Aloha, Aloha...Hello, Goodbye

Hawaii was the perfect end to my amazing adventure.

They told us there would be scattered showers the entire time we were in Honolulu, but we got perfectly clear sky both days. I spent most of my time on the beach of Waikiki, soaking up the sun and my final moments with 500 of my closest friends. And I crossed surfing off my list of future career options. I couldn’t even stand up on the board, and after getting whacked in the head for the 3^rd time, I was done. 

Overall, it was nearly paradise, especially since cell phones came back into my life in this port.

Being back in somewhat-America was weird and took some getting used to. I went to an ATM and looked at the numbers at the screen and had to think for a second what the exchange rate was in this country. I then got into a cab and slowly said to the driver “Can  youuuu  take  usss  to  the  beeach?” (there were also some hand motions). He looked at me weird and answered in clear English, “Sureeee”.

 

In another part of the island, a friend of mine was buying a bag of ice…

“How much for this ice?”

“Four bucks.”

“I’ll give you three.”

“Umm no.”

(hands the man a $5)

“Can I get a dollar back?”

“Outta change.”

 

Yep, we are back in the good old U.S.A.

 

 After our two days of paradise, we headed to Hilo. We got up in the morning, walk out on to the deck and took a good look around and asked “is this a joke?”

Hilo was a giant industrial park. It was cloudy and there were no beaches or mountains in sight. There was only an IHOP, a Walmart, and some volcanoes and waterfalls. Usually I would go straight for the Rootie Tootie Fresh and Fruity, but I guess since this still was Hawaii and all, it would be cool to see some volcanoes.

We ended up with this ‘tour guide’ (or a local with a large van and a ‘tour business’) to drive us all around the area. We went to some water falls, a macadamia nut and candy factory, and the volcano. However, I did not see any lava, and that was a bummer. Most of Hilo was a bummer. So we headed toward the other end of the island to Kona for the night. The sun was bright and shining over there, but we only got to enjoy about 30seconds of it. We had to be back in Hilo for a 5k race for Semester at Sea’s $100 Solution. It was a ‘Fun Run’ and we got to dress in all over funky clothing that we had purchased along the voyage. I’m willing to look like an idiot for my own pleasure, so why not do it for charity!?

 

Earlier that day, what we call a ‘boat rumor’ was in full spin about some swells in the Pacific Ocean and there was chance that we might not be leaving for San Diego that night. Oh great, another night in Hilo. What fun…

When we got back on the ship that evening, we discovered that the ‘boat rumor’ was true, BUT we were not staying in Hilo…We were heading BACK to Honolulu and getting an extra day there!!! The entire Union (our auditorium) went up in a giant roar of excitement. It was as if we all just got called down to contestants row on the Price is Right. Back to the beach of Waikiki we went.

 

The day after our last day in paradise was a sad day for all of us. It was not only the beginning of our final exams, but it was also the day we set sail for home. I guess sad isn’t the right word. It’s more like bittersweet. (Not bittersweet for the exams, that just flat out sucked)

 

As of today, we are finished with our exams and I officially have one final semester left in my college career.

 

In my final days at sea, I plan to do the following:

- Work on my tan (most important)

- Collect thousands of pictures from everyone on the ship (Facebook will not cut it)

- Find a way to fit my entire cabin into 3 suitcases (mission impossible)

- Get all pretty and fancy for our Ambassadors Ball tomorrow night (Prom!)

- & prepare to cry my eyes out in 48 hours…

 

I still feel like this was all one big dream and I am going to wake up soon. I hope not, because that would be one big puddle of drool that has built up over 3.5 months…

 

Why must I ruin every sentimental moment?!