Waiting for the Moon Landing: Artemis II Splash Down

Waiting for the Moon Landing: A Reflection on Patience, Progress, and Purpose

In 1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon during the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the world held its breath and then exhaled in awe. It was a moment that felt almost divine in its simplicity: we came, we saw, we touched the heavens.

And yet, here we are, more than half a century later, still waiting to return.

At first glance, that feels puzzling. In an age of smartphones, artificial intelligence, and instant communication, why does going back to the Moon seem so… delayed?💚

But as I reflect on it,  as a man who has lived long enough to see both the urgency of youth and the patience that comes with age, I realize: perhaps the delay is not a failure. Perhaps it is wisdom.

Today, under NASA’s Artemis program, the mission is no longer just to visit the Moon. It is to stay. To build. To prepare for something even greater -a journey to Mars, and beyond. This time, we are not planting flags. We are laying foundations.

That kind of ambition requires more than courage. It demands humility.

The technology itself reflects this shift. The powerful Space Launch System (SLS), the advanced Orion spacecraft, and the still-evolving Starship - these are not just machines. They are symbols of a new era, one where exploration is shared between nations and even private companies like SpaceX.

But even with all our modern brilliance, we are reminded of something profoundly human: progress takes time.

Spacesuits must be redesigned to withstand the Moon’s harsh dust. Systems must be tested and retested, because in space, there is no margin for error. Funding must be secured in a world where priorities constantly shift. And perhaps most challenging of all, nations and organizations must learn to work together, not in competition, but in cooperation.

In my own life, I have come to understand that waiting is not empty. Waiting is where meaning is often formed.

Whether in my years of service, my reflections since 2009 through writing, or in the quieter, more personal chapters of aging, I have learned that the most important journeys are rarely rushed. They unfold, slowly, deliberately, with setbacks that shape rather than stop us.

The Moon, in this way, becomes more than a destination. It becomes a mirror.

It reflects our impatience, yes but also our growth. It asks us: Are we ready, not just technologically, but collectively? Are we building something that will last, or simply repeating history for the sake of nostalgia?

There is something deeply comforting in knowing that even in an age of speed, humanity still pauses when the stakes are high. That we choose care over haste. That we are willing to wait, not because we have to, but because we understand why we should.

One day soon, humans will once again walk on the lunar surface. And when they do, it will not just be a triumph of engineering. It will be a testament to patience, to collaboration, and to the quiet strength of preparation.

And perhaps, as we watch that moment unfold, we will recognize something familiar within ourselves:

That the most meaningful steps we take whether on Earth or on the Moon are the ones we take only after we are truly ready.

For my readers around the world, may we all find purpose not only in our destinations, but in the waiting that prepares us for them.

Meanwhile, Photos Taken of Earth by Artemis II, 4-4-26

Earth’s two glowing crowns, captured from deep space by Artemis II crew

The Artemis II crew shared an incredible perspective of both the northern and southern auroral ovals simultaneously. This rare view shows the vibrant green emissions of energized particles stretching nearly 100 km into our thermosphere and ionosphere.

Zooming in reveals the sheer scale of these atmospheric light shows, dancing across the poles as the Orion spacecraft moves further toward the Moon. Seeing both "crowns" at once is a powerful reminder of the complex, living shield that protects our planet.

Lastly,  

💚NASA has overhauled the Artemis program to accelerate the lunar landing schedule, with 

Artemis III (2027) now focused on a crewed low-Earth orbit docking test, followed by the first landing in 2028 via Artemis IV. The program aims to establish an annual cadence to build a lunar base by 2028. 

Artemis III (Mid-2027)

• Mission: Instead of landing, the mission will now act as a rehearsal for lunar landings, testing systems in low-Earth orbit.
• Objective: The crew will launch on the SLS (Space Launch System) rocketto test docking in orbit with a commercial lunar lander (SpaceX Starship or Blue Origin Blue Moon).
• Tests: The crew will test the new xEVA space suits and perform integrated checks on life support systems. 

Artemis IV (Early 2028) 

• Mission: This is slated to be the first crewed landing on the Moon since 1972.
• Objective: Astronauts will use a standardized SLS configuration to land at the lunar surface.
• Action: Crew will perform scientific studies and conduct at least two extravehicular activities (EVAs). 

Artemis V (Late 2028)

• Mission: The second crewed landing of 2028 and a key step in building an enduring lunar presence.
• Objective: Begin the construction of a permanent NASA Moon Base.
• Future: Followed by annual missions aimed at establishing a sustained human presence. 

The Artemis II marks humanity’s long awaited return to deep space exploration. For the first time in over five decades since Apollo 17, astronauts will travel beyond low Earth orbit on a 10-day journey around the Moon, signaling a major milestone in modern spaceflight.

Riding a 322-foot rocket, the crew will venture thousands of miles into space, perform a lunar flyby, and safely return to Earth with a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. While the mission does not include a landing, it plays a critical role in testing life support systems, navigation, and operational readiness for future missions deeper into space.

Beyond its technical goals, Artemis II represents the beginning of a new era. With ambitions to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and eventually reach Mars, this mission lays the foundation for the next chapter of human exploration beyond Earth.

The Artemis II mission is historic for a few key reasons:

First human mission to the Moon's far side: The mission marks the first time humans have traveled to the Moon's far side, which isn't visible from Earth.
First crewed mission beyond Earth's orbit in decades: Artemis II is the first crewed mission beyond Earth's orbit since the Apollo era, paving the way for future human space exploration.
Stepping stone for lunar surface return: The mission is a crucial step towards returning humans to the lunar surface, with Artemis II laying the groundwork for future missions.

These achievements make the Artemis II mission a significant milestone in space exploration.

What was the crew's emotional experience: Splash Down 4-10-26

The Artemis II crew's emotional experience was a mix of awe, wonder, and profound introspection. Here are some key aspects of their emotional journey 

Awe and Wonder: The crew described their experience as "awe-inspiring," "beautiful," and "impossible to fully describe with words." They were struck by the Earth from space, with Commander Reid Wiseman describing it as having "a great blue hue" and being "beautiful".
Emotional Tribute: The crew honored the late wife of Commander Reid Wiseman, Carroll, by naming a moon crater after her. This moment was particularly emotional, with Wiseman getting choked up and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen struggling to hold back tears.
Love and Devotion: Before splashdown, the crew expressed heartfelt messages to their families. Wiseman thanked his daughters for their support, while Christina Koch was touched by letters and drawings from her nieces and nephews. Pilot Victor Glover spoke about looking forward to supporting his 
children and encouraged young people to find joy and contribute positively.
Surreal Experience: Being cut off from humanity while behind the moon was described as "surreal" by Wiseman. The crew also witnessed a lunar eclipse, which they considered a rare privilege.
Profound Reflections: The crew's experience was not just about the thrill of space travel but also about introspection and appreciation for life on Earth. As William Shatner, who briefly traveled into space, put it, "The beauty isn't out there, it's down here, with all of us".

Welcome home, Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy. You returned humanity to the moon, and now you’re back safely on Earth. The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission splashed down at 8:07 p.m. Eastern time in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on Friday, concluding their historic 10-day mission, the first to send humans around the moon in more than 50 years.

Our Planned South American Food Adventure

After our delightful journey through the vibrant and diverse cuisines of Southeast Asia, my daughter and I find ourselves, once again, standing at the edge of a new culinary map-this time, looking toward South America.

If Southeast Asia was a symphony of herbs, spices, and layered flavors, I imagine South America will be a bold, rhythmic dance, earthy, colorful, and deeply rooted in culture and history. The idea of continuing our father-daughter tasting tradition into this new region fills me with the same anticipation I felt when we first began sampling Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai, Laotian and Burmese dishes not too long ago.

There is something profoundly meaningful about sharing meals with family, especially when those meals are tied to exploration. At my stage in life, I have come to appreciate that food is never just food. It is memory, identity, migration, and sometimes even survival. Each dish tells a story of indigenous roots, colonial influences, and modern reinvention.

As we begin our South American culinary adventure, a few countries already sit high on our wish list.

Peruvian cuisine, for instance, has been gaining worldwide recognition and rightly so. I am particularly intrigued by ceviche, with its clean, citrus brightness, and lomo saltado, a stir-fry that reflects a fascinating blend of Chinese and Peruvian influences. It reminds me that cultures, like flavors, are never static.

Then there is Brazil, a country as vast as its culinary repertoire. I look forward to tasting feijoada, a hearty stew that is said to bring people together, much like the communal meals I remember from my childhood. And perhaps a bite of pão de queijo, those little cheese breads that seem to carry comfort in every bite.

Argentina, of course, calls to the meat lover. Their asado is not just a meal; it is a ritual. I can already imagine the slow, deliberate pace of grilling, the conversations that linger longer than the fire itself. Food, once again, as a vehicle for connection.

And how can we not explore Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador, each with its own distinct culinary identity? From arepas to empanadas, from seafood along the Pacific coast to dishes born high in the Andes, the diversity promises to be just as rich as what we experienced in Southeast Asia.

What excites me most, however, is not just the food, but the journey itself. There is a certain joy in not knowing exactly what to expect. There will be dishes we instantly love, others we may need to learn to appreciate, and perhaps a few that will leave us puzzled. But that is part of the adventure.

I must admit, there are days when writing daily blog posts feels like climbing a steep hill. The mind slows, inspiration hesitates. Yet, experiences like these shared with my daughter, one meal at a time have a way of reigniting that creative spark. And when I read comments from readers across the world who find joy in these simple stories, I am reminded why I continue.

So, to my readers, consider this an invitation. Come along with us as we explore South America, one dish, one country, one story at a time soon. I may not travel as far as I once did, but through these culinary journeys, the world continues to come to me.

And perhaps, in some small way, to you as well.

Meanwhile. here's the AI Overview: 

 

South American cuisine is a vibrant "melting pot" that blends ancient indigenous traditions with centuries of influence from Spanish, Portuguese, African, Italian, and even Asian immigrants. While each country has its own distinct culinary identity, the continent is united by staple ingredients like corn, potatoes (with over 4,000 varieties in the Andes), beans, and chili peppers. 

Regional Culinary Styles

• The Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador): Known for a "spicy" cuisine dictated by high altitudes. Staples include potatoes, quinoa, and unique meats like guinea pig (cuy) and llama.
• The Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile): Heavily influenced by European (especially Italian and Spanish) immigration. This region is famous for its 
  Asado (barbecue)
   culture, high-quality beef, and Italian-style pastas and pizzas.
• Tropical & Coastal (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela): Features a strong African influence, particularly in Brazil's Bahia region. Common ingredients include coconut milk, palm oil (dendê), and tropical fruits. 

Iconic Dishes You Should Know

Dish	Country of Origin	Key Ingredients
Ceviche	Peru	Raw fish cured in citrus juices (lime/lemon) with onions and chili.
Feijoada	Brazil	A hearty black bean stew with various cuts of pork and beef.
Arepas	Venezuela & Colombia	Circular cornmeal cakes that are grilled, baked, or fried and stuffed.
Empanadas	Continent-wide	Savory pastry turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Bandeja Paisa	Colombia	A massive platter of rice, beans, ground meat, fried egg, chorizo, and avocado.
Lomo Saltado	Peru	A stir-fry of beef, onions, and tomatoes, showing Chinese influence.

Signature Ingredients & Drinks

• Cassava (Yuca): An essential starchy root used for fries, flour, or as a side dish.
• Chimichurri
  : A green sauce made of parsley, garlic, and vinegar, primarily used for grilled meats in Argentina and Uruguay.
• Dulce de Leche
  : A sweet, caramelized milk confection used in desserts like alfajores.
• Yerba Maté
  : A traditional, caffeine-rich herbal tea consumed from a gourd with a metal straw (bombilla).
• Pisco Sour
  : A popular cocktail in Peru and Chile made from pisco (grape brandy) and citrus. 
• My Photo Of the Day- Some of My Favorite Filipino Dishes
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• Here are some of the most underrated Filipino dishes:

  Underrated Main Courses

  Kinilaw: a Filipino-style ceviche made with cubed fish or meat marinated in coconut or cane vinegar, often mixed with aromatics like chili, ginger, and onion.
  Arroz Caldo: a comforting rice porridge dish similar to congee, typically made with chicken, garlic, ginger, and onions, and often served with hard-boiled eggs and fried pork rinds.
  Ginataang Kuhol: a rich snail stew cooked in coconut milk with spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
  Dinuguan: a hearty stew made with pork meat and innards cooked in blood and vinegar, which can also be made with chicken or beef.

  Underrated Snacks and Appetizers

  Okoy: crispy shrimp fritters made with unpeeled shrimp, vegetables, and a pancake-like batter, often served with sweet and sour sauce or spicy vinegar dip.
  Lumpia: Filipino spring rolls that can be fresh or deep-fried, filled with minced meat, vegetables, and sometimes served with sweet and sour sauce or peanut sauce.
  Tamilok: a type of saltwater clam that's eaten raw or ceviche-style, often served with vinegar and other dipping sauces.

  Other Hidden Gems

  Balut: a boiled duck egg that's been fertilized and incubated for a few weeks, often served with vinegar, chili, or salt.
  Sisig: a popular dish made with chopped pork's head, seasoned with vinegar, salt, and pepper, and grilled with onions and chili peppers.
  Kare-Kare: a rich stew made with vegetables, meat, and peanut gravy, often served during festivities
  
  
  
  Finally, Ditas and I had Empanadas from Limon, a Peruvian restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek, just recently. We ordered Chicken and Vegetarian ( mushrooms) Empanadas.  
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  Ditas and I had Empanadas from Limon, a Peruvian Restaurant in Downtown, Walnut Creek just recently.