Well the plan for today was to skip the morning, in part because the keynote yesterday was very much pointed toward American audiences and today would be the only day that we would have a morning that was free. So between Hunama Bay and the Arizona/Missouri, we chose the latter – and looking at it, that was a good idea, because we haven’t had much sun while we were out here and the waves are pretty strong. Anyway, we got up early and had breakfast at the hotel, in part because we thought there would not be enough time to get out to Jamba Juice or some other place cheaper and healthier. As it turns out there was plenty of time because the bus was late picking us up. Enroute to the memorial, the driver apologized that the pickups were late, but that the Memorial would open at 7:30 and it was 7:15 at the time. About 15 minutes before this however, while heading down the H1 I noticed everything around us jiggle and couple in front of us noticed the lights on the highway flicker. We also so an SUV spinout infront of us and though it did connect at the time, that was likely due to the “jiggle” and the extra water that was on the road from all the rain – that was probably the quake. Once we got to the memorial, still in time for the 7:30 opening, there was a man on a megaphone telling everyone that because of the earthquake and the power outage, the Arizona would be closed. So that meant that the Missouri would be closed as well… that sucked, but at least we would get back to the hotel and have some time to do something else.
Well, back at the hotel it seemed that the power was out as well and talking to the other guests, the lower floors shock violently for a minute and the upper floors swayed. This was still before the first keynote. As it turns out the conference was running on a “best possible” basis. I guess they tried informal sessions and they tried to have the keynote at 10:30, but I don’t know how well that went. For me, it seemed to be a better use of my time to make sure that everything was safe, and that Neelam and I don’t get separated. And, thinking about it another way – at a technology conference, there is no tech without power and what better way to get grounded again and disconnect than be forced to do without. It again pointed out to me how dependent we have become on power (obviously) and networks. I was able to txt message home to let people know that we were ok and for a while cell phones were the only link to the outside world. Back to the story, as there was still time after we got in before anything would start, we went into the water – there were not many people there and the waves were pretty big.
It was somewhat surreal as the only sound was the waves crashing and echoing off the towers on the beach. The near constant thrum of aircraft coming in and out of the airport wasn’t there and because there were only a handful of people, no people noise either, nor was there the thrum of other generators or fans. The latter could have been explained partially by the rain that started to fall a few minutes after we got into the water. After taking a dip, we came back to the hotel to see how things were going, and there was still nothing, but Tracy and her conference team were working like troopers to make sure that people were comfortable. By this time, the hotel staff was also starting to give updates and provide water for everyone. Major kudos to them as well. With still a whole lot of nothing going on, we went for a walk toward Diamond Head – not all the way, but a few block past the zoo. It was interesting to see the beach in a natural state – people enjoying the natural entertainment on one side and people quite lost and confused on the over as they looked for hot coffee and cold drinks. Yes, even at the conference, people were complaining about network and food, as if they were owed these items and as if the conference should have been prepared for an “Act of God”. Getting back at around noon, having seen massive lines stretching a block and a half away from the ABC stores, the only ones that were open (wishing I had taken a better picture of some of the longer lines), we retreated back to the room and took a bit of a nap. It had been quite the day to this point.
As evening approached, the hotel let people know through word of mouth that it was going to be providing a full, but discounted buffet supper that we would up taking advantage of. The cheerful demeanor of the staff certainly helped some of the people who were feeling anxious. We were in line about 30 minutes early and got in about 45 minutes after that, but by the time we got out the line had stretched all the way out the front of the hotel through the lobby. As darkness fell, the hotel provided glow sticks to every room that are supposed to last 8h, but really they only made it about 3 while being of any use. But lucky for me, I had packed my “forever” flashlight, thinking that it would be needed for the tunnel leading to Diamond Head. But as it turns out there are lights there now, but as fate would have it, the flashlight came in useful anyway as the power went out. But as darkness fell, the beach at Waikiki was dark with only emergency lights and the hotel out by Diamond Head (Surfrider?) being light up. I walked around a bit and while on the balcony played light tag with people in the buildings around the beach. It was somewhat surreal.
As lights came on, entire buildings cheered – as we had in the restaurant when it got “turned on”. As I finish this on the night before it gets posted, it seems to me to point to some good things to remember. First, that for all the technology that we have, we should not become bound to it. With no planes, no power and no information, all we could do was make the best of things (and did I mention no sun!). Second, I know that if I was alone, I would have stayed the course and done conference stuff today, but with others around, technology took a second seat to people time, because in the midst of the natural disaster, there wasn’t (and there still isn’t because there could be another quake before this gets posted) anything more important than being with the people that mattered.
Granted, we were trapped in paradise and not really suffering for much, but it did drive home the point that the human to human relations that we have are the most important and if we are to get anywhere in this world, that is what we need to be sure is maintained in teaching, and in every other aspect of our lives. It’s time for bed – hopefully the news will be on soon so I can see what has been happening to me.
When I get back, I’ll post pictures of the Waikiki beach at night, without power.
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