Can you believe I’ve never actually been outside the country? The farthest I’ve traveled is to Phoenix, Arizona, where I spent about three months. It was the early 90s, and I was fresh out of high school—young and naive—totally unaware of how different life would be on the mainland U.S. compared to my little slice of paradise in Hawaii.
When we arrived in Phoenix, I had this vision of a bustling city filled with tall buildings, but boy, was I in for a surprise! Instead of a skyline, I was met with endless stretches of flat desert. Honestly, it felt like it went on forever, and the heat—wow! Coming from the tropical vibes of Hawaii, that was a real wake-up call.
The trip was all about visiting my grandparents, and I was super excited to spend time with them. But I quickly figured out that life there was nothing like what I was used to. I distinctly remember walking into a grocery store, expecting to see an entire aisle filled with Asian foods. Where were all the rice varieties, sauces, and my favorite snacks? Instead, I found shelves of products that felt so foreign.
And don’t even get me started on the rice situation! The only option available was Uncle Ben’s—yuck! I really missed my go-to Tamaki Gold rice. It definitely wasn’t the fragrant jasmine or sticky rice I loved back home. That grocery run had me seriously wishing I could just teleport back to Hawaii. I missed our local flavors, our gatherings, and the whole vibe of home.
As the days rolled on, I found myself craving the familiar comforts of Hawaii. The sound of the ocean, the cool breezes, and the rich culture I grew up with were all calling me back. Sure, I loved hanging out with my grandparents, but let’s just say the culture shock hit hard.
In the end, my time in Phoenix was more than just a visit; it opened my eyes to how much I appreciate the vibrant culture of Hawaii. It also sparked a desire in me to explore new places. Even though I haven’t traveled internationally yet, that little adventure in the Arizona desert taught me some real lessons about myself and the world.
Who knows where my travels will take me next? One thing’s for sure—I’ll always treasure the memories from that trip and look forward to the stories still to come!
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