Tues., Day 7 - Chinatown

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Hawai'i, rather - the Hawai'i experience, is somewhat different for every visitor. The lore, the histories, the panoramas, the music ... so many aspects from which one may lay personal claim to remembering these beautiful islands.

One year we enjoyed close-up views of the active volcanoes on the big island of Hawaii. Another was spent chilling with friends and visiting the Honolulu Symphony. Then, of course, the real American Legacy of this place is the treasure that rests at Pearl Harbor.

Although we've garnered so many vivid memories of Hawaii, it's easy to select the singularly most beautiful of all, her flowers. Hawaiian people must love them, too. Flowers are seen everywhere. They're tastefully planted in parkways and residence yards. They're found in attractive arrangements in every restaurant, boutique or bank. So, for this visit, we define Hawaii as floral beauty.

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So, what did we do today? It occurred early that, although we've driven past Honolulu's Chinatown several times in the past, we never had really checked it out. So that's what we did. Chinatown is located about a dozen blocks away from the ship's dock. In spite of the muggy weather, we set out.

This tenderloin is a bustling place, and it's not necessarily a tourist area. At one point, we noted that we were the only Caucasians within sight. The several square block neighborhood appears more the supply center for the local Asian citizens. More than anything, the area's fruit, vegetable, meat and fish markets provide their table needs. And, that population does flock to the area; every street was crowded with homemakers pushing bulging grocery carts.

We found restaurants, too, but not the kind that we're accustomed to. These are tiny, seating only a dozen or so customers. Most seemed to specialise in only two or three menu items.

We did spot several specialty stores, or curio shops, that offer items one could take home as souvineers. In one, we commented how appropriate that every item was marked, "Made in China".

After our couple hours visit, we worked our way back to our ship. We were anxious to lunch and nap before heading off for 9 holes of golf.