Spam Jam

Today was SPAM JAM!!

What is Spam Jam you may ask. Spam Jam is a yearly festival celebrating...SPAM!! They had so many different foods made with Spam. Here are a couple of examples of the different types of food they had. These are my favorites:

 Spicy Spam Wrap, Asian Spam Crunch Salad, and Philly Cheeseateak Spam-wich          Spam Loaded Potato Skins, Spam
                                                                                                                          Bento, Mac & Cheese with Spam

 

Garlic Shrimp & Spam, Spam & Green Onion Omlet Sandwhich                          Spam Fried Rice, Spam Loco Moco, Spam Katsu

 

               Spam ICE CREAM!!                                                                                                             Spam BURGER!!

 Spam Lettuce Wraps, Spam Lo Mein                                                              Spam Poke (a traditional Haeaiian dish
                                                                                                                                 made of raw Ahi--fish)

I've never had Spam before in my life. I worked this morning and informed one of my managers (who is Hawaiian) that I've never had Spam before and the look I recieved was startling. He went on and on about how amazing it is and trying to describe the taste. Everything. He said that now that I am here in Hawaii I must try it. I figured I had to try it...for the sake of the blog!! I really wish I could have tried everything in order to give a well rounded review but I could only afford to try 3 things.

They were giving free samples of Spam Macadamian Nuts. I think Spam was just the brand name because these nuts didn't have any Spam-like flavoring. They were as amazing as all Macadamian Nuts always are. At work I had a chance to try Macadamian Nut Crusted Mahi. Um....simply put, it was the most delicious thing in the world! I want to try and make it myself. I may use Spam Macadamian Nuts to try out that recipe.

 

This was the Spam Katsu -- Aka Breaded Cripsy Spam. It had the texture of a hashbrown patty (which I love) and the spam itself just kinda tasted like salty chicken I would say. All in all not bad. The ketchup definitely helped it go down. Very good.

Next I tried a Spam Baby -- Aka Spam Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. This had BBQ Sauce on it. Again, with the BBQ sauce and the delicious bread surrounding the Spam patty, not bad. I'm not sure if I would eat it alone but with the little extras...sure. Also....

Mary: "You'd eat anything as long as it had BBQ sauce on it."

Declan: "Ch-yea! I'd eat my own hand!"

He said that he may not want to try Spam with BBQ sauce but I say it's not so bad so he'll just have to give it a go. haha.

All in all, it was a great time!! There were dancers, live music, TONS of people, and Spam cans walking around. I had a great time and I'm glad to say that I had a chance to partake in the Spam festival and try me some Spam. Great day!!

Midweek Weekend

It's so nice to have two days off in a row, even if it's on a Tuesday and Wednesday. My midweek weekend was peaceful and relaxing.

Tuesday:
On Tuesday I went to Kaimana Beach which was recommended by my boss. She said it's a beach for locals and it's usually not crowded. I relaxed at the apartment in the morning and set out for the beach by 12pm. This one was a little further than I usually go but I must say that it was such a nice, quiet beach. Unfortunately, this sign was posted:

I hesitated to go in but after a while I needed to cool down and I took my chances. There were a decent amount of other people in the water and only 2 had been stung. The beachwater in Hawaii is amazing. It's always a little cold when you first go in but you're body adjusts so quickly because it's warmer than most water. You can be standing in water up to your chest and you can still check out your toes by simply just looking down. It's clear, refreshing, and unpolluted!! In most of the beaches, especially in Waikiki, the floor of the beachwater is just smooth sand. No pointy rocks or jagged shells puncturing sensitive feet. I spent the majority of my time on the beach tanning.

Wednesday:

On Wednesday I headed to Don Quijote, a local supermarket that's about a 10-15 minute walk from my apartment. You would think that a name like that would insinuate that it probably has a Hispanic influence. You would be totally wrong. It's mostly Japanese and American products. There are aisles specfically marked for Japanese products. It's my favorite store by far because you can find anything and everything there and at a very decent price. I did a small food shopping and got myself some flowers for my room:

I've decided that I don't hate flowers as much as I once did. I never saw a purpose for them because they die so quickly but I'm going to try to keep fresh flowers in my room (weekly or biweekly). I feel like it adds a touch of happiness. Later in the day, even though I should have been looking for another job, I decided to go to Ala Moana Beach Park. This beautiful place had grassy picnic areas along with scenic beach views. There was also a path that encompassed the entire park which was a wonderful walk.

There were so many interesting palms and other types of trees. It would have been ideal if I remembered to pack some food but unfortunately I didn't. Eventually I found my favorite spot to lay down and wait for th sun to set:



The sun was scheduled to set at 6:55pm today. I had to wait for 3 hours and considered just leaving and coming back on another day but I knew how disappointed you all would be. Especially since this was one of the most picturesque sunsets I had ever seen. I couldn't pick a favorite.

I love the colors in the sky and the shimmering of the water.

I love Hawaii.

So kiss me and smile for me. Tell me that you'll wait for me. Hold me like you'll never let me go.

Don't worry. Everything is still fantastic. Lots of work and the apartment has been awesome. I'm excited to say that I think I have friends! =) haha. I'm missing my best friend though and waiting somewhat impatiently for the day we'll see eachother again.

Firsts

I always get a little nervous during firsts. So nervous, in fact, that I have to force myself to even go. Yesterday was my first day in the apartment and first day of work. I have been so excited about both of these things but when it's finally time to move in/go to work I just want to stay home (or at the hotel) because I am comfortable there. Alas, this whole experience is forcing me out of my comfort zone and I am so glad that I am.

Moving into the apartment was easy. My landlord picked me up from the hotel a few days ago so I could leave my big suitcase in the house. This made move in day super easy. I put everything away which was also super easy because I don't have very many things here. When the time came I forced myself to get dressed for work and head out the door. It's weird learning the ropes at first but I kept reminding myself that in a week or two I'll know my place. People at work are SO NICE!! People at my apartment are SO NICE!! I think it may just be people in Hawaii are SO NICE!! haha. I love the people I have met so far and I'm loving my work environment. They're giving me plenty of hours now so I won't have to get a second job right away. I will have to eventually but at least its not right now.

Here's a little word of advice for someone I know that gets nervous/anxious/shy when starting new situations... Everyone feels uncomfortable at first but eventually it all settles down and you'll be a pro in no time!!

Hang loose man. No worries

All the pieces are falling together.

I've been staying at the Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel. It has been complete bliss. Pineapple and toast breakfast every morning and a wonderful pool to lay out and tan. I will miss the jacuzzi. The room is always clean and it's so nice having people make your bed every morning. The beautiful view from the 9th floor and the nice people who work here. Alas, good things must come to an end. I will be sorry to say goodbye.

 I will miss laying out next to this beautiful pool

I will be saying goodbye to my hotel on Wednesday. Don't get your hopes up. It's not time for me to come home yet! I found an apartment!!! For now, it's exactly what I'm looking for and the roomies seem very nice so far. It's a 20 minute walk from work so still very close to the beach and most importantly it's cheap and it's not a long term commitment. (Yes, I know I have commitment issues! blahblahblah) Tomorrow I get the keys and I officially move in on Wednesday. Tomorrow I also have orientation for work and I'm going to get a Hawaiian Bank Account. I'm confident that I'll be able to find another job by the end of this week. THINGS ARE FALLING INTO PLACE!!

Woohoo! I'm Hawaiian!! Well..almost. =-)

P.S. Word of advice about using CraigsList to find an apartment. There are countless rental scams on CraigsList. If someone e-mails you back saying their in another country, that should send up a red flag. If you're looking for more information this is a good website to check out. I recieved 2 exact e-mails from 2 different postings about someone that had moved to the Philippines and were renting out their apartment. It happens. Be cautious.

The wheels on the bus go round and round and round and round and round...

First of all I am so happy to say that I did get that job at Margaritaville! It's part time at the little retail store where they sell merchandise but I'm hoping that I'll be trained in the restaurant and bar because I feel like I'd make more in tips than just a normal hourly wage. Anyway, YAY! That's my foot in the door!


I'm greatly enjoying the fact that I don't have a car. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE walking around and I can't wait to get my bike. All things in due time. As for now, if I'm going anywhere far I just take TheBus. TheBus is the transportation around Honolulu and different places on the Oahu island. It reminds me of the Rutgers buses and I feel very comfortable riding around in them. They've been very effecient and it's $2.50 for a ride with a free transfer. Not too bad.

Inside TheBus

Yesterday I went to see an apartment. Very, very nice apartment with a lot of little extras like a pool and outdoor recreation area, a library, etc. Unfortunately the price is too high. I'm still looking though. After that, as a little present to myself for getting a job, I went to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Amazing place. It's a marine preserve where people are able to snorkle and scuba dive. It took about 40 mins in a very crowded bus to get there but once there the view was amazing...

First view of Hanauma Bay from where the bus drop off.

I didn't realize that it was a Nature Preserve so it cost $7.50 for admission. You had to watch an educational video about preserving the reef and animals before you were allowed to pass. To rent a snorkel and fins it cost $7. Not too bad but I decided to save the snorkeling for when some special guests come around to visit me. I just layed out on the beach and tanned. There's always a cool breeze so it's never unbearably hot. After an hour or two I put my stuff in a locker and went into the water. A little cool at first but you get used to the temperature very quickly. The water is so blue and so clear. I walked around and shot a few more pictures.

On the beach of Hanauma Bay

By 3:00 I decided to go back to Waikiki. I headed up to the bus stop. The bus arrived by 3:30 and we were on our way. After some time we hit a complete stand still. We were inching little by little but occasionally stopped for some time. A few people got off and decided to walk the 5.5 miles to Waikiki. My phone had died by this point but others were able to find out what was happening. There was a hijacking, police got involved, the criminal was shot and the acomplice crashed the car on Kalanianaole Highway which was the road we were on. Crimes happen in paradise too. So it didn't look like we were going anywhere because Hawaii doesn't have too many side roads. The bus driver decided to turn around and go around the island.

Image from kokomarinacenter.com

We didn't have to go around the whole island; that would have taken forever. The bus driver had to go around a part until he found another road leading to Waikiki. I didn't get back to my hotel until 7:30. It was definitely an exhausting trip but I was able to see some more of the island. Too bad the phone died and I wasn't able to take pictures. It was gorgeous. Stuff happens but I still love this island.

Employment search

The whole reason for coming here without a job already lined up was because I thought that no one was taking my application seriously with a New Jersey address on my resume. I figured I'd take a gamble and see if I'd be able to get a job while I was here. I gave myself a deadline. I had one month to find a job, any job, and if not I would be forced to return home. Forced is a strong word. Home is amazing. Home is comfortable. Home is full of love. There's no reason why I shouldn't want to go home..except that it means I failed in relocating.

Sera sera. Back to the point. The point is I thought getting a job here would be easy. I definitely dilly dallied the first 4 days and did a lot of touristy fun things (I'll tell you about those later) and a whole lot of sunbathing. Monday is when I got serious. I decided to lock myself in my hotel room, close the curtains, and just apply, apply, apply for jobs online. I applied to a TON of government jobs (thanks for that website Amanda F.!), hotel jobs, and manager positions at vitamin stores. Today is when I actually went out there to look for a job. I was greeted with a lot of "No, we're not hiring right now but you can fill out an application anyway if you'd like." I always filled out the application. Even though I looked cute and professional, my not so comfy shoes that I thought would be awesome ended up cutting up my feet pretty bad.

Disheartened and defeated, I went back to the hotel..with a newspaper. There were only 2 jobs listed in that newspaper. I sunbathed a little more by the pool. I was going to go for a run but didn't have the right shoes so I went to the beach instead to walk. When I got there I changed my mind and decided to just sit and watch the sun set into the ocean (which you really can't do in New Jersey because the sun sets on the West. It's a real shame because it's a beautiful sight). I walked around Waikiki Beach at night for the first time and it was amazing! I found a mall with a food court (Hello Hawaiian pizza for dinner) and walked around aimlessly. When I was leaving the mall I recieved a call from an 808 number (Hawaii area code). My immediate thought was "The hotel is probably calling to make sure I'm not dead since it's my first time out of the room at night." haha. It ended up being one of the places I applied for a job today. They asked if I was still interested in a position. "Um.....YES!" I have an interview tomorrow at 3:30. I'll totally get it. (Here I go being over confident again) I walked around and looked at all the street vendors and people dressed as still statues then came back to the hotel. It's still early but I need to make sure I look cute tomorrow too. haha. =-D

This is what I looked up to see while laying on Waikiki Beach

 

Beautiful sunset

I love palm trees

The interview tomorrow is at MARGARITAVILLE!!!!!

Oh, the places you'll go!

My aunt always gives meaningful gifts to my cousins, my sisters, and I during the big milestones of our lives. For example, when someone graduates from high school, on the graduation day she gives everyone a Dr. Seuss book called "Oh, The Places You'll Go!". While I was packing up my apartment I found the book and read it out loud. That book is so inspiring and perfect for a new graduate. It's not completely fluff about how you can do anything you set your mind to. It tells the truth like only Dr. Seuss can. It tells you that you will inevitably face obstacles, fall down, and perhaps go down the wrong path. The beauty of it is that you will have the choice to pursue those obstacles or let them get the better of you, to get up or stay down, or to turn around or continue without asking for direction.

Today I ventured to Diamond Head. According to my guidebook, Frommer's Honolulu & Oahu Day-by-Day, Diamond Head is "Waikiki's most famous landmark"; a "760 foot extinct volcano". I awoke bright and early to embark on my quest.

It took an hour of walking until I finally came to the entrance of the landmark.

The first views leading up to the actual hike were breathtaking. I caught myself smiling and giggling to myself while walking along the street up to the entrance. I still can't believe that I'm actually here. I cannot believe that I have actually made it to Hawaii. It's still so surreal to me. I called my mom and dad from this point just to say hi. It was nice talking to them.

While travelling to my destination, I had to pass through a small tunnel. There wasn't a lot of traffic and the speed limit was very low so I felt safe. Nothing can bring me down. This was going to be easy...I had thought.

Right after paying the $1 entrance fee, the trail went from smooth, concrete with a slight incline to rugged, rocky, and very steep. There were handrailing on the one side for two reasons. One reason was to assist a person's balance while struggling up the uneven walkway. The second, and more important reason, was so you don't fall to your doom. It still seemed pretty simple at this point.

Walked and walked and walked. The trail wrapped around the volcanic crate. It was about 8:30am by this point and it was starting to get a little warm out.

There were two very narrow and very dark tunnels. Since my guidebook had suggested to bring a flashlight for these parts of the trail I had downloaded a flashlight app on my iPhone. The app did not help at all. It felt like I was in the Touch Tunnel from Liberty Science Center in NJ. You open your eyes as wide as possible and you still can't see something 2 inches from your face. While walking through I kept hunched over thinking I may hit my head on the ceiling. This of course is ridiculous since I am only 5'2" and there were people mush taller walking in front of me. Still, I couldn't be too sure.

Just when you think you've made it to the top, there are stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. While the sun is beating down at your neck, you climb and you climb and you don't stop. You don't stop because there's no where to stop. Right after the stairs is the second tunnel where you can't see a thing. After this more stairs. This is about the time I realize that I may never make it up to the top because there is no end. It is just a continuous cycle. It's like you're a mouse in a wheel. You keep going and going but it never ends and you never reach your destination. 

Now, while people walk up the path to the top of the volcano, there are others also walking down who had already reached their destination. The path just fits one person walking through at a time. When another person is coming through in the opposite direction there is a bit of finagling in order to get by. At this point, the people coming down give you encouraging words saying that it's not much farther. LIES! That's when they hit you with a dizzying, 3-story, spiral staircase made of pipes. At least they seem like pipes. It couldn't actually be something sturdy enough to hold anything more substantial than one 10 year-old child at a time. However, you go on because you have yet to reach your destination. You climb those stairs with the people around you and just laugh at how out of shape you never realize you were until now. After the stair case you reach a "holding chamber". From here you climb a small ladder and crawl through a hole and then you see...

You see light at the end of the tunnel!! Hooray!! Woohoo!! Just give me 1 minute to catch my breath because it's not over yet. There's still a short distance until you make it to the very top.

And when you make it to the top you just look at the amazing sights in front of you.

Take a break whenever you need to, drink lots of water, and know that it will all be worth it at the top. Then just smile big and say aloha to everyone on your way down. =)

"I hope you find what you're looking for"

I was going to wait to post another entry til tonight but I just can't. I'm too excited to be here!!! Finally in Hawaii after months of waiting.

The trip here was long and tiring of course but what journey isn't. During my first flight from Newark, NJ to Seattle, WA I sat next to a 60-something man and next to him was a girl around my age. We made small talk here and there because when you're sitting so close to someone for 5-6 hours, you just have to make small talk. I was dozing off near the end of the journey when the man and the..I guess I should say young lady started talking about transformation. I sat quietly next to them and listened. The lady, I believe her name was Lindsey had just turned 25 on Apr 5th (the day before my birthday) and she was talking about how she could feel a transformation occurring within from adolescence to adulthood. She spoke about her dreams and how she believes that at times they are more meaningful than what they seem. She believes that when she sees an animal it may be her spirit guide trying to show her the way. She had attemped meditation in order to find clarity and understanding. The man, whose name I don't recall at all so we shall call him Jack,, had gone through a similar journey of exploration of spirituality. He had recommended a psychic/energy consultant from Washington for her to speak with. That person had helped him. After some time I told them about why I was going to Hawaii and how I was also exploring/growing/transforming. After speaking with them I realized that everyone is looking for something. Looking for answers. Looking for understanding. Looking for guidance. They were both very nice and Lindsey actually had a friend in Hawaii who is a massage therapist and "really cool". She gave me her phone number. Jack had lived in Hawaii when he was a child and reminisced about eating mangos and other fruit straight from the trees. We parted ways and wished eachother well.

Continental Flight going over Canada. Good-bye snow!!

I waited 5 hours for my next flight to Honolulu. Nothing eventful happened. Nothing much happened on the plane to Honolulu either. Sat next to a Philipino man who didn't speak English and next to him was another older gentleman who had no interest in starting a conversation. I finally exited the plane at 8:40pm Hawaiian time (2:40am EST). After 17.5 hours in transit I was finally in Hawaii!! Grabbed my bag, grabbed a taxi, went to my hotel...everything went as smooth as ice. I was a little too excited and jittery but finally went to sleep at some point.

Leaving Seattle Airport

Jet lag set in and awoke frequently. By 5am I couldn't sleep any longer. It was still dark but I took pictures of my view. As the sun rose and the darkness faded away I realized that I really was in Paradise. My view is spectacular. I see palm trees, a canal, a few tall buildings and behind those, an inactive volcano. I unpacked and went down for breakfast at 7. Pineapple chunks, warm croissants, toast, and pineapple juice to wash it all down. Plus I had the wonderful company of eating with some birdie friends outside by the pool. After breakfast, I showered and now I'm sitting on my balcony/lanai writing this while I look out at the beautiful scenery. It's still early. 8:30am. Today I will set up appointments with staffing agencies and go for a small food shopping so I have food in my room. Then I will explore and orient myself around this beautiful city. When someone had told me "I hope you find what you are looking for" I was a bit nervous because I really wasn't sure what I was looking for. However, I may not have known then but right now I feel that I have found it.

                            5:00 am                                                                                                                       6:30am

7:30am

Breakfast with Friends! =)