The One Place of Dreams
I have no idea what this means, so if anyone can explain this…
Yes, this sign is really above a toilet and seen below. So is the toilet the one place where one can dream?
The End Is Near!
The signs of the apocalypse are mounting. This past week, the stalwart escalators of Ala Moana, the “flat” ones near Macys, actually broke down. These were seemingly the most reliable set of escalators in the entire mall. I’ve even seen the newer ones near Nordstrom being repaired, but those flat ones just kept on running.
Another sign is the disapperance of the Hoy Hoy Trap a Roach. These popular and effective roach traps are not available in stores as the roaches reign in this hot and humid weather.
The end is near!!
The Curb Now in Kailua
Wow, the shakeup of small businesses in Kailua just doesn’t stop. Sadly, Island Yogurt is leaving the Windward neighborhood, but Bee & Tea from Chicago opened their first Hawaii store on the same Hekili Street. Also opening on Hekili is The Curb that’s “keeping it fresh, hot, and cool with intentional coffee.”
Now I don’t quite understand their tagline, but hey, I’ll try some coffe with intention. The Kailua location just opened on Wednesday, so they’re still working out some issues on their fourth business day. Umm, yeah, gotta get a trash can inside the store and also an area with napkins would be good. But that wall art is cool, and I do really dig the whale wallpaper.
Their menu is tight and focused, and I went with a nitro cold brew since I don’t know where else I can find this on the Windward side. I’ve never had the foaminess of a nitro, but it’s interesting. There’s a different feel to this drink and subtle flavor changes to this cold brew. I’m not sure if this drink is for me though.
Next time, I’ll go for an espresso drink and fill my Belly.
Bee & Tea Beckons the Age of Milk Tea in Kailua
So the Age of Froyo is done after a seven-year war. Following froyo is the Age of Milk Tea. Already popular in town, Kailua joins this era with the introduction of Bee & Tea. I won’t go into the store’s background and menu since you can read great coverage here and here.
Only open one week, the store was buzzing with patrons inhaling their boba-filled drinks.
Yeah, I’m no fan of boba or milk tea drinks, preferring my coffee, so I opted for a lemonade instead. But hey, that lemonade with lychee and mango was worth it! Refreshing with the sour bite offset by the sweet lychee and mango jelly. The jellies weren’t mushy either. They were firm, holding their shape, some even in the shape of little stars. Heck, as I neared the bottom of my drink, I got a spoon out to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
The Bee & Tea menu is kinda overwhelming with drinks alone. Milk tea, cold brew coffee, shakes, smoothies – there’s a lot to look through. Personally, I think they should forgo the coffee offerings since there are so many other coffee options in the area, even a few doors down with the opening of The Curb. There’s also bao served, and really, I don’t get it. I guess the bao is a complementary food item that is the savory to the drinks’ sweetness? I just don’t envision the crowds coming to Bee & Tea for bao. But then again, I’m terrible at predicting food wants.
I do have to go back and try one of the signature milk teas, but until then, here are some pictures of Bee & Tea Kailua.
You can also follow Bee & Tea Kailua on Instagram @beeandteakailua and Facebook.
Island Yogurt Kailua Closing
Went for some froyo today at Island Yogurt in Kailua only to see this sign.
While we don’t froyo often, Island Yogurt was our go to spot with a variety of flavors and convenient parking. They’ve been there for several years (well as Orange Tree originally) but the rent just got too high.
When the Froyo Wars started in 2009, I wondered who would make it and who wouldn’t. From the list of contenders, I honestly don’t know who’s left standing, but Yogurt Mama is still holding it down in Kailua.
The Age of Froyo is essentially done superceded by the Age of Milk Tea and the continued climb of coffee…
NYDC16 Observations
So what other nuances did I observe on the East Coast in DC and NYC?
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Well, I already mentioned that Five Guys Burgers and Fries is nothing new. Unlike Hawaii where lines were constantly long, there were no lines at many of the Five Guys we passed.
Jordan Retros and Nike Foamposites
While Nike Roshes were very popular in DC, what surprised me in New York was the number of retro Jordans and Foamposites that I saw. Retro Jordans were everywhere. Even cleaning crews at Grand Central rocked the Jordans. The Jordan 8, the Jordan 6, and the Jordan 4 were pretty popular.
Unique Apple Stores
I only saw one Apple Store in DC, the one in Georgetown. On the outside and immediate interior, this location was similar to other Apple Stores. But in the back, there’s this spartan, sunlit area that’s distinctive compared to the rest of the store.
However, in New York, Apple Stores seem to have their own unique identity. I mentioned the Grand Central location that is part of the station.
While riding the bus, I got to see the glass cube at Fifth Avenue and then later, the glass corner of the Upper West Side. On the way to the MET, we passed the classic architecture of the Upper East Side. Each has its own wow factor.
Apple Pay Is Expanding
Seemingly there’s a push for businesses to adopt Apple Pay. Many vendors had signs promoting the use of Apple Pay. Levain Bakery is one of those…that I used twice.
White Earbuds
Back in the day when Apple introduced the game-changing iPod with white earbuds, who knew that the color white would be so distinguishable. Years later, white earbuds are still popular as seen on a sampling of subway riders.
Squirrels Are Aggressive
Some squirrels have gotten too accustomed to people and are even aggressive when looking for food. I thought this guy was going to launch himself at us and our food.
Police Are Everywhere
In both DC and NYC, the police are everywhere and everywhere else. There’s a sprinkling of military personnel also. The amount of security in Grand Central was kinda surreal with armed police or guards at entrances and patrolling the area.
With all that people and all there is to do at all hours in the city that never sleeps, I tip my hat to the NYPD.
Vineyard Vines
So apparently Vineyard Vines is a thing on the East Coast. Their clothes are just too bright and preppy for me, but this trucker hat on clearance beckoned to me. I doubt this brand could make it in Hawaii.
Returned my Air Max Lunar1
In July/August 2014, I was stoked that I was stocked with the Nike Air Max Lunar1.
The Lunar update of the Air Max 1 has been awesome (and stylish too), but the other day, this happened. A part of the outsole separated from the shoe itself. I thought I had something stuck to the bottom of my shoe as I was walking, but it was the shoe itself!
Not major, but from what I can remember, this is the first time I encountered a defect like this. Sure it’s years later, but usually, my Nikes are retired after too much wear and tear. Anyways, after posting my pic on social media, I get a response from Nike via @nikestore. After exchanging some information, I submitted for a return.
@geewhy Got it. Let's have you start the online return process here: https://t.co/vxBneOJ8Gf
— Nike.com (@nikestore) July 24, 2016
My original shoe purchase is right over the two-year warranty period, so I don’t know if my return will be accepted. But at this point, what’s there to lose? I could glue back the outsole, but I think that’s really an indication that other parts of the shoe are failing. We’ll see what happens…
NYDC16 Necessities
Before I forget (heck, I probably already forgot), here are some useful necessities when touring Washington DC and New York.
- Apple Watch
- Google Maps and Apple Maps
- Battery pack
- Small camera
- Yelp
- Adidas Ultra Boost ST
- Coolmax socks
Apple Watch
I had just gotten my Apple Watch before our NYDC16 trip and it was good timing. Although I was still learning about the watch, the basics wear easy enough to figure out. The most useful feature had to have been the turn-by-turn navigation relayed from my iPhone. Not having to bring out my iPhone to get directions was such a bonus. A tap and a bing, and I knew it was time to look at my watch for further instructions. So easy. So convenient.
Google Maps and Apple Maps
Do you remember navigating via a fold out paper map and trying to get somewhere? Hopefully not since those days are gone with the use of Google Maps and Apple Maps. With the additon of public transportation, it was considerably easier to find the best route and transportation option from point A to point B.
For our trip, I used a combination of both map apps. I thought Google Maps provide the best route. Maybe not the most efficient route but overall the best. Sometimes Apple Maps would lead me through some sketchy areas and/or a roundabout path. Google Maps seemed to lead me on the most used (and therefore safer) path. But I liked Apple Maps to see what was around me. Not exactly sure why but I found it easier to discover surrounding businesses using Apple Maps. Maybe that’s why Google just updated their Maps interface.
Battery Pack
With my heavy reliance on mapping apps, needless to say my iPhone 6 battery drained quickly. Much too quickly. Frequent signal drops especially when riding the subway contributed to additional battery drain. Luckily I brought my (large) battery pack. This one was way too large to carry easily, and I would have preferred a more compact size. I didn’t bring the charging cable for this pack, but luckily it lasted for the entire #NYDC16 trip without needing a recharge.
Small Camera
I struggled with this. Do I bring my Canon DSLR or rely solely on my iPhone camera? Size, weight, convenience, and image quality were all considerations, so in the end, I did bring my DSLR but didn’t enjoy carrying it around. There was just too much walking and mobility needed where the DSLR got in the way or became a burden. Sure, the pictures were better, but it was just a hassle to bring out the DSLR for a shot. The tiny iPhone was easier to manuever, but distant pictures didn’t stand a chance.
The compromise then is to get a compact digital point and shoot camera. Something like the Canon PowerShot G9x. Easily fits in pants pockets yet has a big sensor for great pictures. The biggest drawbacks are price ($450) and the need of yet another camera. Do you really want to pay $400+ for one more camera? I now think it’s a worthwhile investment after handling the heft of a Canon body.
Yelp
You gotta eat and unless you like eating the same thing every day, you need Yelp to help sort through all the restaurants in DC and NYC. There are so many 4+ rated food establishments giving you daily options and varieites, so do yourself a culinary favor and sample some flavors.
Adidas UltraBoost ST
What can I say? Adidas’ Boost technology sure was comfortable for all the miles of walking. Though I think I need the Boost to be a bit firmer for me. Even the stability ST model could have been firmer, or really, am I just requesting Nike Air Max? For sure though, knitted uppers ala Adidas PrimeKnit or Nike FlyKnit is definitely a must. Cool, ventilated, and supple, it’s hard to wear any other materials.
Coolmax Socks
If you have ventilated shoes featuring a knitted upper, then it only makes sense to get socks with Coolmax. Fabric featuring Coolmax pulls moisture away from your body so while your socks may feel damp from all that walking, just know that the dampness is drying out and not trapped in your socks and feet. The cushioning of Coolmax socks doesn’t stay compressed either so each step feels just a little bit springy.
Apple Watch Stand Shopping
Looking for a stand for my Apple Watch. Right now, the best selling stand on Amazon is a bamboo block cut to hold the watch and an iPhone. Kinda cool and very affordable, but I’m looking for something a little more modern looking, so I’m going with the still-affordable LXORY XStand. It’s that orange highlights that won me over. 😉
NYDC16 Day 12: Epilogue
Our starting NYDC16 flight was direct, but this was not the case for our return flight. Instead, this flight started at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
After an unexpectedly extended layover, a replacement aircraft took us to LAX. Funnily, we had bought goodies from Chinatown in New York to tide us over during all these connecting flights. But the box remained closed for the entire trip. So these guys went from the East Coast to mid-USA. Then to the West Coast and over the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. Still good!
What does walking in DC and NYC look like from a statistics point of view? Look at the cluster of bars approaching 12 daily miles before and after July 6.
Until next time, NYDC16.
NYDC16 Day 11: Liberty, Library, Levain
Our last day in New York and our last CityPass stop was the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. There’s not much to say other than this.
Okay, I do have something else to say. Do these canine cutouts actually work?
Unfortuantely, we couldn’t get tickets for pedestal access or climbing Lady Liberty, but the audio tour of the island is pretty good. Bring earbuds to make listening easier.
Then it was off to Ellis Island which is larger than I expected. Hard to imagine all the immigrants processing through this hall.
Then having to face the decision marked by “The Stairs of Separation.”
Back in Manhattan, we along with the Ghostbusters visited the massive public library.
I like how Ecto 1 has a swimming pool ladder, a beer keg, a rolled up garden hose, and a bullhorn.
The library’s store has some interesting items for purchase.
Oh by the way, the Derrick Rose Knicks numbered shirt finally had large sizes back in stock at the NBA Store, a few blocks from the library.
Visited Grand Central Station one more time (and another quick bite) then walked back to Times Square.
At Champs Sports, I finally saw the Adidas CrazyBoost Light 2016, but they only carried the red or white colorways, no black.
But really, I did not see one pair of the (new) CrazyBoost Light on feet while in NYC. What I did see were a ton of Nike Roshes, lots of Air Jordan Retros, and surprisingly, a whole bunch of Foamposites. Foamposites! A blast from the past that is still made but hasn’t seen any innovations in recent times. Now, I’m hunting for discounted Foamposites at Ross.
Got thirsty so stopped in Starbucks to try out their new Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato. Frighteningly, the barrista didn’t know what the drink was or how to make it. Admittedly, the drink had debuted that week, but for as many people there are in New York, I would have figured another patron ordered the CMMM. The drink tasted fine, but I wasn’t sure if truly was a CMMM.
Took the subway north to get bagels then had to check out Central Park before we left. Oh hey, Levain Bakery is close by…
Cookies and bagels in (crowded) Central Park.
It was past seven as we waited for the bus to come.
Back at home base, we packed up for one last NYDC16 sunset.
“Love, Hawaii” from Starbucks
I almost walked past this Starbucks collection, exclusive to Hawaii.
How could I have missed these bright yellow colors?!
This pineapple shaped tumbler has to be the best of the bunch.
