carpe-diem-delight

[carpe-diem-delight]

We must stand with Ukraine

I’m a patient person and would normally wait to publish this content to align with the first day of Lent. But in light of current events and human suffering I am compelled to get this message out there for the world to hear in hopes that it resonates and in some miraculous way leads to peace in Ukraine.

Who am I? My birth name is Yevgeny Rabichev and I was born in Moscow in 1984 to a Jewish Father and Russian Orthodox Mother. Today, my friends and colleagues call me Gene because it was always too “complicated” for me to be called by my birth name. My family emigrated to America in 1989 right before the collapse of the Soviet Union and it was the start of many sacrifices that me, my family, and those like us would make to leave a regime defined by ideology meant to keep the common person, their abilities, and needs in the hands of the Government. This control spanned and still spans across all facets of Russian life – Education, Profession, and even Religion. The latter is what caused my family to make the decision to leave the Soviet Union in 1989. My Family, being Jewish, understood the limitations of this ideology, and, faced against the widespread anti-Semitism that plagued the Soviet Union at the time, decided to leave their birth Country and travel to the United States via Italy and Austria. Our passage was sponsored by an Israeli-American Jewish non-profit Organization called HIAS. This Organization helped my family safely relocate to New York City to start a new life. This was 33 years ago. In that time, and through the hard work and sacrifice of my family, I have had the opportunity to be educated in the Minnesota public school system, study Economics and International Studies at the University of Washington, and pursue a Masters in Business Administration at Seattle University. Of all the many great things I have learned in my 19 years of study it is that unequivocally it is not the place of the Government and elected officials to determine the fate of its people!

And so, with the first day of Lent fast approaching, I have to ask my Russian brethren and its fearless leader (who I remind you has been in power since the beginning of the 21st century) the questions: what are you afraid of? And, are the actions that you are taking that is resulting in the loss of innocent lives reflective of the intentions of the common Russian person?

Of course, these are just rhetorical questions. But I hope they help you realize that you must use this opportunity to stop cooperating with whatever it is that is holding you in the bondage of total control, and let Ukraine and its people decide its own fate. In Ukranian President Zelensky’s recent address he states “you are told that this flame will bring freedom to the people of Ukraine. But the people of Ukraine are already free.”

Please, we beg you. Let’s stop this unjust war before more lives are lost and more irreparable damage is caused.

Donate: https://standforukraine.com/

[carpe-diem-delight]

Finding your ho'onalu - flow - on the island of Kauai.

So you’ve decided to make the Hawaiian islands your vacation destination for 2022, but can’t decide which island to visit? Let me tell you why you should choose Kauai. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, single or ready to make that engagement proposal (and yes, Hanakapiai Falls after a beautiful four-mile hike into the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park makes for the perfect place to pop that question), Kauai has the antidote for whatever COVID variant has you confined to the four walls of your not-so-humble abode. Full disclosure, I’m writing this post as a parent of two – Levi (4) and Olivia (1), so yes, Kauai even has something for parents of young children.

To me accessibility is important and spontaneity is how you will achieve ho'onalu – flow on this magical island they call Kauai. Let me start with you thrill-seekers first. I discovered my first adrenaline fueled activity on the island standing on Shipwreck cliff that overlooks Shipwreck Beach. We had just finished the family-friendly Shipwreck Beach hike taking family photos of the rugged sea cliffs that accent the deep blue Pacific Ocean background and the kids were ready to head back down to the beach when my Wife spotted a young couple mustering up the courage to make the 40-foot leap off the cliff. I had played with the idea of trying this jump. I mean it had been staring at me during breakfast, lunch, and dinner since the day we arrived at the Grand Hyatt (which is conveniently located next to Shipwreck beach). Well, my opening had arrived. Someone blurted out to me “you should go jump with him.�� Carpe Diem. The risk had been mitigated as I had watched a few jumpers go earlier in the day. I glanced over to my Wife and received the head nod. It was GO time. The rest, as they say, is history. Including my iWatch, which I forgot to take off my wrist prior to making the jump. My watch was miraculously found and recovered from the bottom of the ocean by a very kind local who also happens to be a UPS driver #whatcanbrowndoforyou. He has recovered over 20 iWatches in this spot so friendly PSA, take off your watch or strap it up if you’re planning to make this leap. Also, be aware of the low tide and current. I jumped during high hazard conditions so it was a little tricky navigating the cliff side on short swim back to the beach, but nothing that a good swimmer couldn’t handle.

Kauai, geographically speaking, is not a very large island – about 500 square miles with a population of 73k residents on the island. However, in this lush geographic space you will find a plethora of natural beauty. Whether it’s breathtaking hikes, archaeological ruins featuring Hawaii’s largest limestone cave, or luscious beaches, most everything on the island can be reached by packing into the Jeep (or in our case Ford F-150) rental and driving 60 to 90 minutes. So whether you’re staying up North in Princeville or down South near Poipu Beach, you can rest assured that accessibility is your friend and calling an audible on your plans is ‘A’ ole Palikir or no problem. I learned this after planning the hike to Hanakapiai Falls on the Kalalau trail. I attempted to do this hike in 2018, but was denied due to the mudslides that washed away roads causing many of the local residents to have to ferry in and out to reach their homes. The result of this was Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources requiring permits to go into the park to limit the environmental impact to the natural habitat. This was news to us and the Rabichev clan arrived at the park entrance with no reservations and no permit. Disappointment yet again, but in true ho’onalu spirit we embraced our dilemma and thanks to the aid of Lilo & Stitch airing on the kids’ Kindle we were able to flow tearlessly out of Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park and to a nearby oasis called Lumaha’i Beach. Considered a ‘locals only’ beach our pale skinned, auburn haired children were welcomed in by the locals and we proceeded to enjoy a lovely afternoon swimming in the pristine Lumaha’i River and soaking in the much-needed Vitamin D.

Yes, other islands like Maui may offer fine dining and luxurious shopping experiences that Kauai lacks, and the Big Island I hear has even more geographic diversity and stunning backdrops. I’ll still take a Da Crack Mexican Grinds burrito and a Hawaiian lager any day of the week especially when preceded by a trek into the wilderness to check out breathtaking waterfalls (yes, I was able to come back to the Kalalua trail two days later with park-and-ride reservations to hike to the Hanakapiai Falls)! Kauai has a little bit of everything for everyone so stamp your ticket, and don’t forget to check the latest COVID travel protocols before you go.