had a great time surfing with Watanabe-san today. we paddled out to the most crowded spot on the south shore this morning and there were 3 people out. then they all went in and it was just the 2 of us. perfect long rights with long rides. score!

then we went sightseeing up on tantalus. always so beautiful!

and yes, must get the panorama shot.

we ate a hot pho for lunch. Watanabe-san has been traveling to a lot of countries so we had lots to talk about. then i asked her “where is your best trip?” she told me “hawaii.” what? it’s her first trip to hawaii and she only came yesterday. and it’s already her top 1? i was really glad to hear that!

then we went for dessert part 1. bubbies!

green tea, chocolate mint, and chocolate peanut butter are my favorite.

then we took a drive to the east side. welcome to makapuu.

then i took Watanabe-san to my secret power spot. i just love sitting on the rocks listening to the ocean, watching the waves, and just enjoying nature.

then waiola shave ice to finish the awesome day.

then swung by diamond head and i was surprised to see the waves looking good. not too many surfers out, shoulder high long rides.

thank you Watanabe-san for the amazing day and for the treats. and thank you to Hoshino-san from North Shore Surf Shop in Aichi for sending me a newborn surfer. keep on surfing!

winter wonderland in hawaii continues. i love it!

Shoulder high and fun!

20 years ago i bought this globe. and ever since, i must have looked at it over a thousand of times. this is how i decide trips sometimes. i just look at it, find a little dot, and go there.

i’m eying out south/east asia again. want to go somewhere i haven’t been before. in the past 2 days, i shot out emails to yoga retreats, surf camps, friends, and world travelers. i’ll be going soon but i still have no idea where. nothing new as i’ll probably decide a day before. a trip with surf/yoga/dive and explore would be ideal. let me know if you know anywhere i’m missing. thank you!

and please, i’m not going anywhere cold. no way! can you believe this is america?

was so proud of my niece Temari when she made our thanksgiving dessert. cinnamon with pumpkin with walnuts with whip cream. it was excellent!

all handmade with love.

and speaking of love, i love my 2 nieces. Kelia and Temari same blood but 2 worlds apart. both so beautiful and both so good at what they do.

always love to surf with Kelia. she’s heading to china this weekend to defend her back to back world championships. win or lose, we are always proud of this girl. style, grace, and a big heart full of aloha. Go-Kelia!