Week 2: Aloha (Love, presence, mutual regard)

I have had a wonderful second week here in Mānoa, with so many experiences of pure aloha. 

Monday I explored a little with my classmate, Maddie. We decided to go to Electric Beach for some snorkeling, but the currents were too strong and the water too murky. It was a long bus ride to the west side of the island, so we decided to stay and just relax on the beach. We saw a couple of seals playing in the water and one hefted itself onto the beach to get some sun.

We regarded the seal from a respectable distance, and it looked totally chill.

Monday evening I did some exploring in my neighborhood and found a park with a community garden and lots of tennis courts. I also saw some folks playing pickleball on an empty volleyball court. I recognized the portable net like we use on Seneca Street! One of their players was nursing an injury on the bench, so we started chatting. Apparently, tennis and volleyball reign here, but you can bring your own net and chalk your own lines on an empty court to play pickleball. This group plays every Monday evening and invited me to join them. They even added me to their pickleball text thread! The spirit of Aloha is so strong here and I feel so welcomed. 🥰

Tuesday I did more exploring at the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa campus. I zoom-called a fitness routine with my workout buddy on the lawn using the University's Wi-Fi (the home I'm staying at has quiet hours from 9 pm - 9 am, so I had to improvise!). The campus is mostly quiet and people seemed fine with me exercising on the lawn, but I appreciate the lens that comes with being 55 and not really caring much what others think of you. After that, I checked out their Warrior Rec Center. It's large and beautiful and empty (since it's summer), so I will be sure to add some resistance training to my weekly routine!

So much equipment!

Wednesday I spent the entire day working on a school project. I was a little freaked out because it is kind of a big project and I have a critical essay to write, too... both due on July 10th! 😬 So, I sat down and cranked it out. I also did a little housework. Yesterday, I tried to offer to help Harry (the property manager and my roomie) with yard work, but he said there was nothing much I could do. I mean, I don't really know gardening like my dad (or sisters), but I was willing to try! Anyway, on Wednesday, I figured I could clean house. That is something I do know how to do (thanks, Mom!) and he was grateful.

I am really proud of the school project because it was my first attempt at creating an Ethnomathematics lesson, centered on mathematics tied to place and culture. If you're interested, here's the hyperlink to the Lesson Presentation. I promise it's not scary math.

Thursday I decided to do schoolwork outside instead. The weather was so yummy. It rained off and on (by rain, I mean a fine mist or sprinkles). The day was a good balance of computer work, walking in the neighborhood, splashing around in the pool, and sweeping the deck. It's incredibly peaceful here and I am filled with gratitude.

There are so many flowering trees and bushes everywhere. I love being present and noticing. There are blossoms littering the ground everywhere -- even the plants offer aloha by gifting their flowers to anyone walking by. You don't even have to ask!

Color everywhere!

I appreciate the balance I created on Thursday and it is something I want to keep in mind for the future.

Friday was more schoolwork (lots of research and a very rough draft). I also worked in a sweet walk and decided to treat myself to some shaved ice and a Mani/Pedi.

My first shaved ice (aside from stealing a few spoonfulls of Maddie's last week). Pineapple, in case you're wondering! Yes, I'm wearing a flower I picked up from the ground.

Saturday was a sleep-in day. I am still struggling to find a normal rhythm for my sleep schedule. I am sure my body will figure it out, but it seems like I wake up every morning at 6 am Tucson-time and lay awake for an hour or so before my body realizes it's three hours sooner here.

I walked to a park that had a Google Review of "I play pickleball here on Saturdays" with the hopes of getting some pickling in. But it was an indoor court that was (of course) closed for the holiday. Apparently, I wasn't the only person who didn't factor the closure into their day, because a gentleman was reading the notices on the door when I arrived, equally disappointed and also carrying a pickle-paddle! He said he and his friends play every Saturday, so I started to write the information in my calendar for next week. Then he offered an official outdoor court (with the net and lines permanently affixed) at a different park. It was a little far, but he offered to drive me, so off we went! We found a couple of young guys with paddles who were just learning (but were fierce tennis players!), so we played a couple of games. It was a blast and I am amazed, once again, at the kindness, welcoming, and warmheartedness of everyone I meet.

Me and Roy, my Saturday PicklePal

Saturday night I got to have some local Hawaiian food at a food court on Waikiki beach with my amazing friend Ben at whose house I am staying. Afterwards, we walked along the (very crowded) beach, talked and talked until the Sun set, and then watch an incredible fireworks display for the Fourth of July.

Sunset on the Ocean at Waikiki Beach

Me and Ben 💕

Grand Finale - 4th of July 🎆

I felt so much love this week. I missed the "Poolest Party Ever" on Seneca Street, but they sent me pics and made me feel all the aloha from many miles away.

Seneca Shire Pool Party

I am grateful that I got to get video calls in with my Nanci, Lori, Daryl, Kayden, Angel, and Zach this week. I am grateful to everyone who takes the time to read my posts and even comments or messages me about them. I am grateful to my friend Ben who so generously offered his home to me. The beauty of the flora and fauna and people fill me up every day. 🥰

Next Post →