sorry but equally unwavering. He sent me back into the airport to change currency. During the exchange, I expressed my astonishment to the conversion teller, who was delightfully friendly. "You should take the train," he said. "It's only $5." So, indeed I walked further down to the city train, purchased a ticket as if I was crossing town, and waited for it to take me one stop. Incredible.
I now realize this entry makes me sound terribly cheap, and perhaps the title of this post should instead be "Monetary Awareness." But that is certainly not my intention here. I understand that people pay for goods & services and alas, our society is sustained. But currently being without a consistent income, perhaps I am more aware about the cost of said goods & services and how I prioritize each one. (As well as how individual cities prioritize money for their local economies). I believe this greater awareness will serve me well in the future. I've never been a big spender, but certainly at times have made unnecessary or less sustainable purchases, without thinking twice. And while I also pride myself on spontaneity, sometimes it's good to think twice.
Anyway, I'm very excited to explore the subtle intricacies of being in a completely foreign place. Mostly, riding my bike in a huge city where they drive on the opposite side of the road is surprisingly exciting. A challenge in itself. But! For the first time in my adult life, I'm wearing a helmet. In a country with generous national healthcare, I risk getting slapped with a $150 fine otherwise. Fair enough.
G'day!
