Rotation #9 Honolulu, Hawaii

Well, you got the daily run down while I was in Honduras, but decided I couldn't, nor wanted to continue the daily write-up.  I was too busy exploring the island!  This rotation was practically a cake walk, but a nice needed break just before starting my trauma rotation, graduating, and studying for the Boards.  My friend Sariah came with me for the whole 6 weeks and we just had the most AMAZING time.  We'd both been to Hawaii before and we talked about going this last Christmas break, but alas it didn't happen.  So when I found out about this assignment, I didn't have to do too much talking to convince her to come.  I can't imagine being there by myself... boring.

My rotation was in Dermatology (my one and only elective) and I worked with an 85 year old VERY experienced German Dermatologist on the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.  THREE DAYS A WEEK.  That's right.  So I had 4 days to play.  I've always had somewhat of an interest in Dermatology and I could probably go into it in the future (I love cutting out skin and suturing people back up), but I also realized I love Emergency Medicine much more.  This rotation wasn't very challenging, nor did it involve other aspects of the body system.  My preceptor was a joy to be around and was literally a walking history book.  He grew up in Germany behind the Iron Curtain, even stood next to Hitler once, flew for the Luftwaffe (German air force), and escaped to America.  He had some amazing stories to tell.  I loved it!  Not to mention plenty of jokes!

Sariah and I ended up living on the North Shore with my high school volleyball coach's sister and her husband, Auntie & Uncle.  It's amazing that worked out and we just loved them, not to mention they loved us too :)  It was an hour commute to work for me, but not bad only having to do it 3 days a week.  We shared the rental car with another PA student and her friend so it worked out pretty well (although I will never do that again... a royal pain in the neck, schedule-wise).  I would drop her off at work and then pick her up on the way back.  Then we'd generally all do things together on weekends.

So more about Hawaii!  We were on the island of Oahu.  There are SO MANY beautiful beaches there and SO MANY great hikes to waterfalls.  Also SO MUCH delicious food - shave ice, acai bowls, fresh fish, sushi, thai food, pineapple, kalua pork, coconut pancakes.  You know me and food!  We saw lots of tropical fish snorkeling, green sea turtles, geckos, and even a giant monk seal plopped on the beach.

My goal was to learn how to surf while there since we were there for 6 weeks, but I only got the chance to go once.  Surfing is hard work!  I maybe stood up once for like 1/2 a second.  Next time I will take lessons.

I've never been to the other islands, but I feel like there is WAY more to do on Oahu.  Here is a preview of things we got to do:

BEACH DAYS

WAIMEA BAY

DOLE PLANTATION

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

MAKAPU'U LIGHTOUSE

HAWAIIAN SUNSETS

DIAMOND HEAD CRATER

USS ARIZONA

VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES

LAIE HAWAII TEMPLE

PALI LOOKOUT - incredibly windy!

POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

MANOA FALLS

KALIHI ICE PONDS

KOKO CRATER

WAIMEA FALLS

SPITTING CAVES

MORE BEACH DAYS!

RAINBOWS ON A DAILY BASIS

LAIE POINT

I was and am still terribly sad about leaving.  I've been in Portland for a total of 3 days and the weather is atrocious - overcast, gloomy, and rainy.  However am I going to keep up this tan?!  I just love the island way of life, how everyone enjoys each other and takes their time.  There is no rush to get things done or no fashion statement to show off.  Already planning my next trip back!  Who wants to come?