Sunday 14th September 2008

Our time in Hawaii finally came to an end at 12 midnight. Everyone got up at 4.30am to pack everything into their already crammed suitcases. Supervisors carried out a final inspection of the rooms before we checked out at reception. It was interesting to see that one of the students was happy to leave her wet towels and clothes, old shoes and even her hair straightener in the rubbish bin rather than take them back home as they would have weighed her bags down.

As we gathered in the lobby to wait for our shuttles to take us to the airport, people chatted in little groups talking about what they would miss the most about the paradise that was this beautiful Pacific island of O'ahu, Hawaii. Top of the list for students were the visits to the Polynesian Cultural Centre and our visit to Kahuku High School on the North shore. Supervisors kept an eagle eye on their charges so that nobody would 'accidentally' get lost before we boarded the shuttles. Our group sang a waiata to the hotel staff in the lobby and presented them with a little gift which was a token of our appreciation of their kindness and service with a smile.

We boarded the shuttles, tired but happy to be going home. Arriving at Honolulu airport, we saw the ever watchful security guards signalling to the driver where they could park to let us off. We went through Customs without any hassles. Everyone had to take their socks and shoes (or jandals) off before going through the security doors! At least they aren't too fussed about health and safety - just security. One of our party was stopped but it was only for something like a bottle of sunscreen or lotion.

After we went through the gate, we waited for about half an hour before we were able to board the aircraft. I never thought that I would feel so grateful to hear the sound of a kiwi accent until I went to a place where everyone spoke with an 'American' accent. It was a bit unnerving to hear some members of our group speaking with an American twang after only three days - I believe that it will only be a matter of days back home with people mocking their accents for them to go back to their normal manner of speaking.

We were served a hot breakfast not long after take-off. The two choices were hotcakes with apple filling and fruit salad, tea/coffee/juice or scrambled eggs with portugese sausages, muffin and tea/coffee/juice. Judging from the comments on arrival in New Zealand, the hotcakes weren't very nice, ay Tone?

We arrived in Auckland fifteen minutes before the estimated time. Family members were waiting for some members of our group in Auckland. We got through Customs and MAF in good time, even those of us who had things to declare. Someone had their drinking coconuts confiscated by MAF - the lesson for next time is, get the paperwork from the country of departure! Not easy when there were no Quarantine staff on duty when we left though.

We pushed our trolleys from the International terminal to the Domestic one and we were then one plane trip away from windy Wellington! The last flight home was great. There were a couple of people from our group who kept giggling all the way at the back of the plane - they will remain nameless for now. Coming out of the plane, we saw the excited looks on the faces of parents and family members of our students. Seeing how some of our students had never been on an airplane before this trip made it even more of an achievement for them and their families to see them embark on an overseas trip like this. Some of those students who did not want to leave at the last minute really stood out in Hawaii as being independent, assertive individuals who were able to look out for themselves and participated fully in all activities. We would like to thank Tama Coker and New Zealand Coach Services for picking up everyone at the airport on arrival. Your support has been much appreciated.

We would like to thank all our families, friends, our college and community for supporting this trip. This trip has been a first for Mana College, going overseas for SPEC and Pasifika Studies - and as it has gone so well, I am sure that it won't be the last.

My personal thanks goes to my colleague, Gayleen Hitchon-Parekura. Without Gayleen's vision, determination, stubborness, drive and wonderful Oahu contacts, this trip would have just remained a tantalising dream. Thanks also go to Gayleen and Waata's whanau for their support with supervision. Last but not least, I would like to thank our parent helpers, Fasala Tuineau and Katrina Edwards for their supervision and support.

Things that I will personally miss:

* The blue skies
* Polynesian Cultural Centre - night show and the Samoan village
* The weather!
* The sight of palm trees in the city - everyday felt like I was living in a postcard from paradise.
* Tree lined streets amongst concrete giants
* Iolani Palace
* fresh Dole pineapples
* frangipani, bougainville plants and hibiscus
* seeing people zooming down the motorway on their Harleys with no helmets
* seeing people obey traffic signals
* graffiti free schools
* climate
* Buying 8 t-shirts for $20 at the swapmeet
* People saying 'Aloha!' and 'Mahalo'
* Seeing limousines zooming around everyday
* Seeing the wonder in the eyes of our students as they take in a new world, new way of life, new cultures etc... as we travelled around the island.

Things that I will definitely not miss:

* the scary looking toilets with water levels that go halfway up the bowl
* sweaty guys in hotel lifts wearing no shirts (health and safety risks!)
* the expensive internet cafe which charges US 25cents per minute (I had to type very fast!)
* The radio station that kept playing the same five songs all day, every day. I honestly felt like sending them some new cds just so that we could have more of a variety!
* The overbearing heat during our Swapmeet shopping days.
* Scary security staff at Honolulu airport.

Well, that's it folks! My job of writing this blog has officially come to an end. I really enjoyed writing this blog to keep you all informed and entertained. I hope that you were able to join in on our adventure through reading it. Thanks for your comments and for your support. Till next time!

Mahalo nui loa

Vitoria Faletolu
Teacher of Pasifika Studies