Today we went to Saipan. It was not as hot as yesterday and it was a tour by an air conditioned bus. It is a very lush island, beautiful trees and bushes.

Lot of memorials on the island to events during the war. We visited the Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff where many Japanese committed suicide rather than be captured by the Americans. The American Memorial Park you can see Japanese pillboxes, bunkers and other structures from the war. The museum is really well done and film was playing of the battle for Saipan.

Back to a great lunch and then we sailed to the neighboring island of Tinan. This is the island that the Enola Gay took off from to deliver the atomic bomb to Japan. The two Kens decided to do their own thing and walked into town many decided to swim and snorkel at the beach but most went on the tour.

What has surprised me about the islands after we reached Chichijima was how much it felt like being in Tahiti. The people, costumes and songs sound totally Polynesian.

Tomorrow we arrive in Guam and fly home via Tokyo. Six of the group are staying on for the next segment including visits to New Guinea a place I have never been.

Getting off now so Ken can post some pictures.