Big Island, Hawaii: Images of Gratitude

with Doug Beasley
Hamakua Coast, Hawaii
March 9 – 19, 2007

This is not your parents Hawaii. This is an incredible journey to the old authentic and indigenous Hawaii and not the pre-packaged tourist version. Even if you've been to Honolulu and Waikiki on the Island of Oahu please join us because you have not seen or experienced anything close to this Hawaii. Some of the highlights will be a trip to the lava flow on the island's active volcano, shoots on black sand beaches, spectacular waterfalls, Akiko's sense of humor and infectious laugh, wandering through old plantation villages, Buddhist temples, ancient stone spiritual grounds and meeting and hanging out with with some of the islands many artists and photographers. But the best of all are the people of Big Island, who still embrace and live the the "Aloha Spirit" of old Hawaii. This is a trip you will not forget and will exceed all expectations of what Hawaii is really like.

Akiko's Buddhist Bed and Breakfast located along the beautiful lush Hamakua Coast 15 minutes North of Hilo will be our home. Everyday we will embark on a new adventure to explore and photograph the Sacred landscape of waterfalls, ocean, volcano and old rusty tin-roofed plantation villages with an eye for how things in nature, worn by time and wind and rain and crashing ocean and volcanic eruptions reveal their "postures" of gratitude.

Mornings will begin with a short optional sitting meditation in the zendo and a walk to the ocean to experience the early morning light and to hear the tropical rain forest wake up. Upon returning, you will all be treated daily to Akiko's great breakfasts — platters of fresh papayas, banana pancakes. mango smoothies, her famous Buddha Buzz coffee and whatever else is blooming or buzzing.

After a short photo/art discussion we will usually head out on a photographic adventure. Doug will spend time each day helping each individual clarify their vision and reach toward their photographic potential. We will leave room for spontaneity and serendipity. Nightly discussions about the meeting of art and spirit, and how we can better interpret and incorporate it into our own art and selves, will be held hanging out in the comfort of the retreat studio or along the ocean just listening to the waves and observing the night sky.

We will also have the opportunity to visit with the town elders who are mostly Japanese, in their 70's & 80's who have lived during the sugar plantation era. Their faces, feet and bodies show the humility, toughness and resiliency of work and the desire to make a better life for their children.

This will be an unforgettable experience and a very unique way to experience Hawaii. Everyone is welcome. You need not be a Buddhist, just bring an open heart and a willingness to be transformed by the amazing beauty and power of Hawaii and of course, plenty of film.

To find out more about Akiko's Bed and Breakfast and Hawaii :
www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko

Dates: Friday, March 9 – Monday, March 19, 2007.

Cost: $1350 plus airfare ($500 deposit). Includes healthy breakfast, lodging and all transportation in Hawaii. Class limit: 8.