Author Archives: jmatie22

Hawaii – Kona Day 7

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This day was basically a day for just golfing.

We started off the say by just having brunch at our AirBnb, then drove to Makalei golf course for our Tee time at 1pm.

We golfed for 4.5 hours. You can find the details about the course and some golfing tip ani learned here:

http://lessons.awesomenessoflife.com/?p=63

We stopped by KTA Supermarket before dinner. It’s similar to Safeway, but it is a local grocery store for Hawaii, which means they do have Hawaii specific food like poke. I do think they’re alcohol selection was a bit expensive.

The rest of the say was spent having a bbq at Dersu and Elsa’s.

Hawaii – Kona Day 6

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We started off the day moving out of our current AirBnb, and then storing our luggage at Dersu’s place. We then headed over to Janie’s place to figure out what to do. The original plan was to go to Hilo, but the forecast was basically 100% chance of rain.

We ended up deciding on going to Makalawena beach (where Sam had his “near death” experience). It probably took us 4 hours to mobilize (as the others wanted to go camping and picked up supplies and grill). We then headed out, but went through the wrong off-road entrance, and had to come back.

After finally finding the real off-road entrance, it was clear this was the craziest off-roading drive of the trip so far.

We ended up getting to the beach at 4:30pm, and had an hour to do whatever. Did a late lunch with Poke shack to (which was amazing. Will go back there and do a proper review). And then some of us dropped a, which of course enhanced things.

In terms of the beach, it’s interesting since it’s divided into three “sections”. One is really good for body boarding, while the second one you can snorkel in. The third one is full of sea urchins, and you want to avoid that one!

We ended up leaving at night, and the off road experience was not as bad as I thought it would be. Perhaps because I was less sober?

When we got to the main road, we picked up our bags and checked into our new AirBnb, which is pretty fire (compared to our previous place).

After, rolled out to Magic Sands Beach for the moon set, and to ride the rest of the a out.

Hawaii – Kona Day 5

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Started off the day by going to Janie’s place, which as I may have mentioned before has an awesome view from higher ground of the water.

We then went to grab some poke (first time) at a new place called Kona Grill house (interestingly enough I didn’t order any red meat, only sea food). Here are the details: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/21/kona-grill-house/

After picking up the food we drove to a Kahalu’u beach, where we ate said food (and then NJ and ben snorkled… which Ben mentioned was the best place to snorkel as of Day 8 of our trip). Shortly after, had my first Kona Coffee and Tea experience, where you can read a out it here: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/21/kona-coffee-tea/

Shortly after, we made our way to Green Sands Beach, where along the way we drove to the southern most point of the United States!

When we got to the entrance of Green Sands Beach, we met our second off road challenge (and my first time driving off-road!). This one was definitely much more of an experience than the previous day. Not only where there more sudden drops, but there were multiple ways to go (so trying to choose the less bumpy one was sometimes challenging). The secret though (which we found out on the way back) is to follow the paths closest to the only wired fence.

When we got to the beach, we basically had the beach to ourselves (one other group left shortly after we arrived). To be honest, I didn’t think the sand was super green, but Justin was mentioning it’s because of how late in the day it was. We only spent 40 minutes in the water, but I did body boarding for the first time, and got 1 really good wave.

We then headed back to Holualoa (right before sunset), and checked out the Ola Brewery:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/22/ola-brewery/

After, we went to a bar/”club” called MyBar, which was a reminding experience during COVID times.

We finished if day watching the moon set at 11:28pm at Magic Sands Beach. That one was a first for me, which was really beautiful.

Hawaii – Kona Day 4

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We started off the day getting brunch at a place in town (Holualoa) called Island Lava Java. The view while eating is absolutely amazing. Here are the details:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/21/island-lava-java/

Right after, we stopped by the coffee place right beside it called Kona Haven. The cafe also has a great view, where you could do work from it:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/21/kona-haven/

We then headed north to Waipio Valley. We took the Jeep for its first off road adventure, where we hit some mud puddles along the way as we descended to the valley. Definitely fun, but bumpy.

When we got to the bottom of the valley, we also had to cross a river (basically the water was at my neck with a pretty strong current) to get to the beach we wanted to chill at. The sand at the beach was super black (from the volcano). Although it was raining (lightly) half the time, the water was warm.

After the valley, we headed back to our place for a rager, where most of the other house came (although unfortunately we got a noise complaint by the caretaker early at 9pm). We ordered sushi from Kona Coco, which had a good deal on rolls (but the quality was just average).

Hawaii – Kona Day 3

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We spent the whole day at Kohanaiki (Pine Trees) beach. Tried surfing for the first time, watched the sunset, drank and had a bbq (note though this beach does have a lot of sea urchins).

After the beach (which is required to close at 7pm), we checked out Costco and bought a good amount of food and liquor (note their whisky selection is pretty limited).

Hawaii – Kona Day 2

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Spent most of the day going to the Volcano part of the island (central east), which is a 2 hour drive away. We went with Dersu and Elsa (Dersu had been there before).

From that drive, had some really cool views of the island (as the highway is basically along the coast), from different trees to rocks and soil that was former lava.

When we got to the Volcano (Kaluapele Kilaeua Caldera), we first stopped by the steam vents, and then went to the Kilaeua Overlook (a 1.6 mile hike). We then went to the Thurston lava tube (the Kilauea Ili trail), which had an awesome crater made from lava (and following the trail was marked by these stacked stones). This took us all the way until sunset.

After getting back we had taco Tuesday at Janie’s place.

http://travel.johnmatienzo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_6701.mov

Hawaii – Kona Day 1

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Flew out of SFO at 11am, which was a different experience from flights before since everyone was wearing masks, and no alcohol was being served on the plane. Landed in Kona at 2:30pm, where they scanned the QR code from travel.Hawaii.gov that had my negative COVID test results. Interestingly enough I didn’t have to get a second rapid test at Kona, since apparently only 25% of people since Nov 6 we’re getting the second test.

After getting off the plane and getting our Jeep Wrangler (Sahara) from Hertz (prepaying was definitely a cheaper option), we headed off to our AirBnb near Magic sand beach, then did a pit stop in Safeway for some supplies. We then met up with other friends in Kona in the main part of town (Holualoa)at a restaurant called The Fish Hopper and Seafood Steaks. Here’s more info on the restaurant:

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/11/19/the-fish-hopper-seafood-and-steaks/

http://travel.johnmatienzo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/img_6653.mov

Whistler 2020

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Stayed here for 2 nights, and 2 days (Friday to Sunday)

Started off from Vancouver, where I got a ride from Sam (who rented a all wheel drive BMW car). Ended up driving at 3pm, and got to Whistler at 6pm (it took us an extra hour since we stopped to get liquor at BC Liquor store, and some groceries).

The AirBNB was located at 7406 Ambassador cres (6575 doorcode), and it was a good dive for 14 people (haha just enough bathrooms that I never noticed waiting for one).

The night off, played a bunch of drinking games including don’t drink and drive MARIO cart, and an awesome game of rage cage and flip cup. For food, we ordered at a noodle place (there aren’t ok many food delivery options, but literally googling “Whistler Food delivery” showed you all the options. The other option would’ve been pizza).

The next morning, got up at 9am, but ended up arriving to the Village / Gondela area at 1pm. A ticket was $110 for 1 day (it’s more expensive if we weren’t with Dersu, who has a buddy pass).

The first mountain I started off was Hwistler, where there were practice bunny slopes. Then I went down the easiest route (which took a long time, but not because of me).

Then I went to Blackomb, where the easiest route there was actually easy.

See all the Whistler tips here: http://lessons.awesomenessoflife.com/2020/03/01/whistler-and-snowboarding/

At the bottom of the mountain is a restaurant called Longhorn (which reminds me of a Vegas day club based on atmosphere, music, quality of sound system, etc). As you come down the mountain, you can hear the music, which actually got me going.

After Whistler, we ate at Beacon: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/03/03/beacon/

After Beacon, we chilled back at the AirBnb for a little while, then headed to a restaurant called Araxi: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/03/03/araxi/

After Aroxy, we tried one club called Tommy’s. That place was literally complete trash (bouncer lied and said there were 100 ppl when there were only 30, and I did not like the music). We then tried a place called Moe Joe’s, which was infinitely better. Music was a mix of top 40 and after hours, and people there were better lol.

Next day, explored other parts of the village (including the south part), plus found the Olympic Rings and took pictures! The rest of the time up in Whistler was eating at a restaurant called Caramba (http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/03/03/beacon/), and then chilled at Longhorn (which I wish we chilled at a bit more soon as the DJ was great, although drinks were a bit pricey – $20 for an old fashion).

Drive back down from Whistler at 3pm, and arrived at the airport at 6pm.

Vancouver 2020

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Spent a night in Vancouver before going up to Whistler.

First, I checked into my hotel called Moda. Honestly, for the price and location, it was a good hotel. It’s located in Yaletown, which is where I spent the entire night.

After checking in, I went to Banter Room and met up with Abi (Eric and Richerd joined shortly after): http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2020/02/28/banter-room/

Afterwards, we checked out a place called West Oak, where at the back is a hidden club. Eric knee the hostess, so we ended up getting free shots (I had 3!).

After that, Abi and I headed to Granville, to a bar called The Moose, where we got a bit more food, and 2 more whisky shots each.

The last place we checked out was a pizza place called Mega Bite on Granville: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/?p=1070

New York City 2019

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I landed in New York City on a Monday in JFK, and headed to Manhattan to meet Ben at his place that is right beside the Empire State Building first pic below is his view).

From his place we went a bit south to a restaurant called Society Cafe: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/the-social-cafe/

After, we walked back to his place, but passing Madison Square Park.

The next day I checked into my hotel, called The Avalon. Then I headed over to Hudson Yard, where I spent a lot of time at the Vessel (but before reaching the Vessel, I checked out the Old Penn station building, which is now a post office, and passed by Madison Square Gardens).

Then I grabbed lunch at Wild Ink over at the shops at Hudson Yard, and also did some shopping: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/wild-ink/

Plus had a snack at Shake Shack and a mocha at Blue Bottle: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/shake-shack-hudson-yard/

http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/blue-bottle-hudson-yard/

After Hudson yard, I grabbed dinner at Momofuku Noodle bar: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/momofuku-noodle-bar/

Next day, I started the day late (mainly since I was in the ga area the previous night, where it was surprisingly happening on a Tuesday), and did AYCE at a Japanese / Korean restaurant: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/ichi-umi/

From there, I checked out the MOMA for and hour (they give you a discounted ticket if you go at that time).

After the MOMA, I met up with some friends at the meat packing district area, where we grabbed dinner at a place called Hudson Clearwater: http://food.johnmatienzo.com/2019/12/04/hudson-clearwater/

From there we barhopped. We started at a place called Employees only at the meat packing district, then went to an arcade bar called ____ at lower east village (we actually spent quite a bit of time at this bar because of the beer pong arcade game. The drinks there though were not good).

We ended off the night near my hotel in K town, where we found a korean club (one floor up from the karaoke bar), where they had too 40 edm music, with a lot of ppl (girl to guy ratio was 3:2, and it was mostly Koreans).