Oahu Hawaii

Today was our one and only sight seeing day with a car. Michael drove around a portion of the island with multiple stops. 

First up was Nu'Uanu Pali Lookout. It was very windy but a pretty view. 

Next up was Ho'Omaluhia Botanical Gardens. I thought this red bamboo was interesting. 

Cacao tree for my love of chocolate. 

I forgot the name of the lake in the botanical gardens but it was teaming with life; ducks and koi. 

We are not sure what the fish were but we are guessing koi. 

I thought this bird was interesting, it has red around the eyes. 

We followed the hiking path which came to this clearing, we were the only ones around. It was very peaceful. 

Continuing on around the island, Makapu'U Beach.

Waimanalo Beach. This side of the island the water was a beautiful teal blue. 

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. 

One of the many foods we tried and shared with friends. Malasadas are Portuguese fried donuts. Aloha, until next time. 

Hawaii with Friends

 

We met up with one of my previous work mates and we spent the day with her. I also have proof that I do drink on occasion. If was a fun day and a nice surprise. 

Oahu Hawaii

 

View from out hotel. We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. 

My ongoing goal to visit local libraries. Waikiki Kapahulu Library.

We have been searching out chocolate stores on our vacations, I wonder why? These chocolates were a work of art from Waikiki Chocolates. We picked Lychee caramel hazelnut praline, Yuzu marmalade hazelnut praline, Orange marzipan.

Michael took me to the Ritz Carlton for dinner. This was his starter salad which looked like a work of art. 

I chose the risotto for my starter with shaved truffles, it was equally as beautiful. 

Michael got duck for his entree. 

I had the fish and the chef poured the broth around it at the table. 

Desserts were pretty too. This one was our favorite. 

Our first day in Hawaii was lovely. 

Idaho State Penitentiary

 Michael takes me only to the best places :) 

In 1867, the U.S. Congress appropriated funds to construct a new territorial prison, one of the first structures in the Boise Valley built with federal funds. This site was chosen at the edge of the Boise foothills due to the abundance of sandstone. The building was completed by the end of 1870. It was in use until the riots over conditions in 1971. 

It was a chilly day and we were all bundled up. 

Margi and Howard 'locked up'. I think this would make a funny holiday card. 

Margi checking out the sleeping quarters. 

My on going love affair with "We Can Do It!" sign. 

Guard tower. From 1893-1894 inmates quarried rock from the foothills and build the prison walls. Warden J. P. Campbell implemented the use of inmate labor to keep inmates busy and cut labor costs. 

The Cooler 1923. Originally these punishment cells held up to five men in each of the six rooms. 

Burned out buildings from the riots. 

And so it ends our first trip to Meridian and Boise Idaho. 

Boise, Idaho

 We spent the day in downtown Boise. 

Capital building. We were able to go inside as there was an event for Martin Luther King, Jr day. 

Open-air, multi-artist mural gallery. https://www.freakalleyboise.com/

My ongoing tradition to take photos at the local library. This is Boise Public Library which was closed for the holiday. 

I bought an assortment of chocolate at this chocolate bar. We are staying in the city of Meridian and here are a few factoids. The city of Meridian was founded in 1892. Meridian is the second largest city in Idaho and the third fastest growing city in the U.S. Meridian's slogan: "Built for business, designed for living."

Las Vegas

 

Red Rock Canyon.

Bagelmania.

Diana Exhibit. 

Las Vegas trip December 2022. We stayed at the Encore Hotel. The Diana Exhibit was on my wish list.