Aloha

It’s February and I’m actively avoiding snow. With that goal in mind, I bid Hawaii. And guess what? I held it!

Hawaii is slooowly opening back up and they’re desperate for your business. But they’re in a tough spot because the islands’ health care system could easily become over-run and stressed beyond capacity. In an attempt to strike a balance between economics and safety, Hawaii has recently implemented a negative Covid test result as a requirement to enter without quarantining. So, when you’re comfortable, Go! They need your business, and you need their sun. You’re looking a little pale. 

Like siblings, the islands share a family resemblance, but each has its own personality. Honolulu is “the big city” with its high-rises and (once) crowded sidewalks. The architecture is mid-century. Yet somehow, it doesn’t have that cool retro vibe. To me, it’s not pretty. But turn around and face the water. That’s your view.

If you do want to see some pretty architecture, head out to Iolani Palace. This was the royal residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and where the last queen, Queen Liliuokalani, was imprisoned until she agreed to abdicate, thereby, dissolving the Hawaiian monarchy. The palace is a beautiful sight with a sordid history and the only official royal palace in the United States. 

Across the street is another architectural treasure: the YWCA building designed by the famous, Julia Morgan. Following a tour of the royal palace, you can eat lunch in the YWCA courtyard at Cafe Julia overlooking their beautiful swimming pool.

Another sight you should not miss in Honolulu is the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The U.S.S. Arizona is a tomb, the final resting place for many of the soldiers who went down with the ship. You can still see oil leaking from it. It’s a somber, quiet, emotional experience. Which, incidentally, I shared with many Japanese tourists the day that I visited.

And now, for the sisters:

Maui, feels slower and more like an escape.

Kauai is small and lush, but strangely sounds just like Texas with all the wild roosters running around. Apparently, there are no snakes on the island. Having no natural predator, the chicken population is thriving,

Kona is my personal favorite. This is the big island with the active volcanos which you can visit. It’s a national park. All the islands of Hawaii were formed from volcanos, but this one is still actively forming. Because of this volcanic activity, the island is covered in black lava rock. When you land, it looks like you’ve landed on another planet. It’s eerie and magnificent. But it also means that the beaches are limited. The lava rock goes right up into the ocean. So, access points to the water are mostly coves. Not to worry, you’ll find some great resorts on Kona with gorgeous pools and ocean views.   

As crew, we’re exempt from the Covid test and from quarantine, but that means we have lots of rules to follow.

I’m also a big fan of the local food … fresh fish, tropical fruit, and spam! Wait, what? Spam? Yes, Hawaiians love spam! It’s on every menu. But if you really want a plate of comfort food, get the Loco Moco. It’s a hamburger patty, over rice, drenched in gravy, with a fried egg on top. It’s delicious.

And I do love a snow cone (shave ice). They use fine, slushy ice and have great flavors like mango.

Essay written during the pandemic: Bathing Beauty

I love my bathing suit: black and white polka dot, 1940’s pin-up girl number. It has so much personality, I should probably give it a name. But while I may love my bathing suit, like most women, I don’t love myself in it. I tend to focus on my flaws -physical attributes I wish were different. But this year, I’m drowning out that noise. I’m grateful for my healthy body. I’m grateful for my imperfect, fifty-year-old healthy body. Because this year of Coronavirus, health is not to be taken for granted. And as I pray for continued physical health, I recognize the role my bathing suit has played on my mental health. 

As a flight attendant, I have had the great privilege of getting out of my house in 2020. Not something most people can say. Besides my uniform, the other article of clothing I’m most thankful for this year is my retro suit. There’s not much we can do these days, but the outdoors has been one of the few diversions available. Because of this, my bathing suit has seen a lot of action: my father-in-law’s backyard pool, Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz, hotel pools on my layovers, beaches in Hawaii and Mexico. My suit has served me well. 

Come to think of it, she deserves a name. From here on out, I will refer to my bathing suit as Grace -an old-fashioned name for an old-fashioned style. A little stretched out, a little faded, but classic and classy. 

Thank goodness for the pleasure and distraction she’s provided this strange year. …my saving Grace