Monday, March 3, 2014

Sunday: Surfs Up and the largest open air shopping mall in the world!




Aloha!

We woke up to rainy weather, but why would that bring us down? We are in paradise!
The day started out with a good but early breakfast, some people needed their morning coffee to wake up.

After breakfast we all went to the beach. We split into 2 groups, the first went on the Catamaran boat trip, and the other group went surfing.

The Catamaran boat trip was way more amazing than we expected! The water was so clear, that you could see all the way to the bottom. First we saw sea turtles reaching for air at sea level. We were all ready with our cameras to get beautiful shots of the sea turtles playing in the water. While everybody was watching the sea turtles, the captain yelled “Look at your right, there is a monk seal”, so all of us ran to the right side of the boat. There are only 900 monk seals left in the whole world! They told us it is a goal of scuba divers to get a picture of the monk seals. It was amazing to get that chance, when they are so rare. We were told that it is whale season but who had expected to actually see a whale? We didn’t, but we crossed our fingers. Our luck was with us today, we saw whales! It was unbelievable to see these huge animals moving slowly around in the water. We all sat on the deck to watch the huge tales coming up from the sea, when the whales jumped to dive under the water. After a while we headed back towards the shore, but stopped on the way to get a nice swim in the ocean, you had the option to jump from the boat. The water was so salty, but it still felt so fresh after feeling a bit sea sick.

When the boat was back at the beach, it was time for us to go surfing while group 2 had to do the Catamaran boat trip.

Everybody looked forward to surfing, but it was way harder than expected! First we got a lesson how to surf on beach and when people were ready to go in the water it was time for us to start paddling out. We all realized how strong those surfers are because paddling against the waves was tough- but catching a wave was so much fun and gave new energy to continue! Some of us had the talent while others ended up with scratches and big bruises on arms and legs. It was worth it though and all of us had a great experience on the boards.

In the evening we went to a big mall, and we got a lot of shopping going on. The dinner was at Bubba Gump, which is the restaurant from the movie “Forrest Gump”. Our meal tonight was awesome. This day couldn’t be a better start of this incredible week. Our faces were filled with big smiles, sore arm muscles and a lot of first times.

Helena Borch and Josefine Hoppe from Denmark

Catamaran time!





Whales!!!







Surfs up!

Headed to the mall! 




Saturday, March 1, 2014

Saturday: Welcome to paradise!!

                                                                          Aloha E’ komo Mai

                      Sometimes we don’t even know that our dreams are actually going to be true. We can get even more than we ever expected. We all were excited to be here in Hawaii and today after long flights, a neat group of teens is finally here, yes we are in Hawaii!!

                      Hawaii is definitely an amazing place to spend time and enjoy sunny days on beautiful beaches. We are staying in a beautiful Pacific Beach hotel in Waikiki which is only one block away from the beach! Everyone could see the excitement, curiosity and other mixed feelings on others faces when we first met in the front lobby. We had some free time so we took advantage of it and went out to explore the area, not too far though.  It is really a paradise, so pretty. After that, all the 57 students were finally in the hotel and we were ready for dinner. The first meal here was absolutely delicious. The day ended with a presentation which covered the information about Belo Hawaii Trip so that everyone will have an amazing week. We all are looking forward to surfing tomorrow. It’s going to be FUN !!!!


                         DON’T forget sunscreen!!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Welcome to Hawaii!!!



ALOHA!

Get ready for a week in paradise...the Hawaii Expedition is here!  With its breathtaking natural beauty, its never-ending list of fun and exciting things to do, and its spirit of "aloha," Hawaii is a dream destination for anyone!

We will be staying in beautiful Waikiki on the island of Oahu, and we will spend each day exploring a new and fascinating aspect of Hawaii's unique culture.

Join us as we test our surfing abilities, celebrate a traditional luau, and hike to one of the island's best-known lookout points.  We'll come face to face with Hawaii's rich history...and maybe even a sea turtle or two!  And along the way, we'll get to know each other, forming friendships to last beyond our week together. 

This will be our day-to-day journal... Each day, you'll get news, information, and pictures from the students.  Join us on our adventure!