One of the things I love about Hawaii is the feeling of ohana (family), particularly family get togethers which = lots of good food! We had a Christmas, New Years eve, and New Years Day potluck and in addition to a lot of talking, it was a lot of eating. Example, one of my dinner plate (below in picture) consists of from top left to right, homemade maki sushi, konbu maki (seaweed wrapped pork), broccoli salad, grilled portuguese sausage, mochi rice with azuki beans, kalbi, steamed fish with rice noodle, and tempura. This was just the first plate, yes I did go back for seconds and no that was not the end of the food. Although I didn't get to take a picture of the dessert table, it was just as full as the dinner table. Back at home for potlucks, the table is not for sitting around, no, its purpose is to hold the food. You grab your plate and fork, go around the table collecting various goodies and then bring your plate back to the living room where you sit on the floor around a low table or lounge on the couch. It's comfortable and relaxing, very nice close family feeling. I enjoy that a lot! The night before we had stayed up till midnight playing fireworks as it was the last year to play without buying a permit, so New Years day was a rest and relax day.
New Year's plate
Happy New Years!
I was able to do some cooking, but since my time at home was so short not as much as I would've liked. Besides, there are so many good places to eat at, might as well make it out. I wasn't able to bring my camera for a lot of these outings so sadly they aren't documented, but know that it was all good!
Curry Fried Noodles
One other thing I love about home are the sunrises and sunsets. I was able to wake up early enough to cath this sunrise off of Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Every morning is a new day full of new adventures and surprises. Aloha until next time!
Early fisherman with Diamond head in the distance
Paddlers out for a morning paddle
