Kauai

I suppose I should update this thing eventually. Lets see, where to start.

I've been here on Kauai for a few days now, actually more than a week by a day. Finally getting a bit relaxed and back into the swing of being in paradise, or something like it. Got sick and realized I was stressing out way too much. Slept and dremnt a lot and relaxed most of the way. A few levels left to go, but we'll see.

Been putting in some work at the Hostel to extend my stay without too much further cost to myself. I've done two days so far, hope to get at least a week's worth of free stay-about a third of the stay--should work well. Did weeding the first day and then some calking and painting of ladders the second. Got paint on my nice travel shorts, so we'll see if it comes out.

Went to a healing circle from Aloha Intenational last Thursday, day after I got here. Did a nice sending to my father to wish him health and discovery with his current situation. A nice group, and was immediately comfortable talking of spiritual experiences. They mentioned the four levels of their Huna reality experience. First being the material world, the connection between us being realized as present but considered separate. The Second level was the in-separate nature of each being, we all being the one. The Third level was concerned with the interaction of spirits(?), or was it ancestral and DNA genetic memories of ancectors (not as keen). The Fourth level being the usefulness of symbols, wether linguistic in nature, but seemed to stress more practical everyday reminders (statuary, situational and environmental pointers). An interesting session nonetheless; good connective feeling nonetheless.

Then applied to various places around town to see if I could get some part-time work. Papaya's was first, a nice co-op like feel natural foods store. Cute cashier seemed to incline that I had a chance, but as to date (a week) no dice. But, then applied at the Vegan Restaurant that I had eaten at first night I was here. Had less inclination to get lucky, but a dishwasher hardly takes training. Then, next day or so, went by the business help services place and applied there. I had thought of Taco Bell, but I really don't want to have to help that place. And I only would be willing to work at a place where I could eat the food constantly.

Turns out The Blossoming Lotus is the first people to give me a call. Best food too, even with Papaya's great choices (fantastic salad bar).

Nonetheless, last night was my training night. I had only supposed to go for an hour and then get to the talking story session also sponsored by the Aloha International (Wednesday nights). But, as I did catch them on TV actually, and the training turned into a work session, I figured it worked out. Plus, I had the world's best, vegan, spani-ko-pi'-ta. Fantastic beautiful flavors. Worth the price of admission: cleaning dishes and dealing with food waste all night. And cleaning floors. And being last to leave (11:30). But, the main dishwasher, he's Israeli but I can never remember his name, was nice and gave me some of his tips at least (yay $5) and told me to pay the pattern forward. Nonetheless, a reasonable job for four hours, if it only just lasted that long. Start at 6 and I guess the shift is only supposed to be till 10, but damn, still. Ah well, at $50-60 a night, the wage could be worse I hear. And free dinner at a vegan restaurant--still fairly priceless. Good organic "roots" drink we can have at will as well.

Today was the painting, and still a little relaxation from the cold the previous day.

And now I get to go to work for real. Fun.