Located in Rotorua, New Zealand - Wai-O-Tapu is a national park of jaw dropping proportions. The Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park is an all natural wonderland highlighting an active geothermal area featuring volcanic remnants that teases the eyes and stings the nose. Created thousands of years ago this completely all natural landscape features 18-square kilometers of volcano craters, mud pools, green sulphur lakes, hot springs, and the Lady Knox Geyser (which erupts daily at 10:15am). 

When you arrive there is ample parking and if you go in the afternoon, be sure to bring an umbrella and some water. It can be very hot and very much like the dessert. There is a strong sulfur smell some people were slightly sickened because of the heat, the smell and the sulfur fumes. But it is not that bad. 

The visitor center is state of the art and has AC, restrooms and lots of things to buy from natural body products to amazing paintings and of course trinkets. The are open everyday, 365 days a year, tickets for entry range from $11 to $32.50. Once you enter the park it is like any national park with some trails, slopes, steps, outlooks, limited shade and lots of photo taking opportunities. 

Be sure the really enjoy the views, the Champagne Lake was phenomenal and breathtaking. The natural state of the former volcano is really unique to see and the colors are so vibrant. You make have to wait for the wind to shift as depending on the way the wind is blowing you can see less or more of the crater. When the wind blows the sulphur away, it reals brilliant colors and vibrant hues of green, blue, orange and yellow. 

The Devil's Bath is also a fluorescent green pool which is truly a sight to see. There are many tourists from all regions and of course lots of cameras, selfie sticks and etc. If you take your own course away from the crowds you will find it peaceful and tranquil. As with any other park please keep your litter to yourself, be sure to stay hydrated and eat prior. Be prepared for some mild walking. I would recommend shorts and covered toe shoes. 

You can choose one-three routes for your walk, which can take 30-75 minutes. Noted as one of the most surreal places in the world it definitely is a must see.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
201 Waiotapu Loop Rd
RD3
Waiotapu, Reporoa, Rotorua, New Zealand

https://www.waiotapu.co.nz/

Gosh, I must've been in elementary school when my mom took me to an allergist to find out the source of my allergies. The test came back and I was allergic to various things including pollen, dust and wheat. While over time I've heard much of the human race is allergic to wheat, or eventually grow out of it as a child and into adulthood... There are many people out there that are noticing a difference when they eliminate wheat or gluten from their diet. For me, I actually don't practice any elimination, I think as a result I may have one nostril that is habitually clogged, but I found that I can live with it. Overall, people tend to feel better when they eliminate wheat and gluten from their diet and I have found there are great options when it comes to making this decision. Before we dive into this I also want to note that there is a difference between wheat and gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains including wheat, wheat is a grain that contains gluten. So what does that mean exactly? Well, if you are allergic to gluten there are other items that may have gluten in them besides wheat. So it's best to get checked to find out what you are allergic to and how to best avoid those things. 
Fabulous health food store Down To Earth has a wide variety of wheat free and gluten free items. I wanted to showcase some of my favorites so you can try them with ease as well. 

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or in the medical field, these are my opinions and views alone and if you have any serious concerns please consult your doctor. 

I recently put together an episode of Da Best Hawaii featuring Lobster King, I had been before and they are known for their Chinese cuisine and of course fresh lobster, but what I didn't know is they have a huge selection of fresh crab. In fact, they have released a total of 6 variations of crab... much to my enjoyment (because my husband doesn't really care for seafood).

I got to devour all the flavors of crab in one sitting. Just kidding, we had a tasting with a bunch of my foodie friends and got to share and sample all the different crab recipes. So here ya go! I will showcase which crab recipe it is and let you know my favorite as well. 

Overall, this was a crabtastic meal! You have to put in all the work to get the meat out, but it is so worth it. 
For more on Lobster King and how this restaurant came to be watch Da Best Hawaii - https://youtu.be/npUaeBgLSNA
They have an interesting story - Korean bar owner comes together with a Chinese seafood seller. 

Not going to lie, my Driver's License was about to expire and I hadn't done anything to prepare. If you haven't heard - the requirements to getting a renewal have become a lot more stringent and are not as easy as showing up and taking an eye exam. But I found the process to be less painstaking then I had expected, thus I decided to write this blog to help others find their way through. 

1. You will need to fill out an Application form, you can find this online and fill it out in advance or fill it out in-person.
2. You will need an valid original or certified copy of your Birth and/or Marriage Certificate 
3. You may use a current Passport as a form of identification 
4. You will need to show your original Social Security Card
5. You have to prove your residence in Hawaii by way of 2 documents: unexpired ID, tax returns, utility bills, bank statements, rental agreements, payroll check, insurance cards, car registration, etc
6. All the above will show documentation of your: legal name, date of birth and principal residential address and everything needs to match - the name and the address.
7. Place all these items in a folder or bag, removing the excess envelopes, clips and etc. 

Now the fun part, you can renew your license up to 6 months prior to the expiration... But for some, like me, you forget all about it and realize you are going to be driving with an expired license soon. With that, if you visit online - the appointments fill up and depending on the location could have a 3-4 week wait. Here's the link: http://www.honolulu.gov/cms-csd-menu/site-csd-sitearticles/33564-csd-appointments.html 
You can also opt to get in line today, but for me the online version to do this wasn't working, so I had to go down in person, which if you plan right can be a pleasant experience. 

1. Head down before they open and get in line, then while you're in line you will get a number. 
2. Once open the line moves somewhat quickly, those getting Driver's Licenses (without an appointment) are given a ticket with a date and estimated time for your day-of appointment. Mine said number 24 at 10:45am, so I left, ran an errand or two and returned at 10:30am. 
3.  When I got back the number on the screen said 21. Once it hit 23 I went inside and sat down. Then at exactly 10:45am they called my number (extremely efficient and on schedule - this was great). 

I found this process to be very easy and well organized. Keep in mind that they may not be as on schedule as it was for me on that day, but it was well executed. As far as the number of people in the line in the morning, I believe it is limited, so if you don't get a number that morning you may have to come back again. You can also get an eye doctor vision clearance and skip the eye test on-site as well. Also, you receive a paper copy of your new license which doesn't come in for a week or two and the paper copy is not suitable for travel. 

*Disclaimer, I don't work for the city or state and this was my personal experience. This is my understanding of the requirements to the best of my ability.