What I see

I see dolphins jumping out of the water in the distance, and surfers competing for the biggest waves. You look out over the ocean on the eve of a sunset and you can see all the little islands off in the distance.

Screams of delight ring in the air as kids plunge into the translucent water on the beach on a bright sunny day. There is nothing to compare to the sound of the wind blowing through palms trees; its such a distinctive sound, and is also very relaxing. I have fallen asleep under palm trees before, and it seems as if all life's troubles fade away and you are left looking up at a clear blue sky.

Hawaii is known for their pineapple fruit that grows naturally on surrounding landscapes. The fruit itself is so sweet and intense that if too much of it is eaten, it can make your mouth raw. It is a hearty fruit that just seems to be a symbol of freedom and enjoyment. If I could associate a taste with Hawaii, it would definitely be pineapple.

Although I did not grow up near Hawaii, I did grow up on the west coast, and quite close to the pacific ocean in fact. You can always tell when you are getting close the coastline when you're on a road trip. The ocean breeze that drifts inland can be smells from at least 20 miles away. The smell of salt, and all the thousands of other aromas that drift from the sea to greet you truly make you feel alive, in a regenerate sort of way. When you live by the sea, many people describe it as living on the edge.

The feeling of sand is unforgettable, it's smooth yet coarse texture running through your hands. You try to count all the little grains of sand, and you soon realize it is just as possible as counting the stars on a clear summer night. The feeling of the salty water on your body feels invigorating, but not so much as when you have an open sore or cut. It seems to burn so bad, but it is actually the salt purifying that cut or bruise.

Story Summary - I have just arrived in Hawaii in the middle of July, and am ready for a week full of fun and relaxation. Just being here in this warm climate is like therapy, especially after all those long dreary days sitting in my office doing paperwork. The culture seems to be so low-stress, and much more loose than my home in Los Angeles, where you spend more time sitting in traffic than you do with your family. It was time for a week where I could be alone somewhere else than a big city, where I could recollect myself for another year of work. I can't wait to just relax on the beach with a martini in my left hand and a book in the other. I can't imagine why anyone would ever want to move from this place; it's like paradise to the weary and stressed. Not only Hawaii, but all the little islands that surround it seem to all be the same. I'm not sure if I can make up my mind as to what I want to do with my only week of vacation. Should I go wind-surfing, take a hike into the lush foothills and mountains, or go to a Day Spa? There is no end to the opportunities for fun and relaxation at this beautiful tropical island. Maybe I should go into town and experience life with the native Hawaiians. It's hard to believe that the natives here are Americans by citizenship. They look and act so much different that your typical American from California or New York. America, if you really think about it, is such a ethnically diverse country. It will probably be hard to connect with the natives here, but that's kind of the reason I came here, because I wanted something different from my home back in Los Angeles. If you tend to look at the unknown, in this case Hawaiian culture, as an adventure, you will be much more free to engage the uncertain in an effective way. This will be a week to remember.