There is no perfect words to describe my experience at Haleakala. From the Hawaiian language translation, it means “House of the Sun” which is fitting for an place where you’ll never see a more beautiful sunrise or sunset. It is far more breathtaking then you can ever imagine. I had to reach out and grab my husband because for a brief moment, I thought I was the only person there. It gives you a sense of peace and offer a peak at what heaven might look like. I stood there freezing on top of the crater and slowly taking in the moments while working on capturing everything about this special place.
I urge you to visit Haleakala, but before you go….here are some tips:
- Go on a tour with a professional because not only will you arrive on time, but will learn the history, best place for pictures and you can relax while someone else is driving at 3AM in the morning. Yup! It is best to start early because you can catch the best view and take in some star glazing too!
- Dress in layers. It’s going to be very cold on the top of the summit, but by late morning when you make it down to the crater, it tends to be a little warmer.
- Respect the place. This is a secret place for Hawaiian. Please do not step over the plants or try to destroy the eco-system. And yes! no littering too!
Pre-sunrise at Haleakala
Pre-sunrise
Sunrise
View from Haleakala
Technology is a wonderful thing as it bring people closer together. I could easy pick up the phone, type a e-mail, or have a video conversation with my friend. Through our communication and my passion of art, I was really excited to finally have a chance to visit the J.Paul Getty Museum in Los Angles accompany by my friend, Raymond.
The Getty Museum is absolutely free of admission to all visitors and house a great collections of painting, drawing, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, art work and photographs. I absolutely fell in love with it architecture. Contemporary, modern and yet, so inviting.
The museum
Another view of the garden
The Garden
The Getty
When I go traveling, food is probably high on my list as I enjoyed trying out the local cuisine. Whether it is a simple dish or the most sophisticated one, wine is always present. What wine is to food is peanut butter to jelly. A perfect pairing!
Wine is not only important to food as a choice of beverage, but as a enhance agent who goes extremely well with a medium rare filet mignon. The most popular wines are red, white and sparkling wine, but my personal favorite is the Ice Wine as I love things that are sweet.
What your favorite?
There’s always a city that makes me smile. Even if I’m sitting in my bedroom typing away on my computer, I can’t help but to daydream about one day returning there to visit. Perhaps it about the stinking tofu or the the many friendships I made traveling there, but Hong Kong the place that greet me with a welcoming smile. An island that is so full of energy like the oil that sizzles in a Chinese wok. It’ a classic act of balance between both Chinese and European cultures as seen in it’s architecture, food and language.
My most fondest memories are those annual trips my parents took us. Whether they were to LA’s Disneyland or to the exotic location of Thailand, everyone of these field trips was a new experience for me. I was so fasicated with all that it offer from the delicious food, to the rich history, the inviting people and the new found knowledge that it gave me.
I hope to share with you my passion for traveling, those wonderful discoveries along the way and to meet new friends because life is a lot more enjoyable if it is share.
Come join me on this new exciting adventure . Are you ready? Pack your bags! And COME FLY WITH ME.
