I am being mindful of what I am eating to proactively support my health journey. And I decided to walk from the Long Beach Museum of Art to Cinemark at the pike, in the name of reaching 10,000 steps in a day. As I drew near Cinemark at the Pike, I saw this place, and thought it to be a market, so I decided to walk inside for some bottles of water and spare myself the markup of movie theaters. I did not know that when I entered the spot the waves of destiny would give me an opportunity to serve another. And to that I say Mahalo universe.
As I walked in, I saw a hut and a palm tree stenciled or painted (maybe?) to a wooden pot holder (pictured). I thought it was a cool detail, it let me know that I was about to enter a tropical paradise, perhaps a Market with Tiki vibes. The name of the place, was placed upon a yellow surfer. These details gave big Kahona vibes. Once I entered the place, I was greeted by the aroma of bread and sandwich fixings, my assumption was corrected-- this was not a market, it was a sandwich place with tropical-forward decorations. Basically, I entered through the door, and the place said aloha! I did not take pictures of the Big Island motif--- but please know that the place was an island paradise not in full force (do not expect a luau or a roasted pig turning on a pike) but in tasteful decor.
I went to the restroom, and found my self pleasantly lost. The bathroom of this place connects other restaurants and offices through corridors. I walked a bit and found a quasi-living room with a flame that seemed real but I knew it was not. I feel comfortable describing it as a fire-fixture for the middle of the quasi-living room.
I went inside to order a sandwich that I could take inside to the movies, and enjoy it with the water. I would not get chips, so I could hold myself accountable. I waited at the stand that I assume was the place where you placed orders. I looked around, no one greeted me. Was I in the wrong place? Should I leave? I was waiting, and I was starting to get annoyed. Why was no one greeting me? Then someone did. They would be with me in a second. This might seems like a nit-pick on my part, but understand that when a customer comes in they should be greeted, lack of this grace communicates interruption, not welcome, at least in my world view.
Finally, a man by the name of Dave or David came and took my order. I was ordering a mini avocado, and swiss sandwich, with no pickles, pepporicinis, or peppers, just mayo, mustard, lettuce and tomato. I arrived at this order by having David listing all the ingredients that can come in the sandwich. I did not get provolone or pepper jack. As I was ordering, a person came in and ask Dave if they had any food to spare or something akin. He asked her to wait with a raised finger. I turned to her, and said something to the effect of the following: Would you allow me to invite you to a sandwich? I asked Dave if that was ok, and he said it was up to me. It was up to me, I knew, I was implicitly reminding him that we are a trio, but in reality of community and all of us needed to act to the tune of kindness.
I wanted my momentary friend to order the sandwich as I did. I wanted her to hear all her options and decided on how she wanted her sandwich best. She decided on pastrami- but did she wanted hot or cold? I wanted her to hear the ingredients and decided what she wanted on the sandwich. She could not fully understand the options, perhaps everything was moving too fast to for her. Dave explained that she could take what she did not want from the sandwhich. Which is true, but I do not like to pick off items, for example pickles, because maybe their juice sopped into the bread. I got a combo. She got the drink and chips. I ordered a water and Dave gave it to me for free, with a wink. Yes, the movement to community had been crystallize. We were now all hula dancing to the same breeze and music, which felt and sounded like kindness.
I took my sandwich and her sandwich, and she was waiting outside. I knew mine was the mini and her was the regular. So I gave her hers, and she said thank you, thank you, thank you, more than three tiimes as I walked away. But in reality, she is owed the thank you for allowing me to be of service. And I also thank the universe for giving me. a moment where I can give to another a meal, something that I would want for me.
I also thank the universe because the sandwich was great. Yes, it was swiss and avocado, but it hit the spot so good while I watched my movie. I ate something more hearty that movie snacks, and that is truly a moment to celebrate because the land and sea had conspired to usher me into a moment where I did some good, ate something good, and saw something good. And to that I can only say one thing--- Mahalo! read more