The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1931-05-21
PAGE SIX
Mrs. C.. o. Gil6llan Writes of
Recent Trip on Pacific
Ocean

Recent Trip on racine
Ocean
When it was decided we were to g
60 the Hawaiian Islands this winter
was very much thrilled. On othel
trips we have taken we have heard sc
often from people who travel a great
deal remarks like these: "Have yor
been to the Hawaiian islands,, Oh
you must go there! It's just wonder.
full! We just love it and are going
back again." Now, I am saying the
same things.
We sailed from Los Angeles on the
City of Los Angeles at twelve noon
on February 14th. 1t was another OF
those beautiful California days and
being st. Valentines, the spirit of the
day was much in evidence. We stood
at the rail awhile watching the many
beautiful baskets Of flowers, fruit and
boxes of candy, all in Valentine trim
amings being carried aboard. 1t was
all so lovely and every one seemed
gay and happy.
Soon the whistle blew for all
friends aboard to go ashore. Passen-
gers and friends were busy with last
farewells, brides (there were three)
were being showered with rice,
streamers were thrown ashore as a
last connection with land. The gang
plank was raised and slowly the boat
drew away from the pier. The band
on board played aloha De" and what
a sweet farewell song, one grows to
aove it. We We're off. Six days on
the ocean and then Hawaii, the Para
disc of the Pacific.
One of our very good friends once
said, "I'd love to go back to Hawaii, it
1T weren't for those six days on the
ocean. I do not enjoy being sea
sick" Neither do 1, but we were in
deed fortunate in that respect, as both
going over and coming back were
very smooth.
And what is more delightful than
IAN ocean voyage, with a smooth sea,
beautiful weather, lovely invigorating
salt air, and interesting charming
people to pass the time of day. Or
zone may take an interesting book,
curl up in a steamer chair on deck
and perhaps doze off to dreamland.
The Steamship Company does
everything possible for ones comfort
and pleasure. One may participate
each morning in grand march head
ed by the band, followed by commune
ty singing, deck sports, horse races,
bridge and other contests, or If he
chooses he can have quiet restful
journey. The evenings are devoted
TO entertainments, musicals, mas
querade party and dancing. All OF
these we enjoyed.
The morning of the sixth day every
one is up at dawn for the first glim-
pse of the Islands. A fellow passen-
ger, who lives in Honolulu, pointed
out Old Diamond Head, an inactive
volcano on the edge of the ocean;
then Koko Head, its mate rising IN
the distance. We sailed along Waiki-
Xxi Beach with the Royal Hawaiian
Hotel, coral-pink castle, the newest
and one of the most luxurious resort
hotels in the world. In the back
ground were the gorgeous green clad
mountains; Tantalus, Pacific and Ale
wa Heights; beautiful valleys filled
with attractive homes and then the
lovely harbor. Here the Aloha Tow
er greeted US, sentinel of welcome.
Everyone is thrilled as landing in
Hawaii is different than landing in
any other port in the world.
The Hawaiian custom Of greeting
a steamer is beautiful. The dark
skinned boys swim out far to meet
the boat and dive deep for the coins
thrown overheard.
On the pier is the large band all
dressed in white uniforms, playing
1.-The song of the Isles" and Aloha
sOe," meaning lovely welcome, (Alo-
ha in HAWAII means many things,
greetings, goodbye, farewell, well
come, love you, etc. The dock Is
lined with people who have come to
welcome the visitors. Their arms are
full of leis and soon these lovely gar
lands of beautiful, fresh flowers are
hung around the necks OF the passen-
gers.
The custom of lei giving is very old
and supposed to represent the spirit
of Aloha of the Islands, an open
armed welcome to the new conner OF
returning friend and message OF
love to those who are leaving. 1t is
a beautiful custom and l hope it al
ways continues.
We had an interesting experience
upon our arrival. Some friends we
had met eight years ago at Lake
Louise and Bantf happened to see oul
name on the passenger list which was
published in the paper. There they
were on the pier with leis to welcome
us to the Islands.
Incidentally, they have been going
to the Islands for eight years and
thing it's the finest winter resort in
all their travels.
We were thrilled with the whole
scene, but to be met by old friends
and to be taken under their wing and
driven in their motor car, brought
from Boston, to the Halekulani
Hotel and told of all the sights along
the way was indeed welcome. Then
they took us for ride, out to the air