07-14-2007, 03:42 AM
Yesterday, we past our first month anniversary on the Big Island. So much has happened in one short month and the bulk of our experience here has been very positive. I encourage those making the move to do it. One car arrived a day after we did, the other we week later from Matson. We registered cars for only $5.50 in Hawaii (what a bargain). Gas prices are cheaper here then they were in West Hollywood in June we left. Other things we find cheaper and better: produce from the various farmer's markets and the little roadside fruit and vegie stands in the jungle near the champagne pond. There is nothing like the ripe red tomatoes and herbs and fruits grown by the BI farmers.
In my second week I was more than fortunate. I was hired by an attorney on the island as a legal assistant and it has been very friendly work atmosphere. I have been fortunate.
Hubby still is looking for a job as a drug counselor but has 2-3 irons in the fire, and has gone for a second interview with one agency.
The biggest changes in our lives. We are far more active and adventurous now and truly enjoying the ocean and beauty here. At 50 I have finally gone off-roading for the first time in my life. Each week we go swimming in the warm ponds, travelling around the island. And just sitting in our front room and looking through the picture window out at our jungle of a back yard is great. We enjoy the cacophany of frogs, birds, crowing roosters, mourning doves, and seeing the lushness of our surroundings in Hawaiian Beaches.
I think the best thing we have done is to find a great local church. It is a Hawaiian church and we have been warmly embraced by the Hawaiian community. We had great fun listening to the music, enjoying the children as they do hand symbols (hula) to some of the music on Sunday, saying some prayers in Hawaiian and enjoying the pastor, who is quite open minded and down to earth. We have already learned to make lau lau (hawaiian "tamales"
.
Religion may not be your thing. But I encourage you to joing some sort of club, group, get involved. Don't hibernate. Get to know the locals, people of all cultures. It is quite a diverse place. When you get here, get active, try new foods, fruits, hike, swim, meet your neighbors.
If you like roaring night life, Hilo and Puna is not the place for you. Try Honolulu or stay in the big cities on the mainland. Hilo is a sleepy town of 40 thousand. But I find it one of the loveliest spots on earth, and I have travelled to 27 states, lived in Madrid, travelled throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. I think Liluokalani park is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever, overlooking the bay and I find Hilo to be serene and feels "like home." I thank my lucky stars I get to work there each day, and do not find the commute bothersome at all.
Puna is great! I like the neighborhoods here, the food, the rain, even the coqui frogs.
There are those who find life boring here, who have had unpleasant experiences, or have gone through rough times making the moves. I consider myself quite fortunate that all is working out well.
I wish those coming to the Big Island the same good fortune.
Cindy C.
In my second week I was more than fortunate. I was hired by an attorney on the island as a legal assistant and it has been very friendly work atmosphere. I have been fortunate.
Hubby still is looking for a job as a drug counselor but has 2-3 irons in the fire, and has gone for a second interview with one agency.
The biggest changes in our lives. We are far more active and adventurous now and truly enjoying the ocean and beauty here. At 50 I have finally gone off-roading for the first time in my life. Each week we go swimming in the warm ponds, travelling around the island. And just sitting in our front room and looking through the picture window out at our jungle of a back yard is great. We enjoy the cacophany of frogs, birds, crowing roosters, mourning doves, and seeing the lushness of our surroundings in Hawaiian Beaches.
I think the best thing we have done is to find a great local church. It is a Hawaiian church and we have been warmly embraced by the Hawaiian community. We had great fun listening to the music, enjoying the children as they do hand symbols (hula) to some of the music on Sunday, saying some prayers in Hawaiian and enjoying the pastor, who is quite open minded and down to earth. We have already learned to make lau lau (hawaiian "tamales"
.Religion may not be your thing. But I encourage you to joing some sort of club, group, get involved. Don't hibernate. Get to know the locals, people of all cultures. It is quite a diverse place. When you get here, get active, try new foods, fruits, hike, swim, meet your neighbors.
If you like roaring night life, Hilo and Puna is not the place for you. Try Honolulu or stay in the big cities on the mainland. Hilo is a sleepy town of 40 thousand. But I find it one of the loveliest spots on earth, and I have travelled to 27 states, lived in Madrid, travelled throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. I think Liluokalani park is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever, overlooking the bay and I find Hilo to be serene and feels "like home." I thank my lucky stars I get to work there each day, and do not find the commute bothersome at all.
Puna is great! I like the neighborhoods here, the food, the rain, even the coqui frogs.
There are those who find life boring here, who have had unpleasant experiences, or have gone through rough times making the moves. I consider myself quite fortunate that all is working out well.
I wish those coming to the Big Island the same good fortune.
Cindy C.
Cindy C.