Travels To Hawaii, Day 2
We spent several hours driving the perimeter of the Eastern and Northern coasts of the island. The communities are small and, seems to me, the lifestyles rather simple. I am surprised and refreshed to see that this place resembles little so many of the coastal communities of Georgia and Florida, of which I am familiar. There, the real estate seems exclusively the property of hotels, motels, and million dollar owners. I do not know how the people and government of Hawaii have kept this gorgeous place from becoming the private playground of the rich and connected, but my hat is off to them. Lots of modest people seem to own coastal property. I see few billboards and commercial businesses have a low-impact presence. Now, Honolulu is much more commercialized, and reminds me much of most big cities stateside. I spent quite a while earlier today trying to navigate traffic jams and crowded streets, and was relieved to get away. My commitment is to stay away as much as possible.
The drive up the East coast was relaxing. We enjoyed the mountains and valleys, and the beaches which seem to run all the way up to the feet of those gigantic vertical walls. We stopped at a fruit stand, and there I enjoy the give-and-take of the local proprietor. She was obviously native Hawaiian, elderly, and I think toothless. And she was quite pushy with her sales technique, although I personally sensed from her an endearing quality. Maybe that is why I bought more than I needed, for too much money? We bought and quickly consumed fresh mangos, coconut, dragon eyes (a favorite of mine, that I have not eaten in quite some time), and tiny little bananas. They were delicious.
Further along the road, at a modest tourist shop, I met Fawwaz Jubran. As we looked through the t-shirts and trinkets, he quickly handed nice little shell necklaces to all of us. Of course it was a sales technique to obligate us to buy something. And it worked. I did not mind, and soon found myself in conversation with the jovial man. He is originally from Lebanon, and once visited my part of the world, even traversing the mall near my home. Playing in the background as we talked was a strange, eclectic music. It was a mixture of Hawaiian and country/folk. I asked about it, and his face lit up. It was him! Fawwaz has dreams of hitting it big as a music artist. He promotes his music on various internet venues, and apparently to every customer who comes his way and gives him the chance. Below, I pass along to you his picture and links to his music. He told me he hoped his music would promote universal love of all mankind, regardless of religion, politics, or nationality. Since Fawwaz told me he was Lebanese, I asked if this included love for the Jewish people? Without hesitating, he gave a resounding yes. I like the guy, and wish him the very best. Maybe he will make it big one day?
What a wonderful place I have found. I'm feeling relaxed and energized. Thanks for coming along!
Fawwaz on cdbaby
Fawwaz on Facebook
My amazing daughter, Krystal.
04.23.09 (1:34 am) [
edit]
posted by:
tampi (
reply)
post date:
04.22.09 (11:24 pm)
WHEN DO WE GET TO SEE PD IN A TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN DRESS
ENJOY THE BREAK
posted by:
Ladyg (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:03 am)
What a great time you are having.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:13 am)
Reply to: tampi
In a dress? I'm pretty sure i will have to consume more than Hawaiian mangoes for that to happen! Now, I may put on one of the flowery shirts. But, again, they look too much the tourist.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:14 am)
Reply to: Ladyg
Yes, a great time. Just finished watching Hancock with my son, who is spending the week with us, being off from his duties with the Marines. Tomorrow we hike to Hialeah falls.
posted by:
barnabus1 (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (11:41 am)
Many thanks for the pics...they help us to enjoy it with you!!
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (1:06 pm)
Have you run into Don Ho yet?
posted by:
intricategirl (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (3:29 pm)
I see the worries about the sunless tanner were unfounded. Careful with eating too many mangoes. A scientist friend of mine that lives in Hawaii says they are related to Poison Ivy. Sure enough, his girlfriend started getting a little itchy went she went crazy eating them one day. :)
posted by:
Kurt Maddox (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (7:33 pm)
Looks like you're having a great time, PD! Good for you!!! Of course Hawaii'g got it goin' on -- whaddaya think makes Obama such a cool guy?
posted by:
Kurt Maddox (
reply)
post date:
04.23.09 (7:35 pm)
Oh, and, Dude, I need Fawazz for Life!Church -- he's my kind of guy ;)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.24.09 (9:23 pm)
Reply to: Kurt Maddox
By all mean, proselytize the guy. Your religion does allow such things, I suppose.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.24.09 (9:25 pm)
Reply to: intricategirl
I have never heard such a thing! I like them, but not enough to worry about such abuse. Now, I just consumed a bag of microwave popcorn. If I can survive such food, then surely a few mangoes would be no problem.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.24.09 (9:27 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
Don Ho? No. But I did receive a few juicy curse words from a native Hawaiian driver today. He was angry, honking his horn, red-faced, etc. I just laughed at him, since I had no idea what he was saying or why he was so irritated. From his behavior, I am glad he did not have a gun!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.24.09 (9:28 pm)
Reply to: barnabus1
You're very welcome. I am, however, getting behind with commenting on blogs of my fellow t-bloggers!
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
04.26.09 (1:37 pm)
I never liked pineapple until I had some at the stand at the pineapple fields on Oahu ~ that was the sweetest tasting fruit ~ and so much better than even the fresh pineapples we get at the markets ... theirs is of course 'perfectly fresh' ~ delicious!
posted by:
fawwaz jubran (
reply)
post date:
04.27.09 (6:45 pm)
Aloha Dave
from the north shore of Hawaii ,
thank you for making you visit to my store the focus of you bldg,. Wonderful people like you , what keeps the endless smile on my face .
And by the way I am not Lebanese ,
I am Palestinian from the west bank and I practice what I preach ,love ,peace and harmony among all hutment been ,
thank you
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.28.09 (3:54 pm)
Reply to: fawwaz jubran
Correction noted, my friend! We enjoyed our visit to your store. It is stocked with all kinds of things, and the artwork is especially interesting. However, as I am sure you are aware, after a while the souvenier shops start looking alike. A friendly proprietor, like yourself, makes a place stand out. May God bless you!
