08-19-2006, 05:39 AM
when i first came to the islands in 1967 living here became my dream. it took me until 1982 to realize and build my home. thats a long time to be aware that it REALLY was my goal and not a romantic, tropical fantasy but that i would fit in, and love the lifestyle. oregon was wonderful in itself then and hawaii was so expensive, so isolated, so different in every respect... so much has changed.... there are 50 million people in california and it seems most want to go somewhere else. even the oregonians are disenchanted. these people are coming, some with realistic expectations, some just want to leave where they are and who wouldnt want to live in hawaii?? ah but then reality sets in.. this tiny rock the furthest land mass from any other in the entire world! a totally different culture and even though your only shopping is no longer the garden exchange, pennys, longs and hirano's store with the new choices came people, people, people and all the same problems that made some people want to leave the mainland... i think the statistics are much the same, that 1 out of every 3 that move here, move back to the mainland. this rock is not for everyone, and it is no shame to realize that and find a different dream to pursue. i only hope the aloha spirit can somehow survive among those that do decide to stay and enjoy pele's gifts....
**Just remember- if the world didnt suck, we would all fall off!**
**Just remember- if the world didnt suck, we would all fall off!**