Exploring the United States

I would like to visit Hawaii the most out of all the United States destinations. Though, I cannot set my heart on one particular place in Hawaii. What I would really like to see are the extraordinary waterfalls, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. I would definitely take a plane to arrive in Hawaii because I would be flying over the Pacific Ocean. The temperature currently is 73 degrees, so I would bring a bathing suit, sneakers, shorts, and tee shirts. That warm weather is very appealing right now. I think I would enjoy zip-lining over the forested land. Which brings me to the need of a camera, so I can enjoy my vacation forever. I would rather spend days exploring nature and enjoying the sun on the beach then being on the city for sure. I would really like to jump from the top of a waterfall to the pool of water below. I also want to see the lava pour into the Pacific. I wouldn't mind getting a nice tan on the beach when I'm there either.

Direct and Indirect Characterization of Chris McCandless

Direct characterization is the describing of a character through physical traits and straight forward adjectives. The author simply tells the reader about the character.
Indirect characterization is the describing of a character through his thoughts and feelings.

Direct
5’8 (page 4)
Pitiful looking (page 30)
wore weird clothes (page 30)
Sensitive good looks (page 16)
lost twenty-five pounds (page 36)
24 years old (page 4)
McCandless was smallish the hard, stringy physique of an itinerant laborer. (pg. 16)
McCandless eyes were dark and emotive...suggested a trace of exotic blood in his heritage...(pg. 16)

"malnutrition and the road has taken their toll on his body" (page 37)

Indirect
Ignored posted warnings that off road driving is forbidden (page 27)- This implies that Chris has a rebellious side to his personality.
exhilarated by the opportunity of the flash flood (page 29)- This implies that Chris is adventurous.
thrilled by minor brushes with the law (page 29)- This implies that Chris is a bold individual.
unheeded, happy, near to the wild heart of life (page 31)- This implies that Chris is anxious and excited for the future.
alone, young, willful, wild hearten (page 31)- People that met Chris implied that he is a risk taker and little crazy.
spirit soaring (page 37) This implies that Chris is strong willed with a high spirit.
"Alex is jubilant!" (page 34) This implies that Chris is proud and ecstatic of his accomplishments and leaves that impression upon the people that he meets.
Overjoyed upon reaching the Colorado river (page 32) This implies that Chris may have been nervous about his journey to the river, but when he reaches his destination he is thrilled and eager to continue.

So far, I have the impression that Chris is a quiet and rugged looking individual who is average height and fairly young. He seems to have a personality mixed of excitement and eagerness, and rebelliousness and wildness. He is far more adventurous than the normal person, Chris tends to disregard the rules and the laws proving to be rebellious.

My Symbolic Belt

If I were to design a belt about my life, I would include the most memorable and important things to me.  I would carve in a black dog, Kiawah Island, an ipod, three girls, a crab, tennis raquets, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and a house.  I would add a house because for the past four years, my family has been building a house and it has really changed my life.  I would carve a Kiawah and the bridge because they are my favorite memories of each summer.  A black dog just represents my dog, Raven, but I love him very much.  I started playing tennis this year, and it was very important because it made starting at John Carroll much easier.  The three girls would be my sisters and me because I am extremely close with them.  A crab just shows how much I love Baltimore.  And finally, I can't imagine life without an ipod because I love music so much and it helps me through the day.  All these things are really important to me and showing these on a belt is a really good way to enjoy and think about the things I love each day.