Pearl Harbor, HI (USA)

Today was one of the most interesting days of the trip. It began early again, but we only had to meet with our hosts for a couple of hours. Went back to the Hale Koa Hotel and relaxed near the beach (had lunch too) for a couple of hours. Then, changed back into work clothes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a visit to the USS Missouri ("Mighty Mo" - BB-63). It is moored in Pearl Harbor within a stone's throw of the USS Arizona. In fact, it appears to be very close to where the USS Oklahoma capsized during the 07 DEC 1941 attack. After we finished a very inspiring ceremony - and a personalized tour of the ship with a retired crew-member, we drove around on Ford's Island. Keith and I brought a change of clothes so we wouldn't have to stay in our "penalty suits" all day (everyone else drove all the way back to the hotel!!!). We had a great time seeing the views from the island - ships and a huge early warning radar platform. We left Ford's Island and discovered the HUGE exchange complex - found some good souvenirs. Afterwards, we drove around on the old Pearl Harbor submarine base - visiting a memorial to the nearly 4000 men who died during World War II - and later found ourselves driving along the coast near the Honolulu International Airport. Fortunately, this was good timing for our next work-related event - a cookout on the ocean at Foster Point. It turned out to be a nice event - great music, special dishes prepared by our hosts and a beautiful sunset. The weather was very pleasant (never too hot or cold). We had no trouble getting back to the hotel (2100) and I took the opportunity to use the internet (signal worked from Hilton Hawaiian Village nearby). Watched some TV and went to bed relatively early...