So it’s always a little strange, then, to hear about how the people who live here, and what they do when they get bored. It’s hard to imagine getting bored in such a place. The sea is always changing, and after so much time swimming and relaxing in the sun, there’s barely any time for dinner and then bed. Of course, being on vacation and living somewhere are very different things, but it’s still interesting to hear about what the locals like to do for fun.

One of the great memories for a lot of the people here is now-defunct Wai’alae Drive-In , one of those classic drive-in movie theaters that everyone would go to on the weekends. A drive-in theater always brings back memories of the best days of summer, spending time watching movies with one’s parents and eating home made popcorn. As the years go by, the parents get tossed aside for dates, and the drive-in becomes an even more mysterious place.

Naturally, in Hawaii there is all this, and then there are key local differences. The main one here at the old Wai’alae Drive-In is the local legend about an obake, or shapeshifter, who lived in the women’s rest room. Lived is probably the wrong word. Most people think she’s a ghost, and when appeared, she had no face. That’s the kind of stuff that tourists like to hear, because it’s spooky and interesting, and it’s a small world indeed because the locals like to hear about it, too.

Especially not if it’s Wing Bowl . Philadelphia Wing Bowl is an event that has amazed and amused onlookers since 1993, and there are many locals who wait for the opportunity to cross it off their bucket lists . It’s been held every year since then, and takes place the Friday before Super Bowl. People gather to see who can eat the most chicken wings in 30 minutes. There are cheerleaders in bikinis, and some of the top eaters have developed reputations, and large followings, over the years. It’s a very well-publicized event, where onlookers sometimes pack the auditorium so full that the organizers request that people not come, in order to avoid a too-full house.

It sounds both exciting and horrifying, and certainly a little bit amusing. But there’s also something else at work here that is terribly, terribly smart. Radio show hosts Al Morgani and Angelo Cataldi began the whole thing, and saw it as a celebration of gluttony. It began, then, with roots that were really rather profoundly planted, making an event that is supposed to provoke thought as much as a gut response. Fortunately, visitors to the city can enjoy the luxury Philadelphia hotels without having to watch someone eat more than 200 chicken wings in half an hour, because there’s a lot to see in the city. And there are plenty of pubs and restaurants that have some scrumptious recipes for this favorite. But, if the mood should hit, the week before Super Bowl is always a curious time to be here.

Some of the famous landmarks in DC include the Washington Monument , the National Shrine and the African American Civil War Memorial. These are just a few of the numerous landmarks and memorials that exist across DC, though they are certainly important ones. The Washington Monument is located at the west end of the National Mall and was built to commemorate George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is a marble, sandstone and granite obelisk and is both the world’s tallest stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk. It is also the tallest stone structure in DC. The National Shrine is a beautiful Catholic basilica which honors Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, who is the Patroness of the United States. It is the largest Catholic Church in the Country. The African American Civil War Memorial commemorates the services of 209,145 African American soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union army in the Civil War. The sculpture is titled The Spirit of Freedom and was designed by Ed Hamilton.

This is one of those internships that looks like it will be hell and for some people it will be. You will end up going away from home for the summer and you will work long days, but you will earn some pretty good money. The exact amounts will depend on you and your sales skills. There is some training involved before hand as well.

None of that is what you hear about when talking to an alumni, so it seems safe to assume it isn’t the life changing part about working for Southwestern Company . What you do tend to hear about is what happens while you are out of your normal environment.

You knock on doors all over the city. In the process you meet people of every race and background. You talk to people of every religion and will get a perspective on life in a whole new way. Your place in the world will look different when you come back home. You will learn about how these people think, and what they value. They will tell you about their passions and about their loves. You will meet cranky people, and people who aren’t quite cranky, but they will try to bring you down to their level. You will also meet people who will rise you up and let you soar as you understand their life and their needs and they feed back to you kindness. How you deal with each of these people will affect your character forever.

To a lesser degree other internships seem to do this as well. Being so unconventional it is no wonder there are a number of people talking about it. For people who have never left their backyard it sounds daunting, and for those wishing to explore it sounds like an adventure. Either way it can be dangerous and can not be taken as lightly as any other internship.

Those who go through with it seem to view it fondly at the end and often develop a love for the company itself. One of the nice things is that they planned for this and when it is over, if you want to, you will be able to stay somewhat close to it . Southwestern Company hires back a lot of their interns both for new summer jobs and to bring into the company.

Hobbies

Is your man an avid golfer? Or maybe he enjoys putting around his workshop on the weekends working on his latest project. If the man in your life has a hobby, something he enjoys doing on his time off, then a gift that has to do with that hobby will not only be appreciated, but also used. Something as simple as a new golf glove and some balls or the latest hacksaw makes great gifts.

Gift certificates

Some people think that giving gift certificates is too impersonal, but really this is far from the truth. Most of us love receiving gift certificates and odds are your father is no different.  If he has a favorite store a gift certificate or gift card from there will be a welcomed gift. Or maybe there’s a store that he always eyes but never shops in because he says it’s too “extravagant”?  If he won’t treat himself, you can!

Keepsakes

This type of gift takes a bit more time and planning but is well worth the extra effort. Most families have photo albums full of pictures, but how often do we take them out and look at them? Rarely ever, in most cases. Why not pick out a few family photos that you know your dad likes and arrange them in a multi-pictured frame? Or, if there are older pictures that are faded and damaged, you can always get them restored. For a whimsical gift, you can get a mug or T-shirt with a family picture on it. These kinds of gifts will mean so much to your father.

Wish list

Is there something that your guy said he always wanted but never bought for himself?  Or maybe he mentioned he’d like to start painting or making his own wine. Surprise him with a paint set or his own wine making kit. Not only will he get a chance to try something new that he’s interested in, but he’ll have the added bonus of knowing that you were paying attention and listening to him.

When all else fails, ask!

Not all gifts have to be a big, epic surprise. In fact, odds are the man in your life would rather receive something that he really wants or needs rather than something he may never use. So if you are really stumped, just ask him! That way you aren’t wasting your time and money and the man in your life get’s what he really wants.

About the Author

Vera is a writer on a variety of topics including family relations, gift giving, and eco-friendly living. She’s also a featured writer on a new expert advice site. Visit YoExpert.com for more information.