Quarterlife Adventures

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-02T00:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Last night, I had such a memorable New Year's eve!

D, J, and I hung out at a friend's house and watched "Horrible Bosses," while pigging out on junk food. I love simple pleasures.

Afterward, we went to the Yard House in Waikiki. We got such awesome seating and some fun New Year's props.

Right before midnight, we headed to Waikiki beach to watch fireworks. People were cheering and enjoying the moment. I loved the energy.

We headed home, driving through roads filled with smoke from fireworks.

On New Years, we headed to my parents house to enjoy a nice New Year's meal with traditional Japanese food and of course, steak and potatoes to feed my American side.

I have a feeling that this year will be the beginning of a great, exciting, fun-filled year! I want to make the most of every minute.

U.S.S. Missouri BB-63 - Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

2011-12-29T17:29:00.000-08:00

The USS Missouri BB-63 is a symbol of American freedom. Now docked at Pearl Harbor (well, technically at Ford Island) tourists can tour the battleship for a small fee.

For those unfamiliar with the USS Missouri, it was where the Japanese surrendered during WWII. There are some famous photos of the surrender on the deck of the battleship that have become important iconic images imprinted in the minds of many ...

I went to a commissioning ceremony where I had a chance to take some up close photos for free! Here are some photos of the USS Missouri

Japan, Here I Come!

2011-12-28T21:41:00.000-08:00

One of my toughest semesters of grad school is finally over! I made it out alive. It was only a couple of weeks ago, when I was staying up till 4:00 a.m. trying to finish term papers, while I got through the day eating snacks. I lost 5 pounds!

While I finished one of my toughest semesters, it's not quite over yet. I have one more semester to go before graduation. However, I won't be finishing my degree in Hawaii.

My final semester of grad school will be in Japan! I was welcomed to teach English at a university in Nagoya, where I will complete my practicum.

I'm so excited!! I'm so grateful to my teacher for telling me about this opportunity. I know that I will learn so much. It will truly enhance my future.

The best part of all is that I'm not going alone. My friend and roomate will be coming with me!

My First Acupuncture Treatment

2011-11-20T02:34:00.000-08:00

Today, I fulfilled another one of my 101 in 1001 goals. I experienced my first acupuncture treatment! I always wanted to try acupuncture and I'm glad I did because it was a unique experience.

For my first treatment, I let the acupuncturist know about my headaches and any other concerns. He checked my pulse and looked at my tongue, which determines one's general health. According to the acupuncturist, I was tired and dehydrated based on his observations. He was right because the night before, I had a miserable headache and didn't eat anything or drink much since the day before. I could barely sleep too.

Next, I prepared to have needles placed on both of my ears and one on my hand. I was nervous because I hate pain, but thankfully it didn't hurt. Once the needles were in, the acupuncturist pressed certain pressure points on my body and let me relax.

The acupuncturist returned again and started a cupping treatment on my back. Since it was my first treatment, it was left on for only 8-10 minutes to ensure my skin could handle the pull. Luckily, my skin could handle it, although I am now wondering how long it will take for these red cup marks to disappear off of my back.

The cupping treatment was a little sore. I didn't want to talk, move, cough, or anything because I could feel the cups pull. I merely closed my eyes and tried to relax. I'm glad I didn't see what cupping looked like before experiencing it. I was already feeling nervous and seeing these gruesome photos might have made me queasy. Just kidding! However, after experiencing the treatment, I would try it again. It's supposed to take out toxins from one's body. It wasn't bad at all ...

At the end of the treatment, I felt extremely relaxed! It was such a great experience. I look forward to my next appointment since I have two more treatments to go!

My First Football Game

2011-10-30T14:28:00.000-07:00

I finally went to my first football game. I never liked watching sports, but I had such a good time at the game between the University of Hawaii and New Mexico that I wanted to return.

I never imagined I would actually enjoy a football game. It was so exciting and fun. I cheered like crazy and stuffed myself silly with junk food. Who can resist kettle corn and nachos?

I have been to the Aloha Stadium while other football games have played, but I was one of the beer servers, trying to raise money for school. Now, I've finally experienced what it is like to be a spectator.

Soul - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

In 2011, Soul received a Hale Aina award for being one of the best restaurants in Hawaii. After eating there a couple of days ago on a whim, I walked away knowing I would return again.

Chicken and waffles in Hawaii? Believe me. It exists. I was shocked, but more than happy to indulge in chicken and the most amazing waffles, smothered in a buttery maple syrup. I would come back to eat the waffles and to try some of the other dishes, but I will be honest. The chicken was greasy! You might want to take some extra napkins to blot out the oil unless you get lucky and have the perfect fried chicken.

I also had jambalaya, which was full of seafood with the perfect amount of spice. And of course, I've been a sweet tea addict since first trying it almost 10 years ago, so I knew I had to have a glass of it with my meal. It was really great!

If you are in the mood for southern/soul food or if you want to try something a little different, I would recommend trying Soul. It's located at 3040 Waialae Avenue across from City Mill. Parking is tight there and it may be tough to find, so good luck!

I can't say that I know what real southern food tastes like since I have heard that Soul is infused with pacific-rim flavors, but I did enjoy the food. My first experience there has been positive so far and I would like to try the restaurant again.

Coffee or Tea? Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-07-30T23:58:00.000-07:00

Since starting graduate school, I have been obsessed with milk tea, a great late night drink that keeps me energized as I tackle my studies.

One place I enjoy drinking milk tea is at Coffee or Tea?

Coffee or Tea? is a Taiwanese owned cafe that offers a variety of coffee and tea selections. One of my favorite drinks is the Jasmine Green Tea Milk Tea, which I was obsessed with for a while. I especially love to drink milk tea with tapioca pearls (bubbles) or with tea jelly. There's nothing like tea jelly!

There's also dessert for those of you with a sweet tooth. There are some cakes, as well as shaved ice. I love their shaved ice, especially the one that comes with tea jelly - of course.

If you want to try a new tea place, I would recommend Coffee or Tea? The cafe is located at McCully Shopping Center. However, as a heads-up, it's a cash only kind of place. Also, one of the cashiers has a strong personality that some may interpret as rude depending on one's culture, but try not to take it personally.

It is a great place to enjoy coffee, tea, or simple desserts that will put a smile on your face, especially when you need a great drink to keep you relaxed and refreshed.

Teddy Bear World - Waikiki, Hawaii

2011-07-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Teddy Bear World in Waikiki is a kid's dream. There are teddy bears everywhere from the moment one walks into the shop below and even more upstairs at the museum.

I wasn't sure what to expect when entering Teddy Bear World, but I thought it would be a lot of fun to explore.

Of course, Teddy Bear World isn't free. It's in Waikiki! However, the cost to enter isn't that outrageous. But if you think it is, you can always take pictures with the free teddy bears in the gift shop.

What do you get to see in Teddy Bear World? take a glimpse into the museum ...

Teddy Bear World has a musuem upstairs with numerous teddy bear displays. But what I found most interesting is the numerous displays of teddy bears dating back from the 1920s and 1930s! I could tell those teddy bears were used a lot because they barely had fur left. But it was interesting to see how the teddy bear had evolved into what it is today. Teddy bears today are much cuter!

At the end of the teddy bear musuem tour, there's a teddy bear concert. The Elvis teddy bear sings to the crowd. It is really cute and something that any kid would enjoy.

Iolani Palace - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-07-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

The last time I visited Iolani Palace, I was an undergraduate student, taking a required course on Hawaii. I learned so much from the visit and always planned to return.

During the week, I had an opportunity to visit again for free since I was leading a "tour group." It was an excting adventure.

After walking to Iolani Palace, everyone watched a movie on the history of Hawaii's monarchy. It isn't easy quickly gathering everyone to get their tickets, store their bags, and to meet scheduled times at the palace's theater, but we tried our best. As quickly as the movie started, it ended rather abruptly because we had to get everyone ready for the next part of the tour - the audio tour in the palace.

Everyone is required to wear shoe coverings to enter the palace. Then, staff members at the palace help tourists set-up their audio devices. Afterward, one is free to roam the palace, which is an eye opening experience. Too bad no pictures are allowed inside the palace, but it is for a good reason.

According to the audio device, Iolani Palace had electricity before the White House. Also, royalty from around the world visited Iolani Palace. It was also interesting to hear how each room had been used to welcome these guests. Inside the palace, it is amazing, but there is also sadness, as one learns how Queen Liliuokalani was imprisoned in her room for 5 years, where she was only allowed to receive 3 meals a day. She also knitted an impressive quilt that can still be seen in the palace today.

It was a great tour and one that I would recommend for tourists who enjoy history.

After the tour ended, we rounded all of the people in our group. However, one of them was missing, so I searched the palace with a friend to find her. She was no where to be found! She disappeared, most likely to the beach according to other group members. It was a fun tour, but being "tour guide" for the day can be quite interesting ... It was a great day and I was ready for a nap.

If you want to see more of the area, walk across the street and there will be more to explore!

Ali'i Kai Catamaran - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-06-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

I can now cross off another "to do" on my 101 in 1001 list since I've now watched a sunrise and sunset in two interesting ways.

In Indonesia, I had a chance to watch the sunrise at Mount Bromo. (Of course, I didn't see much since the clouds covered most of the sun, but it was an amazing experience). In Hawaii, I saw the sunset on the Ali'i Kai Catamaran cruise in Honolulu, which was also spectacular.

Although the tickets are as much as $73 dollars per person to have dinner on the Ali'i Kai Catamaran, I was able to take advantage of a great "buy one, get one free" discount. It was the beginning of a beautiful day and an unforgettable night with friends and family.

I have been on the Ali'i Kai Catamaran once before when I won free tickets during a work place party. It was just as good then, as it is now.

From the window of the catamaran, one can see the beautiful view of Aloha Tower. The view becomes even more incredible as the catamaran breaks away from the harbor and nears Diamond Head.

Before the sun sets, everyone is ushered to the buffet line. The buffet line looks much larger than it actually is and there aren't many selections, but the food is decent. It's an all you can eat buffet, but be warned that the food is also taken away rather quickly to make room for the dancers who will use the space for the show that follows the dinner.

There's also a delicious cheesecake for dessert to enjoy as the sun sets. I loved the cheesecake.

There's also entertainment. The dancers not only dance the hula, but show off dances from Tahiti and New Zealand.

During the performance, people are encouraged to dance. It is one of the best parts of the catamaran cruise. One man, a Texan, was made fun of as he tried to dance the Tahitian hula. Of course, it was all in fun and for great entertainment!

In the end, more than half the people on the catamaran danced. It was a great night and a lot of fun. I didn't want to get off the boat.

Nagoya Chicken Sukiyaki (Nagoya Tori Suki)

2011-06-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

From Japanese Hot Pots, a book written by Tadashi Ono & Harris Salat (2009), there is a recipe titled "Nagoya Chicken Sukiyaki," which I recently tried for lunch today.

Although I liked the dish, it is not for everyone. However, if you like the taste of miso and sake, you may enjoy this meal. I love eating vegetables, but I also need protein from meat or tofu, so this is the perfect combination especially after a work out. Also, you don't have to follow the recipe perfectly for it to be good either.

In addition, you don't have to eat the dish with raw egg. Instead, you can pair it up with just rice. I didn't add shungiku or sansho leaves either since I couldn't find it, while I also skipped out on the Spanish onion and added other green vegetabes as a substitute. If you add soft vegetables though, I would recommend it is put in last.

Nagoya Chicken Sukiyaki

2 cups sake
1/2 cup Hitcho miso
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1 to 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch slices.
1/2 pound napa cabbage, sliced
1 negi, sliced on an angle into 2-inch pieces
1/2 medium Spanish onion (about 6 ounces), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1/2 package (about 6 ounces) broiled tofu, cut into 4 pieces
6 ounces oyster mushrooms, trimmed and pulled apart
3 1/2 ounces (100-gram package) shimeji mushrooms, trimmed and pulled apart
2 cups shungiku leaves, stemmed
4 very fresh large eggs
Sansho, for accent

1. Prepare a miso mixture by combining 1 cup of the sake, the Hatcho miso, and sugar in a bowl, whisking to blend well. Set aside.

2. Place a large skillet (a 12-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal) over medium heat. Add the oil. When the skillet is hot, add the chicken, stirring and cooking until the chicken turns golden, about 2 minutes.

3. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, and add the cabbage, negi, onion, tofu, oyster mushrooms, and shimeji mushrooms, arranging each ingredient in a neat, separate bunch. Add the remaning 1 cup of the sake, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the reserved miso mixture.

4. Increase the heat to high to bring the liquid to a boil. Decrease the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the shungiku leaves and simmer for 1 minute more.

5. While the sukiyaki is simmering, crack 1 egg into each of four small bowls. Beat the eggs.

6. Transfer the skillet to the dining table. Dip the ingredients into the beat egg, and eat. Accent each bowl with the sansho.

(Ono & Salat, 2009, p. 96)

Koko Head - Revisited

2011-06-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, I went for an early morning hike at Koko Head. I woke up early to hike at 7 a.m. and it was completely worth it!

The first time I went to Koko Head, I nearly died. It was hot outside with the glaring sun in my face. I could barely hike and needed to take constant breaks. I also noticed a ton of people resting on the side of the path because they were out of shape. I was one of them!

After hiking at Koko Head for the first time, it was much easier to return and hike again though. I had been working out and it made a difference. However, my poor friend who came with me to Koko Head nearly died. She stopped 1/4 of the way because she felt dizzy and wanted to faint. The first time is always the hardest!

This time, however, Koko Head was a worthwhile challenge. The sun wasn't beaming yet and there was a slight breeze, which helped make the hike that much more enjoyable. There were hardly any people around too!

I thought the hike was much easier than times before, but I still struggle with one part of the hike. I'm afraid of heights and there is one section of the hike where there is no ground below you. It isn't too high up, but enough for someone like me to want to crawl with my hands and feet to get through it. Next time, I'll have to take the alternate path to avoid it, which is supposedly to the right of the trail.

It felt wonderful to finally finish hiking Koko Head. My legs were shaky afterward because of the strenuous activity, but I felt recharged.

If you plan to go to Koko Head, I would recommend an early morning or late afternoon visit. Also, do not forget to wear sunscreen.

Wahiawa Pineapple Run 2011

2011-05-22T00:40:00.000-07:00

Today I accomplished another goal on my 101 in 1001 list. I completed the Wahiawa Pineapple Run 2011! Now, I can cross this event off.

I had such a crazy, yet amazing day. In the morning, my best friend and I were running late to the Wahiawa Pineapple Run, frantically searching for nearby parking. Luckily, she was able to squeeze my car past two other cars, so that we could park in an open area. I can only imagine what others may have been thinking, as I tried to direct her, yelling "watch out for the mirror!" and other cautionary notes. For next time, I will know to show up at the run much earlier because parking is hard to find.

After parking, we began heading towards the starting line with only minutes to spare. I was surprised by the amount of people at the run. I thought there would be many more people, but it seemed like a small-scale event. I was so glad to have participated in it though because the money is for a good cause and you get a free pineapple in the end.

While running, I thought it was great to run by many of the places I've only driven past for years. I haven't been in the area for a long time and felt like I would have an opportunity to experience a neighboring town again. It was even better running in the morning, towards pineapple fields, while heading down hills with a mountain view. Then, we ran past a waterfall (man-made, yet beautiful none the less!) and lake Wilson, which I've only seen from a distance.

As I was dying to finish after miles of running, I knew the end would soon be near when I was pleasantly surprised by my best friend who came back to look for me, so we could run at the end together (even though she had already finished 10 minutes earlier!). It helped motivate me to finish the run faster, even though I felt dizzy after not exercising for weeks. In the end, it was worth every moment though and I'm so glad to have finished sooner than expected.

After crossing the finish line, it was time to cool down, get some water, a banana, and of course, my pineapple!

For those of you interested in running in the Wahiawa Pineapple Run, it is a lot of fun! It is a smaller-scale run, but you'll have an opportunity to run in the "country" and explore a new town, quite different than Honolulu. Also, the money is for a good cause and it is worth waking up early for, especially once you cross the finish line and receive your pineapple. Where else can you experience such a unique run?

The potential downside for some runners may include not being close enough to pineapple fields. Also, you have to be careful because although there are cones and police officers on duty, some cars can still be quite aggressive.

I hope that next year, you might consider running in the Wahiawa Pineapple Run. The experience itself is worth waking up for, so sign-up next May and join in! You'll be sure to enjoy this unique run.

Morimoto Waikiki - Hawaii

2011-05-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

In Honolulu, there are several well-known restaurants owned by top chefs such as Chef Mavro and Alan Wong. Now, there is a new restaurant in town, which opened nearly 8 months ago, in the Waikiki Edition Hotel. Morimoto Waikiki, owned be Iron Chef Morimoto, offers a number of tantalizing appetizers and main dishes, such as crispy rock shrimp tempura and tuna pizza, as well as seafood toban yaki and ishi yaki buri bop. There are also cocktails available, as well as dessert.

At first, I was concerned about eating at Morimoto Waikiki. I get nervous at fancy restaurants. Second, I wasn't sure what to expect and hoped it would be worth the money. The good news is that my fears were quickly quelled after stepping into the restaurant. I loved the ambiance! It did not feel uptight and stuffy in the restaurant, but extremely relaxing and clean. You can watch food being prepared since it's an open kitchen. The food was excellent too. It was not only fresh, but tasty. The service was also phenomenal.

The only thing that felt slightly uncomfortable is sitting in the same booth with another couple. The tables are only separated by 2 feet of space in the booth, so you are practically sitting next to someone you do not know. However, once the food comes out, does it really matter? Also, not all of the seating is in a booth. There are also open tables and even outdoor seating.

The first thing I tried is a White Lily cocktail to start things off. I only had a virgin cocktail though since I'm allergic to alcohol (yes, really!), so maybe I should call it juice. It was excellent juice though, which I'm dying to replicate.

Afterward, I indulged in the crispy rock shrimp tempura. I would highly recommend this dish! It is amazing, especially if you love fried food. I also tried the tuna pizza, which is decent, although I don't think it is for everyone. It has a thin crust, with thin slices of raw tuna topped with cilantro, half a grape tomato, a thin slice of jalapeno, olives, and some mayonnaise. It it not a "pretty" dish to eat, but I thought it tasted good and I definitely don't have a problem digging in.

The other dishes I tried were seafood toban yaki and ishi yaki buri bop. The first dish, the seafood toban yaki, is basically a seafood bouillabaisse with a miso sake flavor. The seafood is incredibly fresh and the broth light and simple. It comes with slices of baguette.

I'm sorry the pictures are so dark! I used my camera phone without realizing it would be this dark.

The other dish, the ishi yaki buri bop, is brought to the table in a hot stone dish. There is rice inside the dish with some green vegetables, ferns, and slices of raw yellow fin tuna on top. The fish is seared by the server who neatly prepares it, tossing the other ingredients together along with it, while seasoning the dish with a sesame soy sauce. The server explains the process step-by-step, as you watch your food being prepared.

After enjoying the amazing food at Morimoto Waikiki, I was too full to eat anymore, even though I wanted to try the dessert. I guess there is always next time!

In the end, I was pleasantly surprised by Morimoto Waikiki. I have tried other fancy restaurants, which I did not enjoy as much. However, this one I actually liked, while I also had a great time.

I would recommend Morimoto Waikiki, especially for special occasions.

A Hamburger Break

2011-05-06T02:27:00.000-07:00

Since midterms in March, it has been ridiculously busy. I've been working hard to finish all of my projects. By next week, it will be finals.

I have 2 exams, a final-take home exam, a pamphlet project, 2 essays, and more ... And once finals are over, I start summer school immediately, so I won't have a break until late August. I'm not complaining though! I am so grateful to be in school.

Not too long ago, I stopped by Kua'aina again. It's a great place for a hamburger and when you need a break from eating fast food. It's better for you to eat a hamburger here! They have some interesting combinations too. I tried their "pineapple burger." It was good.

Kohnotorhi Restaurant - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-04-08T00:11:00.000-07:00

Kohnotori, a Japanese yakitori restaurant, is located at Puck's Alley near the University of Hawaii at Manoa Campus. It is usually open late in the evening from 5 p.m. to midnight, except for on Friday and Saturday when it is open until 2 a.m.

Although I thought Kohnotori was excellent a few years ago, my most recent visit was less satisfying. It didn't seem too busy, yet service was extremely slow. Also, it seems quite expensive for the amount of food you receive. I spent nearly $30.00 and felt like I had a snack.

Kohnotori might be a good place for you if you want to enjoy some great alcohol and a snack, while chatting all night with a friend or two. But if you are in a rush, I wouldn't recommend you eat there unless you have the time to sit down.

I do believe in trying a place a second or third time to get a fair assessment. However, at the moment, it isn't a place that I want to return to anytime soon.

Gomatei Restaurant at Ward Center - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-04-07T01:09:00.000-07:00

During the week, I went to study with several of my classmates. After studying intensely, some of us were starving and ready to eat an early lunch. I know I was hungry! I was also jittery from drinking coffee, so I knew I needed to eat soon.

We walked through Ward Center and found Gomatei. I remember eating there years ago, but I wasn't sure what the food would be like since it had been so long.

I liked the atmosphere in Gomatei. It is a simple, clean and comfortable place to eat ramen noodles. The wait staff is also incredibly friendly and attentive to customer needs. In fact, the cashier didn't mind splitting our check, which is rare for many restaurants that find it quite bothersome.

I ordered a gomatei vegetable ramen. It has some interesting mushrooms inside and chopped vegetables, which I love. But I don't think I'm a big fan of goma (sesame seeds) because I did not enjoy the roasted flavor in my ramen bowl. My friend seemed to enjoy it, but I will have to try another dish there before making a final judgement about Gomatei.

English Insanity!

2011-03-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm studying English, I'm constantly questioning my own language skills. I am learning so much about syntax and phonology that it is messing with my mind!

All I think about is English these days because five days a week, I am studying it at school. The information is never ending. I am learning so much and I love it! However, I realize there's a ton of information that I do not know, even as a native English speaker.

As a future ESL/EFL teacher, I need to know a ton of information in order to explain things to students. It is not as easy as one may think though. For many native English speakers, it is easy to tell someone what is wrong grammatically, but it is not easy to explain the reasons why.

I'm amazed by my international classmates who seem to know all of the English rules though. I don't know if I could go to school overseas and master classes in another language. They are so inspirational!

I will try not to talk about English on my blog since it may take away from my theme about "adventures." But since it has been invading my brain lately, I can't seem to get it out of my head!

I have created a website though called "My TESOL World" on weebly.com ... It is a work in progress, but I hope to share the things I am learning with those who are interested.

Well, I guess it is time to get back to studying English again!

The Cheesecake Factory - Waikiki, Hawaii

2011-03-18T01:35:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, it was a birthday celebration! My two friends and I went to the Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki to have a good time.

When we got to the cheesecake factory, it was almost 8:30 p.m. and we discovered upon checking in that the wait time would be an hour and a half! It wasn't a problem for us though since we love to shop. My favorite store of all, Forever 21, happens to be just next door!

After we finally sat down, we ordered our food. The wait staff is incredibly busy though, so it can take a while to get served. They work very hard to serve food to the hundreds (maybe even thousands) of customers daily. I give them credit for being able to work there because I am sure it is exhausting!

It did take a while to get our food, but when you are with friends, time doesn't seem to matter much. I was enjoying the food and having a great time.

When we finally received our food, I was stunned by the large portions! I barely dented my pasta, which later turned out to be worth three meals once I took the leftovers home. My other friend could not eat any of her food either.

My best friend completely indulged in her orange chicken dish at the the Cheesecake Factory though, later becoming nauseated by the amount of food she ate. Although she's a skinny girl, she knows how to eat! I'm glad she had a good time.

Before leaving the restaurant, we all shared a slice of cheesecake. Although many say the food at the Cheesecake Factory is average, I thought it was excellent! The food is good, as well as the cheesecake and I would definitely return. However, it is not the place to go if you are on a time crunch! I would recommend it for those who have time and are in the company of friends or family.

Don't forget to try the cheesecake! There's so many choices to choose from that I know you'll find one to enjoy!

Another Beautiful Sunday

2011-03-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

After hiking Manoa Falls, a friend and I took a drive towards the East side of the island. It is one of my favorite places.

I think that if more people went outside and enjoyed all that Hawaii has to offer, they would be much more grateful living here. There's so much to do!

I know I will surely miss it.

I cannot wait until next weekend to enjoy another beautiful day here, outdoors. There's no sense in staying in when there's so much to explore and be a part of ...

Manoa Falls - Manoa, Hawaii

2011-03-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

I'm attempting to hike at least 10 new trails and I've finally completed my fourth at Manoa Falls! For those of you unfamiliar with Manoa Falls, it is considered an easy 1 1/2 mile hike located at the end of Manoa Road, next to Lyon Arboretum.

I haven't been to Manoa Falls for years, so I wondered how it would be this time. I looked online to see reviews and I did hear a few complaints about mosquitoes, mud, and a dried up waterfall. However, I was lucky because I didn't experience any of those things! The worst I encountered was $5.00 parking.

Manoa Falls is a great hike. It feels as if you are hiking in a rain forest. It is in a much quieter area too, so it adds a peacefulness to one's surroundings. It is also an easy hike and does not require a ton of physical ability, but it may not be for everyone since there are some areas where you have to climb over some rocks. Also, I would not recommend you hike at Manoa Falls when it is raining because it could be dangerous. It is best to hike Manoa Falls when it is hot and sunny outside.

I do recommend this hike and rate it as being quite easy, but it does have some challenging aspects to it. Hopefully, some of the photos will give you a better idea about Manoa Falls, so you can decide if this is the right hike for you.

After finishing the hike, enjoy the serene environment. Just be careful hiking back because the mud can be slippery in some spots!

March 11, 2011

2011-03-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

I slept through the tsunami warning and woke up to good news. It never hit us! Now, we are waiting for an "all clear."

I can't wait to go outside though and enjoy the outdoors.

I actually almost went to school until my friend texted me. I'm glad school has been cancelled though because my external hardrive is not working. My files have vanished with all of my graduate school work, favorite overseas photos, and more. I'm praying my father will be able to fix my external, so I can have all of my files back!

Now, i'm scrambbling to get work done before Monday!

For now, however, I will using my free time wisely. It is my friend's birthday tonight also, so it will be a wonderful celebration and a weekend full of fun!

Tsunami Approaching Hawaii?

2011-03-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I learned of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Japan. I can only imagine the destruction and force of such a powerful earthquake. I truly hope the people of Japan are safe.

Now, there's a warning about a possible tsunami heading towards Hawaii. An eruption occurred at Kilauea not too long ago also, I just heard.

Mother nature is truly destructive. I remember being in my first earthquake as a child. It was terrifying. I thought it was the scariest thing ever without realizing that it was nothing in comparison to larger scale earthquakes. I also always thought that earthquakes only shook the ground, but I learned otherwise. Earthquakes not only shake the earth, but tilt the ground.

I remember eating dinner and having everything slide towards me because the earth titled upwards. I was so shaken that I stared outside the window for hours, while my grandparents laughed at me for being so silly because the earthquake was only minor compared to other ones they have felt. I sure cannot handle earthquakes! There's no where to hide.

Although the earthquake I experienced was minor, years later, another earthquake hit my grandparent's village. This time, it was not a laughing matter because the roof collapsed, destroying their home. Many of their neighbors were trapped in their homes and had to be rescued.

I hope that in a few hours, all will be calm. I guess only time will tell. For now, here is a clip of the unfolding drama. I know people are starting to panic, but hopefully this will be another false alarm.

Ala Moana Beach Park

2011-03-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

I had such a productive day. Instead of sitting in traffic to get home, I decided to go to the mall after class to have some milk tea and study.

Traffic can last quite long, so afterward I went running at Ala Moana Beach Park. From now on, I will start making better use of my time by studying and running. I felt so productive and I had such an incredible time.

It is very calming running past the beach with Diamond Head in view. The most beautiful part of the run, however, was being able to watch the sunset.

I want to enjoy all the beauty Hawaii has to offer before I move and explore new territory.

A Busy Week

2011-03-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

It has been a ridiculously busy week full of work. I'm exhausted. I feel like I can barely walk today after standing and moving around for hours without sitting. Now, I have to catch up on all of the homework I missed during the week, which I will have to diligently work towards completing.

My bubbly cat was also sick yesterday, so I had to take care of him. I'm just glad he's fine now! I was really worried.

I am glad to be starting a fresh new week, even though I know I will have to work extra hard! I look forward to the fun of this week though and I can't wait!

Boston's Pizza - Hawaii

2011-02-28T22:31:00.000-08:00

The first time I ate at Boston's Pizza, I did not like it. I remember my pizza being cold. But today, I ate at Boston's Pizza for a second time and absolutely loved it.

What's the secret? You definitely have to order it hot and fresh. It may be easier to purchase pizza that's already been made and ready to eat as displayed in the window, but it tastes much better when it is hot out of the oven. Trust me. There's no other way to eat pizza except when it has just been made.

I know. I should be eating healthy, but there are times when your body craves other things and you cannot help but eat whatever is in sight. For the last couple of days, I have had a ravenous hunger for food. When I'm full, I still want to eat. At times, this happens to me. I am pretty sure it is because I ran in the Great Aloha Run and need to eat extra calories to replenish my energy. Either way, I feel completely satisfied after eating a ton of pizza tonight.

Now, it's back to studying. I have papers to write and homework to complete before a hectic week of work.

Lanikai Juice - Kahala, Hawaii

2011-02-28T22:14:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday, I will try to explore the outdoors or some type of sport to recharge myself for the upcoming week. I want to take care of my health too, so I have been exercising and eating well.

Yesterday, I came back from a peaceful hike at Makapu'u where I had a chance to walk and jog, while also observe the whales. I love the feeling of living in the moment and taking in all that life has to offer.

After the hike, I decided to go to Lanikai Juice, a place I have always wanted to try because they use local grown products and natural ingredients. Lanikai Juice is across from Kahala Mall. It is extremely easy to find and I would recommend you try it because the juice there is excellent! The staff is also friendly and it is a comfortable place to sit down and have a drink.

I tried their "Ginger Ono" and it was really good! There were so many smoothies to choose from, it took me a while to decide, but I was happy with what I had ordered. I would love to try all of them!

If you are looking for a healthy option, try Lanikai Juice.

Angelo Pietro Restaurant - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-02-23T00:13:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, I remember eating at Angelo Pietro's. I remember how delicious their pizza was and the raw potato salad too. However, the second time I ate there, I ordered the most disgusting dish ever. I wasn't sure if I wanted to return for a while, so I did not until this past week.

For those of you unfamiliar with Angelo Pietro's, it is a Japanese-style Italian restaurant. Although there's Italian food, it is influenced by Japanese taste buds.

I was not sure how my third experience would be, but it turned out great! I chose items I knew would be good, instead of creating my own meal. Now, I want to return to Pietro's for more delicious food.

My favorite item there is the rainbow salad. It is a raw potato salad with other vegetables, such as lettuce and tomatoes. It is extremely healthy. I would return to Pietro's just for the salad.

I also enjoy their pizza, but I did not love the meat lover's pizza as much. It was a bit salty for me, but I am sure someone else out there would enjoy it.

The Shrimp Doria was excellent and it is an item I would recommend, especially if you want to try something new and a bit unusual. It reminds me of a dish I used to eat at home. It's such a modern Japanese food and it is one I would love to cook at home to enjoy. It is similar to a casserole with rice, shrimp, mushrooms, cheese, and a creamy sauce.

I will definitely return to Angelo Pietro's to enjoy some of the other dishes on the menu. The prices are quite reasonable and the food is excellent, as long as you choose the right thing for your taste buds. I can't wait to return.

The Great Aloha Run 2011

2011-02-22T23:44:00.000-08:00

Although I am usually on the volunteering end, passing water to runners or working to contain the crowds, I finally decided to run in the Great Aloha Run for the first time. Now I can cross out one of the items on my 101 in 1001 list.

The Great Aloha Run begins at Aloha Tower and ends at the Aloha Stadium. It is approximately 8 miles. The event helps raise money for various charities throughout the islands, so the money you pay to participate in the run is completely worth it. It is for a good cause and it helps motivate you to stay in shape.

Since I have always been on the volunteering end, I never had a chance to experience the run until yesterday. It was an amazing run!

In the morning, I woke up at 4:00 a.m., so I could head to the stadium and catch a bus. It took forever to get into the parking lot and even longer to wait in line for a bus. But after getting onto the bus and stepping foot in Honolulu, I could feel the anticipation. I was ready to run!

During the run, I had to weave between walkers and runners. There were so many people! I felt energetic though, especially as I saw the volunteers who cheered everyone on. There were bands playing and volunteers passing out water. Watanbe Flowers passed out roses too, which I thought was really sweet. I would have grabbed one if my hands were not full.

I really hate carrying things while running, but I had no choice to but run with my phone and a backpack!

I also love how people dress up for the Great Aloha Run. I noticed there weren't a lot of people dressed up this year compared to years before, but I did see some interesting costumes. The best costume I saw this year was Avatar. I wish I had a picture!

I wish I could have taken more photos too, but my camera phone was acting up. However, I did catch a view of the freeway. By this point, I had run approximately 6 miles.

There's nothing greater than running 8 miles and finally seeing the finish line! Once you reach the tunnel, right before entering the Aloha Stadium, people start cheering.

As great as it felt to run past the finish line, it was an even better feeling to receive all of the treats and a finisher t-shirt. I felt so happy to have finished running. I was also ready for a nap.

If I'm still in Hawaii next December and not overseas, then I would love to run in the Great Aloha Run again! I would recommend anyone participate. It is so much fun!

I Love China Town Festival - Honolulu, Hawaii

2011-01-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I spent time with some friends at the I Love China Town Festival. The event is held in China Town in celebration of Chinese New Year.

The festival began on Friday and ended Saturday night. There was entertainment, food, a parade, and more to ring in 2011 -The Year of the Rabbit. It was my first time at the festival and I'm so glad I went. It was a great opportunity to experience a Chinese New Year celebration in the heart of China Town.

One of the best parts of the festival was the food. I over indulged. It was hard not to with all of the delicious fried food around. The price of each item was also very reasonable. I have been to many other festivals and the food booths at the I Love China Town Festival were unbelievable.

I had a chance to try many new foods too. I now know exactly what I want to eat the next time I visit China Town, which will be very soon.

Although the food was good, I can't say I loved the drink I purchased. It was $3.00 and tasted like a seaweed syrup concoction. I had to carry it around the entire time since my friend said she would drink it later, although it is currently sitting in my fridge.

I got a lot of questions about the drink as I walked around. People wanted to know what type of drink it was since it looked like an aquarium inside. It is a drink I would not recommend (for most people at least).

The crowds were insane at the festival. I love people, but not when we are smashed together like sardines and everyone becomes pushy.

The parade was beautiful to watch, although it was challenging to see anything from behind the crowds. There were people everywhere! Fortunately, a nice police officer let me take photos in front of the crowds, in one of the most perfect spots.

Isn't this cute? These girls were watching the lion dancers perform at the festival.

Happy New Year!

Sophie by Mem Fox

2011-01-28T23:22:00.000-08:00

In need of a good children's book?

Recently, my teacher shared a book called Sophie by Mem Fox with us. It inspired me to want to collect children's books, so that I can use them in the future since i'm studying to be an ESL/EFL teacher.

The book is about a girl named Sophie who is not born yet. But once she is born, her grandfather takes care of her. They love each other very much. But as he begins to age, she begins to take care of grandpa just as he had done for her, until he passes away. Although sad, the cycle of life continues once Sophie has a child of her own and the story continues ...

As my teacher read the text and showed us the illustrations, I thought to myself, "I don't like where this story is going..." because it made me want to cry. I can't deny not having a tear in my eye. But it is a powerful story that may be useful for many children, especially if they are dealing with a similar situation in their own lives.

If you ever see this book, please read it! Then, you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Graduate School - Semester 2

2011-01-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that I am already in my second semester of graduate school! Today, classes officially began, which means 4 more months of intensive studying! It also means that I will have less personal time.

I attended my first class today and it was tough. I know I have a lot to learn about syntax and English grammar. But I do look forward to a wonderful semester.

I will try my best to continue writing as much as I can too!

A Bee Drink

2011-01-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, I remember being curious about bees. I had never been stung by one yet, so I did not realize how painful it would be to be attacked by one.

While I was walking home one day, I noticed a bee hive near my friend's house. I decided to take a peek at the hive. Soon, the bees started angrily swarming around me. There were bees in my hair and on my clothes. I had also been stung.

I started to run and scream towards my house, trying to quickly get the bees off of me. My mom tried to get the rest of the bees out of my hair and off of my clothes. It was terrifying and I vowed to never look into a bee hive again. However, it was not my last bee sting. I somehow ended up stepping on a bee while playing in the grass.

Bee stings are extremely painful - a constant, throbbing pain. I continue to fear bees, although I believe I can handle the pain much more these days. But I am still afraid.

While in Indonesia, my host mom wanted to stop and get a drink on the side of the road. She asked me if I wanted one and I thought, "Sure, why not?" We got out of the car and sat down on over turned buckets when I noticed bees everywhere! I wondered, "Why are there bees everywhere!?" I learned they were for our drinks.

No bees were used in the actual drinks. But from what it seemed, the bees are used to keep a certain ingredient within the drink, fresh. Too bad I did not understand what was being said at the time. All I know is that I enjoyed a drink that bees were responsible for making delicious.

Anyone know the name of this drink?

Whale Watching at Makapu'u

2011-01-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Although my goal is to hike 10 unique trails in Hawaii for my 101 in 1001 list, I somehow always end up returning to Makapu'u. Yes, I know, I know. I said I would hike other trails, but Makapu'u somehow calls my name and I end up returning, over and over again.

During the week, I went back to Makapu'u - again. It has been the third time I have returned since the semester. The last time, I jogged up Makapu'u to increase my running stamina, but this time I only strolled since I had a backpack with me. My two friends, K and V went on the hike with me. V is from Indonesia and it was her first time hiking Makapu'u, so we stopped to take many photos.

I thought Makapu'u would be great for her because it is not a tough hike. It is like walking on a road with an incline.
Of course, this hike can be made more challenging, if you go up the ridge of the mountain like I did several years ago. But I would not recommend it. The road path is just fine!

At Makapu'u, I always encounter something new and unexpected. I guess that is one reason I also love to be outdoors. You never know what you will encounter. You might be wondering, "What was so different about this hike?" Well, I had a chance to see whales! Not just one whale, but several!

It was amazing and beautiful to see the whales. I only wish I could have captured it on film. But those whales are far too fast, or should I say too slow? It takes forever for whales to appear, but when you finally see one, they quickly disappear.
Although I did not get a chance to capture whales on film (yet), I still saw an incredible view! It is the main reason why I continue to return to the area. If I lived closer, I would be here all the time.

I also saw several men on gliders while at Makapu'u. I do not know if I would ever try gliding, but it was amazing how close they were to the ridge and how they could glide perfectly into the sky without anything other than the wind.

Makapu'u is a great hike, especially for beginners. It is easy and does not take much effort. If you are trying to get into shape and want to include more hiking into your fitness regime, why not start with Makapu'u?

Vegetable Mochi Soup

2011-01-17T15:21:00.000-08:00

Want a simple, yet healthy meal? Yesterday, I put together some fresh vegetables and added pieces of plain mochi to make an incredibly healthy, yet quick and easy soup.

Vegetable Mochi Soup

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 bunch broccoli
1 zucchini
1/2 cup sliced carrot
Pinch of Rosemary
3 Tbsp of fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, and basil. The more herbs, the better!
2 or 3 slivers of ginger (to your taste)
3-4 mochi (see note below)
1 Tbsp green onions (garnish)

1. Boil chicken broth
2. Add sliced ginger, sliced carrots, rosemary, and mochi. Boil only 3-4 minutes until soft.
3. Toss in broccoli, zucchini, and fresh herbs and cook for only 1-2 minutes in broth.
4. The mochi should be soft, while the vegetables bright green and still slightly crisp to avoid depleting nutrients.

Note: For those of you confused about where to get plain, instant mochi, try any local Asian grocery store or places such as Don Quijote, Marukai, or Pacific Market to name a few for those of you in Hawaii. I like the round, instant mochi because it is easy to cook and to eat, while I also prefer a certain brand. However, you may have other preferences, so take a look and choose the one that fits you best.

Any questions? I hope you enjoy this simple, healthy recipe.

Microwave Coconut Mochi

2011-01-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

Mochi, a traditional Japanese dessert, is a rice treat I have enjoyed since childhood. The traditional method of making mochi can be tedious, but nowadays there are other options such as baked, steamed, or microwaveable mochi.

Tonight, I made Coconut Mochi using my Hawaii's Best Mochi Recipes by Jean Watanabe Hee. By far, this is one of the easiest recipes for mochi, while it is also tasty, especially when eaten warm. For those of you who want a quick, coconut mochi treat, I would highly recommend this recipe.

Coconut Mochi

2 Cups Mochiko
1 Can Coconut Milk (13.5-oz)
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
Katakuriko (Potato Starch) for sprinkling

So how do you make Coconut Mochi? Easy!

1. Mix all the ingredients together, except for the katakuriko (potato starch). Stir until smooth.

2. Pour mixture into a greased, glass dish. I used butter to grease the dish and an 8x8 glass dish.

3. Microwave on medium-high for 10 minutes. I used 70% to bake my mochi and it turned out great.

4. Let it sit for a few minutes in the glass dish. Then, dust cutting board with katakuriko.

5. Place mochi on cutting board with katakurko. Lightly dust all over mochi.

6. Cut into pieces. Enjoy!

An Indonesian Batik Museum - Solo City

2011-01-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

From a distance, I could see a luxurious building from inside the bus. I had wondered what was inside, as we slowly started to approach the museum. When I stepped inside, I was blown away. The museum looked like a royal palace inside with its lavish batik designs and stunning decorations.

Throughout the museum, there are numerous types of batik, some which have also been influenced by Europe and China. There are different types of batik, some used for specific purposes, while others are timeless traditional pieces that reveal a unique form of art particular to Indonesia.

I had no idea that one could tell the difference between batik from Solo City versus Yogyakarta, depending on if the pattern flows from the left or the right. These simple differences in pattern can reveal a history or a regional influence.

As I walked throughout the gallery, I was in awe of all of the batik and the beauty of the museum. Suddenly, however, we were taken into the back to see the process of how batik is created. My mouth nearly dropped.

I thought it was hot in the museum with air conditioning, but the smoldering heat within the processing rooms nearly made me faint. I started to see groups of people, huddled on the floor, quietly working without looking up. It was awkward and I could slowly see the rage building in my teachers eyes, as she questioned our guide about the condition of their employees.

I was speechless.

I understand that there are people who work in tough conditions, but could these people at least get some clean, cool air? I could barely stand 15 minutes in there without burning eyes and dizziness.

It was interesting to see the batik in the museum, but I think I learned more by viewing the workers. I truly hope they will not suffer from health conditions.

Pyramids Restaurant - Honolulu, Hawaii

2010-12-29T18:44:00.000-08:00

For my 101 in 1001 list, I accomplished half of my goal, which is to try at least two Middle Eastern restaurants. I have one more restaurant to go before I can cross this item off my list. Of course, I would like to eat at more Middle Eastern restaurants, but two is a good goal to meet since there aren't many of these restaurants in Hawaii.

I had such a great time eating at Pyramids, a restaurant located at 758 Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu, which offers a variety Middle Eastern food. Although there is lunch buffet, I had dinner at Pyramids. I hear there are Belly dancers during the evening too, but I did not see any when I went there, most likely because we arrived far too early for dinner.

The restaurant may also appear to be a small, hole in the wall when looking in from the outside. However, upon entering Pyramids, one may notice how spacious and unique the restaurant is inside. There are interesting pieces of art on the walls and a good amount of space inside too. It is clean inside and the servers are more than gracious, especially for those unfamiliar with Middle Eastern food.

For those of you intimidated by ethnic foods, you really should explore foods from around the world. You may find incredible dishes that you never considered and you'll also learn to appreciate foods from other cultures too.

I found a favorite at Pyramids. Baklava Walnut. I also had a chance to try a number of other Middle Eastern appetizers and entrees, all which I would gladly indulge in again. Here are some of the dishes available at Pyramids...

Most people can easily enjoy Middle Eastern food. The hard part is figuring out what you are eating, which I wish I could explain to you in more detail. For now, however, I hope these photos will suffice.

After you are done eating, your bill is placed into a beautiful box.

For the most part, I enjoyed the food, especially the dessert. I felt the restaurant was an interesting place to eat at and I look forward to trying my next Middle Eastern restaurant in the near future.

I hope you all have a chance to also try a restaurant outside of your comfort zone. We sometimes grow familiar with what we are used to eating, but why not give a new restaurant a try?

101 in 1001 List - Updated

2010-12-29T04:47:00.000-08:00

As the new year approaches, I am still trying to tackle my 101 goals, which will end February 14, 2013. I have accomplished quite a bit, although I have tons more to go since beginning this challenge not too long ago. Of course, I wish to change some things on the list, but for now I will keep them the same and "go for it" for the experience.

The Day Zero website is down now, so I wanted to ensure I still had a copy of my 101 in 1001 day list, just in case it never returns. For now, here is what I have and have not accomplished. I have more than enough energy to continue working towards these things and will write about them too.

1. Snorkel Molokini Island
2. Learn how to sew
3. Bake an Amazing Cake
4. Obtain a Master's degree - anticipated Spring 2012
5. Visit Napa Valley
6. ~~Visit Indonesia~~
7. Feed the Homeless
8. Hike 10 Unique Trails
    (1) Makapu'u (Completed 2010)
    (2) Koko Head (Completed 2010)
    (3) Manoa Falls (Completed 2011)
    (4)
    (5)
    (6)
    (7)
    (8)
    (9)
    (10)
9.  Visit my Grandpa in Iowa
10. Go Mountain biking
11. ~~Get a facial~~ (Completed in Bali 2010)
12. Learn to surf
13. Go to a Tea Party
14. Enter a Cooking Contest
15. Learn French
16. Visit the Contemporary Museum - Honolulu, Hawaii
17. Create a special dessert
18. Travel to Japan
19. Stay at an Eco Friendly Hotel
20. ~~Go on a Zip line Tour~~ (Completed in Salatiga, Indonesia in 2010)
21. Go on a Tubing Adventure
22. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
23. ~~Ride a Becak~~ (Completed in Salatiga and Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2010)
24. ~~Participate in the Pineapple Run~~ (Completed 2011)
25. ~~Sign up for the Great Aloha Run~~ (Completed Feb 2011)
26. Visit Yellow Stone National Park
27. Go on a Lava Tour
28. Ride a Motorcycle (Bali & Hawaii 2010 - Passenger). Not yet self completed.
29. Paddle Board
30. ~~Kayak~~ (KBay 2010)
31. Snow Board
32. Do Yoga for 3 Months
33. Visit Las Vegas
34. ~~Eat at a French Restaurant~~ (Completed Spring 2010 @ Le Guignol)
35. Eat at 2 Unique Middle Eastern Restaurants
     (1) Pyramids - Honolulu, Hawaii (May 2010)
     (1) TBD
36. Tour Gettysburg
37. Send a News Photo
38. Be an Extra
39. Take an Acting Class for Fun
40. Watch a Broadway Show
41. ~~Eat a Philly Cheese Steak at Pat's and Gino's~~ (Completed September 2010)
42. ~~Visit Gilligan's Island~~ (Completed 2010 with Kayaking Event)
43. Make a soufflé
44. Avoid Shopping for 3 Months
45. Take a family portrait
46. ~~Avoid Fast Food for 3 Months~~ (Completed in Indonesia, Summer 2010)
47. ~~Do Something Nice for an Elderly Person~~ (Completed May 2010)
48. ~~Relax at a Spa~~ (Sep 2010)
49. Take a dance class
50. Go on a cruise
51. Pierce my ears
52. Ice Skate
53. Make ice cream from scratch
54. Make my own clothes
55. Make a Memorable Slide Show
56. Do something special for my sister
57. Treat my parents to a nice restaurant
58. Take a Swimming Class
59. Learn to drive a stick shift
60. Sign up for Tennis Lessons
61. ~~Host a party~~ (Completed 2010 @ my house)
62. Visit Green Sand Beach - Hilo, Hawaii
63. ~~Write an article~~ (Completed 2010, Fall Semester for Jet Stream)
64. Join a pottery class
65. ~~Go horseback riding~~ (Completed 2010, Spring 2010)
66. Launch my business
67. ~~Visit a world wonder~~ (Completed in Indonesia, Summer 2010 @ Borobodur)
68. Visit the lavender fields in Maui
69. Watch a play
70. Go on a bike tour
71. Visit Elvis' Summer Home
72. Take a Martial Arts or Self Defense Class
73. ~~Rent a Beach Cabin~~
74. Finish my 10 Toast Master's Speeches - I've only finished 2 so far ...
75. Join a school club/group
76. Parasail
77. See an acupuncturist
78. Perm my hair
79. Volunteer abroad - anticipated Spring 2012
80. Take an Art Class
81. Study Japanese
82. ~~Get into Shape~~ - (Completed Fall 2010 @ UH Manoa)
83. Host a Beach BBQ
84. Watch a Sunrise & Sunset (Sunrise completed at Mt. Bromo, Indonesia, Summer 2010)
85. Learn how to knit
86. Visit a Museum - (Completed Summer 2010 in Indonesia, September 2010 in Cali)
87. Play chess
88. Read 10 new books (non-school books)
     (1) Strength in What Remains (Dec 2010)
     (2)
     (3)
     (4)
     (5)
     (6)
     (7)
     (8)
     (9)
     (10)

89. ~~Watch a ballet~~
      (1) Ramayana Ballet (Completed summer 2010 in Indonesia)
      (2) The Nut Cracker (December 2010 with K in Hawaii)
90. Film a cooking or travel video
91. Ride a Sail Boat
92. Go on a Picnic
93. Try a Spin Class
94. Make a custom book
95. Visit Akaka Falls
96. Night Snorkel
97. Throw a Graduation Party
98. Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef
99. ~~Do Something Special for someone~~ - (Completed 2010. Helped coordinate a canned food drive for homeless & more)
100. Surprise family with an amazing event
101. Visit all 7 Hawaiian Islands
        (1) Big Island (Completed May 2010)
        (2) Kauai - (Completed)
        (3) Maui - (Completed)
        (4) Oahu - (Completed)
        (5) Molokai
        (6) Niihau
        (7) Lanai

Flying Fox Adventure - Salatiga Indonesia

2010-12-27T02:02:00.000-08:00

I'm scared of heights. I wasn't always scared of heights, but the older I get, it seems the more fearful I become. However, I didn't let it stop me this summer when I went on a flying fox adventure on my last day of class in Indonesia.

What's flying fox? In the US, we call it "zip line." Although I'm scared of heights, I didn't let it stop me from participating. In fact, I enjoyed the obstacle course a lot, but after two courses, it was enough for me! It wasn't only a zip line adventure, but an obstacle course with nets, tunnels, and more. It was tough and after completing the second course, I definitely did not want to continue on the more difficult courses: red and black. I was already tired, bruised, and I hit my head. It's a rough course, but a lot of fun. I was exhausted.

Although professionals help you put on the harness, the rest is all up to you. You are taught how to hook yourself up to a cable cord safely, then you are expected to begin zipping away.

I thought it was interesting that we had to pray before beginning the course!

The course itself was within a wooded area. When "flying" through the woods, I felt I would nearly hit a tree or two because of how close our cable line was to our surroundings. If I had been larger, I am sure I would have hit a tree! The twists and turns of the course, however, made it even more exciting.

I even had to crawl in a tunnel high up in the air and use a net to get to the other side of an obstacle, which felt almost impossible as I looked down below. I was stuck in the air and it took me nearly 15 minutes to get across with the help of a friend, telling me how to move step-by-step, until I made it safely to the next tree platform.

I was completely ready to take a break but there was no way of getting down. I could not get down, but had to zip across two more cable lines before I was finished with the course. The first time, I made it across the cable line safely. The second time, however, I ended up hitting my head, as my foot slipped when I was trying to stop myself from hitting a tree. At that point, I was more than ready to take a break.

I wish I had more photos, but this is the only one I have at the moment. It is a blurry photo of me, zip lining down from a tree to the other side.

Santa Monica Pier, CA

2010-12-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

When thinking of California, the Santa Monica Pier is an image that comes to mind. It is a beautiful pier with a stunning view of the beach. Although it was too cold to enter the water, it was nice to watch the waves crash along the shore, as birds flew overhead in the most lovely way.

After visiting the Santa Monica Pier, I did learn a few things. For one, the Pier's wood creeks and you can easily step onto a bolt and trip. It almost happened to me. Second, the water in September is extremely cold. I did not see a single swimmer in the ocean. Third, there is an amusement park there.

I would love to return to the beach during the summer. However, the 20 minutes I spent at the Santa Monica Pier during the freezing month of September was enough to satisfy my curiosity, at least for now.

Fairmont Park's Kelly Drive, Philadelphia PA - A Runner's Heaven

2010-12-17T12:46:00.000-08:00

It was only a few months ago when I visited Philadelphia for a couple of days to attend a wedding. I knew I had to squeeze a run in though, so I headed to Fairmont Park.

If you've ever seen the movie Rocky, he runs up the stairs of a musuem, as he works out. The musuem featured in Rocky is the same area where Kelly Drive is located. Behind the musuem, there is an area to run, bike, rollerblade, and more. It's just a beautiful park with a lot to do. It's nestled near a lakeside and has old homes alongside the river that attract many outdoors to view its sights or to relax in the park.

There are pieces of art work scattered throughout the park and if one was to run around the entire park's loop, it would equal approximately 8 miles. I only ran 4 because I was completely out of breathe and tired. It's horrible I know, but I was really out of shape up until September! I truly had to force myself to run.

I couldn't believe how many people were running outside! I can understand why though because the beauty of the park made me want to return for a run! There are also bathrooms scattered throughout the park, making it conveninent for runners. As I was running, I also saw many amazing looking statues and pieces of art work. I ran alongside the river and saw a train pass by, while I was there too.

After finishing the run, I saw the most incredible view of the boathouses from a far. There is a nice restaurant that is also on the edge of the water. I have not been there yet, but I would love to try it sometime in the future!

I was more than grateful to have finished the run finally. It sure was a work out! Before my 4 mile run, I had barely run for several months.

The more I visit Philadelphia, the more I enjoy returning to the city. I love the center of the city so much that I would not mind living there. It's a college-town area rich in art, culture, and history. I can't wait to run at Fairmont Park's Kelly Drive again.

Fogo De Chao - Beverly Hills, CA

2010-12-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

While in California, we headed towards Beverly Hills to eat at Fogo De Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse with 16 types of prepared meats.

The restaurant is quite unique. First, you go to the salad bar. It's not your typical salad bar either, where you can find romaine lettuce. There were a lot of foods that were unfamiliar to me, such as the many cheeses available. I ate a lot of first time foods, but it was interesting to try something different. Have you ever heard of "palms?" I thought I was eating artichoke, but it was some other vegetable I've never even heard of. It must be fancy food! The food at the salad bar was incredible.

I'm just an average girl, so all the fancy food at Fogo De Chao sure was interesting. After eating at the salad bar, it was time to indulge in meat though. I'm not much of a meat eater, but while there I ate my money's worth. After all, it was $60.00 per person buffet, so there's no way I was holding back.

Just getting started here ...

Before you eat, you are given a card. One side is red, the other green. When you are ready to eat meat, you flip your card to the green side. Out of the woodworks, men carrying meat come out of nowhere, asking you if you want to try a particular type. They ask you if you prefer medium, medium rare, etc. Then, you take your mini tongs and grab the piece they cut for you. Add it to your plate and enjoy! It can be overwhelming at first when you are swarmed, but it was hillarious. I started to wonder if people had speaker phones on them because as soon as we flipped the card, the reaction to serve us was quick as can be. The service was truly top-notch.
It was my birthday that night and I got a free dessert! It was great! I really love flan.

When I return to California, I definitely want to take my dad there. I know he would enjoy it.

My First Semester of Graduate School

2010-12-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

For the last several months, I've been missing in action. I've been a hermit at home, studying religiously, as I try to balance graduate school with another program I am enrolled in. In the begining of the semester, I would study nearly 5 hours a day (yes, really!). I would sleep only 4 hours a night. Now, I sleep a little more and I have had a little bit of time to read a good book, but other than that I have been completely consumed in my school work, especially right now as finals week approaches. I need a 4.0 G.P.A. if I want to survive and now, i'm fighting to maintain my G.P.A!

All I can say about my first semester back in school is that it has been one of the most incredible experiences ever! I am grateful to have moved on in my life, so that I could chase after my dreams. It's been an adventure and well worth the risk! And all because of one little decision to take a single step forward. I couldn't be more happy. It's the best deicision I've ever made.

Unfortunately, whenever I get busy, I end up missing in action and can be hard to find. But I am still around!

Today, I needed a small writing break. I have some posts ready to be published, but I did not download the photos for my blog yet. But as soon as I get my next break, I will!

For now, I have to get back to studying. I have a paper due tonight and a 15 minute presentation tomorrow on a difficult topic.

Wax Museum - Hollywood, California

2010-10-17T01:40:00.000-07:00

While in Hollywood, I wanted to visit Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, but I had a three museum pass to go to another one instead. There's always next time, I guess!

At the wax museum, I wondered how similar each figure would look, but all I can say is the best one there was joker. It gave me the creeps, for sure. In fact, it looked so real that I thought it was someone dressed up as joker, pretending to be a wax figure. I didn't want to get too close.

I had a good time at the museum, but I won't lie. Not all the figures resembled celebrities. There were some wax figures that were close, but others were definitely way off. Megan Fox and Brad Pitt didn't look anything like their wax figures. What do you think?

When I first entered the wax museum, there was a section that made me nervous. It felt like someone might pop out and scare me. There were wax figures of some of Hollywoods most darkest characters, such as Hannibal. Is this not creepy? I walked down a dark hallway with many of these wax figures.

Another tourist caught on to my fear as I cautiously walked through the area, so he thought it would be a lot of fun to scare me. Yes, I did scream. The tourist and his wife laughed at me afterward. I thought it was pretty funny too.

Aftward, I saw a ton of other wax figures from differet movie sets. Within 10 to 15 minutes, it was over though and we headed to our next destination.

Hollywood, California

2010-10-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've written anything. My blog has been taking a beating since I've become a graduate student, as I've had less personal time. However, I still have many things to write about and to share with all of you. I first started my blog to practice my writing and it has helped me tremendously. Thank you for your support.

Recently, I flew to Los Angeles to visit my sister. While she was at work, I visited the L.A. area with D and L. One of the places we visited was Hollywood. I've always seen images of Hollywood on TV, but I wanted to see the place for myself.

I always heard Hollywood wasn't clean and that there were a ton of bums roaming around. However, it wasn't as bad as I had imagined. In fact, I actually had a great time in Hollywood and things weren't as expensive as I thought they would be either. In fact, we found $2.00 parking with validation.

I didn't know what to expect in Hollywood, but I had a chance to see a number of interesting things. My favorite would be the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, although it was a bit creepy.

Here are some images from Hollywood during my visit:

I would like to return to L.A. to one day see a live show among many other things. L.A. has a lot of things to offer and I can't wait to return for another visit.

I've Finally Returned!

2010-08-29T20:24:00.000-07:00

I've finally returned to Hawaii after spending a little over two months in Indonesia. It's been a couple of weeks since I've been back. The weather here in Hawaii truly is perfect. I now appreciate the weather more than I have before and steady, warm showers. I'm also excited to begin my new life as a student. I moved on from my job to follow my dreams. Now, i'm more than ready to begin working towards my goals. I can't wait for my new life to begin.

Last week, I attended my first week of school and I absolutely love it! I have a strong feeling that I'll make great friends that i'll keep for a lifetime at school. Afterall, we are forced to hang out. But I think of it as a positive thing. I'll also get into a ton of shape this year, so I can't wait. I honestly haven't exercised in the last 3 months since it's not common in Indonesia, but I'll try my best to keep up.

Although I've returned, I still have a ton of writing material from Indonesia! Until then, I hope you enjoy my Indonesian posts. Soon, I'll continue writing on Hawaii again.

Ramayana Ballet - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2010-08-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

After visiting Borobodur and Prambanan in the morning, a couple friends and I watched the Ramayana Ballet at Purawisata in Yogyakarta. We were told that the show at Purawisata was much better than anywhere else. It was the perfect night to watch the show too. The Ramayana Ballet is only shown during a full moon. We happened to choose the right night to visit Yogyakarta!

We didn't want to eat dinner at Purawisata to save money, so instead we only watched the show which cost approximmately $14.00 ... Then, we sat on stone benches and watched a mesmerizing performance.

While we were watching the show, I thought it was incredible, although I wish I had read a little more about the storyline. Now, I know a little more, but for me to explain it would be a bad idea, so here's the tale for yourself:

Ramayana Ballet

They say that the Ramayana Ballet is Asia's version of Romeo Juliet. It is a story from India's ancient Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana.

In the begining, a man came out to bless the area before ballet began. I would soon find out why.

As we were watching the show, there was a scene with little kids in it. One of them kept on messing up, which was too funny. But afterward, one of the kids dressed as a monkey jumped onto a wall and climbed the roof, running. He almost fell off the roof and a tourist tried running towards him, opening his arms to catch him. An older child immediately followed to grab the little kid. My friend sitting next to me seemed completely freaked out. I assumed it was a part of the show that the child run onto the roof, so I was amazed by the performance. However, i'm not so sure anymore.

We were all completely confused about the scene and later decided that maybe it was a mistake? You tell me. I'm still confused because some of our other friends who've watched the show said that it's a part of the scene, but others who watched it a couple weeks after us said they don't remember watching a kid run onto a roof and almost fall. The next time I watch the show, i'll know for sure I guess!

There was also a dramatic fire scene. I'm glad nothing too crazy happened then.

The way everyone in the Ramayana Ballet performed was astonishing. I can only imagine the number of years it must take to become a performer. While the performance is happening, Gamelan music is being played in the background, adding to the performance in the most hypnotic way.

Although the performance was rather long, I felt that I was only sitting there momentarily. I was completely immersed into the show that by the time it was over, I couldn't believe it. It went too fast, but I was able to walk away from the Ramayana Ballet completely satisfied.

I fulfilled another 101 in 1001 goals by watching the ballet too. I've seen the nut cracker before, but now I've seen the Ramayana Ballet. One day, i'll return to watch another performance, but for now i'll enjoy the memories I have of the incredible time spent amongst friends in the beautiful city of Yogyakarta.

After the performance, you can take pictures with the characters. It's a lot of fun! I thought the people infront of us were too funny when they took their picture.

Prambanan Temple - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2010-08-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

While in Yogyakarta, I visited Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Hindu temples in South East Asia. Located in central Java in the city of Yogyakarta (my favorite city), Prambanan is a complex of temples that will take your breath away.

Personally, Prambanan is one of my favorite temples. I never saw anything more beautiful! It's hard to believe the temple was constructed by humans.

Several years ago, due to a massive earthquake in Yogyakarta, several areas of the temple have been closed off for restoration. However, tourists can walk through the complex, entering some of the temple areas. I was shocked to learn that the massive earthquake in Yogyakarta was the same one that generated the powerful tsunamis throughout South East Asia in 2006. It's effects were devastating to the region.

For the areas of the temple than you can enter, be careful climbing the stairs! They are steep and it's dark inside the temple too. I wore a skirt and it wasn't easy climbing the stairs, while holding onto my skirt & camera. But it was completely worth it to enter the temple. I took a photo with a statue inside. I couldn't believe I was inside a temple constructed centuries ago. It was an amazing feeling.

While tourists can enter some of the temples, unfortunately the Shiva temple was closed off. Many want to enter the Shiva temple because there's a statue inside that you can touch for good luck! Regardless, however, the entire complex is amazing and worth the visit.

While at Prambanan, take your time to enjoy the moment. There's a lot to see and to take photos of while at the temple.

For those of you interested in more information, here's some background information on the temple from Wikipedia:

Prambanan Temple

If you get a chance to visit Yogyakarta, I would recommend visiting Prambanan.

A Few Fond Memories of Indonesia

2010-08-26T01:13:00.000-07:00

While in Indonesia, I had a chance to see many interesting things. I was able to capture some of these memories on my camera.

In Indonesia, motorcycles are everywhere. The first time I landed in Indonesia, I took a taxi to my hotel. On my way to the hotel, I was shocked at what I saw outside as we drove by. My mouth dropped as I saw families including babies on motorcycles! I also saw a father riding his motorcycle with his daughter on his shoulders. I'll never forget it.

There are motorcycle taxis in Indonesia too. While I never thought I'd get on the back of a motorcycle overseas, I have to admit that I did several times and I had a blast. For sure, I'll have to ride again!

At times, you may even see people on motorcycles carrying either the most unusual items (i.e. a chicken) or an enormous load of stuff on the back of their bikes such as baskets or hay. I found this to be interesting, while walking through the market ...

For sure, you'll see someone transporting enormous amounts of stuff from place to place ...

Another thing I love about Indonesia is that food is available everywhere you turn and it's sold in the most interesting way ... There are many of these push carts on the side of the street and sometimes, they are mobile and move from place to place. After living in Indonesia, you'll be able to quickly identify when bread, meat balls, and corn are being sold outside of your house because there's a sound for each.

After being in Indonesia, I learned that people sure do love photos! While walking with my camera in Indonesia, I would sometimes encounter people who waved or gestured, "take my picture." I would snap a photo and sometimes they would pose for the camera with a big smile like the young man below. Many people were happy to be in my photos and on occassion would ask me to be in their photos too.

I hope you enjoy these photos ...

Riding a Becak - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

2010-08-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

I finally rode a becak! It was a goal of mine ever since I saw photos of it in my Indonesian language text books while studying bahasa Indonesia as an undergraduate at UH Manoa.

While in Yogyakarta, I knew I had to ride a becak or else I would regret it. I wasn't sure when I would return to Indonesia again, so I knew I had to at least ride a becak once before leaving the country. I finally got my chance a couple of weeks ago and I'm so glad I did it!

Vis and I were shopping like maniacs while our friends were already sitting in the car waiting for our return, so we decided to take the becak to get to the car quickly. With shopping bags, coffee, and donuts in hand, we sat together in the becak screaming and laughing hysterically as the becak driver weaved in and out of traffic. It was too much fun.

It was insane how the becak driver calmy weaved in and out of traffic amongst all of the cars, trucks, and horse carriages on the road. I'm amazed at how much energy they have to exert on a daily basis in order to work as a becak driver, but they must be in incredible shape for it too.

Wish I had a photo on a becak with my friend ... I guess there's always next time.

There are a lot of things I've experienced in Indonesia, a country with some of the most unique forms of transportation. I also rode a horse carriage and hopped onto the back of several motorcyles too, which was a first for me. I can't wait to ride another becak again!

Indulging in Ronde - Indonesia

2010-08-22T04:30:00.000-07:00

One of most memorable foods I've had in Indonesia is Ronde, a favorite dessert sold on the streets of Indonesia.

There's no other way for me to describe ronde, except as a hot, sweet ginger soup. It's a delicious Indonesian dessert that I only wish I had the recipe for ... Inside, there are two or three gooey balls of dough with filling in it and tiny pieces of jelly in the soup too. The best part is the gooey balls of dough, which I always save for last. I wish I had words to describe ronde, but that's the best I can do.

Since ronde is oftentimes sold on the streets at night, I enjoyed eating it right after dinner, before heading home with my two younger "sisters." It was my goal to try all flavors before returning home, but a week ago I discovered that there are more flavors than I had thought! While there are the typical flavors of orange, milk, chocolate milk, and chocolate to name a few, there are many more flavors yet to be discovered.

The first time I ate ronde, I thought it was such an awesome experience to be sitting at a table, on a sidewalk outside, eating dessert. I'll never forget it.

There's appetizers on the table to choose from, if you wish, but you have to pay for the items you eat. I wondered, "How will the the vendor know if someone ate something from the table?" but I quickly learned that the honor system is still used in Indonesia.

While you are eating, there are entertainers (pengamen) that like to come by and sing You can wave them away or give them some money, but be prepared. You'll see more than one at your table and they don't always leave right away, so carry some change on you. I thought it was pretty funny and it truly is something to see. I have never seen a female pengamen yet, but so far all are young men.
While I enjoy eating ronde, it' an experience in itself. I can't wait to eat it again.

My Second Homestay - Ubud, Bali

2010-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

While in Bali, my friend and I had to switch homestays. She constantly kept on getting insect bites and we weren't sure if it was bed bugs, mosquitoes, or some other unknown creature. The next homestay was owned by a Balinese family who made their home into a business. I felt as if I was sleeping in a temple. It was beautiful!

I wish I could find my photos of the hotel's exterior, but I'm still searching. Until then, here are some photos of the inside.

On the inside, our room was simple, but nice.

Next door, our neighbors were from France and Belgium, which I found very interesting. The French man next door was very lively and talkative. He was fascinated by the fact that I was from Hawaii because he had just purchased batik with a hula girl on it. The Belgium neighbors next door were also fun to chat with. They thought it was funny that I found Belgium to be so interesting, but I'm not kidding when I say I want to visit.

The young man who also worked at the hotel lived in the countryside, but moved to Ubud to work. He was one of the friendliest people I've ever met. I tried to help him with his English for a night. He hasn't been exposed to much of the world and has never heard of Hawaii before, but by working in Ubud, he's been learning a lot about other people and nations.

While I enjoyed my stay at the hotel, my friend and I became extremely ill from food poisoning. It was our last day in Bali and all we could do is rest in our room, puking repeatedly for an entire day. It was horrible, but we also began to laugh about the situation. It was actually pretty funny. My friend was burping up a storm. We both had plastic bags next to our beds and we had to take turns running to the bathroom. It was pretty gross, but we couldn't stop laughing hysterically after thinking about the people outside who could hear us. We wondered what they must have been thinking.

I did enjoy staying at the hotel. It looks beautiful on the outside. Inside, the rooms are simple, but comfortable. There's also free breakfast in the morning served with hot tea. The bathroom was pretty nice too. It only costs about $15.00 for a night, which I think is extremely reasonable. The room was also clean and the staff friendly. However, it can get a bit muggy inside and there may not be hot water at times. But other than that, it's a great place to stay.

I would highly recommend a homestay in Bali. For sure, I'll stay at one of these accommodations again. Where else can you find a room that is as cheap and nice for less than $20.00? It comes with everything you need. Why pay more for a hotel?

The Traditional Market in Ubud

2010-08-11T02:12:00.000-07:00

Throughout Indonesia, there are traditional markets, where a variety of goods are sold by countless vendors who try to attract the attention of those willing to buy. And of course, people go to the pasar to fine some of the finest ingredients for cooking traditional Balinese food. In Ubud, the traditional market or pasar, is one of the highlights of the area. Nevertheless, be warned that you will have to bargain or at least should bargain for your goods to get the best price available. If not, you may regret paying too much for a souvenir or even a piece of fruit that costs half the price or even less!

I like to stay away from the traditional markets only because trying to bargain with the sellers can be one of the most uncomfortable aspects of entering the market, if you are unfamiliar with bargaining techniques. I am one of those people who feels completely uncomfortable bargaining, but I attempted for the first time to barter while in Bali.

I am sure I got duped more than once, but I tried. I at least tried! It was uncomfortable. I bargained with an older woman for a shirt among many other sellers. She wanted RP 150.000 for the blouse, but I bargained for less, but not for too less. I should have went lower because I had stopped at RP 100.000, although I know I could have gotten it for less. I felt weird about the situation, so I accepted. The next day, she saw me wearing the blouse and said it looked nice on me, which put a smile to my face. I'll always remember it as the first item I've ever had to bargain for...

I also had a lady grab my arm while I was trying to exit the pasar. It was uncomfortable because she desperately wanted me to buy something from her and her grip was extremely tight! I hadn't planned on buying any more sarongs, but I bargained with her and got an excellent deal that she wasn't too happy about it. I felt terrible. I always feel terrible while bargaining. I never know how low to go or how much to settle for! Most of the time, I get duped though, so I didn't feel too bad!

While the traditional market has a number of souvenirs, there are also fruits, vegetables, spices, and other goods that available at the pasar. Here are some photos from the traditional market.

If you plan on visiting a traditional market, remember it's okay to bargain!

Laundry in Bali

2010-08-10T03:03:00.000-07:00

It could just be me, but I have an obsession with clean clothes. In Bali, this couldn't be more true. It's hot and humid. There's no way you could wear the same pair of sweaty clothes twice. I had my clothes washed three to four times a week at Dede's Laundry Service. But I had fresh, clean clothes to wear, which made it worth every rupiah spent.

Although many countries have coin laundry machines, in Bali things are quite different. I couldn't find a single coin laundry machine and why would I want to find one anyway? There are various laundry services available, where you can get your clothes cleaned for a reasonable price. For several pairs of clothes, it cost approximately $2.00 USD and I didn't have to do a thing, except drop off and pick up my clothes!

For those of you who feel completely clueless about the process of dropping your clothes off at some random laundry service near your hotel, here's what to expect ...

Drop your clothes off. Then, wait for it to be sorted into different piles (i.e. shirts, shorts, skirts, etc). Afterward, the clerk will count how many items of clothing you dropped off and will charge you based on the type and amount.

The clerk will let you know when to return to pick up your clothes. Always carry your receipt with you. Then, pay after picking up your items. You may notice pieces of colorful yarn sewn on each item of clothing, but don't worry. It can easily be removed and it's only used as a marker, so that your clothes will not get mixed up (I believe). Your clothing will also be bundled in plastic, which makes it easy to carry. Just remember to make sure you've received all of your clothing back!

While I haven't experienced missing clothing, my friend ended up with a stranger's underwear. It happens.

Black Rice Pudding

2010-08-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

A famous Balinese dessert, Bubur Injin or Black Rice Pudding is an amazing treat to satisfy your cravings for something sweet, yet unique.

Since it takes several hours to prepare, oftentimes it's much easier to enjoy at a restaurant or to purchase at a warung. The first time I had Black Rice Pudding, I thought it was an unusual dessert, but I liked it. It was different and had a subtle sweet taste that I enjoyed. Oftentimes, I have cravings for super sweet foods here, but it's almost impossible to find very sweet desserts. Instead, Bubur Injin helped satisfy some of my cravings.

Bubur Injin is made with boiled black and white rice. It's topped with sweet coconut milk, while it sometimes also includes banana.

Borobudur Temple - Indonesia

2010-08-02T00:51:00.000-07:00

Borobudur Temple located in Magelang, Indonesia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Indonesia's most visited tourist locations. Borobudur Temple, built in the 9th century, remains an important temple for many Buddhists from around the world, especially during Vesak, a national holiday celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

As one of Indonesia's most popular tourist spots, Borobudur continues to struggle with tourists who want to scale its walls and/or steal "souvenirs" from the temple. If you notice missing Buddha heads, many were stolen for Western Museums or even for personal possession from what I've been told. I have no idea how anyone could steal a Buddha head and escape!

Also, if you climb the walls, expect to be reminded on a loud speaker phone by an official at the temple that such climbing is forbidden. I actually heard the reminder while visiting ... People will do all sorts of things for a great photo.

For those of you planning to visit, there are two rates to enter the temple. If you are Indonesian, you only pay around RP 20,000 which is approximately $2.00 USD. If you are a foreigner, however, expect to pay RP 150,000 which is around $15.00 USD.

My Indonesian friend purchased our tickets, but I was stopped at security. "Dari mana?" the official asked. I spoke softly, so he couldn't hear my accent and said "Salatiga." Luckily, I could receive the Indonesian rate with proof of my library card though. It helped me get through!

While walking towards the temple, I was amazed by its beauty. It's not common to see temples such as Borobudur in the West. It's hard to believe it was built by humankind. There's a sense of mystery behind Borobudur too.

While at Borobudur, I wanted to laugh after watching a group of school girls snap photos of these two young foreigners. The poor boys looked uncomfortable, as the girls giggled and started taking their photo. It was really funny!

If you are a foreigner, expect someone to ask you for your photo. It's very common to be asked for a photo, especially if you have blonde hair and blue eyes.

I am oftentimes mistaken for being Indonesian, but I was surprised to have someone ask for my photo. While I was walking, this young girl tapped my shoulder and held her cell phone up, so that she could take a picture with me. Indonesian people seem to really love photos!

The temple has interesting stairs too. You definitely have to take a large steps to climb the stairs though. It's also extremely busy at Borobudur, but if you are lucky, there won't be too many people! It can get extremely hot during the day. In fact, smothering hot. I would suggest you go to Borobudur in the early morning if possible!

If you have a chance to go to Borobudur, take a lot of photos. Just don't climb the walls!

Toilets in Indonesia

2010-07-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

There are some things I wish I knew before coming to Indonesia, so that I would have been better prepared. Instead, I was confused and had to ask for help, which was an awkward situation in the ladies room. I want to share this with you, so you'll be better prepared if you plan to visit. Then, you won't be surprised and will know exactly what to do.

Although there are western toilets, there are also "squatting" type toilets. These are common in many Asian countries.

Here's the bathroom from the guest room I had stayed at when I first arrived.

I am familiar with the non-western toilets because of my experience in Japan, but I could not figure out how to flush the toilets in Indonesia and was confused by the large tub of water. I also learned that you have to face a certain direction (the door) when using the toilet because if not, you won't have enough space. You'll know what I mean when you get here!

Here's what you need to do to flush...

There's a large tub of water. Use the bucket and scoop water to use for the toilet. Pour the water into the toilet, so that it will flush.

If there's no faucet to wash your hands, you can use the bucket and pour water onto your hands to clean them. I would recommend carrying hand sanitizer.

Carry tissue with you also because toilet paper isn't always available. Many people use sprayer hoses to clean themselves, so there may not be toilet paper available.

Cooking Schools Ubud - Satri's Warung

2010-07-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

While in Bali, I discovered many interesting things about Balinese culture, especially food. I set out to study Balinese food and attended a couple of cooking schools, while I also had a chance to interview a couple of Balinese individuals too.

The first cooking school I went to is called "Satri's Warung." It costs approximately $15.00 USD (or RP 150,000) for a single class. The class starts and 11:00 a.m. and you can expect to be finished in an hour or two.

At first, it was a little confusing finding Satri's Warung. There was a sign outside pointing to her restaurant. You have to walk through an alley with paintings hung all over the walls. Then, I noticed I walked into a housing complex. There was laundry on people's porches and motorbikes parked outside. A friend and I were confused for a second until a man pointed us in the right direction.

Satri was really sweet. An older Balinese woman, she has had a restaurant for nearly 22 years. Although she requires a minimum of 2 people per class, she allowed me to take a class with her by myself because I am a student. I paid my deposit and began class the following day.

Most cooking schools, I learned, are demonstration based. I watched Satri cook several Balinese foods and I had a chance to try using a pestle and mortar.

She mentioned how Balinese food is spicy and she wasn't kidding! I loved the food, but she wasn't lying when she said it was hot. After my meal, she demonstrated how to make Banana Pudding. When I thought I couldn't eat any more, there was one more dish to top off the meal.

I learned a lot about Satri and I'm glad to have taken a class at Satri's Warung. It was a quick guide to Balinese cooking and I received a small recipe book too.

If you are interested in a more detailed class with a market tour, however, I would recommend studying elsewhere. Satri's Warung seemed to be more of a "quick" learning guide to Balinese food. I didn't learn too much background information about Balinese food, but I did have an incredible lunch for a good price and a quick demonstration on how to prepare Balinese food too.

Monkey Forest Sanctuary - Ubud, Bali

2010-07-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

Afterw finding a hotel in Ubud, I walked hours throughout the town, exploring the many restaurants, stores, and other fascinating attractions in the area. I have no idea how I walked as many hours as I did, but I now know that it's humanly possible to walk from 10:00 a.m. until almost 9:00 p.m. with breaks in between.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ubud included "Monkey Forest Sanctuary." The first time I went to the monkey forest, I happened to randomly find it because I had been walking throughout the town. I was exhausted from all the walking, but I decided I would check the park out. I almost walked in without paying, but turned around after I noticed a ticket booth as I passed by.

I definitely wasn't prepared to enter the park and I should have known that monkeys like to jump on people and steal your things. Fortunately, I was lucky because it didn't happen to me.

I paid RP 20,000 ($2.00 USD) to get into the park. Upon entering the park, I noticed cute monkeys everywhere! It was really fascinating and I would have wanted to feed them if I wasn't so scared. I noticed that if you feed the monkeys, they'll want more and will start tugging on you pants or shirt to get your attention.

While walking in the park, I heard a screeching sound, but I ignored it. I thought, "I wonder what that was?" I was on the phone, walking around with my camera and a large bag when I started to see monkeys fighting. It seems like the monkeys explode with energy out of nowhere, which makes you laugh, but at the same time freaks you out. I also saw a monkey running with a water bottle and another jump on a man who had bananas. After that, I decided it might be better to continue my phone call outside of the park and return to the monkey forest another day.

As I was leaving the park, a young lady started screaming. A monkey must have jumped on her or might have tried to grab her bag. When you are at monkey forest, you may hear quite a few people scream because the monkeys, especially the big one's, like to jump or steal your things.

I had a really good time at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary. There are a ton of cute monkeys there. Just watch out for your stuff! If you are in Ubud, don't miss monkey forest because it's worth your time. How often do you get to see monkeys? The ones in Ubud are also much more tame than in other regions too.

I have many more monkey photos that I'll have to share with you all. One of the photos I took is now a favorite!

If you do visit the monkey forest, have a great time.

Homestay Accomodations in Ubud

2010-07-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

After staying the night in Kuta, I caught a bus to Ubud with some friends who were also planning to study in the region. Ubud, an artsy town full of Balinese culture, is a place I'll definitely return to again in the future.

When I first got off the bus, it felt chaotic. I had to grab my heavy bag from the bus and once I exited, I noticed there were a lot of hustlers wanting you to stay at their "hotel". It was surreal.

As I was walking, over and over again people would ask, "Do you have a hotel?" If you answer yes, the next question they ask is, "What hotel are you staying at?" to check. It was the strangest feeling ever. I really needed a hotel, but I wasn't sure who to trust since in Hawaii, it's uncommon for people to offer you a place to stay. But in Ubud, I quickly learned, it's common practice and it's easy to find a clean, safe place to stay even if you are traveling alone.

Although I refused many offers out of paranoia, I was eventually convinced. As I was waiting for a taxi, an older gentleman asked if I had a place to stay since he had a room available at his homestay accommodation. It wouldn't hurt to look, I thought to myself. The first thing that caught my attention was the temple and it looked like a safe enough area.

Then, we walked through the area and up two long stairs to find a large room with a beautiful view of the neighborhood.

I had planned to find a hotel I saw online instead to be safe, but I decided to take a look at the room being offered first and I'm glad I did. It was nice and only about $10.00 US a night. It was a great deal and the view from my room was incredible. I was still a bit unsure and paranoid since it's not normal for people to offer you a room, but I decided I would stay because I felt comfortable with the location. There were many foreigners living in the surrounding area too, as well as locals.

Here's my lovely room ...

I'm glad I chose a home stay accommodation because it truly was a great deal. Although I could barely find a place for $40.00 US online, I was able to find a clean and comfortable room for only $10.00 US at a homestay. When I return to Ubud, I will choose a homestay accommodation again.

Of course, a homestay isn't a luxurious resort for those of you who need more "comfort." I'm not a high maintenance girl though, so staying at a homestay was perfect. I had a bed to sleep on and hot water. It may take 10 minutes to get hot water, but it was worth it. In the mornings, I also had breakfast readily available. Fresh fruit, two pieces of toast, and hot tea. What else could I ask for?

Try a homestay sometime!

A Night in Kuta - Bali

2010-07-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

During the weekend, I was more than excited to fly to Bali for a school project. I spent a night in Kuta, where I had the chance to see a part of Indonesia that many people dream of visiting. It's considered "South East Asia's paradise," and many surfers from around the world love coming here. It's also a popular vacation spot for many Australians too.

After landing in Kuta, the first thing we did was find a taxi outside of the airport to save money. Then, we started looking for a reasonable hotel. Tune Hotels, known for their clean, comfortable, yet affordable rooms cost us only $26.00 for the night. It was nice to be able to take a nice, warm shower and sleep in their ultra soft bed.

After finding a hotel, we went to a restaurant called Zanzabar. We enjoyed some pizza and conversation among friends. It was nice being in Kuta.

After having a nice dinner with friends, we all decided to go walking on the beach. I couldn’t see the ocean because it was too dark outside, but I could feel the intensity of it. In the morning, I wanted to return, so that I could experience Kuta during the day and finally get a glimpse of the ocean. The waves were insane. I wouldn’t recommend swimming there unless you are experienced because there are three breaks and the waves look so intense! But then again, it could have just been the day that I happened to end up in Kuta. On other days, maybe it's much more mellow. The water isn’t crystal clear either but looks almost grayish. The beach looked amazing though!

If you are interested in surfing, there are some schools. I was surprised to see a Quick Silver school. But looking at the waves, you would have to be a brave first time surfer to get into the water.

It was nice spending a day in Kuta, but it was time to pack my bags for Ubud. I wish I could have seen more of Kuta since one day isn't enough to truly enjoy a place. Kuta was a busy, crowded town full of tourists and I wasn't too sure if it was the place for me, but I would like to return to explore the area. I am sure there's a ton to see there.

A $4.00 A Night Hotel in Indonesia

2010-07-14T03:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've been able to get to a computer. Last week Friday, a couple of friends and I traveled by van to Yogyakarta and stayed at a $4.00 hotel for the night. It was an interesting experience i'll never forget.

When I first walked into the room, I thought to myself, "it looks like prison." It was simple inside without any adornment. There was a single sheet on the bed and a pillow. We added a third bed, so that three of us could fit into a room.

Surprisingly, in the bathroom, there was a western toilet. For the shower, a single faucet, bucket and ladle to bathe from. I showered under the cold faucet instead. There was no toilet paper. Thankfully, I brought
some.

Here's my shower ...

After a long night, I returned to the hotel, ready to sleep. When I turned, I saw a cockroach and a worm near my bed. I tried to sleep, but I couldn't. Luckily, I was able to get the roach out of my room, so I could sleep comfortably. I was able to sleep afterward, but I woke up rather early in the morning.

When I looked out the window, I noticed birds eating my nasi goreng (fried rice). It was nice of the hotel staff to offer us food for breakfast, but watch out for the birds. They know when it's time for breakfast.

If you want to save money, you may want to check similar hotels out because you'll save a ton. There are cheap hotels around. Then again, you may want to pay a little more for extra comfort too. It's really up to you. I definitely like the extra comfort, but it was nice to stay at a cheap place to save money.

I'll have to add more pictures once I can find another internet connection...

Amazing Gunung Bromo

2010-07-05T02:48:00.000-07:00

The weekend was full of madness and chaos, but I had a blast. We rode a bus for 11 hours to Mt. Bromo to catch a sunrise and to view the crater thereafter. It was an amazing trip I'll never forget. I'm glad I survived the ride.

For 11 hours, we road a tourist bus to Mt. Bromo. We were supposed to arrive at midnight, but ended up in the area at 0300 a.m. instead. The madness immediately began as soon as we stepped off the bus.

Once the bus stopped, we were confused about where we were going and if we should grab our bags. It was total chaos. We were swarmed by nearly 10 men selling hats and mittens once we stepped off the bus. I felt like I was in Kopeng all over again. I grabbed my bag and immediately got into the second bus, a mini van. Although I believe only 10 should have fit into the bus, 18 people later, we were crammed into an extremely tight and uncomfortable van, driving up windy roads for the next 20 minutes. There was traffic and we barely had time to drop off our bags for the 5:15 a.m. sunset.

It felt like forever in the van, as the driver quickly sped up the mountain at terrifying speeds. My friend was crammed in the van so bad that she wasn't even on the seat, but out of exhaustion she ended up sleeping on my bag. I'm glad she could fall asleep because I sure couldn't. I was too afraid to sleep. My arm started to go numb because of the bags on my lap and I wondered when we would finally reach the hotel.

Thank God I never brought my laptop because we couldn't make it to our rooms by the time we reached the hotel. Instead, we tossed our bags into a large room at the hotel and changed quickly before quickly rushing into our next vehicle: a jeep.

The last 20 minutes had already been an insane experience, but nothing could compare to the jeep ride up the steep mountain on unpaved roads. There's a dream I oftentimes have of having to travel up a steep cliff side in a car and it reminded me of it. It was dark outside and there was fog everywhere, so it was difficult to see the road. There were other jeeps trying to surpass us and sometimes, it felt like our jeep would stall out on the mountainside.

With a limited amount of time, I could only think of running up to the peak of the mountain to watch the sunset, but realized it was a bad idea because of the altitude. There were jeeps and ojeks (motorcycle transportation) everywhere. Over and over again, ojek driver's asked if I needed a ride. I almost got hit by an ojek and a jeep in the dark, chaotic night. I wasn't the only one. It was pure insanity.

After walking some distance, we finally reached our destination. We were ready to witness an incredible sunrise! Unfortunately, the clouds covered the sun and after sometime, we decided to leave. It was time to move on. It was, however, an awesome experience to be there with people from around the world!

We headed back to our jeep to our next destination. It turns out that the sunset wasn't at Mt. Bromo! We were now heading to Mt. Bromo to see the caldera. I had a chance to ride a horse and walk alongside the crater. It was beautiful and an amazing experience.

My friend bargained to get us cheaper rides on the horse, so we ended up paying 25,000 which is equivalent to about $2.50. But I felt sad for the old man who walked the horse up the mountain with me, so I gave him a little extra. The horse was small and I know the old man works hard. Every time someone gets on his horse, he walks up the mountain too.

After climbing the 205 steps needed to reach the caldera, the view was spectacular and completely worth the trek up the mountain. Mt. Bromo is one of the most beautiful places I have seen in my life. I felt as if I was on another planet.

Since we didn't have much time to spare, we had to quickly head back to the hotel. But we had a small dilemma, as the jeep would not start. Thankfully, the driver got the jeep to move after sometime!

Once we arrived at the hotel, it was yet another interesting experience ....

Klenteng Konghucu - Salatiga, Indonesia

2010-07-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Since being in Indonesia, I've seen many interesting things. I've also learned a lot from the people here, as well as through my classes. For one, I've learned that there are 6 official religions in Indonesia: Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

When I first came here, I had a tour of the city. One of the places we visited was a Confucian temple (klenteng Konghucu) Bright red with gold, the temple stands out among the many shops and food stalls along the street.

Honestly, I had no idea there were people who practiced Confucianism in Indonesia. I heard of Confucianism in China, but always thought it was more of a "thing of the past." But I've learned otherwise ... I am now curious about Confucianism in other parts of the world.

Although you can take pictures inside of the temple, there is one room you may not take photos of. I'm glad I learned this beforehand!

I enjoyed observing the temple. I've seen several temples and I find that depending on the country, there is something always unique and interesting about each. I'm glad to say that I've had a chance to visit a Confucian temple during my lifetime ...

Swarmed at Kopeng - Indonesia

2010-06-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

During the weekend, I visited Kopeng, a park nearby Salatiga. As we drove towards the top of the mountain to reach the park, N had mentioned that the sellers can be a bit annoying. I didn't fully understand what she meant until after arriving at Kopeng. For the first time in my life, I experienced the feeling of being swarmed by sellers for fruits, vegetables, and other goods. It was an interesting, if not surreal experience. It was also uncomfortable, but I'm grateful for the experience.

Since many may think I look Indonesian, I pretended to be a local, so that we wouldn't get charged extra to enter the park. I looked away when we entered the gate and N did all the talking.

When we finally parked, two ladies and a young boy with oranges quickly approached the car. Suddenly, a man started to walk towards us, asking "Do you want to ride the horse?" He wouldn't leave us alone. The people followed us around everywhere, including the man selling horse rides. He waited for us outside of the bathroom and also followed us throughout the park repeating the same question, although we continuously refused.

I smiled and waved my hand "no," but it wasn't effective. N tells them "no thank you" repeatedly, but the sellers continue to force items on you.

We walked around the park and eventually decided to sit on the mats at the park to enjoy some refreshments. The man mentioned that it's free to sit on the mats and provided us a menu to order from. I ordered hot orange juice and N drank hot chocolate milk.

As we sat on the mats, a crowd of women began to come towards us. They desperately tried to sell. I couldn't understand much of what they were saying, especially when they spoke Javanese. I was lost, but I knew they wanted us to purchase their goods and sometimes, they would become angry if you refused.

There were some sellers who became upset whenever you refused to buy something. It was an uncomfortable feeling to be sitting on the mat, trying to enjoy the drinks you purchased, while being swarmed by sellers every few minutes. I was uncomfortable, especially when we got scammed a couple times.

The man who said the mats were free to sit on, lied. When we paid for our drinks, he never gave us any change, and stated "you also rented the mat." There was another couple next to us who had also been swarmed. After they left, I saw the man eating their leftover food. I felt grossed out because I don't know if they cleaned our glasses, but it made me think that N and I may have drank from dirty cups.

Here's a photo of the couple next to us being swarmed ...

Then, an old lady, the same one who pleaded for us to buy vegetables, returned again. It looked like she had a bloody mouth too, which I later found out was coloring from chewing beetle nut. N bought something from her. Next to her, another lady approached, begging for money. She was extremely old and I felt sorry for her. I gave in and handed her some money. She kept on putting her hand out. We decided to quickly escape afterward.

The park does have some beautiful attractions, including a fun pool. I didn't go inside, but it looked like the kids in the pool were having a great time.

As we left, a "parking" man came out of the wood works. He helped back up the car and demanded $5,000 rupiah, which is ridiculously high. N gave him half the money and we quickly sped away.

I recently learned that I will be returning to Kopeng for school, so I wonder if the experience will be any different. I'll have to let you all know! There are some interesting things about the park, but you may get swarmed.

Food in Indonesia

2010-06-28T02:30:00.000-07:00

When I first arrived in the country, I was amazed by the Indonesian people's appetites. It seemed like people were constantly eating. Now, I am one of them. I can't believe how much I eat. It's insane.

Indonesian food is incredible. It is now one of my favorite. There's so much variety to choose from and I love the many fresh drinks readily available. There's so many interesting foods!

At home, my home stay mom is an amazing cook. She could open her own restaurant in Hawaii if she wanted. Hawaii definitely needs an Indonesian restaurant! At school, we are also very lucky. The food we eat is catered. We have snack time everyday, as well as a prepared lunch.

Dinner at home ...

Snack time ... Normally, we have a choice of coffee, tea, or water. Then, a choice of dessert items, such as traditional Indonesian desserts or simple cake-like concoctions.

Lunch at school ...There's always variety and we get to try a number of wonderful dishes.

At times, we also eat on plates lined with banana leaf. It's pretty interesting.

Although I like Indonesian food, the one thing I do not yet enjoy is tempe. Yes, I know. It's really good. But I don't like it unless it is made in a stir fry with spices. I can't eat it plain. People love it though!

There's also interesting Indonesian street food, among other fascinating things. I could seriously do an entire report on Indonesian street food. There will be more to come on this ...

Jalan Sudirman - Salatiga, Indonesia

2010-06-25T01:18:00.000-07:00

I love walking through the main street of Salatiga, Jalan Sudirman, where there's always so much happening. There's a traditional market, as well as many shops alongside the street. There are also a number of food vendors and more.

The first time I walked on Jalan Sudirman, it was with my class. We had a tour of the city. As we were walking, it made me laugh because I always hear people yelling "Hello!" I also see interesting things around town and it's fun observing the people.

Here are some of my photos from around town:

Jalan Sudirman is a street full of activity and has so much to offer. Just be careful crossing the street!

Lost in Indonesia

2010-06-22T02:32:00.000-07:00

I've survived my first week in Indonesia! I'm having a great time here, enjoying the beautiful city and its surroundings.

In the morning and after school, I ride the angkot. It's a blue van that people take to get to different destinations, such as to the university campus. It costs 2,000 rupiah to ride. I live too far from campus to walk, so i'm glad there's an easier way to get around town.

In the angkot, you do not wear seat belts and the door is always open. Also, you may encounter interesting episodes on one too. My angkot crashed into a motorcycle yesterday! Fortunately, the motorcyclists survived, although I believe their bike wouldn't start.

The first time I rode the angkot, I got lost. The angkot driver didn't know where my address was, so I got off with my friend who also couldn't figure out where she lived. When we finally found her home however, it was my turn to find mine. I felt I would be able to navigate the area and find my house alone, but I was wrong.

An hour later, I was walking around, lost and confused. No one seemed to know where I lived and I couldn't describe it to anyone either. A man on a motorcycle approached me and asked in English, "Where are you trying to go?" He mentioned how I looked lost and he wanted to help me. I was getting nervous after a while because it seemed like the further I walked, the less familiar the area looked. I also wasn't sure if I was walking into a bad neighborhood. Fortunately, I discovered it's safe throughout the town.

The man who tried to help me asked if I could walk over to the nearby mosque, so he could hear me since the traffic outside was too loud. I told him, "It's okay. I think if I walk a little further, I might find my home." Minutes later, I was sitting on the steps of a mosque, lost, trying to explain where I lived.

The man insisted he pack me on the back of his motorcycle. It was a kind gesture, but I would never get on anyone's motorcycle back home! I didn't know him or have a helmet, so it was a big risk in my mind. I told him I was afraid, so he suggested I take the angkot. He would lead the angkot with his motorcycle to my house.

Inside, I felt a little hesitant, but I got into the angkot. The kind man paid for my ride, although I refused. When I got into the angkot, I repeated my address to the driver just in case. Then, I noticed a motorcycle quickly speed in front of the angkot. The man wanted to ensure I would make it home safely and led the way. My homestay mom had been waiting on the corner. Once I saw her, I knew I was home! It was such a sigh of relief.

I thanked the kind man profusely. It was truly a nice gesture. In Hawaii, it's not easy to trust people you don't know and I try to use the same rule here. But at the same time, I realize that some of the kindest people appear when you are lost and in need of help. I couldn't be more grateful! The people here have truly been helpful and kind.

Later, I discovered that I wasn't the only one lost. I now realize that I have to use a certain phrase for the angkot driver to understand where I live.

It's safe and easy to ride the angkot, but there are times when the driver may not be familiar with your destination. I highly recommend you find nearby locations to let the driver know what area you live in!

Telephones in Indonesia

2010-06-19T01:09:00.000-07:00

Since being in Indonesia, it has been an interesting challenge to call home.

The first set of challenges, I actually encountered at the Hyatt. Unlike Japan, there are phone booths, but no place for coins and no information on how to make an international call. Instead, I had to go to the communication center, which cost me $7.50 for a 3 minute phone call.

Once I arrived in the next city, it got even more interesting. There was no way I could call family unless I walked down the street at the "phone booth," or purchased a phone. It was too late to purchase a phone, so I walked down the street with my new friend who helped me find my way around town.

There's no way in the world I could have accomplished this alone. We walked into a neighborhood and asked a man to use the "pay phone," at his store. There was a booth with no phone. All of a sudden, he grabs a phone from his drawer and walks over to the phone booth to plug it in. I still didn't know how to use it because there's a special code you have to use prior to your international phone call. But after figuring it out, it was so nice to hear a familiar voice and to let my family know that I made it to Indonesia safely.

Here's the phone booth:

It can get expensive to constantly call back home through the phone booth. It's much cheaper to buy a phone instead However, once again, I wouldn't have been able to do it alone! My Indonesian friend had to help me purchase a phone and add minutes. It was too confusing.

The phone I bought was the cheapest on the market for a mere $24.00 ...Then, I paid for pulsa minutes. They register your phone number and put a card inside of the phone for it to begin working. My phone wouldn't work though and it took me all night to figure it out. A friend said to try "011" and it worked. I could finally call home. But within 5 minutes, my "pulsa" ran out and I could not call my family once again. Fortunately, I have a video phone at home, which is the only phone that works because it does not eat my minutes.

I am happy to say now, after the interesting challenges that I've encountered, that I can communicate with family and have a way to get in touch with friends here too. My phone works and I now know where to go if I need to make a phone call.

For those of you visiting Indonesia, you can use a phone booth or purchase a phone, depending on your stay here. I would recommend purchasing a cheap cell phone. You can sell it afterward and it costs less in the end to use as a means of communication. It may just take a while to figure out! Good luck.

Arriving in Salatiga, Indonesia

2010-06-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

After staying in Yogyakarta for the night, it was time to leave the hotel for my next destination. As I waited outside of the airport, taxi driver's constantly asked if I needed a ride, but I politely smiled and said "no thanks." I had a ride and was eventually greeted by a friendly face from the school. Thank goodness!

It was a bumpy, two hour ride to Salatiga. It was also extremely hot outside. Extremely. In fact, I had already consumed 5 bottles of water and it still wasn't enough.

Once we arrived at the school's guest house, I had a chance to relax. Here's my lovely room. I actually had a room to myself.

I desperately wanted to call my family too, which came with a set of interesting challenges. I had a chance to walk around the neighborhood in the evening and met some of my classmates too. I was already having a blast and was completely intrigued by my interesting surroundings.

The sights and sounds of Indonesia are very different from Hawaii. There's so much I still have to learn about my surroundings. The first time I saw a baby on a motorcycle, my mouth dropped. At times, I see entire families on a single motorcycle. It still amazes me.

I'm still getting used to Indonesia, a place I'm quickly falling in love with. It's a beautiful country and I hope to explore even more of the region.

Landing in Jakarta and the Hyatt in Yogya

2010-06-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'm finally in Indonesia! It took three long days for me to arrive here. It has been an amazing adventure and an experience I will never forget.

From Hawaii, I spent a night in Japan, then flew to Jakarta the following day. The plane was empty and I was unsure of what to expect once I landed. In many ways I was terrified, but I was also excited and ready to begin my new adventure. After landing, it was complete madness and chaos at the airport.

I waited for almost an hour in line with several hundred people. Fortunately, the line I stood in moved the quickest. I asked an Australian man nearby, "Is this where we wait?" We were both confused. It was extremely hot and you could smell burning incense. I noticed people being stopped and interviewed. I had wondered, "Will I make it to my next flight?"

I went through immigration without a problem. I picked the right line. I noticed the computer stated "no threat," as the immigration officer returned my passport. Afterward, it was time to grab my bags. I'm glad others knew where I should go because I was lost. I dragged my two heavy bags and felt completely paranoid about receiving any help, but eventually had to give in.

I grabbed my bags and exited the terminal when I noticed a row of money changes in front of me. They all began to yell to compete for my business. I quickly scanned the booths for the best rates, as they all started to hold up signs and yell to attract my attention. I decided to go to the last one with the best rate. It was too funny.

It was overwhelming at the airport and it is not easy to navigate either. I was completely lost, but a young man helped me find my way. I tried to refuse his help, but he knew I was lost and wouldn't leave. In the end, everything worked out and I realized things would be fine. Throughout my travels, I felt as if someone was always with me. I had many people along the way who made sure I would be okay from the beginning.

From Jakarta, I had to fly to Yogyakarta. There were less and less foreigners. I started to feel lost. I could barely understand anyone's English. When we landed in Yogya, we didn't have a hard landing, but the aircraft was bouncing like I have never experienced. It made me laugh.

Once I arrived in Yogyakarta, it was madness once again. Taxi driver's want to take you to your next stop, but fortunately I booked a hotel with the Hyatt and a taxi. It made life much easier.

The Hyatt in Yogyakarta is incredible! Here are some photos from my stay. It's a 5 star hotel and it only cost $99 for the night. The service was incredible! The food excellent.

In Transit in Japan

2010-06-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

From Hawaii, it takes nearly two days to get to Indonesia. Typically, you'll have to stop in Japan because there are no direct flights. I knew it would be a long few days, but it was completely worth it.

I went on JALWAYS and sat upstairs in a double decker plane. It was really hot upstairs! There was a lot of great food though. I had pasta with a salad and a jello dessert. Later, we were given soba noodles as a snack. Everyone had their own TV screen and could watch countless movies or tv shows of choice.

Since I had to transit in Japan, I was put into a free hotel. I thought I would be in a dump since it was free, but I was wrong. There were a number of restaurants, as well as a 24 hour convenience store. I walked outside of the hotel and enjoyed the nice cold air outside.

I wish I could stopped in Tokyo, but I was too tired from not sleeping the night before. But at least I had a chance to relax and call family back home.

The phones in Japan can be quite confusing. Just remember, the green phones are for domestic calls, while the white or gray are for international phone calls. Oftentimes, you also need to purchase a phone card to call home.

I love the drinks and food in Japan too! It was nice to indulge.

When it was finally time to check out, I'm glad I left the hotel early. There were long lines and a lot of chaos! I was ready to begin my adventure into new territory.

If you are transiting in Japan, be at the airport early or else you may regret it! I guarantee you won't be bored either because there's so much Narita Airport has to offer.

Laniakea Beach - Hawaii

2010-06-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I went on a fun photo walk to the North Shore. One of the places we stopped at is Laniakea Beach, known for its turtles.

Imagine snorkeling here and having an opportunity to be up-close with turtles. Of course, you do have to keep your distance, but it is an incredible experience.

Although most people respect marine life, there are some people who may not always understand the concept. I saw a lady "accidentally" run into a turtle because she got far too close. From what I could see, it looked like she had been chasing it. Although turtles are friendly creatures, they can bite if threatened. It's also illegal to harrass turtles. They are beautiful creatures, but one's you don't want to mess with. If you visit Laniakea Beach, just remember to enjoy yourself, but be safe and treat the turtles with respect.

If you see a crowd, most likely there's a turtle around. Many of the turtles enjoy relaxing on the sand, while you can also spot several swimming in the ocean, if you are fortunate enough to be wearing your polarized sunglasses.

If you see a turtle resting, you'll notice a sign with the turtles name on it and a rope around the area to keep people from getting too close. Everyone seems to light up once a turtle hits the sand. It's pretty interesting to observe, especially because of how happy and excited people become once they see one.

As far as I remember, this turtle's name is "Whoolie Bully." We waited for quite sometime before W.B. landed on the shore to rest. I'm glad I was able to capture this memorable photo. It's one of my favorite.

I would love to spend more time here, just to snorkel or relax on the beach. It's a beautiful beach and a place you will not want to miss.

Lantern Floating Ceremony - Ala Moana Beach Park, Hawaii

2010-06-02T23:35:00.000-07:00

For the last 12 years, the Lantern Floating Ceremony has been a tradition at Ala Moana Beach Park, where friends and family honor loved one's who have passed. It's a humbling, if not touching event that will move you.

Nearly 40,000 people attended the event on Memorial Day, as friends and family gathered along the shore line to set lanterns a float on the calm waters at Ala Moana Beach Park, as the sun slowly set. On every lantern, there is a message, prayer, or wish being "sent" to loved ones, as friends and family write personal messages to honor those who have passed.

As I stood knee-deep in water at the shore line with other photographers, desperately searching for the best spot to take photos, I started to observe the people around me. I quickly noticed, men, women, and children weeping throughout the crowd, as they remembered their own loved ones. Although I had only come to take photos and observe the event, it began to move me, as I began to appreciate the significance of the Lantern Floating Ceremony, an event that promotes peace among human beings.

As friends and family gathered around the shoreline ready to set their lanterns a float, I noticed a young boy, crying as he held his. You could feel the emotion in the air, as hundreds and thousands of people at Ala Moana Beach park silently waited for the moment they could finally release their lanterns into the water.

Before the event took a place, there was an elegantly presented Buddhist style ceremony, while there also had been entertainment, to include the lighting of an "enternal fire," prayer, and singing.

Hundreds began to set foot in water as they began releasing their lanterns. One by one, the amount of lanterns began to grow, softly floating a top the water, illuminating the sea.

Happy Memorial Day!

National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific - Punchbowl, Hawaii

2010-05-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

Today, I attended a ceremoy at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific at Punchbowl, commemorating the fallen US service members, past and present, who endured the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom.

It was my first time at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific and I wouldn't have chosen a better day than Memorial Day to spend my time, attending such a meaningful event.

I had a chance to not only see Senator Daniel Inouye and Mayor Mufi Hanneman speak, but I also met a number of war veterans, including a purple heart recipient. The speeches I heard today were also touching and would quickly soften the hardest of hearts. As I was snapping a man's photo, he commented, "Wow, this is some really heavy stuff." I agreed with him.

I can't say that I didn't shed a tear when Mufi Hanneman read a poem about the pain a mother of a soldier endures, as her son pays the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

I asked to take his photo and he was extremely gracious. I said "Thank you. Thank you so much!" and he responded, "Thank you!"

When I had first entered the cemetary, I noticed US flags and flowers everywhere. The boy scouts placed flags and flower leis at each grave, while the girl scouts also did the same at the State Veteran's Cemetary. When a flower shortage was announced recently, many throughout Hawaii also purchased leis and helped string flowers together to place leis on the graves of each fallen service member, so that there would be enough. It was touching to hear and a beautiful sight to see.

During the event, wreaths are also layed.

Before the commemoration ceremony ended, the Hickam Air Force Honor Guard did the 21-Rifle Salute. Afterward, the thundering sound of four Hawaii Air National Guard F-15s came from behind, shooting through the sky, as on-lookers gazed upward to view the Missing Man Formation.

There was singing from the Pearl City High School Choir, the Honolulu Boy Choir, while the Royal Hawaiian Band also played during the event.

Once the colors were retired, the ceremony came to an end. Group photos began among many of the foreign military and dignitaries who were present. Senator Daniel Inouye and Mayor Mufi Hanneman both took photos for photographers and/or attendees wanting a picture.

I wish I did my hair and dressed a little nicer because I had no idea I would be asked to be in a photo or two! Instead, I am now in two photos wearing shorts and a T-shirt with crazy wind blown hair. I'm just a random girl, holding a camera, standing next to a Laotion military man, so I hope these photos never resurface because I look terrible.

There were also a number of news stations filming the event and interviewing veterans. If only I had a television hooked up, I could watch the news.

After seeing the ceremony today, I strongly feel that more people should support the Memorial Day events throughout the islands. If there's anything to be learned, a service member should always be welcomed home. The scars will never heal for some, but by attending a Memorial Day event, I am sure it will truly mean a lot to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It's the least we can do to show our support, especially on Memorial Day.

A Grueling Hike up Koko Head - Hawaii

2010-05-31T01:32:00.000-07:00

Hike #1 of 10 for my 101 in 1001 list...

After leaving the photowalk on the North Shore, I tackled the grueling hike up Koko Head afterward. At around 4:30 p.m., I hiked and did not return until nearly two hours later.

My friend mentioned that it can take up to half an hour or up to two hours, depending on your physical fitness level. Honestly, I am not that out of shape, but this hike made me realize I am. I will have to continue hiking this and other trails to build my endurance.

I still have no idea how people can run up and down Koko Head and to hear that someone actually made it in 15 minutes - running - is unbelievable. I struggled immensely as I hiked the steep, old rail road path in the hot sun. I'm still amazed that children were hiking Koko Head too! My mouth dropped, as I saw a 5 year old at the summit, as well as several other young chidren. As I was hiking, I remember thinking to myself, "I don't think this hike would be suitable for children," as I reluctantly climbed one section of the path. I guess I was wrong.

There is one section of the path that is above ground. I'm skinny, so if I was to fall, I could slip right between the rail road tracks and hit the ground below! That's what I thought as I carefully hiked the area. I'm also scared of heights, so I had to use all four of my limbs to hike this particular section of the path, knowing that I would have a better chance of not falling if I held on to the rail road tracks as I climbed. How in the world does anyone run Koko Head, especially on this path!? I still haven't figured it out, but I'm completely amazed by it. (For those of you who feel you will not be able to make it past the part of the hike I mentioned, there is an alternate path).

You wouldn't want to fall through these cracks ...

Thankfully, after passing the difficult part of the path, the rest of the train tracks were on the ground. But the climb becomes steeper as you head towards the summit. As you hike towards the top of Koko Head, you'll notice more and more hikers hanging out on the side of the path, taking breaks to catch their breath.

After hitting the summit, however, it's the most exhilirating feeling in the world! Sit down, relax, and take in the view. The wind feels incredible. It's nice and cool. It's the perfect place to reward yourself after a tough hike.

The view is unbelievably incredible and worth every step to the top. Not only will you get a glimpse into Koko Head Crater, but there's a 360 view of the surrounding area to include Hanauma Bay, Makapu'u, and more.

After taking the time to relax a top Koko Head, we finally hiked down the trail, which I thought was ten times easier! However, I was getting a little nervous as a friend kept on slipping on the path behind me. I didn't want him to get hurt, especially because it would be a terrifying fall. But luckily, we made it down rather quickly and safely, although not as fast as the older woman running down the path!

It was such a relief to have finished the hike. My legs felt like jello as they wobbled after the hike, while I could tell I was extremely dehyrated from hiking in the sun. In fact, I felt like hurling, as I asked the lady at the gas station if she had re-hydration packets for me to pour into my gatorade. She instead offered a free Krispy Creme donut because she thought that something sweet would make me feel better since no rehydration packets were available. Isn't that so sweet?

My advice to you is to make sure you are hydrated before you hike and to bring a lot of water with you a long the way! Learn from my experience or you'll truly suffer the consequences up until the next day. And let me tell you, it is one of the worst feelings ever to have a pounding headache, chills, and nausea as you try your best to rest, while waking up periodically with blurry vision. You'll want to sleep endlessly and will wake up with an unrelentless headache until the next day. Trust me. Drink a lot of water!

The hike to Koko Head was a lot of fun and totally worth it. The view was beautiful. In fact, it was so beautiful that I want to make a copy of the aerial photos I took a top Koko Head to put into a picture frame or to hang on the wall as a memory. I had an incredible time and I plan to return again. It will test my endurance and push me to my limits. Maybe one day, I'll be able to hike a little faster too. An accomplishment I look forward to ... From what I hear, the more you hike Koko Head, the easier it gets! Eventually, you may want to run it!

If you plan to hike Koko Head, bring a camera too! It will be an incredible hike, so have fun and enjoy the moment.

Kayaking to Gilligan's Island - Kaneohe, Hawaii

2010-05-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

Recently, I accomplished two more items on my 101 in 1001 list. I went kayaking for the first time and visited Gilligan's Island (more frequently known as coconut island by locals), which is something I've always wanted to do! I kayaked from Kaneohe Bay to Gilligan's Island and back. It was a new and exciting challenge and an incredible workout.

Initially, I felt a bit of trepidation, as I climbed into a kayak, not knowing what to expect. "You should test the kayak out first! You might be too tired to come back in such windy weather," the staff member warned, as we were ready to hit the water. It made me nervous at first, but we were headed off to Gilligan's Island anyway. I now know why he kindly warned us.

As we kayaked to Gilligan's Island, I could feel my arms slowly burning, but I continued to move as quickly as I could. I kept hitting my hand on the side of the kayak and could not steer at first. I had to take several breaks too, just to catch my breath. Thank God for two person kayaks because if not, I would've headed back half way to Gilligan's Island. It was a lot of hard work! A lot more than I imagined at least ...

Once we landed on Gilligan's Island, I was completely relieved. A friend familiar with Gilligan's Island gave a small introduction to the island. For one, I learned that Gilligan's Island had only been used for the opening scenes of the show. And nowadays, the island is used for research purposes. I also found it alarming that there are several nearby islands that are completely polluted by waste, which is disheartening to know.

After the introduction, we were planning to kayak around Gilligan's Island, but it seemed too strenuous after we had finished paddling for the last 30 minutes. Instead, we decided to return to Kaneohe Bay, which was one of the most challenging experiences - ever. The wind was strong, so it was difficult to move forward, as we were kayaking in 25 knot waters. Several kayaks tipped over, while others felt as if they weren't moving an inch. A boat helped some of our friends return to calmer waters. However, things were much different for myself and for my partner D, as we ended up paddling for the next hour and a half.

Honestly, I'm surprised my kayak never tipped over. I'm sure it would have flipped over and hit me in the head if I was by myself, but luckily we have partners who are more experienced than newbies like myself. D and I paddled like crazy through wind and water. After finally making it back to Kaneohe Bay, it was the most incredible feeling ever. My arms, legs, and butt hurt for days, but there's truly nothing like a great work out and a little bit of adventure. It was so much fun!