Brave New World Traveler
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keywords: description:"Adventure is worthwhile in itself." - Amelia EarhartBrave New World Traveler
Adventure is worthwhile in itself. Amelia Earhart
Show search form Menu Hide search formThe world has turned upside in the past few months. We were eagerly awaiting our honeymoon to Spain and Italy, only to have it yanked from underneath our feet a mere day or two before leaving. Like much of the world, weve experienced the many stages of grief with COVID-19.
We were in denial that things were as bad as they really were. I was convinced we could outrun the virus and plan a trip somewhere else. Science and whats now history-in-the-making would deem it impossible.
We were angry that we were no longer able to travel, and whats more, at home, we were unable to eat at our favorite restaurants, or do much of anything we really enjoyed.
We are now at the acceptance point we embraced our new normal, lived through what we hope is the worst of it, and look forward to taking our honeymoon in the future when its safe to travel.
In the meantime, weve been blessed and lucky enough to be living in Hawaii where the contagion is low and our freedoms are slowly returning.
Heres how were staying busy and healthy right now in Hawaii:
Beach time Surfs up, and nothing has been more therapeutic than getting some RR at our local beaches. During the worst of it, we werent able to sit/lie on the beach, but one could still take a swim in mother ocean, given you were socially distant from one another. Now, we can sit/lie on the beach, have small gatherings (as long as were all being safe about it) and enjoy some much-needed Vitamin D.
Outdoor exercise Much like hitting the beach, exercise has been a key component to staying sane during the pandemic. Weve been allowed to exercise outside the whole time, meaning plenty of runs and bike rides. Now its safe to play tennis, go golfing and hike with a friend outside on the trails. Not all trails are open yet, but hey, its a start!
Retail therapy I never thought Id miss shopping as much as I have during the coronavirus! Malls and retail stores have started to open, and with the new mandates, it hasnt been all that bad! Its been fun to visit stores, chat with the owners and marvel over how wonderful it feels to be out in public once again. Stimulating the local economy is especially important now, given 1 in 4 Americans is now unemployed.
Other services that have opened back up include salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors and other personal service providers. I cant wait to get my haircut in a few weeks!
Work Because Im an essential worker, there has been not much of a change with my routine. I still go to the office everyday, but now we do temperature checks and we have universal mask-wearing and social distancing mandates. We work to protect the most vulnerable population our kupuna (or elders) so its imperative we abide by all the company, state and federal protective mandates. Ehren has been working for home as a teacher, adjusting to distance learning, however he is now on summer break. Well deserved!
Coming soon Dining out, theaters and gyms! Im very excited for the next category. Starting June 5, our restaurants will open again for sit down service. Going out to eat is one of my favorite treats, and I cant wait to enjoy it again this weekend!
Ehren and I have been watching a lot of Netflix and RedBox, but we look forward to getting back to the movie theater. Well be going to our first drive-in movie together next week Friday, so that will be a fun experience!
We both miss the gym very much. Both of us have been doing home and outside workouts. We look forward to the day its safe to go back to the gym, and in the meantime, well be sweating from the living room!
Our spirits have slowly been lifting out of the funk we were in, and we look forward to varying degrees of normalcy in the future. Hopefully we will still get to go on on our honeymoon, so fingers crossed.
We realized how blessed we are to live somewhere protected and with a generous amount of freedoms allowed to us. Its been a time of self-reflection and counting our blessings. This wasnt the way we envisioned spending our first year of marriage, but weve grown together so much in this short time and know we can weather any storm that comes our way.
How are things going wherever YOU are? How have you been staying busy during your new normal?
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... Posted in: Coronavirus, COVID19, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Quarantine, Shelterinplace adventure Nature 4 spots for a hiking trip which might surpriseyouHiking vacations remain a popular option for those seeking adventure, which has led to ever-more exclusive locations opening up to international travelers. Such exclusivity means that even younger travelers are willing to pay more with one in three millennials, for example, saying theyd be willing to spend about $5,500 on the right vacation!
Choosing a more unusual location for your hiking trip is not only cheaper, it’ll also help avoid the overcrowding that can spoil the most famous routes. Here’s a few ideas for those willing to go further in search of rare challenges and unspoiled landscapes.
In 2009, Microsoft refreshed its line-up of desktop wallpapers with an image of The Wave in Arizona. This now-iconic photo shows a dreamlike landscape of sandstone, full of curves and stripes, which has inspired thousands to seek out its real-life location.
However, experiencing it for yourself is still a real challenge, with the daily number of hikers strictly capped by the Bureau of Land Management to protect the unique attraction for future generations. Only 20 hikers are permitted on-site at a time, meaning those who make it won’t have their experience diluted by having to navigate crowds – but also that many won’t get the chance at all (as it stands, there’s a less-than-15% application success rate).
Getting a permit online is – literally – a lottery. So, if you want to be one of the few to walk The Wave, it’ll mean planning ahead, paying for a ticket and crossing your fingers.
While high-altitude trekking is always guaranteed to deliver breathtaking views, the real draw of Ethiopia’s rarely-visited Gheralta Mountains is what’s not even visible from the ground below. This is because, if you accept the challenge of hiking high into the cliffs, you will join one of the world’s smallest congregations – those who’ve set foot inside the churches carved directly into the rock there.
It’s not a route recommended for the casual walker, as even reaching the destination will involve free-climbing in challenging conditions. But for those who do, monks will welcome you into Ethiopian Orthodox places of worship where you can see beautiful frescoes of biblical scenes which are hundreds of years old.
Legend has it the churches were hidden in such inaccessible locations to hide them from armies – and also bring them closer to God. Conquering the sheer drops of Gheralta may well make you feel the same.
One of the strangest hikes in Europe is also Iceland’s most popular trail. And, although only really accessible for a fraction of the year (between mid-June and early September), it provides a constantly surprising selection of the country’s famous geothermal attractions.
The weather is often unpredictable in Iceland, but those taking a summer trek are guaranteed to experience 24 hours of daylight. And, as the altitude varies between 100 and 1,100 meters, natural sights similarly alternate between walls of lava, natural hot springs and black volcanic sand. Even the rocks here come in a spectacular rainbow of colors.
As befitting such a popular destination, the route is easily accessible from the country’s capital, Reykjavík. And to keep it that way for the foreseeable future, it’s very much advised that travelers prepare to leave as little trace of their journey as possible – the ecosystem is particularly vulnerable to litter.
When most tourists consider this wonder of the world, they likely imagine a day’s visit. However, to really experience the enormity of one of mankind’s most awe-inspiring creations, it’s become increasingly popular to walk the wall and marvel at a broad swathe of China’s rich landscapes as you do so.
Different lengths of hike are available – from a day’s sampling of a stretch, to a more comprehensive 12-day expedition. Most trip organizers will focus on the parts of the wall less frequented by day-trippers because, wherever possible, the aim is to leave the traveler alone with the ancient structure and the rolling landscape.
Encompassing dramatic ruins, authentically-restored watchtowers and even the spot where the wall meets the sea, it’s a journey that will bring you face to face with history. When it comes to really understanding one of the world’s great civilizations, it’s seriously hard to beat.
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This post is published as a guest post.
Looking for a new way to spend a Saturday afternoon withfriends? Tired of the same old haunts, drowning beers to the pitiful selectionof the bar’s jukebox? Sick of visiting the same pool hall or bowling alley overand over again? Then it’s nigh time to try a new sport – axe throwing!
We had the opportunity to try axe throwing for the first time this past weekend as a joint birthday celebration, and I’m glad we did. From start to finish, axe throwing was a new experience through and through – one that fosters friendly competition in a blood pumping environment.
Our crew at Blade and Timber after some Axe Throwing!
We visited the newly opened Blade and Timber in Kakaako. The sport of axe throwing is growing in popularity across the country, and we’re glad that even though we are in the tropics, someone decided to open an axe throwing hall!
Reservations were recommended, so we booked a private lanefor 6 people, costing $144, so $24/person. The lane reservation was an hour anda half an included a safety briefing by an axe throwing coach. He taught us thecorrect technique for throwing overhead, using our body weight, at a woodentarget some 15-20 feet ahead of us.
After our safety briefing, we were left to our own devices to figure things out. I might mention that these are not hatchets, but full size axes. At first my heart was racing and my palms were sweaty, but after a while, our crew got the hang of it, and we even started getting “bulls eyes!”
The staff taught us a fun game where the object is to score50 points on the board. The first person to 50 points wins, but if you go over50, you get bumped down to 40 points and have to keep trying to get a perfect50.
Throughout our game, the instructor came over to teach us new axe throwing techniques like one-handed, underhanded and even throwing two axes at once! I opted out of the last option, but the boys had a fun time sampling the hardest-to-master technique.
After all, Ehren won with a perfect score of 50. We had a great time with our friends in their selfie booth afterwards. I would recommend this safe and fun sport to anyone looking to try something new with a group of friends.
Australia is one of the worlds most fascinating countries, and is a must for any travelers looking for new destinations to explore for the first time. In this guide we have selected five of the best spots and attractions for any first time traveler to visit whilst in this great country.
Sydney Opera House
Probably Australia’s most iconic building, this performing arts center majestically overlooks the waterfront at Sydney Harbour, which is itself an impressive sight. The distinctive peaked roof is the work of Danish architect Jørn Utzon and was formally opened in 1973.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the venue hosts not only opera but also a wide range of other cultural events and has hosted artists and speakers as diverse as Paul Robeson, Thin Lizzy, Nelson Mandela, Michael Bublé and Pope John Paul II.
To find out what’s on there during your visit, or to discover more about this historic building, visit their website here.
Uluru
Also sometimes known as Ayers Rock, this impressive sandstone monolith lies in remote central Australia, but visitors will find its magnificent stature worth the journey. At 348m tall and with a total circumference of 9.4km, this giant rock formation is thought to have been formed by a build-up of sand deposits approximately more than 500 million years ago.
The rock is of great spiritual importance to many of the local Aboriginal communities who live around it, and features as a central part of many Aboriginal myths and legends. Visitors will also notice that the rock changes color throughout the day, glowing red at dawn and sunset.
Great Ocean Road
Australia is a huge country and to get around and see the sights, it is often necessary to take a road trip. Whilst long drives can sometimes be arduous, there is one in Australia which promises to be a great experience. The Great Ocean Road is a listed 243km highway running from Torquay to Allansford in the state of Victoria. The route has become so famous because it takes in some of the country’s most stunning scenery. Sights available on this beautiful route include the imposing London Arch and Twelve Apostles rock formations, as well as the rugged cliff formations of the Victoria coast.
Travelling by car is not the only way to experience this breathtaking route. The Great Ocean Road Marathon takes place each year in May as part of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, and keen cyclists may be interested in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race which runs in January between Geelong and Torquay.
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, and is comprised of nearly three thousand individual reefs. Located in the Coral Sea off the Queensland coast, the reef can be seen from space and is often held as one of the greatest natural wonders in the world.
The reef, itself a living creature, is home to a vast array of wildlife, from sea turtles to clownfish, sea snakes to starfish. Because of the clear water conditions, it is very popular with scuba divers as visitors can get right up close to some of the most amazing wildlife on the planet.
Gold Coast
If you love to surf, then the Gold Coast is the place for you. Home to sumptuous golden beaches and a luxury high-rise skyline, this resort on Australia’s East coast offers something for everyone, which is why it hosts around 10 million tourists each year. Originally made popular by its prime surfing conditions, the area is now also known for its nightlife, theme parks and much, much more.
Staying Safe
Australia is a big country, and whilst it is a must-see for any would-be traveller, it is also important to stay safe and well informed whilst visiting. For more guides, as well as travel advice and other useful information, head over to 1Cover to find out more.
This post was published in collaboration with 1Cover.
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... Posted in: Australia, Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Great Ocean Road, Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Travel, Uluru adventure featured Nature Travel A first timers guide toTahitiTahiti is a place that is synonymous with desktop backgrounds and bucket lists. When my partner and I were deciding where to take a trip last fall, we settled on Tahiti and its islands for its exotic nature and proximity to Hawaii. Plus, who WOULDNT want to travel to a remote island chain in the South Pacific? We were ready to go!
Our trip spanned 7 days, and we split our time between Tahiti (the largest island in French Polynesia), and Moorea, a less-inhabited, more unspoiled island just a ferry ride away from Tahiti.
French Polynesia is breathtakingly beautiful and worthy of all those desktop backgrounds youve ever lusted over. When you first land in this far-away island chain, youll certainly feel like youve landed in another world. The air is warm and dank. The smell is sweet and fragrant. And upon landing at Papeete airport, youll be greeted by a live Tahitian band playing island music in a foreign tongue, dressed vibrantly, welcoming you to the vacation youve always dreamed about and certainly deserve.
Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the main business district. Its worth mentioning that Tahiti is just one island, and French Polynesia is made up of 118 islands and atolls. Some of the most famous islands in French Polynesia include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa.
Since the first leg of our trip was spent on Tahiti, let me recount the best things to do in Tahiti:
Rent a car
Renting a car is essential during your trip to Tahiti. Its the preferred way to get around if you want to explore. Rental cars are much cheaper if you rent a manual transmission. If you do rent an automatic, be sure to get one ahead of time and double and triple check your reservation. We witnessed one poor couple ordering an automatic car at the car rental agency at the airport and they had to pay hundreds more for their last minute rental.
Stock up on some local island goodies
The night we landed, we went straight to our Airbnb in Papeete. We worried about not having an exact address to follow, and most directions in Tahiti are given by landmark or cross street. Luckily, we found our apartment and our host was gracious enough to put some local beer in the fridge. Score!
The next morning, Sunday, famished, we headed into town looking for a bite to eat. Its critical to understand that in Tahiti things close sometimes all day or for several hours during the afternoon. Trying to find somewhere to eat on a Sunday morning was difficult. We resigned to McDonalds, which was reliable and filled us up before embarking on our road trip. The staff spoke English and the price was right! After that, we stopped at the gas station for some famous baguette, cheese and charcuterie for the road.
Visit Point Venus
Theres a lot of speculation about whether or not its beast to traverse the island going east or west from Papeete. We opted to head east, and one of our first stops was Point Venus, a beach park where Captain Cook landed in 1769 and established an observatory.
Today, Venus Point is a black sand beach park home to picnic tables, concessions and an overall chill vibe. We enjoyed sprawling out on the black sand beach and watching beach-goers swim and soak up the sun.
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Explore side-of-the-road waterfalls
Living in Hawaii, we see our fair share of waterfalls, but getting to them involves a forest hike of a mile or two. The best thing about Tahiti is that many of the waterfalls are either at or just near the side of the road. Theres no arduous hike, just payoff views all the way.
Rounding our way around Tahiti Iti (the upper portion of Tahiti island), we were spoiled with gorgeous twin falls. We saw a local family there praying, and after they left, we had the area to ourselves!
Enjoy the most famous surf break in Tahiti
One of the most famous surf breaks in the world is called Teahupoo located in Tahiti Nui on Tahitis southeastern shore. Unlike Hawaii, the wave breaks far off-shore, around a 15 minute paddle out, or a boat ride away for spectators.
Surfers have been flocking to Tahiti to surf this giant wave, which can reach upwards of 25 feet, and call it the heaviest wave in the world. In fact, Teahupoo translates to “to sever the head” or place of skulls in English. Its one of the worlds most dangerous waves, and its certainly on every surfers to do list!
Ehren and I enjoyed spectating from the shore. The beach park has a lazy, chill vibe, and theres plenty of gorgeous foliage to enjoy in between watching the waves break.
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Dine water side
One of our guidebooks recommended we eat at a restaurant called La Plage de Maui (Mauis Beach). This was one of the highlights of our stay in Tahiti! Its about 40 minutes south of Papeete, but dining next to a crystal clear Lagoon makes this worth the trip!
Enter a French-speaking, true toes-in-the-sand experience. Our table was right next to the water where we observed coral reef, fish and even some snorkelers! Our table was decked out with tropical flowers and handmade table numbers on rocks. The thatched roof rustled above our head as we took in the sights and smells of our oceanside table.
In Tahiti, its common to feed food scraps to the sea life. In fact, we observed the chef coming out from the kitchen to throw diners leftovers to the fish more than once! I suppose it keeps the fish coming around and the diners happy. We even saw a giant eel swim up to our table during our stay, which we took as a good omen, as Ehrens aumakua (Hawaiian family god) is an eel.
Visit ancient Marae
A marae is an ancient Polynesian temple or meeting place, and Marae Arahurahu on Tahiti is the only one that has been completely restored in all of Polynesia.
Stone pens near the entrance used to house pigs that would later be sacrificed to the gods. The celebrated tiki statue is apparent, as well as a rectangular marae with various stones and a raised altar. This site was host to many gatherings, ceremonies, weddings and other special occasions. According to legend, the Marae even changed names after a battle between warriors!
Go pearl shopping at Papeete Market
Walk into Papeete Market and your senses go wild with the sprawling bazaar offering everything from fresh fruits and veggies, to woven baskets, sarongs and made-to-order food. During our visit, we were treated to live Tahitian dancing.
Papeete Market is a place you can literally run your fingers through a dish of black pearls to take home. Prices range from a few bucks for the ugly/nicked pearls to several thousands for the gorgeous, perfect pearls, mostly found in the shops upstairs. I scored my first pair of real black pearl Tahitian earrings and a gorgeous Tahitian Pearl ring! (The ring was a steal at $20I wish I had bought more!)
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Grab lunch from one of the stalls or from somewhere else downtown. If you go on Sunday, be sure to get there between 3 a.m.-9 a.m., otherwise it will be closed.
Tahiti is worthy of any vacationers bucket list. Treat yourself to a true taste of the exotic life with a trip to French Polynesia!
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... Posted in: Bucket list, French, French Polynesia, Marae, Papeete, Paradise, Tahiti, Tahiti Iti, Tahiti Nui, Teahupoo, Travel, Venus Point, Waterfall adventure Hawaii Exploring Kakaako Murals on BikiBikesEver since Biki made their debut in Honolulu, Ehren and I cant get enough of it! Biki is a bikeshare company that has over 130 stations around Honolulu. For $3.50, you jump on a Biki bike and ride around for a half hour, returning your bike to any station. We love exploring our city this way!
Kakaako is the perfect district to check out on bike. Pow!Wow! Hawaii, a huge art festival where artists from around the world paint new murals, came through town meaning there are new murals at every corner and in between! Biking is a better way to explore the art in the area because you may tire out on foot or miss something in the car.
We jumped on our bikes around the Ward area and biked through Kakaako, making stops along the way to view our favorite pieces. Below, enjoy some snapshots from our adventure:
There’s something about food that enchants me. I love cooking, eating, but more recently, have become increasingly interested in where food comes from.
I’m blessed to live somewhere where farming can be done year round and have been spending the past several months researching farms around Oahu. I found out about Kahumanu Farms at work – the residents in our senior living community were planning a trip there, and I didn’t want to miss out on all of the fun, so I scheduled my own trip there!
My friend Kaley was my adventure companion for the day as we drove out to West Oahu for Kahumanu Farm’s Open House. Lucky for us, this particular day’s farm tour was free, so we were able to enjoy learning more about local agriculture for free.
Kahumanu Farm is tucked away on Lualualei Homestead Road in the Lualualei Valley in Waianae. This particular day was sunny and warm, but a cool breeze made the temperature pleasant. We were greeted promptly by a farmhand letting us know where to park. We then checked in for the tour and were given the go-ahead to look around the property before the tour started.
It turns out that Kahumanu has been around since the 1970s. It first opened as an intentional life-sharing community for those who are differently-abled. They expanded in the 80s to include group homes and started a transitional housing program for homeless, which still runs today.
In addition to growing close to 100,000 pounds of organic food a year, Kahumanu continues to support efforts for vulnerable populations including the homeless, disabled and youth. They have a learning center, a café (which I can’t wait to go back and try one day!), a commercial kitchen and even lodging spaces for those who need an alternative accommodation or retreat!
Before our tour started, we were welcomed into one of the retreat houses for refreshments by some of the farm staff. They had graciously prepared homemade hummus and veggies, pulled pork sliders, banana bread and poi mochi. We were able to wash it down with a refreshing hibiscus ice tea. We noticed some of the people who were staying in the bed and breakfast-like lodgings seems relaxed and to be communing with nature and those living and working on the farm.
We began our tour with our extremely knowledgeable guide Kristen. She blew us away with her farming knowledge, and also her expertise of Hawaiian land and customs. We toured the main farm which included a dragon fruit patch, a hurricane-resistant fruit tree orchard and a chicken coop. We were able to sample the farm’s salad greens (which they sell to a lot of restaurants in Honolulu) and carrots.
After our samples, we all jumped into our cars and followed the tour guide a mile and half up the road, further into the mountains, to another piece of land that was recently entrusted to them by a former resident who has since passed on. Upon receiving the land several years ago, they prepared it by hand to grow food. Their hard work in being stewards of the land and practicing sustainable and regenerative organic farming is palpable. Their farmers are committed to the lifestyle, but more importantly, feeding people healthy and delicious food that’s grown in their own backyard.
We walked through the different fields growing carrots, salad greens, fruit trees and beets. We also were able to feed their goats and view their beautiful taro bed.
At the end of the tour, we were invited to view a video they recently produced about the farm and the good work that they do.
Unfortunately, the café was closed that day due to a farm fundraising dinner, but I can’t wait to come back and try their famous macadamia nut pesto, salads and lilkoi cheesecake!
If you’re a visitor to Oahu or simply a resident looking for a fun and informative afternoon on the farm, make the drive and go visit. It’s enriching to walk the earth where our nourishment comes from and empowering to learn how to better feed and take care of ourselves!
To learn more about Kahumanu Farms, visit https://www.kahumana.org/.
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... Uncategorized Do You Think YoureBrave?I never thought that I was brave. When I was a busgirl at one of my first jobs at a country club, I was timid. I was afraid of the other waitresses who were older, most experienced, smoked cigarettes, had kids and second jobs. I felt small around their exposed tattoos and shared stories about Poison concerts.
I’d work in the all-men’s room where swearing, excessive drinking, and avoiding wives was a favorite pastime of our members. I would fear the ass-grabbing, snide comments and remarks of “Honey, get me a drink.” Still, I grinned and bore it. The tips were good, and after all, where else would I work?
Being brave at home didn’t come easy. Everyone has a role in their family, and mine was caretaker. I helped raise my siblings from the time they were in diapers. I was a teenager. I enjoyed a lot of freedoms, but not at the expense of being guilted into familial obligations. I had to muster the courage to stand up for something I really wanted, and when I couldn’t get it, well, that’s just the way it was.
It’s safe to say that I wasn’t a very brave little girl, either. When I was little during rolling Midwest thunderstorms, I’d hide under the blankets fearing the roof would blow off. I’d tell myself God was bowling, just how Grandma Jean used to tell me.
I grew in college but was still timid around new people and situations. I joined clubs and academic organizations. I wrote for the college newspaper. Yet, I was always eager for the meeting to be over with. I didn’t want to over extend myself at the expense of looking silly. I couldn’t speak up at the editorial meetings out of fear of sounding stupid. I never really got anywhere leadership-wise because I didn’t really believe that I could offer anything more valuable than the others. I earned my good grades and graduated.
What came next was a shock. My college relationship was one that meant so much to me. It came to an end, and my core was shook. When it was pulled away, I reeled.
The breakup was the turning point of discovering something bigger within myself. Looking back on it now, I’m actually grateful. I wonder back to how different my life would be if that relationship played out. I pray to my lucky stars that it never did play out, because it was an unhealthy relationship and I was of an unhealthy mindset.
When I was done letting life shit on me, I decided to muster up some bravery. Bravery never came naturally to me, so at first, I faked it. I announced a cross-country move. I stood up to my mom who was appalled and non-supportive, but eventually relented. I took all the savings out of my bank account and geared up for a new life. I summoned bravery and it took me places.
Traveling and living different places took a lot of bravery, but it’s not the type of bravery that lasts. It’s a good “high” to live in and discover somewhere new. But even new places lose their novelty. After traveling and living all over the place, I grew tired of reinventing myself. I wanted consistency and community back. I decided it was time to put down roots.
I’ve been living in Hawaii for four years and I’m getting ready for a big transition in my life: getting married to the love of my life. Since leaving home, I had been looking for bravery in novelty, but I’m beginning to realize that it’s been within me all along. I don’t have to be moving mountains to think I’m brave. I don’t have to be living off the beaten path to be considered brave.
Waking up every day to face life and its challenges is brave. Doing the sometimes excruciating work of self-discovery and healing is brave. Admitting you have a problem in some area of your life is brave. Working to find a solution to that problem is brave. Setting out on a new chapter even though you’re scared and really don’t know what or how you’ll get along and trusting you’ll be fine is brave. Giving it another shot, day after day, is brave.
The answer to whether or not I’m brave is yes. The timid little girl is finding bravery in all the old places within herself, places where it’s always been, always belonged. She belongs there, too.
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... Hawaii Nature Panoramic HawaiiLiving in Hawaii is something I that I never take for granted. Whether it’s sampling all of the delicious food or enjoying what most people love most about living in Hawaii – the view – there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t count my lucky stars that this beautiful island paradise is my home.
Phone glued in hand most days, I’ve been fortunate to capture some really incredible moments via panoramic shots. The below shots I wanted to share, as well as the stories behind them. Enjoy a mini vacation to the islands, and a peak into our lives as we enjoy living here.
It’s day two into our long weekend camping trip on Oahu’s North Shore, and we’re sweating. It’s been hovering around 85 degrees all weekend, and obviously, there’s no A/C to provide the usual relief. Camping here is nothing short of a privilege, as spots are usually reserved some months ahead of time. It’s King Kamehameha Day weekend, and we’re celebrating Hawaii’s rich history and culture by getting close to the land.
Just the night before, friends joined our site to partake in mirth and merriment around the campfire, but tonight it’s just Ehren and I. This picture was taken just after returning back from town for an ice cream treat. The rest of the evening is spent tending to our open campfire and soaking up the final moments of remote solace before the sun sets on our perfect weekend escape.
We’re on the rooftop of the only Agricole Rum distillery in Kunia, overlooking the neighboring farm’s extensive aquaponics system. Today we’re learning about Native Hawaiian sugarcane and rum being made from heirloom varieties at Manulele Distillers. We’re here to celebrate Ehren’s birthday, but even more, to celebrate his Hawaiian ancestry as we sip on centuries’-old heirloom cane-distilled rum.
Not long after this picture is taken and our farm tour is complete, we toast to one another: to life and another year well-lived, hopeful that Hawaiian culture remains as effervescent as it once was and continues to be.
Good Friday is the day Jesus Christ was crucified, and we choose to commune with nature today. We drive the scenic east coast of Oahu to arrive at China Man’s Hat Beach, or Kualoa Regional Park. We find a spot that’s a little off-the-beaten path to relax for a swim.
We’re always amazed at how many people live on our tiny island, but how even still, we are able to find peace and a stretch of beach to ourselves. Less tranquilly, we hear nearby swimmers lament of spotting hammerhead sharks in this very area. Ehren reminds me that hammerheads are docile and won’t attack. I let him swim while I wade cautiously on shore and capture this shot.
This was my first trip to Kauai, the Garden Island. Its a mere 2 weeks before the island will be ravaged by torrential rains and floods, and we are, at the time of this photo, blissfully unaware, selfishly and hungrily eating up the gorgeous landscapes.
We rented a 44 Jeep and we’re off-roading to Polihale State park on the island’s far west side. A bumpy 2-mile road laden with potholes filled with rain water takes us to one of the most stunning stretches of beaches I’ve ever seen. To avoid getting caught in the dark, we pack up quickly and brave the bumpy ride back. I ask Ehren to pull over so I can capture the sunset over the open fields.
We’re at home and it’s an ordinary weeknight. We’re downstairs from our 2nd floor studio just a few miles from Waikiki Beach. We’re doing our usual weeknight household chores; this time, we’re changing out the laundry.
In between visiting the washer machine and the clothes line, I pause to take a picture of today’s particularly beautiful sunset. Sunsets in Hawaii come in many shapes and sizes, but tonight’s is exquisite in a way that’s hard to pass up. I put my phone away and finish hanging the clothes with the cotton candy sky as my backdrop.
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... adventure Food Hawaii Nature Discovering Oahus DolePlantationAre you planning a trip to Hawaii? If youre anything like me, youre enthralled with Hawaiian pineapple. If so, a visit to Dole Plantation in the north-central region of Oahu is a must!
A rare coolish day in Hawaii was the perfect time to put on my hat, boots, and take a nice car ride up to the almost-north shore of Oahu to Dole Plantation for the day. Located in Wahiawa, Dole Plantation started as a fruit stand in 1950, selling fresh, Hawaiian-grown pineapple, and has since evolved into a pineapple-lovers theme park of sorts.
Visitors are able to enjoy an array of activities, from touring their lush botanical and agriculture garden, to getting lost, then found again, in the pineapple maze. Our favorite attraction, of course, was riding the Pineapple Express!
A roughly 20-minute train ride through the farmland was a chance to see firsthand the pineapple crops growing in the field. The red volcanic soil and elevation are the perfect combination for pineapple growing.
Not only does Dole Plantation grow pineapple, but also, Cacao (chocolate), avocado, bananas, and a variety of other plants and fruits.
After taking the train ride, you can enjoy some pineapple soft serve at the gift shop, or enjoy other fun photo opps from around the property.
A trip to Dole Plantation is a peaceful and fun respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and is worth the drive to learn something new about Hawaiian agriculture while having fun while doing so!
Sharing is loveLike this: Loading... Posted in: Dole Plantation, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu, pineapple, Pineapple Express, Wahiawa Featured posts Exploring the Big Island ofHawaii 2 comments 48 Hours inAnaheim No comments Living it up as a#YelpElite One comment 29 Things I learned in my20s 2 comments Follow Following Brave New World Traveler Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now. Brave New World Traveler Customize Follow Following Sign up Log in Report this content View site in Reader Manage subscriptions Collapse this bar Loading Comments... %d bloggers like this:<<< Thank you for your visit >>>
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