Naginata demo, Formaggio

Today, headed towards Byodoin in Kaneohe to do a Naginata demonstration at the temple.
Taking Likelike Highway is always beautiful  as we drive beneath the magnificent Koolau range.

This year, we had to enter from the back entrance driveway which is in a lovely cup de sac of a quiet neighborhood.
Luckily Lance was there to point out where to enter.

Down a narrow road into the temple grounds.

There was a beautiful bamboo grove near the parking lot.

Gerri, Denise and Steve were already there.

Denise helping Amala with her hakama.

The grounds are very beautiful and many tourists come to ring the  temple bell and walk the gardens.

The notice announcing and explaining our naginata school.

Here come sempai Nobu and daughter, the littlest student.
She did a great job fearlessly attacking Sensei's stick.

This year (we've been coming for 10 years) we performed on the gravel - ouch - right in front of the temple because recent rains had made the grassy area, where we usually do our demonstratioin,  muddy.

After the performance, our naginatas in their bags, Denise and I are feeling relieved and happy.

Goodbye fish, until next year.

In the evening R and I went to Formaggio Wine Bar for dinner.

We enjoy the dark, cozy atmosphere and  popular standard type music played in the background.
Good wines and light food.

Three types of Bruschetta

We both ordered the Short Ribs, which are tender and lightly seasoned.