Tag: traveling

Sedona to Torrance

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO1000
 “Breakfast” Cottonwood, 2024

Today was a long travel day, starting in Sedona, Arizona, and ending in Torrance, California. We kicked things off with a yummy breakfast at the Old Town Red Rooster Café in Cottonwood before hitting the road. Bay took the wheel for the first leg, and I drove the California stretch.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/340 sec, ISO80
 “Driver” Arizona, 2024

After a full day of driving, dinner at CoCo Ichibanya hit the spot. I usually go for level 10 spiciness, but this location now offers levels 15 and 20! Naturally, I had to try level 15. It was spicy, though I feel like their old level 10 from years back packed more heat. Either way, I’m definitely trying level 20 next time!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO320
 “Katsu Curry” Torrance, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO320
 “Spiciness Level” Torrance, 2024

Roadtrip Starts

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/14, 1/100 sec, ISO400
 “New Mexico Sky” 2024

Today, we kicked off our road trip from Texas to California. I handled this leg of the drive, making a few stops along the way for food, fuel, and some photos — including this one after sunset. Once we arrived in Roswell, New Mexico, we settled in and headed out for dinner and drinks. I’d been eagerly anticipating that margarita since crossing the Texas/New Mexico border!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/20 sec, ISO3200
 “Beverages” Roswell, 2024

Ukulele Shopping and a Catamaran Cruise

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/120 sec, ISO250
 “Dream Ukulele” Honolulu, 2024

This morning, we stopped by Ala Moana Center for some shopping, and I ended up spending quite a bit of time at the Kanile’a Ukulele store. I fell in love with two ukuleles: a concert model with honu inlay and a soprano. Both were stunning, played effortlessly, and sounded incredible! The soprano, in particular, felt perfect in my hands, and with frets extending to the soundhole, I could easily play anything from my current repertoire. Someday, I’d love to make that ukulele mine!

In the afternoon, we went on an amazing 90-minute catamaran ride from Waikiki out around Diamond Head and back. The views were incredible, and as a bonus, they offered free alcoholic drinks – which, of course, we made the most of. What an awesome day!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/2400 sec, ISO40
 “Catamaran” Honolulu, 2024

Honolulu Weekend

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/4000 sec, ISO80
 “OGG” Kahului, 2024

Today we hopped on a flight to the island of Oahu! We’ll be staying there for a couple of nights. Honolulu is a foodie’s paradise, even though it can be a bit pricey, especially in Waikiki.

For our first meal, we tried Kamakura Ramen. It was super-tasty! There was so much food that we had leftovers, which we took back to our hotel in these cool ramen take-out bowls. They had a special compartment that separated the broth from the noodles, like a double-decker bowl. How convenient is that?

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
 “Ramen” Honolulu, 2024

So, in the evening, we decided to treat ourselves to some much-needed relaxation at Cocolomi. I opted for the 60-minute lomi-lomi and foot massage, and let me tell you, it was fantastic! But, it was also a bit of a rollercoaster of pain. The masseuse (Saori) asked if I wanted more or less pressure, so you can definitely customize the intensity to your liking. I went for it and ended up with a pretty intense massage, which left my back muscles feeling sore the next day. But hey, it was totally worth it! I would definitely do it again.

We’re on Maui

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/7100 sec, ISO80
 “Maui” 2024

Mariko and I started a mini work-cation on Maui today, while my mom, brother, and sister-in-law started their vacation. It’s beautiful here.

For our first meal, we picked up some Ichiban Okazuya. We had Korean chicken, teriyaki beef, mahi mahi, and pork katsu plates. Everything was so tasty and filling. It’s actually enough for another meal! Oishikatta

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO100
 “Okazuya Dinner” Wailuku, 2024