It was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort.

A must see in New Zealand - Biblo's hobbit hole.

While in New Zealand we went to a small town called Matamata.  For some strange reason they seem to repeat the name of a place quite frequently frequently.  Oops; now they have me doing it.  Anyways, while there we booked a tour to go see the movie set for Lord of the Rings. 
Apparently it was first built out of polystyrene for the original series then disassembled when filming was complete.  The place became a site for pilgrimages for the devoted and, even though nothing was left except four facades, was a huge hit.  When they filmed The Hobbit they decided to go all out and build the thing out of real materials that had lasting value.  They did it to code, there are hidden retaining walls, and it is spectacular.
The tour is not cheap; you cannot get access to the area without a guide, and it is hard to photograph anything without there being people in the shot.  The best plan is to book a media tour first thing in the morning when the light is young and there is no one about.  I did not inquire about the price for such privileged access, but I imagine even Bilbo would have a hard time paying for it out of his troll hoard. 
The Green Dragon was also very impressive; a fully functional pub with striking features.  It's not the place you would venture off to for a half-pint, or even a full one if you had the inclination, as it is part of the set and has equally restrictive access.  I really liked the dragon carving above the bar; it was probably 20 feet wide and 3 feet high and had a decidedly green tinge to it.  It was carved into the wood with significant relief.  Every detail of the place was given great thought.
Overall I have to say that it was worth the price and limited access.  I suggest planning it for a day when the weather is good.  Our visit was non-negotiable time wise and we had modest weather for most of the tour.  The skies opened up near the end, fortunately the pub gave us refuge from the elements, and we all shared a brew in high spirits.  Cheers!

Hitachi tree at Monaloa park, Hawaii

Hitachi tree - notice the person in front.  

Normally you find that a tree is taller than it is wide.  Not the Hitachi tree, which was photographed in Hawaii in Monaloa park.  What is even more amazing is that, if you look carefully, you can see my wife standing underneath it just off to the left of the trunk.  That is one big tree.
The park itself was nice, although as a biological garden it did not have the range of plants I was hoping for.  The main draw for the park is the trees, which in their own right are very impressive.  I understand that the park has a lot of Japanese visitors who come specifically because of the tree itself.  I can understand their attraction.
We normally associate height with greatness in trees; think of the amazing redwoods or cedars which elicit awe in those who have witnessed them.  The Hitachi itself does not come close to their towering presence, but its width is unbeatable.
This is a tree that can provide shade.  Its branches stretch wide over the ground supporting great weight yet not sagging under its own bulk.  A cedar or redwood could not manage such a tremendous feat.  Although they are impressive in their own right, the Hitachi towers over them not in height, but in majesty.

USS Missouri

USS Missouri

Today we traveled to the USS Missouri - a battleship built near the end of the second world war and currently on display at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.  I have wanted to see this ship for a very long time, partly because I like ships of this type and era but also because of its fame.  I was not disappointed.
We were fortunate because there was not a large group of visitors present; we were able to move easily about the ship and I could photograph with few tourists congesting the view.  As I traveled about I was overcome with emotion; my throat chocked up and my eyes became very watery.  I guess I was overwhelmed by the history, the symbolism, and the immensity of where I was and what I was seeing.
One of my favourite photos is from the bridge where, in the near distance, you can see the memorial for the USS Arizona.  Over 1000 sailors still entombed there, her turret wells just beneath the surface of the water.  The Missouri itself suffered from one Kami Kazi attack.  What I loved in this though was how the WWII sailors treated the remains of the pilot.  His body was given a proper burial at sea with respect given to the life he gave.  There was no hate.  An astonishing ship, an astonishing legacy, with a lot of wonderful stories.  You owe it to yourself to visit.