My First Acupuncture Treatment

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!

Ali'i Kai Catamaran - Honolulu, Hawaii

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.

The Great Aloha Run 2011

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!

Whale Watching at Makapu'u

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?

An Indonesian Batik Museum - Solo City

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.

101 in 1001 List - Updated

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

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. 

Ramayana Ballet - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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. 

Riding a Becak - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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!

Borobudur Temple - Indonesia

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!