Sunday, June 28, 2015
As planned, we were off to McDonald’s by 6:45. After a gourmet breakfast, we headed for The Bus bench right in front. We knew we needed bus 42. Along comes 20 which had on the front USS Arizona. Before boarding, I asked the driver “Does this go to the Arizona?” Since the answer was yes, we hopped on. We wound up getting a much longer ride including several stops at the airport, but did finally get to the USS Arizona. Evidently 42 was a more direct route.
The USS Arizona Memorial is the most popular tourist attraction in Hawaii. When we got there we were assigned a 9:45 time to see the video and take the boat out to the memorial. This gave us time to tour the museum which is really well done. I had been here in 2006, and they have made improvements since then. There were lot of videos of interviews with survivors, both crewmen who lived after the attack and civilians who remembered that infamous day. The hour we had to wait was well spent learning about the events leading up to the attack.
She died from lukemia at age 12. She made paper cranes as symbols of peace and hope. These cranes are ones she made which were donated to the museum. Her cranes represent the innocent victims of war. A book about her is called Sadaka and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr.
Here are some of the pictures, but it is hard to express in words the feeling of humility that comes while touring this monument. Seeing the oil floating on top of the water over the sucken ship really hits home that this was once a vibrant battleship. About two quarts a week still leak from the hull. It is felt that to clean it up would take desecrate the memory of those who loss their lives here.
Next on the our plan of the day was the Aloaha Swap Meet. The Aloaha Stadium is very close to the Arizona. We waited for the bus, but of course got a little impatient. While walking to the stadium, we saw the bus pull over for a bicyclist and the driver took pity on us let us hop on for free. I think these poor drivers have to put up with helpless tourists all day long!
The swap meet was a true shoppers’ delight. It was like our craft shows at Leesport only this was all Hawaiian stuff. We had taken two big shopping bags and did a great job of filling them until the placed closed up around 3. Feeling mighty pleased with our purchases, we once again headed for the nearest bus stop. This time, we did indeed wait for 42 and found the route was the best way back to our hotel. We definitely are getting the hang of this bus thing!
I didn’t take many pictures at the swap meet- too busy shopping!
After supper at Red Lobster, we went to a dessert reception for the Pa delegation at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel. With tiki lanterns lighting our way, we walked through the grounds of this hotel village and found our way to the correct room. The hotel is huge and opulent. This is where Frank and I stayed when we attended the international bank convention 8 years ago. The decadent chocolate cake was delicious!
With tummies full, we headed back to our room and called it a day!
We loved the Arizona too! The Swap Meet sounded neat too!!! Looks like the temps are pretty nice too.