10/23/2017

Letting My Feet Take Me Somewhere Else


We need a lifetime to explore this wonderful world. There will always be a hidden desire in each one of us to break free from our usual everyday routine. At some point, somehow, we wish to be a different person living in a different place. Perhaps, routine weakens us and it makes us feel tired. Along the way, as we are all too busy living our lives, waking up and do things the same way as yesterday, we are slowly losing our souls. Hence, the birth of the term “soul-searching”.

I am not an adventurous person. But I love change. I grew up in a place where I can see the sea seemingly connecting its ends to the bed of clouds with the shadows of mountains parallel to their meeting point. I love how laid back my life here is. Life is simple and manageable.

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However, I would not deny the fact that I sometimes wish that even just for a day, I would be able to indulge in luxury homes in Hawaii or experience a different kind of culture like that of in Africa. Anything that is outside of my comfort zone is prompting me to embrace change. No matter how two places seem to resemble each other, the mere fact that they are in different geographical locations, they would offer unique experiences. As much as I love the simplicity of living conditions in my hometown, I would gladly give up about a week to be somewhere else experiencing life-changing risks and circumstances. In spite the fact that I was raised in a land bordered by the Pacific Ocean, I also grew up having this fear of big bodies of water. As reserved as I am, I did not learn how to swim. But what another way to overcome fear than exposing yourself to what you are fearful of. Hawaii comes closest. Just by the thought that I would be standing on a piece of land with a big body of water around it, it already weakens my knees. But going back to my desire to experience a different kind of life, I am reminded to just stay put and enjoy the ride. Besides, there is more in Hawaii than mere swimming like what I imagined it to be.

I am always fascinated with our nature. The sound that the waves are making is a music to my ears. The silhouette of the mountains is a glimpse of heaven to my eyes. Sunsets and sunrises are wonderful sights giving me a sense of hope to a beautiful day ahead. Hawaii offers a scenic experience through the cruises they are offering. What better way to experience all of these than being one with nature. Imagine cruising along the Pacific Ocean, with the perfect scenic view of the sunset and breathing the salty Pacific Ocean air. The wind that is being blown against our very skin is a breather for every person’s dream to detach himself to the real world, as routinary and habitual as it is. 

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Hawaii also offers an experience of a lifetime through its helicopter tours. Talk about adventures and scenic views, this definitely hits two birds with one stone. One gets to satisfy his or her hunger for an adventure, but not compromising the need to feel relaxed by looking at the amazingly well-kept formations of Hawaii- its valleys and waterfalls. It is an exhilarating feeling imagining that I will be one with the clouds above and be looking at God’s creations below.  This is one of the main reasons why Hawaii is definitely on my bucket list.

Camping is also one of the activities to look out for when visiting Hawaii. There are a lot of State Park camping sites scattered in almost every island of Hawaii. This activity suits those who are in for an adventure and is willing to go outside of their comfort zones. This is one of a kind experience and is truly breaking one’s routine that instead of waking up in the comfort of your bedroom, one gets to wake up in a paradise. How wonderful would that be! Instead of snoozing your alarm clock and doze back off to sleep, let the chirping of the birds wake you up. 

What is a vacation if you haven’t immersed yourself in the cultural heritage of one’s place? As they say, eat what the locals eat, and do things the way the locals do. Hawaii is certainly rich in culture. Their Luaus are worth an experience. Getting in touch with the locals, experiencing their local traditions and enjoying their feasts, one absolutely gets rich by virtue of experience. It is embracing the thought of knowing how to respect other cultures and traditions as well as its differences from each one’s beliefs. Hawaii is also rich in local farms. Tasting their fresh harvests and produced is a form of appreciation for their local farmers. Not only does your taste buds get satisfied, one’s  soul is also enriched through the interaction between the tourists and locals.

For an adventurous person, a lot of activities are available in line with zip lining and surfing to name a few. Whatever kind of personality a tourist may possess, Hawaii offers a wide array of diverse activities. While it is true that one should always love the place he or she is being born into, however, one should not limit one’s self to new experiences and new learnings. This is a wonderful world to explore anyways. A lifetime may not be enough to experience all of these magnificent creations.