Hilo Obon Dance Festival

Obon Dance at Sangha Hall in Hilo 2012. Images capture the raw, flowing and impressionistic expressions of participates during the dance ceremony.

©Noel Morata, All rights reserved

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Floral Tribute

 

A beautiful day by the bay in Hilo

Coconut island was full of children playing in the water and jumping from

towers into the warm pools below.

 

 

 

 

Along the shoreline, a private celebration of a dear friend’s passing and the flower

tributes taking place on the water.

 

 

 

Its beautiful and a sweet remembrance of a beautiful person’s spirit.

 

I’m so grateful for the day and to have know a beautiful person filled with aloha named Judy.

San Francisaco - Neighborhood Strolls

(Team spirit showing up at a local bar)

 

 

When visiting the city, I enjoy walking the different neighborhoods and seeing all the quirky street life, the graphic elements, eclectic visuals and the funny images that I see on my strolls around the various parts of town.

A recent walk around Noe Valley to the Mission was very entertaining and filled with visuals.

 

I love seeing old signs that are still functional and in use.

 

 

Gorgeous abstract mural on the side of a café in Noe Valley

 

 

Inside a funky coffee shop ala ‘Tom Jones’.

 

Blowing bubbles and selling blow ups

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to try a flavor but couldn't make up my mind so I took a photo instead.

 

 

A favorite deli on Valencia, this is a huge sign on the side of the store makes me want to come in every time.

 

 

 

A drug store gone trendy bistro.

 

love the old graphic details to this iconic label

 

 

A repurposed planter and jack into a light in one of the cool funky shops.

 

 

I totally loved the vibe of this wall, spring is in the air.....

 

 

A nice walk, I totally enjoyed the day seeing new things and visiting some old favorite spots.

New Mexican Cuisine

Its always a treat to try something new to eat and our International Cooking group just love trying different cuisines to cook and then gather and eat, eat and then eat some more.




Doesn't this baked shrimp with fresh shucked corn look delicious - and it was!

Tonight's theme is New Mexican Cuisine which is very distinctive in combinations and spices.

Some members bring their dishes fully prepared and other's come and cook right at
the event so the food will be fresh  and oh so hot from the stove







An interesting appetizer with hot green chilies, cheddar cheese and lots of butter with the foccacia

I got to sample this yummy margarita in a bottle, pretty and quite good.

Nothing beats baked pork and spice mole sauce.

Or how about trying this savory cheesecake with different colored peppers?

Just waiting to start the eating frenzy, in a moment of calm.

The dessert was also unusual with this bread pudding made with raisins, 12 grain bread, maple syrup, white cheddar cheese and lots of butter and the a dollop of yogurt on top.

Hula at Volcanoes National Park

 

You never know what to expect weather wise when the monthly hula performances at Volcanoes National park are shown outdoors overlooking the beautiful caldera. Today had everything, winds, mist, intense rain, sun, nice filtered light and combinations of all the above.

The dancing on the other hand was nothing short of breath taking, hula story telling and dancing at its finest and most exciting to see.

 

 

 

Traditional kahiko performances which is the ancient way of dancing in Hawaii were presented with beautiful adornments and leis.

 

 

The hands really do tell the story in their hula.

 

 

 

 

As you can see the from the photos, the dancers were so into their story telling and love of dancing hula. It was a special moment even in harsh outdoor elements to enjoy this ceremony.

 

If you come visit, check out the calendar at Volcanoes National Park for their monthly hula performances, they are really special and worth seeing.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

 

Wearing or making leis today is special as the first day in May is our lei day and lei celebrations happen throughout the islands.

 

There are so many different types of leis from very simple strands to very elaborate displays.

 

Of course, the scented leis like the plumerias below just add to the special feeling and smell of wearing one of these beautiful leis today.

 

 

Orchid leis below are made with many flowers and are colorful and dramatic to wear.

 

Its fun to have events and tokens to celebrate days like Lei Day in Hawaii. Have a great May lei day!