HAWAII


Hawai'i is a beautiful tropical vacation hot spot unlike any other in the world. From its beautiful white sandy beaches and its majestic mountains and steep valleys to its city life, there really is something for everyone to enjoy! I choosed to take my exchange semester at Hawai'i because I wanted to experience something different from Norway, and needed to get away for a while. I mean, you can't get any further from Norway. Hawai'i is a dream for many, especially nordic people. The hot weather, beautiful beaches and tropical nature is so welcoming, and I had the chance to take a semester over here, so why not! Over these past months I have learned a LOT of myself. In the beginning I had a huge cultural chock, and I was worried about everything and I did not feel safe at all in this big city. Everything was new and unfamiliar, and this new and different environment was almost too much to handle. But I knew that I would stand through it. For me, every new changes in life takes a lot of time. It took me two months to calm down and get used to everything. You know, if you want do something or get forward in your life, you need to commit to something over time, and not give up. I feel much more confident in myself and gained more respect for others and myself included. Being so far away from home almost freaked me out in the beginning. I felt so alone because I knew no one here. I realize for REAL how lucky I am, and how much I love my family and I am so grateful for my life.

I have experienced a lot in Hawaii. And I have really got in touch with myself and my feelings. I almost felt emotionally ragged. I have met friends for life. I have seen homeless people every day. I have felt uncomfortable. I have felt comfortable. I have enjoyed every second on the beach, every second of sun, every second eating acai and poke bowls. Every second I have been camping on the beach. I have been stargazing, swimming with dolphins. Been on adventure in the jungle. Climbed Stairway to heaven. Snorkeling with beautiful fishes, seen incredible waterfalls, spent time in the Volcano National Park. I have been spending so much time surfing in stead of doing homework because it's Hawaii! I have seen incredible nature and living room plants in their real habitat. I feel refreshed, and it feels like my head has rebooted. I feel more calm, I feel healed. I went from being stressed and worried about everything everyday, to feel so calm and relaxed. To get away from the stressful life in Norway has been so good. The aloha spirit is real, I'm nok joking. Don't stress. Don't rush. Take time, live in stead of exist. I got a lot of time to reflect and think. Hawaii is really a place where you can get in touch with your feelings. Remember, the universe always want's you the best. “Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. So, thank you to all beautiful humans I have met. Thank you Hawaii<3