As part of our upside-down world, we have traveled to the United States for vacation. Realizing our tenth wedding anniversary was just around the corner, we decided to celebrate with three weeks in Hawaii.
In our ten years of travel, we've visited several tropical locations, but this is our first time to America in the tropics. Hawaii has Safeway, Wal-mart, and (to Jeremy's great delight) Costco! We have enjoyed purchasing our familiar treats, and I have at this point had my fair share of Tostitos and cheese dip, Wheat Thins, and Fig Newtons. It is also funny to be able to speak freely in the grocery store without causing other customers to turn around to see who the American is. Disturbingly, Jeremy really wants to drive on the left, but there have been no close calls.
Our first stop in Hawaii was the island of Oahu--home of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Friends of ours--from the job I left back home--have taken a temporary assignment in the Honolulu area, and we were able to stay with them for the week. They even gave up their master bedroom and bathroom for us! We enjoyed spending time with them and learning about life on America's tropical state.
A highlight of this island was visiting the solemn memorial and active naval base at Pearl Harbor.
We didn't go out to the actual USS Arizona Memorial. The boat shuttle was not running due to severe gale winds. However, we were able to view the resting place from a short distance.
USS Arizona Memorial
We also visited the USS Missouri--the site of the Japanese surrender in WWII. Now decommissioned, the ship was active in WWII, Korea, and the Persian Gulf; it currently serves as a museum.
USS Missouri
As an added bonus, we were able to watch a submarine pull into port while standing near the Missouri.
Sub Coming In
We also got to see F-22 fighters fly over several times. Wow.
F-22 Raptor
