Paradise? Comparatively speaking...yeah. But then again that can't be fair, by the time we got here I was like what 3 weeks out of Iraq...maybe. Still got to admit, it's pretty nice. Maybe the only thing missing (as I told the missus) was the shit weather we should have left behind, you know if you go somewhere that it is always 80 and sunny or whatever, you don't want to leave 80 degree weather back home.
The view from our window.
Did I mention they had fireworks? This is the view from our Lanai (balcony/terrace) I was okay until the grand finale, one right after another in a valley of concrete, glass, and steel.
Was nice though, got to see some of the place where TM, TC, Rick, Higgibaby and the rest hung out. I know that "magnum p.i." was a TV show and therefor not "real" yet you can learn a lot about life and the meaning of friendship there. T'was a crying shame to see the way that Robin's Nest has gone to pot though. I mean seriously someone is missing out on a goldmine there, you could charge admission to check out the guest house and all that (I know I'd pay, can't be alone can I?) but whoever owns the place has let it rot. The main house looks like a fire hit it and everywhere else you look everything is overgrown and out of control. We waded our way to the tidal pool and peeked over the fence, no sign of Zeus or Apollo.
The Missus and I at Mr. Master's tidal-pool.
Robin's Nest. "Oh my God!" if only Higgins see it now.
We stayed at the military owned facility the Hale Koa, and got to play our new game of "Guess the Service" ya see everyone there is in some shape or 'nother attached to the military. So we'd sit with our drinks at the bar and it'd go a little like this...
"Retired Navy," I'd say to the Missus as we watched a bearded beer bellied buy with a baseball cap stroll up.
"Specialist," she'd say back as we watched a young woman try and deal with her two kids as her husband played with his phone.
"No, no." I'd offer. "She's a E-5, he's an E-4. She's never been to school, but has somehow risen above him."
And we'd laugh, I am sure this will be lost on some of you, but the present and former military people are pro'ly having a bit of a chuckle too. We've all done it somewhere; at a restaurant, shopping, whatever. And chances are it has been done to us as well, no matter how much hair or beard we put on even in our civilian clothes something shines though.
Interlude: Home
I did the same thing I do everyday today; started the coffee, grabbed the paper, and put out the flag. I reckon some folks this is one of the only day's they put out the flag, and good for them I guess. It makes a difference even if it is only a couple times a year where we actually force ourselves to think about the times and how they've changed (and how they've changed us). That is the thing I guess not only how much the world has changed in 9 years, but how much we've each of us changed, I know I am not the same person I was, you know what they say though, "All that ever stays the same is Change." Am I a better person now? I'd like to think so, but I recognize that I am also a more damaged(Bear with me on this one, I know "damaged" isn't the right word. But it is like trying to explain the difference between alone and lonely, or good and bad... they are all different sides to the same coin. So don't focus on the damage focus on the change... the perspective if you will, where I can see new and strange chinks in my armour. Fekinell, I hope this makes sense to someone.) person too. I won't lie to you or myself, it wouldn't be fair or true to the changes that we have all gone through.
I don't want to sermonize or get anyone worried that I am not alright. I do the best I can day-by-day just like everyone else. Just last night I was watching "Dukes of Hazard" not exactly high-brow drama (or comedy for that matter) but there was a nice sense of comfort there. The best part (until I thought about it...) was that it seemed like Waylon Jennings was actually talking to ME (...of course that is when I thought that if he really was he would probably say, "Hoss, why don't you get off your ass and work on your music." Guilt felt, I played around for about an hour.)
Day-by-day, yeah. Don't worry about me, there are way too many things in this ever changing world to worry about besides me.
End Interlude
The Missus and I did get to see some of the typical tourist sites, and some that probably aren't on anyone's map. We checked out some beaches that are either off the beaten path or inaccessible without the ol' Military ID. Which is cool, say what you want about the military they have done pretty good by their people by having all these damn places around the islands...just wish more people knew about them...
Here's another tip, if you can go to the Flea Market at the stadium. Best bargains on the whole damn island. We saw the same stuff at the stalls back where the tourist were for like 50% higher or more. Everyone wants to bring something back (or have something brought back for them, etc etc) and if you leave it to the capitalist they'll take your arm, your leg, and whatever else they can get a hold of in-between. So stick it to the man.
Oil still leaks out of the Arizona, just in case anyone ever forgets.
I was a little worried doing the Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial thing that I might loose it. Part of my brain kept telling me, "it's too close." I wouldn't miss it for the world though, like I give a rat's ass if some other tourist sees me breakdown. I didn't though, but I was considerable moved, and I did come close. You see out at the memorial where all the names are engraved, there's this little bench in front. On this bench are the names of the survivors whose last wish was to be interred with their shipmates. Wow, right? Just like the oil that keeps bubbling up from the wreckage, people's hearts and minds stay with these men who gave so much and never even knew. I guess if there is justice somewhere in the world, they do know... as long as we never forget I guess the world will always know.
I guess I've covered enough ground in this ramble, I'd better go now. I can hear the balladeer saying, "Better late than never, son. But don't loose 'em, keep 'em coming back for more."
Cheers,
g
I don't want to sermonize or get anyone worried that I am not alright. I do the best I can day-by-day just like everyone else. Just last night I was watching "Dukes of Hazard" not exactly high-brow drama (or comedy for that matter) but there was a nice sense of comfort there. The best part (until I thought about it...) was that it seemed like Waylon Jennings was actually talking to ME (...of course that is when I thought that if he really was he would probably say, "Hoss, why don't you get off your ass and work on your music." Guilt felt, I played around for about an hour.)
Day-by-day, yeah. Don't worry about me, there are way too many things in this ever changing world to worry about besides me.
End Interlude
The Missus and I did get to see some of the typical tourist sites, and some that probably aren't on anyone's map. We checked out some beaches that are either off the beaten path or inaccessible without the ol' Military ID. Which is cool, say what you want about the military they have done pretty good by their people by having all these damn places around the islands...just wish more people knew about them...
Here's another tip, if you can go to the Flea Market at the stadium. Best bargains on the whole damn island. We saw the same stuff at the stalls back where the tourist were for like 50% higher or more. Everyone wants to bring something back (or have something brought back for them, etc etc) and if you leave it to the capitalist they'll take your arm, your leg, and whatever else they can get a hold of in-between. So stick it to the man.
Oil still leaks out of the Arizona, just in case anyone ever forgets.I was a little worried doing the Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial thing that I might loose it. Part of my brain kept telling me, "it's too close." I wouldn't miss it for the world though, like I give a rat's ass if some other tourist sees me breakdown. I didn't though, but I was considerable moved, and I did come close. You see out at the memorial where all the names are engraved, there's this little bench in front. On this bench are the names of the survivors whose last wish was to be interred with their shipmates. Wow, right? Just like the oil that keeps bubbling up from the wreckage, people's hearts and minds stay with these men who gave so much and never even knew. I guess if there is justice somewhere in the world, they do know... as long as we never forget I guess the world will always know.
I guess I've covered enough ground in this ramble, I'd better go now. I can hear the balladeer saying, "Better late than never, son. But don't loose 'em, keep 'em coming back for more."
Cheers,
g
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