Neighbors

Rio Grande Valley and Oahu Texas

I've done a fair share of moving and traveling and always ended up back at home. Being born

and raised in the Rio Grande Valley didn't bother me much, until last Thanksgiving, when I set foot on

the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. It's pretty interesting how different two places that appeal to me

so much, can be from each other. Oahu and the Rio Grande Valley's entertainment options, cost of

living, and scenery all diverge in a fascinating way.

To start Oahu and the Rio Grande Valley's entertainment options are completely different to

each other. The Rio Grande Valley, also known as the valley, has very limited things to do whereas in

Oahu you can go snorkeling, on shark tours, and even swimming with the dolphins. In my own

Experience, I actually went snorkeling in Hanauma, one of Oahu's many bays, where I swam along

with a number of unique fish and even a sea turtle! Parasailing is another activity many people enjoy,

however it is not something I would do because I am extremely afraid of heights. When I sit with a

group of friends or family in the valley and ask what we should do, the only thing that comes to mind

is eat. A local magazine's, RGV Life, first article consists of a man, his wife, and their decision to go

check out the new Mexican restaurant, which seems to be the 'thing to do'.

In addition, Oahu and the Valley's cost of living differ greatly when contrasting each other.

About 7 friends and I went down to Chili's to enjoy a night of hamburger and fries which brought our

bill, including drinks and tip, to $70.00. My brother took an equal amount of people out for the same

dinner in Oahu and announced his bill was $159.00! Now, one must take into consideration that

Oahu's prices are extreme due to the fact that everything is imported, but what does that have to do

with the cost of living? My parents bought a house in a respectable neighborhood in the Valley priced

at 75,000 dollars. A house in a less attractive condition in Oahu Hawaii, but of the same stature, is

valued at 650,000! On the island the average rental unit has climbed from $850.00 in 1998 to

$1,400.00 in 2004. Maybe I shouldn't complain about having to pay $500.00 for my 2 bedroom

apartment