I am home!!!!!

I had a wonderful two and half weeks in London but it feels so good to be back in the islands. I am an island girl. As soon as the plane landed in Lihue I loved the air and feel

of Kauai. The flight from LAX took 4 1/2 hours. I slept all the way so felt rested. The flight from London toLAX was long about 11 hours so I walked the aisles up and down at least several times and when I found a space large enough did Qigong which really helped.

Rick Foulks picked up me up at 9:30pm and when we got to Waimea where he lives I was able to drive myself home. I looked at my wrist watch it was 10:30pm.  The sky was full of  stars so I decided to take a short walk to the end of my street and back. I took a flash light and surveyed my yard. Debbie Olores, my yard keeper usually comes the first week of  the month. Wow I was so pleased she had done a great job of  trimming all my trees and lawn.  This trip I gave myself enough time to give my house a good cleaning to make sure Rick had a clean house move into so it felt so

good to come back to a clean house and yard.

I was eager to get back to Salt Pond so both

Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday I was able jump into the ocean and swim. Tuesday I got back to Bible study class and Wednesday choir lab. Today is Thursday. I met my hula sister Schar Freeman at 6:00 am at Salt Pond County Park to join her in her morning walk. And what a treat.  We listened to water birds singing and watched as night changed to dawn. We stopped to take photos as the sky became ablazed with brilliant reds and orange. WOW!!!! What magnificents!!!!  I also got lessens from. Schar how to take photos like she does.  To complete our beautiful morning together we had breakfast at Kalaheo Cafe.

I came home to enjoy a nice nap on my hammock.  Tonight we look forward to attending the opening night of the Hawaii International Film Festival.  It is dinner and showing of the epic voyage of the Hokulaea

and  fundraiser for the Waimea Kilohana Canoe club.

It feels so good to be home.

Joanne 

(Backup)

Today is my last full day in UK

I spent two full full two weeks here. Two days with Josie staying at her beautiful house and conservatory and yard. Dinner at a Indian restaurant and a real English Pub.

A beautiful ride on a red double decker bus to Richmond Park to spend time with a herd of deers then having dinner in China town.

Going to the outskirts of London to meet her new English family. Sarwat always hoped to find a family with pets and this family has three dogs. Sarwat got an internship in a boutique with sells name brand secondhand clothing.

The same day we went to Coral Reef which is an inside Water world which includes swimming pool, slides, sauna, stream room,jacuzzi and gym. After spending three hours in there we felt completely relaxed. If we had time we would have loved to go back again.

After going out everyday for 6 days we decided we need to stay home and rest.

 Next day we went to Victoria/Albert museum

and spent all afternoon and evening there.

I was so beat that I rested while Sarwat went to see the special exhibit on Art Inspired by Nature. She was elated when she got back. After that she wanted to see a movie. The movie she picked was “Halloween “ a horror movie. Ugg I had my eyes closed most of the time.  We did not get home until 1:30am

Next day we spent part of the at a large shopping mall and eat at very nice Persian Restaurant. I really enjoyed their food.

As we walked home we went in a very interesting Arab super market. I could not resist buying things just to see how they tasted.

My eyes are getting blurred so I need to stop.

Aloha & Adios Amigos Joanne 

(Backup) Moving day to Sarwat’s uncles place

Friday Nov 9, 2018

Sarwat’s been packing since Wed. I suggested we aim to be completely packed by Thru. and leave Fri. Free or whatever we had forgotten.

When Sarwat went out to the post office and hospital to return some  equipment she borrowed when she hurt her leg I stayed back and tried to see if I could consolidate things to lessen the items that need to be transported.

She kept the box for a steamer she bought. After not being able to put it back in the box

She gave up saying She doesn’t want to waste her time . I said I will try. If it came in the box it has to fit. She left the room and when she returned she was surprised.that I got it in.

Thursday Nov 8, we took train and  and got off at a large shopping mall in the train station 

Seven stops from Boston Manor. We went to a Mexican place where burritos an Nattos were done like Subway. To your nattos and barritos you could add corn, mushrooms,onions, shredded pork, cubed, cubed beef besides beet ,, cheese and guacamole and taco chips for nattos. I thought that was interesting. The helpings were big and good. I rested in the afternoon and about 7 pm we got on the train again and went to famous Herods. It was very impressive.  The street floor was foods; I can seewhere's the money is going- the high cost is for the marvelous displaying of everything and the wide variety of every product.

It was fun and  interesting . And the signs to the toilet, Christmas displays and one other thing was marked and color coded on the floor. Jarod’s closing time was 9:00 pm which was surprising to me.  But I was glad because I felt more exhausted than usual.  The night before we did get home very late Andre walked a lot because we had trouble findinge i the theater which was showing a stage play “Woman in Black” that Sarwat had a e had a coupon for two for one price.  Sarwat remembered going to a play on Kauai and wanted to see one in London.  When Sarwat shwoke up in the morning she said she had a nightmare. We did not know what this play was about but soon learned it was about ghosts.  We got home very late. I went to bed right away but Sarwat felt she needed to do some packing. This morning she said she couldn’t sleep all night. Interestingly I know several young people who have trouble sleeping.

I had hoped that all packing would be completed by Thursday but we found there was still lots to do today. And it is a good thing her uncle called to say he is coming later.

Sarwat says she really thinks I will enjoy her uncles place which is outside of London.

In three days I will be back on Kauai.  It has been wonderful but I am ready to get back to my old schedule. And I will be happy to shed all this layered clothes. It takes so much time to dress and undress.

Adios Amigos Joanne 

Moving day to Sarwat’s uncles place

Friday Nov 9, 2018

Sarwat’s been packing since Wed. I suggested we aim to be completely packed by Thru. and leave Fri. Free or whatever we had forgotten.

When Sarwat went out to the post office and hospital to return some  equipment she borrowed when she hurt her leg I stayed back and tried to see if I could consolidate things to lessen the items that need to be transported.

She kept the box for a steamer she bought. After not being able to put it back in the box

She gave up saying She doesn’t want to waste her time . I said I will try. If it came in the box it has to fit. She left the room and when she returned she was surprised.that I got it in.

Thursday Nov 8, we took train and  and got off at a large shopping mall in the train station 

Seven stops from Boston Manor. We went to a Mexican place where burritos an Nattos were done like Subway. To your nattos and barritos you could add corn, mushrooms,onions, shredded pork, cubed, cubed beef besides beet ,, cheese and guacamole and taco chips for nattos. I thought that was interesting. The helpings were big and good. I rested in the afternoon and about 7 pm we got on the train again and went to famous Herods. It was very impressive.  The street floor was foods; I can seewhere's the money is going- the high cost is for the marvelous displaying of everything and the wide variety of every product.

It was fun and  interesting . And the signs to the toilet, Christmas displays and one other thing was marked and color coded on the floor. Jarod’s closing time was 9:00 pm which was surprising to me.  But I was glad because I felt more exhausted than usual.  The night before we did get home very late Andre walked a lot because we had trouble findinge i the theater which was showing a stage play “Woman in Black” that Sarwat had a e had a coupon for two for one price.  Sarwat remembered going to a play on Kauai and wanted to see one in London.  When Sarwat shwoke up in the morning she said she had a nightmare. We did not know what this play was about but soon learned it was about ghosts.  We got home very late. I went to bed right away but Sarwat felt she needed to do some packing. This morning she said she couldn’t sleep all night. Interestingly I know several young people who have trouble sleeping.

I had hoped that all packing would be completed by Thursday but we found there was still lots to do today. And it is a good thing her uncle called to say he is coming later.

Sarwat says she really thinks I will enjoy her uncles place which is outside of London.

In three days I will be back on Kauai.  It has been wonderful but I am ready to get back to my old schedule. And I will be happy to shed all this layered clothes. It takes so much time to dress and undress.

Adios Amigos Joanne 

(Backup) (Backup) The Big Day-Graduation Nov 5

I am so glad I came to London for Sarwat’s graduation. It may sound strange but the impulse to go to places I never thought of going seems to come from God. All the people I have met so far and there have been all continents Africa,Asia, Mideast, South America, Europe except the US  have said that I am the first person from Hawaii they have ever met. I made my decisions not knowing how I would get the money to finance it. Each time God made it possible to my surprise. I have unever had to borrow.

By far of all the experiences Graduation Day tops them all. It has been the high light of my trip.  To see Sarwat so elated and happy and meet her classmates and friends and teachers and to discover the philosophy of her university I was deeply impressed. 

GCU, Glasgow Calelonian University is a young modern university, established in 1993 only 25 years old although it’s heritage dates back to 1875 and it’s motto: University for the Common Good. It’s three societal. challenges are:  to build inclusive societies; lead healthy lives and develop sustainable environments. 

The Chancellor is a woman Annie Lennox very young with a very impressive history;

Royal Academician, singer songwriter, social activist and philanthropist. Received many awards in international humanitarianism, the   Noble Women of Peace Award for work on HIV/AIDS prevention, Oscar for four Grammy Awards and other music awards from 

US and Britain and the George Harrison Global Citizen Award. I was also impressed with the speeches of two guest speakers. 

Sir Eric Peacock, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist and Erika Alvarez am Alimnus from Mexico who came to GCU 5 years ago to study international Fashion Marking.

“Erika’s elegent marketing of quality brands is bringing Mexican style to the UK.  Aiming to be fairtrade, Erika strives to give give back to 

Communities in Mexico.”

So it seems to the school tries hard to walk their talk. I am happy Sarwat went to this school and decided to give her a full scholarship. She also received an internship at a Fashion boutique just outside of London. She will start her internship soon after I leave. 

I am so happy she found a room with a nice family. Sarwat took me there to meet the people and the room. It took us about an hour taking the bus and train. 

She needs to clear out of this place by this Friday. We will be staying with her uncle and family just outside of London..On Sunday when I leave she will also leave for her new place.

Sunday November 11 I fly out of London on American at 9:30am stopover in LAX and arrive in Lihue at 9:40 pm on November 11

I am sure I will be dead tired and will need several days to recouperate . I did so much the first few days I haven’t been able to write about it. Until next time Adios amidoes

(Backup) Wednesday Nov 7, 2018

Today is the second day of  cloudy rainy weather. I have been in London for 13 days and all the other days have been clear and sunny. How blessed we have been. 

We did so much the first week :

Oct 29, Mon  walked 1 1/2 miles to Ealing to Specsaver where I spoke to people from Sudan and Ghana. After napping for couple of hours took the bus to another shopping center. I noticed things are much cheaper than Kauai.

I saw in one of the shops on display for tasting

in a wine bottle “Ginger drink” 2 different ingredients the sales girl explained. Sarwat and I tried them and really liked its taste and bought three bottles; one for us and two for gifts for people we were planning to visit.

Oct 30, Tue. Sarwat wanted to see the deers at Richmond Park. I loved the one hour bus ride to park. We drove through forested land almost all the way. We passed Kew Gardens which made me think of Paul Massey who spent several summers as an intern and loved it. I first met Paul at KCC in 2009 in Glenn Hontz’s Permaculture courses. He was a resource instructor.

We got off the bus near a pottery shop similar to Banana Patch in Hanapepe except smaller.

To our surprise we met a Huge and I mean HUGE!!!!! furry friendly black dog. They said he was a Burmise mountain dog. I took several photos but later discovered they were blurry. Sarwat’s phone is much larger than mine and I couldn’t still.

To get to the park we had to walk quite far so I 

had to take a sit down break. But it was very pleasant and peaceful and interesting. I really like the way the English plan things. We saw lots of dog owners walking their dogs. We saw so many different breeds.  Very nice bicycle paths. In town a man in a pastry shop with a serious face warmed us to stay a good distance from the deers because I think he said it was mating season.

Spending time observing the large group of deers in quiet peaceful forest is so relaxing especially after long walk. Occasionally a jogger would pass us. We took many photos.

We took the bus to down town London , ate at China town then headed home on the train.

I am having trouble keeping track of my postings so I may have some duplications.

But my purpose in doing this post is also for myself - a way of  keeping history of my travels.  Adios Amigos Joanne 

(Backup) (Backup) Wednesday Nov 7, 2018

Today is the second day of  cloudy rainy weather. I have been in London for 13 days and all the other days have been clear and sunny. How blessed we have been. 

We did so much the first week :

Oct 29, Mon  walked 1 1/2 miles to Ealing to Specsaver where I spoke to people from Sudan and Ghana. After napping for couple of hours took the bus to another shopping center. I noticed things are much cheaper than Kauai.

I saw in one of the shops on display for tasting

in a wine bottle “Ginger drink” 2 different ingredients the sales girl explained. Sarwat and I tried them and really liked its taste and bought three bottles; one for us and two for gifts for people we were planning to visit.

Oct 30, Tue. Sarwat wanted to see the deers at Richmond Park. I loved the one hour bus ride to park. We drove through forested land almost all the way. We passed Kew Gardens which made me think of Paul Massey who spent several summers as an intern and loved it. I first met Paul at KCC in 2009 in Glenn Hontz’s Permaculture courses. He was a resource instructor.

We got off the bus near a pottery shop similar to Banana Patch in Hanapepe except smaller.

To our surprise we met a Huge and I mean HUGE!!!!! furry friendly black dog. They said he was a Burmise mountain dog. I took several photos but later discovered they were blurry. Sarwat’s phone is much larger than mine and I couldn’t still.

To get to the park we had to walk quite far so I 

had to take a sit down break. But it was very pleasant and peaceful and interesting. I really like the way the English plan things. We saw lots of dog owners walking their dogs. We saw so many different breeds.  Very nice bicycle paths. In town a man in a pastry shop with a serious face warmed us to stay a good distance from the deers because I think he said it was mating season.

I am so glad we got seats on the top level of the red double decker bus. It gives one a good view.

We headed  to China town and looked into a shop that had many Chinese eating. I asked if

they had Choi sum since I didn’t see it on the manu and learned they had a different menu for Chinese. The foods (noodles too) did not look like Hawaii’s. I just ordered 2 dishes 

Choi sum and vegetable chow main. There are many things Sarwat is not allowed to eat So ordering is more difficult . The food taste different here.  Sarwat talked of Chinese ice cream so went find the shop. The shop specializes in extra special ice cream sandwiches. We chose velvet cake/macaroon.

 It took two trains to get home.

What a day!!! Aloha Joanne 

Monday afternoon Oct 29, 2018

After the optical shop we walked to a large mall where Sarwat went H&M to purchase

a blouse to match the dress she was planning to wear at her graduation.  Sarwat collects discount coupons and she had for this store which she otherwise would not have gone. The dress she got at the “charity or what we call thrift shop. Sawart picked up many of my ways. And the British picked up Halloween from Americans said Josie. And they do it even more intensely especially the teens and adults. They paint their faces and dress in elaborate costumes. 

One of the things Sarwat never got to and wanted to do was go to a movie house or cinema. We went to see “Halloween” I had my eyes closed most of the time. The reviews and movies are just as bad as the ones in the US full of violence.  I dislike that. There is enough violence in our real world .

After shopping we sat down on a nice bench surrounded by plant boxes with different kinds of herbs and evergreens and large statues of family and animals.  We had picked up some unusual pastries and enjoyed tasting them. Of course I was ready for a good rest after all the walking. I was happy Sarwat suggested we take the bus home. After I got a couple of hours nap we took a bus that evening to another shopping mall.  I had to remind Sarwat that I was almost 60 years older than she so she needed to slow down the pace.

It takes me a lot time to record so I need to stop now. Aloha and Malama Pono Joanne 

At Specsaver optical shop

As I was saying I met two gentlemen from Sudan who were speaking Arabic. It made me recall my trip to Egypt when we on a caravan 

accompanied by many soldiers as we passed the borders of Sudan to get to the pyramids.At a church I attended in Egypt there many refugees from Sudan. I also met a girl there from the Philippines who asked me to contact a sister who lived in Honolulu and I did when I returned and she invited me to a birthday party which I could not attend.

Getting back to London and Specsaver Sarwat said many from Middle East countries spoke Arabic but she was surprised to learn that many from Africa also spoke Arabic.

When I told them I was from Hawaii another dark skinned man sitting near by said “That is where I want to go and that’s on everyone’s bucket list” Before leaving the shop I saw one Asian come in. Now that I’ve been here for 10 days ir seems to represent the percentage. Many from the various Middle Eastern countries. I have now eaten food from places that serve Indian, Chinese,Japanese, Persian,English and Italian foods. Sarwat and I  are having a wonderful time seeing and doing so many things every day. And I am so glad that I trained myself to walk 4 miles every week because I am doing that almost everyday. As well as traveling by bus and train. And sometimes it scares me to see how packed the trains get. But I am so happy to see so many  beautiful large parks everywhere.

Until next time Aloha Joanne 

After Sunday-3 rd day in London

Monday October 29, 2018

What was most interesting to me was the people I met at a large optical shop called Specsaver.  Sarwat had an appointment at 10 am. in Ealing about a mile an half away from where she lives. We decided to walk. The sun was shining the sky clear the temperature 42

the sidewalks full of leaves. It took us about an hour.  When we entered the shop a very dark colored clerk served her. Half of the staff were dark skinned and the rest white. Likewise the customers. I knew that London was like many big cities multicultural. Yet it was an eye opener. And it dawned on me that when I was at Josie’s place I saw few dark skinned people. In the Indian restaurant all the customers were white and so were the people in the Pub we went to afterwards.  But at the bus stop there were a group of young Chinese guys and I really had an urge to speak to them but did not. I did not know how Josie would feel.  Later I was surprised to learn that Josie’s boss is a Chinese woman. Josie works for a financial business and she often feels she has to keep her mouth shut because of different points of view.

Getting back to the eye shop I was sitting in the waiting room when an dignified old man and younger gentleman both dark skinned set across me. They were speaking in a language unfamiliar to me so I asked them what language they were speaking. They said Arabic. So I asked what country they were from. The young man said guess. I had to think awhile then said Saudi Arabia. He  answered “yes “ but we are from Sudan. 

I need to get ready to leave so will continue later on.  Aloha until next time Joanne 

(Backup) Saint Paul Cathedral

On Sunday October 28, 2018 I wanted to worship at Saint Paul Cathedral in London m. 

Saint Paul Cathedral

On Sunday October 28, 2018 I wanted to worship at Saint Paul Cathedral in London m.