Birthday Surprise

I wanted to say congratulations to my husband, Rico Tumin for more than 10,000 views on his Tumin Blog and also for managing to surprise me all the way from Thailand for my birthday two weeks ago on October 22nd.

I was planning on going to my favorite bakery for my birthday to take this shot:

Just of me and two pieces of cake (one for me and one for him BUT since he wasn't here, I guess I would have had to eat his piece) and the seat I reserved for him but he beat me to the punch.

He called Jackie and Tom at Moonstruck Patisserie, my favorite bakery and ordered me a cake, from Thailand no less.

He wasn't here to celebrate with me but my good friend Amber was so we pretended like we were eating wedding cake from one another and sharing a cake that Rico and I would have otherwise shared.

Eating cake to our hearts content!  We also cheers the cake like it was champagne flutes and unfortunately, my aim was a bit off so I got a boob shot for him instead.

We decided to take another one because, why the heck not?!  It was my birthday and so that was reason enough.

Anyhoo, back to the cake:

This is her Almond Theres and one of my favorite cakes if not for the exquisite taste, then for the sentimental value of having it for my wedding cake.


This cake is considered a "classic cake" on Moonstruck's website and described as:
Two layers of smooth almond cake sandwiching a layer of buttercream and apricot (or raspberry) marmalade.  Also robed in buttercream.

If I were to rewrite this description it would go something like:
Two delectable layers of smooth, spongy almond cake enclosing a layer of exquisite buttercream and apricot (or raspberry) marmalade in the middle.  Robed in delicate buttercream, enticingly accented with translucent pearls of apricot marmalade for a splash of color and enveloped with scrumptious almond bits.  Not only aesthetically beautiful but the subtle yet aromatic hint of almonds complete this cake's appeal.

Okay, that was too flowery but you can see just how MUCH I love this cake!


A funny story about the cake.  So everything was hectic and crazy for the wedding and some minor details like the cake topper fell through the cracks.  I was going to pick up some orchids and place them on the cake as a topper - I didn't want a traditional cake topper - but we were so busy, it didn't happen.  We asked our close friend Travis to pick up the cake and when he showed up, Jackie asked him, "Where are the flowers?"

Travis probably said something like, "I don't know anything about flowers..." or just shrugged and said "I dunno".

According to Travis, Jackie had a lovely arrangement of antheriums which she promptly grabbed, washed and dried, snipped and added them to the cake.  And there they are!

If you're in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii, I recommend stopping by Jackie's place.  Not only is the food top notch - coffee too! - but Jackie and Tom are a hoot to talk to.  We were regulars almost every Saturday getting our - really 'my' - sweet tooth fix for the week.  It was our morning date/tradition to come there and just start off the weekend at her place.

I'll do a post about her place really soon.

Preview of Little You in the Global World - My New Pet Project

My new project is actually a compilation of stories, not just from me,  but from others that traveled through UH Hilo's study abroad program and some of the not so glamorous aspects of traveling like culture shock.  I'm going to apologize ahead of time if I offend anyone but I'm writing from my naive 21 years old perspective and I'd like to think that I've definitely matured a lot since then...maybe not by much.  I swear a bit in this one - then again, I do in most my posts but you've been warned.  The whole point of writing this is to make our readers aware of what they could expect when traveling to a new, unfamiliar location.  Since this is my first draft, don't expect to see it exactly as is once it's printed.  I'll also be adding photos to this blog just to make it less boring to look at because the book will mainly contain text.

"What I Know Now"

I grew up in a large city until the age of 12 before I moved to Hilo where I reside till this very day.  I had never been anywhere on my own and when I finally got tired of only looking at people’s pictures as they traveled, and listened to their stories while abroad, I knew I had to assuage my curiosity.

I bought a cheap flight after more than a year of saving to go to Thailand and planned for my trip to get to my dream destination, Angkor Wat.  What all those travel blogs and guide books don’t tell you when you’re planning a trip on a shoestring and with no help is that it’s extremely hard and time consuming your first time doing this!  Here I was researching everything I could about safety for women backpacking alone and what to expect culturally and financially.  It was a lot of work but I stumbled upon a few great sites that gave me pointers that I use even today.  I sorta-kinda winged the majority of my scheduling, hoping my timing would work out. 

Luckily, it did.

Yes, it was a stressful way to travel, but I’m also okay with that sort of stress because I wanted the flexibility to stay longer at certain places if I needed to.  It also taught me a lesson on planning in general.  I had to plan out my budget for each day, my trips to the next town and other details to get the best out of my short stay.  Every day, when the sun went down after exploring, I hunkered down in my room - I was paranoid after watching movies like ‘Hostel’ - to plan out my trip for the following day.  While I’m out and about sightseeing, I would find a small local travel agency to ask recommendation for the next big town and also book the next shuttle down for the next day.  That was my cycle for about three weeks.  I had to make sure I made it on time to my shuttle and not get lost wandering - as I did in Trang looking at the White Temple and ALMOST missed my shuttle - but I found out by accident that they have something similar to Hawaiian time and I’m ever so grateful that translates to other tropical areas.

It turns out, South East Asia (S.E.A) is pretty safe but a lot of my learning happened while on my trip.  When I first arrived in Bangkok, Thailand.  I knew it was a huge city and I would be overwhelmed but getting out of the airport and finding a cabby that spoke enough English to understand me was something I didn’t expect.  There was this safety notion in my head that everyone spoke or learned English at one point or another in these countries. When I had a hard time finding someone that would understand me saying “Yaowarat”, the name of their Chinatown in their language, I started to get scared.  I went to the hotel I looked up on Lonely Planet - that's what it felt like! - and showed up with no reservations and so Lo and Behold! - no vacancy.

I caught another cab and decided to go to a train station to make my way down south towards Malaysia for a rendezvous with my host through Couch Surfing (CS).  In that cab ride, I broke down and cried because I really felt like I had bitten more than I could chew and what was I going to do?!  

Well, long story short, I found a travel agency that was open late, made reservations for a flight to Phuket and a hotel for a cheap - or at least what I considered cheap - rate and felt better about it in the morning.  Yeah, I felt a bit defeated after a rough start but once I had my day planned and my next destination booked, I knew I would be okay.

Another thing I'd like to point out that travel shows will not tell you about is how exhausting it is to go from town to town, city to city everyday!  I was ‘gogogo’ mode from the time I landed in BKK until I reached Malaysia and I was on a tight schedule because I made arrangement for with my CS host to be at a certain place by a certain time.  It was also my first time really using CS outside of my host country so I wanted to be sure everything worked out perfectly.  My itinerary was BKK→ Phuket → Krabi → Trang → Hat Yai → Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KL).  I essentially need to get to KL in 6 days and so I hopped in a shared van and traveled all the way down to Malaysia that way to.  I was really bad about reading up on news in general back then and apparently when I was there, southern Thailand had just had a huge coup de tat due to conflict between a Muslim group against the local government.  I had just missed a huge bombing in Pattani and it was a huge selling point for me to take the Hat Yai route down to KL via bus.  Moral of this segment of travel: make sure to know what is going on in the news and the political climate of the area you are visiting.

There were a few points during my month travel that I felt overwhelmed just as I did on my first day arriving to BKK.  I remember after being in KL for a few days of exploring, I took the wrong bus to a very politically enthusiastic part of the city and I was just shocked by the propaganda all over the place.  You know when you watch presidential election and speeches and you see banners everywhere in that stadium, banners and flags waving all over the walls.  Imagine that stadium was hit by a typhoon and blew everything up all over a town, covering it with a parties colors and a person's image. It felt almost suffocating and oppressive in a manner.  I don’t think I’ve felt so uncomfortable by a communities...fervor for a certain party as I did in that bus.  Luckily, the bus driver noticed I hadn’t gotten off - how could he not? I was the only one on it at that point! - and kindly directed me to the right bus stop. He was kind enough to make sure I was in the right place and advised me what bus to take. As odd as it sounds, I was a bit shaken by that experience for some reason and I still don’t know if it’s because of conditioning or a prejudice of what I see in the media about fervent political ideologies or the combined feeling of being lost and surrounded by something so foreign.

By the time I got to Cambodia, I was a bit hardened and felt like a seasoned traveler - though I was far from it - but I still managed to get swindled!  When I landed in Phnom Penh, I was extremely exhausted from all the traveling.  I just wanted a driver that spoke English and would take me to a hotel.  I asked this persistent motor bike driver if he speaks English - mistake #1 - and asked him can he take me to a hotel - mistake #2 - which he readily replied, "Yesyesyes" to.  Previous drivers were honest and turned me away so I was probably too hopeful that this guy would be honest and do the same.  This guy started to rattle on nonsense about where he was taking me and I kept on reiterating I just wanted to go straight to a hotel and rest.  

Well, he started to take me to some random shack that was in the middle of bum-fuck-nowhere, didn’t explain why he needed to stop there and I was almost afraid that that was the hotel that he was suggesting. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from Cambodia and if he had said it was my hotel, I was so tired at that point that I probably would have taken his word for it. Thankfully it wasn’t but he then took me to the Killing Fields - very eerie place, a shooting range, and a market before stopping at a decent hotel.  He had quoted me $15 when I first talked to him and at the end, his quote turned into $50! WTFF?!  I was fuming and told him off because I only wanted a hotel and I gave him $25 because he failed both of my interview questions on whether he knew English and can he take me straight to a mother fuckin' hotel?! (rant over)

When confronted with Angkor Wat, you are awed by the beauty, scale, and history of these temples but something that no one likes to mention is the destitute poverty the Khmer people live with.  Their lean-to tents and homes against the ancient site was an eye opener for me and then the panhandling from the children was more than I can handle - especially for a sucker like me.  In a way, I’m grateful for the brief trip to the Killing Fields because I was schooled on the despotic rampage that Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge inflicted upon the Khmer people - check it out if you don't know but it's pretty fucked up.  They are still trying to rebuild from those four years of his premiership that lead to the death of 25% of Cambodia’s population due to executions, lack of food and medical attention, harsh working conditions and political uprisings.  These children out here accosting vulnerable tourist like me, selling and begging were also missing parts of their childhood because they had the obligation to make money for their family. I don't know about you, but it was opening since my childhood was filled with school and playing and enjoying first world amenities. But not these kids.  They had to work at a young age and yes, I did break down and buy stuff from them - many guides will tell you, DON'T DO IT! you'll just perpetuate a messed up systems but you try and look at these kids and say, "no". Despite my bleeding heart, after a while, I become desensitized to their haranguing .

My senses were on overdrive over in these countries and you don’t realize how you’re used to certain sights and smells until you go to somewhere completely different.  Sure, guide books will warn you about really spicy hot food in Southeast Asia but will they tell you about the tent in the middle of an open market where it smells like old and drying blood remnants from when they butchered the meat earlier in the morning? No, they won't!  I remember staying at a motel in Ho Chi Minh City and sitting on the couch resting when the owner of the motel comes out with a duck and held it by the body and proceeded to hit its head against the floor because it was dinner.  I was shocked to say the least but I just watched in quiet horror because I knew that was how they did things over there.  They didn't have regulations like we do in US about fair treatment of animals as well as humane deaths.  She sees it as food and a means to an end and she only knew one way to kill it.  She then proceeded to take the dying or dead duck and scared the poor dog watching her by shoving the limp duck in its face before it ran off. Yeah, I was shocked to say the least but I wasn't going make a huge production of it and I schooled my expression to make sure my shock wasn't completely evident - I'm sure my eyes were all bugged out though. I almost wonder if the old woman had a sadistic side to her and wanted to see if the shock value of her killing the duck would affect me. I almost thought she was waiting for some kind of reaction from me. Oh, well. I guess I disappointed her but I wasn't going to be her entertainment at the expense of that poor duck - now I do sound like a privileged '1st Worlder' (not a word but I don't care! I'll just coin it!).

I caught a bus on my way back from Viet Nam to Thailand and we made a stop through Cambodiato get there.  The bus stop had a stall of bugs - and mind you I'm not that picky of an eater - I am more than willing to try a few different bugs but not a whole cart of roaches the size of my palm!  I draw the line at roaches and really squishy bugs unless they are cooked but I still won’t try a roasted roach.  Traumatized by them as a kid.

My travels abroad was one of the most exciting, scary and hands-on educational learning experience I’ve ever had in my whole life.  I’ve traveled to places with family but unless you are on your own and have to rely on your own instincts. I, personally, don’t think you’ve really traveled unless you’ve had that bit of fear and a bit of triumph over your own prejudices and overcoming these challenges.

Hacks for University of Hawaii at Hilo Students living in Hilo Part II

Welcome (back) to Hilo, UH Vulcans Part II.  This particular blog incorporates holidays as well

1.  Stargazing around Hilo (and just outside of Hilo) that are FREE!

• Moon Hill - Gosh how do I explain this.  It's just past Alae Cemetary Road and yeah....I'll find a way to GPS this bugga.
• Puna just past 4 corners, go straight instead of turn right for Wai Opae/Kapoho.  You'll find Kumukahi Light House and the best place to stargaze in Puna.

2. Best Spots to Watch Fireworks (without the crowd):

• Imiloa Parking Lot
• Various Points on the Puainako Road Extension
• At to top of Ponohawai and Komohana 
• Hilo Soccer Fields
• Same Moon Hill

3.  Holiday Events to look forward to (FREE):  

• Most holidays have Parades.  Fun to see but if you're just driving in town to shop, keep in mind you may get stuck behind a long line of floats and horses
• September Hilo KWXX Hoolaulea - Usually a Saturday late September 20 something.  This year it's being help on Saturday September 26, 2015

Just to give you an idea how big Hoolaulea is.  Did I mention it is FREE!

• Hawaii Island All Nations Powwow - There are a lot of people that are part Native American and they gather in late September to celebrate their culture
• Halloween - There's a tradition of Obake stories and ghost hunting.  A lot of times, we visit the so-called haunted places: Babies Cry, Hilo High School, etc.  Everyone here has their favorite spot

Old Hilo Memorial Hospital a.k.a Babies Cry -  Creepy as all hell...especially at night

• Black and White Night (Hilo Bay Front) - First Friday of November, all the shops will be open late and various music groups will be playing.

It's an old flyer but you get the picture. Very fun night but also very crowded.  Check the Downtown Improvement Association (DIA) Website for actual date every year.

 

• Black Friday Shopping - I'm not a huge shopper but those of you that are, you can wait in line from 2am at Prince Kuhio Plaza for the door buster at 6 or 7 when the mall opens for a chance to win a shopping spree and enjoy all the great sales.
• Red and White Night (Hilo Bay Front) - First Friday of December, similar deal as B&W Nite but a bit low key.
• FIRST FRIDAY EVERY MONTH - Hilo Bay Front Shops are open later and usually have events and food trucks.

4.  Check the local Calendar section of the Newspaper  (Some Events are FREE, Others not):

   I always stumble upon events that usually are not that well known.

• Tribune Herald: Event Calendar
• Big Island Now: Arts & Entertainment
• West Hawaii Today: Calendar

5.  Check out various Factories, Farms, and Gardens (NOT FREE):

• Nani Mau Garden
• Onomea Botanical Gardens
• Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens (FREE!):  I'm a HUGE fan of their Petting Zoo on Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm                                                                                    
• I adopted these two to support the Enrichment Program within the Zoo since it's a free Zoo.  Jellybean is the cute Miniature Zebu and Jose is the Standoffish Llama (unfortunately, poor Jose just passed away. R.I.P)

BONUS:

I HIGHLY recommend going to the Zoo for the Christmas at the Zoo event.  It's one of the best things I did as part of their Enrichment Program.

X-Mas Photos

I also recommend Joining the Enrichment Program at the Zoo if you're a huge fan of animals or planning to work with animals for school/work.

Hacks for University of Hawaii at Hilo Students living in Hilo Part I

Welcome back to school, UH Hilo Vulcans!  A brand new semester and for many, a brand new home.
I will recommend you look up on Google and ask Siri where these places are because it's way too tiring to hyperlink EVERYTHING (don't forget to add Hilo to the name because these are common names)!  This is stuff that my group of friends and I did to to keep ourselves busy.

Here are just a few tips on Random things that'll help you survive the semester:

1.  What do I do in a town that essentially closes at 7pm?

• Go Sing Karaoke - Most of these places will give you free appetizers if you order a drink - definitely better than peanuts 

• Go Star Gazing on Mauna Kea at the Visitor Center - granted not Hilo but still something to do
• Go to the beach to watch the stars or have a picnic at night on a full moon: I recommend Carl Smith Beach Park
• Go and find all the porn shops and check them out - yeah, we were that bored

2.  I have the munchies, it's late and I don't know what's open after 11pm.  Try:

• Fast Food Joints: Mcy D's, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, 7/11
• Supermarkets that close after 12
• Safeway closes after 12
• KTA closes at midnight
• Walmart closes at 1pm
• Ken's Pancake House - This on is a typical one but open 24/7
• Zippys - normally open until 11pm but 24/7 on Friday & Saturday 
• Kampai's Sake and Ramen - open 5pm to 1pm

3.  I'm craving a bit of ethnic food.  Where do I go?

If you want more info Click HERE.

• Thai
• Thai Smile
• Naung Mai Thai Kitchen
• Chiang Mai
• Tina's Garden Cafe

• Indian
• Kamana Kitchen - AMAZING Lunch Special
• Pakistani
• Akmal's Indian and Pakistani Kitchen
• Chinese
• Hilo Rice Noodle Soup
• 
  
• Vietnamese
• Pho Viet
• New Saigon
• Pho 808
• Hilo Rice Noodle Soup
• Yen's Cafe
• Japanese
• Takenoko
• Sakura Restaurant (on Kilauea St across from the County Buildings)
• Miyo's
• Kampai
• Kenichi Restaurant
• Greek (only Gyros)
• Pizza Ala Slice - This is the closest you'll get but their Gyro Dinner/Sandwich is amazing!
• Italian
• Cafe Concerto 

4.  Need something to do during the day?

• Volcano National Park (obviously)
• Mauna Kea just before Sunset
• Beaches along Kalanianaole Avenue 
• Carl Smith a.k.a. 4 Mile
• Richardson
• Onekahakaha
• Leleiwi
• Kings Landing
• Chocks
• Drangers
• Break Wall

• Go to Waterfalls
• Rainbow
• Akaka Falls
• Boiling Pots

5.  I need a quiet place to study and Starbuck EVERYWHERE is filled.

• My super secret spot I never shared with anyone (but now that I've graduated, I don't mind sharing)

UNCLE BILLY's Store - Kope International

It is the sweetest spot to get shit done!

Not only does this store/cafe have great ice cream for hot days, but you can also get some of the best loose leaf teas and sandwiches (I LOVE getting loose leaf bergamot (a.k.a. Earl Grey) tea and a Lox 'n Beagal)

They key is to go into the back room!

You walk through the main store, Past the Cash Register, Past the refrigerated section and into the back room that looks like it's for employees but REALLY it's an extra sitting room that is comfortable and best of all, QUIET.

It's the absolute best way to study and have time alone time.

BONUS:

If you're up for a hike and some beautiful waterfalls, check out my other ultra secret spot.

Also, now that I'm leaving the Island for an adventure soon, I don't mind sharing it with everyone :D
Granted over the years the word has gotten out and more and more students are going there but back when I used to go there, you'd get that place all to yourself.
To find it check out this blog.

If you want to check out different sites around the island, check out my board.

If you have any suggestions and want to add things for all the new residents in Hilo, Please leave a Comment!