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Our Magnificent Journey
Chapter 3
Hawaii - Oahu
The Long Weekend

 

 
Reflections...
 
 
call some place paradise - kiss it goodbye…
       The Eagles

 
Much has been written about the Pacific island gems we call Hawaii. I recommend the first few chapters of the Michener masterpiece Hawaii for background information on the land and its culture, people and history. There is no other place like it...
 
The Islands of Hawaii
 
We have visited the Islands several times and are always struck with the sense that we are "closer" or more in touch with the Earth when we are there. We have experienced no other part of the planet that so wonderfully and perfectly expresses the theme of the Garden. You are surrounded by rugged mountains, crystal-blue waters, volcanoes and lava, misty rainbows, heavenly-scented color-splashed flowers, delicious fruits, exotic fish and birds, and strikingly beautiful, charming, friendly sun-darkened people. It is truly a melting pot, a blend of western and eastern cultures, particularly evident on Oahu. Traveling by foot or by car through the streets of Honolulu, the various fragrances of foods of many ethnic origins all blend into an aroma that wafts between the tall buildings and along the canals and competes with the perfumed plumeria.
 
The splendor and magnificence of the Islands is apparent before you even set foot on land. From the air, as you approach any of the islands, the first two things that announce that you are nearing Paradise are the emerald cliffs and the jade-azure waters below.
 
That being the macroscopic view, there is always the unfortunate other side of the coin. During our visit we sat in outdoor restaurants and marveled at the tropical scene before us and then noticed the dying birds at our feet, poisoned by cholesterol-causing human food. The ocean which once teemed with marine life is now comparatively empty, over-fished and under-managed.
 
There is always a price to pay for Man's presence in the Garden. The fragile global eco-system may not tolerate our abuse much longer. The destruction of the coral reefs and the rain forests are merely two tragedies among many. Two too many…
 
Carol and I have been blessed with the good fortune to be able to visit the Paradise of Hawaii and we recommend these island gems to you who may be reading these words. But we all have the responsibility to leave the Garden as we found it, to the best of our abilities, to ensure that our children's children are also able come and wonder at its awesome splendor on their own Magnificent Journey…
 
Aloha and Mahalo from David and Carol
 
Aloha and Mahalo from Carol and David…
 
Photo courtesy of Ann Cecil
Photo courtesy of Ann Cecil

 

 

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