Before moving to Hawaii, we thoroughly researched our housing options. We could live on one of the many military bases here or we could rent a house anywhere on the island. After much consideration, we decided to live on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. It’s a very large military base with a lot to offer and I will feel safe living there alone if/when Johnnie deploys.
We arrived in Hawaii on January 28th and moved into military lodging, which is basically a hotel. Our room was of questionable quality (peeling wallpaper with mold behind it!) but we were told there was nothing else available. After two weeks, we told housing that we were going to move into a real hotel and that’s when something nicer “suddenly” opened up. We moved into much nicer military lodging on Ford Island.
We got to Hawaii thinking it wouldn’t take too long to get a house assigned to us but here we are, two months later, still living in lodging. Well, honestly, here Dulce and I am. J has been away for training nearly this entire time.
Two whole months of living in a hotel. It wasn’t bad at first but two months is a loooong time to go without a house of our own, without a real address, without our belongings, without a real kitchen, without my favorite pillow, and without any familiar comforts. We are physically here in Hawaii but I don’t feel emotionally here yet. I know my way around now, but it still doesn’t feel like home.
Thankfully, my hotel living days are almost over! Our house is finally ready and we will be moving in on Tuesday! Our belongings from Korea are here on the island and will be delivered next week. Our belongings that we had stored in the States while we were in Korea were actually “lost forever” for a few months but luckily they have been found and are in transit. Everything is finally falling into place.
The Navy Lodge on Ford Island consists of two buildings, one newer and one older. Because of Dulce, our room is in the older building which is pet friendly. This historic building is very well kept and I feel privileged to stay in this piece of history. “The historical landmark building was erected in 1941. It served as a bachelor officers’ quarters until 1984. The building was also used as an emergency medical center during the attack on Pearl Harbor and was featured in the film “Tora! Tora! Tora!” – source
The Navy Lodge is available for any military member to stay at whether for PCS, TDY, medical, or leisure. Guests of military members may also stay at this lodge provided that the military member is present at check-in. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by online at www.navy-lodge.com. This lodge is within walking distance of the USS Battleship Missouri, the USS Utah Memorial, the USS Oklahoma Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. The USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum are also nearby. It’s a quiet and historical place to stay away from the touristy downtown area.
There is a large dog park next to the lodge which is free to be used by any military on Oahu. It’s a great area for dogs to run around in but Dulce really wishes that there was some agility equipment.
There are always clouds over the mountains in the distance and it’s usually raining somewhere so we often see beautiful rainbows in the afternoon.
The dog park is mostly grass but Dulce always finds some dirt to roll in! I’m pretty sure she has a dirt-rolling addiction. Thankfully there is a place in the lodge where I can give her a bath.
Dulce does like the beds but because of her constant dirt-rolling habit, she is confined to her crate at night 🙂 I haven't heard of that restaurant yet! I've been to the Ala Moana Center a few times (it's amazing) and will have to look for it there once my food aversions go away.
Dulce wants to be a brown dog, lol. Looks like she thinks the bed is a-ok.
Have you been to Patty's (or is it Patsy's) Chinese kitchen at Ala Mawana (spell)? We've been there many times when visiting Hawaii because it's good, cheap, and fast. Maybe I shouldn't ask food questions while you are suffering, sorry.