Been here a year now... (hotel, schools, living)

[mdgilmore]

When we first received orders here I posted a lot of questions about living here and concerns about schools, people, etc. I thought it was about time to post a thank you to everyone who helped me wade through all of the moving issues, as well as post on a misconception that concerned me when people started to give me advice based on their impressions on life here. We were warned that we would always be treated as outsiders and should watch out for racism and nasty attitudes from the locals because we are not local and, worse yet, are military. Thankfully that stuff usually goes in one ear and out the other, but I have to admit to having been a little concerned because my daughters would be starting their first years of school here. I'm happy to say that my daughters' experiences here have been more kind and loving that they have been in any other place we have lived. They're always treated like little princesses by the locals everywhere we go (even when they are behaving absolutely rotten as far as we're concerned). This is the most child-friendly place I've ever lived

I have had nothing but positive experiences with locals here...well, my husband's vehicle had a negative one the day after it arrived - someone went into the parking garage (military hotel garage) and wiped some kind of fecal matter on the underside of the door handle. We quickly registered the vehicle in HI and changed our plates. Aside from that, though, all of our experiences have been wonderful, to the point where we have considered staying for a second tour. I work as a substitute teacher at local schools so I work with locals frequently and have never had a negative experience. Everyone we interacted with at the parks, hiking, stores, restaurants, beaches...everywhere are always very nice. We haven't even experienced anything frustrating with respect to "island time" which is something people told us to watch out for. Although, Waikiki sure does shut down early! My husband and I actually got a sitter for a date night and walked out of a restaurant at 1 AM to find everything closed and the tiki torches turned off! That was a shocker! It's a good thing we're usually too tired to stay out that late anymore anyway If we didn't miss our family so much and the ability to jump in a car and drive to visit people, we would most definitely have a tough time deciding whether or not we want to stay longer. The people here are wonderful and I'm so thankful that we've had this opportunity.

[OptimusPrime69]

I'm so glad everything has been working out!

im sorry but i dont mean to laugh but LOL at the fecal matter incident

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by mdgilmore

Although, Waikiki sure does shut down early! My husband and I actually got a sitter for a date night and walked out of a restaurant at 1 AM to find everything closed and the tiki torches turned off! That was a shocker! It's a good thing we're usually too tired to stay out that late anymore anyway

It makes sense though...sunrise to sunset with beach activity.

No point in businesses trying to be open through the night, when more people are at the beach during the day.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Thanks SO MUCH, or I should say Mahalo Nui Loa, for the follow-up. So many people come on this forum to ask questions, but then we never find out what happens to them.

Glad to hear that you and the family are doing well!

[Dthraco]

Your post inspired me to update the one I made after being here for a month. Glad things have worked out for you!!!

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by mdgilmore

Although, Waikiki sure does shut down early! My husband and I actually got a sitter for a date night and walked out of a restaurant at 1 AM to find everything closed and the tiki torches turned off! That was a shocker! It's a good thing we're usually too tired to stay out that late anymore anyway

Shootz, that's walking on the wild side compared to the Big Island, where most places close by 9pm!

OK, OK, Kona has a couple of places that are open until 9:30 on Saturday night, but still...

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by mdgilmore

Although, Waikiki sure does shut down early! My husband and I actually got a sitter for a date night and walked out of a restaurant at 1 AM to find everything closed and the tiki torches turned off! That was a shocker!

No need to panic - plenty of 4am bars on Kuhio Avenue - you might even witness a fistfight or two.

[zentric]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

No need to panic - plenty of 4am bars on Kuhio Avenue - you might even witness a fistfight or two.

there's always Chinatown too.