This past Memorial Day, I participated in an annual lantern floating ceremony (Toro Nagashi) on the beach at Magic Island, Ala Moana Park, in Honolulu. Local canoe clubs transported over 1100 paper lanterns out to sea in a beautiful ceremony witnessed by thousands of people.

This ancient rite is done to comfort the spirits of the deceased, and to pray for peace and harmony in the world. I submitted a request of remembrance for my beloved ancestors, my brave comrades, and the crazy Fodor’s World Travelers Gang just to cover all the bases.

I must confess to getting a bit choked up from all the chanting and beating of drums, and wiped away a salty tear as silence fell over the crowd and the brilliant resonance of a huge gong transported me to another time and a special place (Europe, of course).

They say to be deeply touched by a gong brings much happiness and strength. Perhaps that is really true.

A peaceful, relaxed mood gently engulfed my massive body as I lingered on the beach after the respectful crowd departed; listening to the gentle surf, smiling as the cool air caressed my ugly old face and watching the candle-lit lanterns fading in the distance. It seemed like tiny orange flames were dancing on the water, perhaps lighting the way so spirits could be ferried “from the sea of delusion to the shores of salvation”.

I’m in Hawaii getting medical treatment. In a couple of weeks I get the word on what the future will bring. I’m hoping it’s a ticket for a plane heading East and not West again.

Best wishes to all. You guys in California be on the look out for those pretty lanterns.

Thank you degas. I can see it in my mind and it is lovely. May you get good news.

Wishing you a quick recovery and a safe journey to your next destination, degas.

OMG, I was at the same ceremony. It was very moving, and I wiped away plenty of tears myself. Good luck and please stay out of harm's way.

Godspeed, degas

Sorry about getting all soft and mushy with this post. But things like that ceremony really do stir my emotions.

Of course, a good guave cheesecake or banana cream pie gets me going as well!

What a lovely ceremony and your way with words took me there. I will hold good thoughts for good news and a quick recovery. Be well and keep us informed.

p.s. We'll be sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge next week--I'll keep watch for lanterns!

Thanks Giovanna, I've walked over the Golden Gate Bridge and hope to sail under it some day. SF is such a great place - it moved me to do a "real" trip report last year on the US forum.

Hi degas,

>I’m in Hawaii getting medical treatment. In a couple of weeks I get the word on what the future will bring. I’m hoping it’s a ticket for a plane heading East and not West again. <

My best wishes and prayers for you.

degas darlin,
A beautifully described Perfect Moment, thank you!
I am pleased to hear you are out and about and healing. I will send out some little lanterns myself with hopes that they send you EAST!!! instead of back to That Place
Banana Cream Pie, heh?

Scarlett

Degas, I hope that when you watched those lanterns float away, they each took with them a troubled thought. I hope you walked away with your spirit soothed, your heart strengthened.

Tell those people to turn you loose! Come on home.

Till then, should frustration or confusion plague you, danger or despair threaten, remember the lanterns.

A lovely description, Degas. May there be many guave cheesecakes and banana cream pies in your future. Remember, life is short; eat dessert first.

A beautiful descriptiona and a wonderful memory to look back on when things are getting you down!

Hurry Eastward..we miss you!

"Remember, life is short; eat dessert first."


So true and it often takes awhile to really realize that wisdom. I'm making up for lost time now.

degas, I am glad that you had this beautiful and touching experience and thank you for sharing it with all of us. Take care, and yes, always eat dessert first. My best wishes to you.

Dear Degas,

Thank you for describing such a lovely moment to us.

Last year, after the Florida hurricanes, you started a thread hoping that everyone was safe. I replied saying that we were hit hard by Ivan, and you were very kind with your response. You said that all of my downed trees gave my "homestead some character." Well, going on 9 months later, we finally have most everything cleared away. I thought of your quote, and how at the time, that became my mantra. It really did make me feel better.

I hope you get the news you are hoping for. You will be in my prayers.

Your words painted such a beautiful image for us, Degas. Thanks so much for sharing this experience with us. What a lovely ceremony it must have been!

I will be thinking of you as you thought of us during this touching ceremony. Best wishes to you.

degas,

I join Ira and others in wishing you good news and a total resolution to your problem. I, too, will add you to my prayer list.

Big John

Degas;

Thank you for the beautiful description, it brought tears to my eyes just reading it. Isn't it great when you get one of those really special moments to carry home with you during your travels? I too will keep you in my prayers and wish you a speedy recovery and good news in the near future. Take Care Jackie