Taking over blog duties. I was able to go to Hawaii to present research that I worked on with some of my professors. It was an absolute treat! The hostel we stayed at was charmingly divey but right by the beach. Each day consisted of lots of walking to all of the places I wanted to go; Lanikai, the mall and food. I got to eat at a lot of street vendors and super cool japanese resturants.  Sadly while I was there my wallet was stolen and I got to spend the last few days in a forced fast and almost didn't make it on the plane but all in all it was a great trip. It would have been better if my wife and kids could have come!