Thursday, March 31, 2016

The Wheels on "Da Bus" go Round!

     I'm finally getting the hang of traveling around Oahu! Especially in downtown Waikiki which has great stores, scenic beaches, and scrumptious places to eat! What it lacks is parking space...(ugh)!

     I have taken part in the Hawaiian community (since August of 2016) and I have tried to immerse myself with my surroundings. 

The best way to achieve that? ...to get around on "Da Bus"!

   
     This app has come in handy while maneuvering the public transportation system in Hawaii. It uses GPS, real time tracking, and maps to help coordinate which bus stops are nearest you and how to get to your destination!

Da Bus App
      
     The whole bus system connects all of Oahu and the buses run consistently and frequently. You can go from Downtown Waikiki (which has a lot of museums, the zoo, and plenty of boardwalks) to North Shore (where the best surfing in the world is happening!). 

It's amazing how far you can go for $2.50!

Traveling!

     Island life may be cramped at times (highway lanes and parking spaces are much narrower than on the mainland) so if you have a place to go and want to stretch your legs (and you cents) then riding on "Da Bus" can give you freedom from your vehicle!

                                                              Happy Travels!

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Confessions of a Karaoke Addict!

     I absolutely LOVE to sing! My family has always had a grand affair when it comes to music and I am no exception... (Edwin "Haviken Hayes" Guerra and David "Still Diligent" Jimenez).

     I have been singing since I was 3 years old (entertaining my Abuela mostly) and have been participating in choirs all throughout my school life.

     Although I am not classically trained I have a great ear and I am definitely my own harshest critic (sometimes I sing songs I like not that I do well..HA!). 

     I have a lot of friends who enjoy singing (WannaB's Karaoke Family), teach music (LaJuan E. Lee), or are professional artists (Don Green, Brent CharlesDiaz Mussalimov, and Tiffa G.). 

     I especially love to hear the voices of those who can sing what I cannot (Crystal Frazier...those damn high notes!).   

Hispanic Heritage Month Performance
     Since coming to Hawaii I've been hitting all the local karaoke spots! I've been to Karaoke Hut, Blue Ribbon, Shorebird Restaurant, Above Ultra Lounge, The Spot Karaoke, Bronco Cafe, and a few others... (heehee)

Blue Ribbon
     Yet...if I can't get my fix I let my fingers do the walking and open up my Smule App on my Iphone (yay!). It's a great way to practice and sing with people from all around the world

     You can sing by yourself, as a duet, or in a group and the talent you find on Smule varies from the amateur to the professional...plus it has all these cool effects!

SMULE

Back to Black
Creep!
Preparing...
     Now, I'm narrowing down a list of songs for a Karaoke Contest at the end of April! I'll let you guys know how it goes! (Wish me luck!).

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Fine Dining with a French Twist!

     My Husband walked into our bedroom and announced, "our reservations are at eight p.m.! We should leave at seven if we want to beat the traffic." He raised his eyebrow and walked out of our room with a flourish.

     Ever since we started dating we would surprise each other with small adventures and date nights. We have been married for almost 15 years and that has not changed. So, when he made his grand announcement I giggled at him and started to get ready.

Date Night
    
     We drove down to Waikiki and stopped at the Halekulani Hotel on the beach.  As we walked through the hotel the night breezes brought the sweet tropical scents that encouraged the palate.

   We had arrived. My Husband's surprise was a restaurant called: 
"La Mer
    
     We were seated by french windows looking out over the ocean. The scenery was beautiful and the atmosphere subdued.

Our View
 
 Menus had come and gone and we waited with high anticipation for the food to arrive!


     I started with the Beef Tartare, Heart of Palm, Watercress Purée and Aquitaine Caviar. While my Husband tried the Pork Trotter Ravioli and Artichoke Velouté


Appetizers
    
     Both were exquisite! The Beef Tartar was tender and spicy. It had a well-rounded flavor which played well with the Heart of Palm and Watercress. The Pork Trotter Ravioli was zesty and the Velouté was creamy.

     For my main entree I chose the Filet of Beef, Foie Gras, Truffle Mousseline, Pommes Soufflés, and a Sauce Périgueux. My Husband ordered the Seared Lamb Loin and Spiced Shoulder Confit, Chickpeas Purée, with a Raisin Lamb Jus.


Main Course
     
     I had never had Foie Gras before and I could not really appreciate it. Regardless my Filet was tender enough to cut with a fork and the sauce and mashed potatoes divine! The Lamb was spicy and I fell in love with the Au Jus.

     As we were finishing our entrees the waiter came by with the dessert menu...Oh My Goodness!!!


Dessert!
      
     I had the Souffle! But it wasn't a normal Souffle it was a Hawaiian Vanilla Soufflé with Makaya Dark Chocolate Chips, Coconut, Mango, Spiced Rum Sauces! (three different sauces for my dessert!) and my Husband chose the Peanut Butter Mont Blanc with a Raspberry and Hibiscus Essence and Blackberry Gelato.

     One word...YUM! My Souffle was lighter than air and melted in my mouth! My Husband's Gelato was good but the Raspberry packed a punch (I am not a fan). All in all it was wonderful ending to a fantastic meal...Oh! and not to be outdone they brought us an assortment of after dinner sweets to send us off with full bellies and warm hearts. 



Thursday, March 10, 2016

Live! On KPRP Pinoy Power 650 AM...Who knew?

     Since I landed in Oahu I have felt a great sense of ohana with all my island brothers and sisters. 

     Learning the local culture and cuisine, the Do's and Don'ts of island living...even the bus routes on "Da Bus" has been a tremendous learning experience...yet, what better way to get more info on the happenings around and about Hawaii than KPRP 650AM Pinoy Power!


Entering the Station
      I am very fortunate to have met Sunny Aloha who is DJ Personality extraordinaire, fountain of Oahu information, and a great person to talk to. It was on Sunny's show that I learned who she was and I was overjoyed to share who I am with her and all the viewers on UStream around the world!  


That's Sunny!

     We had tremendous fun on Sunny's show and I shared about my blog, that I'm a freelance writer, my addiction of KDramas, and how I love to immerse myself in the culture that I'm in. 

Funny Moments
    
     We spoke about the traveling that I have done (and continue to do) throughout the interview and that I am fully bilingual (Spanish/English) which took Sunny by surprise!

     I told Sunny that I had already made it to a couple of Salsa and Bachata dance nights here in Oahu! (Sunny says that she can't get to them too often but she might go with me!) 

Really?
     As the program came to a close Sunny encouraged me to say goodbye to everyone (local and worldwide) for the wonderful hour I was able to talk about who I am and what I can do. I am grateful to Sunny and KPRP 650AM for the privilege of being on air and I hope to do much more in the future.

Tune in and find out!

This is Sashily Kling signing off.