World Leg Numero Dos- The Pacific and the non-Pacific Chicago

August 18, 2012

I loved this part of the tour!

My time at home is coming to a close. It has taken me almost two weeks to recuperate from all the flying I did. We are off to England next week. Can’t wait to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in a long time.

I think everyone knows I love cats. Here is more proof. I bought this cat stacking game at Kiddyland in Japan. Don’t worry I don’t have cat art on the walls and I don’t wear sweatshirts with cats on them… Yet!!!!!

We met chef Graham Elliot. He hooked us up with some insane food in the dressing room. Check that out! Lobster corndogs, steamed buns, mac and cheese, popcorn, grahamwhiches, and salad. I don’t have the proper names for these dishes but it was definitely the best after show food. Thanks Graham.

Before we hit Chicago, I took a few days off on the island Kauai in the great state of Hawaii… it was my first time there and it was pretty mind blowing at times. This is Spouting Horn- it shoots sea water 50 feet in the air

Legend has it that a giant lizard guarded this part of the coast and ate everyone who tried to fish or swim here. One day, a man named Liko entered the water. When the lizard went to attack him, he swam under the lava shelf and escaped through the hole. The lizard became stuck and was never able to get out. The groaning is the cry of hunger and pain from the lizard still trapped under the rocks…

Snorkeling is awesome! It’s basically all I did while I was in Hawaii. I highly recommend checking out Hideaways. It’s a little difficult to get to but the mini hike is well worth the journey. The water is so clear. Not much room to maneuver around the coral though.
Where else can you snorkel and hang out with feral chickens?

The taro fields in a beautiful valley.

A happy rooster!

Shaved ice after a day of snorkeling

This place is called Tunnels. It is easy to get to by car. If you happen to go here any time soon and see a hand written sign for parking do not park here. I mean you can if you want to dish out 10 bucks but if you drive further down the road you’ll come to plenty of free parking, restrooms, and showers.

I think this place was my favorite of the two snorkeling spots I went to because it was deeper and I didn’t have to worry about running into any coral. I would be swimming in 20 feet of water over coral and then it would drop off into an abyss. A little scary.

A word of advice to those who snorkel: Most sunscreens are bad for coral reefs. Snorkel shops recommend wearing rash guards and swim caps instead of sunscreen. If you are going to wear sunscreen wear a natural type without all of those chemicals. For more info please check out National Geographic’s website and search for article Swimmers’ Sunscreen Killing off Coral

If you are looking for healthy food in Japan around Harajuku check out Brown Rice Cafe

I spent an extra day in Japan while the rest of the band flew home. We met up with friends. They took us to the best restaurant called Kaikaya. I don’t know the names of all the dishes or even the ones pictured but it was amazing. They brought us a tasting menu. It took hours to eat and I had the best company ever!

I also went to visit a cat cafe. I missed my cats and it hit the spot. We payed for 30 minutes. There are a few rules when you visit a cat cafe. 1. Take off your shoes and put on slippers 2. Wash your hands with soap, dry, and then sanitize 3. Only pet cats with orange and pink collars on the head 4. Don’t pick up cats 5. Absolutely no flash photography.
Japanese are respectful even when it comes to pets. Some cats played and others slept. Definite must see for cat lovers. I think they have puppy ones and rabbit ones too!

The scenery on the drive to Mt. Fuji

Snack time!

Our translator, Monica, took us to eat sushi our first night in town. Sushi platters for everyone!!!

I don’t remember the name of this place. I can recommend a fast, good place called Stand Up Sushi though.

Shibuya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Splendour in the Grass Festival

Cedric turned our dressing room into backstage toilets. It provided us with endless entertainment as people fell for it and looked hella confused.

Epic view from Chase’s balcony in Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a cool little town. The scenery is not to shabby either. And I’m not quite sure of the story and significance behind teddy bears in tree roots.

Tony and I like to drink scotch at the beginning of a tour and this is what happens. Can you tell which pix from Spain were taken during this new tradition?

I made up my Sydney show. It was great to play with these guys again. The shoes were for charity. Stay tuned for details on that.

I had the pleasure of eating at Icebergs Dining Room for a meeting. The food was terrific and the views out of this world. Would you like mustard with your steak? And cheese for dessert.

My great Australian drummer, Matt, and a beer.

I left the hot summer of El Paso and arrived in Sydney greeted by moody skies. It was a nice change of pace.