Feeling Fortunate

Despite the depressing state of the global economy that has us all concerned, here on our island, we decided to focus on some positives and had a remarkably interesting and relaxing weekend.

Saturday, I scooted over to the Makai Pier that sits on the coast in view of the Makapu'u Lighthouse.


From this pier, there is a direct view out to Manana Island (Rabbit Island), which is a wildlife sanctuary. A whole cast of Hawaiian monk seals congregate on its shores on a daily basis.


Best of all, perched on a lanai located on the pier, there is usually a wonderful man named DB Dunlap (aka The Seal Whisperer). He and his high-powered telescope keep track of all the local seals and their comings and goings on the island. He is so amazing that he can identify each seal by its markings and movements, even at that distance. He's also a veritable font of information with a great sense of humor. Watching all the seals and learning and laughing while talking to DB in that beautiful setting, was a wonderful way to spend a gorgeous morning.

As I was leaving, I couldn't resist the color of the water off the pier:


Sunday, in light of the Chinese New Year celebrations of the Year of the Ox, we decided to go visit the Princess TaiPing, which is docked at Ala Wai Harbor until early February.


This is a traditional 14th century Chinese warship built according to original instructions dating to the Ming Dynasty. So it has no nuts, bolts or screws, and is built and decorated, as much as possible, from the same materials used to build the ancient ships. It's been sailing all over the Pacific for the last several months on a goodwill voyage.


We met two of the crew members, Hsiu-Ying Chao, an energetic and interesting Taiwanese artist who lives in South Africa, and Hugh Morrow, an easy-going yet sharp and witty American from Iowa who lives in China. Both were obviously on the adventure of a lifetime and, happily for us, eager to share their experiences and lots of information about their beloved and beautiful ship.



Among other things we learned that TaiPing means "peace" or "peaceful", and the whole purpose of the voyage was to travel in peace to faraway places and share knowledge of the almost lost ancient art of Chinese shipbuilding and Chinese maritime history and culture. Another fascinating factoid, we learned that the original rope used on these ships was woven from hemp, as it is today, but with a core of woven human hair, for its natural proteins that gave it extraordinary strength and resiliency.

All twelve animals of the lunar calendar are incorporated into the parts of the ship, the snout of the pig, the ears of the rabbit, etc. And this little lion is a symbol of good fortune.


In the spirit of the Princess TaiPing, peace to you all and Gung Hay Fat Choy!