PREPIS/TRANSCRIPT

Without further ado, let's get started!

I don't remember much about our arrival in Hawaii specifically Oahu, Honolulu, but I do recall (I do remember) having to take a taxi because the bus driver told us we couldn't board with our large suitcases. It was odd since we were at the airport, and who travels without luggage, right? Anyway, we ended up taking a taxi, and our driver, a lady, shared that life in Hawaii is incredibly expensive for locals, leading her to juggle multiple jobs just to get by. However, as a tourist, I was surprised to find that, except for the flight ticket, prices were relatively normal. Nevertheless, the taxi ride and first glimpses of this paradise felt amazing.

We stayed in an Airbnb above a Korean restaurant; it wasn't fancy, but it was affordable and had the essentials, including air conditioning. In Hawaii's hot and humid weather, sunscreen and a hat were a must unless you wanted a nasty (terrible) sunburn. The Korean restaurant seemed fancy, but truth be told, we didn't enjoy our meal there. We even had to wear leather jackets inside because it was so cold!

We met up with a friend who had flown in from his summer job. Through Turo (it is like Airbnb but for cars), we rented a Mustang, making us feel so independent with the added bonus of it being a convertible (it means that the roof of the car can be folded, or opened). This allowed us to lower the roof and drive around Hawaii. I highly recommend renting a car, as it's the best way to navigate the island and explore both popular attractions and lesser-known, local spots. Having a car allows you to visit the places you really want to see, including some off-the-beaten-path restaurants that may not be as touristy (off-the-beaten-path means something that is private or quiet).

Our trip began with a leisurely (chill) walk from our accommodation to a nearby Blue Lagoon, a shallow pool of ocean water surrounded by a park with palm trees and those typical Hawaiian flowers. We couldn't resist taking a dip (going for a short swim), and as we soaked in the surroundings, the realization that we had made it to Hawaii slowly sunk in. It was truly unbelievable and unexpected. To this day, I find it hard to comprehend that, at the age of 20, I was able to travel to such a distant location from Slovakia.

Our first hiking adventure took us to the Diamond Head trail, leading to the top of an old volcano and offering breathtaking views of Honolulu. However, the hikes in Hawaii are on a whole different level due to the constant heat (in other words because it is so hot). We wrapped up our day at the famous Waikiki Beach, grabbing a quick meal from McDonald's and keeping a close eye on our belongings (on our things). There were warnings about theft on Waikiki, and while we saw some sketchy individuals, paying attention to our things ensured that everything was absolutely fine.

We snapped (took) a ton of photos during our time in Hawaii. I'm a photography enthusiast in my free time, and my friend is a videographer. It was incredibly fun, and the surroundings were so captivating to capture – a totally new experience for me.

Another day, another tough hike on the Koko Crater trail. This one was challenging, oh my, with an old railroad track where you climb using wooden beams. Some parts had no support underneath, making it even trickier. Despite the heat and the steepness, we saw people casually, without any problems, running up and down as part of their daily training, I guess. The view from the top was fantastic, overlooking a bay with turquoise water, where we snorkelled, actually, the next day, as well as buildings and another old crater. Note to self: bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person; one bottle wasn't enough, and it was empty by the time we reached the top.

As for food, we enjoyed typical dishes like fish, prawns, rice, noodles with sauce, and various Asian-style meals. I had my first ramen and gyoza there, which were absolutely perfect. Lots of exotic fruits, coconuts, and such – nothing too fancy, but it hit the spot.

We explored the coast by car, stopping at less crowded beaches. Each turn revealed more beauty – changing sand colours, misty mountains, diverse landscapes, and rocky terrains. Just hanging around there is an unforgettable experience. One of my friends went scuba-diving as well, the goal was to swim with the turtles, and they managed to find them. He said it was awesome! My other friend and I did not dare to do that.

Lastly, we couldn't miss visiting Pearl Harbor, an important historical site. We took a boat ride around the sunken remains of ships from WWII, definitely worth seeing. Really.

The only regret I have is not exploring the other islands of Hawaii. Taking a boat ride isn't an option; you have to catch a short flight from Honolulu. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time for that, but maybe next time! I guess.

Now, moving on to the second part of this podcast – Los Angeles. Honestly, it didn't quite live up to the hype for me after experiencing the beauty of Hawaii. I don't have plans to return; it just didn't seem worth it. I feel like LA is overly hyped and not as impressive as some may say. That is just my personal opinion though.

Our accommodation in Los Angeles turned out to be quite disgusting – one of the dirtiest bathrooms I've ever showered in. It was an Airbnb with other people renting rooms, right by a noisy highway. We struggled to (couldn't) figure out public transport, so we mostly relied on taxis, which surprisingly weren't too expensive given the constant flow of traffic with thousands of cars everywhere.

We visited the usual tourist spots like Venice Beach, where we saw those movie-famous skateboards, cute shops, and cafes along a huge promenade. However, the experience didn't feel as special. It might be a different experience for people who live there and do yoga or play volleyball together with their friends. As a tourist attraction, it was not worth it though. I am sorry. Walking the Walk of Fame was an eye-opener; the area had a noticeable (big) presence of homeless individuals and, likely, some drug dealers. The Griffith Observatory was the highlight, offering a stunning panoramic view of all of LA – that was genuinely beautiful. On the other hand, the Hollywood sign was a bit of a letdown, in my opinion. It's overrated; it doesn't seem as big in person, and you can't even get close for a proper view. Lol.

I am sorry, I had great expectations for LA but it didn't quite live up to them. I am not trying to be negative; this is just my sincere opinion. I spoke with one of my former students and she loved it though, depends on who you ask. However, I am glad I had the opportunity to visit this metropolis at least once in my life.

It appears we've reached the end of my American summer adventure. The experience has certainly shaped my current opinions, revealing that the reality is more than the stereotypical American dream depicted (shown) in movies. It was a worthwhile journey, and I'm eager to explore more of this country in the future.

FOTOREPORT