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Published: March 9th 2012
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USS Arizona Memorial
The Memorial is inaccessable except by ferry. Since we missed the last ferry for the day, I settled for a picture. Yesterday we stopped at the military museum in Pearl Harbor and just missed the last ferry to the Arizona. After the visit to the Punchbowl, we all felt pretty emotionally full, so opted just to take pictures of the shrine and leave it at that.
October 19—Earlier this week we had stopped at a military base to get tickets for a luau and show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Tonight is the big night. It turns out that the PCC is located on the northern part of the east coast. Moan! Not that far in mileage, but it means we will have to go drive on H-1 and H-2 to get there, so it will take a long time! Of course, it also means driving on part of the east coast we haven't seen yet, so that will be good!
We took our time going up the coastline to the Cultural Center and stopped frequently. (Dan is so good about stopping often to let me take pictures.) We stopped at one of the many state parks along the coast and ate a lunch that we had packed. At another park, we watched a bride and groom pose for pictures
USS Oklahoma
Tourists can visit this ship if they wish to pay the entrance fee. I settled for a photo. with the beautiful ocean and palms behind them.
We got to the Center right after it opened at one. We wanted to be able to look around the park and take in some of the shows and demonstrations before going to the luau. Walking through the lovely landscaped gardens was not easy, however, due to the extreme heat. It was in the high 80's and of course, the humidity was also high. In spite of the beautiful surroundings and interesting sights we were pretty miserable. All the buildings were open to the air except for the gift-shops. Needless to say, we “shopped” quite a bit.
The Cultural Center is make up of several “islands” separated by man-made lakes and canals. Each of the islands represents one of the island nations in the South Pacific, from which most of the early settlers of Hawaii came. Each island has it own shows and demonstrations during the day. Many conflicted with each other on the times, which made us have to choose among them. We chose to go to the hula demonstration in the island of “Hawaii”. I enjoyed the show and the demonstration, but learned to my dismay that while
Just Hawaii
Another beautiful view off the east coast of Oahu. we were there Tahiti had put on a show with the “fast-hip” dancers. (The Hawaiian hula dancer told us that the “fast-hip” dance is not the hula.) The hula is always slow and the main part of that dance is in the hands which carry the story the dancer is telling. The “fast-hip” dance, however, is absolutely incredible to watch. I never knew anything could move that fast, let alone hips!!!
The highlight of the visit to the center for me was the parade of the islands on barges through the canals. Each barge had several dancers who represented a specific island. They were all dressed in beautiful costumes in a particular color and mode for “their” island. The presentations were wonderful. All the dancers were outstanding. I took lots of pictures, of course, and am posting at least one from each island nation.
We took a canoe ride down the canals to reach the theater for our luau and show. I was disappointed in the layout of the luau. It was set up like a cafeteria with picnic tables under a pavilion. I guess I thought it was going to be on a blanket on the ground
Chinese Hat
One of the islands of the east coast of Oahu. like the pictures I've seen. Realistically, I would want the food presentation to be sanitary and I wouldn't want to sit on the ground, so don't really know why I was disappointed. Anyway, there was a lot of the typical island food along with a lot of American food. I was glad of that! I don't really get into a lot of fishy entrees; already knew I didn't like the Hawaiian “spam” and the seafood soups, etc. I did try the poi. It wasn't bad, so I went back for seconds. The purple bread rolls from the taro root, however, didn't float my boat!
The show that accompanied the luau wasn't bad either. They had different hula dancers, including some very young ones. We learned that almost all the employees of the Center were students at the Mormon University nearby. They study the island cultures, music, art and dance there. The education must be exceptionally good!
At the end of the luau show the master of ceremonies asked the couples who were there on their honeymoon or anniversary to come up on the stage. Dan and Joy were the longest married couple there.
We had also bought
At the Beach
We ate our lunch on this beach. tickets to the Polynesian evening show which was a drama about the early settlers of Hawaii. The music, drama, dancing costumes and set were spectacular. We enjoyed it immensely. Unfortunately they wouldn't allow photos to be taken and the theater was not air-conditioned.
It was a truly memorable day, but it was after midnight when we got home—hot and very tired.
October 20—We slept late and puttered around as well a packed up and cleaned up. Tomorrow Betty and I are scheduled to fly back to the mainland. Dan and Joy will leave Sunday. Today I finally walked in the waves up and down the beach!
As much as I have enjoyed this trip and so grateful for the blessings of it, I am looking forward to getting home. I miss my Bootsie. I took pictures of cats on the Big Island and thought of him. I took pictures of cats at the Punchbowl and here at the cottage have been feeding some little kittens that seem to know when we get home from our sight-seeing. I guess the next guests will feed them too. I hope.
October 21—Betty and I have different flights—she back to
Incoming
More waves on rocks---this time on the east coast. Kentucky, me to Dallas. Mine was full and I volunteered to give up my seat and take a flight out in the morning knowing Joy and Dan were in a hotel close by. I got to spend an extra day with them. We didn't go anywhere, however. Just too tired!
October 22—I have written a lot of words about Hawaii and taken even more pictures. They say a one picture is worth 1000 words. I hope my pictures have said at least that much about one of the most beautiful places on earth. The last photo I took was of one of the many rainbows which occur over these islands almost daily. It was a sweet good-bye.
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leslie feret
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lava flow
Good thing you got a picture of the last house at the base of the volcano before it was destroyed. That must be a strange feeling for you. Enjoy your blogs very much.