2009 - Two years of non-travel (besides Boston/ typical Buffalo trips)
This summer Europe!
Keep yourself posted on this site.
0
Where have I been????
WELL after mission impossible was accomplished I went to HKG, stay for a bit and then decided that I wanted to do some scuba diving..... (with my gear that I had acquired)
SO I went to Lembeh strait in Indonesia.. for 1 week...... I saw thos tunics, pgymy seahorses (which are very tiny and almost look like coral)
NO underwater photos, becuase if you know me I already had an epic story with underwater casings and SONY.....
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Then 2 nights in Bali, and then 10 days on FLORES.
FLORES is an island EAST of Bali which housed mt. Kelimutu
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this volcano has 3 lakes of different colours...
our 3 day overland trip of flores done with extraordniare driver......... made many stops at PADANG food....
7845 just a couple of dishes that we eat.
7849
A random volcano that was smoking.....
AND I even drank sirskat (soursop) juice!! mmm mmm good!
Then did 5 nights on a live-aboard boat in the Komodo islands!!!!!
7875
a general map of the area.
WELL after mission impossible was accomplished I went to HKG, stay for a bit and then decided that I wanted to do some scuba diving..... (with my gear that I had acquired)
SO I went to Lembeh strait in Indonesia.. for 1 week...... I saw thos tunics, pgymy seahorses (which are very tiny and almost look like coral)
NO underwater photos, becuase if you know me I already had an epic story with underwater casings and SONY.....
7690
7710
7692
7703
Then 2 nights in Bali, and then 10 days on FLORES.
FLORES is an island EAST of Bali which housed mt. Kelimutu
7827
this volcano has 3 lakes of different colours...
our 3 day overland trip of flores done with extraordniare driver......... made many stops at PADANG food....
7845 just a couple of dishes that we eat.
7849
A random volcano that was smoking.....
AND I even drank sirskat (soursop) juice!! mmm mmm good!
Then did 5 nights on a live-aboard boat in the Komodo islands!!!!!
7875
a general map of the area.
Last days in Honolulu
when we got back we decided to be advenureous and take The BUS to DOLE plantation and cannery where they have a large factory for pineapples!!!
Our sole purpose was the DOLE maze as last time we spent too long in Halewai beach chilling
we managed to finish it in like 40 minutes in the blistering heat.
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THe 8 stations that you had to complete to finish the maze.. apparently the record is like 7 minutes. I wonder how many times they've been here....
THEN came mission: luau!
let's just say that we had to hitch to some bus hub stop, got on the "right" bus and the driver didn't make us pay but we hadto get into a $30 cab ride to get to this luau...
7593
Susan and I posing with the traditional wear of the performers... ALL in all in we got there one time, got a nice traditional dinner... which Susan was nagging for the entire trip..
we tried poi and even got buzzed with like 4 shot drinks...
NEXT DAY was MISSION impossible: FEDEX edition
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that was me on the phone with FEDEX, scuba.com, Hawaiian airlines trying to sort out my package that was suppose to picked up in HI.... but very did and ended up going back to Cali... and I had to intercept it in LAX.....
2 hours on pay phone on Waikiki beach was the bestest of times...
ALL I have to say is that ERIC the manager, Debbie, some other lady and ALLAN the taxi driver made it possible for me to pick up my scuba equipment during my 1.5 hour transitting time from LAX domestic flights to Cathay PAcific's LAX-HKG!!!
It was accomplished and I wish I had taken photos but honestly I was more worried about getting my package of gear and missing hte plane.....
NEVER again will I travel through LAX!!! it's soooooooooooo, how do I put this nicely....line-ups, waiting, and traffic cuase everyone owns like 5 cars!
IN THE END I def. had a blast in HAWAII!! wish I had more time and met wonderful people at the airport, in the hostels got to hang-out (ish) with my twin..... realized that Maui is tres belle and that I could totally vacay there again, except that FOOD is major expensive compared to TO....
when we got back we decided to be advenureous and take The BUS to DOLE plantation and cannery where they have a large factory for pineapples!!!
Our sole purpose was the DOLE maze as last time we spent too long in Halewai beach chilling
we managed to finish it in like 40 minutes in the blistering heat.
7591
THe 8 stations that you had to complete to finish the maze.. apparently the record is like 7 minutes. I wonder how many times they've been here....
THEN came mission: luau!
let's just say that we had to hitch to some bus hub stop, got on the "right" bus and the driver didn't make us pay but we hadto get into a $30 cab ride to get to this luau...
7593
Susan and I posing with the traditional wear of the performers... ALL in all in we got there one time, got a nice traditional dinner... which Susan was nagging for the entire trip..
we tried poi and even got buzzed with like 4 shot drinks...
NEXT DAY was MISSION impossible: FEDEX edition
7640
that was me on the phone with FEDEX, scuba.com, Hawaiian airlines trying to sort out my package that was suppose to picked up in HI.... but very did and ended up going back to Cali... and I had to intercept it in LAX.....
2 hours on pay phone on Waikiki beach was the bestest of times...
ALL I have to say is that ERIC the manager, Debbie, some other lady and ALLAN the taxi driver made it possible for me to pick up my scuba equipment during my 1.5 hour transitting time from LAX domestic flights to Cathay PAcific's LAX-HKG!!!
It was accomplished and I wish I had taken photos but honestly I was more worried about getting my package of gear and missing hte plane.....
NEVER again will I travel through LAX!!! it's soooooooooooo, how do I put this nicely....line-ups, waiting, and traffic cuase everyone owns like 5 cars!
IN THE END I def. had a blast in HAWAII!! wish I had more time and met wonderful people at the airport, in the hostels got to hang-out (ish) with my twin..... realized that Maui is tres belle and that I could totally vacay there again, except that FOOD is major expensive compared to TO....
Day 9-12 (big Island adventure)
After our fanatasic time in Maui, we were very sad to leave but on again we must go, as I had already booked our flight from Maui-Kona.....
(side note: you really don't have to book too far in advance for Hawaiian interisland flights as they are still very cheap if you book last minute.. Booking in advance ensures you a seat and makes you more focused/rushed to explore. In the end it'll save you like 12 USD... and sometimes the major airlines have seat sales like $9, or $19 one-way... it's crazy)
(DSC 7378)
We went from Kona (west side of the Big island) to Hilo in our fabulously (designed for 5'7'' person) Dodge caliber.......... it was RED too!
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Our first stop was to grab some much needed food in Kona.... Island Lava Java! Great for people watching and good breakfast, but it was $13USD... including med. latte!
Then we drove to Captain cook and stayed at Pineapple PArk..... kinda creepy place with no guests but a few people. Tres spooky and the LOCK to our dorm was broken as well.... WE were truly scared and I don't even know how to explain the situation as I didn't take pictures. BUT we did enjoy a very good steak dinner
7387 ------
Honestly, the entire trip we ate very healthy-ish and very well... like pumpernickel all the time.... mmm good!
After our trecherous night, we drove past Kona Coffee country...............MAN too many places to stop by and too little time as we had to get to Hilo in 2 days... but I made sure that we stopped off and got some much needed coffee beans
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100% Kona Coffee.... very different tasting coffee but good..... just not like Sumatra good.
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Captured as I was concentrating driving on this one car road with turns like no other trying to get tothe Southern most tip of the USA.... aka South Point where we found Green Sands!!!
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MEC everywhere, and even enjoying being at the southern most point of US.
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WE finally found turtles!!!!!
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But be aware of the signage.. as they don't want you to get too close.
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Eventually we made it to the NATIONAL VOLCANO PARK!!!! we even saw lava (from a distance) in the dark......... all I can say is that I have a super phone called w810i that saved us twice.
AFter our nighttime drive to the bottom of the Volcano, we got lost and couldn't find Holo holo inn........
in the words of Susan and I: WOW! for only $20 we stayed at a Japanese style Inn with clean kicthen and clean everything (no shoes in the house) but the only thing was that it was tres frois at night time.
Next morning we went back to adventure in the lave tubes and found a DARK DARK cave that a dude told us about at holo holo!... AGAIN we were under prepared!
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VERY DARK, but w810i saved us.
WE eventually got into Hilo but went through Pahoa and went costal while some how managed to get onto the wrong high-way..... ooopppps
7546
This is what the typical "high-way" looked like... amazing!
Then we flew back to Honolulu..... while eating 10 papayaya and eating 1lb of yogourt.
After our fanatasic time in Maui, we were very sad to leave but on again we must go, as I had already booked our flight from Maui-Kona.....
(side note: you really don't have to book too far in advance for Hawaiian interisland flights as they are still very cheap if you book last minute.. Booking in advance ensures you a seat and makes you more focused/rushed to explore. In the end it'll save you like 12 USD... and sometimes the major airlines have seat sales like $9, or $19 one-way... it's crazy)
(DSC 7378)
We went from Kona (west side of the Big island) to Hilo in our fabulously (designed for 5'7'' person) Dodge caliber.......... it was RED too!
(7372)
Our first stop was to grab some much needed food in Kona.... Island Lava Java! Great for people watching and good breakfast, but it was $13USD... including med. latte!
Then we drove to Captain cook and stayed at Pineapple PArk..... kinda creepy place with no guests but a few people. Tres spooky and the LOCK to our dorm was broken as well.... WE were truly scared and I don't even know how to explain the situation as I didn't take pictures. BUT we did enjoy a very good steak dinner
7387 ------
Honestly, the entire trip we ate very healthy-ish and very well... like pumpernickel all the time.... mmm good!
After our trecherous night, we drove past Kona Coffee country...............MAN too many places to stop by and too little time as we had to get to Hilo in 2 days... but I made sure that we stopped off and got some much needed coffee beans
7402
100% Kona Coffee.... very different tasting coffee but good..... just not like Sumatra good.
7418
Captured as I was concentrating driving on this one car road with turns like no other trying to get tothe Southern most tip of the USA.... aka South Point where we found Green Sands!!!
7431 -
MEC everywhere, and even enjoying being at the southern most point of US.
7440-
WE finally found turtles!!!!!
7445
But be aware of the signage.. as they don't want you to get too close.
7450
Eventually we made it to the NATIONAL VOLCANO PARK!!!! we even saw lava (from a distance) in the dark......... all I can say is that I have a super phone called w810i that saved us twice.
AFter our nighttime drive to the bottom of the Volcano, we got lost and couldn't find Holo holo inn........
in the words of Susan and I: WOW! for only $20 we stayed at a Japanese style Inn with clean kicthen and clean everything (no shoes in the house) but the only thing was that it was tres frois at night time.
Next morning we went back to adventure in the lave tubes and found a DARK DARK cave that a dude told us about at holo holo!... AGAIN we were under prepared!
7539
VERY DARK, but w810i saved us.
WE eventually got into Hilo but went through Pahoa and went costal while some how managed to get onto the wrong high-way..... ooopppps
7546
This is what the typical "high-way" looked like... amazing!
Then we flew back to Honolulu..... while eating 10 papayaya and eating 1lb of yogourt.
I'm currently sitting in HKIA waiting on my connecting flight
the update so far.
DAy 8- Haleakala Crater in Maui... beautiful 12 mile/20k hike through the crater...!!!
let's just say the hike, was too bad... but my socks were..
As a result, I obtained some blisters.
That is NOT A tan, but the dirty of the crater..... those were def. huge blisters that stung for days upon ends...
All in all it was a great time.
DAy 9 -12 (big island adventure)
We flew over to the big island and went from KONA-Kona coffee country-South point- green sands' beach- volcano national park- volcano village- thrutston lava tubes- pahoa- east coast- hilo
here are some pictures to share with you during our adventure.
Day 6
The day started off at 8am, where we made breakfast and had a good time trying to find our way up to Ali'i fields of Lavender...
This field was located in Kula, Maui.
The girls and I had a great road trip day........... not only was the smell of the lavender sooo sensational, it was very relaxing. To top our visit off, we went to the gift shop and all purchased lavender scones!
As you can tell by the photo, the lilikoi (passion fruit) was "da bomb" as Martha would put it.
Then we drove to the big beach, little beach, makena beach, kihei, wailea.......etc..
the only hitch......./problem... was that we had to SERIOUSLY back track.... overall it was an enjoyable day.
(This was the sunset @ the roadside beach in Kihei)
Day 7 (last day of rental car)
Martha woke us up early so we could drive through upcountry maui. This included a stop in Haiku....
WOW, all I can say is beautiful, quaint, and relaxing.
With lush vegetation everywhere it's was soo great to drive through the rainbow eucalyptus
(one of the many roads that was up in the haiku area.)
We then did a great hike.......... ooo did I mention that on Day 6 I was coming down the rubbled hill and I popped out/back in, my right shoulder.... and it was tres tres sore... (another story)
AFter our 2 mile hike we returned the car... and got a good time dropping off @ airport/going back to the bunglaow.
Near wailuku there is this awesome record store named "requests" it seriously had all the bands that I listened too and many more, it even had emm gryner.
At night, it was taco night and free keg @ the hostel.... good times had by all
The day started off at 8am, where we made breakfast and had a good time trying to find our way up to Ali'i fields of Lavender...
This field was located in Kula, Maui.
The girls and I had a great road trip day........... not only was the smell of the lavender sooo sensational, it was very relaxing. To top our visit off, we went to the gift shop and all purchased lavender scones!
As you can tell by the photo, the lilikoi (passion fruit) was "da bomb" as Martha would put it.
Then we drove to the big beach, little beach, makena beach, kihei, wailea.......etc..
the only hitch......./problem... was that we had to SERIOUSLY back track.... overall it was an enjoyable day.
(This was the sunset @ the roadside beach in Kihei)
Day 7 (last day of rental car)
Martha woke us up early so we could drive through upcountry maui. This included a stop in Haiku....
WOW, all I can say is beautiful, quaint, and relaxing.
With lush vegetation everywhere it's was soo great to drive through the rainbow eucalyptus
(one of the many roads that was up in the haiku area.)
We then did a great hike.......... ooo did I mention that on Day 6 I was coming down the rubbled hill and I popped out/back in, my right shoulder.... and it was tres tres sore... (another story)
AFter our 2 mile hike we returned the car... and got a good time dropping off @ airport/going back to the bunglaow.
Near wailuku there is this awesome record store named "requests" it seriously had all the bands that I listened too and many more, it even had emm gryner.
At night, it was taco night and free keg @ the hostel.... good times had by all
Day 4
Went on the tour from the bungalow.....
this trip started bright and early at 8:30am until night fell
It was the trip to HANA!!!
First off we started to do this crazy.. (not so crazy) hike in a bamboo forest where we went to see Waterfalls...........
Over to the right you can see Susan and I posing in this enchanted surrounds.
Then we headed along Hana highway
This highway is tres tres hard-core.... there are many twists and turns and sometimes there are even one car only bridges........
(this picture was care of the internet...)
Afterwards, we headed to Hana and then down to Black sand.... Where there were crazy lava tubes and cave snorkelling... it was CRAZY..
not only was blacksand beach fun, the wait for the washroom was equally enjoyable... (insert fake laugh)
Then we headed to red sand beach (which was located behind private propery) There we decided to take some cool pictures and play in the sand and do beachie stuff... Except it was cold and the waves were quite harsh... which was cool.
That was pretty much what we did for the entire day/night
The drive back to Hana was killer and it was the same windy-ness that was on the way there...
DAY 5
Was an awesome killer day. We actually spent the "whole" day as a group... This group consisted of 4 wicked Toronto girls...
Anna- who is my twin A... (except she's Greek)
Susan- who is MAD cool for coming on the trip after I told her about it over some coffee.... She's my Hawaii buddy
Martha- who was Anna's swimming buddy, and a crazy driver who takes MAD photos...
myself- who is crazy for embarking on this trip
We decided that we were going to go SURF....
so we headed out to Lahiana and caught some waves and tried to surf, paddle, and pee in the water.
I had a blast, but susan got hurt and was out for the count...
After that it was about 3pm and we headed to Paia/Ho'okepia Bay so that Anna could potentially buy another board/ surf one last time before she went back to O'ahu....
We decided to stay in town, since we are newbies that don't know how to surf properly....
PAIA is such a lovely town... great atmosphere and reminds me a bit of kensington (the stores) and a little community town....
=
Above is us at Paia fish markey... having the best fish quesdilla around and it was SOOOO good.
Then we drove Anna to the airport (not only was that another story... but it requires more pictures)...
Anna got out of hte car but then realized that we didn't park near Hawaiian airline... so we had to fit 2 boards, 4 ppl and luggage.. into our retro 1997 Toyota GOLD corollla....
it was SWEET....
then we called it a night....
Went on the tour from the bungalow.....
this trip started bright and early at 8:30am until night fell
It was the trip to HANA!!!
First off we started to do this crazy.. (not so crazy) hike in a bamboo forest where we went to see Waterfalls...........
Over to the right you can see Susan and I posing in this enchanted surrounds.
Then we headed along Hana highwayThis highway is tres tres hard-core.... there are many twists and turns and sometimes there are even one car only bridges........
(this picture was care of the internet...)
Afterwards, we headed to Hana and then down to Black sand.... Where there were crazy lava tubes and cave snorkelling... it was CRAZY..
not only was blacksand beach fun, the wait for the washroom was equally enjoyable... (insert fake laugh)
Then we headed to red sand beach (which was located behind private propery) There we decided to take some cool pictures and play in the sand and do beachie stuff... Except it was cold and the waves were quite harsh... which was cool.
That was pretty much what we did for the entire day/night
The drive back to Hana was killer and it was the same windy-ness that was on the way there...
DAY 5
Was an awesome killer day. We actually spent the "whole" day as a group... This group consisted of 4 wicked Toronto girls...
Anna- who is my twin A... (except she's Greek)
Susan- who is MAD cool for coming on the trip after I told her about it over some coffee.... She's my Hawaii buddy
Martha- who was Anna's swimming buddy, and a crazy driver who takes MAD photos...
myself- who is crazy for embarking on this trip
We decided that we were going to go SURF....
so we headed out to Lahiana and caught some waves and tried to surf, paddle, and pee in the water.
I had a blast, but susan got hurt and was out for the count...
After that it was about 3pm and we headed to Paia/Ho'okepia Bay so that Anna could potentially buy another board/ surf one last time before she went back to O'ahu....
We decided to stay in town, since we are newbies that don't know how to surf properly....
PAIA is such a lovely town... great atmosphere and reminds me a bit of kensington (the stores) and a little community town....
=
Above is us at Paia fish markey... having the best fish quesdilla around and it was SOOOO good.
Then we drove Anna to the airport (not only was that another story... but it requires more pictures)...
Anna got out of hte car but then realized that we didn't park near Hawaiian airline... so we had to fit 2 boards, 4 ppl and luggage.. into our retro 1997 Toyota GOLD corollla....
it was SWEET....
then we called it a night....
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