I think Ted just joined a cult in Hawaii.
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| Volunteer enjoys a coconut in front of the A-frame living quarters at Kalani |
And then I find the Kalani Retreat Center on the big island of Hawaii. Hmmmmm...can you put pontoons on da Shaggin' Wagin? I do the same thing I did for Ratna and search the blogosphere for reviews of people who have actually worked at Kalani and I find Jacqueline Boss , who writes an interesting travel blog. She was a volunteer there and writes:
What is Kalani?
"In a nutshell, the Kalani Retreat Center (from a volunteer’s eyes) is a
pretty, but isolated, hippy volunteer village in Hawaii with good food, tons of
free time and space, a clothing optional pool and hot tub, and very high
employee satisfaction."
I see those words "tons of free time" and muse "now we are getting somewhere!" Ms. Boss continues:
How much do you work?
"It is easy, with just 4 days of regular work hours per week and 3 days off.
For every 3 months you work, you get a full week off to explore Hawaii.
How is the food?
Excellent. The kitchen staff prepares meals painstakingly and it shows. Meals
are very healthy (except the decadent homemade desserts) and there are plenty of
options for vegetarians and vegans. Food is fresh and delicious, with much of
the fruit coming from Kalani’s own property. 3 meals a day are served from a
buffet line, free for volunteers, and you can always go back for more."
Yup, 30 hours a week and great food, I continue reading:
How are the facilities?
"Awesome. The campus is large and fun to explore. There is a clothing optional
pool/hot tub/ spa area and it is great to sit in the hot tub at night and
stargaze. There are plenty of empty yoga rooms and places to meditate."
What is there to do?
What is there to do?
I really liked her honesty:
There is always something to do, but most of it is geared toward slowing down
and meditating- there is a ton of yoga and similar activities. I wasn’t really a
big fan of the selection, but that is my own fault for going to a yoga retreat
center when I don’t like yoga or that lifestyle. But I found plenty to do on my
own. There are cool dance classes, like aerial dance, and a fun talent show each
month. There is a weekly “ohana night” for volunteers to do a fun activity
together, as well as a monthly staff trip (free to staff), many themed parties,
and tons of special events and classes.
Off campus, there are a few farmers markets close by, and a black sand beach
within walking distance. Go on a Sunday, when they have a great drum circle. It
literally feels like you are in a movie. You can take a bus to town for
shopping, but it is a long trip. There is a smaller town nearby with a few
restaurants and shops.
And of course, the entirety of Hawaii is within reach."
How are the people?
"They are hippies. I won’t beat around the bush, they are straight up vegan, hand-me-down clothes wearing, pot smoking, clothing optional swimming, chakra-opening, rain dancing, astrological, tree-hugging hippies. I did not fit into that mentality at all and it took a very long time for me to feel comfortable there, but eventually I did. It just depends on your personality. On the upside, everybody is very nice and open to meeting new people."
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| Volunteer's 2011, Ages 18-79 |
Again, I liked Jacqueline's honesty, but her negatives are my positives and it sealed the deal for me!
March 1, 2013
Aloha Ted!
You are invited to join the Volunteer Program at Kalani for three months. Congratulations for making a commitment to yourself and to Kalani.
Your first day in the program will be on October 1st 2013
You are invited to join the Volunteer Program at Kalani for three months. Congratulations for making a commitment to yourself and to Kalani.
Your first day in the program will be on October 1st 2013
Your last day will be on January 1st 2014
In exchange for 30 hours of service per week, you will be provided with meals, free participation in Kalani classes, use of the facilities, and so much more.
You will be assigned to the kitchen department, based upon projects at the time of your arrival.
The program tuition for three months is $1500. However, you have received a skilled trade scholarship. Your tuition is $300 for the first month, and your tuition may be waived from the second month onward upon successful demonstration of the competencies of your trade. You have a spot in camping
You will be picked up by a Kalani
volunteer when you arrive to Hilo
lease review the enclosed “Expectations of You”, “Liability
Waiver”, and “Department Description” sheets to familiarize yourself with the
policies of Kalani.
We are very glad you have chosen to be in Hawaii with us. We know you will find the time rewarding and the experience enriching. Come with an open mind, knowing that this is going to be an exciting time in your life and an opportunity to live in paradise!
We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your volunteer papers. Mahalo! (Thank you!)
Have a fantastic day,
John
We are very glad you have chosen to be in Hawaii with us. We know you will find the time rewarding and the experience enriching. Come with an open mind, knowing that this is going to be an exciting time in your life and an opportunity to live in paradise!
We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your volunteer papers. Mahalo! (Thank you!)
Have a fantastic day,
John
Volunteer Office
Please give your family and friends this information to contact you:
Phone: (808) 965-1911 Emergency’s between 8am and 9pm: (808) 965-7828
USPS: RR2 BOX 4500, Pahoa HI, 96778.
UPS/FEDEX: 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Rd., Pahoa HI 96778
Looks like I am going to do this thing...can't wait. Kalani seems like the perfect place to get treated for PTSS for being me all these years.
And in closing, a funny little video here about a mom asking her son what he is doing at Kalani
Taylor's Mom asks........ what are you doing?
Kalani Orientation Video also by Taylor
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