Almost Lost My Hearing

Today I was starting to do dishes and my brother comes in and asks if I want to go skydiving. With suds all over my hands, I pondered this for about 2.5 seconds, asked if he was paying, and then of course said yes. It turned out this was my birthday present. YES!!!
The skydiving place is on the other side of the island at Dillingham Airfield called Pacific Skydiving. We had to wait for almost two hours to go up but I didn't really mind. For some reason though I never did get nervous. My tandom jumper's name was Bundy and it turned out I was #11,058 to jump with him. That's a lot of jumps. We loaded up into a small plane and as usual I was the only female. Seems to be my destiny. From the plane you can see all of the North Shore and if you're lucky you can also spot the other islands in the distance. Unlike the grid pattern you see in the air from the mainland, Hawaii's grids are very unkempt and uneven making for a very colorful and beautiful patchwork. The view was incredible since I could see two mountain ranges, pineapple and coffee fields and the endless blue ocean. Bundy cinched me in my harness good and tight, and I do mean good and TIGHT. I couldn't move anything almost to the point of pain. I thought by this time I would be nervous, especially when they opened the door, but no go. I was definitely ready to do this. My brother was right in front and when he dropped out, it almost looked like he got sucked out. I got to the edge and for a second I wasn't sure if I should just go for it or if Bundy would give me a push but the next thing I knew I was free-falling at about 180 feet per second. At first it was really cold and uncomfortable from the harness being so tight, but seconds later I realized my ears were seriously about to blow out of my head. It was the most intense pain I have ever experienced, like the pressure you get when they need to pop but ten times worse. Just when I thought I couldn't take it anymore and was going to cry like a baby, (jk) the parachute opened and we jerked into an upright position and the pressure almost immediately lessened.
The view from up there is breathtaking. I couldn't get enough of it. Once the parachute opens though you don't have too much longer. Bundy let me do a few 360's and then we were inches above the ground. We landed in a standing position and I was instantly warm again. I think I would go again if I could do something about my ears, maybe ear plugs, but if I can't I'm not sure. At that speed it was an intense pain. They have been bothering me all day now. Not everyone has that though. This is one of the views I had. I think I will take up paragliding now.

Last Month in Hawaii

Time is flying by and I only have a short time to do the things I want to do on this island. This time is hampered even more by the fact that it's so hard to get anyone to get out and do anything with me and I don't have my own transportation. My boyfriend is no help either since he claims to HATE Hawaii and is less than thrilled to be out in nature. Uggghhhh, I guess I can't have it all. Anyway enough complaining. Kristina and I headed out yesterday to explore some things and even though it has been raining for the last three weeks with a torrential downpour, we decided it was worth it to get wet and dirty.

First up was the Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples which is a VERY nice cemetary built in 1968 not far from the Marine Base. The temple itself is built entirely without nails and is a replica of one in Japan that was built 900 years ago. The building is beautiful and the whole atmosphere here is very calm and serene. There is also a 3 ton brass bell that you are supposed to ring when you enter to ensure happiness and peace. The Buddha statue is covered in gold leaf and is 18 feet tall.

 

The temple is surrounded by koi ponds and lots of birds and swans. With all the rain we've been getting there were additional waterfalls in the background off of the Ko'olau mountains so the whole effect was very peaceful and almost like being in another country. We managed to make it out just when a tourist bus full of old people drove up. There is nothing worse than sight-seeing around old people. Or Asians. I don't care if that makes me sound racist or exclusive. It's a fact.

After this temple we decided to drive by the Mormon Temple as well. I basically spent my Sunday checking out religions other than my own, but not to worry, I wasn't swayed.

Continuing around the island we stopped for some of Romy's Shrimps and Prawns, some of the best spicy garlic butter shrimp and rice you will ever have and then stopped at Sunset Beach for some shells. Currently I am attempting to fill a vase I received that previously had flowers in it with shells from all the beaches I go to here. I'm about halfway there.
I have today off too and am trying to nag my boyfriend into doing something, which he won't, so I just need to motivate myself to go check out some waterfalls close to my house. This would be an urban hike and I find these less thrilling.