Today was quite a day! But first I should tell you about last night's Luau. We had a really good time and met some interesting people--a young couple from Russia (they life in Chicago now) and also a couple from Australia who had been traveling for some time. They went to several American cities and took a cruise from Florida through the Panama Canal. The food was ok (nothing to write home about) but the entertainment was great! We had a good enough time that we decided to go to the Luau here at the Hale Koa Thursday night before we board our plane home.
This morning we went to Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. That was an experience as well. The church was beautiful with a marble altar but unfortunately there was a screen blocking it from the "new" altar facing the people--well, sort of. The pews were arranged so the people faced each other with the altar at one end and the ambo at the other. A little strange. The priest paced back and forth between the two as he gave his homily. Also most of the kneelers had been removed with just a few left (so I guess taking them out must have been controversial and the result was a compromise.)
Our Lady of Peace
We walked around downtown for a while and saw the Queen's Palace (from the outside--it was closed since it was Sunday) and the State Capitol which had a statue of St. Damien outside. He really is revered here--there was a side altar in the church with one of his relics displayed.
After lunch, we walked on the beach for a while and then I got the bright idea to hike Diamond Head (an extinct crater). I had no idea what I was in for. Jay made the climb easily but I really struggled--but I made it. These pictures don't do justice to the challenge, but the view from the top made it all worth it.
After lunch, we walked on the beach for a while and then I got the bright idea to hike Diamond Head (an extinct crater). I had no idea what I was in for. Jay made the climb easily but I really struggled--but I made it. These pictures don't do justice to the challenge, but the view from the top made it all worth it.
This is me going back down. You wouldn't want to see the expression on my face going up.
Well, here I am climbing up (thank heavens for the railing)!
After burning about 10,000 calories today I felt entitled to a hot fudge sundae after dinner so I indulged myself. Then Jay and I took a walk along the beach before coming back to our room.
Tomorrow we go to Maui. We probably won't get back until 10 p.m. or so but if I'm not too tired, I'll blog about that experience! Talk to you then.
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