As my Hawaiian sojourn unfolds, our friends from the tropical paradise of Hilo are beginning to understand the meaning of “southern charm.” It’s definitely amusing to get bizarre looks from people just for saying “y’all” and “ma’am.”
I’m lucky enough to have two partners in crime from LSU to share in the entertainment of taunting the islanders with our southern behavior. We’re so different, yet so alike.
First, there’s the one and only Molly Ayers. She lives to shop, and is completely happy as long as she is wearing Prada stilettos. Chatting on the phone with her two older sisters and mother about every piece of gossip is what keeps her connected. Her mother is a Delta flight attendant, which has made it easy for her to travel the world. She frequently talks in a bad Chinese accent, and has a strange phobia of detached hair. The word “drama queen” was made especially for her. She used to be an apple martini drinker, but if you are wondering how to get her attention now just say the words “Mai Tai.”
Next, meet Janell Weil. Janell first stepped onto the island wearing pearl earrings and a Polo shirt, and attends church every Sunday. She drives like Grandma Moses, and enjoys baking banana bread. Having long talks with a Rasta man and a 40-year-old bodybuilder with a curly mullet is not unusual in the world of Janell. Helping anyone puts a smile on her face, and she is an amazing counselor. “Seven,” by Prince, is her favorite song, and she does a strange head pop when she dances.
Then, there’s me, the deep thinker. I don’t pay attention to what is going on around me enough, and have no sense of direction. I’m a bad hula dancer, and have weird chocolate cravings. My digital camera is my best friend, and I get lost in my journal for hours. I chew Bazooka gum just for the comic strip wrapping, and can’t go to sleep without “Raffy,” my stuffed animal giraffe.
Bringing the Louisiana culture to Hawaii has been quite the thrill. Together, we combine in our efforts to teach our friends how to act like southern gentlemen. We force them into trying Zapp’s chips and king cake that my loving parents sent to me for a taste of home. We’ve introduced the meaning of a crawfish boil, and what ordering a po boy dressed encompasses.
I came prepared with ingredients to make my grandmama’s famous jambalaya and gumbo. The Cajun drunken chicken, with a beer can mixed with Zatarain’s crab boil “purposefully placed” with a few other zesty spices, was a hit. By playing New Orleans music, my Palau, Micronesian and Samoan friends are listening to more than just Blue Hawaii.
It’s enjoyable contributing to something commonly known in the islands as “The Aloha Spirit.” Since the people here live in the spirit of love and selflessness, it is not just an encounter when you get to know them. When you meet someone here, you experience their lives and live their traditions. I’m learning that when they meet us, they encounter a rich cultural Louisiana spirit. I love where I’m from, and honestly miss it even if I am living in paradise.