Gnarly Tree

Absolutely amazing trees everywhere.

Arboreal Arch

Diamond Head at sunrise seen from Kapiolani Park, a tree rooted at two spots, and a seemingly man eating plant.

Pagoda at dawn

It's called the Band Shell, but looks more like a pagoda to me. I sit on the stairs after my morning coffee at the Marriot, and do some of my studying. Gorgeous old park that used to have horse racing under King Kalakaua and Princess Kapiolani in 1880's.

First Sunset

It's hard to believe but I only enjoyed my first sunset tonight, a week after arriving.

I felt bad last night, sore throat and thought I had a (mild) fever. I've gone out to eat twice, three times if you count a fast food chinese plate. Always overeating, it's disgusting how big the portions are. Last two days I've limited my diet to an orange or two and some nuts. Dad bought me fifteen bucks worth of walnuts, almonds and cashews. And I had a pound of trail mix with raisins. I've been feeling hungry but other than that very good.

Had my third swim today, getting more cofident avoiding sharp coral in waves.

Chess is fantastic, I play every day to utter mental exhaustion. Like all muscles, challenging them makes them grow. I try to read one master game in my chess text each day, including a brief review of the previous da's game. Nice to study then try and apply what I'm learning. I love the wild agressive style of most of the better players here, makes me learn a lot.

Still studying words every day, 6:00am to 8:00 and then again in the evening. mornings are definitely the best here. Proud to say I've been up at 6:00 and out the door every day by quarter past.

Starting to really miss Christine (and Barke). Saw a woman with six chiuaua type dogs, including three in a baby stroller. And another dog fetching a stick from the ocean. No prob with salt water whatsoever.

Here are a few photos of Raymond and my dad. Saw D&A again this aft. They're gone
tomorrow night.

Juraj

cooking lecho

We're in Bob's kitchen and dad is showing me how to cook lecho. I really overindulged in speed chess today, playing for about five hours non stop. Aaaaah, now that's what I call vacation.

I met Doris and Albert briefly at the chess tables, we'll try and grab some dinner tomorrow night. They look very tanned and seem to be having a great time!

Scrabble @ Kahala Mall

Had a great time @ scrabble tonight in Kahala Mall. Lost my first game to Wren by failing to block a bingo lane. Then won vs Inge (coinincidence or what?) and a nice gent Makena. There's even more scrabble on the island - Elk's club mondays at 9:30am too.

Great swim today too, but no turtles :-(. And I haven't bumped into Doris or Albert yet.

Picture of Bob and I.

in Hawaii

Made it safely to Bob's place. Raining when I got here, and a few delays on buses, but I even managed to get off at the exact right spot. Met my dad and Bob at the chess tables, as planned.