Log 41: Ululani’s

I got a job at Ululani's shave ice shop! That's the good news. The bad news is I'm only getting paid $13 per hour, which isn't quite enough to cover my hostel expenses on a part-time schedule. But, the manager at the shop, Tiane, told me if training goes well, my pay should increase from there. 

Before I start working, I am required to get a tuberculosis test and a COVID test. Fortunately, the clinic that conducts these tests is just a fifteen minute car ride away. Unfortunately, for someone with no access to a car, it's an hour long bike ride each way; a nine mile round trip. To make matters worse, like a fool, I scheduled my appointment at 1:30pm - arguably the hottest hour of the day. I arrived at the clinic thoroughly drenched in sweat, borderline delirious. I stumbled into a pizza shop and drank several cups of fruit punch while enjoying the air conditioning, before heading to my appointment. The worst part is, I have to come back to the clinic in two days to pick up my results and bring them to Ululani's. Hopefully, this time I'll remember to wear sunscreen.

I've slowly, but surely, been meeting everyone at the hostel. My pace is suboptimal because the hostel guest turnover rate is very fast. While there are a few people here for a month or longer, most are in and out within a few nights. In fact, my whole dorm is going to be empty tonight. The three girls that were staying there all leave later this evening.

Highlight: I made friends with an older woman who owns a ukelele shop across from Ululani's. I told her I was hoping to start working there, and she offered for me to earn some extra cash cleaning and stocking at her store. She also gifted me some beautiful jewelry from the shop!