This is Sunday, so I'll avoid Donald Trump and his shenanigans.  We leave in two weeks for the Osaka Expo, then catch a cruise on the  Oceania Riviera from Yokohama to Vancouver .  This is a test whether I can travel much anymore.  Our gargantuan  Fall/Winter 2024 journey  worried me because I had trouble sleeping on the road, especially on cruise ships. So today, a potpourri of travel info: This is a matter that will keep changing, and then, maybe not, so keep up-to-date on  travel advisories for those wanting to visit the USA .  Here are two examples. Canadian citizen Jasmine Mooney had been traveling between her home country and the US on a work   visa   for years without issue—but a few weeks ago, she was   detained by US border authorities   after attempting to renew her documentation at the US-Mexico border. During a 12-day ordeal, she says she was held in cold and crowded jail cells and even put in chains at points. Moon...

Have you ever had a 5-hour dinner for two with a view of Diamond Head and a Waikiki sunset that cost a thousand dollars?  We did last night at La Mer, which is on the second floor above Orchids. The evening began with a gin martini on ice with olives at House Without a Key. We went on to be served Heidsieck Champagne at La Mer, which once was free...but no more. After being kept away from fine cuisine for more than 2.5 years by the pandemic, we splurged on Malossol Caviar.  The roe came from  U.S. aquacultured sturgeon .  Caviar prices are absurd, but  China  is entering the picture, and prices could drop. We selected the $300 version. Sunset at Waikiki. We selected the following Menu Dégustation. First the amusement, of more caviar in a soup sauce. Foie gras paté, beets, onions and popcorn, with a Justin Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. Then a roasted scallop/lobster consommé with cuttlefish. Followed by a plate of chorizo, lobster and squid ink gnocci...