Laurene's Guestbook

pinapple drink
that pineapple drink looks WAY better than the one you had at the family party! When we snorkled in Cuba I couldn't figure out why the mouth piece was salty - I was a bit disgusted thinking it was someone else's spit - good thing I'm cute :)

Red Hats-Easter Island
News Home > World News> Giant statues reveal red.... Giant statues reveal red hat secrets: study Module body 1 hour, 24 minutes ago 0 What's this LONDON (AFP) - British archaeologists said Monday they believe they have solved the ancient mystery of how the giant stone statues on Easter Island acquired distinctive red hats. The researchers said the key to the mystery lies in their discovery of a road on the tiny Pacific island. The hats were built in a quarry hidden inside the crater of an ancient volcano, and then rolled by hand or on tree logs to the site of the statues, said the team from the University of Manchester and University College, London. The archaeologists examined the way the hats, each weighing several tons and made of red scoria, a pumice-like volcanic rock, were moved by Polynesians between 500 and 750 years ago. They were placed on the heads of carved stone human figures known as moai standing on ceremonial platforms which encircle the island's coastline. But the riddle of how they were raised and attached remains unsolved. Dr. Colin Richards from the University of Manchester said: "We now know that the hats were rolled along the road made from a cement of compressed red scoria dust with a raised pavement along one side. "It is likely that they were moved by hand, but tree logs could also have been used." Dr. Sue Hamilton, of University College, London, said: "The hat quarry is inside the crater of an ancient volcano and on its outer lip. A third of the crater has been quarried away by hat production. "So far we have located more than 70 hats at the ceremonial platforms and in transit. Many more may have been broken up and incorporated into the platforms." Richards said there was evidence the quarry, known locally as Puna Pau, had previously produced statues before changing to hats. "Initially the Polynesians built the moai out of various types of local stone, including the Puna Pau scoria, but between 12,000 to 13,000 AD, Puna Pau switched from producing statues to hats. "The change correlated with an increase in the overall size of the statues across the island."

Who's the Mermaid???
Love your snorkling pics!! I think I will have to make one of those pineapple drinks! We loved snorkeling in that samw spot-- the fish were awesome. Didn't see any turtles-- did you? Your pics of Hawaii bring back many great memories. Love Ya! Dad

I love the rainbow eucalyptus, I've never seen one before! And I see you got some good oversized sunnies, you'll need 'em! :)

Great Photos!
Hi Laurene, I've enjoyed the updates alot. Looks like you'll be in Hawaii more than a week. When do you fly out? Love, Gail

very cool at Pearl Harbour, very sobering (literally; I'm a little bit pished)...freaky to think that the soldiers killed that day are still down there with the boat. And the bird of paradise flower is common in Australia, so you'll see that a lot! I wasn't sure what it was called, now I know. whee!

Hpe you're not LOST
Looks like you had a great first tour and got a good overview of the island. We were a bit worried when we saw the picture where you are standing in front of the LOST sign!! Glad you are enjoying your trip. We look forward to all of your postings. Dad and Mom

Safely in Hawaii
Hi Laurene, glad to get your postings. I called your parents last nite for their anniversary and to find out if they'd heard from you yet and your Dad gave me the update. You arrive and meet an old friend/acquantance on her honeymoon. This reminds me of how small the world is. Enjoy your relaxing time there, the beaches look nice. Keep the updates coming. I love reading them. Love,Gail

Bon Voyage
Hi Laurene, I had company this afternoon and did not get a chance to call you before supper. I will simply send you and email to let you know that I will be thinking about you very often on your fabulous adventure. May you ride through the hard times,and I know there are some when travelling, and enjoy the good times, meet lots of new people, open up the mind to new thoughts and ideas about self, others, the world, and life. Know that you can always come home. Take care of yourself always. Love to you, and we all cannot wait to see the photos and hear from you. Aunty Gail and Albee!!!

Great Photos
Hi Laurene, If the first few blogs are any indication of what is to come, this will be an exciting adventure for all of us. Thanks for all the photos too! Bon Voyage, love from me and Albee