Last Stop Before Korea: California

After my trip home to Georgia, I made a stop in California to see my Dad. While I was in California, it was my Dad's personal mission to check some of the items off my 50 by 50 list. 

If you don't remember what this list is you can click here. 

Here's what I accomplished in California: 

1. Learned how to make a 3 layer red velvet cake from scratch. 

2. Learned how to make creme brule 

3. Learned how to change the oil in a car 

4. Learned how to change a tire

5. Learned how to change the battery in the car 

6. Took Mr. Fahey's cooking class. My final was to make meatloaf and smashed potatoes. 

I also went "reading" aka fishing with my Dad. Basically I sat by a river and read a book while my Dad wandered around to fish. A deer got really close to me while I was reading and that was pretty cool. 

We went into San Francisco to see the show Beach Blanket Babylon, America's longest running musical. If you haven't seen it and you're in the area- I would recommend it! 

We ate a lot of great food- both homemade and at some great restaurants.
Ate at Sprinkles Cupcakes. 

Watched a lot of Netflix. 

Went to a lot of movies. 

And had a great time. 

 Dad wanted to teach me how to drive stick, but I didn't want to take my trip too far. 

It was a nice relaxing trip before my 5,000 mile flight to Korea. 

Thanks for the trip Dad. 

*Note: I'm in the process of updating my 50 by 50 list. There are some things I am going to change around to make it better and more aligned with the person I am now. 

Hiking Diamond Head {Travel Series}

So it seems when you talk about the island of Oahu one of the top sites that people think of is Diamond Crater. At least it was on the list of things my cousins wanted to do while they were visiting. Yay- I got to hike Diamond Head. {Please note the sarcasm.} 

{image via} 

Diamond Head National Park

Cost: $5 per car, or $1 per person if you walk in 

Time: Between 1 and 1 1/2 hours to hike to the top and back *Need to be started by 4:30 pm at the latest 

Location: Downtown Honolulu

{image via} 

I made it four years living in Hawaii without hiking Diamond Head, and I thought I would leave it that way. But alas, I had to hike it. The hike is only .80 of a mile up to the top, but towards the end of the hike is very steep, and there are a lot of stairs. People run up Diamond Head all the time, but I am not one of those people. I walked and really I didn't even want to do that!

Here's me at the top. 

But at least I got to look at this view 

If you are going to hike Diamond Head here are a few tips and secrets of the hike: 

1. Wear good shoes. For real, I saw people in flip flops, and I was concerned for them. 

2. There are going to be a lot of stairs... like at one point 93 steep stairs. And if you think after the 93 steps you're done... you'd be wrong. 

3. You can choose to go up the 93 stairs, or you can go a longer way that is just a bunch of switch backs.  

4. If you chose the stairs you will have to go up a dodgy spiral staircase. 

5. Then you will have to go through a bunker... and it's not very tall so you will be hunched over 

6. Bring water for the hike 

7.  If you see someone struggling up the hike just offer positive encouragement. There is no need for remarks like "It's really easy. My 6 year old can do it."
8. There is a tunnel you will have to go under- it's a little creepy 

9.Bring a camera - you might hate hiking, but you will want the pictures. For the very least to prove you made it.

All in all, I think it was a beautiful view, but I don't know if I would hike it again. 

But I'm glad I did it with my cousins. 

'Iolani Palace and King Kamehameha {Travel Tuesdays &Travel Series}

Today I want to go back in time and continue talking about Hawaii and all the things there is to see. This is part of my travel series, and this week I am linking up with A Compass Rose and Found Love, Now What for my first ever Travel Tuesdays!

'Iolani Palace and The King Kamehameha I Statue 

Cost: Adult $21.75 Child $6 *They offer Kamaaina (local) and Military discount and have Kamaaina Sundays 

Time: Between 1 and 1 1/2 hours for tours 

Location: 364 South King Street 

{image via- somehow none of my pictures look good} 

'Iolani Palace is a place that I always take people when they come to visit. You have a couple different options when you visit. You can just walk the grounds for free, or you can choose a guided tour or an audio tour. If this is your first time going, I would suggest taking the guided tour. It is worth the money!    I would go on Sunday if possible because I believe the tours are cheaper and it is less crowded. 

'Iolani Palace is a historical landmark that was built by King David Kalakaua in 1882 and is the official home of the Hawaiian monarchs. This is the palace where the last queen of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani, was imprisoned when the Hawaiian Monarchy was Overthrown by American businessmen in 1893. {Source via} 

On the tour you will learn all about the building of the palace and King Kalakaua's reign and how it all lead to the overthrow. If you are not really interested in all that, then just walk the grounds. But I would really recommend taking the tour and learning more about the past of the Hawaiian monarchy. As a former Hawaiian and Pacific history teacher, I really think it is one of the most beautiful places on the island and full of such history. 

Right across the street from the palace is the famous King Kamehameha I statue. 

King Kamehameha I is best known for uniting the Hawaiian Islands towards the end of the 1700s. *Interesting fact about this statue: There is another one in the capital building in Washington D.C., and it is the only statue with gold on it. It remains in the lobby where you buy your tickets because it is too heavy to move. So every visitor gets to see the statue representing Hawaii.* {Was that fact just interesting to me?} 

*Important note about parking: There is plenty of street parking around 'Iolani Palace. It is metered parking and only takes coins. I know this sounds stupid, but really read the signs because it is easy to get confused about when you can park on the street.... At least it was for me. 

When Jessie and Jake were there I just had them step out of the car and take a bunch of pictures because we didn't do the tour. I was parked in one of the street stalls when a cop came up and told me to move. I had to leave my cousins and go around the block to pick them up. Now I know it doesn't seem to dramatic, but I hate downtown Honolulu and I was freaking out! 

Meanwhile, my cousins thought it was pretty funny and as I was driving away I heard Jake yell, "Bye Alex!" I'm glad my friend Sarah was with me to help calm me down! 

{Poor abandoned Jessie and Jake} 

'Iolani Palace and the King Kam statue should be on your list of things to do- even if all you do is just walk around. If you ever have any questions about Hawaii, specifically the island of Oahu, feel free to contact me! 

A&J Take Manhattan: A Many Pictures Post

While I was on the East Coast, I decided to take a short trip to New York to see my good friend Jenny. {If you're new to this blog, or haven't been paying attention, Jenny and I met during our study abroad in London, and have been friends ever since.} 

I flew in Wednesday morning and flew out Friday afternoon. It was a quick trip, but we did tons of stuff. I am so happy I decided to fly up and see Jenny before leaving for Korea. 

Here is what we did: 

We took a walk in Central Park 

{Cleopatra's Needle- the other one is in London} 

We went to the Met- mainly to get out of the heat. 

{"The Engagement Ball" This used to be an apartment window}

{I don't remember what this is called, but it reminded me of Jud.} 

{Beautiful English Tea Set. Matt this is what I want for my birthday.} 

{Monet "Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies"}

{Monet "Water Lilies"} 

{Monet "The Houses of Parliament"} 

{Pissarro "Effect of Sunlight"}

{Japanese Tourists} 

{Van Gogh "Wheat Field with Cyprus"} 

{Van Gogh "Cypresses"} 

Wednesday night we had a picnic and watched Argo at the Chelsea Piers. {PS. The sandwich I had was the best I've had in a long time.} 

Ate New York style pizza 

Went to Serendipity and got the Frozzen Hot Chocolate 

Took the Subway 

Went to Times Square {Thanks Jenny for making the trip} 

Stopped at Herald Square 

Of course we hit up a few cupcake shops and ended the trip cuddling in bed watching Death at a Funeral. {The British version} 

Thanks Jenny for the wonderful trip. I had a great time and can't wait to see you in Korea... you are coming right?