Yesterday was our first stop in port. We visited Honolulu, Hawaii. We went to the beach and rented surfboards and ate poke from a little shack near by. While I was in port, I was asked to take observational field notes for my anthropology class that I am taking on the ship. I am so grateful for the experience of being able to take the class. I have only had a couple of lectures, but I have already learned so much. I have learned that the most valuable interactions come from communication, verbal and non-verbal. In order to be an anthropologist, one must become fully immersed in the culture.
Everyone who has gone on a similar voyage with Semester at Sea, has said how much the trip changed them and their perspective of the world. I am so curious and excited to learn how the trip will change me. Our next stop(s) in Japan, we will be in Kobe and Kyoto. I have never been to Japan, and I have no idea what to expect. However, I am excited to learn about the history, eat the food, and experience Japanese culture.