My real happy place though, where I always “feel” like I’m on vacation, is definitely Oahu, Hawaii, where half of my family is from.
My mother, my aunt and my deceased uncle, were born and raised there.
My grandpa died there and my grandmother stay there till she was 79, then moved to California for two years and passed away.
My grandmother worked at the marine base there, as a civil engineer. When she retired, they hired like 4 people to do her job. She has designed landscape, buildings and art structures in Hawaii for decades.
My grandfather was a famous musician in Hawaii, in the band ‘Na Hoku Pa’, which in Hawaii, either means, ‘The Stars’ or ‘The Planets’. My grandfather remarried after my grandmother and him divorced. The wife he remarried, Ellen, is well known traditional Hawaiian dancer, singer and amazing entertainer. Her energy is awesome.
I also have a half aunt because of them, named Tyler, who is basically famous in Washington State for her singing and music, mostly around the Spokane, Washington area. Her and I talk every week. She inspired me to get into music. Her music artist name is Tyler Alai.
My dad was also a drummer in the band, ‘Smash Fashion’ in the late 80’s, early 90’s but I think they only made one album. My dad is or was an excellent drummer though and loves rock music.