 Draggin’ Main Honolulu Style! By Patricia Fua So, I can say this. There is no such thing as dragging main here in Honolulu. Sorry. You can cruise Waikiki (usually walking) or you can cruise “da Mall” ( meaning the Ala Moana Mall of course). But the thought of driving your car from point A to point B only to turn it around and do it again for fun, just not a local concept. The most exciting and unique experience for me to discover has been to ride “da Bus”. When you come to Honolulu you will miss so much if you do not take the time to ride the Bus. You will see the sights, save money, experience great service, and learn so much about life in general and more specifically about the broad spectrum of the rainbow of people who comprise the culture of this city. This time on a “staycation” I am able to delve much deeper into the oxymoron that is this sophisticated “global” city in the “jungle” known as Honolulu. Because I have been a tourist, a traveler, and even a short term resident of this city, I chose the “road less traveled by” for this trip, and “that has made all the difference”. In order to do the things I want to do I need reliable transportation, and I really don’t want to be bothered with driving, so because I am on a “budget” vacation I have chosen the bus, backed by an intricate system of “aiga” (family) who are willing to pick me up anywhere when I call and tell them I am lost riding the bus. I do try not to abuse that though. There are some very nice people also on the bus, including the drivers, who really go that extra mile to show the “Aloha” spirit to even tourists riding the bus. I feel like a local now though. I have unwittingly joined 3 groups of bus riders who watch out for one another here, the “old ladies on the bus trumps everything club”, the “watch out there’s a haoli on the bus club” and the “oh crap she has a walker club”. Have I mentioned everyone loves me here? All the children call me “Auntie” and I don’t have the heart to let some of them know I am not their real “Auntie”…so I am Auntie to all here. I have tried google maps and map quest and even “’Da Bus” app for my phone and I just cannot figure out these busses. But I have several more weeks to figure it out. In 2 weeks I leave the mountains and head back for the beaches. See ‘ya around….. |      |
