Tag: travel

Bari Walk and Dinner at Locorotondo

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/1250 sec, ISO640
 “Street Scene” Bari, 2024

Today, we rendezvoused with our group in Bari to kick off our gastronomy tour. Comprising approximately 10 Japanese food enthusiasts, our group is under the guidance of a native Japanese expert in Italian cuisine. This gives me a chance to brush up on my Japanese language skills! After a bit of wandering around the city, we indulged in some street delicacies such as fried cornmeal, focaccia, and, of course, Peroni beer. Adding to the excitement, there was a vintage car race happening in the city, providing a thrilling (and loud) backdrop as we strolled around.

Later in the day, we hopped into our tour vans and made our way to our bed and breakfast accommodations. Mariko and I are sharing a delightful little cottage, complete with a charming cat to welcome us! He was absolutely adorable.

In the evening, we ventured to the historic district of Locorotondo for a delicious dinner featuring an array of pasta dishes and grilled meats. Accompanied by several bottles of wine and limoncello, the meal served as a delightful introduction to our culinary adventure in Puglia.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 sec, ISO640
 “Vintage Race” Bari, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/900 sec, ISO640
 “Wall Art” Bari, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/380 sec, ISO80
 “Salumeria” Bari, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/6.4, 1/3800 sec, ISO640
 “Pallino” Locorotondo, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO200
 “Seafood Pasta” Locorotondo, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO160
 “Long Pasta” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO200
 “Mixed Meats” Locorotondo, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
 “Night Scene” Locorotondo, 2024

Sunset and Stars from Mauna Kea

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Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/22, 1/100 sec, ISO2000
 “Sunset” Big Island, 2024

Today we went on a fantastic trip to the summit of Mauna Kea with Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. It was so good. We were picked up in Kona and driven in a nice new van up to the summit, while the driver (Arthur) told us a ton of interesting facts about the Big Island. At the summit we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, and then returned to the visitor center where our driver set up a telescope and we spent a couple of hours stargazing. It was pretty great! Highly recommended.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 20.5mm, f/13, 1/100 sec, ISO800
 “Distant Haleakala” Big Island, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 18mm, f/2.8, 15 sec, ISO3200
 “Mauna Kea Sky” Big Island, 2024

Priority Seating

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Photo info: Apple iPhone 12 mini, 4.2mm, f/1.6, 1/30 sec, ISO800
 “Legroom” 2023

On our flight, we got priority seating and also sat in the row that had free drinks, alcohol included! I still don’t know how it works other than it’s one of the perks that Mariko has due to her status on American Airlines. I enjoyed the extra room and we shared a beer, which made the flight a bit nicer! One downside was that we were just behind first class, so I could see and smell the dinner that they were enjoying… it made me so hungry!