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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
 Posted - 08/01/2010 : 02:53:37 AM
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It is bound to be a great trip. When the plane was landing, I saw rainbows out the window.
The day was a tiring one, though. We got up at 2:30 a.m. EDT to make our 6 a.m. flight. We were supposed to be at the airport at 4 a.m. We were a bit later than that, but no matter. The airport was pretty deserted at that time. No one was ahead of us in the TSA line and my new TSA friendly laptop bag worked like a charm. (Except I put too much stuff in the bag and it was soooo heavy). Paul made it through security without beeping or being patted down. And he kept his pants on the whole time! Woo-hoo. An auspicious beginning.
We went to the gate that the self-service kiosk said to go to. Us and about half a dozen other travelers. We were on our first leg of the trip...flying the one hour between Cleveland and Chicago-O'hare. When there were only about 5 minutes until boarding time, one of our fellow travelers noticed that the monitor showing departing flights showed our flight leaving from a different gate, so we all had to hustle a little way back up the concourse. No prob. Made it with plenty time to spare. It was a little regional jet. My wheelie-carry on bag had to be gate checked, but they put Paul's guitar in a closet on board the plane. We got in to Chicago with a pretty quick connection to the next leg of the flight -- O'hare to LAX. We had about a 4 hour flight. Got in to a different gate than American had designated when I did the on-line check in. We had to walk a fair amount to another concourse for our flight that would bring us back to the islands. It was probably a manini walk to most people, but with one Taylor guitar in a HEAVY case on Paul's back and him wheeling the carry-on and my laptop bag, and him walking with a cane...well, slow and steady wins the race. We got there with enough time I could hit the ladies room and we hoped to get breakfast. Nope - lines too long. Had to board so Paul had to get out of food line. Luckily, I had stashed candy bars in my laptop bag and that was our breakfast. They did have food on the plane -- for a price. We bought some stale dried out turkey sandwiches, but still, I was HONGRY. We settled back for the five hours from LAX to my favorite place in the whole world.
We got the rental car (a whole 'nother story) and drove over the Pali to our vacation rental, same place Jack & Kory stayed, right across the street from Doug Fitch. We went to the grocery and laid in some food and beverages. Then we went to dinner at Formaggio's. Way high prices but pretty good food. I had crab cakes, in my world-wide search for the best crab cakes ever (rated about a 6 out of 10 on the WJC scale) and Paul had calamari We then went back to the cottage and got ready to hit the sack. By that time, we had been awake for over 24 hours.
But here I am up bright and early the next morning, waking up at my normal Ohio wake up time in the middle of the night in Hawai`i. I shall watch the sun come up over Kailua.
Stay tuned for more adventures boys and girls. Today I am going to see Braddah Jay and give him the biggest hug you ever saw. Who knows what adventures the day will hold.
K-den. Breakfast time and morning medicine time.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 08/01/2010 06:49:02 AM |
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Retro
Ahonui
USA
2368 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 06:00:11 AM
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| It'll be a great trip because you take the right attitude with you. Have a sweet time, and keep reporting in. |
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Fran Guidry
Ha`aha`a
USA
1579 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 06:29:03 AM
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Wanda, if you get an Island Snow punch card you can probably get a free shave ice by the end of your trip.
The K&K next door to Island Snow doesn't look like much, but the bbq chicken plate rocks.
Formaggio - OK is about right, and we'd call those prices high if the place were in San Fran. But you were right next door to Fat Boy's, home of the legendary garlic chicken and other plate lunch delights.
Hungry Ear Records on Ku`ulei has a used CD section, not anything like Jelly's in Aiea but worth a stop anyway.
One of our most regular stops is Big City Diner next to Foodland at Hekili and Hamakua. Salmon salad if you're being good, massive loco moco or kimchee burger and garlic fries if you're being bad. We won't even mention the milk shakes made with Bubbie's ice cream and heavy cream, 'cause that would be _tooooo_ bad. And Foodland poke is welcome at any party or picnic you get invited to. Mmmmm, pipi kaula!
Have a fantastic time, Certos.
Fran |
E ho`okani pila kakou ma Kaleponi
Slack Key Guitar in California - www.kaleponi.com
Slack Key on YouTube
Homebrewed Music Blog |
Edited by - Fran Guidry on 08/01/2010 06:30:49 AM |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 06:44:04 AM
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| Eh, Wanda an' Paul. Da pizza near Island Snow is ONO! The pizzaria is run by a Boston ex-pat, a "paisano". Great guy to talk story with. Good you guys staying near Doug's. Easy access to da rest of da island. You guys stay goin get ony good fun! |
Edited by - thumbstruck on 08/01/2010 06:44:31 AM |
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 08:46:12 AM
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| Be sure to eat at Buzz's in Lanakai, across the bridge from the Kalapawai Market. Onolicous, but cash only. One of the best Mai Tai's on Oahu. Ask Kory - two of them had him speaking Norwegian with Gordon Bowker on a notable occasion. Their calamari appetizeris to die for! Also, there's an organic food store across from the Safeway - good produce. Ask Kory about Island Snow - he has a major investment in thier shave ice! Please, shout aloha at da guyze for me when you kanekapila wid' 'em. Commitments here kept me from sharing time with y'all. |
keaka |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 11:07:37 AM
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Jack - we will be off to Dukie's in a little while to see all the guys and the `ohana. I am SOOOO excited!
And we will be seeing Kawika tomorrow -- he's the one who posts all those great vintage clips on you tube like of Andy Cummings and some old Gabby stuff, etc.
Hey all you guys, thanks for all the pointers on places to go, shop, etc. I passed Fat Boy's and told Paul I thought it was a burger joint. Sounds like much, much more.
TTYL. I learned that from my girls. It means talk to you later. They speak in shorthand. |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 08/02/2010 04:29:22 AM |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 05:18:09 AM
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Day 2 was an amazing day. After spending Saturday afternoon with the men of Ke Kani Nahe playing music on stage at the Ukulele Guild exhibition at the Blaisdell, ever the kind and gracious host, Duke invited us over for some kanikapila action at his house. Ha- what you think of that? My boys playing at the Blaisdell!!!!!
It was so great to see him once again and hug him ever to tightly! Paul got his hugs in, too! And then I got to hug the grand babies and got to hold the youngest, Chevis, who is only 8 months old. He is the happiest, jolliest baby with the biggest, sweetest drooly smile you would ever want to see. All the grandbabies are so sweet, giving lots of hugs and kisses and talking story with me.
Then Derek and his girls came over, and the Abrigo `ohana and Justin Alderfer and...the icing on the cake....Braddah Jay. Timi Abrigo has become quite adept at playing the steel and can make it sound so sweet one minute and so kolohe (wolf whistles, cows mooing, chickens, etc) the next minute. Emily's amazing voice continues to develop and she is also becoming quite the good guitarist, thanks to kumu Dukie. You should hear her play the 12-string! And my Happy Star - Quinn Abrigo - hoh, he is going to be one `ukulele virtuoso! He sang Kaleohano for us and he played a mean pa`ani! And, not to toot any horns, but Lanet Abrigo and I tested our our long-distance jams of Pua Carnation in preparation for our official duet debut at the next Waimea Valley Kanikapila. We sounded pretty good. We need to work out an intro and have someone do a nice pa`ani for us and figure out an ending. When we were pau, we just stopped. Was good fun! And sweet Jay, oh my. He sang Koke`e, playing `ukulele once again with his inimitable rhythm sound, and he played ipu on a few songs. That adds a lovely sound to the mele, kind of rounding them out and making them richer. And Justin - hoh, what CAN'T he do? `Ukulele -- he geddem. Slack key, he SURE geddem! And of course, Dukie fed us so good with some chili and some steaks and some fantastic won bok salad and man, oh man, the biggest pot of rice!
I must tell you, though, Auntie was thrown into a panic for a while, though. My flip video camera froze up. In the midst of filming, it just stopped. I couldn't get it to turn off or replay any of the previously filmed videos or anything. I almost cried. I schlepped a laptop half-way across the world in order to handle the videos that I planned to take. Well, I figured I'd hit Wal-Mart in the morning and just buy a new one. I just HAD to have a video. Wait until later in our trip and you will find out just WHY I need a video camera, especially on August 15.
After thoroughly rocking Duke's house, which I affectionately call Hale Kani, we adjourned to a place in Hawai`i Kai called Kona Brewing Company. There was some guitar player there, hmm, I think his name is Ledward Kaapana. And Aunty Lei and Jesse Gregorio. And Carmel, another of our TaroPatch `ohana met us there (you've probably seen her videos from You Tube channel "carmelinhawaii". She is a slack key player, too, and loves Hawaiian music. Well, Lanet took Paul and I over to Led and introduced us, and introduced us to Sharon and to Lei and to Jesse. Lanet told Led we were from Cleveland, OH and that Paul was a slack key player. He was so kiind and so friendly, taking time to talk to us while he was setting up for a rousing show. And then, when he took a break, the Abrigo `ohana went on stage to play a few mele. Led came walking over and was shaking hands and talking to the crowd. He came up to Paul and said, Uncle Paul, you like play a song! Well, if you could have seen the look on Paul's face! I think he could have swallowed his tongue! He borrowed Emily's guitar, tuned it to Taro Patch and unbeknownst to Led whether this Italian haole from Cleveland, OH could play a single note on guitar, he introduced him to the crowd. (Makes Auntie have wai maka just thinking about it, my heart swelling with pride). Paul, backed up with some swell bass by Jesse Gregorio and by Timi and Emily Abrigo, he sang Wahine `Ilikea and got applause from the crowd when he started playing it! And then Led asked him to play another, so Paul, who had abolutely nothing really prepared and was kind of like a deer in the headlights kinda was in a panic about what else he should play, so I told him (nah, I SUGGESTED) to play Patrick Landeza's "Kahuku Slack Key" which he did pretty well on a guitar strange to him. Wow! He got applause from the crowd and got a kind word and plenty aloha from Led. I think Paul was in hog heaven!
Me. I was taking still pictures since the stupid video camera was not working. Ah, but Carmel was there, and she got video of the whole affair! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Carmel.
Guess what I had to eat at the Kona Brewing Co.? yep, crab cakes. And these rated an 8 in my book. They were pretty darn ono, along with the cabbage slaw underneath -- they were seasoned just right so you could savor the taste of the crab and not only taste the spices and fillers. And I had a maitai. And Paul had some fish sandwich and I don't even remember what kind of fish. But he really liked it.
We went back to Dukie's house to pick up the instruments and who should show up but that sweet and kolohe Uncle Ronald Kanahele. This is one man who is so committed to perpetuating Hawaiian music! This is a man who freely shares his mana`o and who teaches others to malama the music. And what talent. Don't forget, he comes from Feet Rogers' `ohana.
Then we headed back over the Pali to a bit of hard rain right by the tunnels, but by time we got to Kailua, it was pau. The evening breezes were so lovely! But I hurried into the cottage to try to figure what was wrong with my camera. I went on Flip's web site and googled other stuff about troubleshooting problems with the camera. Nothing really described my problem. But by time I got back to the cottage, the camera had finally turned off. I wondered if perhaps it needed charging. The Flip charges whenever it is hooked up to the USB port on the computer. I plugged it in and the charging light did not come on. Oh, was I ever sad. Haa-ha. Turns out I was trying to plug it into a port on the laptop that I thought was a USB port but I don't even know what the heck it is, but I switched it to a port on the other side and lo and behold the light came on!!! It must have only needed a charge. So we left it plugged into the computer and headed off for moemoe. I forgot the laptop would shutdown after it was idle for a few minutes (I am still not yet used to the laptop -- I am old -- I call it learning curve), so when I got up this morning, it was not charged, but it is cranking away charging even as we speak.
Today I have to go find baseballs for Dukes two oldest grandsons and we will be headed to Kaka`ako to meet up with Kawika and his sweet daughter and then this evening....Chai's and Jerry Santos. Hmmm....wonder if they have crab cakes and how they might compare on my rating list. Nah, I've got to have the giant tiger prawns. And don't forget, if you go to Chai's web site, can print one $25 off coupon.
k-den. Talk more bumbai.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 07:21:25 AM
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Quinn Abrigo - my Happy Star. Doesn't he look like a young Eddie Kamae?
This guy knows how to play guitar a liddo bit.
Paul having fun at Kona Brewing Co. Asked to play a couple songs by Led Kaapana.
Quinn & mom Lanet Abrigo, jamming at Duke's house.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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kihoalukid
Lokahi
USA
289 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 07:58:27 AM
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What a great travelogue Auntie! Congrats Paul on opening for Led (Who is this Led Kaapana you speak of?  ) |
Lee |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 05:28:03 AM
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Lee - Paul didn't open for him - he played a couple songs while Led was on break between sets.
Here is video. Thanks to Carmel for taking video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kl137eVRlw |
Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 09:36:41 AM
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Day Two: An amazingly beautiful day if you can imagine such a thing in a land that is so beautiful to begin with. The sky was so blue, puffy white clouds, birds chirping, doves cooing, rain li`ili`i. And did you ever see a rainbow that terminated in the ocean? It makes a magical looking glow in the water. It takes your breath away.
Did a little driving around O`ahu, ended up by UH-Manoa and got lost as can be there. We tried to keep in mind mauka and maikai, but that really doesn't work so swell in Manoa, since it is a valley and mountains are all around. But it was lovely regardless.
Lunch was at Sam Choy's Breakfast, Lunch and Crab. Paul had a plate lunch that had maybe the whole kitchen on one plate. I had what was listed on the menu as Moi-moi Saimin. The spelling is the way it was on the menu -- and the waiter said it is called that because after eating it you need go sleep for a while. This was the ultimate saimin. The broth was so good and not salty at all. There was plenty char siu and fishcake and tempura shrimp and teri beef and two nice sized snow crab clusters. Also plenty good fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, spinach and some some ... bok kinda veg (couldn't really tell since it was chopped up). I made it about 1/4 through the bowl before giving up and sharing with Paul, who was not able to make it through the whole bowl, either (refer to previous description of his plate lunch).
We then met our friend and fellow TP video expert, Kawika and his daughter at Kaka`ako. The adults shared talk story while the daughter did some swimming. And don't you know those sweeties gave us each a beautiful fresh orchid lei. So far we get a fresh flower lei every day. On Sunday, Jay gave me pua kenikeni, which has the most amazing fragrance. Kawika then took us over to Ala Moana Park where his teen-aged son ws finishing up paddle practice, as he is part of competitive canoe racing team. Even though he is a teenager, he was so nice to we old folk and took time to explain to us the various positions of the 6-member teams, who is responsible for what, etc. He explained to us what the Hawaiian names are for the various parts of the canoe, how they bind up the rigging for the "outrigger" portion of the canoe, etc. One of their canoes is from Big Boy Records and they call it the Bruddah Iz canoe. Some very beautiful canoes (most of them made of carbon fiber composites, but they do have some koa ones, but aue, takes lots of $$$ for that).
For dinner we headed over to Chai's to see Jerry Santos. Auntie will be posting some videos of Jerry. He was there by himself only with a wonderful hula dancer, Nalani. For dinner I had steamed opakapaka and had the giant tiger prawns for appetizer. and since I was a good girl and had steamed fish for dinner, well, I figured I could partake of their trio of creme brule. Was an ono dinner, and great music. It may take a while, but I will get the vids posted. I think I had at least a dozen of them, but I did have to take breaks in between to force myself to eat dinner. Jerry started off with my favorite: a medley of Come to Me Gently/Hawai`i is Calling. He did so many outstanding songs. Of course Ku`u Sweet Lei Poina`ole is one of my favs, also.
Today, we might just wander around. You know what? Nomo ABC store on this side. Where am I supposed to buy my postcards?
Josh with the canoe "Kaulana Na Pua"
Christina with the Bruddah Iz canoe from Big Boy Records
This is the bow of the Bruddah Iz canoe. It is so neat looking in person. Very dramatic looking, very powerful.
Jerry Santos - He said he is writing new songs... guess what he is seriously considering doing! There has been a long dry spell since there was a recording, if you get my drift.
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
Edited by - wcerto on 08/03/2010 09:37:12 AM |
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alika207
Ha`aha`a
USA
1260 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 5:00:56 PM
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| Love everything you're sharing with us, Aunty. Sounds like you're having the time of your life; I think I would be too! Keep posting! Mahalo. |
He kehau ho'oma'ema'e ke aloha.
'Alika / Polinahe |
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wcerto
Ahonui
USA
5052 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2010 : 7:30:55 PM
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Today was a quiet day spent in Kailua Town. We went down da beach. It is a beautiful beach with plentyof nice shady picnic tables and such. I spent the afternoon writing post cards for all the folk back home. I like getting postcards from my friends when they travel, so I hope they like getting them, too. Also got the iron and ironing board from the lady here at the cottage because you know me with ironing. I did unpack everything on Saturday after we got here and let the wrinkles from packing fall out and I made it through a couple of days with not too bad wrinkles, but I just decided I NEED an iron! Ha-ha. We had to iron our Gabby Waimanalo Kanikapila shirts for sure -- they are just too wrinkled and I neva like that CUTE Ocean Kaowili see me with wrinkles (in the shirt, you guys, not in my face, no can iron those).
Plans for tomorrow are just down my alley. You know how Paul has been in hog heaven with the music and playing at Kona Brewing for Led, etc. Well, tomorrow is my day to play with my hero. I am going on a music archeological search with one of MY heroes, Dr. Amy Ku`uleialoha Stillman, to the Hawai`i State Archives!!!!! Then we are all going to Kani Ka Pila Grille in the evening with Duke so we can see Cyril.
K-den, time for dinner. I think Zippys today after $$$$$ at Chai's last night.
More future plans: Friday, Aug. 13 dinner at Chai's one more time....to see John, Jerome and Moon!
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Me ke aloha
Malama pono,
Wanda |
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2010 : 06:39:26 AM
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| Eh, Wanda. You & Paul MUST eat at Buzz's in Lanakai before you leave! It's only 5 blocks from yout temporary Hale. Everything on the menu is onolicious, and the calamari appetizer is to die for! Takes cash only, no need for a reservation, either. Just walk to end of Kailua Road, turn right at the Kalapawai Market, and cross the bridge. Auntie Irmgard 'Aluli's granddaughter, Mahina, tends bar there. Mai Tai's are in my top 5 on Oahu. |
keaka |
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les_maverick
Lokahi
USA
238 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2010 : 08:04:26 AM
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Auntie Wanda
You sure are having a good time.
I think you know everyone on Oahu, eh ?
can't wait till next Thursday !!
Aloha,
Les |
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Adventures of the Certos in Hawai`i
