“Captain Cook” Most people experience dramatic events that demonstrate to them just how fragile life is. Whether these events are acts of gruesome violence, or deaths of a loved ones, the frailty of life is evident. However, for me, this was a different story. As a southern white-boy, my realization came in the most unexpected of places – the Hawaiian Islands. When I learned of a snorkeling trip mid-vacation, I was overcome with anticipation and couldn’t wait to embark on my “Pacific Pilgrimage.” This vacation would prove to be a dramatic turning point in my life. As my family and I sped along the coast, the sour smell of sulfur vents and sea salt pungently gusted through my nostrils. My clothes were damp from the constant spray of seawater. My sense of balance was overcome by the sequential hop from wave to wave and – combined with the …show more content…
My vomit clouded the ocean surface with a purple-brown color before fading below the depths. On the other side of the vessel, I re-equipped my mask and plunged into the water to be greeted by my aunt – she was to be my snorkeling partner as she had much experience in the depths of Hawaii. When I submerged my head it was almost as if I had entered a new world. This unseen dimension housed a coral reef that vibrantly shone with a mixture of bright reds and deep blues. The reef almost seemed to pulsate as thousands of fish darted in and out of their subterranean homes. The water was thick with salt and teemed with plankton. We often resurfaced to point out fish to each other. I remember my aunt telling me of the environmental dangers of touching the still-living coral. “If you pierce its skin it will likely become infected and die, and all of the fish who live in it will die too,” she expertly explained. From then on I kept my distance to at least 5-6
When I stepped out of the hot, airless plane into the bright, dazzling sunlight beaming down across the burning concreate, I felt excited and nervous. Holding my beach bag in my hand and slipping my Ray Ban sunglasses on with my other, I flip-flopped down the airspace. Overhead I heard the screams of gulls and the chatter of the small fluffy birds. I suddenly realized I had arrived to Hawaii. This trip was such an unforgettable vacation for me because I got to witness the beauty of nature that Hawaii has to offer.
The smell of sea salt was strong in the air. The faint sound of waves crashing against rocks rolled in and out from the distance. I felt grains of sand, that felt like coals against my body and the cool breeze against my face. The bright light shined off the
From there I rolled down to the boardwalk. I sat, alone, watching the ocean waves crash against the shore. While I watched the sun slowly set on the ocean. The waves were pounding the shore with the rhythm of my beating heart. I was beginning to realize the ramifications of living in a wheelchair, no dancing; no high heels; no hiking; no beach-combing. The waves rise up, curl, then crash; drawing back into the sea. With each crash, it seemed to pull a piece of my life out to sea, no more. . . no more. ...
Aloha from the people of Hawaii and their culture! Have you ever wanted to visit Hawaii for fun activities, or to enjoy the amazing sights? Well, then Hawaii is a great travel destination! However, if you were to visit the islands, it would be great to learn a little about its people and culture! Luckily that’s exactly what we are going to talk about, so you can get to know the people of these magnificent islands a bit better. The culture of the native Hawaiian people is very colorful and unique because of its cuisine, hula dances, and religion.
A trip to Hawaii The summer vacations were coming and me and my colleague Billy were literally exhausted with the work and due to some important assignments we had cancelled our vacations last year and were badly in need of a time out. We had discussed to have a trip to Hawaii from a very long time and this summer I had it and we actually pack our bags and went on. The trip to Hawaii was a wonderful experience, we had a plane ride and what I liked the most was the views and sights we get to saw. We hired a rental car from the airport and went on to the Starwood Hawaii hotel where we had our reservations when we arrived at the hotel it was almost 7 in the evening. The hotel was no doubt very beautiful and the rooms were luxurious as well. We unpacked our bags and went on to sleep. The next day we decided that we should make an action plan to visit places where we want to go, the first place on our list was Big Island, I like to swim a lot that’s why we went to Hapuna Beach Park and believe me it is the best place to go if you are a swimming lover. They have a nice white sand beach,...
As waves splashed over me, I could taste the saltwater in my mouth. Snowy seagulls flew over us while I swam in the ocean waters. This day in July was perfect for the warmer waters of New Jersey, before they became chilling. When screams began to come from all directions, a rush of panic and urge for action rushed over me in unison with the waves.
1997, our journey began as two complete strangers who happened to cross paths in the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. Just like every other adventure enthusiast, I rushed towards the beautiful beach to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the warm waters. The beach smells fresh, almost like a new ocean breeze air freshener. The sand is hot and looks like gold blended in with little white specks; it sparkles like the water running off the swimmers back and feels like walking on coals from a burning grill. The palm trees sway in the air from the gentle wind. From a far distance the ocean is a deep navy blue; waves come in like a bulldozer from all the wind. All you can hear is the waves of the ocean and the light breeze coming
A traumatizing experience awaited me, an experience that would strike immediate fear into my heart. In the summer of 2011, right after finishing up third grade, my family and I departed off to the group of islands just off the coast of Seattle known as the San Juan Islands. Since it was our first day arriving by ferry from the mainland, we promptly decided onto going to the clear, lovely beach, for it’s so infrequent to find a decent beach in the area of Houston. “Time to finish up here!” my mom announced after 30 minutes of adventuring the flawless sand and expressive waves clearly passed by. The majority of the family which included everyone but my dad and I went to scour for astounding stores since we still happened to be emptying our shoes of sand.
As we pulled out of my parents driveway, the circumstances seemed very surreal. My entire way of life had been turned upside down with only a few hours consideration. I was very much “at sea” in the ...
I recently purchased plane tickets to go to Hawaii and anticipated Olly to come along with me. He had slight doubt when I told him, but I reassured him that I would be on medication, so nothing inimical would happen. It wasn't a superior choice to lie to him, but I want to experience life like a normal kid. Fortunately, Olly agreed and we proceeded into his car. My first substantial accomplishment was was being in a moving car. It was an intense experience and I was really thrilled, but also heavily apprehensive. We arrived to the airport and got onto the plane. I have never seen anything so immense in my life! Shaking in fear, I slowly proceeded to board. I couldn't imagine what it would feel like while I was in the air. My eyes lit
I still remember the day I went to Hawaii. It was the best experience ever.The best part about it is that I spent the whole time with my family and my best friend Joe.
When anyone is at a calm state or relaxing they have different things they think about. Whether that is a beach, or a calming sunset it is all your personal preference.
Although I don’t live with them and hardly ever see them, I constantly think about my family. It’s usually the same thoughts too, memories of my grandparents’ island. It is called “The Landings,” located off the coast of Savannah Georgia; it is my single favorite place in the world. My mother’s parents moved to the island when they retired; and I’m incredibly grateful that it plays such a major role in my life. The Landings is extremely charismatic, since it is almost made up entirely of golf courses, beautiful sunsets, bike paths that lead everywhere, and simple memories. The island began to impact me when I first visited at a young age. Today, the walls of the house and wet- salty air are reminiscent of my family’s lively summer gatherings.
The waiter escorted my family and I to our table on the second floor. My parents sat at the table, but I chose a nearby hammock. The hammock was next to the open side of the restaurant. As I lay there, I began to study the ocean. I looked down and watched as the waves rippled, broke, and crashed to the shore. A salt-water smell permeated through the restaurant. A nearby fan oscillated back and forth, blowing a refreshing breeze across my face. All these elements caused me to relax, and slowly I began to sway in the hammock.
Looking left and right, there are families enjoying the fresh air and camaraderie of a vacation. In front of me-- constantly moving with white caps breaching the crests of the waves-- is the ocean. Splashing into the water, I dive beneath the surface and it suddenly goes silent. No laughter, cries, waves, just rushing water. I swim below the surface as if I have a mermaid tail. My need for air diminishes as explore further and further out towards the reef. Taking in the beauty, my excitement builds as I see the bright, vibrant colors-- orange, pink, green, yellow-- of the coral. Off to my right, I hear a chattering sound. Turning toward the sound, I see a sleek, gray blur. Suddenly, my heart races, pulse quickens, mouth turns dry; fear courses through my veins as I desperately try to swim away from the moving shape. My muscles do not move, I