How I did it: By the Serendipitous Road.

We bought a house in Hawaii.  We found it on the internet, and flew out and saw it and many others.   The market was depressed then, not as badly as now.  We felt extremely lucky to find it as in any market, finding a home that is _just right_ is largely a matter of luck and persistance.

The plan was to retire and move into the house.  It was vague about when that would be.

Every year we would come over once or twice and take care of the property.  We loved it.  It was like when you have a baby and suddeny changing diapers is a fun activity.  We thrived on taking care of the place.

And we wondered how we could manage to get here.  Over time, we hatched some plans.  Eventually, we weighed every major decision in terms of whether it would further our plans to move to Hawaii. 

And now, here we are.  Our furniture is stilll on the ocean, but our house is actually furnishsed, so some of what is coming will be a swap out.   

Lessons & tips: This part will be better answered once the funriture gets here.  But for now, I would say, keep it simple.  Sell off your stuff, travel light.  If there is something you cherish, bring it along, even if it means paying a lot to ship it. 

If you plan on bringing pets, refer often to the rules and regs.  As I write this, the vet has to treat your furry pet for fleas and ticks and sign off on it within 2 weeks of your travel.  More than a month before, you must communicate with the Hawaii Dept of Health to arrange for your pet to be seen.  Otherwise, good luck.

Life is easy going here.  People are friendly and helpful  Talk story is the way of life here.  Things take time because people want to engage and it doesn't happen in quick time.  Prepare to slow way down, and remember that aloha is all about love and acceptance.  This is paradise for real, and not just because of the beaches and mai tais. 

Resources: I may come back and put something here.  For now, it is time to just kick back. 

Jul 04, 01:49AM PDT | 12 comments | 24 cheers