LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?"

Prambanan and Borobudur

thinkCHUA — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:38:57 +0000

People in all times want to believe that their epoch is special, that the world has never been similar. In the late-20th century Thomas Friedman popularized the idea that now goods and services could be produced and consumed anywhere. His famous book, The World is Flat, lead many to believe that this was a new phenomena. This isn’t really true, international trade existed long before nations as we know it existed. The 20th century should be noted for it’s lack of international trade, closing of borders and clashes among countries more than opening of trade. Trade across Europe, Asia, Africa, and possibly the Americas happened for thousands of years prior, leaving behind shared histories, blending of cultures and religions. Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism spread over vast distances with traders. One great example are at the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in Indonesia.

The remaining parts of Candi Sewu, a Buddhist temple on the grounds of the Hindu UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple.

Nearly 1500 years after Buddhism was founded in India it reached its southeastern-most extreme in Indonesia, leaving indelible marks in Java and one remaining Buddhist island, Bali. In Java the temple complex of Sewu is the longest standing, orignating in the late 700′s AD, but sadly was felled by a 1996 earthquake. What remains is the central temple, detailed carvings and footprint of a temple that is very similar to Angkor Wat in Cambodia. (Click here to see more photos of Sewu.)

A guardian of the gods trapped behind the fallen blocks from one of the 249 temples in the Sewu complex.

A reconstructed side of a temple in Sewu shows the attempts and challenges of reassembling a 1300 year old structure.

Demonstrating the timeless aspect of religious competition, just 60 years after Sewu was built a Hindu King built Prambanan a mere 800 meters from Sewu. Due to more recent restoration efforts and funding the temple made it through the 1996 earthquake relatively unscathed compared to it’s neighbor. (Click here to see more photos of Prambanan)

The profile of Prambanan leaves a lot to be desired, especially when compared with the Buddhist designs nearby, but what stands out are the carvings and figures within the temples, each dedicated to different gods of the Hindu religion.

The bas-reliefs around the temples tell the Hindu epic of Ramayana and Krishnayana, one of the complicated epics that I have yet to fully grasp. Even without understanding the story though it is hard not to appreciate the beautiful carvings.

Inside of the temples of Prambanan are the gems though, within each is gorgeous statues of the Hindu gods that the temple is dedicated to.

While the Hindus were planning Prambanan, the Buddhists built the grandiose Borobudur temple several miles away. Featuring six platforms the monument guides visitors through the levels of Buddhism in a mere 1,460 panels of gorgeous bas-relief carvings. The temple is reminiscent of the Angkor Empire’s pyramids near Angkor Wat, but in much better condition than many of those mega-structures. (See more photos of stunning Borobudur by clicking here.)

The imposing Prambanan shortly before a tropical storm.

Some of the panels that takes pilgrims through the various levels of Buddhism.

Borobudur is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, all of which are in great condition due to ongoing restoration work.

The top level features the world of “formlessness” (Arūpajhāna), with impressions of Buddha peering out the the surrounding mountains.

These temples represent more than religion, they represent the interconnectedness of people across thousands of miles, hundreds of years prior to motorized travel. People traversed great distances seeking opportunities, new products and buyers, leaving behind parts of their culture. Religion, because of it’s strength of conviction leaves us the most visible reminder that long ago the people of the world were interacting and the fears we have today of globalization and losing our own culture are unnecessary, we humans have blended and adapted throughout time, always bringing us to a future that is different from the now, but generally better than before.

WHEN YOU GO:

It is possible to visit all three temples in one long day. It is best though to spread them out over two days.
Dress appropriately. These are Buddhist and Hindu temples which have modest dress codes. Women should have their legs and arms covered. Men should have their legs covered. At Borobudur there are traditional saris for free use.
Hire a car. If you are visiting and not on a tour, you will want a car or hired motorcycle. Indonesian traffic is crazy, so getting a car and driver for the day is probably the safest option. We rented a motorcycle and found the roads to be well marked.

WANT TO TRAVEL TO INDONESIA YOURSELF? Click here to read LivingIF’s Indonesia Travel Guide full of costs, tips and information to make your trip easier.

Prambanan and Borobudur | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: thinkCHUA

He Said/She Said: Top 5 Cities

thinkCHUA — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:04:52 +0000

Independently and together we’ve visited hundreds of cities worldwide. These glimpses into the lives, food, design and culture has opened our eyes to the different ways people live. Even as we continue to travel we reminisce about our favorite places, places we dream to live, which for each of us is a little different.

HE SAID…

I like big cities, I love the energy, options, and mix of cultures that you can find by crossing the street. Without traveling I can be transported to different worlds.

New York City. At my core I’m an American, I believe in the promise of America: opportunity, self-determination, and choice. What I hate about America is the lack of cities, our urban areas are sprawling catastrophes of soulless places such as Applebee’s and Wal-Mart. Standing proud and tall is our only true city: NYC, it has public transit that can get you almost anywhere, unparalleled food options, a mix of people that represents the globe, and entertainment galore.

Hong Kong. Part of everyone loves Chinatown. It’s a place where anything is possible. Please check your laws and morals at the gate and go searching for what you came for: fireworks, shark fin, hell I even bet you could find yourself a Panda from more enterprising “legitimate business people”. Now imagine Hong Kong is one giant Chinatown, with tons of money, great food and the world’s best public transportation system. Find out more about what we experienced in Hong Kong in our Travel Guide by clicking here.

Nan Lian Garden, One of Hong Kong’s beautiful public parks
Paris. Insert any superlative here, it has been said and is true; Paris is a wonderful place. It starts with the food: sparing no butter, animal part, and expense, French cooking is sublime. From the pastries to the duck, it’s food I’d love to eat everyday until it caused cardiac arrest. Beyond the food is the tasteful, clean architecture, the mix of cultures, the art and entertainment. Paris is a city I would love to live it up in.

Hobart, Tasmania. Representing the little guys, Hobart isn’t really a city, it’s a town. It’s hard for me to consider anything with less than 1 million people in a metro area a “city”, after traveling I think it takes more like 5 million makes a city. Even so, the charm of a small town life attracts me as I said in this He Said/She Said: Under Tasmania’s Spell. There is something about walking down the street and having people know your name, having the people in restaurants know what you want, not having the constant noise of city life around you. In this Hobart exceeds every whim, including oversized art and entertainment led by the MONA art museum.

Tokyo. There’s something about 30 million people keeping an internal clock to the second that captivates me. While calling it a beehive of activity may seem to slight it, that’s the best comparison I can make, what seems like frenzied activity from the outside is actually highly coordinated work going on, producing some of the most precise things humans ever have. I love Japanese food, the pristine streets, sake and beer. No city I have ever been to made me want to learn their language and move in like Tokyo. Click here to read about our experiences in Tokyo.

SHE SAID…

When I thought of my favorite cities in the world, many of the places that came to mind were favorites because of a certain memory or time in my life. It’s so hard to pick just five standout cities, but these five hold a special place for me more on a personal level than their must-see status. For me my top five cities will always change as I create more memories around the world.

The idyllic zen gardens and gorgeous temples of Kyoto make this city one of my favorites.

Kyoto. Japan is an incredible place and while I love Tokyo (it could have easily made my top five) Kyoto offers the best of big city life as well as a quiet retreat from the crowds. The first time I visited Kyoto was with my family at the age of ten and it was the first major trip abroad that I can remember, which makes it a special place in the long list of cities I’ve visited in the world. To see more photos of this wonderful city click here.

Cusco. The endlessly enchanting small town of Cusco, Peru offers charming cafes with balconies overlooking cobblestone streets and a small square to enjoy the afternoon sun. This laid back city holds a special place in my heart because it is the place that I fell in love with my husband ten years ago. Little did either of us know that it would lead to a life of vagabonding together.

Healdsburg. While many people wax poetic about the Napa Valley in Northern California, the real charmer is Healdsburg in Sonoma County. I almost didn’t want to include it in this list for fear it will be discovered by the masses. But it is an important place to me as the city that I first worked in after college and introduced me to an amazing group of people that have left a wonderful lasting impression.

Hoi An. The small Vietnamese tourist mecca of Hoi An is where you go to get suits tailored and handmade shoes created just for you. But it captured my attention because of it’s romantic river side cafes, delicious food and lively games of evening Bingo. This is a place that I could disappear to for a long time and is one of the first cities on this trip (We started our journey in Vietnam) that I truly fell in love with.

One of many beautiful views in Hobart, Tasmania.

Hobart. We have both written endlessly about this small town on the tiny island of Tasmania that has us both itching to return. The incredible food easy going lifestyle, fabulous people and incredible views make this a standout when it comes to cities to settle in. I would love to open a little B & B in one of the old homes and enjoy island life. As the first place where we both felt we could hand up the backpacks and stay awhile it definitely holds a special place for me.

If you ask me tomorrow I am sure I would pick five different cities, but I know that the above places will always have a piece of my heart. Where have you been that grabbed you and wouldn’t let you go or a place that you just have to return to? Share your favorite cities in the comments below.

He Said/She Said: Top 5 Cities | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: thinkCHUA

Abel Tasman Family Reunion

LOCAVORista — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:43:04 +0000

Walking barefoot in the sand along the Tasman Sea was the perfect end to the perfect day. The hike through New Zealand’s pristine Abel Tasman National Park was stunning and the weather ideal, but that’s not what made the day exceptional. It was the first day we had spent together as a family since December 2010. It had been nearly a year and a half since I had enjoyed the company of my parents and brother and it was a day that really made me realize how much I had missed them.

In my life I have only been oceans apart from my family once, while studying abroad in Scotland. The reunion in London was sweet after just three months and this was even sweeter. We were all so thrilled to see each other and eager to catch up on all the details of what we had missed, perfect conversation fodder for a long hike. My brother had a new job, my parents had retired a lot had happened while I was on the road. I had missed so much, yet none of that seemed to matter now that we were all together.

The magnificent views and turquoise blue waters of one of New Zealand’s most photogenic national parks was a superb location for our family reunion. That’s not to say that this was the first day we all spent together on the trip, but for me it was the first day that really felt like the family vacations I remember growing up. The type of trips that are reminiscent of National Lampoon’s Griswold family vacations (in a good way).

With my brother Nick and I sharing the backseat and Mom reminding us to use the bathroom before we leave it was as if I were twelve again, heading out West in the

Abel Tasman Family Reunion | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: LOCAVORista

Milford Track

thinkCHUA — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:25:47 +0000

What makes a “Great Walk”? This question haunted me after reserving our spots on the Milford Track. Reputedly one of the world’s best hikes, reservations are required months in advice at the cost of almost $250 USD per person for the four day, three night, hike. What kind of public park hike requires you to carry all your stuff, cook your own food, and costs over $50 a day? After a year of traveling on less, paying that much to hike uphill seemed absurd. That said, having made the payment, we’d soon find out how great this Great Walk is.

After a beautiful boat ride to the trailhead the first day is lovably short hike through moss-covered forests.

A key part of the Great Walk system in New Zealand is the staffed huts. For a mere $52 NZD ($41 USD) a day hikers get dorm beds, drop toilets, gas stoves and “hut talks” from park wardens. The Milford Track is the only Great Walk that does not allow camping, helping maintain the trail’s stellar condition, but drastically increasing costs for hikers. As for accessibility though, the huts make trekking New Zealand’s best areas possible for those that camping doesn’t appeal to. Some of the huts even have entertainment such as enormous hula hoops for those that hiking didn’t tire out.

The second day brought us the weather that the Fiordlands Region is famous for: wet and unpredictability. Atop Mackinnon Pass (below) we were greeted with unseasonably cold storm which obscured what is supposedly the best view of the entire hike. Thankfully the Park Service has built a well insulated warming hut with gas burners at the top of the pass for worn-out hikers (like me).

The cloud covered Mackinnon Pass.

Upon descending from Mackinnon Pass the weather cleared to show us some of Milford’s spectacular views.

New Zealand’s second highest waterfall, Sutherland Falls, cascading 2,766 ft (843 M). The roar of the falls is deafens as the spray of cold water soaks those who approach it.

As we rested near the falls we were approached by LOCAVORista’s mother. Arriving calm but without LOCAVORista’s father, she quickly broke the news: she left him behind after he fell and believed he broke his ankle. LOCAVORista resisted the urge to hike back after they alerted a passing park warden, hoping that her father had stayed put. True to form though he had managed to get back on his feet and make it the remaining 30 minutes to meet us. Miraculous revival aside, he reiterated that he thought he had broken a bone, but was aided by ibuprofen in getting to us. After a quick consultation from the warden it was clear that a helicopter was the way out for him. Not able to walk out we learned that the Great Walk fee also includes complimentary helicopter evacuation. An unfortunate end to their hike, but an agreeable evacuation charge.

Roughly an hour after arrival, both of LOCAVORista’s parents were airlifted to the hospital. During dinner we were radio’d the news: his tibia was broken.

The final day brought sunshine and unforgettable views. Throughout the 18 km (11 mile) hike to Milford Sound we were greeted with calm reflecting waters, lush greenery and smiles by fellow hikers that were approaching their first shower in days.

Crossing our final swing bridges and following the rivers towards Milford Sound we were in awe. Due not just to the final day, but the overall variety of landscapes, flora and fauna that is contained in such a small area. This variety is what makes the Milford Track worthy of being called “great”. It is without a doubt worth the effort and money to see one of the world’s great wilderness preserves.

One of the hundreds, if not thousands, of waterfalls along the Milford Track. Each one is unique, from the towering Sutherland Falls, to the tiny spouts such as Mackay Falls (above). When the rains aren’t falling the valleys still resonate with the sound of falling water making it’s way towards Milford Sound. Below is one of the rivers draining into the Sound, sadly marking the end of the hike.

WHEN YOU GO:

Book ahead. Reservations are essential and easy to make on the Department of Conservation Online Booking Site. Reservations are best made 6-9 months in advance to ensure the dates you want.
Be prepared for bad weather. You will need waterproof pants, jacket and bagcover as it will rain.
Stock up in Queenstown. There are larger stores, including grocery chains, in Queenstown making selection and prices better in Queenstown than Te Anau.

INTERESTED IN NEW ZEALAND HIKING? Click here to read our New Zealand Travel Guide.

Milford Track | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: thinkCHUA

He Said/She Said: Natural Wonders

thinkCHUA — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:10:33 +0000

Our travels have brought us to some of the world’s greatest cities and ancient sites, but nothing has been more striking than the natural wonders we’ve seen. From valleys to mountains, across inhospitable deserts and vast oceans, we’ve laid eyes on some of the earth’s most beautiful places, here are some that are worthy of your time.

HE SAID…

I have to admit something: I’ve been to way more National Parks in other countries than I have in my own. There is no doubt in my mind that the USA has some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet, I just haven’t been there…yet. Where I have been though are some of the best sights the world has to offer.

“Mountains or oceans?” is a question that has been posed to me several times. I don’t hesitate in responding, “mountains”. End of discussion. I love looking up at giant peaks, realizing what an inconsequential speck I am in the grand scale of the planet earth. Even better though is looking down from a mountain peak. I’ve stood at the foot of Everest once and will again shortly, I’ve been to the point furthest from the earth’s core, Chimborazo, and ascended the highest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro.

While mountains are spectacular, gorges are more so. At the bottom of a gorge the sheer sides add to the raw beauty of a mountain. Two gorges stand out: Colca Canyon in Peru, where giant Condors ominously glide above you as though on a whim they may decide to make you their lunch; and, Tiger Leaping Gorge in China. The cliffs rising from Tiger Leaping Gorge are sheer and seemingly endless into the snow capped peaks thousands of feet above. At all times in both Colca and Tiger Leaping Gorges the sound of the furious river that carved the gorge reminds you that even a mountain loses some battles.

One of the many epic views of Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Oddly though the natural wonder I’ve wanted to see most in life isn’t a mountain, in fact it’s not really land at all, it’s a giant piece of ice: Antarctica. I remember the day that this became a life goal, I had stood for almost an hour among penguins staring into the stormy waters of the Straights of Magellan in the extreme South of Chile. The wind was bitter, the clouds looked like something that wanted to test the strongest sailors, yet all I wanted to do was was head out on it to see what was on the other side. I don’t know if this will be the trip where this dream will become a reality, but this is my ultimate dream trip.

SHE SAID…

When I started thinking of the most beautiful places on Earth I realized many of them are in the USA and I have been lucky enough to have seen them. While I could share with you several awe inspiring views from our recent travels, my mind keeps coming back to my favorites in the U.S. Growing up our family vacations were either camping or skiing. We took many memorable trips from the boundary waters canoe area and wilderness (BWCAW) in my own state of Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and beyond.

It would be hard to pick the best of what the US has to offer when it comes to National Parks and natural landscapes, but for me there are a few standouts. The Badlands of South Dakota are truly incredible and look different at sunrise, sunset and during the heat of the day. The Grand Tetons National Park is breathtaking and camping at Lake Jenny is a real treat. If you are headed further west don’t miss the Redwoods, Ventana Wilderness, Big Sur and Sequoia National Park in California. Of course no US list would be complete without Yellowstone and it’s impressive hot springs and geysers or the incredible Grand Canyon.

To pick a favorite natural wonder in the US is next to impossible, but I have such fond memories of the Boundary Waters that it still tops my list after traveling the world. The BWCAW is a stunning area of deep blue lakes, dense forests and few humans. A night of camping under the stars in the BWCAW is unparalleled, especially when there is no one else for miles. Part of what makes this place so special is that no motorized boats are allowed, so it takes real work and planning to get to the best campsites making it all the more rewarding. This is a place I hope to explore more and introduce to my husband.

While my favorite natural wonders and outdoor memories lie in the US the place that I really want to visit is further south, Antarctica. It is such a unique destination, unlike any other in the world. I have to agree with thinkCHUA on the allure of an entire continent of ice, inhabited by polar bears and penguins. As this destination tops both of our travel wish lists we hope to make it a reality on this trip. Keep following our adventures to see if we make our dream come true when we hit South America in 2013.

He Said/She Said: Natural Wonders | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: thinkCHUA

In Search of a Whale Tail

LOCAVORista — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:44:13 +0000

It’s hard to avoid expectations, they are just a given in life. For example When you go to dinner you expect to have a menu with multiple items to choose from, when you book a taxi you expect them to take you to your destination and when you pay a high fee for something your expectations go up. While traveling has taught me to temper my expectations, I couldn’t help but have high expectations when I paid $145 NZ dollars ($120 USD) for a whale watching tour. In fact if you don’t see a whale you get your money back. How could I go wrong?

I saw my whale and the tour was a success, with a perfect whale tail photo to show for it. However, the tour is one that I would have a hard time recommending. I was giddy about the prospects of seeing one of the world’s largest mammals in it’s natural habitat, but a little hesitant about the large price tag. So, I headed to the whale watch headquarters in hopes of encountering an over-zeoulous salesperson to give me the pitch about how nothing can compare to seeing a sperm whale in Kaikoura.

Instead when I walked in no one greeted me and upon enquiring about their whale watch tours I was simply given the times they had available the next day. Thinking maybe I had to show a little enthusiasm to get them pumped up I asked which tour was the best to spot a whale on. The woman behind the counter answered flatly, it’s really about luck. Okay, I said, clearly hoping for more from her to which she responded you can book now without putting any money down.

I booked a spot on their first available tour in the morning and left with lowered expectations. Lucky for me we were couchsurfing with an expert on sperm whales. Our host, Manuel was getting his PhD in sperm whale behavior and offered all the encouragement I needed to get pumped up about my whale watch tour in the morning. Not only was this one of the best places to spot the huge mammals he told me, but from my pictures he would be able to tell me which whale I saw since he had been studying them for years.

I woke up early with the kind of anticipation a toddler has on Christmas morning to catch the boat to see a whale. The boat ride almost had me revisiting my breakfast, but there were a few huge albatrosses to keep my mind off of the bumpy ride. I also got a mini-education in sperm whales as I gripped my arm rests while the boat crashed down from wave after wave. Did you know that sperm whales can stay under water for as long as 45-60 minutes?

While this was an interesting fact, it meant spotting whales might be tough since we were only out in the water for a couple hours giving us a short window to see a whale surface. As I was trying to do the math on the probability of seeing a whale tail we were informed that one was nearby. The boat stopped and we checked for the sonar to see how close we were. Within 15 minutes we were on the roof of the boat overlooking a giant male sperm whale as it shot water into the air from it’s blow hole.

A mere 10 minutes after the spotting the whale had enough oxygen and started it’s dive. Poised with the camera ready I got my whale tail shot and was amazed by the enormity of the mammal. It was an amazing experience to see a sperm whale so close and almost immediately I wanted to see another one. Tiaki, the male sperm whale I saw was the only one we spotted that day, which was disappointing but we did see some fur seals to make up for it. As I said the day was a success, but they still need to work on their sales pitch.

WHEN YOU GO:

Bring warm clothes, extra batteries and anything you might need. Make sure you are prepared for your whale watching expedition, because once you leave the shore you can’t go back. Have warm clothes as the wind can be chilling on the boat as well as extra batteries for your camera and water to help with sea sickness.
Spend a day in Kaikoura. The city itself is small, but has great views and the peninsula walkway is a must-do.
Don’t get your expectations too high. You will most likely see just one sperm whale and this means just 30 seconds of whale tail, so have your camera ready!

To see more photos of Kaikoura, including the beautiful peninsula walkway, visit our photo gallery by clicking here.

If you are planning a trip to New Zealand soon, check out our travel guide by clicking here.

In Search of a Whale Tail | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: LOCAVORista

Snapshot Sunday: Kek Lok Si Temple

LOCAVORista — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:17:52 +0000

A Buddha statue at one of the largest Buddhist temples in Asia Kek Lok Si. This huge temple in Malaysia is worth a visit. To see what else might interest you in Malaysia click here to see the best of Peninsular Malaysia in 5…10…15 Days.

To see more photos of our time in Malaysia visit our photo gallery and to see more pictures of Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang visit this photo gallery.

Snapshot Sunday: Kek Lok Si Temple | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: LOCAVORista

Confessions of a Honeymoon Crasher

thinkCHUA — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:20:44 +0000

I didn’t expect to be on a second honeymoon just three years after my first. Life is full of surprises, but it really was strange to be honeymooning again, especially considering it was someone else’s honeymoon we were on. Like any great honeymoon though, there was nowhere I’d have rather been.

The honeymooners, divided by one of their honeymoon crashers.

It started with an innocent plan to meet our newlywed friends in Australia. We’d meet up in Sydney for New Years, then travel up to the Great Barrier Reef. We expected to do major activities together, but let them enjoy their honeymoon by themselves. That was the plan…

Meeting up in their posh harbor-view pad we headed out to take the costal walk from Bondi to Coogee beach. Along the way we caught up with the pair we saw most in our former lives, our neighbors and best friends. The day reminded us that lifelong friends are those that no matter how long you’ve been apart conversations flow like you saw them yesterday. (Click here to see photos of sensational Sydney, including New Years and beaches.)

Like every honeymoon I’ve been on, this one included fireworks…

Reliving old times, we left New Years Eve dinner up to LOCAVORista, who didn’t disappoint. We realized it was on this day, seven years prior, that the four of us had first been introduced, with countless memories created since. As with that first New Years together, night turned to morning and there was a real possibility that we overindulged. Headaches aside, we were happy to start the year with them.

LOCAVORista and Kerin posing with a friendly Australian police officer at about 3AM on New Years Day.

They departed to Magnetic Island before us and emailed. They had arranged a snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef and closed with an invitation to stay with them. In one of our few moments of clarity we pondered: do we really want to crash their honeymoon? We decided that yes, yes we did. When we arrived on Magnetic Island they were waiting for us like a lovely married couple, beginning the most fun part of our entire trip.

Riding in style around Magnetic Island.

The days passed quickly hanging out laughing, exploring and chasing our inebriated wives around. Thousands of miles from home, for the first time in a year, it felt as comfortable as home. (Click here to see photos from Magnetic Island including adventures with wild Koalas.)

Preparing for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.

When they left was the first time we felt homesick. Our “old lives” crept back into our conversations, those days when I’d harass Kerin into coming out for happy hour, bike rides with Nick and the random adventures we’d find ourselves on. It’s funny how being on a honeymoon in a distant land could make you think about life back home, but it gave us something to look forward to when we get home: being neighbors again.

The happy couple after receiving a Coke bottle with Nick’s name on it from an Aussie friend.

Want to visit Australia yourself? Click here to read LivingIF’s Travel Guide to learn about costs, places to visit and see photos of Australia’s best sights.

Confessions of a Honeymoon Crasher | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: thinkCHUA

He Said/She Said: Japanese Fashion

thinkCHUA — Thu, 03 May 2012 02:31:26 +0000

When you hear “Japanese fashion”, what do you think? Middle-age men wearing Disney World hats, Las Vegas t-shirts and enormous cameras? Or do you think the Harajuku women, dressed up like dolls, anime characters, and the occasional horse head? Are their fashion choices representing craziness or self-expression in a repressive society? Read our takes then have your say in the comments below.

HE SAID…

Fashion in Japan is interesting. “Interesting” used in a Minnesota-nice sort of way, as in, “it’s not my thing, I’m not sure about it, actually it makes me a little uncomfortable, but I can’t say that because…well I’m a Minnesotan.” I’ve been told that in other parts of the country people would say something like, “God bless their heart, I wouldn’t be caught dead in that!” I think many of the fashions are absolutely crazy, the pedophile soliciting schoolgirl outfits, the dancing Elvises, the anime characters!?! I don’t get it.

I don’t understand why people want to walk down the street and have people gawking at them. I don’t get why people want to become a tourist attraction. I really can’t comprehend why some of them get annoyed that tourists take photos of them, after all, they are the ones drawing the attention to themselves with their choices of clothing. More over, how long does it take these people to get all done up like this? Caking on the layers of makeup, doing up their hair, buying all the clothes, putting themselves together the way you would a Barbie Doll. The time, effort, cost and ogling makes the whole production seem unrewarding.

Are those shoes comfortable? Whatever you used to make your face look like that…is it toxic? What if it doesn’t go back to “normal”? Do you even care? What do you want to be? What feeling does it give you to do yourself up like this? Why, why, why? Maybe I have too many question, maybe I’m too cerebral for fashion, maybe it’s me that’s crazy, not them, but I’m pretty certain it’s them.

There is one thing I do like in Japanese and in broader Asian fashion: super short mini skirts. If wacky english worded slogans on shirts, strange makeup combinations, or odd styles are what we have to accept to get super short shorts on a daily basis then I could be converted…

SHE SAID…

I have never been nor will I ever be a “fashionista” I am much more a fashion victim than fashion forward. However, I enjoy seeing what the creative minds at Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana churn out because it’s usually something that I would never dream of wearing (or affording). To me fashion in Japan is much the same as high fashion, it’s a form of self expression and an outlet for creativity. I loved seeing the woman and even some of the men all dolled up (literally) and strutting their stuff in Harajuku.

To me their fashion choices made total sense, in a culture where everything is controlled and many of your choices are made for you your clothes are a safe way to “rebel”. Japan is proven to be one of the most stressful countries to live in with some of the world’s longest work hours and highest suicide rates. I figure if dressing wacky helps to alleviate some of that stress and let your true colors show, go for it. That’s the most harmless way to let off some steam I’ve ever heard of.

I also appreciated the entertainment value of their outfits and can’t fathom the amount of time and effort that it takes to put their ensembles together. The hair and make up a lone must take hours. While it’s not for me, I will happily people watch as grown woman dressed like preschoolers walk by along side woman dressed like seductive vampires. Unlike thinkCHUA I didn’t feel any of them had a problem with my staring or slack jawed gawking, maybe being female helped. However, I was so busy just watching them that I didn’t even get too many pictures.

The Harajuku area of Tokyo is a must-visit even if you don’t make it there when all the girls are out showing off. The stores alone will give you a good idea of what you’re missing and probably provide a laugh. Most likely you’ll even see a few dressed up girls and guys. Visit with an open mind and remember self expression is an important part of growing up, where would you be without having gone through your rebellious teens?

He Said/She Said: Japanese Fashion | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: thinkCHUA

A Hawke’s Bay Wine Adventure

LOCAVORista — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:52:00 +0000

Starting out a day of wine tasting with two liters of beer isn’t the worst idea I’ve ever had, but I’ve had a lot of bad ideas. We hadn’t planned to start with beer, especially two liters, but we needed something to go with our picnic lunch and we couldn’t resist Roosters; a local beer to crow about.

Roosters, local beer to crow about.

Being that we were biking the winery circuit in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand we had a bit of a wobbly finish after the beer and six wineries. But, I still don’t regret the two liters of beer, in fact it was hard to choose which beer to get. With six local brews on tap we had to do several tastes to make the right decision. Buying two liters was definitely the budget choice at only $7.70 and we were happy to package and label our own beer to pack in our bag for the rest of the ride.

With the beer in our backpack with the sandwiches we headed down the road to Te Awa winery, with rows of green vines and towering windmills. The small tasting room with adjoining restaurant had glasses waiting for us to sample their latest vintage. After the tasting we enjoyed a spot at a shady picnic table alongside the vineyards to enjoy more of our beer as the wine didn’t WOW us, but the grounds were gorgeous.

The award winning wines at Trinity Hill were worth the ride.

After our beer break we headed out to Trinity Hill where we enjoyed their award winning wines. I was particularly impressed with their Viognier, which won a gold medal at the New Zealand International Wine Show. The crisp, citrusy nose and smooth finish almost made me trade in my beer for a cold bottle of white. But then I caught a glimpse of their 2009 Homage Syrah, rated 98 and figured I better save my money for a bottle of that.

The small red barn of Salvare winery was the highlight of our wine tasting tour.

Our favorite "wine" of the day was the frappe vino frozen wine cocktail from Salvare.

After enjoying the wine and stories from the winery owner’s son at Trinity Hill we were happy that we didn’t have too far to pedal to Salvare; the highlight of the wine tour. We parked our bikes next to the rest, wiped the sweat from our brows and headed into the open air barn. We settled into an outdoor table and enjoyed having our wines brought to us, the star of the tasting was a unique frappe vino frozen wine cocktail. It was just the thing for a hot day of biking when you’ve had a few too many tastes of wine.

The view from the tasting room at Alpha Domus winery.

As cold and thirst quenching as the cocktail was it was still alcoholic making our next few wineries a bit tougher to reach, but don’t worry we made our way to Ngatarawa winery, which had my favorite wine labels, featuring local chefs and farmers along with their stories. We also stopped at Alpha Domus winery and Abbey winery, definitely the most stunning tasting room. While I would highly recommend the wineries of Hawke’s Bay, I would suggest starting off with plenty of water instead of two liters of beer to keep you hydrated.

The beautiful tasting room at Abbey winery, the cathedral ceiling made for a dramatic entrance and set the scene for their catholic themed wines.

WHEN YOU GO:

Don’t miss the art deco city of Napier. While the wineries are excellent don’t miss neighboring Napier’s art deco buildings and inviting cafes.
Make a trip up TeMata peak. The views over the Hawke’s Bay region all the way out to the ocean are gorgeous and shouldn’t be missed.
Bike to the wineries. While an air conditioned car may be more comfortable transport you will miss out on some of the scenery if you are chauffeured around rather than reaching each vineyard from your own pedal power, which is much more rewarding. Just make sure to bring lots of water.

To see more pictures of the Hawke’s Bay area visit our photo gallery by clicking here.

A Hawke’s Bay Wine Adventure | LivingIF | Living to Never Wonder "What If?" | By: LOCAVORista

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