Flight and Mission 1

In the last 6 months it feels like my life has been kicked into hyperdrive.  I've gotten my masters,

had a European Adventure with my awesome sister: 

had an Australian Adventure with my awesome boyfriend (not pictured):

 during an awesome family vacation in Lake George, became engaged

(this is the spot, too)

and, now, Matt and I are on a Hawaiian Adventure.. 2 Rogue Islanders - get it?!

Response from Mariann: Is this blog going to be about bad puns?

Answer: Yes, but I'll try to keep it to a minimum.

So Matt and I left RI on a 6 am flight and arrived in Honolulu at around 3 pm.  Worst part of the flight: the showing of Inside the Actors Studio with Jennifer Aniston.  Really, United?  It was painful.  Best part of the flight (aside from our amazing seats - thanks Dad!): the pilot had to take us along an alternative flight path because of the departing APEC dignitaries.  That meant that we got a mini tour of Oahu - we flew along the North Shore and the West Coast and then into Honolulu.  The pilot really worked the tour guide persona - he pointed out several landmarks including where Lost was filmed.  (Pictures to come)

Since landing, Matt and I have been working on Mission 1: Find a Freakin' Place to Live.  We have two main options:

Option 1 - Waikiki:

In short, there is SO MUCH to do.  From restaurants, to street performers, to weekly fireworks there is always somewhere to go or something to see.  You also get a really unique mix of crazy city life and serene beach life.  While walking along this beach, you don't hear any city noises - it's really nice.  There are also several parks and a very pretty canal.  This will be high-rise living which means 24-hr security (a huge plus).  The major cons? This area (unsurprisingly) can get a bit touristy. There is also a lot of homelessness.

Option 2 - Lanikai:

This area is STUNNING!  The drive from Waikiki to Lanikai is like going through a time warp.  You leave the high rises, drive through a mountain, and come out to expansive paradise.  This is laid-back, suburban living.  Based on the drive-through of this area, this would be my first choice.  However, there is a LOT of crime in this area.  Nothing violent, but from what I've heard of others' experiences here, there is a huge risk of people breaking into your home and stealing most of your things.  There is no security outside of gated communities.  That said, we have one gated-living option that we are waiting to hear back from.  The Wild Card.

90% of our time here has been spent contacting realtors and walking all over the city looking at apartments.  We have a couple contenders are hoping to have a decision by Monday so that we can be settled by Dec 1.  The rest of our time has been spent at the Embassy Suite's Manager's Reception (Read - free drinks and snacks with live music)

Well, folks, there will definitely be more to come.  I haven't been able to take too many pictures but that will be remedied as soon as we are settled.  While we are having a blast here, Matt and I already miss you guys at home!