Patriotism

While the other Hawaiian Islands are prettier and more relaxing, Oahu has one thing they don’t have – Pearl Harbor.P1100292We didn’t visit the Arizona memorial, saw it from across the water, we did visit the Missouri.P1100268The ship upon which the Japanese surrendered in WWII.  The sister ship, the Iowa, is in San Pedro, for all people in the LA area- I highly recommend you visit.P1100263Joel is smart, a company photographer took pictures of everyone – as in 1700 people. So Joel handed him my camera and asked him to to our picture – good job!P1100270We were seated in a large tent, the back had screening so we could see the memorial. Which is why this picture is a little fuzzy.P1100283I’m actually amazed at the clarity of this photo, as the program started this rainbow appeared.P1100285And stayed throughout General McChrystal’s fascinating talk. P1100288Before he spoke, we were introduced to a Vet who was on active duty in Pearl Harbor, on the infamous day that shall live on in history.P1100291Then it was on to a cocktail party on the Missouri, with a number of docents telling us the interesting history of this ship.P1100271P1100293These battleship guns were active during Dessert Storm in the early 90s and have a lot to do with why that conflict ended quickly.P1100307Other guns are tiny in comparison.P1100295The steel chains are huge.P1100308And to my eye beautiful.P1100303Even the rust is beautiful, a rare sight on a very well cared for ship.P1100309As the sun set, the old control tower for the airport,  is off in the distance – pure Hawaii, palm trees at it’s base.P1100314The party continued at the Pearl Harbor museum of flying. I wish fighter jets were still painted like this.P1100317The party went on into the night, with music dancing and lots  of food and drinks.  The insurance business may not be sexy, but insurance people sure know how to have a good time as well as a meaningful one.

Leah

Hawaii, the Fauna and people

I actually brought my camera to the beach.P1100203The water is really this blue. The Hawaiian archipelago was created by volcanos in the middle of  the pacific ocean. There is nothing else around but deep blue sea.P1100209Not sure how much of the sand is natural and how much is brought in. Either way, a budding sandcastle designer was busy at work.IMG_3426The resort has a number of interesting pools, biggest is the swim with dolphins.  They were very active and busy.IMG_0708P1100191Yup, the tail is similar to the fluke of a whale, probably because they are closely related.

There were turtles, manta rays and rainbow fish, but I never took a picture of them.  We went on a snorkel and sail, didn’t bring my camera. Some things are best seen and hopefully remembered. The nice thing is that 20 years ago there weren’t many sea turtles – today there are an abundance of them on all the islands.P1100349Many resorts have the lobby wide open to the breezes, which means that avian visitors have no problem hoping on the tables.P1100231Hawaii is a destination for wedding from Japan, there were probably 25 brides on the resort, I only captured a few.  Walking in all those layers of tule and petticoats isn’t easy! This little girl was fascinated of course.P1100239P1100342Unfortunately this bride got caught in the rain, I would have loved to see the whole dress, looks like some interesting beading.P1100236Sunset with fisherman, look closely under the palm tree, he’s there.

Leah