Hawaii... a paradise! (part 1)

In an island far far far away... God (or fate) brought me here. It wasn't a smooth transition, mind you. So many things to deal with before i left the mainland. My roommate wasn't so ecstatic that she had to deal with me moving out and all but she was VERY happy for me and VERY supportive. I couldn't ask for a better friend and roommate. New boss paid for my 2 months rent in south pasadena, so it's cool.

So many things i want to say... but with the time in my hands right now... i can go slow with all the details.

I flew in to Hawaii Dec 9, not a VERY good timing for someone like me to be in the islands at that time. So many things happening around that all hotels were booked for the rest of the year. It was so darn hard to get bookings that i spent a night in Waikiki which looked like a rundown hotel/motel or what have you. The only place who was willing to take me in. This was after the MANY connections my company had with hotels already. Second day, i had no place to stay anymore... but my boss promised me that they would take care of me during my interim moments. You know, that time when you are NEW and still looking for a permanent place to stay in.. and had to stay in a hotel. They did say i would be in a hotel WHILE i look for an apt and my stuff gets in. They took care of ALL my relocation costs.. shipping my car and stuff to hawaii... even my H1-B visa and will sponsor me for a greencard. The most coveted "greencard". HEH. They literally gave me an offer i can't refuse. Anyways... they were able to book me for a night at Best Western Hotel by the airport and my boss begged for an extension as much as they can for a week. So they did... and was able to extend it after christmas. Imagine? I was in a hotel on Christmas. Not a 5star one but it's ok. I was contended to have a private place to sleep in during those days. I was happy i had TV and internet access.

Work was kinda strange for me. This is a company who had just ventured BIGTIME and is risking a lot of things. Everything is just in turmoil that everything would fall in my hands if things fail for the next year. It wasn't as PERFECT as i hoped it would be but that's the reason why they hired me for. Make things WORK for them.

My apartment hunting wasn't easy. I would think it was the worst time to look for an apartment when there are so many apts rented out short-term for the holidays. This is Hawaii's peak season. Although i was given a cap for my apartment, it was still NOT easy to look for a place i really like. my first priority was a balcony or a lanai where i can smoke, of course... a washer/dryer in the unit so i do not have to worry about my laundry anymore, and a dishwasher is a bonus. Wasn't easy. Plus, i have to consider driving. Downtown Honolulu parking is EXPENSIVE. Worse, hard to FIND a parking space. So i figured, if i can walk to work, it be really AWESOME. But then again, i don't mind driving if i will be going home to an awesome place by the beach or the mountains. BTW, traffic is NASTY. Going to downtown is like going to Makati, seriously.