All my life I've enjoyed moving back and forth between the mountains of North Carolina to the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawai'i. Two almost polar opposite places to live, especially when you focus on food, culture and environment. Since relocating back to Boone in 2014, I have noticed a trend in my cravings for the island life. Towards the end of fall, I tend to re-realize my love for certain things that I just can't really find in the mountains. I compiled this list to, kind of, encompass a variety of different aspects of island life that really captivate me like danklicious food, language and cats.

1. Lychee

This tropical fruit is known for it's sweet and fragrant flavor. Lychee is delicious, refreshing and also has many health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and flavonoids. It also inspires many delicious drinks, candies and frozen treats.

2. Pidgin

Pidgin, or Hawai'i Creole, is a creole style language based in English that emerged from the Plantation Culture. It is a grammatically simplified immersion of languages that formed from the English residents and non-English speaking immigrants. In this instance, pidgin spoken in Hawai'i has ties to Hawaiian, Samoan, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino cultures.

Pidgin Phrase: "Ho, tutu's cooking so ono, brok da mout!"

Translation: "Woah, grandmother's cooking is so yummy, it's absolutely delicious."

3. There are Cats.. Everywhere.

So in the state's opinion, having feral cats everywhere is a problem. In all seriousness, there is a Feral Cats In Hawaii, Cat Foundation. Outside of this issue though, there are a decent amount of these cats that aren't truly feral and have just become strays. Normally those strays, as well as some feral kittens, you can pet, feed and love. Their presence reminds me of shy little lions prowling around their lush wilderness.

4. The Byodo-In Temple

Among the armies of kitties guarding the cemeteries of Hawai'i, this particular cemetery is my favorite. Tucked within a valley, unseen as you drive through Kahalu, is the only temple I've ever been to. This is the Byodo-In Temple, located in the Valley of The Temples Memorial Park. It is a non-practicing Buddhist temple that welcomes all religions to worship. Visiting this temple is my definition of experiencing serenity,

5. Much Hiking. Very Wow.

Hiking in Hawai'i is what i would call "next level." Travel time is limited, especially in Oahu because everything is so relatively close. There are an array of different expert levels and terrain types to choose from. Most of which being surrounded by exotic foliage, waterfalls and a view of the ocean.

6. Malasadas

Malasadas are a Portuguese donut, made of yeast dough, fried in oil and covered in granulated sugar. They sound simple, yet one of the most satisfying confections I've ever had. The only catch is you have to eat them while they're hot.

7. Plumeria Trees

Possessing a fragrant and regionally iconic flower, the plumeria tree is a staple in Hawaiian life. When you arrive at the airport, you'll see a wide variety of leis for sale made from these flowers. The flower hair clips you see everyone wearing, those are (most of the time) plumeria flowers and they are everywhere. Though it's not unwanted, these trees are colorful, smell amazing and are great for climbing.

8. (Yellow) Pineapples

Living in the mountains of North Carolina, I am quite a distance from any Pineapple exporting region. The pineapples in all the grocery stores here are predominantly green with a tiny bit of yellow, and that's "normal." I can't even count how many pineapples I let go bad because I was waiting for them to ripen. I'm sorry pineapples.

9. Rainbows

Rainbows in Hawai'i are a near daily occurrence with high likelihood of seeing multiple in one day. Honolulu is the 'rainbow capital of the world' and that has everything to do with the varying environment. Sudden elevation changes from the low lying beaches up to the Mountains and back down mixes with the frequently changing weather to create this spectacle of wave lengths.

10. Geckos

Right now there are seven different types of geckos in Hawai'i, though none of them are native. Geckos are part of the few types of reptiles and amphibians that are known to colonize islands. They eat fruit, pollen and nectar but are more commonly regarded for eating household insects. To some natives, the Gecko is referred to as a spirit animal that can benefit those looking for harmonious spiritual guidance.

There are a multitude of other cool and interesting things in Hawai'i to see, do and experience. Because the weather is so warm and tropical you get to see everyone's awesome tattoos. It's also expected that you wear flip flops (slippers) everywhere. The residents and natives have a very inspiring love for the Island and, consequently, what I think is a higher respect for its preservation. Although Hawai'i is amazing and filled with an array of appealing goods, the things I miss the most are my ridiculously smart little sister and my dad, who is by far the coolest person I've ever met. Aside from them and all my 'culture comforts' back on the islands, I really feel at home here in the High Country of North Carolina.