During that first day tour up to the North Shore in 2004, Mari and I visited the (then) 36-year-old replica of the 900-plus-year-old Byōdō-In Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. According to the temple's site, the temple "was established on June 7, 1968, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii."
As part of our first visit to Hawaii, Mari and I were rewarded with a serene and scenic (albeit short) experience and shared a wonderfully tranquil tour stop during an otherwise busy week.
It was a moment we knew we wanted to repeat and what better occasion than our wedding anniversary?!
June 16th this year landed us at the (now) 50-year-old temple on the North Shore of Oahu to enjoy a Buddhist meditation service led by Rev. Clyde Whitworth.
Mari had visited the temple site to check on visitor hours and to see how close the park was to public transportation. The posted events calendar only confirmed that Saturday would be a perfect day for a revisit after 14 years. We thought the special service would be a perfect way to spend our anniversary.
You know how I'm always looking for my moments.
I couldn't think of anything better than sharing a moment of reflection and thanksgiving with Mari in such beautiful surroundings.
I am forever grateful to Rev. Whitworth for hosting a peaceful hour with us and a handful of other guests as we practiced a variety of meditation techniques in the beautiful natural surroundings of the temple.
If you find yourself likewise sans rental car on Oahu and in need of your own moment, be sure to hop on TheBus. You'll want to take the #19 from Waikiki beaches and transfer (two blocks from Iolani Palace) to the #65 which will carry you cross-island to the North Shore.
The five-dollar one-day pass is a bargain well-worth the (mostly) scenic hour-long ride each way. You will need to walk slightly over a half-mile uphill from the bus stop at the McDonald's across Kahekili Highway from the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park entrance, but it's a beautiful, lush, and peaceful walk up to Byodo-In at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains.
Be sure to visit the temple site for loads of useful visitor information and to learn more about the beautiful memorial park (there is a gift shop, of course).
While at the temple on our recent visit, Mari and I came across a local craftswoman showcasing recycled Japanese textiles, kimono, and obi.
As we explored the beautiful fabrics and carefully crafted jewelry pieces, we shared our story with the artist. When we told her we were celebrating our anniversary, a big smile sprang to her face and she showered us with beautiful fresh leis, hand-crafted from lush interlaced leaves.
We are wearing our leis in the photo at the top of the page as we crossed the highway back to the bus stop.
Mari and I have always been most fortunate throughout our travels to celebrate and honor each other and the beautiful and talented people we encounter in such a wide variety of colorful settings. We are especially grateful to the talented and generous Elizabeth Kent for her carefully crafted gift which had a profound impact on our day.
At left are two squares of softly-spun silk purchased from her that day that I expect I will use on the coffee table when I serve Mari a soothing after school tea (although said elixir may be iced until we hit early December).
Upon our return home this June, I discovered a site showcasing Hawaii's local craftspeople, including Ms. Kent. Be sure to explore the site and support talented local craftspeople whenever you have the opportunity, near or far.
As Mari and I made our way down the hill and headed back towards the local public "stretch limo" awaiting us at the McDonald's bus stop, a newly-minted bride and groom emerged from the white limousine pictured here and headed excitedly towards the temple for their own photo shoot. As I passed the beaming bride on the bridge from the parking area, I offered her my sincerest smile and congratulated her, adding, "We have the same anniversary!"
Like that Saturday twenty-eight years prior, it was one of the best days of my life.
Next time, I embrace every bit of the aloha spirit as I dive into my favorite fleamarket.
As part of our first visit to Hawaii, Mari and I were rewarded with a serene and scenic (albeit short) experience and shared a wonderfully tranquil tour stop during an otherwise busy week.It was a moment we knew we wanted to repeat and what better occasion than our wedding anniversary?!
June 16th this year landed us at the (now) 50-year-old temple on the North Shore of Oahu to enjoy a Buddhist meditation service led by Rev. Clyde Whitworth.
Mari had visited the temple site to check on visitor hours and to see how close the park was to public transportation. The posted events calendar only confirmed that Saturday would be a perfect day for a revisit after 14 years. We thought the special service would be a perfect way to spend our anniversary.
You know how I'm always looking for my moments.
I couldn't think of anything better than sharing a moment of reflection and thanksgiving with Mari in such beautiful surroundings.I am forever grateful to Rev. Whitworth for hosting a peaceful hour with us and a handful of other guests as we practiced a variety of meditation techniques in the beautiful natural surroundings of the temple.
If you find yourself likewise sans rental car on Oahu and in need of your own moment, be sure to hop on TheBus. You'll want to take the #19 from Waikiki beaches and transfer (two blocks from Iolani Palace) to the #65 which will carry you cross-island to the North Shore.
The five-dollar one-day pass is a bargain well-worth the (mostly) scenic hour-long ride each way. You will need to walk slightly over a half-mile uphill from the bus stop at the McDonald's across Kahekili Highway from the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park entrance, but it's a beautiful, lush, and peaceful walk up to Byodo-In at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains.
Be sure to visit the temple site for loads of useful visitor information and to learn more about the beautiful memorial park (there is a gift shop, of course).
While at the temple on our recent visit, Mari and I came across a local craftswoman showcasing recycled Japanese textiles, kimono, and obi.As we explored the beautiful fabrics and carefully crafted jewelry pieces, we shared our story with the artist. When we told her we were celebrating our anniversary, a big smile sprang to her face and she showered us with beautiful fresh leis, hand-crafted from lush interlaced leaves.
We are wearing our leis in the photo at the top of the page as we crossed the highway back to the bus stop.Mari and I have always been most fortunate throughout our travels to celebrate and honor each other and the beautiful and talented people we encounter in such a wide variety of colorful settings. We are especially grateful to the talented and generous Elizabeth Kent for her carefully crafted gift which had a profound impact on our day.
At left are two squares of softly-spun silk purchased from her that day that I expect I will use on the coffee table when I serve Mari a soothing after school tea (although said elixir may be iced until we hit early December).Upon our return home this June, I discovered a site showcasing Hawaii's local craftspeople, including Ms. Kent. Be sure to explore the site and support talented local craftspeople whenever you have the opportunity, near or far.
As Mari and I made our way down the hill and headed back towards the local public "stretch limo" awaiting us at the McDonald's bus stop, a newly-minted bride and groom emerged from the white limousine pictured here and headed excitedly towards the temple for their own photo shoot. As I passed the beaming bride on the bridge from the parking area, I offered her my sincerest smile and congratulated her, adding, "We have the same anniversary!"
Like that Saturday twenty-eight years prior, it was one of the best days of my life.
That McDonald's cheeseburger I enjoyed at the
bus stop was especially satisfying as well.
Next time, I embrace every bit of the aloha spirit as I dive into my favorite fleamarket.
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