String Theory, Airbnb, Manta Rays at Night, and pre-TSA

String Theory

“If there is a twanging sound when playing the piano, then there is likely a broken string.” And so it was with Karen’s piano, our Servas host on O’ahu. After a couple of weeks away from home, it was a joy to find a home with a piano to play and we were very happy to share our music-making with her. However, the instrument also needed some TLC — removal of a broken string, dealing with a couple of stuck keys, and cleaning out many years of droppings from the geckos! Karen not only gave Mike permission to delve into the piano, but was his able assistant (see above). Before we left, we had also shared our music (duets and solo) with Karen’s daughter and partner, and also with Ulli, another Servas guest. Ulli is German by birth but is a naturalized Australian now living in Sydney — our next destination after O’ahu! Her brother lives in Cary!! Small world, indeed!!!

Airbnb versus the Sheraton

I (Mike) am sure the $300+ per night accommodation at the Sheraton would keep you cosily bubbled up in a cocoon. However, we don’t quite understand why one would do so w the variety of airbnb’s available that gives you insight into the culture and lives of those around.

As you can see from the photos, our accommodations on Big Island got progressively simpler: from Kathy’s lovely log cabin home, to the tiny house, to a yurt, and finally to a backyard tent! The last was delightfully quirky, with fairy lights everywhere and an outdoor shower.

Not the indulgence of a Sheraton but far more interesting and in touch with the real lives of those who live here. As with our last hosts, we learned that housing is incredibly expensive on Hawai’i. And to make ends meet, not only were our hosts working regular day jobs, they had a side-business on the weekends setting up play gear for kid’s parties, as well as renting out their ground floor in addition to the backyard tent.

Manta Rays at Night

Our last night on Big Island at 9 p.m. we shrugged on wetsuits and joined three other tourists on a small boat for a Manta Ray Snorkel adventure. The Sheraton Hotel near Kona has, for over a decade, been shining a light into the water at night, which attracts plankton, which attracts Manta Rays — lovely creatures with a wingspan of anywhere from 10 to 18 feet!

After a 5 minute boat ride to the shore near the Sheraton, we donned our snorkel gear, jumped into the water and spent the next 45 minutes holding on to a “light board” (a.k.a. a modified surfboard with blue lights affixed underneath and handles on the side).  As soon as we put our face into the water we saw hundreds of 6-10″ fish just a foot or so from our masks. We positioned ourselves in “superman” posture, arms stretched out to hold on to the board, a foam noodle under our thighs to keep our feet from dangling. (That position is required because Mantas can sense the electricity of muscle movement, so if you dangle your legs, they won’t come as close.) To our delight, just a few moments after we entered the water, two of these magnificent creatures floated into our vision about 15 feet below us, then headed up toward the light, their 12-inch maws open to collect the plankton. As they came close to us, they smoothly arched themselves back toward the bottom in a movement that gave us a glorious view of their white bellies. What a sight! Over the course of 45 minutes we saw the mantas half a dozen times, and each time it was with a sense of awe that such lovely creatures co-exist on this planet with us. (Sorry, no pictures. We don’t have underwater cameras!)

Pre-TSA

And finally, does any one of us remember a time flying without the presence of TSA? Well, if you take a commuter flight between the islands, then you can relive the memory. No security lines. Our flight from Hawai’i to Maui was at 11:35 and we were asked to be ready to board at 11:30. Just the dozen of us in the plane for the 50 minute hop.