Rae Huo's World

KIRIN CHUI-HI

2010-11-16T12:23:00.001-10:00

Strange carbonated sake with lemon juice. Nevertheless enjoying it in Tokyo.

My $650 Photo Story

2009-12-02T10:12:00.005-10:00

OK, so good to be home! The entire trip was overall really nice and full of different experiences but let me finish updating everyone on the $500 photo - now worth $650.00.

As one can see from the photo posted, it's just a shot of a stage at an empty , small, amusement park, not far from our hotel, on the side of the street.

As we were making our way to the Familia Sagrata, and just 5 minutes from the hotel, we came upon this area and I stepped off the sidewalk to take this photo. At the same time, a man approached Zakka and my Mom on the sidewalk asking for directions. I went over there and he was first speaking in Spanish then English. He said he is Italian and was trying to find his way to somewhere. Of course we told tim we are not from there and did not know where he was trying to go. In the mean time, 2 men appeared out of nowhere, flashed some sort of badge and told us in english that they were undercover narcotic officers and sort of guided us back into the Amusement ground. First they told us that there are lots of drug dealers and users in the area, be careful, don't carry anything flashy however he wanted us to show him our passports and how much money we were carrying. At that point, the only thing that flashed through my brain was National Geographic Locked Up Abroad scenario, and of course being only the first day in Barcelona, we were totally jet lagged and can hardly comprehend what's happening. Also we are law abiding citizens, so I took out my passport, showed it to him and my money. They checked everyone's passports and money and gave everything back. At this time, the man asking for direction was mumbling on about how he was only carrying a couple of $20 bills (of course later on we thought it was strange an Italian was carrying US $). Then they gave us the speech of being careful in Barcelona, blah, blah, blah and let us go.

As I walked up the hill, suddenly I turned and asked everyone to check all their money. Luckily Zakka and my Mom (who was the smartest, because she left everything in the hotel, only carried a little) were OK, but they took $500 and 100 Euro from me! That's $650!!! They gave me back $11.00

At this point, we ran down the hill and saw a policeman in uniform so we approached him and told him what happened. He wanted us to go to the station and fill out some forms, but we knew that was pointless. He told us that policemen should all be in uniform (however they told us they were undercover) and these people are just after money, and will probably go away if we did not show them our money - not so fast - because after my uncle and cousin came down to meet us the next day from London, they told us so many stories how their friends actually got physically beaten and their money stolen that way.

Now in hindsight, the person asking for direction was part of the gang and we were the marks. And as he was talking about his money, our eye all went that way, and I'm sure that's when they took the bulk of my money. Because up to that point, my eyes were on my passport and money as they were holding them. Can you believe this?! Yes we were very careful about pick pockets, etc, but never thought I actually handed them the money. Wait, this was not the only incident - there's one more the following day - but you have to stayed tuned - will update again.

Needless to say, that was a huge eye opener to Barcelona. So for those who are thinking about going there - think again. Almost everyone we know now who's being there, something happened to them or someone they know.

So that photo is worth some $$$

Sagrada Familia

2009-11-06T22:07:00.000-10:00

Well, after I've been conned $650.00, we had to continue our walk up the hill to the famous Sagrada Familia. What a site. But because it's always in a constant state of construction, the cranes really were an eye sore. The original, older side was far more interesting than the new, modern side.

My $500 Barcelona Photo

2009-11-06T11:38:00.001-10:00

Story to follow, stay tuned.

Yellowtail's New Spot with Makoto & Sayumi

2009-11-03T18:29:00.002-10:00

Dropped off my little boy this afternoon with Makoto and Sayumi. He is also on vacation for 3 weeks from us!

My Favorite Won Ton

2009-11-02T18:31:00.000-10:00

Wor Won Ton at Duk Kee in Kaimuki. Yummy.

Goo Bear and Friends

2009-10-31T18:43:00.000-10:00

I sent my Goo Bear and Friends today to the custom Yoka Bear Show by DKE Toys. Isn't he something!

Mai Tai

2009-10-26T18:27:00.000-10:00

Ocean Club HIFF Party

2009-10-25T22:00:00.000-10:00

Apple Crumb The Counter Burger

2009-10-24T18:27:00.000-10:00

Ajumma won!

2009-10-20T23:07:00.003-10:00

Ajumma Are You Krazy? won Video On Demand Award at HIFF!

Governor's Reception

2009-10-19T23:11:00.000-10:00

Governor Lingle, Chuck Boller, Rick Kinsel and the honored film makers.

Meet the Film Makers

2009-10-18T23:24:00.001-10:00

I was expecting food but this was it.

Ajumma

2009-10-17T23:21:00.000-10:00

Premier night for Ajumma at HIFF. Wonderful pre screening party by Brent Anbe - our wonderful director - and the short film was the BEST! Great job everyone. Here is a photo of the entire cast of Ajumma.

Q'orianka Kilcher as Princess Ka'iulani

2009-10-16T22:04:00.001-10:00

Q'orianka Kilcher

HIFF Halekulani Event

2009-10-15T23:23:00.000-10:00

Yellowtail's Annual Checkup

2009-10-14T22:12:00.002-10:00

He is doing so well - 41 grams - all wrapped up for his check up and a pedicure!

Noku

2009-10-13T21:59:00.000-10:00

The dog at our shoot this afternoon - look at his unusual eye.

Good to Grill

2009-10-12T21:58:00.000-10:00

Out of the Bat Cave

2009-10-11T22:58:00.001-10:00

Raining Night

2009-10-10T22:00:00.000-10:00

Day in the studio

2009-10-09T23:34:00.000-10:00

Blooming Rose

2009-10-08T23:32:00.000-10:00

Tweetup

2009-10-07T23:55:00.004-10:00

My first time at Tweetup, this time hosted by Good to Grill - wonderful food, people and event. These are die hard twitterers. Many good prices given away and can't believe it, I won a 4 night stay at Las Vegas Hilton! Now I just have to get over there! Thank you Nadine for the invite.

Oh why the shot of these big cups - the only cups we can find to enjoy our wine with. It can probably hold the entire bottle content.

New Shorter Cut

2009-10-06T18:16:00.000-10:00

Hey it's all good - I still have hair!

2009-10-05T18:12:00.000-10:00

Vintage Collectible Show

2009-10-04T23:04:00.001-10:00

Yellowtail's 1st Birthday!

2009-10-03T22:16:00.007-10:00

We can't believe it's been a year since my little Yellowtail came into our life - he is quite a grown up big boy now and we enjoy him each and every day. We celebrated his day with a delicious peach cake.

New Miao Tote

2009-10-02T23:37:00.001-10:00

Canoes on the road.

2009-10-01T23:32:00.002-10:00

Eye Phone capture #30

2009-09-30T23:30:00.000-10:00

Can't believe I did a whole month of Eye Phone captures - now I end with my master piece in the making.

Eye Phone capture #29

2009-09-29T23:45:00.000-10:00

Eye Phone capture #28

2009-09-28T22:54:00.002-10:00

Unfortunately the weather was not good for my Haleiwa shoot but the Tuna Avo sandwich made up for everything.

Eye Phone capture #27

2009-09-27T22:51:00.000-10:00

Nothing better than fresh baked banana bread.

Eye Phone capture #26

2009-09-26T22:00:00.000-10:00

Eye Phone capture #25

2009-09-25T11:11:00.000-10:00

Is there such a thing as healthy pastries from Whole Foods?

Eye Phone capture #24

2009-09-24T23:02:00.000-10:00

Eye Phone capture #23

2009-09-23T11:11:00.000-10:00

Eye Phone capture #22

2009-09-22T21:32:00.001-10:00

Kaijus in the house.

Eye Phone capture #21

2009-09-21T21:30:00.000-10:00

Nachos!

Eye Phone capture #20

2009-09-20T23:08:00.002-10:00

Eye Phone capture #19

2009-09-19T22:10:00.002-10:00

Star fruit and fresh dates from Mom.

Eye Phone capture #18

2009-09-18T22:02:00.000-10:00

Eye Phone capture #17

2009-09-17T22:46:00.001-10:00

Eye to eye.

Eye Phone capture #16

2009-09-16T23:23:00.002-10:00

Perfect Apple pie.

Eye Phone capture #15

2009-09-15T23:45:00.003-10:00

Nothing like a $1.00 burger.

Eye Phone capture #14

2009-09-14T22:42:00.001-10:00

It is so good - mini pineapple cake with egg yolk - from Taipei.

Eye Phone capture #13

2009-09-13T21:43:00.000-10:00

Eye Phone capture #12

2009-09-12T22:36:00.001-10:00

Dr. Johnson's.

Eye Phone capture #11

2009-09-11T22:24:00.002-10:00

Carrie's strawberry mojito.

Eye Phone capture #10

2009-09-10T23:55:00.001-10:00

Eye Phone capture #9

2009-09-09T23:02:00.001-10:00

Gummy bears on this auspicious day 090909!

Eye Phone capture #8

2009-09-08T23:19:00.003-10:00

Mr. Rude

Eye Phone capture #7

2009-09-07T22:40:00.001-10:00

Mighty Yellowtail

2009-09-07T09:08:00.002-10:00

Eye Phone capture #6

2009-09-06T21:58:00.002-10:00

Nothing better than garlic pork chop, spinach and brown rice.

Bakagon Sold!

2009-09-05T23:32:00.001-10:00

Zakka's piece Bakagon sold today at Rotofugi Toy Karma 2 show in Chicago!

Eye Phone capture #5

2009-09-05T23:30:00.001-10:00

My favorite food - garlic saute spinach.

Eye Phone capture #4

2009-09-04T20:26:00.002-10:00

Too bad I'm allergic to mangos.

Kaiju Tote Sold

2009-09-03T22:48:00.003-10:00

My Kaiju Tote sold at Rotofogi Gallery's Toy Karma 2 show in Chicago even before it opened this Saturday. Please check out the preview list and check out Zakka's cool piece.

http://rotofugi.com/previews/TK2%5Fpreview/

Eye Phone capture #3

2009-09-03T22:47:00.001-10:00

Eye Phone capture #2

2009-09-02T23:18:00.001-10:00

Eye Phone capture #1 - Spud

2009-09-01T23:05:00.003-10:00

OK for September I will capture and post photos shot from iphone - my Eye Phone! It will be interesting and challenging.

Green Thumb on Farm Town

2009-08-31T22:51:00.001-10:00

Honey shrimp with cashews

2009-08-30T22:51:00.002-10:00

My Saba dinner

2009-08-29T23:18:00.002-10:00

My best model - Yellowtail

2009-08-28T21:18:00.000-10:00

What kind of Clone Trooper is he?

2009-08-27T18:25:00.001-10:00

Yellowtail wondering

2009-08-26T23:27:00.002-10:00

Why can't I go home?!

Banana Bread

2009-08-25T23:39:00.003-10:00

This is the best banana bread recipe ever - so, so good, and very easy - even I managed to make 2 loafs! Oh I added chopped walnuts.

Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
4 very ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda and powder, salt. In a large bowl cream together eggs and sugar. Stir in mashed bananas, vanilla, oil and cinnamon. Stir in flour mixture, a third at a time, until just combined. Divide batter into two 9x5 loaf pans. Bake for about 1 hour

The Paddlers

2009-08-24T22:56:00.001-10:00

Body painted models at the MAC store Ala Moana

2009-08-22T23:27:00.001-10:00

Yellowtail's Favorite Spot

2009-08-21T22:20:00.002-10:00

The bathroom vanity cabinet is his favorite spot. He can spend all day up there. Most times, it's difficult to get him down.

Organic flax plus granola

2009-08-20T23:41:00.001-10:00

Good way to start the day - a big bowl of pumpkin organic flax plus granola with blueberries, strawberries, and banana. Yummy.

Kaitlin's Tote

2009-08-19T22:41:00.002-10:00

Finished Kaitlin's Peanutbutter Mousubi tote - so cute!

Beautiful clouds

2009-08-18T23:52:00.000-10:00

My famous Ma Po Tofu

2009-08-17T19:14:00.002-10:00

yelowtail's dinner

2009-08-16T18:02:00.003-10:00

Since he discovered and liked corn so much a couple of days ago, we are trying mashed carrots for him tonight for dinner - don't know if he will eat it. I also bought him some broccoli from Whole Foods - maybe we will try that tomorrow.

Kaiju Tote

2009-08-16T10:31:00.004-10:00

Forgot to post this yesterday but here it is - my first Kaiju tote for the Rotofogi Toy Karma 2 Art Show in Chicago. So cool especially with the Garamon charm that my Mom helped me make. Keep posted, will have more info about the show next week.

California Roll

2009-08-14T23:17:00.000-10:00

Going Home

2009-08-13T23:56:00.003-10:00

After a morning surf and savoring their favorite foods, all critters are packed and ready to go.

Island Burger

2009-08-13T00:07:00.004-10:00

Kid's favorite restaurant this trip. The mushroom chicken sandwich was pretty good.

Studio Olympics

2009-08-11T22:25:00.002-10:00

Jonathan and Kaitlin's perfect synchs. Score: 10!!

Yellowtail gone wild.

2009-08-10T23:17:00.003-10:00

The kids and I worked most of the day in the studio and spent a good amount of time chasing after Yellowtail after he flew out 3 times. He sure loved all the attention.

Kahuku corn

2009-08-09T23:55:00.002-10:00

Alan Wong's

2009-08-08T21:52:00.004-10:00

Celebrating my brother Michael's birthday at Alan Wong's tonight. The food tasted as wonderful as the presentation.

A day at North Shore.

2009-08-07T23:28:00.003-10:00

Can't stop in Haleiwa without having shaved ice at Matsumoto's . Wonderful weather and a terrific drive.

Voodoo Babies.

2009-08-06T23:47:00.001-10:00

Jonathan and Kaitlin's new found pals.

Great Afternoon.

2009-08-05T22:04:00.001-10:00

Wonderful drive to Waimanalo - perfect day spent with the family. Jonathan and Kaitlin loved the excursion.

Who doesn't like California Roll.

2009-08-04T23:30:00.002-10:00

Homemade Pasta.

2009-08-03T23:20:00.001-10:00

Goma Tei.

2009-08-02T22:10:00.003-10:00

Tan Tan Mein night.

August Postings.

2009-08-02T14:39:00.003-10:00

Since the kids are back for 2 weeks, and I did pretty good for July's food theme, August will just be various summer activities. And of course, I forgot to post yesterday already. Jonathan got a new board from Blue Planet with Kaitlin. She now can use his patched up old board.

Chirashi Sushi

2009-07-31T22:22:00.001-10:00

A fitting dinner for the last food post of July.

Mom's good home cooking.

2009-07-30T17:53:00.005-10:00

Home and enjoying Mom's great cooking - tofu with pickled vegetables and strips of lean pork - our favorite. Nothing tastes better than simple, home cooked meal.

Mom's good home cooking.

2009-07-30T17:53:00.001-10:00

The Proud Bird.

2009-07-29T21:08:00.004-10:00

Our last day in LA and we went to the Proud Bird restaurant right by the airport. The Proud Bird is like an aviation museum, with planes, photos, memorabilia on all the notable aviators, war heroes, and lots of history. Not only was the food excellent, but it's such an interesting place to visit. I ended up taking most of my grilled herbed chicken sandwich on the plane. Zakka's chicken scallopini was devoured.

Late lunch at T.O.T

2009-07-28T21:12:00.003-10:00

Monrovia, very nice town.

2009-07-27T19:22:00.002-10:00

We had a shoot in Monrovia this morning and it took almost 2 hours to get there - but once there we were pleasantly surprised by how nice the town center was. Had the greatest apple rainsin sugarfree muffin at Vera's Cakes and Pleasant Cookies, and later a wonderful grilled chicken sandwich in the car, rushing to North Hollywood for another shoot. It was a busy but very nice day.

Curry House in Sawtell.

2009-07-26T20:00:00.002-10:00

After getting lost and always taking the wrong turn to Sawtell, we finally found the area and went to Curry House and I had their special curry udon. It's always good..