ARIZONA MEMORIAL
After waiting in line in the hot sun for almost an hour, we went inside to wait our turn to watch a film depicting the Dec. 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. We then boarded a Navy Shuttle Boat for the eight minute journey across the harbor to visit the final resting place of the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives aboard the USS Arizona. Parts of the sunken ship are still visible both above and below the water. It was a very moving experience and one I will not soon forget.
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DAY 13 10/06/03 Honolulu
On our final day, we left the ship at 9:00AM, and since our flight home was not until late that afternoon, our group chartered a bus for the day. The driver stopped at two large malls where the "shoppers" could get off, and then went on to Waikiki. We got off there and spent several hours enjoying the beautiful beaches with Diamond Head visible in the distance. Since it was off-season in Hawaii, the beaches were not crowded and we were able to walk and wade and enjoy the day.
Even though there was not much surf, the surfers were out there waiting for just the right wave. There were waterfalls and palm trees and flowers and tiki torches everywhere; not the crowded, commercial, touristy place I was led to expect. I really loved it there and would have liked to stay several days, perhaps in one of the large hotels right across from the beach. Maybe someday......................
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In mid-afternoon, we went back to the bus and were taken to the airport for our flight home. Everyone in our group agreed that it was a WONDERFUL trip and that Hawaii is truly a tropical paradise.
Song: "Here Comes The Sun"