The Twelfth Tribe of Israel

The Twelfth Tribe of Israel

Travel Over to My New Site!!

https://poshmark.com/closet/elayne001https://poshmark.com/closet/elayne001

How to Get the Most of Your Adventures Abroad

How to Get The Most of Your Adventures Abroad

The Healthiest and Unhealthiest Cities in the USA

Scotland.

We loved our trip to Scotland. Would love to return to see more!

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/oahu-hawaii-apartment-building-glass-bottomed-pool

The City of Music Vienna

Unique Hawaiian Phrases

Sunset in Hawaii Nei by Ruth Kongaika

Fathom's 24 Best Blogs and Websites 2016

Here are some of my favorite travel blogs:

https://www.adventure-journal.com/
http://www.alongdustyroads.com/
http://www.12hrs.net/#welcome
http://www.ahotellife.com/

More to come!!

Germany and a Bavarian Castle

Tower of the Castle in Southern Germany  Personal photo REK

After a short trip through Austria recently, we arrived in the dark at the quaint town of Garmisch, Germany. The attached town of Partenkirchen boasts of fascinating art and murals. Both towns rest quietly at the foot of the Bavarian Alps in the Werdenfelser Valley. Historic buildings, architecture, monuments and so much more line the cobblestone streets.

We stayed at The Edelweiss Lodge, which is specifically for veterans of foreign wars. Since we arrived on Halloween night, several decorated pumpkins greeted us. It was a very warm and welcoming resort.

The lodge is named after the Edelweiss flower. The legend goes that a young Bavarian couple were hiking through mountains where Alpine peaks pierced the blue skies. They walked through blooming wildflowers of many colors. On an exposed cliff, the young man spotted a white flower with felt-like petals. Showing his bravery, yet ignoring his own safety, he plucked the flower. It was his ultimate love charm from the Alps to gift to his lovely lady. Since then, the Edelweiss flower has been the inspiration for music, stories and folklore throughout the Alps. The flower is also known for its healing abilities.

After a good night’s sleep, we were anxious to explore the area. We jumped in our van and drove to the amazing Eibsee Lake at the base of the Zugspitze peak admiring reflections on the glassy water.

During the winter, this area is packed with serious skiers. Sledding, snowboarding, paragliding and hiking are available during the various seasons. Horse and carriages are ready to take you around town at your bidding.

We chose to spend the rest of our day at the Royal Residence Hohenschwangau Castle, once home to King Ludwig II. While waiting for our tour, we enjoyed the colorful foliage surrounding the former residence.

The castle has 300 stairs most of which we personally ascended or descended. We heard the history of King Ludwig II on handsets the recordings of which were available in several languages. As we were escorted through the castle, history was shared about each room. We were unable to take pictures, but believe me, it was extraordinary.

Just a bit about King Ludwig. Born on August 25, 1845 to Crown Prince Maximilian of Bavaria and Princess Marie of Prussia, he spent his childhood at the Hoehenschwangau Castle with his mother and only brother Otto. He loved German legends, artistically displayed on the walls of his home. He developed a romantic outlook on life worshipping the forests near the castle and he was considered an introvert. He loved poetry and drama, escaping into a world where everything was beautiful and noble.

At age 16 Ludwig experienced Richard Wagner’s opera, “Lohengrin”, which was perhaps the beginning of his downfall. He collected all publications and compositions created by Wagner. When Max II died in 1864, Ludwig became King of Bavaria at the age of 18. He had very little contact with the world and very little knowledge about politics. He did not work well together with his cabinet.

Shortly after the beginning of his reign, Ludwig invited his favorite composer Richard Wagner for a meeting. He offered a chance for Wagner to immortalize his works for future generations. Their friendship grew and was mutually beneficial, at least for a while. Ludwig II created a Music School and new opera house. Those around the King considered Wagner a revolutionary. He was compared to a plague and rumors circulated that he exploited the King.

Under force, Ludwig II yielded to pressure and asked Wagner to leave Bavaria. The king had no love interests, but his only friendship was with his cousin Elisabeth, Empress of Austria. Engaged, but never married, he retreated again to his beloved Alps. He visited Richard Wagner in Switzerland and on his return Parliament demanded war against Prussia.

Ludwig threw himself into rebuilding extravagant castles. Meantime, Germany was busy taking over Europe. The embittered ing seldom went out in public and became known as the Fairy Tale King or Swan King. In a single generation, the huge fortune amassed by his family over 800 years was gone. A conspiracy developed, doctors were bribed and the King was declared insane. A commission from Munich stripped him of his crown and freedom. His death is mysterious as he was found in a lake near his castle.

After our visit to the castle, we enjoyed some local food. I returned with a new appreciation of the beauty to be found in Southern Germany and hope to return again.

The Magic of Austria

On a crisp fall day in November, we drove through the Western part of Austria on our way to Germany. The autumn leaves were amazingly brilliant as though they were boasting just for us.
Even though the country is landlocked, the landscape includes great natural beauty from the Eastern Alps to lush forests and valleys. It is a favorite destination in the summer for musical festivals and in the winter for skiing.

Castles and Monasteries

Austria is known for ancient castles, monasteries and a few well-preserved medieval cities such as Salzburg, home of Mozart and other musical geniuses.

What an opportunity to learn more about some of the world's most famous and experience so much culture and tradition. The city is divided in two parts, the right and left bank of the River Salzach. The older part is on the left bank, dating back to Roman times, and can be accessed by several bridges.

We were with four of our grandchildren who kept the trip lively and never boring. The city is very family friendly and offers something for young and old. Of course, for most of us, it conjures up memories of The Sound of Music.

A Medieval Fortress

A medieval fortress, the Festung Hohensalsburg, hovers over the city from a hilltop. It dates from the 11th century. You can ride up the steep incline to the castle on a railway. It housed prince archbishops who sought refuge during the Hungarian and Peasants’ War in the 16th century. It claims to have never been conquered by enemy troops.

The Salzach River

The Salzach River flows through Salzburg. There is a bridge spanning this river which attracts couples who want to lock their love, literally. They engrave or scratch their names or initials on a lock and attach it to the fence of the bridge before throwing the key in the river. They have declared their eternal devotion for the world to see. Just for a moment, I thought how romantic this place was (the Makartsteg Bridge) and of all the couples it represented.

 

Birthplace of Mozart

After crossing the bridge, we headed to the vast courtyard and the proclaimed birthplace of Mozart. It is also called the Getreidegasse.

Narrow roadways accommodate tourists and motorcyclists as they make their way through the town. There are numerous shops with a variety of souvenirs. My favorite were little Mozart puppets.

The Residenz is early Baroque built for Archbishop Wolf Dietrick von Raiteneau, who made it his home in 1587. There is a collection of European art from the 16th to 19th centuries. Many of Salzburg's prince-archbishops lived and held court here.

Architecture

Highly ornate cathedrals with heavenly domes are plentiful in Salzburg. The architecture of the city is very impressive. We strolled down the slender walkways to peek in small shops filled with treasures. We discovered that most people in Austria speak German. Of course we had to sample a few of the pastry and tasty delicacies along the way.

One of the newer highlights in Salzburg’s includes their Cathedral Quarters with 2,000 stunning exhibits and covers 15,000 square meters. You can capture impressive views of the city during the tour where history comes alive.

Religious Buildings in Salzburg

There is a rich heritage of religion as seen in St. Peter's Abbey and Benedictine monastery, which dates from AD 700 and the Cathedral (Dom) designed by Santino Solari in 1614. Also, the Franziskanerkirche boasts a splendid altarpiece by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach with a splendid Baroque altarpiece from 1709.

Several museums in Salzburg offer interactive exhibits and educational programs, fine arts as well as historical collections. They include the Salzburg Museum, the Haus der Natur and Mozarts Geburshaus where you can view an audio-visual display telling his story.

So Much to See!

Besides the cathedrals and museums, Salzburg has a science center, a reptile zoo and a natural history center featuring 30 aquariums.

Cycling paths will keep bikers happy for many hours. Thirteen lakes are located on The Salzkammergut-Radweg cycle path, one of the favorites.

The Mirabell Garden or Schlosspark Hellbrunn are two of Salzburg's expansively landscaped parks. Five mountainous peaks surround the city including the Gaisberg, Nonnberg, Kapuzinerberg, Mönchsberg and the Untersberg.

I am sure you could spend a few weeks in Salzburg and not see all it has to offer. I hope to have the opportunity to return again!

The Magic of Italy

Over Too Soon!

Before the Paris attacks, we spent three splendid weeks in Europe. It all feels like a dream, but it did happen. With my deepest sympathy to those who are currently suffering, I would like to make a record of where we traveled and my impressions before I forget.

Our main reason for going to Italy was to be with our son and his family for his promotion in his vocation. We were so happy for this opportunity to be with them, and since we had not traveled there before, it was even more exciting.

Exploring Italy

It was intriguing to us that we could travel to four countries in four days, by car, bus and train. This miraculous feat included Italy, Austria, Germany and the Vatican. We only had so much time when our son could travel with us.

Exploring Italy would take years, but the parts we visited were mesmerizing. In the small town where we stayed, even the birds were very impressive.They were plentiful and sang beautiful melodies I was not familiar with. The bells in nearby churches were rung every hour. When it was time for prayer, they were rung for a lengthened time. I tried to count to see how many tolls, but they were never the same. 

Culture and Food

Mountains in all their majesty formed the backdrop for this lazy little town in Northern Italy. No need to rush here. Old men visited on the street corners. Markets opened around 9 and closed at 1:00 so the workers could take a nap. Then they would reopen around 3:00 and closed when the sun set.

Several restaurants offered Italian favorites, with some of my favorites, ravioli, tortellini, pizza and much more. All the food was hand made, so we were prepared to wait a while and visit as is customary in Italy. It was definitely worth the wait. I especially enjoyed the pumpkin soup and artichoke pizza. 

Gelato and croissants

A tiny local shop boasted yummy gelato. My first choice was tiramisu, then pistachio, hazelnut and pumpkin. It was made daily and served with pride. The owner was very accommodating to our boisterous group.

During our time in Italy, I became addicted to their croissants. Hence, I gained a bit of weight, but not to worry, as I returned to my regular diet when I returned home. We also feasted on lasagna, omelettes, spaghetti and bread sticks (not like the logs we were used to) dipped in olive oil and vinegar. 

Hills and Dales

Very narrow roads wound through small towns. At times you had to pull over to let the other car advance. Buildings were built nearly touching the roads, so you had to be very alert while driving. I was surprised at how well the roads were kept, even though some were minuscule. There was no garbage on the side of the road. Eventually I discovered that most of the roads have a toll gate, so every so often you would have to stop and pay a toll for using it.

Italy was covered with rows of grape vines, even in the smallest of lots. Also, olive trees were plentiful. As a windbreaker, taller trees were planted in rows and became part of the splendid scenery. Rarely did we see a flat terrain. Hills and dales with occasional rivers and mountains made up the geography. Plentiful sheep and cows dotted the land. 

History

As we made our way towards the middle of Italy, our son educated us on some of the customs, traditions and regional differences. Italy is considered in the top ten world economies, yet it still stays true to its agricultural heritage.

Not only does it include snowy peaks of the Alps, and small islands in the Mediterranean, but each region has a distinct dialect. World renown brands are recognized throughout the world, including Fiat, Armani, Pirelli, Olivetti among others. Italy is a fairly young country, becoming a unified nation in 1861. Prior to that it has been split between warring countries who attempted to dominate it. The Roman Empire claimed Italy in the 2nd century B.C. and is a big influence still today. Before that, the First Greek colonists reached Italy followed by the rise of the Etruscans.
Christianity was a big influence in Italy, with popes and emperors fighting over who should be in charge for five long centuries.

Venice

The first weekend we were in Italy, we traveled by car to Venice. No cars are allowed on the land, so we parked our car and walked for miles. With our son leading the way, we attempted to keep up. He had made me buy “appropriate” walking shoes before we left, and I was truly grateful for them and the steroid shot I had in my knee before we left the states.
The evening we had in Venice was truly magical. There was a full moon and the water was like glass. Only ripples from the gondolas and water taxis were evident. It was our wedding anniversary and my son wanted to make it special for us. What more could we ask for? We had a ride on a gondola with our four grandchildren as our son and his wife waited on shore. 

Ancient homes flanked the canals, in a variety of colors and shapes. It made for a photographers dream. I attempted to get pictures of the buildings and in particular the people of Italy. Couples embracing, people walking their dogs, an old man reading his paper on his veranda, and too many more to count. Every one we met was pleasant and accommodating.

The lights had just come on and reflected in the water as did the houses and businesses. Afterwards, our son took us to a little restaurant with tables adjacent to the canal. I dined on tortellini and salad. It was delicious. A little old man came with roses and tried to sell them to my husband, as if he somehow knew it was our anniversary. I accepted one red rose as the owner of the restaurant chased away the vendor. We all returned home full of memories that would last a lifetime.

I will continue our journeys in upcoming articles. Stay tuned.

The Amazing Juggling Women of Tonga

When we lived in Tonga, I was delighted to discover the juggling talents of the women. It is not taught to the boys, but I know some males who can juggle too, including my husband.

In elementary school, instead of learning to jump rope, play jacks or hopscotch, the primary students in Tonga learn how to hiko or juggle. They start very young, about five years of age, and some continue on for the rest of their lives.

The girls and women sing a song as they juggle three, four, five, some up to seven pieces of fruit, nuts or balls. Some claim that they can juggle even more items, but since they cannot hold them in their hands, they grab them out of a bowl placed near them. The juggling forms a round shower pattern. They usually discharge the nuts from the left hand, catching them in the right hand, and then transfer them to the left again, keeping them all in the air at once.

Origin
Most Tongans cannot tell you where the origin of juggling in Tonga began. But there is a myth about it. They say it began in the underworld where a lady, Hikuleo,was the goddess. She was a blind, and would snatch the eyeballs of anyone who approached her in the underworld without permission. She would then put them in a wooden bowl and call her girls to sit in her house and juggle with them.

Superstition
Tongans are generally superstitious and the Tongan girls never juggle at night because the spirits of from the underworld are coming up and they look around. If they are caught, their eyeballs may be taken to the underworld.

Benefits
Many Tongan girls have very rapid and accurate hand-eye coordination which they learned from juggling at a young age.

Record Breakers
Wolfgang Schedbeczek reported that the an 8-ball shower by Bruce Sarafian of the USA is the world's best juggler (according to the Guinness book of Records), but he feels that the juggling women of Polynesia probably have him beat.

It is said that Tonga has more jugglers per square mile than any country in the world. Often they have competitions to see who can juggle the longest. As soon as a girl drops a ball, she sits down. The last left standing is the winner.

Women who learned juggling in their youth can remember it even though they have not done it for years. I guess it would be similar to learning a bike and doing it again years later.

Other Cultures that Juggle
Aside from Tongan women, circus clowns and other juggling entertainers, there are a few other cultures that juggle:

Uvea or Wallis Island (north-west of Tonga): Called hapo usually using oranges, also done in time with a little song. They also have competitions juggling up to six oranges at the same time.
Samoa: Called fuaga , up to eight items whilst sitting or standing.

Cook Islands: Called tilitili koua done with immature coconuts (koua) juggled while chanting. Usually only done with three or four small coconuts (since they are larger).

In Southern Cook Islands they juggle other items such as the fruit of the candlenut tree, the seeds of the tamanu tree, or oranges. They are tossed vertically and transferred from one hand to another in anti-clockwise direction accompanied by chants.

Tuamotu: Called pei done in a counter-clockwise rotation - they reverse it to show skill also done to chanting. They weave their balls from plaited coconut leaf (popo). In Tuamotu it is classified as a dance.

Marquesas Islands: Also called pei . Used to teach geneology as they recite their ancestors while doing it. It also gave the mothers a chance to boast of the number of their offspring. They also make their balls out of fau leaves (Hibiscus).

Tahiti: Also called pei , but using stones or limes.

The Coolest Places in Hawaii for Shave Ice

Mainlanders call them snow cones, but in Hawaii the coolest treat around is shave ice. It is not shaved ice, rather just shave ice !

For those taking a drive around the islands, or trying to cool off after a day on the beach, nothing hits the spot like shave ice.

It is snow! No, it is a drink, and you can eat it with a spoon straw!

Regarding shave ice, Matsumoto Shave Ice is a North Shore Treasure.

It is nearly impossible to go past the small shop without stopping and indulging. Matsumotos is a family business which has been in operation since 1951.

There are photos on the walls of famous Americans, Japanese and others. Here is just a few of the names on the walls: Tom Hanks, Kristi Yamaguchi, Jason Scott Lee, Megumi Oishi, and Junichi Ishida.

How Shave Ice is Made

The ice is actually shaved off a big block right in front of you into a fine powder so it's easy to eat. Then it's topped with any one of countless exotic tropical fruit flavors, and sometimes questionable ones like root beer and bubblegum.

You can have a scoop of ice cream in the bottom, or have them throw in some Azuki beans . That may sound a little strange to you, but in Asia they are Japanese sweets.

Azuki Beans comes from the Far East. They are prepared by boiling till the beans softens, some sugar is added. Azuki beans go into the cone shaped cup first then the Shave Ice above it. Of course, they are optional, but you should give it a try.

You can have up to three (3) flavors of your choice per Shave Ice and all of their flavors are home made.

Waiola Shave Ice

Of course, one shave ice spot would not be enough for all of Hawaii, so here is another favorite. There is no point on driving all the way out to North Shore even thought they are $2.00 cheaper (it will cost more than that for the gasoline)

The employees are friendly, and the ice comes out so fine you can barely taste the texture allowing the flavors to explode in your mouth. You may have multiple brain gasms otherwise known as brain freeze. You can't go wrong with Strawberry or Watermelon paired with ice cream and condensed milk.

Ululani's Shave Ice
If you are in Maui, they also have truly "ONO" (Delicious) and "No Ka Oi" (The Best) Shave Ice ever.
Ululani uses only pure cane sugar and filtered purified water.
The minute Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice dissolves in your mouth, you will definitely feel the LOVE

Beautiful Puddles Around the World

See more here:

http://www.pixable.com/article/puddles-are-too-perfect-photos-18889/?tracksrc=PIEMBAC20&btn_article_title=1&bid=2015061509USRaccoonRidingDirty&utm_campaign=morningemail&utm_source=pixable&utm_medium=email

Best Places to Visit in Mexico

With over 5,000 miles of beaches, warm weather and a rich history, it is no wonder that Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Personally, I have not been there yet, but many in my family have. I researched this hub to find out where I would like to visit in Mexico. I found that there are actually three different spots in Mexico that most people travel to. I will discuss them below.

Besides the historical sites, there are over 150 museums. I love museums! Mexico is the birthplace of artists Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. As an art student, I studied both of these artists and I found their work very interesting. I wouldn't mind traveling to Mexico just to see some of this artwork in person.

You might think you have tasted authentic Mexican food, but your taste buds will thank you for showing them the difference, or so I've heard. Tamales, burritos, tacos, and so much more. I do love Taco Bell, but would love to taste real Mexican food.

Architecture in Mexico is one of the major tourist attractions and includes haciendas, cathedrals and other amazing structures. Also the huge Mexican Mayan pyramids would definitely be on my list of things to see. Major settlements were built by the Mayan civilization in this area. I'm sure one of the highlights of visiting Mexico would be touring one of these historical sites.

The Yucatan peninsula is the most popular of the tourist destinations, and encompasses the Riviera Maya, otherwise known as the Caribbean Riviera. It is well known for the Mayan Ruins, white-sand beaches and beach towns. This includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. My son and his wife traveled to Cancun for a week last year and thoroughly enjoyed their experience. 

Second in popularity is the Mexican Riviera. It includes 2,000 miles of beaches between Acapulco and Ensenada. Many cruise liners travel to this region regularly ending up at the Puerto Vallarta area, Cabo San Lucas, and Ixtapa. It is about time we take a cruise instead of flying. So this area could be a definite possibility.

The third most popular area tourists visit in Mexico includes Copper Canyon, Morelia and Mexico City which runs down the center of the country.This land boasts abundant marine and wildlife. There are occasional Mexican craft markets where you can pick up some treasures to take home. I have heard you can find some great bargains at some of the markets. I am sure I would love to go to a market for shopping.

I would love to hear from you if you have traveled to Mexico and what you enjoyed the most.

Travel to Rotorua, New Zealand

A trip to the land of the long white cloud would not be complete without visiting the enchanting place called Rotorua. Adventurous people will enjoy the geothermal forces, biking trails, walking tracks and Maori art and culture available all in one place. There are 16 lakes, tall redwood trees and miles of endless activities for families and individuals alike.

For those that come with families, they can bottle feed lambs, watch sheep sheering demonstrations or witness the kiwi bird in its natural habitat. Kids can get all muddy in the geothermal pools, or have a water rafting or jet boating adventure.

For individuals who love to be challenged, Rotorua offers one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations. There are signs posted for bikers according to skill levels. Trails through lush ferns amidst the rain forests, lakes and geothermal ponds thrill even the most expert bikers. There are even more challenging trails for those brave enough like racing down Mt. Tarawera, a dormant volcano.
Rotorua also caters to those that would like to treat themselves to an exclusive retreat. Natural hot pools surrounded by the beauty of native bush are very relaxing followed by a royal massage. There are over ten luxury hotels to choose from to cater to your every whim. It has been found that hydrogen sulphide, a gas that is prevalent in Rotorua due to the thermal activity, has been discovered to enhance erectile function. Move over Viagra.

Convention halls and facilities for business meetings are also available, which overlook the geothermal landscape. Work and play all at the same place with plenty of activities for everyone. Holiday parks or camping grounds and townhouses are available for those who like to self cater.
Golfing, fishing, backpacking and skydiving are all available at Rotorua. Golfers can play near natural hazards they have not tried before, such as steaming craters and mud pools. There is a nine-hole geothermal course and also an 18-hole course near picturesque Whakarewarewa. Fishermen and women will have their pick of fifteen lakes that have three species of trout ready for the catching, from regular to trophy size. Backpackers will find plenty to keep their interest in this unique part of the world. It is considered as a top destination for backpackers with over 100 km of world-class tracks to explore. Sky divers can customize their experience.

For those interested in culture and history, there are various attractions with entertainment, art legends of the ancients. Indigenous food is available for tasting as well as hands-on experiences with weaving, carving and traditional games.

Rotorua is located on the North Island of New Zealand about three miles drive from Auckland. There is a local airport serviced by domestic flights. Also, there are several family friendly hotels and eateries. Nearly 500 years ago, the Arawa people made Rotorua their home. Now there are around 70,000 people living there. They are happy to share with you their love for the land.
The living and breathing landscape of Rotorua is mesmerizing. For an incredible and memorable experience, spend a couple of weeks at Rotorua, New Zealand.

Traditional and Modern Tongan Attire

In the early 70s we moved from a democratic society to one which was ruled by a reigning monarchy. It was very interesting to observe the cultures and traditions of Tonga. Although in the last few decades some things have changed, the way the people of Tonga dress at many events and ceremonies has not.

Women

The female gender in Tonga dress modestly, usually wearing a dress and sometimes with a skirt (tupenu) under it to cover their legs and ankles. Around their waist they wear a ta'ovala, which is often woven or crocheted. This particular piece is worn to show respect to the royal family. To keep it in place, they wear a kafa which is often woven out of rope, inner fibers of coconut husks or even out of human hair. They add beads or shells for decoration. At times they wear a kiekie, which is smaller than a ta'ovala, and is tied around the waist. It is usually very light and is made out a variety of materials, including strips sugar sacks which have been undone.

Men

Tongan men wear tupenus (skirts) which reache at least to the knees. They also wear a woven ta'ovala around their waists. The ta'ovala takes the place of a tie although they may wear both. They usually wear shirts with collars. On their feet they wear sandals or slippers. To attend church, they may wear a suit coat. To very special occasions, they may wear a ta'ovala that is finely woven and has been in the family for many years. The older it is, the more precious is becomes.

Funeral Attire

Traditionally, Tongans wear black to funerals. It is reminiscent of those in the Bible that wore sackcloth and ashes. If a person is very close to the deceased, they may wear black clothing and over that wear an old tattered mat to show their grief. It may even cover most of their body and even up over their head. If the person who died was very respected, the mourning period can go on for days or months and all the family will wear black. If one of the royal family passes away, individuals in Tonga will wear black for up to a year's time.

Wedding Attire

Today, a typical Tongan wedding may include the usual Western white lacey wedding dress and also the traditional Tongan wedding costume. This includes wearing tapa cloth covered with many layers of decorative finely woven heirloom mats, taovalas, kiekies, and adorning feathers, shells and leis made of freshly cut flowers or plants. Tonga is influence by British as well as American styles. The new wedding couple are expected to go to church on the first Sunday after they are married dressed in the traditional costume.

Dancers

Tongans love singing and dancing. They perform group dancing and all dress alike. They often wear feathers in their hair, around wrists and legs. They utilize natural plants like ti leaves and other decorative foilage to make their costumes. Single dancers wear costumes that include shells, coconut shells, woven flowers and tapa cloth. Some are very elaborate and time consuming to make.

More recently, designers have been busy using tapa cloth for beauty contests, weddings and special occasions. Anciently Tongans did not have cloth to make their clothes out of, but pounded mulberry bark into clothing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, A Holistic View

Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach. Whereas in the West diseases are specific to a certain part of the body, Chinese believe that all the systems of the body are interconnected. If there is a problem with one part of the body, it can affect other areas in the anatomy. Also, changes in the environment can have an affect on the body rhythms and cause illness.

My first experience with Chinese Medicine was when I first moved to Hawaii 18 years ago. I went to a Chinese friend's home for dinner. I had just moved here from a third world country and had experienced a few health problems. He brought out an instrument that he told me would give him a diagnosis of anything wrong in my body. He is a school teacher, so I was a bit skeptical about it, but thought it might be fun anyway.

He explained that the human ear is just like a reverse fetus. According to the theory of Chinese Traditional medicine, each human organ has a corresponding point on the ear. If a certain organ has any disease or changes, it will emit a bio-electrical current from the corresponding point in the ear. By listening to the instrument carefully, a person can detect if there is a problem in any area of the body.

So my Chinese friend moved a little stylus over every part of one of my ears listening intently for any changes in his Hua-han electronic acupuncture device. It tickled a bit, but did not hurt at all. To my amazement and wonder, when he was finished, he asked me if I had liver problems. I told him that I had hepatitis B while I was living in the South Pacific islands and had been very sick with it. I have since been told I have PBC Pulmonary Biliary Cirrhosis. Then he asked if I had trouble with my knee joint. I injured my left knee severely as a young lady and have had trouble with it ever since for which I have been told I need a knee replacement.

He further explained that diseases are caused by a block of meridian channels in our body. The block causes pain. If there is no block, then there is no pain. The instrument he used picked up the bio-electric currents and he could hear that those two areas, my liver and knee, were indeed blocked. I was beside myself because I had not mentioned anything about my hepatitis or knee problems before I got there. It seemed magical to me.

I have since read quite a bit about Chinese Medicine. They believe that the body's vital energy (chi or qi) circulates through channels called meridians. If there is an imbalance or interruption of this vital energy, illness or disease results.

Chinese claim that over 200 kinds of disorders have been treated with ear acupuncture with an 85 percent effectiveness rate. Sometimes they add electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles to treat disease. Chinese commonly practice self massage of the ears on a daily basis to prevent disease which certainly couldn't hurt and may actually work.

I have not had acupuncture, but believe it may work according to my experience with my Chinese friend. Acupuncture is used to restore balance of the chi in the body. Of all that I have learned about Chinese medicine, the theory behind auricular acupuncture is the most interesting to me. Too bad it has gotten a bad rap from the Western world. The Chinese have treated disease by using points on the ear for centuries.

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