Tag: traveling

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

France, Day 5 – Provence

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, 5.7mm, f/1.5, 1/750 sec, ISO50
 “Nostradamus House” Saint-Rémy, 2024

Today, we spent the day exploring Saint-Rémy and Les Baux-de-Provence. Our first stop was the Carrières des Lumières, an incredible projection show set inside an old quarry, where vibrant images come to life on the limestone walls. It was truly breathtaking!

Afterwards, we enjoyed a lovely lunch in Saint-Rémy and took some time to stroll around the charming town. Later, we made our way to Avignon to catch the TGV train back to Paris. It was a wonderful way to wrap up our visit to Provence.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1100 sec, ISO80
 “Carrières des Lumières” Les Baux-de-Provence, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 9mm, f/2.8, 1/400 sec, ISO25
 “Saint-Rémy” Saint-Rémy, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO200
 “Pizza and Salad” Saint-Rémy, 2024

France, Day 4 – Provence

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1900 sec, ISO80
 “Water Please” Lourmarin, 2024

I’ve been enjoying our days here in Provence quite a bit! Today we started with a visit to the Château de Lourmarin. The building is very cool, but the art exhibits were amazing! I particularly enjoyed the architectural etchings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi and Laurent de Troïl. So amazing and inspiring!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/7.1, 1/1600 sec, ISO640
 “Château de Lourmarin” Lourmarin, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/950 sec, ISO640
 “Lourmarin” Lourmarin, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/125 sec, ISO640
 “Château de Lourmarin” Lourmarin, 2024

After the chateau, we drove to the town of Cucoron, and enjoyed a nice stroll around the charming streets and also had lunch at Restaurant Le Cercle de cucuron. The carpaccio was some of the best I’ve ever had. The fries were amazing as well. In fact, all the fries we’ve had in France have been excellent!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/380 sec, ISO80
 “Lunch” Cucuron, 2024

After the stroll around Cucuron, we visited Moulin à huile d’olive & Domaine Bastide du Laval (olive oil factory; no pics, sorry) to buy some gifts, and then drove to our hotel in Eyragues.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/400 sec, ISO80
 “Poste” Cucuron, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1000 sec, ISO80
 “Arch” Cucuron, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/250 sec, ISO640
 “Building” Cucuron, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/300 sec, ISO640
 “Building” Cucuron, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/750 sec, ISO640
 “Door” Cucuron, 2024