Um yeah…nice shirt #hichina15

A photo posted by @geewhy on Jun 25, 2015 at 12:53am PDT

So my shoe tech of choice for trips has been Nike’s Air Max, preferably a full length Air Max setup ala Air Max 360. Several years back, the red-bubbled Air Trainer 1.3 protected my feet at Disneyland. In 2013, the Perry the Platypus-colored Air Max 90 rocked Alaska and Disneyland. Last year for HIChina15, I was hoping for the Nike Air Max PacFly but could never find them so instead, the old faithful (and Air Max-ed out) Griffey’s traveled China. But in 2016, finding a full length Air Max is not that easy.

As a default, there’s the annual Air Max runners but the 2015 didn’t feel right in the right places. Only old school retro Barkley’s and Chris Webber’s included Air Max in the forefoot. However, these were full priced and bulky so I passed them over. But I would have considered the crazy olive, bright crimson color way of the Webber/Air Max Sensation if I saw them.

Anyways to get back on track, I couldn’t find a suitable Air Max shoe to provide that endurance and support I like while on travel. So instead, I looked elsewhere and saw that popular Adidas Ultra Boost runners were available in a stability model, the Adidas Ultra Boost ST. While there’s a general consensus of the plush ride of the Ultra Boost, the regular models don’t work with my flat arches but a stability model addresses the shortcomings so I committed and went with Boost over Air Max.

What can I say other than not bad at all. Yep, the prices of the Ultra Boost are still at a premium, but I wanted to see what the hype was about. Ultra Boost did not disappoint and provided a soft cushioned ride. A running shoe, the Ultra Boost ST isn’t made to take a daily beating, but it held up fine while traveling even through light rock climbing, hiking through slushy trails, and walking miles of amusement parks. Along with the mega-padded Boost, Adidas’ Primeknit is definitely a draw. Supple, form fitting, and breathable, I love the knit upper and have gotten spoiled by it great qualities. The sizing of the ST seemed half a size big at first and not true to size, but I went with my typical size 10 though it seemed like I could have gone with a 9.5.

In general, Boost provides a different feel than Air Max, and I’m not sure which I like better. The Boost is pillowy while the Air Max feels more solid. To me, the Boost is passive, absorbing the weight and pressure via the foam nodules. Air Max seems aggressive with the encapsulated air fighting back against your weight creating a supporting underlying structure. There’s less of a sinking in feeling with Air Max compared to Boost. While it’s purely preferential, the stance provided by the Air Max just feels more supportive, creating a solid foot bed.

But hey, you really can’t go wrong with either. But since Ultra Boost is now the marquee of Adidas, it’ll be some time before discounted Ultra Boosts show up. You can find regular Boost shoes at a cheaper price but not yet with the Ultra Boost. Air Max, on the other hand, should be easier to find on clearance, but you’d just need to see if those Air Maxes work for you and your feet.

I’m still undecided over Boost or Air Max. Right now, if I find the right Air Max, I’d go that route with the nod to that solid base and slight fit issues with Adidas.

There’s the Starbucks Halloween-themed Frappula. Pictures from #HIChina15, especially the Great Wall, were popular. I see a few pictures from the July 4th fireworks show at Kailua Beach, the Iolani Fair, the Holei Sea Arch on the Big Island, and French fries that I can’t place. The biggest surprise is that Star Wars crochet book from Costco.  Never would have guessed book would be in my best nine. How’s yours look?

I don’t understand why, but here is part of my screenshot of the search results.

I’m afraid to look further…

Before heading out for our #HIChina15 tour, I looked up Starbucks locations near our hotels. Luckily, one of the newest Starbucks flagship stores in China is at the Kerry Center. This two story location features a very unique interior design with coffee bars on both floors.

It’s here I sampled the Discover a Sip of Summer promotions exclusive to China. Being late in the evening, I opted for the less caffeinated Summer Berry Italian Panna Cotta Frappuccino. As you can expect, this drink is sweet, and the panna cotta layer was akin to drinking a boba or jelly drink. Kinda distracting sucking up a chunk of jelly when you’re not expecting it. And yes, it was very berry-ful tasting.

For those who are fearful of drinking the water in China, don’t worry. This Starbucks location offers up filtered water from a stone basin.

Check out a few more pictures of the Starbucks Kerry Center location.

The kickoff to our family trip to China, Macau, and Hong Kong was marred with the threat of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Planned months in advance, this trip was going to happen and unfortunately, the outbreak of MERS coincided with our #hichina15 travel plans. Flying on Korean Airlines, there was a short one hour stop over in Korea, transiting to China.

These N95 rated respirator masks may have been too much but they were reviewed well for pollution and sickness.

The Story

• My Contribution to “Oblivious People in Asia Wearing Racy English T-Shirts”
  While cruising in China during the summer of 2015, I saw this native wearing this shirt which is my personal contribution to Oblivious People in Asia Wearing Racy English T-Shirts. Um yeah…nice shirt #hichina15 A photo posted by @geewhy on Jun 25, 2015 at 12:53am PDT
• What Does Origami from Starbucks Look Like?
  Of course origami from Starbucks is not going to be your typical folding paper. Instead, origami from Starbucks looks like this. Starbucks Origami is a personal drip, single serve coffee in a foldout packet. Assemble the packet above a cup, pour in hot water, and get fresh brewed coffee. Convenient, fast, ...
• A Dew is a Dew
  Seemingly, no matter where you go a Dew is a Dew is a Dew. Even in China, I knew this drink was a Mountain Dew (even with the hyper-neon bottle).
• Starbucks Incheon Airport
  Being stuck in South Korea in the Incheon area for a day wasn’t such a bad situation afterall. There’s enough to keep you occupied, and the Incheon Airport itself is huge with many shops to pass the time. Of course there has to be a Starbucks at an airport, especially ...
• Missed Out on Jipangyi
  While stuck in South Korea for a day due to plane problems, I saw this at the Grand Hyatt pool side snack bar and didn’t know what it was. What was this candy cane shaped item? Turns out, this “candy cane” is actually upside down and is supposed to be oriented ...
• Starbucks Nathan Road, Hong Kong
  One block away from BP International in Hong Kong is a seemingly small Starbucks location on Nathan Road. Once you enter however, you’ll see a Starbucks about twice as big as regular shops. There’s the front window section which is typically sized. Then there’s the coffee bar. Then there’s the ...
• Starbucks Ristretto Bianco
  While in China and Hong Kong, I noticed a few different menu items at local Starbucks. One of these items was a Ristretto Bianco drink. Not knowing what it was, I ordered it. After a few sips, I thought to myself, “flat white.” Sure, enough, Ristretto espresso shots and foamy ...
• Searching Amazon for Samsonite Replacement Luggage Wheels
  Our Samsonite luggage took a beating on the many HIChina15 plane rides. So much so that one wheel’s outer covering was lost, and the other is starting to split. I know you can replace the roller wheels so I searched Amazon for “samsonite replacement luggage wheels.” I don’t understand why, but ...
• Starbucks Venetian Macau
  Before you enter the casino area at the Venetian Hotel in Macau, you need a boost to fortify your gambling frame of mind. No better way than making a stop at the 24-hour Starbucks right next to the casino entry. A good sized location but not huge, but no matter if ...
• Starbucks Kerry Center, Beijing China
  Before heading out for our #HIChina15 tour, I looked up Starbucks locations near our hotels. Luckily, one of the newest Starbucks flagship stores in China is at the Kerry Center. This two story location features a very unique interior design with coffee bars on both floors. It’s here I sampled the ...
• #HIChina15 Begins with the Threat of MERS
  The kickoff to our family trip to China, Macau, and Hong Kong was marred with the threat of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Planned months in advance, this trip was going to happen and unfortunately, the outbreak of MERS coincided with our #hichina15 travel plans. Flying on Korean Airlines, there ...
• Nike HyperFresh
  Really, it’s HyperFr3sh with the number 3 replacing the letter “e” but you know what Nike means. Kinda interesting looking, but I passed. Not a fan of that fat heel look though I like that tropical motif. Available in Hong Kong right now and supposedly coming to the States in July.
• White Flower Oil Cures All
  So this white flower oil mentioned on Fresh Off the Boat is a real product, even sold on Amazon. You down with the Bak Fah Yeow?

The Inventory

Ceptics GP-5PK International Travel Worldwide Plug Adapter Set

Monster MP OTG400 BK Outlets To Go Power Strip – 4 AC Outlets – Black

Selfie Stick for use with GoPro – iPhone/Android/Samsung Galaxy and Digital Cameras! Rugged POV Telescoping Aluminum Pole Extension Mount – Accessory Rod – Compact Monopod

B+W 72mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Coating