Rouillie's Blog
I’ve arrived in Kahului, Maui under the most precarious of circumstances, minimal cash and one bag. I would not recommend this method to anyone despite the million and one websites out there that tell you to throw all care to the wind, spread your wings and fly and live your dreams not your fears – whatever.
It’s hard times all around the U.S. these days, and packing up under uncertain times and doubling your failure rate by heading into unknown territory is nothing less than a little bent. But there is another side to hardship. Such as when a bad economy rears its ugly head and the social climate gets thrown back more than a few decades. So, not being one to dwell on life’s unchangeables being thrown in my face with machine gun rapid fire as somehow contributing to the decline of the “American way of life” – color of skin, gender (don’t’ even think about correcting me on this one, science alters in this way but it doesn’t change it), and monetary value (you’re not just a degree anymore, you are a salary as well!) and some peoples dogged ability to pass the buck, project and blah, blah, blah. Who needs it? Hence my (re) escape to Hawaii.
Having never been to this island before and having called Kauai home for a few years prior to 2010, I’d gotten all the dreamy fantasy stuff out of the way already and had a realistic view of what island life would be like once I got there. I’ve also made no assumptions that my coming to the islands under the conditions I chose would be easy. But people sense ones sincerity to pull one’s own weight and be a positive addition to the community. So one step at a time, I have to prove my value, and put up with my own dumbness as I field my way through an environment that although very familiar, isn’t entirely understood. And besides, this isn’t Kauai, this is Maui. And just like Kauai, I discovered, stands true to its nicknames “the family island,” and “the garden island,” so too must Maui have a reason for being called “the magic island,” and “the best island.” I look for this every day.
Which brings me to my first impression of my first few days here in Maui – you will find what you are looking for. And so far, it’s heart, compassion and I don’t care what the broad on the street said loudly about me enjoying musubi. I’m happy to put it into my body. It reminds me that there is still a meal to be found when your pocket book is tight that makes you smack your lips, lick your fingers, and be grateful for a full belly. So back at you sweet heart and don’t knock it until you try it!
Mahalo for your ear and Aloha!
