After my 11 hour non stop flight there, I jumped in a cab and made my way to my hotel. Since it was my first time in Hawaii, I took in all the sights and imagined a life on the beach. Once I settled in, I made my way to our new store. The reason I was there.
Everything was in great shape and ready for our press party the next night. On my down time I tried to make the best of my time there. I went surfing for the first time, and I must say I was pretty darn good. We went deeper then I thought we would and I didn't fall off. However, the next day my body felt the aftermath. It's really tough on the body. Well, when you're not in shape at least. That night I also went to a luau for the first time. It was awesome. The food was amazing and it was nice to get a taste of Hawaiian culture at the same time.
The next night was the press party featuring a performance by Best Coast. I was running around trying to make sure everything for the next morning was set. The morning of the opening, I woke up and grabbed my Starbucks. It was bound to be a long day. 1,200 people lined up for the opening of our first store in Hawaii. Such an awesome experience and proof that marketing works!
Afterwards, I took the next 2 days to relax and really enjoy the island. A local friend I had just met, was kind enough to show me around the island. We started with a hike to Likeke falls. Keep in mind, I am not an active person at all. Yes, I walk a lot but I've never hiked. It was beyond muddy and slippery but it was so much fun! We came upon the waterfall and I couldn't help but think "Is this what life is about?" The water was fresh spring water, clean enough to drink. Then we were off to hike the pillboxes. The views from the top were breathtaking. I can't imagine waking up to that everyday. I truly believe your mood depends on where you live. And if you wake up to that view, there's no excuse to ever be mad. The way down was a project but totally worth it.
I left that night thinking maybe I need a change. Not tomorrow but eventually. I do love New York, but with all my traveling I'm learning there's so much more to life then work, and I intend on enjoying every minute.
