Wandering in Waikiki

Settling into our new life in Waikiki Beach…

I have to admit, I'm kinda in heaven.

It's a tropical mix of glitzy and kitchy and natural, laid back and slick, populated by people of every race and mix of race...

Sure, its a city and there's all the grunge and crass that goes along with that too,

there's homelessness and crime and you have to take your bike seat with you when you lock it,

but when you're from LA?

It's not like you haven't seen it before.

One of the things that has been really cool for us,

is that we sailed here from French Polynesia, 

so every time we meet a local-especially the "real' Hawaiians-

and they ask us where we're from…

we've been treated with genuine welcome.

Respect for the ocean is a way of life here.

and crossing one in a small boat-

you get some props.

Which is great, especially when your the new guy/girl in the lineup on the surf break.

There's turmoil here too and you can feel it.

It's not openly hostile or anything (at least not that we've seen), 

its more like the brooding of a teenager, questioning (rightfully) the authority and jurisdiction of his parents over his life.

A lot of political stuff is underlying the aloha smiles and

chi-chi swank of Chanel and Fendi stores every five feet,

the overwhelming tourism and development, 

the crowded beach breaks...

A feeling among some Hawaiians that their land was"annexed,

and a building groundswell of "separatism', throbs beneath the stunning  scenery.

As an American, it's interesting to recognize  how totally  different Hawaii is from the mainland.

California is a LONG way from here...

But even back on the mainland, our polarized political parties sometimes make it seem like we could all end up on our own separate "islands" one day.

(my island would have preventative healthcare, equal rights for all and we would give bear-hugs instead of handshakes)

Our new life begins…

It is a little weird that our little world aboard is so still now.
The Ocean Motion ingrained in us, is fainter,
the hum of the busy city seeps under the skin and we make long lists of things to accomplish, our days are once again full of goals and tasks.

It costs money to be back in the world and at the dock, 
but the upsides are great too... 
The kids learn Hawaiian along with the French they've been working on, we can all surf everyday before homeschool,
there's a gym nearby, so I can do yoga and Jon can watch football on Sundays from the treadmill…We found a great used bike…

became temporary members of the yacht club, 

(it's at the end of our dock and has a workshop with table vices and they let you have free ice! ). We call our family whenever we want and put up our christmas tree in eighty-five degree weather!

I was walking down the beach the other night,
just as the Stars were coming out and I stopped to listen; 
even beyond the lights and noise of Waikiki,
you can still hear them singing…

(I leaned this trick "Out There"...
and I never forget to thank them for keeping me company, all those long, deep nights on that big dark Ocean)

It is crazy busy with tourists from all over the world,
here for honeymoons and holidays…

They tumble in a pink and brown riot of hairdos and bikinis, 
indescribably interesting and odd and ridiculous…
wandering the perfect white sands with cameras and mai-tais…

Even with all that, you can still feel the magic of this place.

It is not like anywhere back stateside.

We tread on the soil of the ancient Kings here.

Somewhere behind the peak of Diamond Head,
where the clouds still gather and wrap the green in rainbows,
the Old Kings shake their feathered heads and sigh,
and the Stars shrug their shoulders and keep playing 
that same, sad tune.