Tag: traveling

Semi-finals Day

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/120 sec, ISO50
 “Abe Lincoln” Indianapolis, 2022

Today is the penultimate day of the 2022 DCI Marching Season. The semi-finals for the world class teams will happen this evening, and we have tickets! But first, I woke up to go for a run. I like to bring my running shoes and run on vacation whenever I can. It’s such a nice way to see the city, and since I wake up earlier than my family, I use that extra couple of hours to see some of the local sights solo.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/3700 sec, ISO32
 “Sunrise” Indianapolis, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/6.4, 1/1250 sec, ISO320
 “Soldiers & Sailors Monument” Indianapolis, 2022

After running and we did a little sightseeing, got lunch, and then went to Lucas Oil Stadium to watch the semi-finals. It was so fun! I’ve heard all the top shows several times before, but it’s still amazing to watch and listen to.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/100 sec, ISO160
 “Uniforms” Indianapolis, 2022

Tomorrow’s the big day (the finals). Looking forward to one last show. The energy level is going to be off the charts for all the bands.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 55mm, f/4, 1/160 sec, ISO800
 “Semifinals” Indianapolis, 2022

Visiting Indianapolis

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 1.55mm, f/2.4, 1/1700 sec, ISO25
 “Leaving Austin” Texas, 2022

Today we started our vacation trip to Indianapolis, Indiana. We are flying there to watch our son, Koa, compete with The Blue Devils in the DCI 2022 Championships! It’s also my first time to Indiana, so I’m extra-excited.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/1050 sec, ISO32
 “Welcome to Indy” Indianapolis, 2022

We arrived at about 5 pm and headed to our hotel, then to a nearby restaurant named Nada. The food was delicious! We had ceviche, tacos, salmon, croquettes, and papas fritas. And of course, we had a few beers to wash it all down. A great first meal in Indy.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
 “Nada” Indianapolis, 2022

After dinner, we walked over to Lucas Oil Stadium where the drum corps will compete. Tonight was the prelims, and we didn’t get tickets for it (we have tickets for the semi-finals and finals later) but we wanted to go meet up with Koa during their practice in the lot. I also had to give Koa my GoPro just in case they win the championship and have a victory encore performance. Fingers crossed!

We haven’t seen Koa in a few weeks so it was nice to say hi and wish him luck in the competition. Go Blue Devils!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 26.5mm, f/3.2, 1/40 sec, ISO6400
 “Front Ensemble” Indianapolis, 2022

After saying goodbye, we went back to our hotel and watched the prelims on the laptop at our room. And good news, they won prelims, so their undefeated season continues. Let hope their run continues tomorrow at semi-finals!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18.8mm, f/2.8, 1/55 sec, ISO6400
 “Indiana Statehouse” Indianapolis, 2022

Global Entry – At Long Last

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
 “Wait” San Antonio, 2022

I have finally gotten my Global Entry / TSA Pre-check / Known Traveler Number! I went for the “interview” down at San Antonio International Airport which was the closest office. For some reason, Austin’s office is closed as of this post, which is no bueno, but at least San Antonio isn’t too far away (90 minutes).

For a long time, the only available interview locations were Del Rio and Laredo, which are 4 hours away. 😞 But I kept checking the website, and San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston popped up, with San Antonio’s first available date about a month out, and the other two cities’ were several months of wait. So, I think I got lucky!

Anyways, now I am happy that I can use the TSA Pre-check line. 😀

Camping at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

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Here are a few photos of our overnight camping trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It was a wonderful getaway, just 1.5 hours from home. Highly recommend (when it’s not too hot)!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/5.6, 1/2200 sec, ISO320
 “Loop Trail” Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 48.4mm, f/4.5, 1/210 sec, ISO320
 “Mushroom & Shrimp” Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 21mm, f/1, 50 sec, ISO4000
 “Tent and Stars” Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 2022
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/10, 1/600 sec, ISO320
 “Loop Trail” Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 2022

Grandpa’s Artwork

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/120 sec, ISO80
 “Hawaiian Host” Honolulu, 2022

Today we flew back home to Texas. While at the airport I took a photo of the boxes of Hawaiian Host candies. My grandfather was an artist and teacher, and drew the original tiki that has been on the box since the beginning. (see below)

For the past year or so, the company has been transitioning to a new box design, and the tiki is now embossed in gold, but I noticed that the drawing is slightly changed. Small details like the shape of the hands, the nose, and teeth have been updated. I’m sad to see the original box go, but at least we have photos!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/120 sec, ISO125
 “Grandpa’s Artwork” Honolulu, 2022

Anyways, our vacation to Maui and Molokai has come to an end. It was a spectacular trip with plenty of excellent experiences and good memories created. I’m very happy!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/35 sec, ISO640
 “In-Flight” Honolulu, 2022