Of Cruises and Iron Domes

       I have entries concerning the Hawaii Cruise we took two years ago under the label "Cruising". I was thinking (as I sometimes do) about the people we meet on a vacation. For example the wonderful couple from the UK we met (quite literally bumped into) at a resort in Mexico. They became lifelong friends and we communicate quite frequently. 

    Other times, the people we meet become casual acquaintances and the recognition does not go beyond acknowledging them while on the vacation. On the Hawaii cruise we had 12 "sea days" altogether. so there was ample time to meet and get acquainted with quite a few people. We were on the cruise with some good friends of ours who are our neighbors, but we did not spend all our time with them. We occasionally ate meals at different times and in different places so one cannot help but sit very close to someone who is friendly and who does not mind striking up a conversation. 

    One day at lunch, we were at the buffet at a particularly busy time and there were few table vacancies to chose from. We sat beside a couple from New York, retirement age, and friendly looking. We engaged in small talk, where we were from, had we cruised before, had we been to Hawaii before and on and on. For women, these conversations inevitably lead to talk about family, you know, kids, grandkids, aging parents, etc. For guys, the talk steers towards careers or occupation, and interests and hobbies. 

 

    That is where it took an interesting turn. He pondered his answer and then said, in a vague sort of way, that he was with the Canadian Army until the previous year and was on loan to Israel. He was now retired. Keep in mind that the war in Gaza was blazing hot at that time and I was very interested in what was happening there. I asked in what capacity he was engaged and he indicated that it was in research and development and that he had a few engineering degrees. Now I was all ears and I just knew I was going to learn something. 

     I had just been reading about and watching videos about the IDF's Iron Dome, the shield of protection that was created to shoot down incoming missiles from the enemy. The video in particular was taking about a new weapon that would make the defensive missiles obsolete. Because they (each missile) was very costly, the search was on for something more economical, efficient, and effective. The story said that the IDF was on the verge of perfecting laser beams that could take down incoming missiles. Each blast would cost pennies in electricity and could even run with a large battery on the laser launcher. And best of all, they were 100% automated in both detection, guidance, and firing. 

      So I went out on a limb and asked him if he was involved in developing this technology. Immediately, his wife kicked him under the table and said in a low voice, "Be careful what you say." I knew I had hit paydirt. I also knew I had to be careful how I drew him out, but I was determined to find out where the technology was and if they were indeed using it already. He reluctantly, at first, admitted that that was what he had been working on. He then talked in vague terms about the theoretical aspects of the weapon, and then about the challenges that had to be overcome. Several more times, his wife gave him the eye, and even warned him about saying too much. He reassured her that he was being careful to not divulge too much information. Quite frankly, I was surprised he was saying anything at all. 

     It was a most fascinating conversation as he was surprised that I knew so much about it. What I did learn in the end was that the weapon was not yet ready to use, but they were very close. I also learned that the hurdle to cross was projecting the laser beam at distance, because the farther the target, the more the laser beam would build up resistance in front of itself, or what he called 'plasma'. He told me that at best they were able to fog up the "eyes" of the guidance system on the missile, and that might be enough if they were accurate enough in their aim. 

     It was a long and most interesting lunch. And I never saw him or his wife again for the rest of the cruise. 

     

Cruising home

Each time we left a port of call, whether it was Kauai above, or Oahu below, I felt a bit of sadness because I did not know if we would ever be back. It is such a different world from our home and I realize that one can be content anywhere and home is more than location. 

Already I miss the sunsets, sunrises, and the vast stretches of open ocean, seeing nothing on the horizon in every direction for days on end. I miss the different shades of blue reflected in the water depending on location, lighting, and time of day. 

I miss the gentle rolling of the ship which seemed to be ever present. Neither of us were even remotely seasick on the whole voyage. 

I loved the 12-15 ft. seas with spindrift blowing off the curls. I could watch it for hours. We even saw a few flying fish in the middle of nowhere. 

The sunsets were now behind us instead of before us. Each morning we would awake to a day that was a few degrees cooler than the one before, and eventually, all thoughts of sunning by the poolside were put away. We had a wonderful time, an experience we will never forget. We highly recommend this particular trip and heartily endorse Holland America Cruise lines. Our ship, the Koningsdam, was beautiful in every respect and we would not hesitate for a moment if we ever had the chance to sail her again. Have I become a "cruiser"?  The jury is still out on that, but perhaps again, only not frequently. It's not for everyone. When I hear of folks who have gone on 30 plus cruises, I shake my head and know for a certainly that could never be me. But, as an infrequent vacation, it is a good thing. 

 

Hilo

The last stop on our Island tour was Hilo, also on the big island. Our port was a few kilometers from anything of interest but it was a cooler day with a light shower every so often and we were up for a long walk, umbrella at the ready. 

The skies were beginning to break up as we came across this lagoon. Very pretty, with our ship in the background.

More colorful trees in full bloom. 

There were signs warning of falling coconuts, but this one was staged. 

There was a strong current in this lagoon with the tide going out. Just beyond, there was some very high pounding surf as it hit a breakwater. 

We found the largest Japanese Gardens in the state of Hawaii and they did not disappoint. The little storm had passed so the water was calm and reflective. 

The large drops of water on the leaves show that a shower had just passed

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The trees of Hawaii are so impressive, but the Hawaiians might say the same of our massive Cedars, Maples, and Firs here in BC. The difference is that our trees grow up and theirs grow sideways. 

We were sure we were seeing another cruise ship in the distance, but as we got closer, we realized that it was a hotel meant to look like a cruise ship. And it certainly did!

These Rainbow Shower trees were quite common but each time I saw one I had to take a photo. I think they were in their peak. Hilo and Kona, both, were places I would consider for a longer term vacation in the future. Fewer people, less traffic, and more unspoiled wilderness. And did I mention the crystal clear waters....so beautiful. 
 

Kona

Kona, Big Island of Hawaii, was the only port that required us to be tendered to shore. It was quick and efficient, and surprising to see so many handicapped folks daring to hop on board with the heaving seas. There were plenty of crew to assist and nobody fell overboard, that we knew of. 

This couple was not talkative, but didn't seem to mind getting their photo taken with busylizzy. 

That's a long way to swim if we don't catch the last tender at 5:30!

An impressive tree, with massive buttress roots to hold it up in any tropical storm. 

Java Sparrows in a feeding frenzy. 

A close up of the beach in Kona. It was comprised of broken pieces of coral, bits of shell, and various shades of volcanic rock pieces. 

The first Congregational Church in Hawaii built in the late 1800's. We talked to a fine gentleman outside who was handing out tracts. We would have been welcome to go inside but it was undergoing a restoration and was closed to the public. 

Again, Paradise. 

We were certainly struck with the clarity and color of the water here. Like nothing I have ever seen. 

Swamp Mangroves, with possibly some rodent deterrent on the trunks. 

Again marveling at the clarity of the water, and so cool, without being cold, to refresh a couple of pairs of hot feet. 

A beautiful statue of St. Michael on the grounds of the Catholic church. 

When a cruise ship arrives, the sleepy little streets and shops come alive with tourists bearing cameras and credit cards. 

House plants that we baby at home, thrive and multiply here in the hot and humid climate. And what would a trip to Kona be without a black lava beach. Alas, my idea of purchasing some excellent Kona coffee in Kona, no less, was thwarted when I saw the price. Can$ 80.00 for less than a lb. However, I will never forget the rich aroma in the Kona Coffee store, with the many varieties of roasts and flavors.

 

Kauai

The next stop was two days on the Island of Kauai, the garden island. And, true to its reputation, the first time we tried to disembark from the ship, we got drenched in a warm tropical downpour. We had not gone 20 yards past the gangway and we turned back. Our umbrella was useless as the horizontal rain drenched us in a few minutes. But these showers are as short as they are intense, and after we dried off in the cool dry environment of the ship, we set out again, this time with success.  

We walked 19,000 steps that day and began with a stroll through the Marriot resort less than a Kilometer from the cruise ship terminal. 

This is an older but beautiful resort on a fabulous piece of property. 

From there, we trekked up a very long hill to the sleepy little town of Lihue. It was a Sunday and the only action was a street vendor selling BBQ chicken in an empty parking lot. The town looked depressed with many businesses boarded up. A few businesses nearer the cruise ship terminal were faring much better. 

Of note, in Lihue, were a few historical building and a museum which was closed. Kauai had its own king and queen, memorialized with statues

As you can see by the photos, Kauai is a tropical paradise, as evidenced by the lush and beautiful flora.