Touring the Ancient Golden Palace Monastery and Another Pagoda

"Travel isn't always pretty. It isn't always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that's okay. The journey changes you; it should change you...It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart...You take something with you. Hopefully you leave something good behind." —Anthony Bourdain

Our Dear friend Maybelle and daughter Michelle, residents of Mandalay took us to see The Golden Palace Monastery. It is heavily gilded and adorned with mythical animals, dancing figures and floral designs carved in gold relief and was once the beloved King Mindon's Royal Apartment. After his death, his son dismantled it and built a monastery in 1883 and dedicated it to the Buddhist Order. It was the only Palace Building to survive the destruction of WW ll in 1945.
This is a hotspot to visit for locals as well as overseas tourists as seen here. Michelle is ringing the monastery bell.
In the backdrop the monks are doing devotional chanting 24 hours straight for 7 days. From our room it serenades us to sleep, and I experience a deep sense of nostalgia from my meditation retreats at a monastery outside Mandalay back in the day.

Good Morning Mandalay! Touring Gilded Pagodas & Visiting with an English Speaking Monk Whose Name means Knowledge & Bliss

"Being rich in pagodas and monasteries, Mandalay is considered the heart-land of Myanmar..."

Cecile and I awoke to this beautiful sunrise and the sound of peaceful chanting of the monks from our room at the Mandalay Hill Hotel. Our dear friend Maybelle picked us up at the airport and was the one who recommended the Mandalay Hotel. Upon our arrival she arranged with hotel management to get us a street side view to the hillside view room facing the hillside and the top of the famous Mandalay Hill.
Cecile and I recalled our visits to the local pagodas the night before like the Kuthodaw Pagoda seen here, known as the world’s biggest book as it comprises a spectacular golden pagoda that contains white alabaster shrines that house 729 inscribed marble slabs, each simulating the page of book of Buddhist teachings.
The “Pagoda” also called the “Royal merit pagoda,” was built by King Mindon Min shortly after the founding of Mandalay in 1857. It was meant as a legacy for
future generations. We were accompanied by our friend Maybelle and her lovely daughter Michelle, who I have had the privilege of knowing for 8 years during my many visits to Mandalay to study meditation. 
Maybelle introduced us to an English young monk in burgundy robes named Vidya Ananda. When he realized I knew that it meant “Knowledge and Bliss,” he beamed a smile. Ananda was actually the name of the Buddha’s first disciple. We spoke about his life as a Buddhist monk and his joy of meeting and getting to practice his English with visitors from abroad.

The Journey Begins: Images Along the Way from San Francisco to Southeast Asia

“The beautiful Journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” —Dr. Steve Maraboli

It was a long haul from to SF to Bangkok with a stopover in Narita Airport in Tokyo, 23 hours in fact including the four hour layover. To me any journey, trip or pilgrimage always begins the moment I step on the plane. You never know who you will meet and what you will experience as you enter the realm of Holiday Consciousness.
We lucked out getting an upgrade to Biz class. Betty, the flight attendant for United Airlines took good care of us.
It turns out she is a student of meditation in the Tibetan tradition. Her husband is a German Translator for the Dalai Lama. She is a Brit who lives with her husband in Switzerland, and does acupuncture on the side. We connected in a meaningful way and had many opportunities to talk. The food was incredibly good as was the wine and dessert. I loved the colors of the kimonos of two Japanese women sharing their tradition with travelers waiting for their next connection, like the Sikh with his precious little boy looking so joyful in a form of dress different than his own.

When we arrived in Bangkok at passed midnight, Cecile and I stayed over night at the Miracle Hotel and Spa at the airport. We are now awaiting a flight to Myanmar (Burma).
While I was writing this post on my laptop, I noticed a monk seated to my left side. Some young Thai men brought him food. They bowed as a gesture of respect. I have witnessed traditional alms giving many times, and even participated in some. But this was the first time I have seen an offering of food at the airport. When the young men walked away, the monk then got on his mobile device as I got off mine. I smiled to myself. Even monks have adapted to the digital age in recent years.

Reconnecting with an Old Friend Who Certifies that Satellites are Safe to Launch & Shares a mutual Interest in Mind-Body Medicine

Retrouvailles is a French word meaning the happiness of meeting again after a long time.

Sometimes, due to distance, time and circumstance, one becomes separated from friends and acquaintances from our past. It had been about 20 years since I last saw Brian Kosinski, and I was amazed how we were able to pick up where we left off. He saw me on Facebook and contacted me to get together to rekindle our friendship. I recommended lunch at the Veggie Grill in San Jose. He ordered the Sonora Bowl that I recommended, I had Meatballs and Polenta and we shared a dish of crispy Cauliflower.

Brian, an electrical engineer is Vice President of Mission Assurance at Space Systems Loral in Palo Alto. He is responsible for quality control to ensure satellites are designed, built and tested to approved standards before they are certified to launch. 

It has been said that, “Good health does not always come from medicine or scientific breakthroughs. Most of the time it comes from peace of mind, peace in the heart—through love and laughter, and peace in the soul. ” There have been times, when medicine and science has failed to recognize that the wisdom of the ages were onto something.

Brian's favorite hobby and part time business is distributing books on healing, meditation and spirituality. The company he created back in the day is called “Namaste," which in Sanskrit roughly translated means "The light in me recognizes the light in you."

He and I met in the mid 90s after my book: “Invisible Means of Support: A Transformational Journey" was published. He had seen references in my book attributed to the late Eknath Easwaran, an Indian born spiritual teacher, Fulbright scholar and author of more than 20 books including “Formulas for Transformation," a pocket-sized version of the book I used to carry everywhere. His main teaching was using focusing techniques to calm the mind to reduce stress and negative emotions. Some years later I did a day retreat in Los Gatos led by some of Easwaran’s students. Brian used to drive to Petaluma every Tuesday night to hear the gifted teacher give talks at the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, a non-profit organization Eswaran founded in 1961. 

What I always liked about Brian, is we shared similar interests in spirituality even though we were both trained in the scientific method. He is an Electrical Engineer and I was a retired Podiatric Physician and Surgeon. We both believed in the parallels between science and Eastern mysticism. 
Brian still owns Namaste’, and currently distributes Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book: "Full Catastrophe Living," to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Stanford Medical Center and the Center of Integrative Medicine and UCSF. 
The book is based on a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on how to use medically proven mind-body approaches with roots in meditation and yoga to counteract stress, and establish greater balance in one’s life. Another classic book he wrote that I read in 2001 is called “Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life.”Zinn is a scientist, writer, gifted meditation teacher in his own right, and professor of medicine at the University of Massachusettes Medical School, where he was the founding director of the Center of Mindfulness in Medicine.

Postscript: Another classic book written by Easwaran, who was a professor of literature and taught the first accredited course on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is called “Words to Live By.” Each page comments on a penetrating quote by the world’s best-known philosophers, saints, writers and scientists.

A Middle Eastern Feast with Persian-American Friends at Negeen Restaurant

“Iran was mind-blowing. My crew has never been treated so well-by total strangers everywhere. We had heard that Persians were nice. But Nicest? Didn’t see that coming.”
—Anthony Bourdain

It’s always a pleasure to go out to dinner with our dear friends, Simin Malek and Mohssen (Mo) Rastegar, successful real estate professionals with Coldwell Banker.
They decided to treat us to Negeen Restaurant in Campbell, CA. Negeen in Persian means “precious gem.” It was our first time there. Mo recommended we sit at a cozy corner table near the entrance so we can view the entire room with ease. The place was bubbling with so much joy and excitement we felt we were at a private reception.
Negeen is considered one of Silicon Valley’s finest and authentic Persian restaurants. I love good Persian food and I can say Negeen did not disappoint. Meals come with a complimentary basket of lavash bread accompanied by fresh mint and basil leaves, half of raw onion and feta cheese. Then we had Kashk-e-Bademjan which is cooked pureed eggplant topped mint and creamy yogurt sauce. We also had stewed meat and kidney beans atop of crispy rice.

At the heart of Persian cooking are kabobs and there are many options to choose from. Mo and Simin ordered a tender, juicy platter of kabobs (without the skewers) to share. It included chicken breast, lamb, ground beef (Koobideh), filet of beef, salmon fillet, accompanied by grilled tomatoes and a platter of fluffy, fragrant basmati rice.
For dessert, we shared Bastani, a flavored Persian ice cream with saffron, rose water, chunks of pistachios and a cold Persian noodle dish called Faloodeh: tiny thin, Vermicelli rice noodles mixed with a semi-frozen syrup of sugar, lemon and rose water with optional cherry juice on the side.
The room looks like a medium size banquet hall, with gold chandeliers, heavy upholstered chairs and mint green tablecloths. It also has a fine looking chest with decorative Persian art, a full-bar and dance floor. On the weekends, there is a live entertainment with Soroosh and his band, and exotic belly dancers that roam around the tables entertaining guests. Mo and Simin invited one of them to our table and I got to dance with her. All I can say is thank God for yoga to help me keep those hips moving.

There are misconceptions about belly dancers being of a lower social standing. Nothing can be further than the truth. Most women have studied the art of belly dancing for years, and are software developers, lawyers, mothers, barristers, etc. They love what they do and love to share their performance art with others. Of course it is customary to tip the dancer by gently slipping dollar bills into their waist band which can be challenging at times when their hips are bouncing up and down, and moving to and fro, and its enough to make one blush. Once the band played Cecile, Simin, Mo and I made our way to the dance floor. 

During dinner, Mo and Simin shared photos of their recent trip to Iran. Simin always dreamed of opening an orphanage for young girls in her native country that she left in her mid-teens to pursue the American Dream. This past year she realized that dream when she attended the grand opening of the orphanage that was covered by local Iranian TV. She gave a speech to the 200 plus people who attended and greeted each child as if they were her own-letting them know they were loved. The orphanage named after her, was built one-hour away from where she was born in Isfahan, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is not easy opening an orphanage in a country thousands of miles away. But with a deep passion, and an open heart, the generosity of donors and the help of friends with contacts in the building trade, she persevered. 

The late Maya Angelou once wrote: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Being a deeply compassionate and loving person, Simin has given hope to young girls with the desire to provide them with a better future. Like her loving husband Mo, son Navid and daughter Mozhdeh, Cecile and I are proud of Simin’s desire to “give back” and we are happy and honored to have played a part in assisting her to realize her dream. Though her name in Persian means "Silver," we know her as the woman with a golden heart.

Fun Belly Dancing Video Clip link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.augustine.18/posts/10155975183631668?comment_id=10155979272731668&notif_id=1516667274540550&notif_t=feed_comment&ref=notif

A Thai Pan-Asian Delight to get us in the Groove for our Upcoming Trip to Southeast Asia

“Sometimes happiness is as simple as getting together with friends and sharing a meal together.”

It didn’t exactly begin as the best of days. Cecile and I had our Typhoid shots for our upcoming trip to Southeast Asia. She awoke with pain in her arm and feeling fatigued and I found myself feeling anxious and sniffly—all side effects from the injections. But, an afternoon nap made it possible to keep our plans for the evening. 

Cecile and I had dinner at the Mint Leaf with friends, Mark and Marleen  Brodsky and Lori and Rob Chaykin. It was a congenial group, the conversations were fun and flowing—as was the wine. Over the last few years Mint Leaf—which officially Opened for business in 2010—has become one of our favorite Southeast Asian eateries. This storefront restaurant in the historic downtown area of Saratoga has become a popular venue for Thai and Pan-Asian cuisine. Thai owners Mint Sirisawad and Laksana Churangpia struck a chord with patrons by providing an extensive offering of delicious food—including an array of vegetarian options—from different parts of Asia and beyond.
Aside from the exotic food dishes, one feature that draws people in, is inviting them to bring their own wine without charging exorbitant corkage fees. We brought three bottles. The atmosphere has a cozy elegance about it. The decor reminds us of the ornate Thai temples Cecile and I have visited in Thailand and are about to do so again. Colorful silk pillows and tapestries adorn and soften the chairs and wood benches, crimson and gold leaf sculptures catch the eye and draping white banners hang from the ceiling.

Our food servers were Souwani (unsure of the spelling) whose family is from Bangkok and a San Jose State student called “Music,” a nickname given to her partly because she would rock out to music when she was a kid, and; her Chinese name is difficult to pronounce. They were cheerful and attentive. I had met Souwani before and struck up a conversation with her about meditation. I even visited the kitchen where the cooks joyfully flashed me the peace sign.

We began with our culinary feast with Thai style chicken Satay with peanut sauce and cucumber salad and Chicken Pot Stickers. For the entrees we enjoyed Spicy Garlic Noodles with New York Steak, and my very favorite Yellow curry with carrots, potatoes, and onion with a juicy filet of salmon. As we left the restaurant I noticed a table with a bowl of plastic wrapped fortune cookies next to the business cards and a vase of red flowers. I took one.
I ate part of it and slipped the rest into my pocket. When I got home I read the familiar white strip which said: "Pack your bags. You are bound for an exciting and exotic destination.”

Hmmm…how did they know that?

Return Visit to The Blue Door Restaurant With Good Friends: An American Greek Dining Experience

“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.”—Franz Kafka

The evening began at the beautiful home of our good friends and neighbors, Mark and Marleen Brodsky that overlooks Silicon Valley. We were joined by Ruth and Stan Litwin and Tina and Wayne Levenfeld. We had wine and an assorted tasty appetizer plate.

For dinner my wife Cecile had recommended The Blue Door Restaurant in San Jose which offers up classic American favorites with a Greek inspired twist. After doing a review of our experience here last year and publishing it on my blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net I emailed it to Sylvia Foundas who along with her husband Pete founded the restaurant. Responding to my review she thanked me and added that she believed it spoke to the essence of what they were trying to achieve when coming up with the concept, design, and theme for their eatery and bar, which was to create an environment where guests could feel comfortable and “feel the soul of the restaurant in order to capture…it’s essence.” Being first-generation Greek Americans, and having traveled several times to southern Greece, they wanted to bring a “little slice” of it to San Jose. Apparently, they succeeded. In 2016, The Eater Staff listed The Blue Door as one of “The 15 Hottest New Restaurants in Silicon Valley.” Following that first review Sylvia had invited us to ask for her whenever we returned. Since Cecile and I arrived first we asked the receptionist to let Sylvia know we were here. After welcoming us back we informed her that we recommended the Blue Door to our friends who would be joining us shortly. We were escorted into one of the private dining rooms. It turned out to be a perfect venue to relax and enjoy the evening. Tina and Wayne generously brought two bottles of wine, while some of us ordered cocktails. Our charming young waiter, Wesley was attentive and his overall service was excellent. We ordered lamb burgers, Natural Cheeseburger topped with a friend egg, Chicken Kebabs with rice pilaf and tabbouleh salad and Fish and Chips. Following our dinner Wesly brought us Churros with caramel and chocolate dipping sauce, compliments of the manager.

As I mentioned in my earlier review last year, choosing the name: The Blue Door had always puzzled me. But, I came to find out that the color blue reflects the shimmering, deep blue color of the Mediterranean, the azure sky and the colors of the Greek flag. It also is the color that the wives of Greek fisherman painted on the front doors of their homes to protect their husbands from misfortune so they can return home safely. As we left the Blue Door, there was a Live Latin Jazz band playing in their swanky bar as there is every Friday at 7:30 PM. Mark and Marleen, the dancers in the group, gave it a whirl that inspired other patrons to get up and dance. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening amongst friends.

The Foundas Restaurants include the Pinecrest Diner in San Francisco and the Boulevard Cafe' in Daly City.

Photo Credit: Sylvia and Pete Foundas, The Blue Door website
Photo Credit: A blue door in Greece by romtomtom

A Private New York New Year's Eve Dinner Party in California: Let Me Explain!

"For my New Years Resolution I was going to quit all my bad habits until I remembered nobody likes a quitter." 

My wife Cecile and I were invited to attend an Italian dinner party with promises of lots of good wine and dancing to the music of the 50s and 60s by DJ Gary Carnes. The Organizers were three delightful energetic ladies: Anne Cummins, Connie Palladino, and Cindy Gum.

It was scheduled to take place at 6-10 PM at “The Clubhouse” at Rinconada Hills, Los Gatos, CA, the gated community we live in.

The time was set to coincide around New York EST. We would be watching the countdown to the start of the New Year, the ball drop and the anticipated sparkling fireworks on the Big Screen TV. All this without having to stay up past midnight and face the frigid cold front hitting the eastern seaboard. 

When we sent in our RSVP almost a month ago, we had planned to reserve a table with a group of friends. We were so grateful we wouldn't have to drive on the busiest day of the year as we live about a thousand feet from the Clubhouse. The problem was the emotional rollercoaster of losing my 100 year old dad who had died while we were on family vacation in Maui, the challenges of getting back home to California and booking passage to NJ to attend his funeral during the holidays. We were simply exhausted beyond measure. But, after taking an energy restoring nap, we decided to attend rather than stay home alone and we were happy we did.

We walked the winding path to the Clubhouse with the perimeter Pagoda lights and a Full Moon lighting our way along the cascading waterfall, and the tennis courts leading up to the majestic palm trees, where we made our entrance. The party was limited to 60 people which made it very intimate. There was a wine bar tended by the dapper volunteer bartender and neighbor John Palladino who was opening a bottle of champagne as the clock behind him was about to strike 7 PM. The night was still young, even though those of us attending were not. "Not that there is anything wrong with that," as Seinfeld would say. 

Italian appetizers that included homemade bread sticks, stuffed mushrooms and antipasto were being brought around by the servers. We took our seats at a table that included our friends and neighbors, Susan and Nelson Bye, their friends Diana and Norm and our long time friends and neighbors, Marleen and Mark Brodsky. The buffet dinner included Chicken Caesar Salad, a Vegetarian salad, meat and Vegetable Lasagna, and Tiramisu, one my favorite desserts.

One of the food servers, named Carina caught my attention. She was wearing a black T-Shirt that read “The Journey is the Destination.” Every time she passed us I kept reflecting on the fact that life is all about the experiences we have between our major milestone events—just like this. After all, the legacy of a human being is in the way he or she lived their life not arriving at a particular place or destination. Life truly is about the journey. It made me think about my dad, Frank, who was hobbyist winemaker, gardener, nature lover, army veteran and boy scout leader and extraordinary cook in his time, who lived a long fulfilled life, and how much I will miss him. 

I was the self-appointed photographer for the evening, something I enjoy doing. When I’m in the photo, my lovely wife Cecile of over forty years takes the photos. We took photos of everyone at our table and of neighbors and friends scattered around the room like Sue Sullivan, Barry Gotlieb and John Maier, and others.

After dessert, DJ Gary Carnes began singing and playing songs to dance by. Our friends Mark and Marleen were the ones to watch. They have taken dance lessons over the years. Not just any lessons. They took lessons with one of the finest and sexiest female dancers on the hit show: “Dancing with the Stars.” I got to dance “The Twist” with Marleen, so I guess you can say I was only two degrees of separation from dancing with a "television star." My wife says I’m stretching the story line. But I’m from the school of Mark Twain, who once said: “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”

Even though Mark and I go way back (Mark Brodsky that is, not Mark Twain), I’m not sure he liked me dancing with his wife Marleen. While taking a photo of him and Nelson Bye in front of the Christmas Tree, Mark went all "Bruce Lee" on me. Look closely at the way Mark thrusts his left arm and fist forward, while aiming his champagne glass at me with his right hand. I thought I was a "gonner." 

As I scanned the room I noticed there were some guests wearing some interesting and colorful apparel. There was Russ's wife Cathy Gillum shown here in a black dress with a wide plum collared jacket with brocade overlay; and Connie Palladino with a red insulated puffer vest with snaps over a black sweater. Then there was the distinguished looking Stewart Mellis McIntosh wearing a classic Scottish outfit that would make the retired Scottish actor Sean Connery green with envy. As the saying goes never call it a skirt or you’ll get “KILT,” so I didn't. Stewart’s lovely wife Nancy complemented her husband by wearing a black pants suit with a dazzling red plaid jacket with eye-catching black cross-straps.

To say a lot of drinking was going on would be an understatement. But, hey! It was New Year's Eve. So I’ll end with a popular Scottish proverb: “Alcohol does not solve any problem, but then neither does milk.”

Happy 2018 Everybody, and I know I speak for everyone when I say thanks to Anne, Connie and Cindy for organizing such a fun event.

Dennis, a retired minimally invasive foot surgeon writes a Lifestyle and Leisure Blog: enjoyyourlifenow.net and has been living at Riconada Hills with his wife Cecile for three years after they downsized from their Saratoga home of 34 years. They are very happy campers here.

Happy 2018 to Friends and Family & the World at Large with a Message of Love, Hope, and Gratefulness

"Begin doing what you want to do NOW. We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake.”—Sir Francis Bacon

As the year comes to a close and a 2018 begins, Cecile and I feel blessed for all the celebrations we enjoyed with family and friends throughout the year. The highlight was of course Michelle and Kyle getting happily married in Napa last May. It was beyond magical. And while the spotlight was on the newlyweds, Jason who officiated the wedding playing a heartfelt supporting role with humor, grace, and wisdom.

What appeared to be the low point of the year was losing my dad a week before Christmas. Yet, in many ways it was a celebration of a life well lived and brought our entire extended family closer together. One of my teachers, the late scholar and mythologist, Joseph Campbell whose wife wrote an introductory quote to a book I wrote in the 90s called Invisible Means of Support, once wrote: “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” It sounded like such a revolutionary concept when I first read it. His point was that life does have its hardships and suggested that an individual should embrace the experience of being alive by living affirmatively even in the face of these hardships. Dad in his simple way showed us how this was done, but we hadn’t grasped it at first.

My family and I (photographed here) want to thank all of you again for reaching out with your condolences, thoughts and prayers. It was comforting and empowering. The mind is an interesting thing, it can imprison us or liberate us. When we face a challenging moment or one that is incredibly difficult, it begins to spin us out into another orbit, bringing us a mind storm of confusion, mental and emotional pain. But feeling your support and working with the breath, and grounding myself in awareness with yoga and meditation made it possible to cope with the less enjoyable bits and be fully present with the more surreal and joyful moments including watching my nieces play and enjoy Christmas Day and being loved and contained in a cocoon of a family that love them. They truly show us how to live in the moment.

So I have no great resolutions to make or offer for 2018. I will continue to Live Life Happy as the banner at poolside at Courtside Bay Club says and follow the wisdom of Sir Francis Bacon who once wrote:
"Begin doing what you want to do NOW. We only have this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake.” 

Stay Safe! Drive Safe! Enjoy!

Postscript: A couple of the photos were taken with my nieces Ava and Emma. The photo taken of the two young girls playing with their dolls are my nieces Zaila and Mia who are the best of friends; and one with my niece Mia holding a dwarf rabbit named HOPE.❤️

Lights, Camera, Action: Chinese-Style "Hot Pot" Post Christmas Dinner at the Chiens

“If the only prayer you ever say is “Thank You,” that will be enough.”—Eckhart Tolle

After my dad passed away a week before Christmas my family on the east coast still decided to celebrate the annual holiday, if for no other reason but for my nieces and nephews. It was a good call. Watching them having fun helped ease our loss. 

Prior to returning home Cecile and I accepted a dinner invitation by our daughter Michelle’s mother-in-law Kim and husband AL, to enjoy Christmas, Part 2 at their home since we weren't able to join them for Christmas Eve. Aside from Kyle and Michelle, Kyle’s brother Chip and Katie visiting from NYC, and our son Jason and Alex were present. Last but not least Kim and AL’s dog Bailey and Michelle and Kyle’s dog Decker kept us entertained throughout the evening.

We first gathered around the kitchen counter and enjoyed cocktails, and chicken and vegetable dumplings that AL prepared, along with Sriracha sauce and soy sauce.
For the main course we had Hot Pot, which Kim described in her invitation as resembling a "Chinese Fondue,” with thinly cut pieces of filet mignon, sliced halibut, morsels of fish, tofu, noodles and vegetables cooked at the table accompanied with a variety of dipping sauces. We also had soup broth with Bok Choy and Chinese see-through Vermicelli noodles. For dessert we had Kim’s signature assorted cookies that are to die for. 

Hot pot is an unofficial Christmas tradition for many Asian families. There is no other communal dish that brings people together the way Hot Pot does. It’s focus is on cooking, sharing and eating together with closest friends and family. It was an ideal choice for a cold evening. 

After dinner we gathered around the decorated, brightly lit Christmas tree that took our breath away. Kim is an absolute artist when it comes to decorating her home for the holidays—preparing weeks in advance. One has a sense that she is simply tapping into the excitement and passion she has for the holidays. It not only makes her happier, but it brings out the inner child in all of us. Experts say that decorating can definitely lift your mood by triggering an increase of dopamine, otherwise called the feel-good hormone. The bright lights, colors and magical ambiance in general increases these levels and boost one's well-being, and that is something to be grateful for.🙏🙏

Dad Received A Military Funeral Salute & A Celebratory Luncheon in his Honor

“There is no amount of money or technology that can deliver the feeling one gets listening to “TAPS" being played for the family of a deceased veteran. To say it brings tears to one’s eyes in an understatement.”

Following a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, Dad received a Military Funeral Honors ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery, in North Arlington, NJ by two uniformed military personnel that included the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag that was preceded by a Solo performance of Taps. The flag was then presented to my sister Josephine McAllister (accompanied by her husband Joe) who was deserving of such an honor. She was a devoted daughter who did the grocery shopping every Friday, coordinated with dad’s dedicated live-in caregiver, Marcelle John and dad’s physician, Dr. Joseph Pollak. Taps can be traced back to a French bugle tune from the early nineteenth century that called for “lights out.” That said, despite his passing the light of our father’s legacy will continue to shine on. 

Following the burial service, we had a celebratory luncheon at El Cafone in Lyndhurst, NJ in his honor. It was the same place we held his 100th birthday dinner party last January.

Thanks again to the more than 600 condolences my family and I received from our "Facebook Friends and Family" and "Real Hoboken Friends and Family No Matter What."

Finally, I wanted to share an excerpt from an email by a nurse Luba from Promised Care awhile back after reading about upcoming honors dad was about to receive.
She wrote: “I have a confession to make: I’m in love with your father. His strength and his outlook at life is an admiration to me….I tell your father’s story to those who blame their circumstances for their failures. I have a great story to tell to inspire them about the future. It begins like this: ’There was an orphan boy [my dad] who grew up in various homes…but the most important point is what the boy has accomplished and his contentment with life at his age.”' 

He truly believed the words of Abraham Lincoln who once said, “Most folks are as happy as they make their minds to be.” 

Thank you dad and May You Rest in Peace. Your devoted children, Dennis, Josie, Michael and Steve.❤️

Postscript: The family wants to thank Rev. Alex Santora of Our Lady of Grace Church for delivering the eulogy, Father Torres for officiating the Funeral Mass and the Elks Lodge members for performing a “Lodge of Sorrow,” ceremony last evening at Failla-McKnight Funeral Home in Hoboken, NJ.

Our Beloved Dad Frank Augustine Made his Final Exit Today

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." —Author Unknown

My brothers Steve, Michael and my sister Josie and I are so blessed to have had our dad in our lives less than 3 weeks short of what would have been his 101st birthday. Just before taking his last breath Marcelle his devoted caregiver said our mother Maria was calling for him to join her. We exchanged the final words between us (I Love You Dad!) when I called him from Maui at 8 PM EST last evening. Cecile and I were fortunate enough to see dad November 14-19. I had an intuition he wouldn't make it beyond the end of this year. We are so happy we did. Here I am visiting with him at his bedside. 
My father never told me how I should live my life, he lived a long life and let me watch how its done. I will always remember the gentle smile of his and his ability to laugh at life no matter what.
I will be flying back to California before heading to New Jersey to join my family in attending his funeral service on a date to be determined. 
Dear Dad May You Rest in Peace❤️
Last photo: My niece Selina getting a kiss on the cheek.
Frank Augustine: Born: 01/05/1917 Died: 12/12/2017

Kyle, Michelle, Jason & Alex Treat us for Dinner at the Award Winning Monkey Pod Kitchen

The Monkey Pod tree was the inspiration for Chef Peter Merriman’s Monkey-Pod Kitchen restaurant in Wailea and more recently at its new location at the newly renovated Whaler’s Village on Kaanapali Beach. 

Cecile and I, Michelle and Kyle and Jason and Alex had Margherita pizza, oven charred Brussel Sprouts with peppers and onions, Freshly caught Fish Tacos, Fresh Mahi-Mahi Fish and Chips, Avocado Cucumber salad, Fresh Organic Herbs Kale Salad and Fresh Gnocchi with Sausage made with fresh ricotta and vine-ripened tomatoes. 

The Monkey-pod tree known as a “Rain-tree” around the globe is a species of a flowering tree from the pea family and was said to have been naturalized in Hawaii where it was grown from a seed in 1847. It has also been reported to have been planted on the Big Island by Mark Twain in 1866. The Monkey tree which is cherished by Hawaiians has a single stalk with branches the spread into a huge canopy. Unlike other trees that kill the grass beneath it, the grass is always greener under the monkey-pod tree because it releases nitrogen which fertilizers the soil beneath it.

The Monkey Tree historically got its name from some countries where monkeys are found of the licorice tasting pods and sit in the trees eating them. Modern research has shown the Monkey Pod tree has antibacterial and anti fungal qualities. In the West Indies the leaves are chewed to relieve toothaches and in the Philippines the leaves are used in an infusion for constipation and stomach aches. During the holidays 8 miles of lights are strung on the Monkey pods at the Grand Wailea Resort. 

Unlike the old Rusty Harpoon, Cane and Taro, Maui Fish & Pasta that have failed at this location, it looks like Monkey Pod Kitchen “where the grass is always greener”is here to stay, and we’ll be back.

To cap off the evening we enjoyed dessert at the new Ono Gelato, next door to the restaurant. The flavors were amazing and the portions were generous and satisfied our sweet tooth.

Dining Al-Fresco with the Kids at Relish Oceanside Restaurant in Maui

"Good food in a magical setting is all the more sweeter when shared with family and friends."

Kyle and Michelle, and Jason and Alex recently arrived on Maui. Cecile and I invited them to be our guests for dinner at Relish Oceanside at the Westin.
Set amidst tropical greenery back lit by flickering tiki torches and serenaded by cascading waterfalls, the sophisticated yet casual setting couldn’t have been more intimate. It was the perfect place to unwind and relax with one of the best island tropical inspired Mai Tai’s on Kaanapali Beach.

For appetizers, we shared tapas style Ahi Poke tostadas, Taro Focaccia with Kimchee butter and shallot and garlic oil, Miso Yakitori chicken skewers, Toybox Tomato and Burrata with upcountry baby greens, Chaioga Beets and Fantasia goat cheese.
For the dinner we had Lobster Mac & Cheese, Blue Crab and Macadamian nut Mahi-Mahi, Hawaii Rib Eye Fillet, Crispy Japanese style Hibachi Salmon and Hawaiian Style BBQ Ribs.

The word Relish is defined by taking pleasure in, rejoicing, and to appreciate and savor, and the general consensus at our table is that the Relish Oceanside Restaurant lived up to its name.

Overwhelmed by the Enchantment of Kaanapali Beach in Maui

“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there is music in the air there.”—Bruno Mars

Cecile and I have been coming to Maui since the late 70s. The magic of this enchanted island has never wavered for us. After almost a week in Wailea, we are now at our home resort at the Maui Marriott Ocean Club, Lahaina Tower.

The Lei garland that welcomes one to the islands are so deeply cherished that each year there is a “Lei Day Holiday,” to celebrate the Aloha spirit which we embrace.

The radiant beauty of sunrise, sunsets, rainbows and misty rainfalls are some of the best in the world. We love the gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) sway of the majestic palm trees and lapis colored ocean that appears outside our 5th floor window and lanai. We are captivated by the esthetic beauty of the orchids, and ever-present hibiscus flowers including the yellow hibiscus, Hawaii’s State flower that represents beauty, unity and peace.

The fresh heavenly fragrance of plumeria, tuberose, and gardenia and the sound of cascading waterfalls and the crashing of waves from the Pacific Ocean fills the air. The colorful large koi in the waterlily filled lagoons and ponds at the Westin converge together just beneath the surface, especially during feeding times.

The elegant white swans float along the water with such grace and beauty, and at times enjoying the spray from the waterfall to cool themselves off on a hot day. They are connected to the sun and symbolize light and all that is good. In some cultures they represent the connection between the material and spiritual world, able to reside in both due to their connection to air and water.

I never tire of visiting the museum quality statutes of neighboring hotels on both sides of the island represent Hawaiian cultures and Southeast Asia.
We find the flickering tiki torches lighting up the paths and entrances of the local restaurants with sounds of the ukulele’s lolling strings peaceful and relaxing. The Zen-like awareness of the here and now overcomes us like no other convergence of sounds and sights around the world. It is the Maui we have come know and love.

Photo of the Bronze Hawaiian dancers and mermaid statues were taken in Wailea

My Coincidental Encounter with Jack Kornfield, one of the most Influential Mindfulness Meditation Teachers of our Time

“When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities.”
—Deepak Chopra

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted Jack Kornfield near the pool at the Wailea Beach Resort. I had recently purchased a copy of his latest book: “No Time Like the Present, Finding Freedom and Joy Right Where You Are."
I first met Jack in the dining room of the Sedona Hotel in Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) in 2009. I was planning to participate in a three week meditation retreat at a monastery overlooking the great Irrawaddy River that welcomed westerners (Photos). 

I was having breakfast with Crystal who was also attending the retreat. We had met at the airport for the first time and I arranged for my friend Maybelle, a native of Myanmar to offer her a ride with us to the Hotel, where some attendees like myself were staying prior to the retreat. It was Crystal’s first time in Burma and my 4th. I looked up from our table, and caught a glimpse of a familiar face walking towards us. I realized it was Jack Kornfield. I have to admit I was a bit star struck. Anyone familiar with the practice of mindfulness meditation called Vipassana has heard the name. For those who haven’t, he is a former Peace Corp. volunteer who later trained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand, Burma and India. He is an author, activist, psychologist and a cofounder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in West Marin County. Spirit Rock is a 411 acre secluded retreat center that provides a supportive environment to quiet the mind, soften the heart and see life in a more skillful and peaceful way. 

I got up, walked toward the former monk as if I was meeting a longtime friend and said: “Jack?” I introduced myself, and told him I was attending the meditation retreat. He had invited a group of generous donors from the United States including some of his students, to visit local monasteries, Pagodas, schools, hospitals, to serve those in need through their financial contributions, in a country of limited resources that given him so much in his early years.

I asked him if we could take a photo together and he said, “Sure!” I asked Crystal if she would take the photo. What impressed me was when the soft spoken teacher and scholar said, “Why don’t we have someone take the photo so Crystal can join us.” It was a skillful, kind, and inclusive gesture. 

Here we were, many years later, at the Wailea Beach Resort and I found myself being part of a repeat performance—a synchronicity in the making. Jack was seated at a table near the pool reading his emails. I approached him as he was getting up and once again said: “Jack?” He looked at me inquisitively as I introduced myself. I reminded him when we first met in Burma eight years ago and we took a photo together with Crystal. I introduced him to my wife Cecile who was laying on a lounge chair overlooking the pool. “Cecile, this is Jack Kornfield,” I said with a hint of excitement. I was going to have her take a photo of Jack and I when in true form, he suggested we all take a “selfie” together. As the great Yogi Berra once said: “It was like De Ja Vu all over again.” 

Postscript: Kornfield was one of the presenters at the 10th Anniversary “Open Your Heart in Paradise,” with friends of spiritual teacher Ram Das at the Napili Kai Beach Resort on the other side of Maui. He was spending a couple of days at the Wailea Beach Resort with his wife before heading back to California when we reconnected.

Photo of the Pagoda of my and abbot, the late Sayadaw Lakkhana as seen in the meditation hall and from my hut at sunrise during the retreat in 2009.

Photo of my friend Maybelle and Crystal having lunch prior to the retreat.

https://jackkornfield.com/

A Sunset Ceremony from our Lanai in Wailea: A Way to Reflect Upon the Day both Here and at Home

“Sunsets are proof that not matter what happens, every day can end beautifully”
—Kristen Butler

From the comfort of our lanai, Cecile and I viewed another sunset last evening. Others were gathering from their lanai’s as well as at the water's edge to view this wonderful phenomenon most of us don’t often think about in out every day lives. It was like a living watercolor painting that gradually changed its shape and form as the sun approached the ocean, kissing it good night. All too often we only stop to appreciate the beauty and majesty of a sunset when we are on vacation, but the sun sets every day. I decided some time ago to make it part of my practice to enjoy a sunset on a regular basis. I am happy to report it has resulted in my feeling a deeper sense of gratitude for life.

In the Hawaiian tradition, the Sunset Ceremony begins with the sounding of the conch shell to gather up all the mana (energy) from the four corners, from one’s ancestors and from one’s self. It is a time to reflect upon your day and say Mahalo (thank you) for another day in a life. The beat of the pahu (the sacred drum) symbolizes the heartbeat of the day’s light and the chant puts the day to rest.

As the sun gradually disappears from view, one lets go of all preoccupations, worries and concerns of the day, so you can create space to greet a new day in the making. The thought of letting go of the day as the sun sinks below the horizon invokes a sense of peace, compassion and relaxation. Making the intention to punctuate our day with a moment of reflection whereby we let go of any regrets, disappointments and or shortcomings each evening allows us to begin the next day with a fresh slate.

Letting Another Day Unfold at the Wailea Beach Resort as Gale Force Winds Hit the island

“If the ocean can calm itself, so can you. We are both salt water mixed with air.”
—nayyirah waheed

After an early breakfast of pancakes and white egg omelette, Cecile and I took a gentle Ocean Flow Yoga class on the lawn overlooking the beautiful and vast Pacific Ocean. 21 people were in attendance. I also did some solitary high lunge side twists and Warrior III poses after class. The palm trees swayed overhead and the tropical breeze filled our lungs as we inhaled deep and exhaled long into each pose. Yoga trains the mind to be calm and still. When the mind is tame, you can see things more clearly. Like anything else worth doing, it requires practice. Doing yoga outdoors intensifies the experience and increases one’s awareness. It cultivates a connection with nature and the environment and to each other. It makes you feel alert and more energetic and sets the mood and tone for the entire day. 

We took our walk, spent time at the pool when gale force winds gradually overtook this side of the island. Speaking of gale force winds, I’m seated on top a large boulder in front of a palm tree in a cross-legged position. During the raging storm of Hurricane Iwa in 1982, it was thrust onto to this very spot by a mighty wave. Fortunately, Maui sustained minor damages compared to other islands. The rest of the photos were taken on the fly throughout the day and evening. By the time we had dinner and browsed the Wailea Shops within walking distance of our resort the gale force winds that had hit a high of 50 MPH had calmed.

Enjoying our First Day at the Transformed Wailea Beach Resort on Maui After its $100 Million Transformation

"While you can't buy happiness, you can buy a ticket to Maui, and that's pretty much the same thing," read the T-Shirt of a visiting tourist."

When the Uber driver arrived at 6:15 AM to take Cecile and I to SF Airport for our annual vacation on Maui, the remnants of the Super Moon or Cold Moon from the day before were still in play. 8 hours later we were in paradise where the Pacific greets its guests with its seductive charm the moment you arrive. We checked in to the the Wailea Beach Resort, the area’s first resort, and now its newest We enjoyed island fresh fish tacos and Kula Farm salad at Kapa’s overloking one of several pools and the ocean, and settled in. From our lanai we caught our first magical sunset of our stay while the Luau next door was just getting started. 
We are looking forward to eating at Humble Market Kitchin (no typo) in the coming days. It was recently opened by celebrated chef Roy Yamaguchi that offers inside and outside dining. Over the years we have eaten at some of his restaurants and he never disappoints.
As we toured the property earlier we chuckled at seeing the new “Mo Bettah" food truck service serving up local favorites. There are new pools that have ocean-front cabanas. There is also the Maluhia Serentity Pool for adults only, with an infinity pool and multi-level pool decks. So nice to be back. The Marriott Vacation Club organization has come a long way from its humble beginnings and we have enjoyed the ride.

Surprise Birthday Brunch for Michelle at Don Pistos in the Heart of San Francisco

“Life goes by in the blink of an eye, so be sure to be grateful for the moments of celebration with family and friends that help make your life complete.” 

Kyle arranged for a delightful birthday Brunch in honor of our daughter Michelle at Don Pistos on Union and Grant in the North Beach area of the city. Guests included Kyle’s mom, Kim and Al, Cecile and myself, and good friends Kacy and Noel, Julia and Asher, Nicole and Pat and their precious baby Braden. You would never know from the outside that Don Pistos ranks #226 out of 5,825 restaurants in SF. First off, it has no outdoor sign making it one of the best undercover Mexican style food experience in the city. 

The dishes were served tapas style. The ingredients in the food servings were fresh and expertly prepared. The guacomole was served in a stone bowl and the tortilla chips with tangy tomatillo salsa were amazingly tasty and light. We had platters of fish tacos that included fresh flounder, arbol and avocado salsa and onion slaw, Cerviche Camarones (Sautéed shrimp, garlic and red onion), Huevos Rancheros, Salmon Ceviche (for me since I’m allergic to shellfish). The flour tortillas were hand made. The bottomless Margaritas and Sangria kept flowing until we told the waiter: “no mas!” The service in the charming brick covered wall dining room was friendly, efficient and memorable. If your looking for a quiet intimate place to eat, this fun, bustling place is not for you. But for a group party it was ideal. For dessert, Kyle brought homemade cannolis recommended by a good friend. Afterwards, Michelle blew out her birthday candle and opened her presents. 

After brunch, we headed to the cosmopolitan Buena Vista at Beach and Hyde overlooking the Bay and trolley car turnaround for their world famous Irish Coffee. We were lucky to find a table. It was massively busy and a fabulous place for people watching. The recipe was concocted in the early 1950s by then owner Jack Koeppler, and international travel writer Stanton Delaplane and modeled after the “Irish Coffee” served at Shannon Airport in Ireland using perfect tasting Irish Whiskey. 

In a quiet moment of reflection in the midst of the buzz of conversation emanating from the crowd I felt a special moment of gratitude that Michelle and Kyle moved back to California from NYC two years ago and are living happily ever after in San Mateo to the sheer delight of their family and friends. Happy 31st Birthday, Michelle we love you, and "you too" Kyle.❤️