I've often wondered what it was like to have a tattoo. While in Hawaii, I got a $10 tattoo of a turtle. The ink used was from the Henna plant. No needles were used. The tattoo is supposed to last 2-3 weeks. 

This is a unique bottle that once contained a Japanese, rice wine called Sake. And no I didn't drink the Sake. I just bought an empty bottle. 

This is a small, happy Tiki figurine from Hawaii. 

This is a vase or pencil holder I found in Hawaii. The shape of the figure is from the great statues on Easter Island. 

A necklace of Koala nuts from Hawaii. 

This is a happy Tiki magnet from Hawaii. 

Hawaii: Forever Changing

It's hard to notice it in Wisconsin, but the land around us is constantly changing.

In Hawaii, it's very easy to see how the land there changes because it changes quickly. The land there starts as lava. The lava breaks down, which eventually creates soil. First a few trees and bushs take root. And then if there is enough rain, you have a whole forest.

There are 11 climates on the big island of Kona where we stayed. And it was interesting to watch the climates change just by driving around the island. In one part, we saw a rain forest. In another, there was cactus.

And in Wisconsin, normally your home is not overrun by hot lava.

It was fun to see the land and climate change so quickly as we drove, just like the seasons in Wisconsin.

Blast from the Past: Alice's Restaurant

The other night, I recorded an old movie (1969) called "Alice's Restaurant" starring Arlo Guthrie. Today I watched it.

If you want to remember or get a taste of the 1960s, this is the movie for you. It is all about the hippy culture, free love, drugs, and fighting the establishment.

Just to show one point of reference: in one scene, there is a sign that says, "Clean up America: get a haircut." Having lived through those times, I can testify that hair length was a big issue back then, probably started by the Beatles. Many a teenage boy argued with his parents over the length of his hair.

I enjoyed watching this movie again: it's been over 20 years since I've seen it. I have the record/soundtrack for this movie somewhere in the house. I just loved the song based on the movie. It's a song that tells the story of Alice's Restaurant and it's quite funny.

The main character of this movie is folksinger Arlo Guthrie. The main plot wanders a bit but it follows the adventures of a close knit group of hippies who open a restaurant, buy a church, and get in trouble for littering.

Side note: Arlo Guthrie is the son of Woody Guthrie, who was one of the best American folksingers ever. Probably his most famous song is "This Land Is Your Land."

Young people might find this movie boring or dated. Young people may also miss some of the cultural references and issues. But I could be wrong.

I liked this movie because it had balance. Drugs were not portrayed as good. The police were not portrayed as bad. People were developed as people.

If you rent this movie or happen to catch it, it is a blast from the past.

Hawaii Photos

To see our photos from Hawaii, go to this web site:

www.flickr.com/photos/jack390/

NOTE: these photos are no longer available on the internet.

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We're back!

We had a difficult time getting to Hawaii. Our first flight was canceled because an engine starter was faulty. (Engine starters are always the first to wear out in Wisconsin.)

Our whole itinerary was rescheduled by NWA (Northwest Airlines). But then our next 3 flights were delayed. So, our first night of travel was spent in Minneapolis (paid for by NWA). It was disappointing but we made the best of it by going to the Mall of America and eating about $50 of appetizers at the hotel. Our 2 flights the next day were uneventful.

Once in Hawaii, we had a great time and everything went well after that first day.

I will be writing about our experiences there and we're happy to be home again.

This is Honolulu from our airplane on our way to Kona. 

We are staying at this Outrigger hotel on Kona. More pictures later. 

This is the baggage claims area at the Kona airport. The whole airport is outside, including the baggage claims area. You can tell the weather is nice here most of the time.