Travel | SoapJam

I was not feeling well the past two days. I rarely have it, but once in a while, I suffer from hyperacidity. Those who’ve experienced it know how draining and uncomfortable it can be. The upper part of my abdomen stung and I could not hold down my food. I had a mild fever and just felt really tired, but the worst part was not being able to stand the smell of the soaps I made last weekend. It made me realize that when we’re sick, we cannot enjoy the things we normally take pleasure in. I feel a bit better today, and I also feel grateful for my health that I sometimes just take for granted.

It has been a week and a half since I came back from my trip, but have been lazy about blogging. I have already been soaping though because I have orders from my in-laws and from my own family for their Christmas give-aways. Before going back to blogging about soap, I thought I’d share snap shots of my recent trip.

Honolulu was an all-expense paid trip care of the state of Hawaii, or rather, their sponsors. A friend of mine, Chef Marco Anzani, was invited to take part in the annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival – a week long food bonanza featuring Hawaii’s bounty prepared by dozens of chefs from different parts of the world. Chef Marco invited me and another friend, chef/restaurateur Raki Urbina, to be part of his team. You can imagine no the arm-twisting for this opportunity? 🙂

Waikiki Beach, just a few minutes walk from our hotel, The Modern Honolulu

Having a light moment in the kitchen of The Modern Honolulu with students from the Kapi'olani Community College. That's me on the far left. Marco Anzani is the really tall Italian.

Having a light moment in the kitchen of The Modern Honolulu with students from the Kapi’olani Community College. That’s me on the far left. The really tall Italian is Marco Anzani.