Not in New York...

lily pond and lavender

Oli

I suppose this post isn't really appropriate for a blog on living in New York, but since my aim is to write new posts every week, this one will just explain my hiatus for the next couple of weeks. I've been in Honolulu the past few days, catching up with family, friends, and the warm Hawaiian sun. (Eduardo is in New York, but hasn't yet contributed any posts to this blog.  Maybe he will in the future, Eduardo?)

I've had some time to meet my little nephew Eli, who is so cute and mellow.  I don't think I've heard him cry at all, perhaps in part because my brother and sister-in-law are so in tune to his needs.  He just needs to scrunch up his face or furrow his brow, and they know exactly what he needs.  Eli's big brother Zekie is such a loving and affectionate kid, who I've heard say sweet things like, "I'll take care of you" while kissing Eli's feet, which Zekie calls "poochies".  Even though I'm biased, I think Zekie is an amazing kid, with a kindness, sense of humor, and a joy for life that I find inspiring.

My visits with family and friends here always seem to ground and rejuvenate me.  It has been such a short visit, and not enough time to see everyone and catch up so I guess I'll have to see how I adjust to the New York winter; that might be a good time to come back for another short visit to the islands!

Three generations of Wada dudes

At Seed with Jessica, Carrie, & Jnl

Speaking of islands, today, my parents and I head to the island of Hokkaido, Japan's largest and northernmost prefecture.  My friend Shoko, who was born and raised in Tokyo, tells me that Hokkaido is known for its beers, like Sapporo and Asahi, and regional delicacies.

I'm not sure what my Internet access will be in Japan, but if possible I might post from there, unless Eduardo finds some inspiration to post from New York!