YFU Hawaii Expedition Feb 1 - 8, 2014!: SUNDAY - SUN, SAND, SURFING AND SAILING!!!!

Aloha guys! Let me tell you about our first day here in Hawaii. It was so much fun!

After breakfast we went to the beach in Waikiki. We all were super excited for surfing. It was amazing to catch some waves with the view on the volcano Diamond Head and the beach with all the palm trees. Our surf teacher told us: "This is going to be the most awesome work out of your life". I guess he was right. The seconds of standing on your surf board with a wave under you were worth all the hard work before.

Afterwards, we all jumped on a catamaran. We were hoping to see some wild life in the ocean, and we were not disappointed! The captain said: "Maybe we'll see some turtles, dolphins or whales. It's like a box of chocolates - You will never know what you will get." After some time he stopped the catamaran and we all had the chance to jump into the water. One group saw a huge sea turtle and a whale. That was awesome! We still can't believe it. There is no better combination than the Hawaiian sun on your skin and a fresh breeze in your hair after an exhausting surf lesson.

Aside from these two big activities we had a bunch of free time. A lot of people swam in the Pacific Ocean or went shopping in the beautiful city. This evening we went to an all you can eat pizza restaurant. That was my first time to actually eat Hawaiian pizza in Hawaii. After that we had the possibility to enjoy Waikiki's main street for shopping at nighttime. It's just so cool that we can explore some places on the island with a small group of people, that makes it more special.

We love to meet other exchange students from all over the world. You make friends so easily because we all have so much to talk about. I already know that this is going to be an unforgettable trip. We are looking forward to so many exciting things and Hawaii is just how you imagine it to be - but better. I think we all are really happy and glad to be here. Let's see what the next couple of days will bring!

-Emilia (Germany)