When She's Not in the Kitchen

Lucky, Lucky, dog, me!! Beautiful Marlys left her chef hat at her healthy, healthy restaurant/juice bar, THE BEET BOX, in Haleiwa to take me on a trip to Europe. And here we go..........

Road Trip----My Favorite!

Here's our fuzzy map. We ventured down the Romantic Road in Germany visiting castle after castle following an old trade route from Medieval Times, the 1500's. Go to www.romanticroad.com to see tourist info and a more detailed map.

Oh, So Fancy

Built in 1720, this is the Wurzburg Residence which, as you can see, is really a palace. Napoleon said, "This is the nicest parsonage in Europe", and I think he was right.
And this is the back of the palace! Can you imagine? Did you notice the roses? For centuries these flowers have been known to have medicinal properties. Just whiff some essential oil of rose and see how you feel.

I Think I Hear Someone Yodeling! Can You?

I spent a long time looking down this valley towards the Austrian Alps. I loved the view. I can see why this is called the Romantic Road.

Just Big Forts

This is one of the many castles I saw on my adventure with Marlys. Come on, follow us, we're hiking down.

Whoa, Where are the Walls?

So.......there were these neighbors who kept fighting and blowing up each other's castle. Now all that's left are these ruins. Isn't it so much better to talk out problems than to get angry and come to blows.

I'd Better MInd My P's and Q's

This is what the northern European soldiers, of the period during Napoleon's time, when the castles were being constructed, looked like.
Pretty imposing don't you think, and he's floating to boot!

As I Said, "I'm a Lucky Dog"!

Marlys was such a good traveling companion. She loved to talk and laugh, and she's so smart and beautiful, too.
I hope we'll be going on another adventure very soon.

Kung Hee Fat Choy!!

It's the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese base their calendar on the moon's cycle, so the date of the beginning of the New Year changes, but it's always in January or February. I took a trip to Chinatown in downtown Honolulu to buy special items for the celebration! See what I found in the next few photographs.

Chinatown---It's Safe

I met these friendly police officers, and they were happy to chat with me. They told me to enjoy myself and know they were around if I needed them. I liked that!

Celebrate---Eat Special Foods

Those little cakes behind me are called "Gau". They are made of sticky, sticky rice flour and if you eat one it will bring you good fortune in the New Year. They are also symbolic of keeping the members of one's family close together.
One of my favorite foods is above the Gau-----peanut candy. Yum! This little bakery is in the middle of Mauna Kea Street.

Plant a Bulb---in Water!

One of my favorite things to do to celebrate the Chinese New Year is to grow a narcissus bulb. Buy one, peel off all the dried, brown layers, trim off the old roots on the bottom, and then set it in a shallow dish with pebbles. Put it out in the sun and change the water every couple of days. When you see a bud, bring it inside and watch it bloom. Then smell the wonderful, wonderful fragrance of Spring.

The Shopkeeper of my Favorite Shop

Danny Au and his father own "Bo Wah Trading Company". I have been coming here for a long time because the prices are great and this store has almost everything I need---perfumed soap, ceramic dishes, painting brushes, red money envelopes, and Rabbit candy. The address is 1037 Maunakea Street. Remember, tell them Rex the Surf Dog sent you!

Whatever You Need

Chinatown is a perfect place to find almost anything you need------housewares and food, jade jewelry and art and the prices are always right!

The Artist

Zong Chen Liu has many talents. He was painting good luck signs with gold ink when I was visiting Chinatown, but he also carves stamps and is an expert paper cutter. To see his work, stop by his shop at 111 North King Street.

.....And if You Need a Lei

If you have the time and need a lei, or just want to look a the tropical flowers and the variety of designs, Chinatown is the place for you. They are very reasonable too. This is Pauhi Leis and Flowers at 1148 Maunakea Street.

.......And if You Need a Remedy

Chinese medicine has become very, very popular in America over the past 20 years, and it's getting more popular all the time. Mom stopped in here to buy some herbs for her friend, Teacher Nancy, who took a tumble three weeks ago and needed some medicine for the swelling.

See you in Chinatown

Now, for the next month or so, when you go Chinatown, anyone of many in major cities around the world, say, "Kung Hee Fat Choy! and wish the residents and shopkeepers, Happy New Year"! You'll receive many smiles and humble bows.

Skater Girls on a Mission

Heidi, one of the top female skaters in the world, is at Banzai Skate Park on the North Shore. She's in town from Santa Cruz, California, with the POESIDON FOUNDATION. I met her earlier in Mom's classroom. She's with a group of young women who are sharing the message: "Follow your Dream". They were meeting with young people on the island and encouraging them to find their passion and aspire to it. Check out the website: http://poseidenfoundation.org/
Heidi's an architect. She's just starting a new career, though, and studying nursing at San Francisco State University! Wow! She's following her dreams!!

Yikes!! Taking My Breath Away!

Jen, holding me, and Lizzie were taking some steep drops at the skateboard park. My heart was in my throat! They are great skaters and know how to fall properly if a move gets off course. Lizzie is the best female skater in the world! She won the title in 2010 and 2011. At 18 years of age, she'll be competing for the championship this year, too. I asked her what her goal in life is, her reply, "Be Happy". I like that goal; it's mine too.