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Rugbydave- As a resident in Alaska wondering what made you choose the BI over AK as a home?
Maybe the climate, do you think? Half of Alaska seems to take extended visits to Hawaii in the winter. It could be the lack of bears. No bear bars on the doors and windows here.
Grew to love the Amish while temporarily assigned to Dover AFB. I think even some of those people (younger ones I think) feel stuck.
As far as Hawaii, it seems like it could be a comparatively simple life. Oahu is a bit frantic paced at times...
Maybe the climate, do you think? Half of Alaska seems to take extended visits to Hawaii in the winter. It could be the lack of bears. No bear bars on the doors and windows here.
yes yes indeed.. the climate <sigh>. But apparently it doesnt bother many residents here ... otherwise theyd move! lol Yes probably a majority of the people I know regularly go to Hawaii on vacation. Many reasons, because its closer than alot of other warm places to visit, because its amazing!, and because Alaska Airlines has non stop flights available for about $220
Never had a problem with island fever when i lived in oahu. I loved it. In fact i miss it so much, i think the only issue i would have is it being way to crowded. Unfort my tolerance for ppls loloness is getting harder as i get older.
Rugbydave- As a resident in Alaska wondering what made you choose the BI over AK as a home?
Well, I still have some land and a small cabin in Fairbanks, as it's partly where I grew up, so I didn't really fully leave AK there
Long post to a short question, but to answer you directly:
I work in specialized medicine, and grew up between BI/AK - as I am transitioning from my residency to having my full license, I always wanted to move back to the BI but bring something that is greatly needed there (in this case, specialized medicine). I love that island and had many wonderful years kicking around the forests, volcanoes and beaches there, and always wanted to bring something tangible back to the community to help it grow and prosper. Because many people have to be airlifted or flown to Honolulu just for some fairly basic procedures, I feel that I can give back in this way.
Hence, I chose to come back to BI. Also, the salaries here are great and I feel like I can really help make a difference to a lot of the community here. I speak Tagalog and 'Olelo Hawai'i, and am starting to develop the first assessments/diagnostic procedures in these languages (we have some for Tagalog, none for 'Olelo Hawai'i). I'm planning on opening my practice in Waimea, but will see patients down in Ka'u/Puna once a month, because there is a huge need down there. I am interested in doing about 30% of my practice pro-bono. I am trained in rural health and am certified to do home health visits as well. I can be mobile!
Now that QMC is connecting with NHCH, things will be even better for the island. Granted, that is also in Waimea, but to be honest, it's the easiest place to reach the most population (again, except Ka'u/Puna). I will open a satellite practice in Hilo as well. Perhaps KK as well, but Waimea office may suffice for that side.
Basically: there is a huge need here for what I do for my career and I am even bringing some HD quality endoscopes to the island. I could not wait for the hospitals or government to purchase the equipment (they will eventually), so I broke down and purchased my own which I can bring around with me seeing patients. My goal is to bring some of my other friends in to help give the BI even more solid medical services. It is a huge reason why many people are 'afraid' to move here (people who can help our economy), so it is my hope to help mitigate that factor, as little as I may be able to. Alaska is somewhat my home, but I never felt raised there. The climate is no issue for me, and I lived in Fairbanks, which gets quite cold. It's just.. so far from the ocean and the beach and where my heart always has been, you know? Money is great in Hawai'i and there is a huge need for what I do in most places, but especially in Hawai'i.
Ultimately, I am just happy to finally give back to the land that helped raise me; this is why I chose the BI to settle on.
RugbyDave, I appreciate your commitment to truly meaningful work! Good luck in your new endeavors. It sounds like you've got it together!
I'm reading through these posts since my husband is convinced that Hawaii is the place for him. And he's never been there! He is a very laid back, easy to please, calm person, and wants to be around those like him. I'm always up for an adventure because I'm the wired one always looking for something new and different. However, my grown daughter (previous marriage) is here in KY and I highly doubt she would ever relocate. Our son, 10, is adaptable to anything, and what kid wouldn't like the idea of living near the beach?
I appreciate your posts, and everyone else's as well. Each of us has a unique perspective and story on where we live or want to be. It's really quite funny that my husband is willing to move away from Kentucky. Most bred and born Kentuckians can't be hauled out of here with two plow horses! We'll see...
Thank you RugbyDave I appreciate the insight. I have been in AK now for 9 years and while there are many things we love here, I have been ready for change for a while now. I felt such a sense of home and belonging while in Kauai, I had no idea going there would end in a serious contemplation of moving. It is great to see you giving back to the community and making life on the BI better. I plan on doing our part in community living there on Kauai as well. Growing up in a rural town of 3,500, community living comes easily for us, it was living in a big city and never meeting your neighbors that was strange!! Of course Anchorage isnt Honolulu, but for us it may as well be. Everyone keeps talking about the "rural" factor and lack of amenities, I am just thinking "They have coffee shops? and a Costco? Amazon still ships?... Ok I am good .
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Thanks for insight
