pineapple tidbits

i'm two days back from my two-week trip to Hawaii. i woke up this morning again not knowing where i was for a moment and then feeling a little disappointed to discover i was in my own bed. the trip was better in every way than i had anticipated, but i couldn't help but compare it to the trip to Greece (more entries on that still pending).

in Greece, i was alone for almost the entire trip, separated from nearly everyone by a language i don't understand, while on this trip i shared a house with 10 friends and my alone time coincided with my limited unconscious time. in Greece, i had my choice of what to do, eat, and see, while in Hawaii decisions were made by committee. it was one of the most informed, effective committees i've ever seen, but a committee nonetheless (picture of one deliberation at right). in Greece i was responsible for only my own entertainment and could change my mind on the spur of the moment, while in Hawaii i was the driver of one of the three rental cars and the owner of the only in-car iPod hookup which bound me to the desires and needs of others (and there are strong opinions when it comes to music choices). my time in Greece was inward and meditative, while in Hawaii my energy was almost always focused outward, which was sometimes stressful. when i'm surrounded by friends i can't help but attend to and be strongly affected by their moods and amusement, and there were many moments of tension and disagreement. i kept a journal in Greece. i didn't even send postcards from Hawaii.

the question this raised in my mind was, which did i like more: being alone or having the benefits and drawbacks of company? and i realized this isn't just a trivial travel-related question. i am single and living alone for the first time in my life, and over the last 14 months i've come to rather enjoy the perks of this lifestyle. the thing is, while there were a few moments of frustration and strife on the trip, i am deeply grateful to those with whom i shared the many fantastic moments, and those bright spots cast all the rest in a warm glow. hands down, i would take companionship any day.

so that's the big thought. here are snippets for some of the highlights of the trip: "nonacid" white pineapple (the "champagne of pineapples"). banyan trees. floating in warm ocean water, watching the sun set behind kiteboarding sails. late-night games of mafia. the most sincere, touching, and unique wedding i have been to. really good mai tais, blue hawaiians, and lava flows. watching a sea turtle swim. partying all day on a sandbar, surrounded by ocean. doing karaoke with the local characters in Kona. sucking on fresh sugar cane. walking on the crater of a breathing volcano. a full rainbow across a barren lava field. tons of laughter and good conversation. finally getting to bond with long-time acquaintances.

but still i haven't seen liquid hot magma, dolphins, or a big waterfall up close. and i need to work on my surfing skills. so, who wants to go with me next time?