Maui Three

After the breakfast, we spent sometime at the terrace from the living room. Yes, we are at a suite this time.
While it was still not too hot, we spent a few hours at the pool side under the shade.

Maui Two

Early start by walking on the beach in front of the hotel. 5 o or more big hotels next to us. I have to say the view from our room could be the best.
Breakfast at the lounge with the other side, golf courses view.
Nice.

Maui One

A morning flight from Portland took us to this.
First time to be on this island. We will see many over several days.
A view from our room. Close to the waves.

Portland Eight

Our last meal was at an unique restaurant we found. They have only brick oven to cook, meaning no traditional stove.
Fantastic fish dishes.
Instead of deserts at the restaurant, 3 scoops of ice cream. Super rich traditional American ice cream.

Portland Seven

The park also had a rose garden holding over 600 varieties. This flower was at the perfect state.
Lunch at Mother's where comfort food is served. Chandelier decoration is therir signature style.

Portland Six

Early start at the Washington park this morning as a heat wave was approaching.
Kyoto here, NO. It is one of most authentic Japanese gardens I have visited. Trees naturally grow here are nicely blended in.

Portland Five

Dinner at an interesting upcoming neighborhood. Pork cheek dish and cajun meatloaf. All with Apple cider, which is alcohol.
Their famous potato chocolate donut for desert. Twice a day.

Portland Four

To me this is so Portland. We enjoyed him playing the piano for a while. Perfect to be outdoor under the shade.

Portland Three

Famous donut place we really wanted to try. Very unique flavors including the ones we tried. Mexican chocolate with a hint of pepper.

Portland Two

Food trucks are famous here and this is what we chose for our first lunch.
Thai chicken and Pad Thai from two vendors. Eating at near park was perfect. Many others were doing the same. Thai chicken was my favorite and I will surely try home sometime.

Portland One

Our first stop is Portland Oregon. To get the bearing, we walked to the other side of the river.
Several bridges connecting both sides. One of them had two train paths on top each other.

New York Botanical Garden Three

You can't believe that you are in the city except the noise you constantly hear.

New York Botanical Garden Two

A beautibul and big conservatory to see many varieties of flowers and plants from the Americas.
After the heat wave left yesterday, walking outside was rather nice than hot. A great choice to find something new.

New York Botanical Garden One

We decided to try something new. After living here for decades we have never visited this, so we combined with Arthur ave. where you can find many Italian restaurants.
Fried calamari salad and clam pasta for me. Pretty authentic Italian to me.

Curry Dinner

To beat the heat wave, we cooked curry a la Thai.
With coconut milk, we call it a la Thai. We used the curry powder from middle east so a bit different from Japanese curry.

Our Dinner

Both were at the table this time. It got a bit warm and steamy so something spicy to offset.
Still no meat but just tofu and fish/seafood. Nothing better than home cooking especially after eating salads last several days.

First Day of Holidy

My 3 week summer holiday started from today. We will be hanging out in NYC for a while till going to the vacation.
I was alone for lunch so it can't be as Japanese as these dishes.
Not so warm but cold noodle surely made me feel summer.

Another Dutch Town

After working 5 days at the office, I did not have energy to drive two hours to Belgium. I settled for a little town not so far from Amsterdam.
Really nice weather here and food was good too.