Red eyes and the comforts of home
I didn’t sleep very well my last night in Hawai’i, must be because I truly didn't want to leave. Well, I did miss my apartment. It also could have been anxiety from traveling. Getting through TSA is so much stress in itself. When I woke up I got ready, repacked and made sure that I went to get breakfast and bought my last
I tried my best to stay covered up and out of the sun. I have a rash on both arms from the shoulders on down. So itchy! That’s what I get from caring so much about tan lines, which do look good, but was it worth it? Who is to say? I’m just dried out. Those feet masks didn’t work, hair and skin still dry. More things to consider when moving: where to get Black hair products on the island? How do you stay moisturized when covered in sunscreen and under intense sunlight? Where can you get a good deli sandwich? How do you eat guava? Surprisingly, I find myself craving the taste of them after trying the passion-fruit, orange and guava juice. Also, when I visit again I have to consider driving… And, bringing the right clothes. Long flowy, breathable clothes, brightly colored dresses and comfortable shoes. More flowers in my hair!
As I was walking about, killing time doing some window shopping before my flight, I stumbled upon this store. It wasn’t open. I walked around more and even stopped at this little jewlery store. I used to wear rings on every finger and I want to again but more tasteful and real gold. It’ll take some time to build my collection up. I tried on this pretty little pink sapphire ring. I was thinking to myself though, why y'all selling all the jewlery at 50-70% off? What’s the catch? I went back to the other store where you could make custom picture frames. They were also selling these beautiful wooden, carved art pieces from Hawai’i based artists. I couldn't help myself but to purchase two but really, I could have bought more. One is two women lounging on the beach, making leis. The emotion they’re displaying is so serene. It’s my favorite. This artist had another piece I really liked. The other is a colorful hibiscus and monstera. I’m so exciting for them to get here.
The shuttle came to get me at 11AM or so and my flight was not until 2PM. I enjoyed the drive to the airport. There are so many murals and art pieces all around. I’m thinking to myself, where would I live? Not a high rise for sure but a nice apartment with a balcony, to start. I’m a dreamer! Moving away from the touristy area, into the more local area, I thought much to myself how much it reminded me of some areas in Newark. Are the food spots over there better than those by the shore? You know those lowkey spots that look dodgy but you get the best food from. Where are the best spots? We’ll find out! From the highway you can see the full mountain range. So gorgeous!
I made it through TSA but let me tell you this, they took my ginger honey. This hurt me bad. I shed a little tear. Well actually, I was happy that other than that one thing I was able to get through smoothly with no problems. And when I got home I realized I coud have got this honey shipped to my house, the shipping fee might be astromincal but hey. The same place that sells the honey sells kona mocha powder, a coconut and macadamia mocha frappe mix. They’re my favorite thing to order when I’m visiting. So I made sure to buy a pack because all you have to do is add water and ice and then blend. I hope it’s as delicious on the mainland. They’ll be seeing me soon.
My first plane landed in San Francisco at 11PM. The time difference was kicking my ass. I’m running around trying to find something to eat. Almost everything is closed. They’re already lined up at the gate. My little cesar salad and I made it in time, thanked the kind gate agent who was so sweet and then walked all the way back to row 49. Let me tell you, as long as I get to where I’m trying to go I don’t care too much. After this trip, I think I will at least pay for extra leg room. It makes all the difference.
I didn’t sleep the first flight and barely the second. Honestly, so jealous of anyone who fell alseep. Though, I saw the pinks and oranges in the sunrise before we landed back in Newark. I love viewing the world from up high. Clouds look so soft, fluffy and wonderous to sleep upon. All I could think about is my bed and making sure that I stopped to buy a few groceries before I came home. I knew once I showered, I wasn’t going back out.
I’m still watching Real Housewives of Atlanta. I’m usually a sleep in complete quiet woman because I had the show on and kept opening my eyes or turning around when an argument got hightened or an interesting conversation begun. I like the mess and the cattiness, in this city I like how involved the husbands are and I love the honest conversations between women about infertility, sex, relationships and motherhood. One thing I didn’t enjoy, admitedly, are when they’re arguing back and forth and age gets brought up, or the lack of another woman having a child or a husband. Do those things really diminish all of her womanhood? I do think it’s a lowblow and an easy one. Talking about age is always so funny to me though because we’re only aging one way, you’ll be blessed to get to this age and in some cases, still look this good!
I washed my hair, showered in my own shower, laid up on my own couch, used my own pink pots and pans. I missed my little slice of paradise and my own comforts. I’m so grateful to have taken this trip, so grateful to have made it back safely. Looking forward to my next opportunity, of course!
Pimpin’, pimpin’,
xoxo,
Ashanti
