Saturday, April 26, 2014

Herbal Remedies Saved My Babies' Lives


I do appreciate modern medicine and doctors, but at one time in my life, it was an herbal combination that saved my baby girl and baby boy's lives. We lived in a small island in the South Pacific. Being fairly new to this environment, I was unaware of the many medicinal plants that the natives relied on almost daily.



http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Herbal-Remedies-Saved-My-Childrens-Lives

Friday, April 25, 2014

Literally Playing With Fire at the Polynesian Cultural Center


Every year, in the Spring, there is a competition at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii. PCC recently hosted the 19th annual World Fireknife Competition. Several Polynesian warriors demonstrated their skills in aerials and acrobatics whilst twirling knives alighted with real fire. It was an exciting, and dangerous show.


 http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Literally-Playing-With-Fire-at-the-Polynesian-Cultural-Center

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Greek Longevity Secrets from an island in Greece called Ikaria


A remote Greek Island reveals the secrets to living longer. It is amazing that one-third of the population of a mountainous, 99-square-mile island in Greece called Ikaria, are 90 years of age and older. In contrast, current U.S. Census stats indicate that only one in nine baby boomers will reach 90. Investigations into the remarkable longevity of these Greek islanders have proven very interesting. Not only do they live longer, but they have 20 percent less cases of cancer than Americans and about half the rate of heart disease as well as one-ninth the rate of diabetes. They have virtually no Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Longevity-Secrets-from-and-island-in-Greece

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

See Paris on the Metro

Only One Day to See Paris

We only had one day to explore the City of Light, Paris. After an event filled journey in Egypt, we were exhilarated and exhausted, but also excited to see the famous landmarks of Paris. We had high expectations.
We boarded the metro on a rainy April day in Paris. None of us spoke very much French, so it was sure to be a bit of a challenge.
After purchasing our tickets, we were off on our journey. My son was the navigator, and he concentrated on figuring out the subway (metro) system so we would not get lost. It was unfamiliar to all of us, but being a world traveler, it didn’t take long before our son was teaching us all how to read the signs inside the metro cars. He also had a map he picked up at the metro station.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Kayaking in Hawaii

Recently our family went to a sand bar in Kaneohe Bay about a half hour from our home. It was a beautiful sunny day with trade winds blowing.
The children were so excited as we boarded the double hull boat with an outboard motor.
I had heard about the sand bar, but it was my first time actually going there. When the tide is low, you can see the sand, but when the tide is high, it disappears. 


http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Kayaking-in-Hawaii

Monday, April 21, 2014

He Wrote Me a Tongan Love Song

It took a separation from my usually non-romantic husband to squeeze the sentiments out of him. We had been married about three years and had two beautiful children when I left him behind for a couple of months. No we were not fighting or anything like that. I had a health issue that I needed to check out. We lived in a small South Pacific Island Kingdom. I had given birth to our little son in Tonga, but had complications. My parents came to visit and I returned to stay with them for a while.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/He-Wrote-Me-a-Love-Song

Saturday, April 19, 2014

A New Years Eve Celebration Where Time Begins in Tonga

The first country in the world to greet the New Year, each and every year, is Tonga in the South Pacific. That is because it lies very close to the 180th parallel (12 hours ahead of Greenwich). It sits directly on the International Dateline. 

Tongans value their relationship with God and others. The whole first week of the New Year is called Uike Lotu (prayer week). Every day church congregations meet and pray morning and evening, and in between they feast together. Bands all over the island take their instruments, sometimes-homemade banjos, bass and guitars, and go from home to home hoping for some provisions in exchange for their music.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/A-New-Years-Celebration-Where-Time-Begins-in-Tonga

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center Most Favored Tourist Attraction

I live within walking distance of thePolynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii. Each day I hear the drums beating from the Polynesian villages, and in the evening I can hear the roar of the crowd in response to the night show in the big amphitheater.
It is an exciting, fun place to visit, even having gone there with family and other visitors several times. It is very beautiful with a lagoon and waterfalls, and there is always so much to see and do. It has become Hawaii's number one paid tourist attraction - and for good reason. You can see all of the Polynesian cultures in one place.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Fun at Lagoon in Northern Utah

Many people conjure up images of Monument Valley or the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir when they think of Utah. There is no Disneyland in Utah, but they do have Lagoon! It is the “place to go” for local families who want to take a break from the chores and have a blast.
Recently, my son announced we were going to Lagoon. Our grandchildren were so excited, they were beside themselves. The day started out a bit rainy, but by the time we got to Lagoon, it was just sprinkling.
The interesting thing about Lagoon is that I felt the same way about it when I was a little girl. Yes, it has been around since 1886. No, I am not that old, but when we took our grandchildren, I recognized some of the rides I had ridden on several years ago.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Fun-at-Lagoon-in-Northern-Utah

Monday, April 14, 2014

Fresh Shrimp Trucks on the North Shore of Oahu Hawaii

Have you ever eaten out of the back of a shrimp truck in Hawaii? No! Wow, you have been missing out! I live on the North Shore of Oahu within a few miles of some shrimp aquaculture farms where the shrimp are plentiful. Actually we have an ongoing battle between the North Shore Shrimp Trucks. No kidding! Some of them are stationary, and some move from place to place - why not - they are trucks!


We are just about an hours ride away from the big city of Honolulu, In fact, we are out in the country. Plenty beach, plenty ocean, and plenty  out our way.

The prawns are harvested daily from ponds and cooked up fresh for the visitors and locals. Some of the shrimp trucks have been around for 15 years now. They usually have graffiti on the outside, but the insides of the trucks are modernized and clean.
You actually walk up to the window of the truck and make your order. Shrimp is usually served with two scoops of rice, optional macaroni salad, green salad, pineapple slices, or a lemon slide sometimes on a bed of shredded cabbage.
You can have your shrimp with garlic and butter, lemon butter, sweet andspicy, hot and spicy or with a soy-based sauce. The current price is around $12.00 a plate, but it is a large serving.
Some of the shrimp trucks have shelters nearby that you can sit under on picnic tables. You will want to grab plenty of napkins, because the shrimp can be a bit messy, especially if you have to peel the shrimp.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Hike Laie Falls Trail on Oahu Hawaii

Here in Laie, we are blessed with mountains on one side of us and the huge ocean on the other. There is one trail that we enjoy hiking, because there is the reward of a beautiful waterfall at the end. In fact, the hike is called the Laie Falls Trail. People actually come from all over the island to hike this trail. On the way up you can enjoy the panoramic views when you look back over your shoulder. Once you get to the falls, there is a refreshing pool that is perfect to cool off in.

At the beginning of the trail there is a sign which shows you the path and how long it should take to get to the Pine Forest, the Laie Falls, and the summit. It also gives some warnings so that you will be safe.
A few people have tried to go alone and gotten lost, so it is best to heed these warnings.
Other advice that is not on the sign includes wearing sunscreen and bringing a swimsuit for when you reach the falls and pool. The waterfall is flowing year round, but it is flowing more in the winter, and the hike up will be cooler too. It is also wise to tell someone where you are going and the approximate time you should return.
This is an intermediate trail which starts on the windward side of Laie near the Mormon Temple. Head north and take the fourth left after passing the Temple on Naniloa Loop. Enter a traffic circle and take the second right onto Puohaili Street. Park on the grass next to Laie playing field.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Two Scoops Rice in Hawaiian Style BBQ Plate Lunch

Hungry for Plate Lunch

In Hawaii, lunch time usually means heading down to the local L & L Hawaiian Barbeque and getting a plate lunch.
There are a variety of meats available including pork, chicken, beef, fish or curry.
The portions are enough to satisfy a Polynesian appetite and usually comes with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad.
If you are very health conscious, you can trade one scoop of rice for a vegetable salad or coleslaw. The meat is served on a nest of grated cabbage and comes with soya sauce, tartar sauce or a lemon depending on the meat.
Actually L & L is one of my favorite places to eat in Hawaii, and chicken katsu would be may favorite choice on the menu.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

International Market Place in Waikiki Honolulu Hawaii

If you travel to Hawaii, no doubt your family members and friends will be expecting some kind of souvenir. Instead of spending all your money for gifts, you can hit the International Market Place in Waikiki to get all your gifts in one place. Unlike most stores in Honolulu, you can bargain with the kiosk owners. Most of the little stalls are run by business owners from abroad and are eager to please.
The International Market Place is a 4.5 acre banyan-tree-shaded property situated in the heart of Waikiki. It is an open-air bazaar which has been a Waikikiattraction for several decades. Since the opening in 1957, there have been no major renovations.
It's history as a market place began on January 16, 1955 when entrepreneur Donn "Don the Beachcomber" Beach announced that a new "Waikiki village" was to be created.
Property developers in Honolulu have coveted the Market place's central location, wishing to make more upscale restaurants and shops, with a entertainment pavilion and storytelling center. But so far, it stays pretty much the same as it has always been.
The Landowner is the Queen Emma Foundation. Rumor has it that Queen Emma Land signed an agreement with Taubman Centers. Taubman owns and operates high-end malls across the country including Beverly Center in Los Angeles, the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey and Fair Oaks Mall in Virginia. Don't expect changes any time soon since redeveloping the entire area will take jumping over and through a lot of red tape.

Monday, April 7, 2014

The Reign of Rice in Hawaii

One of the most important staples in Hawaii is rice. Due to the diversity of cultures that have made Hawaii their home, rice continues to be included in home cooking, picnics, and restaurants. But, at one time there were rice fields all over the islands, and rice was exported to the mainland USA. Today, no traces remain of the once richly farmed rice paddies in Hawaii.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/The-Reign-of-Rice-in-Hawaii

Saturday, April 5, 2014

The True Beginning of the Hula

Today, the hula is associated with a dance often including long mu’umu’us, grass skirts and leis as a form of entertainment at a dinner or show. That is only a minute part of the whole picture. In its earliest forms, the hula was a form of worship performed in a temple in honor of the Gods, and under the direction of a priest.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/The-True-Beginnings-of-the-Hula

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Hawaiian Party Costumes and Makeup Ideas

You may be having a party and have chosen a Hawaiian theme. Or, you might have decided to go trick or treating as a Polynesian maiden.
Don't worry men, we did not forget you! You can go as a Haka Warrior Hunk! Children also love to dress up in hula skirts and leis. And, don't forget your dog!
Whatever the reason is, here are some costume and makeup ideas you might want to consider. For sure it will put you in a festive mood. You will feel like you are already in Paradise.http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Hawaiian-Party-Makeup-and-Costumes

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Visit Hawaii and Enjoy Local Festivities

Hawaii has idyllic weather much of the year. It is wise to be aware of the month by month events that take place in the islands so you can plan accordingly.
January is typically Hawaii’s wettest month. This is also when snowbirds escape winter storms elsewhere and make their way to the Hawaiian Islands. I guess they enjoy the warm rain rather than the cold snow.
The third Monday of January is Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday and is a particularly busy time. Then there is the Chinese New Year. This is different every year, but depends on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually between mid-January and mid-February. There are lion dances, street fairs and parades. The biggest Chinese New Year celebration is in Honolulu, but there are also festivities in Lahaina, Maui and Hilo on the Big Island.
February is a good time for whale watching. A whole event takes place in Maui organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation with live music, crafts and food boothshttp://www.pacificwhale.org/
Waimea Town on Kauai hosts more than 10,000 folks for the island’s biggest festival. The celebration includes canoe and foot races, a rodeo (yes, Hawaii has cowboys called paniolo), ukulele and lei contests and much more.
http://wkbpa.org/
If you are into slack key guitar, you won’t want to miss the Waimea Ukulele and Slack Key Concert on the Big Island in mid-February.
In March, all islands in Hawaii honor the birthday of Prince Kuhio Kalaniana’ole, the man who would have been King if Queen Lili’uokalani had not been overthrown by the USA. It is a public holiday for most. Most students have a two week break from school around Easter and mid-March the Honolulu Festival celebrates the mixture of cultures in Hawaii.
The peak tourist season ends in April. The Big Island holds the Merrie Monarch Festival, the best time for hula photographers. A week-long celebration attracts hula competitors from around the world to Hawaii.
May is typically sunny and cloudless and hotels sell out for the Memorial Day holiday so plan ahead. Lei Day is in May and there is a Lei queen in Waikiki’s Kap’iolani Park. There are lei-making competitions on Kaua’i and Lihu’e with lei-making demonstrations an hula dancing galore.June brings warm, dry weather and King Kamehameha Day on the 11th. The King’s statue is draped with leis in downtown Honolulu after which a parade and live music fills the streets. A hula competition is one of the years’ largest. West Maui sets Hawaii’s best chefs against each other, in the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival in late June.
As temperatures rise and school vacations begins, July Fourth celebrations begin as well as a pineapple festival in Lana’i, and Plantation Days in Kauai. The beaches in Hawaii are usually full in August as hot sunny weather abounds. http://alohafestivals.com/pages/events/oahu.html
Trade winds start to blow in September and crowds start to disseminate as students go back to school. The Aloha Festivals began in 1946. It is Hawaii’s premier cultural festival. Check out the lastest dates at  http://alohafestivals.com/pages/events/oahu.html
The slowest month for Hawaii tourism is usually October. It can still be warm and sunny. The Ironman Triathlon World Championship is held on the Big Island. Halloween is akin to Mardi Gras in Hawaii. Waikiki is the place to be for a great street party!
The Triple Crown of Surfing runs from mid-November through mid-December depending on the surf. The Honolulu Marathon is usually held on the second Sunday in December attracting 25,000 runners from around the world.
The Christmas Honolulu City Lights begins a month long celebration including parades, fireworks and other gaiety. It can be rainy and cooler than the rest of the year, but rarely gets below 65. Come and visit!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Raising Children in Multicultural Families

Parenting tips for intercultural families

I married a man of a different race and culture when it was not an acceptable thing to do. I do not regret my decision, but that decision has come with interesting consequences. It took many years for us to get used to each other’s customs and traditions. It has been quite an adventure for both of us.

The children that resulted from this union have struggled to find their own identities. Because I was doing most of the raising, since my husband's occupation demanded that he travel quite a bit, the childrenmostly speak my language and only one child is fluent in the father's language.

I believe our children have tried to choose the best from each culture. They can also change back and forth between cultures in different circumstances to suit their circumstances. We have learned as parents what form of discipline worked and what did not since his culture and mine had very different opinions in this regard.

As the mother of these wonderful children that I feel very blessed to have, I have not tried to push my own culture on them. I can see the good points of both cultures and brought those to their attention. I cannot lie that at times I have been a bit sad that they chose their father's side over mine, but I tried not to let them know that.

My children are very open minded to other cultures and loving towards people. They are all outgoing and have become good citizens of our communities. We lived in my husband's country for 13 years and now live in my country. This has given our children the foundation they need to really know who they are and develop their own families from there.

I have always let our children know of my respect and love for my husband, his family and race. I think this has helped the children in many ways. Even though my son speaks his father's language fluently, he is willing to serve in the Armed Forces for my country. I think that speaks volumes.

All of our children graduated from college and have become assets to society in their own ways. I have learned so much from my husband's culture that I feel adds to the harmony and respect our children feel with one another. I also think the children have had more opportunities in some ways than others since they have traveled internationally and they have friends from different walks of life.

We do tease each other about the traditions that are a bit "out there", and all of our children have a healthy sense of humor, and do not get easily offended. It has not been very easy raising children with two totally different cultures and traditions, but when we have worked together as husband and wife, instead of against each other; it has brought us a home of peace and harmony.