Sunday, February 22, 2009

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

tour de WAK.

Greetings from my blogspot. As a recent attendee of the Jan-term trip to Hawaii, I must contribute my two cents worth of good reviews for this trip. Not only was it academically stimulating, but the experience as a whole was educational and thought-provoking. Kudos Raja and Kudos Waikiki.

Kevyn Stokes

Mahalo Whitworth!

Thanks for the opportunity to study in such a beautiful place and have such a great experience! Not only was I introduced to the study of anthropology, the Hawaiian culture, new food, beaches, and more, I was also introduced to new people and friends from Whitworth. Learning about people is one thing-- getting to know new, diverse people is another. Because I was staying with family living on Oahu, I had a different experience from most of the other students, but it was enjoyable and educational nonetheless. Everyday I woke up early so that I could catch the bus from Makakilo to downtown Waikiki. Although it was sometimes inconvenient (and early!), riding the bus was also really interesting and insightful. It gave me a chance to observe and interact with a lot of local people (of which there aren't many in Waikiki).

Even though our lectures alone were pretty interesting, the daily "field trips" we took gave us an opportunity to apply some of what we had learned in addition to learning so much more about Hawaiian culture, nature, the ocean...you name it. Getting to explore the whole island with really cool people who were interested in learning and seeking experiences was a definite plus.

All in all, this last month spent in Hawaii has been one of the warmest, sunniest, most laughter filled, educational, inspiring months of my life. I can't even imagine another time in my life where I will be blessed with the opportunity to study in paradise with such great people.

- Tracie Fowler

Monday, February 2, 2009

Aloooooooooooha!!!!!

Aloha

At the Farewell Banquet

At the Farewell Banquet

At the Farewell Banquet

Turtle Swimming at the Bottom of the Ocean

Katie in the Submarine

Diamond Head

Shagri La

Professor Raja Tanas on Easter Island

Jumping From the Top of a Coconut Tree

Samoan Chief

At the PCC Ali'i Luau

The U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Mighty MO

At the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

At the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

At the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Horizons at the PCC – Incredible

The King’s Courtyard

Sarah is Enjoying the Boat Ride

My Name is Sarah

A Whole Pig Roasted in Banana Leaves (IMU)

Another Two Polynesian Women

A Polynesian Man and Three Polynesian Women

alooooooooooha

this trip was absolutely amazing! Not only were we able to escape the snow globe also known as Spokane, but we learned so much about the Hawaiian culture and history. It was amazing to be able to be in such wonderful weather during the gloomy times in eastern Washington, but the beach and weather are not the only reasons why this trip ruled! It was fun to be able to get to know my fellow travelers due to the small group atmosphere we had, and visit the amazing museums and historical sites that most people overlook when they visit the islands. Our professor was also very knowledgeable about the subjects we learned about and loved to discuss with us outside of lecture! I highly recommend this trip to everyone looking to broaden their horizons.


CJ

Sushi at Sansei was a New Experience and the Food was Yummy

On the School Bus to the North Shores

At the Byodo-In Temple

At Pali Lookout, Kamehameha the Great Defeated the King of Oahu

The Banyan Hotel Where We Lived