Southern Hospitality

Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to visit my cousin Arlan in Atlanta, Georgia. I'd been through the Atlanta airport many times - usually en route to Honolulu, San Francisco, Austin, etc. - but I'd never had the chance to actually leave the airport and explore the city. Well, what better opportunity than to visit family!

My cousin Arlan and I didn't really know each other growing up, but that changed when he moved out to Honolulu back in the mid 90's to become the cathedral musician and choirmaster for St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral. Arlan is a brilliant musician, composer, and director - and St. Andrew's was so fortunate to have him. Since I had a background in music and voice, I sang in his cathedral choir for many years, and I felt so blessed to be a part of it. Arlan and I quickly became great friends. We learned to appreciate each others' gifts and talents, and since we were family there were so many things we had in common. It became a lasting friendship.

Eventually I left Hawaii, and several years later Arlan left as well. He took a position as the choirmaster and Director of Music at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta. We kept saying we should connect again, but it had been many years. Since one of my intentions this year is to travel "to" people, I decided it was time to see Arlan, booked the ticket, and went to pay a visit.

The trip was incredible. While I was there, Arlan showed me many of the gifts that Atlanta has to offer including seeing Mozart's The Magic Flute preformed by the Atlanta Opera in the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center (stunning in itself!), the Atlanta Symphony and Grammy-winning Chorus performance of Verdi's Requiem (a "hold onto your seat" performance!), and a full morning of music, song, and service at St. Luke's on Sunday - powerful, moving, and beautiful. We balanced our activities throughout the trip with walks through Piedmont Park (a mere two blocks away from Arlan's condominium in Midtown), drives down the winding parkways to view the beautiful Georgian homes around Buckhead, and stops for meals and snacks along the way. Another highlight was the Atlanta Botanical Garden and its amazing flowers, trees, and landscapes. A MUST see if you visit Atlanta! The gardens are expanding and adding new features all the time, and it's a great place to "stop and smell the roses" :o)

All in all, the weekend was a wonderful time in so many ways. Atlanta is a beautiful city, the people are so friendly, and I returned to Minnesota with a huge dose of southern hospitality filling me up. This trip reminded me, once again, the importance of family and friends and the roles they play in our lives. It's good to "check in" and maintain those important relationships, for those family and friends are truly what matters.

I wish to all a wonderful spring and remember to get out and experience the world!

Michael on the Move

Hawaiian Holiday

Over this past Easter holiday I spent the week working and resting in Honolulu, Hawaii – a city in which I lived for a combined total over 10 years beginning in 1992. As many of you probably know, Waikiki, (Hawaiian for  “spouting fresh water”), is located southeast of downtown Honolulu and is the central tourist hub for the island of Oahu – the most heavily populated island in the 7-island chain, and home to over 70% of Hawaii’s population. Waikiki was originally a deserted marsh and swampland, but began to build into a top tourist destination beginning in the early 20th century. Now Hawaii consistently ranks as one of the top vacation spots in the world.

The first hotel built in Waikiki, The Moana Surfrider, opened its doors in 1901 and is still one of the most beautiful hotels in Waikiki. Alongside the Moana is the Royal Hawaiian, another legendary hotel on the Waikiki strip. Other notable sites in Waikiki include Kapiolani Park, San Souci Beach, and Diamondhead Crater.  Each year, thousands of people from around the globe make Hawaii the land of their dream vacation. With so many things to offer – ocean, mountains, nature, sports of all kinds, and perfectly comfortable weather (it’s usually 85F [30C] and sunny year round!) – Hawaii has something for everyone.

During my downtime on this trip I decided to create a blog entry about Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach Park areas – the most popular beaches in on the Waikiki strip. Thanks to friend and fellow world traveler, Matt Gerber, I was inspired to make a video blog this time around, so here goes! I hope you enjoy my short tour of Waikiki.

Get out and experience the world!

Michael on the Move