After an 18 month lapse, due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, we finally sent out a MindStormPhoto email newsletter today.
If you would like to be on future email mailings, no more than once a month, where I notify people of recent postings to our blog, please send me an email asking to be added. All manual. No automagic stuff. You request – I will personally respond.
Send me a note asking to be notified our our blog summary, to burt@mindstorm-inc.com
The next few posts will likely revolve around our new Oahu, Hawaii home, since we are limited on international traval for now. Hopefully, we will resume more international travel in 2022.
I hope to hear from you, and hear about your travels soon! burt@mindstorm-inc.com
Oh yes, gotta add this quote from George Washington, that seems so prescient to today’s problems…
Various art, music and other venues have slowly been opening in Hawaii, but because of the Delta variant, capacity has been reduced to 50%. In some cases, events have been cancelled. A few of the events we’ve attended prior to the latest Delta surge include the monthly Ukelele Club of Hawaii in Kaneohe. One of the guest instructors were superstars, Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, who gave a short lesson on playing jazz on the ukelele. Generally, there are 80-100 participants.
Another event was the exhibit in Honolulu “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience“, which Evelyn attended with her new art friend, Alla. The show uses cutting-edge projection technology to create a surround-visual experience. You can feel the brush strokes of the master artist and appreciate the art escaping from its picture frames. Van Gogh is one of Mark Brown’s (one of Evelyn’s maestros – see here) inspiration, who uses thick paint with juicy strokes. To attend this show, all participants must now have proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of their ticket entry stamp.
Some of the other events we’ve attended include First Friday art opening each month, which is just starting to re-emerge. The event is centered around the Downtown Arts Center, which is a non-profit gallery that showcases Hawaii art located in Chinatown. One of the galleries did require showing vaccination cards before letting guests attend. It may be quite a while before life becomes “normal” again.
We retired in 2013, and decided to move to Ecuador for an adventure, figuring it would last 2 or 3 years. It has now been 8 years, and we still enjoy Cuenca, but the wanderlust struck again.
We came to Oahu for 3 months vacation. Within the first week, we decided it could be our next home. We have now just moved into our new home… in Honolulu !
We are on the 33rd floor of a 39-floor building, with a panoramic view centered around Diamond Head, with views of Waikiki, the ocean, golf course, Ala Wai Canal, Iolani Prep School, Chaminade University, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and the mountains. We negotiated to also purchase part of the furniture from the couple moving to Miami. That means we have basic furniture when starting out, and can take our time in custom outfitting the remainder.
Waking up on our first morning in our new home, we faced the sunrise shown here. Just another day in paradise. ☺
Our current plans are to keep our Cuenca apartment, and expect to visit Ecuador often in the future, with our next visit planned for November.
Hawaii. Beaches. Sun. Surf. They all fit together as one package in our minds…paradise. We explored several well known beaches along the Windward Side and North Shore. Contrary to what the news says about Hawaii being overcrowded with tourists, there were many opportunities to enjoy the beaches in Oahu, once you get away from Waikiki.
All along the coast, no matter the day of the week, there were plenty of people enjoying the water. The huge majority were young people under 30. You know… the age when everyone thinks they are invulnerable and can stand right next to huge ocean spray on slippery rocks (above). Unfortunately the newspapers here report several times every week that someone else fell or was pulled into the current. Above is the famous Halona Blow Hole, and contrary to warnings asking people not to step beyond the sign, they obviously did not heed the warnings.
Most of the beaches here have shallow waves this time of year (upper-left), making it perfect for swimming, boogie boarding or body surfing. Some families come equipped with their own popup sun shades (upper-right), while others enjoy beach volleyball. On weekends, there are many tents on permitted campsites on the major beaches. To my surprise, I never saw anyone throwing frisbees, which would be a staple on any California beach. Above is Waimalalo Beach and the famous Rabbit Island.
Many of the beaches along the coast have active lifeguard stations (lower-right). Some of our favorites with white sandy beaches included Kailua Beach, Pounder’s Beach in La’ie, Kualoa Regional Park, Lanikai, Laniakea, Waimanalo, Shark’s Cove, and Sand Island. We have yet to check out the crowded tourist beaches at Waikiki.
While the light surf on many of the beaches is perfect for family fun, some of the rocky areas are much more dangerous. Look at the image upper-left. It is a wider view of the first image on this post of the Halona Blow Hole. Note that “Danger, do not go beyond this point” sign… beyond which are more than a dozen people taking selfies in the crashing surf…
In Winter, the waves on the North Shore here are some of the largest in the US, and major surfing contests are held. Boogie boards are the masters of the smaller summer surf though.
There are canals throughout the island, and many are places where people play, away from the heavier surf. On one bridge in Haleiwa, half a dozen kids were repeatedly jumping off the bridge into the canal below (right). Others were getting outrigger or paddle boarding lessons (left). There were lots of activities from surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, snorkeling and lots of ways to actively enjoy the island.
Now that we relocated to the North Shore, we started our search for the perfect shrimp truck. The “shrimp trucks” are renown in the area, with one truck featured in the TV series Hawaii Five O. As you drive along the coastal road, these trucks and shacks dot the landscape every few miles, with many clumped together in some places.
Our very first stop was to Fumi’s — one of the top shrimp trucks on several reviews. We discovered that the actual truck was closed as a result of the pandemic, but they had opened a brick-n-mortar store just a short distance further down the road. Knowing traffic can get pretty intense along the North Shore, we went early and were first in line when they opened (lower-left). Just moments after we ordered, a tour bus stopped, then more tour buses. The owner says that there are times when the entire parking lot is filled with tour buses.
We like to try several trucks on outings like this, so we just shared one meal, expecting to have more at another location later. The garlic-butter shrimp was delicious, though we prefer our shrimp to come already shelled — both for ease of eating, and so the flavor stays with the shrimp instead of being lost with the shell.
Another stop was at Big Wave — another highly rated shrimp truck. Because it was now a couple hours later in the day, there was already a line to just to place the order. We were lucky though, as shortly after we placed our order, a REALLY long line developed at the order window.
Here we shared a coconut shrimp plate. Already shelled, they were both easier to eat and there was more flavor. We definitely preferred this style.
While researching where to go on the North Shore, we came across one YouTube video that talked about “Seven Brothers.” This brick-n-mortar restaurant was not on any other “Best Of” list we read, but it still sounded intriguing, so we went there the next day.
They are best known for their hamburgers, so we shared one.
WOW best sums it up! This burger looks impossible to eat at first glance (left). It turns out that it is so huge because of two very thick onion rings stacked on top of the burger though. Take one of those off, eat it separately, and the burger then is large, but possible to eat (middle-right).
We decided that this hamburger was very possibly the best hamburger we have ever had. Even the onion rings (upper-right) are a cut above others we have had. We liked it enough that we went back a second day for another…!
We also ordered their coconut shrimp, and they were our favorite after tasting this style at several restaurants and food trucks on the North Shore.
One aspect of art that Evelyn loved in California was painting en Plein Air, which is painting on site, outdoors. Because of the weather in Hawaii, outdoor activities are the standard. In Cuenca, the opportunities were quite limited, whereas in Oahu, there are four different groups that paint outdoors weekly. As a result, Evelyn gets a chance to to explore different scenic spots around the island, and learn more about how to paint outdoors. Evelyn found an incredible teacher, Mark Brown (top-right and middle), who leads one of the groups. Every Saturday morning, Mark leads a session with an hour demonstration, then offers help to anyone from rank beginners to experienced painting pros, while finishing his own masterpiece.
The first picturesque site where Evelyn painted was Pounder’s Beach on Laie Bay (upper-left), on the northeastern shore of Oahu. Pounder’s beach gets it name because of the pounding shorebreak. The cliff at the right end is Pali Kilo’a, meaning “fish spotter cliff”. People enjoy bodyboarding, surfing, swimming, fishing and picnics in this setting of white sand, turquoise waters, and ample shade. There are no life guards nor any toilets, so we used the restrooms at the Polynesian Cultural Center nearby.
The second destination was Mark’s Garage in Chinatown, Honolulu, on the following Saturday in July. When setting up her easel, a dazed wizened woman yelled at Evelyn for invading the woman’s space, then another apparent drunk started screaming about some conspiracy. Mark just said “Welcome to Chinatown.” On the same Saturday were two other events: a demonstration of the Raku ceramic process, and a show at the Downtown Art Center, where there was a month-long exhibit of the Plein Air Painters of Oahu and Raku ceramics, a traditional low-fire hand-made Japanese pottery (bottom-right).
On another Saturday, the group went to Kualoa Regional Park, also known as Mokoli’l/Chinaman’s Beach Park, located north of Kaneohe on the windward side of the Island. Evelyn has had to switch back to painting with oils and using heavier French easels that don’t blow away. In fact, one lesson learned was either using tent stakes to anchor the easels, or holding down the easel with a 30 pound backpack. The gusting winds are so strong that someone’s easel, canvas or hat blows away every session.
It has been challenging yet loads of fun discovering new challenges. There are lots of new places to be discovered including a botanical garden, Waimanalo Beach, beaches on the North Shore, Sand Island, mountain overlooks, market places, and boatyards, as this group has been painting together for years.
After leaving Kailua, we moved to an AirBnb on North Shore. We are here at the end of the turtle nesting season, but decided to check out some of the common beaches for turtle sightings anyway.
There are lifeguards on many of the beaches (top-left). Signs telling people to give the turtles a wide berth abound, and every so often you will hear a lifeguard on a bullhorn telling an onlooker to back off and give them more room. As it happens, no turtles actually came on land while we were there, though we did see several in the surf, just at the edge of viewing (top-right and bottom-middle). Had we arrived a month earlier, we heard that turtles were swarming around the local beaches.
It was easy to see where the turtles were being seen in the surf, as that is where the crowds were (middle). Some families ventured out into the tide pools (upper-right), or went snorkeling to see them in the surf (bottom-left). Most of the kids just ignored the turtles, preferring their boogie boards (bottom-right).
We started our Hawaii adventure with five weeks in Kailua, on the Windward (East) side of the island. Our current mode is to spend at least a month in one location, so we can learn how to live like locals, eating at the local restaurants, buying at the local markets, exploring local shops, and cooking at home. We’re also planning to learn some new recreational activities, so one of our first stops was a store that sells pickle ball gear (yes, there is one, with lots of inventory and an owner who loves the sport), where we bought a couple of paddles and some holes balls (top-left). We then went to one of the popular pickle ball courts in the Honolulu area, and met up with an instructor who can get us started. Our first attempts were dismal. It is unlike tennis, table tennis, badminton or racquet ball, and we found ourselves hitting and missing, and felt like uncoordinated novices. Also, we need to buy real hard court shoes, which provide more ankle support than the walking shoes we normally wear. Like almost everything else, there seems to be a shortage of these on the island.
Our next adventure was renting a couple of e-bikes for a tour. We hired a guide (lower-left) to show us around Kailua on the e-bikes, riding over to a historic local temple, crossing a marsh reserve, riding to both Kailua Beaches and over the hill to Lanakai Beach. We covered an amazing amount of land on those e-bikes, including a lunch stop in a secluded cove at the picturesque Lanakai beach.
Fourth of July was a muted affair again this year, with the pandemic banning the local parades and fireworks on the beach, which Kailua is known for. Instead, our AirBnb host, Sara (top-right) hosted a small backyard potluck barbecue that she invited us to. The afternoon was spent with grilling hot dogs and hamburgers (middle) and meeting new friends (bottom row).
The cottage where we stayed in Kailua was incredible. It was a short walk to Kailua Beach in one direction, and a short walk into Kailua town in the other direction. We had access to a mango tree in our backyard, and the Hawaiian mangos are sweeter than we’ve ever had. When we first checked the weather reports prior to arriving, we were concerned how windy it appeared. In reality, the tradewinds have been a blessing in keeping down the otherwise unbearable humidity. We slept with the windows and doors open most nights, and it was a treat hearing the birds singing starting at 5:30 each morning. And, then there was “Ocean”, the neighbor’s dog who crooned to the sound of every emergency vehicle and the sounds of the concert violinist, who practiced every morning.
Of course we explored many of the restaurants in the area while in Kailua. Probably the most memorable was Haleiwa Joe’s, shown above. The restaurant is backed by a huge garden and lake area, which makes a nice stroll while waiting for them to open.
Though it does not open until 4:30 pm, we were warned that we needed to show up by 3:30 to get a table (no reservations are accepted). When we got there at 3:30, there were already a dozen people ahead of us, waiting for the doors to open. By the time the doors did open, only about a third of those in line were able to be seated… good thing we heeded the warnings!
Everything here was over-the-top excellent. Though it calls itself a seafood restaurant, we were told by several people to get the prime rib. Well… we got an appetizer and another meal (swordfish) along with the prime rib… then our jaws dropped to the floor when the steak arrived! It was 24 ounces, 2 inches thick and covered a large plate.
As a result of that surprise, I got the chance to see just how good their prime rib is when cold as a leftover at home too…
We are now fully vaccinated and ready for travel. We have waited the required 10 days after our second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, tested negative on our PCR test and are now finally ready to vacation in Hawaii.
For this time period, we were originally scheduled to travel to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Java, Borneo and Bali. But, that part of the world shut down international travel, so we sought an alternative vacation adventure. We have not been to Hawaii for over 30 years, so we were looking forward to seeing the changes and get some sun.
Cuenca, Ecuador has been getting colder each year, and the months from June through August are always the coldest months. Evelyn worked in downtown Honolulu for a few months in the 80s, and we went scuba diving on all of the Hawaiian islands in the 70s, so we have many fond memories. As we approached Oahu, we saw it from the air (bottom row), noting how tightly packed the populated areas are as well as appreciating the turquoise color of the tropical waters.
As we started to drive around the island, we kept seeing the British flag (above) everywhere. Being confused, we asked a local, and were chagrined to learn that this is the Hawaiin state flag… not the British flag…
The tradewinds around the island are strong and constant, so many of the flags are in the tattered state seen here.
Whenever we travel, one aspect we enjoy is checking out the real estate market in the area. We decided to investigate the market in Oahu, so we spent a few days seeing single family detached homes and condos. One of the condos had a window washer outside, on the 33rd floor (top). Others had fantastic views of the docks surrounding the Honolulu area.
Wrapping up our time in San Diego. We had heard of the Batiquitos Lagoon Trail located near Carlsbad, a coastal wetland and estuary, so we went there for a hike (above) and investigate whether it was good for plein air painting. It was quite windy and dry the day we hiked, and not teeming with bird life. We could see that San Diego was already in moderate drought conditions, even though it was only May.
We also visited the San Diego Botanical Garden with rare bamboo groves, subtropical and desert plants, and native plants located in Encinitas. Since San Diego was still at the Covid Orange Tier level, masks were required both indoors and outdoors. Families were enjoying the day (top row), and we got to pose with a couple of garden sculptures made from clay and living plants (bottom row). We also took a rare dual selfie… just to prove we were actually here!
Old Town San Diego was across the main road from one of our hotel stops up the coast and known as the Birthplace of California. The significance of Old Town is that it marks the site of the first Spanish settlement in the US and is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego. It is mostly some historic buildings from the 1800’s (top row), souvenir shops, and restaurants where you can get a great margarita (bottom row).
Our overall impressions were that San Diego circulates around cars and highways, is greener than Northern California but is colder than we remember. One unique aspect was the prevalent use of electric scooters and bikes in the urban areas. We even used a free electric taxi service, the Ride Circuit, in downtown San Diego. The food, for the most part, was quite good, though we encountered sticker shock, coming from Ecuador.
Our last day in San Diego found us at the beach to watch the sunset at Carlsbad Village. Several of our favorite restaurants include Dini’s Bistro for their Oysters Rockefeller and Board and Brew for pastrami sandwiches. Along our walk around the village, we saw a couple of nice murals (top-left and middle-left). While most of our three weeks in San Diego was filled with the “May Gray and June Gloom” weather, which is the coastal fog that is normal along the Southern California coast in spring, on our last night, the clouds departed, and we enjoyed our final sunset.
Photo Galleries
At the top of this page is a menu that will take you to a variety of galleries showing our favorite images.
