Aloha Hawaii!

Tuesday April 24: We docked in Honolulu, Hawaii. We only stayed a short while to refuel so we got to lie out by the pool all day (even though we weren't allowed to go in the pool per Hawaii rules…and they weren't allowed to serve smoothies at the pool bar?) We went through immigration and got our passports back for the last time! I saw everyone using their cell phones which was the most bizarre thing to see since we all haven't had service or been able to use our phones this whole semester. I totally forgot that I would have regular service in Hawaii. I ran back down to my room and called my whole family and called a few other people, and got some phone calls from friends J It was absolutely amazing to hear everyone's actually voice on the phone or have an instant response over a text message. Normally I have to wait a few days to hear from someone via email and it has gotten old as the semester has gone on. I never truly realized how dependent on technology we are in America, but I was never happier to use my cell phone.

Wednesday April 25: Wow! I cannot believe I am done with my last port. This semester has truly flown by and Hawaii was the perfect ending to an awesome voyage around the world. We docked in Hilo, Hawaii this morning at about 8:00. Chloe, Bridget, and I quickly hurried off the ship and walked to Ken's House of Pancakes. I researched places to eat and this is "the place to eat" in Hilo. I wish it were in Boulder or Naperville so I could eat there all the time. I got a breakfast burrito with hash browns and a coffee. Everyone working there was really nice and thought it was hilarious we were so happy to eat "real" food. It was nice going to a restaurant and being able to read the menu and know exactly what it is that you are ordering and eating! It definitely lived up to its expectations, absolutely delicious! It was raining when we walked outside after breakfast so we got in a taxi and headed to the Rainbow Falls. The taxi driver was SO nice and really funny. He was born in New York City and was a funeral director. He said one day he got really bored with his job and has been traveling the world for the past 12 years. He lived in India and Amsterdam and is now living in Hawaii. He dropped us off at the falls, which were beautiful. We didn't see any rainbows because it was raining and really cloudy. When the rain let up we walked back to downtown Hilo and walked around, shopped, sat in the sun, ate some more, and walked around some more. When we were eating lunch I wanted to order a drink when I realized I am back in the United States and I'm not 21 yet! It is going to be annoying after a semester of being able to drink at restaurants and bars, not being able to until July 29^th! Oh well, I'll survive. We headed back to the ship later in the afternoon and for the last time said goodbye to a port. It was very weird knowing the next time I get off the ship, I won't be getting back on. I wish I had time to go sit outside on the upper deck and reflect on this semester and share with you guys what I've learned about myself, and about the world. However, it will have to wait because I have a 9:00 am final tomorrow morning, and 3 more finals in the next couple of days so I will be busy cramming for those. Also, goodbye cell phone until I get to San Diego!

Exactly one week until I'm home sweet home!

-Alli