A few random facts...

This is a random list of facts I have thought of about Hawaii that I have found interesting.

1. The speed limits are a LOT slower here! To get off base it is 25mph for about 2 miles. Then it's still 25 mph until it finally changes to 30. Most street are no more than 30. Most of the highway are 45mph. The highest I've seen is 60 and it wasn't for long. Not like those 80mph highways in west Texas.

2. It rains a lot here. It is rainy season right now, but it is always sprinkling it seems.

3. Everything is in a foreign language here...Hawaiian. I can't pronounce most of the cities or streets.

4. The weather on the news tells how big the waves will be for the surfers. They also have pictures of the volcanoes erupting on the big island or the best pictures of the surfers from the day.

5. There are mountains and the ocean within a few miles! Go on a hike and then go for a swim in the ocean.

6. Instead of saying the east side of the island or the west they say leeward and windward. If you know what the locals mean, it makes sense. If not, it's very confusing.

7. You hardly ever have to turn on the air conditioner or heater here! A ceiling fan will be just fine! Or open the windows and let the tradewinds breeze through.

8. This time of the year is winter time and is considered cold to those who live here...even though it's only about 5 degrees cooler than summer. We wear jackets and pants during this time. Right now it's in the 70s.

9. Since we don't have much land here, they are big on recycling. You get 5cents for every plastic bottle you recycle. They even have a place that recycles mattresses so they don't fill up the landfill. (i'm still not sure if I'd ever buy a recycled mattress.)

10. If you go to a department store anywhere but Honolulu, they will be selling Hawaiian clothes. No American Eagle or Abercrombie stores here kiddos, just muumuus and Aloha shirts!

11. Church attire is very different. No one dresses up. If you wear a tie anywhere here you are out of place. People go barefoot, especially the locals. You don't walk into a house with shoes on. The local men wear these skirts to church to stay cooler. If you come at night you will probably see our preacher in shorts.

12. Like I said no one dresses up here. Go to the nicest restaurant here and people are wearing shorts, muumuus, or pants. No one wears suits, slacks, or cocktail dresses.

13. There are lots of tourists here so if you want to see the true Hawaii you must get out of Honolulu and Waikiki.

That's all I have for now. I'll update as I think of more!