Bastet’s Pixelventures challenged us with playing with apps. I found that I really like using snapseed in altering my photos. This week’s challenge was fun. While walking around my mom’s garden I came across a bush of Hawaiian Chili Pepper. Oh so spicy! hawaiian chili pepper how you tempt me to make a local dish
In light of the World Cup happening in Brazil, I thought I’d go dig through my archives from our visit to Argentina in 2009. During our stop in Arequito, our Rotary GSE was invited to go to the local futbol (soccer) game between Club Atletico Belgrano and Club Atletico 9 de Julio. This was a very exciting game and I had never seen so many enthused fans. There were fans everywhere, even a few who climbed to the top tower of the support beams of the bleacher stands. Check out other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixleventure: Perspective.
On one of my visits to the Mall of America in Minneapolis, as I as admiring the variety of stores I came across the Microsoft store, and interestingly the Apple store was directly in front of it. Since it was still very early in the morning, there weren’t any customers around, but I wonder what it must be like at peak hour. Are there more customers in one store over the other? Check out other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixelventure – Reflection:
This past week, Hilo welcomed two voyaging canoes, Hokule’a and Hikianalia. Due to weather conditions, the canoes have not left Radio Bay, but will depart shortly. The Malama Honua (“to care for our earth”) voyage will circumnavigate the world within a time frame of THREE years. I commend the navigation team for their bravery and leadership in promoting indigenous learning and sustainability. To learn more about the voyage and to track the location of the canoes, you can visit the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Visit other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixelventures – Frame: http://wedrinkbecausewerepoets.com/2014/05/19/bastets-pixelventures-may-20-2014/
I love dancing, but I also love watching couples dance the Argentine Tango. The intensity of the dance is very moving and can transpose you to another place. During my visit to Buenos Aires, we spent an entire day in the district of La Boca. It is such a unique neighborhood. And it is said through many romantic stories that the tango originated from La Boca. I love the bright colors of the buildings along the shoreline painted in bold colors. You can also find artisans painting or singing along the sidewalk. My favorite is coming across the impromptu tango repertoires performed by the dancers. You can never tell when a couple of dancers will show up and brighten your day with a lovely tango. Visit other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixelventures – Romantic: http://wedrinkbecausewerepoets.com/2014/05/12/bastets-pixelventures-may-13-2014/ and Frizz’s “T” Prompt: http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2014/05/20/tagged-t-2/
In one of our previous posts, Spring is in the Air, we noted that it is always difficult to differentiate between the seasons here in Hawai’i. But, based on the school calendar, we know that school will get out soon, so it’s always great to indulge in a few outdoor activities. Here are a few photos from this weekend’s mother’s day outing at Moku Ola (aka Coconut Island). After a full belly, we walked to the opposite end of the island to the rock wall tower structure which looks like the remains of a wharf or pier to watch as the youth climbed and jumped into the ocean. Our overseas guests wanted to also join in the fun. As good hosts, we had to show them how it was done. Just climbing up the first level of the structure on shaky legs, I had a boost of adrenaline rushing through my body to help me make the jump. Rogene and I were not as brave as Adrel who jumped from both levels, including the highest one. The day was very calm, with hardly any trade …
Hawai’i Island is known for its active volcanoes where Madam Pele, the Goddess of Fire resides. We are always very conscious of mother nature and pay tribute to her in many hula dances and meles (songs). During the 2014 Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo’s Hālau Nā Lei Hiwahiwa ʻO Kuʻualoha honored Pele through their hula kahiko performance. Pele, the goddess of Fire. You move me to feel the passion of life. Visit other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixelventures – My Favorite Photo: http://wedrinkbecausewerepoets.com/2014/04/28/pixelventures-april-30-2014/
On Saturday morning, the last day of the Merrie Monarch (MM) hula festival, rain or shine, the town of Hilo gets ready for the colorful parade. Downtown Hilo is always bustling on Saturday morning with patrons heading to the Hilo Farmer’s Market; but, add the few hundred visitors who descend during this week, and it gets pretty hectic. Parking gets crazy. But, it is all worth the trouble, except when you have a little one to tow around. My favorite part of the MM parade is seeing all the lovely pa’u riders, especially as they honor each of the main eight Hawaiian islands with a princess and entourage riding on horses. Each island is represented with a different color and a different native plant or flower. In Hawaiian, wahine means woman. I love seeing the women dressed in their long skirts, and especially seeing them wear all the lovely fresh leis and flower arrangements, including in their hair and on their horses. I cannot imagine how much time and energy it must take to gather all the native …
When visiting Peru, one of the places to include on your list is the Ica Region, also known to the Peruvians as the “Land of the Sun”. The land is very fertile due to the warm dry climate. There is an abundance of grapes grown here. This area is also known for the delicious Pisco – the national drink of Peru. There are many vineyards found in this area attracting many visitors all year round. But, one of my favorite things about this area is the massive sand dunes surrounding the area. After a nice visit with various vineyards, and an afternoon at Huacachina, as we were headed back to the hotel, we noticed several locals climbing up to the top of the sand dune behind our hotel. We asked at the front desk what they were doing and where they were going. All my husband heard was sand surfing and he was very excited. We were very lucky to have stared the climb before dusk so we could climb the enormous sand dune and enjoy the sunset while hitting the …
When visiting California, I like to spend some time admiring the buildings – apartments, hotels or homes. They are usually made out of concrete covered with stucco, which is a sharp contract to those normally found in Hilo. I am always impressed with the large entrances, tiles, windows, wrought iron balconies/railings, and a courtyard with a water feature. Well, what do you know, here in Hilo, our downtown United States Post Office has quite an impressive façade. The Mediterranean Renaissance Revival architectural style from the 1900s influenced the design of this building. I love standing in the courtyard listening to the water trickle through the fountain. The tiles have aged since it was built, but since it is has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, I think it will continue to be maintained for many more years to come. Visit other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixelventures – Illusion: http://wedrinkbecausewerepoets.com/2014/04/07/bastets-pixelventures-april-8-2012-creating-illusion/ April is the start of the A to Z challenge. Check out other blogs participating in this challenge at: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com
What the heck is Ficus Benghalensis you ask? It’s also known as the Indian Banyan Tree. Luckily for me you can find it growing throughout Hawai’i Island. I always wondered how these massive trees arrived in Hawai’i as it is not a native plant. I did a bit of digging to learn more. Along our Banyan Drive in Hilo, where all the major hotels are located, you will find these large trees lined along the road. About eighty years ago the Hilo Parks Commission had these trees planted by celebrities, politicians, athletes and even religious leaders. Today, when you walk past these trees you can see a plaque with the individual’s name and the year it was planted. These large Banyan trees always take my breath away. Sitting under one of these massive trees, you feel very tiny and protected with all of its exposed branches. Sometimes, when we hangout along Banyan Drive, it feels so peaceful and tranquil to be there. When the wind blows, the leaves brush together creating a soothing sound. For …
I was in awe the first time I visited Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California. The view of the city is spectacular from up there. While walking around the rim of the building, I came across the bust of James Dean. I learned that it was to commemorate the use of the observatory in James Dean’s movie Rebel Without a Cause. Luckily we brought a few snacks and found a sweet spot to sit overlooking the city. The early Fall weather of Los Angeles was crisp, but with the sun, it was all good. The next time, I’ll have to visit during dusk. And bring a picnic basket with goodies so I can spend a few hours hanging out around the vicinity. I am so glad we decided to explore the city and check out the observatory. It was so worth the visit. Check out other blogs participating in Bastet’s Pixelventure: Look Up http://wedrinkbecausewerepoets.com/2014/03/25/bastets-pixelventures-march-25-2014/
Holoholo Girls 