Quintessentially Hawaiian

Waikiki Beach. While many visitors to Hawaii complain that Waikiki is way too crowded, there are many others who love to be in the thick of things. Waikiki is the place to walk on the beach, people watch, have a sunset drink, try surfboarding for the first time and shop, shop, shop.

ABC Stores. Speaking of shopping, you'll find most of the things you need and more at the ubiquitous ABC Stores.

Aloha shirts. The most trendy aloha shirts are sold by Tori Richards and Reyn's. Reyn's made the faded look chic with its reverse printed shirts. You can also buy aloha shirts for a good deal less at the Flea Market at the Stadium. It's open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Hula. The hula tells a story so the dancer must be a good storyteller. This song tells it all, "Lovely hula hands, graceful as the bird in motion".

Ukelele. The hula is only complete when the dancers are accompanied by a trio of singers, one of whom plays the ukelele.

Duke Kahanamokou. The father of modern surfing. Duke is never without a lei, another quintessential Hawaiian piece.

Surfboard. If there' a surfing legend, there are surfboards for legends in training and all wave enthusiasts.

Shave ice. This 4th of July look is a strawberry, lychee and piña colada concoction. Matsumoto's in Haleiwa is listed in many Oahu guidebooks as the place to pick up the best shave ice on the island.

Malasadas. While malasadas were introduced to the islands by the Portuguese settlers, they are truly the local sweet treat. Leonard's malasadas in Kapahulu has both plain and filled malasadas. You can choose from haupia, custard, or chocolate fillings. They also have malasada trucks around the island of Oahu.

Saimin. This is no ordinary cup of noodles. It's full of flavor and comes with your choice of meat or toppings. Zippy's Restaurants serve regular or large bowls of saimin starting at $2.60.

Bento box. There are many to choose from. You can pick up a salmon, mackerel, sashimi, or sushi bento box, among others. Take it to the beach and eat lunch there with friends or eat dinner while watching the sunset. These boxes are from Shirokiya, 2nd floor at the Ala Moana Mall.

Hawaiian sunset. Sitting on the beach watching the sun dip slowly down the horizon. What a way to end another beautiful day in Hawaii!

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* I haven't forgotten about SPAM. I just need to take a photo of it.

Images by Charie

The Fairy Tale Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list for years. And I finally got there last November. It is an enchanting place. With its half-timbered houses, clock towers, colorful façades, schneeballs and beer steins, Rothenburg ODT oozes with medieval charm. It's no surprise that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I was partially filmed in Rothenburg ODT. This is a common dilemma in Rothenburg ODT. Which direction to take? It's hard to choose because every cobblestone street seems to be competing for the best dressed street award. And they are all winners in my book. After walking half a day, an inviting table for two with colorful flowers to warm a cold November day. I love how these two half-timbered buildings anchor a street that leads to another intriguing square. The Plönlein (Little Square) is the most photographed square in Rothenburg ODT. But I found more picturesque neighborhoods than this. That's ...

Midnight in Paris Movie Locations

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Casapueblo and Carlos Páez Vilaró

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