ベジタリズム - Vegetable Rhythm

This video showed up on my FB feed and I saw the most amazing and catchy thing I've seen from Japan in a long time.  The kids dancing are amazing! It really matches the song so well.



Here are the lyrics to the song in Japanese and the translation.  If you want to see more information about this song see Makiko Itoh's explanation: Japanese Culture: What's the story behind the "Vegeta-rhythm" (ベジタリズム, bejitarizumu) video?

今日は野菜で やさしい気分で 鍋に入れたら ベジタリズムだよー ママはメニューで パパは会社で みんな笑顔で ベジタリズムだよー きって やいて むいて あげて にて むして そのままー なまー ベジタリズムだよー 悲しくなったら 鍋にいれよう みんな好きだよ ベジタリズムだよー 伝えたいんだ 愛しているんだ 大好きなんだ ベジタリズムだよー かぶに ぽてと せろり ぱせり かぼちゃ とまと まとめてー なべ きって やいて むいて あげて にて むして そのままー ベジタリズムだよー なまー

Vegetables today If you put them in a pot with happy thoughts It's Vegeta-rhythm Mama with a menu Papa at work Everyone with a smile It's Vegeta-rhythm Cut them up, grill them, peel them Simmer them, steam them, as they are - raw It's Vegeta-rhythm If you become sad Put them in a pot Everyone likes them It's Vegeta-rhythm I want to say I love them I like them a lot It's Vegeta-rhythm Turnips, potatoes, celery, parsley Kabocha, tomatoes, everything together in a pot Cut them up, grill them, peel them Simmer them, steam them, as they are - raw It's Vegeta-rhythm

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Which one is your favorite vegetable?

Honoapiilani Highway

Honoapiilani highway cover much of west Maui.  Ultimately there is really one main road that covers the whole island but the name changes to indicate which part of the island that you're on.  Each of my photos in this set are all taken at the same time but different days.  Also taken at different parts of the island.  I currently do not have any photos of Kahekili Hwy since it's one dangerous road, scary as hell to drive.  It's supposed to be a two lane highway but with the road mergers it becomes one car passing lane.  Next time I'm intrepid enough to drive it I'll take a photo of how close the wheels get to the cliff with no guard rail.  For now enjoy the scenery scenery that is Maui on the highway.

Dry part of the island just outside of Kahului

Just past the aquatic center, notice the wind turbines on the hill side.

Near the recycling center. Beautiful clouds descending.

Just outside of Lahaina.

At the beginning of Honoapiilani Hwy.

Entering into Lahaina. Photo taken on the passenger seat behind the windshield.

East Maui Road Trip – Part 2

The second half of trip is through the rugged mostly unpaved arid terrain of Maui cow country.  This is where most of the cattle farms are located as there is little vegetation similar to that of the steppe lands in Africa.  It does provide fantastic views of the Pacific ocean and dramatic sky.

Through the years this part of the island has become more and more paved as tourist flock to see this mainly uninhabited part of the island.  10 years ago when I first traversed this area you would hardly see a soul for hours.  Now you will see large vans packed with tourist looking out the window every 10 minutes.  The roads have smoothen out for the most part and what would have taken me at least 6 hours to drive though with patchy dirty road is now newly paved goodness.

If anyone has the time and the energy biking the whole island of Maui is very beautiful and worth while!

225 x 6

Today on bench two plates on each side x 6 times.  All time best ever! Last week it was only 3.  I still suck at other exercise.  Why the improvement? No clue. I've been eating better and not exercising as much body has more time to rest? Current weight: 137lbs.

Update: 1/15/13 - Benched 235 x 4, all time best record.

East Maui Road Trip - Part 1

The goal of this trip was quite intrepid from what I remember.  Drive through all of East Maui and hit all of the sights within one day. I really wanted to make it a two day trip to truly make the most of the scenery but it was quite difficult to find accommodation near Hana that is affordable and also on a short notice.  The itinerary for the day was quite simply, get up super early, drive to Kahului, pick up food, bug spray, and other supplies for the day.  Drive on Hana Hwy and stop to see any waterfall, or any other sights that catches our eye.  Stop by Wainapanapa state park to see black sand beach and other sights.  Then the main purpose of the trip, hike on Pipiwai Trail to see the bamboo forest and the waterfall at the end.  Also make sure not to linger and make it back to drive the more arduous second half of the trip to make it home before dark.  Hell of a long day but amazing weather and scenery throughout!

Black sand beach at Wainapanapa State Park

Bamboo Forest on the Pipiwai Trail in Kipahulu Park Reserve