First, Some Much Needed Plugs/Thanks

I would normally frown on using the very first post as a promotion for any individual/corporation. Cries of "SPAM!!!" or "BANHAMMERED!!!" would usually escape my lungs as my mighty fingers swiftly flowed across the keyboard in an astounding show of force and dexterity, hurling the offending parties into the fiery depths from winst (wenst?) they came. However, this first post is mine, and I shall do with it as I see fit. And that means shoutouts! Please note though, I am not getting anything out of these. I haven't told anyone I'm doing them, or really want to. This is more for me to remember how I was treated when I first got on the island than anything else.

First, I have to give a proper thank you to Ethel T. Shima at Ivy K Reality for getting me an apartment. I had never seen or even talked to her in person, only e-mailing her a couple of times before my arrival. She picked me up the second day I was in on Oahu, took me to church, fed me lunch, and drove me around town to help me get oriented to my new surroundings. She kept in constant contact over the course of the next week, pointing out good and bad locations, looking up available rentals, showing me the best Ramen and Dim Sum spots, and generally making me feel right at home. Even when I found out that I would only be in Honolulu ~2 months before being transfered to the far west side of the island (throwing all of the info I had so far out the window), she was nothing but upbeat, cheerful, and helpful. In the end, she didn't even get anything out of helpping me, but was just as happy as I was that I found someplace to stay. I definitely would not be in my current diggs if she hadn't been there to help. So thanks Ethel, when I need an apartment for my transfer, I know exactly who to call.

Second, I have to give the Maili Sky Court Hotel a plug. I ended up staying there almost a full week as I went with Ethel and looked for apartments. I got a pretty good deal staying with them on Expedia for the first four nights, which was what I originally thought I would need. There isn't really anything special about the rooms or hotel itself. There nice and all, but nothing that really warrants calling attention too. The staff at the front desk though, are fantastic. Being new to the island and starting work two days after I arrived meant I needed LOTS of help, and asked some pretty stupid (well, now anyway) questions. "Which bus takes me to X?" "What time should I leave to get there by Y?" "Where's a good Z place?" I never got anything but polite, accurate, helpful information. I can't stress enough how friendly everyone there was. I have family coming out to visit at various times throughout the year, and if they decide they don't want to stay on the sofa, then I will definitely have them stay in the Maili Sky Court Hotel.

Now, I probably won't do anymore plugs unless outstanding circumstances come into play. I will however, end up talking about some of the places I eat or visit should it be warrented (example: Ramen Reviews). Just giving a heads up so that everyone knows what there're getting themselves into. Oh, and I'll try to keep it shorter for all you ADD kids out there. Well, I'm going to get back to unpacking my stuff. Peace out.

- TiH