The Carters

Monday, August 17, 2009

HAWAII a Dream come True - Day 3

It is Jesse's 18th Birthday and so we decided to Island hop to Oahu and visit Pearl Harbor. My Men really enjoyed the memorial, stepping aboard history and reflecting on historic events. Our Nation's legacy of duty, honor, strength, resolve and sacrifice was greatly appreciated after seeing this memorial.

Our first tour was of the USS Bowfin Submarine. Sleeping quarters were very tight.

Propeller on a torpedo-

Mechanical equipment-

This old type writer was pretty interesting to me as Curtis Graduated from BYU in 1980 and I typed his college papers on a type writer that looked just like this one. BYU was a fun place to begin our lives together where my Sweetheart graduated with a 4 year degree in Construction Management. He then went part time for two years at SUU and then transferred his credits to Utah State where he graduated in Civil Engineering which was also a 4 year degree.

Kenny coming through a porthole on the Submarine - OXO

OOO.

Take a look at the kitchen especially the Great Big mixer.

Submarine Diesel Engine-

Torpedo Tubes-

Deck Gun-

My Sweetheart Manning the Deck Gun-You are Amazing-

Japanese flags representing the ships that were sunk. There is one French Flag representing a French Ship.

Submarine launched Missile-

Entrance to the Battleship Missouri Memorial also known as the "Mighty Mo."
The Battleship Missouri participated in the Allied invasions of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and operations against mainland Japan. On September 2 1945, after more than a decade of world conflict, the surrender of Japanese forces upon her deck formally ended World War II. Today the Mighty Mo stands watch over the fallen of Pearl Harbor.
.

Main Gun Battery-16"/50 caliber-Range: 23 Miles-

The USS Missouri's main battery consists of three massive 16 inch/.50 caliber gun turrets. There are three guns in each turret. Each round weighs either 1900 lbs. or 2700lbs. Six 100 lb. powder bags were used to fire each projectile up to 23 miles with pinpoint accuracy.

The Surrender Deck is the USS Missouri's most sacred exhibit. On September 2, 1945, the greatest military leaders of WWII gathered on this deck, while the ship sat anchored in Tokyo Bay, to witness the signing of the Japanese surrender documents.

Over This Spot

On 2 September 1945

The Instrument

Of Formal Surrender

Of Japan To The Allied Powers

Was Signed

Thus Bringing To A Close

The Second World War

------------

The Ship At That Time

Was At Anchor

In Tokyo Bay

Battleship Arizona Memorial-

It was sooo fun to learn about the firepower that spanned three wars and nearly 50 years which completed our Pearl Harbor experience.

The Polynesian Cultural Center located on the scenic North Shore with 42 beautiful acres of friendship. Oahu, is also known as the Gathering Place of the Hawaiian Islands. This Island of course has the BYU University Campus and is the state Capital.

Islanders from eight Polynesian nations-Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, New Zealand, Easter Island and the Marquesas -are represented in authentic villages. Each village showcases its centuries-old heritage, which helps you gain a deeper understanding of each nation's culture in fun, interactive ways.

It was sooo fun to go back to the Cultural Center which is owned by the LDS church so that young people can help themselves to gain an education.

I absolutely loved going to BYU Hawaii in 1978 where I discovered many new things about myself one of which was an appreciation for other cultures and nationalities. I especially love the Hawaiian culture and hospitality, their brotherly love and friendly ways. Hawaii is a Fantasy land to me, the beauty surrounding you accompanied by the "sweet" smell of a perfume bottle is a daydream I love being a part of. I believe that Hawaii is as close as you get to heaven on this earth as the Island Greeting in Hawaii is basically "I Love You."

Beautiful fresh orchid leis-my Favorite color-

The Rainbows of Paradise Canoe Pageant-Hawaii the Island home which is the northern-most point of the Polynesian triangle. When I lived in Hawaii I learned how to do the Hula dance which is very graceful with swaying movements and graceful hands that tell a story.

Tahiti a land of intrigue and romance-I love the rhythm of the ancient drums combined with their amazing dance of the hips.

Samoa where island people open their hearts to you. The fire dance is a very important component to their culture as flaming knives are juggled. I love their purple attire.

a Cute grass hut-

A talented Native-

Driving through Paradise on the scenic North shore of Oahu- I love this Island especially being back after 33 years. I love the verdant mountain peaks, gorgeous views, breaking waves and beach blankets.

.
.

Your My "Hero" Jesse - Happy 18th Birthday - OXO

The day ended when the sun melted into the sea with "sweet" memories of a most wonderful time spent together.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

HAWAII a Dream come True - day 4

How Blessed I am by my "Sweetheart."

Hawaiians are known for their generosity, hospitality, and sharing nature. Today Hawaiians still believe that no matter who comes to your door, you should offer a smile, drink, food, a seat or even a place to sleep-there is nobody you do not help.

In days gone by if children didn't come home at night parents did not worry, as they knew they would be sleeping at a friend or family member's home. A little Hawaiian Grandmother (tutu) would think nothing of having fourteen children to sleep over at a time!