Day 1 in Brazil
We left the ship around 10:45am after fighting out way trough the line to go down the gangway on Deck 5. Steep stairs. Before that at the Diplomatic Briefing, the US consulate scared everyone quite badly I was very happy to be going to Boipeba Island. When we got off the ship there were women in costumes ting the Brazilian Bracelets on the students’ wrists. I received an orange one.
Then our group met our tour guide Charles. He and his brother, Mark, own the guest house that we stayed at. We boarded the bus around 11am. It was 8pm by the time we arrived at the guest house. On the trip there we stopped at a roadside fruit stand and tried jack fruit. It was sweet and sticky like gum. From there we drove to the village of Maragogipinho, the largest hand-made pottery center in South America. As we pulled into the village, the local boys began to run after the bus. Each boy picked on of us to become our own personal tour guide. The language barrier was a bit difficult, but we somehow communicated. My tour guide’s name was Van and he was around 10-12 yrs of age. I bought a ceramic frog at the village. After 1.5 hours of roaming around, it was time to go. We gave the boys our extra food from the box lunches that we ate at a very sketchy gas station. Some of the boys shared the food amongst themselves, and some of the others decided they weren’t sharing.
In Graciosa, we boarded the boat that would take us to Boipeba. The 2 hr boat ride down the Cairu River took more like 3 hrs, because we were traveling in the dark and the river was starting to go into low tide. The boat dropped us off on the beach around 8pm. It was just a short walk across the beach to the pousada. I stayed in room 6 with Brook which was an upstairs room. On the balcony there was a hammock and the showers did not have hot water. That night dinner was served to us in the outdoor library gazebo. I tried the shrimp stew – not my favorite, and I had linguini and apple crisp. After dinner I went straight to boat.
Day 2
okay, first the brief day of events and then the detailed version
I just hiked 7 miles across an island barefoot, waded thru water that was up to my chest, drank coconut water, and road on the roof of a boat down the river.
I woke up before 7am and it was raining. It was one of those rains that looked like it was going to last all day but luckily it ended by the time breakfast was over. While I looked around the plentiful gardens of the Santa Clara Pousada, I listened to the distant rumble of thunder. Breakfast was at 7:30am and consisted of mixed fruit, rolls, and carrot cake like bread.
At 8:30 we began our 7 mile hike. Our 1st stop was the village of Boipeba, with a soccer field in the center. We then went to a manioc flour mill and the place where they produced palm oil. From here we started our hike in the Atlantic Forest. Marcinos, one of Charles’ waiters, was our guide for the hike. Following us was Azul, with the mull that would end up carrying our shoes. We all took off our shoes when we discovered that we would have to walk about 30 yards through a knee deep stream flowing through the forest. Then we found out that we would be hiking through an even deeper part within the next half hour or so. It turned out that the much deeper part was up to our chests. Needless to say, I ended up carrying my backpack on my head for quite a ways. Half way through the hike, we stopped at a small village in the middle of the island where we cooled off on the porch of one of the homes and drank coconut water. The rest of the hike was quite strenuous, walking up hill a lot in sand, and then down hill on clay.
Eventually, we reached the village of Sao Sebastiao where we met a boat to take us back to our pousada. We made a few stops along the way though. First, was a sandbar where we ate our lunch until the tide started to come in. Then we rode in the boat for almost 2 hours. For awhile, I laid on top of the boat with a few others, enjoying the sun and the scenery. We were almost back, when Charles decided to have us stop at a floating restaurant, which was literally floating in the middle of the river. Here he allowed anyone who wanted to, to eat raw oysters. Yum, Yum. Then we went back to the pousada and rested for a little bit before having supper. Before supper, Hope and I wondered around the village and shopped some. Dinner was of course absolutely amazing again ~ New England clam chowder, Vietnamese Steak, and cashew fruit for dessert. Then I went to be because at this point in was 9:30pm and I was exhausted.
Day 3
Today we took the boat out to a coral reef in the ocean. Being that it was Carnaval and most Brazilians were off of work, we weren’t the only ones there. We snorkeled for awhile and then after it started to get too crowded, we decided to leave. There was only one problem. Low tide was at its lowest, which was to low for the boat that brought us there. The locals are all extremely nice, so we ended up borrowing a different boat to take us back to shore. We then began another very long hike, barefoot, back to the pousada. Along the way, a few of us stopped to play with the random crabs that were swept ashore. One even decided it wanted to be friends, when it clamped its claw shut on Tyler’s shoe and didn’t let go. Eventually, Marcino’s used a knife to pry the crab off. When we finally got back to the pousada, we were all drenched in sweat. After a quick cold shower, it was time for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was free for us. I laid on the beach for a half hour, but I was afraid I was going to fall asleep, so I went back to my room for another shower and a nap. Then we went back to the village before we were to meet again with Charles, and window shopped some more. Before dinner, we had a meeting with some of the locals to discuss how they liked living on the island. It was an interesting time and I definitely got a lot out of it. Dinner was excellent as usual, and we then decided that we didn’t really want to go back to ship, mainly because the food was so delicious.
Day 4
This whole trip, we definitely learned what it meant to be Flexible. Even more so today. It was decided upon that we would leave the island around 12:30 to head back to the ship so that we would be back around 6:30, in time for dinner. As you can guess, that did not happen. We left around 12:30, but it was not long before the boat got stuck. And then stuck again. And stuck once more. That third time, Megan and I decided to swimming. The boat wasn’t going anywhere for awhile, so we got out and swam for a bit, and then wondered around the mangroves and sandbars that were nearby. By the time, the water was high enough for the boat to get started again, we were behind schedule by about an hour. Of course, we got stuck again, but not for as long this time. We then went very slowly for awhile, which would put us about 2 hours behind schedule. When we finally got back to the bus, we thought that we would make up some time, since they like to drive fast. Well, see, the cars like to play chicken, you could say. They have the same passing zones like we do for the roads that go straight for awhile. Well, it was usually the car at the end of the line that would decide to pass, and they would go as far to the front as they could before the oncoming traffic came. That doesn’t always work which caused the traffic to be a bit slower because there was a head-on collision. Lucky for us though, they don’t close the road when that happens. They just push all vehicles involved off to the side of the road and then evaluate the situation. The Brazilians are definitely one of a kind.
For as much as the US Consulate had us scared about Salvador, I’d have to say that we experienced a completely different perspective up the people of Brazil. The people of Boipeba Island were extremely friendly and I hope that someday I will be able to travel back to the island and stay in the Santa Clara Pousada.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Brazil
We have just been given the 15 minute warning to be in the Union for the Diplomatic Briefing. The pilot boat met our ship at 6am, and we docked at 7am. I woke up at 5:45, but stayed in bed till 6:30 because I had missed the sunrise already. I did watch us dock though. It is incredibly hot already and its only 9am. The view from the ship really isn’t very nice at all. It looks more like the cargo area, but there is another cruise ship here. The elevator to go up to the upper city is directly outside the ship. Today I am heading to Boipeba Island. Itinerary:Day 1: Depart Salvador by air-conditioned motorcoach, taking the local ferry to Itaparica Island and then driving south to the village of Maragogipinho, the largest hand-made pottery center in South America. Observe local artisans and then drive to Graciosa on the western bank of the Tapperoa Canal and board boats for the two-hour ride dow the Cairu River. boxed lunches will be provided for this section of the trip. Arrive in Boipeba in the mid afternoon for check-in and dinner at a pousada (guest house). After dinner, enjoy an informal meeting with local residents to discuss ecological programs on the island. Day 2: After breakfast, take a 12-kilometer trek (about 7 miles) to the southern tip of the island, Sao Sebastiao. Begin by walking through the village of Boipeba, stopping to see how palm oil is made from the dende fruit and visiting the local manior flour mill. Continue on your hike, passing remnants of the Atlantic Forest, and getting to know much of the local fauna. On arrival in Sao Sebastiao, travel by canoe and by boat to Pratigi Beach for a picnic lunch and a swim. Return to the pousada for dinner.Day 3: After breakfast, walk along the beach and then follow the trails from the Boca da Barra Beach to Tassimirim to Coeira Beach, with beautiful hilltop coastal views. There is time for swimming or relaxing on the beach before returning to the pousada for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the pousada and beach.Day 4: After breakfast, departure by boat down the Cairu River to Graciosa, where your air-conditioned motorcoach will be waiting. Box lunches will be provided for the trip. Drive to Itaparica and cross the bay by ferry, and return to the ship. On day 4, we will get back around 6 in the evening. Not sure yet if I'll venture into Salvador at that point. It'll probably depend on when the sun sets. I will definitely walk around Salvador on the last day though. Carnaval will be over at the point so everything should be back in order and open. The whole city seems to shut down while Carnaval is occurring. Okay I will try to post again later.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
during the week
The day before Valentines Day
So tomorrow is Valentines Day, but it’s come to pass as just another day for me. I’ve never really had a decent one, though I suppose last year’s wasn’t too bad. But I must say that this year’s will be the best. I am on my way to sailing around the world and we are to pass the equator tomorrow. Who else can say, besides the 701 other students aboard, that they sailed over the equator on Valentine’s Day. Apparently they are going to be having people read poems and the such from deck 5 to the people on deck 6. It shall definitely be interesting to say none the least.
So things have definitely changed this Semester at Sea. Drinking is allowed every evening during dinner and from 2100-2300. It seems to be working well actually. The first night was a little crazy, obviously, but the second night only about half the amount of people showed up. I went the first night, though I didn’t drink. I don’t like beer or wine. Then last night, I went up to the 7th deck but I didn’t go over by the bistro where they serve the alcohol. I stayed on the other side of the pool where it was extremely windy and talked to some people that I had just met.
I found out today that I got into all the trips I selected. I somehow lucked out especially since 3 of them ended up being in lotteries. In South Africa, I will be going to Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, Cycling in the Winelands, Cape Flats Nature Project, and a Performance by Township Choir; in Mauritius ~ Adventure Park & Beach ~ this one I’m most excited about; in Malaysia ~ Cameron Highlands ~ which is a jungle; and in Hong Kong/China ~ Beijing: Peking University ~ which means I get to go the Great Wall!
Well tonight we switch the clocks ahead again, so I will now be 3 hours ahead of everyone in Pittsburgh. I get to go through the whole losing an hour of sleep 21 more times, and then I will live April 30th twice. It’s a very strange concept, I must say.
Still no seasickness. There was quite a bit of rocking yesterday, and the crew placed seasickness bags along all the stairwells. Always a good sign when the crew seems to be one step ahead of the rest. The ship seemed to be rocking more front to back to front, then side to side. They actually had to drain the pool because the splashing got so bad that the pool started to flood the deck. Apparently we also went through a storm last night, but I definitely slept through that.
Alright well I’m going to go read for a bit. For pleasure this time though, I’m starting to burn out already from all the reading I have to do for class.
Barbados ~ February 11, 2007
Right now we are passing by the island of Barbados, and at 1330 we will be within 3 miles of the island. Its such an incredible sight to see land while sailing across the ocean. The water was much choppier this morning and apparently a lot of people have gotten seasick. There are now seasickness bags along all of staircases. It’s just a bit gross to think about that. I’ve been feeling fine. I took off the bracelets yesterday while I was lying out/reading and haven’t put them back on since. The amount of reading I have to do is absolutely ridiculous. I’ve never had to reach so much before. Well maybe I have, I just never did so. I’m making a great attempt at doing it though. The articles on the intranet seem to be more interesting than what’s been in the textbooks.
So tomorrow is Valentines Day, but it’s come to pass as just another day for me. I’ve never really had a decent one, though I suppose last year’s wasn’t too bad. But I must say that this year’s will be the best. I am on my way to sailing around the world and we are to pass the equator tomorrow. Who else can say, besides the 701 other students aboard, that they sailed over the equator on Valentine’s Day. Apparently they are going to be having people read poems and the such from deck 5 to the people on deck 6. It shall definitely be interesting to say none the least.
So things have definitely changed this Semester at Sea. Drinking is allowed every evening during dinner and from 2100-2300. It seems to be working well actually. The first night was a little crazy, obviously, but the second night only about half the amount of people showed up. I went the first night, though I didn’t drink. I don’t like beer or wine. Then last night, I went up to the 7th deck but I didn’t go over by the bistro where they serve the alcohol. I stayed on the other side of the pool where it was extremely windy and talked to some people that I had just met.
I found out today that I got into all the trips I selected. I somehow lucked out especially since 3 of them ended up being in lotteries. In South Africa, I will be going to Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, Cycling in the Winelands, Cape Flats Nature Project, and a Performance by Township Choir; in Mauritius ~ Adventure Park & Beach ~ this one I’m most excited about; in Malaysia ~ Cameron Highlands ~ which is a jungle; and in Hong Kong/China ~ Beijing: Peking University ~ which means I get to go the Great Wall!
Well tonight we switch the clocks ahead again, so I will now be 3 hours ahead of everyone in Pittsburgh. I get to go through the whole losing an hour of sleep 21 more times, and then I will live April 30th twice. It’s a very strange concept, I must say.
Still no seasickness. There was quite a bit of rocking yesterday, and the crew placed seasickness bags along all the stairwells. Always a good sign when the crew seems to be one step ahead of the rest. The ship seemed to be rocking more front to back to front, then side to side. They actually had to drain the pool because the splashing got so bad that the pool started to flood the deck. Apparently we also went through a storm last night, but I definitely slept through that.
Alright well I’m going to go read for a bit. For pleasure this time though, I’m starting to burn out already from all the reading I have to do for class.
Barbados ~ February 11, 2007
Right now we are passing by the island of Barbados, and at 1330 we will be within 3 miles of the island. Its such an incredible sight to see land while sailing across the ocean. The water was much choppier this morning and apparently a lot of people have gotten seasick. There are now seasickness bags along all of staircases. It’s just a bit gross to think about that. I’ve been feeling fine. I took off the bracelets yesterday while I was lying out/reading and haven’t put them back on since. The amount of reading I have to do is absolutely ridiculous. I’ve never had to reach so much before. Well maybe I have, I just never did so. I’m making a great attempt at doing it though. The articles on the intranet seem to be more interesting than what’s been in the textbooks.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Saturday february 10 2007
Right now I’m currently watching the cartoon version of Tarzan on TV. They play quite an array of movies each night.
Today was the first day of B classes. I only have one class on B days besides for Global Studies. Conservation Biology ~ should be a good class, I hope. I woke up with a really bad headache that didn’t seem to want to go away, so after reading for awhile out on the deck, I went back to my room and slept for 2 hours. It was a much needed nap.
They seemed to have changed the alcohol policy. No ones really certain if they will be serving alcohol every night but it seems that way. We now get a card that is good for 18 drinks total. Beginning tomorrow, 2 drinks are allowed at dinner, and then 4 drinks from 2100-2300. I do believe that quite a few people will be getting drunk, quite a bit. Drinks work out to be $2.50 each, although its only beer and wine. Apparently UVA wants to make this college trip more “normal” by allowing drinking to occur more often. As you all know this doesn’t really affect me at all since I’m not really a drinker, especially of beer and wine. But I’m sure once this gets out to past voyagers, they will be a bit surprised/upset.
Tomorrow’s laundry day, but I’ve decided to pass this time around. I just did my laundry in the sink because I wasn’t about to pay $5 for a bag of laundry that wasn’t even filled completely. I don’t think I’m the only one. I was helping a couple of the guys down the hall try to decide how to rig up a clothes line around the room.
Also tomorrow, the field program sheets need to be turned into for the trips we want to do in the next couple of countries. I signed up for 4 things in South Africa – although one of them is free. I’m going to Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, Cycling in the Winelands, Cape Flats Nature Project, and a Performance by Township Choir. I think that I will find out for sure if I actually got into all of the trips I signed up for on February 13. In Mauritius, I only signed up for the Adventure Park & Beach ~ this one will probably end up being a lottery because a LOT of people I’ve talked to want to do this. It’s a high ropes course in the rainforest there with zip lines and obstacle courses high up in the trees. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I get in. then I also signed up for Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, which is a 3day/2night trip. Then in China I signed up for Beijing: Peking University which is another multi-day overnight trip. I’ll get to see the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
In the mean time, I’m going to Boipeba Island in Brazil which is 4days/3nights and involves lots and lots of walking and being outside ~ ideal for me. Also I’m doing the Erode homestay in India. I’m keeping in mind the warning of the cockroaches on the sleeper trains.
Tonight was also the activities fair. We got there about 10 minutes early and I’m so glad we did because the dining room filled up quickly and there was quite a line waiting to get in. I only signed up for the Adopt-a-Family and a club my RD started called lifesaver. I’m also doing Vicarious Voyage, so I’m sure I will be busy enough with all the ridiculous amounts of reading I have to do plus those 3 clubs, and I might try to get motivated and join some sort of fitness club, though I’m not sure if I’ll want to do yoga or pilates. Perhaps there will be other type of cardio work that I’ll be able to join. Though I’m sure the amount of walking I do in each port will be enough exercise. Okay time for bed. I feel drained already and its only a week into the voyage so far.
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” ~ Samuel Jackson
Today was the first day of B classes. I only have one class on B days besides for Global Studies. Conservation Biology ~ should be a good class, I hope. I woke up with a really bad headache that didn’t seem to want to go away, so after reading for awhile out on the deck, I went back to my room and slept for 2 hours. It was a much needed nap.
They seemed to have changed the alcohol policy. No ones really certain if they will be serving alcohol every night but it seems that way. We now get a card that is good for 18 drinks total. Beginning tomorrow, 2 drinks are allowed at dinner, and then 4 drinks from 2100-2300. I do believe that quite a few people will be getting drunk, quite a bit. Drinks work out to be $2.50 each, although its only beer and wine. Apparently UVA wants to make this college trip more “normal” by allowing drinking to occur more often. As you all know this doesn’t really affect me at all since I’m not really a drinker, especially of beer and wine. But I’m sure once this gets out to past voyagers, they will be a bit surprised/upset.
Tomorrow’s laundry day, but I’ve decided to pass this time around. I just did my laundry in the sink because I wasn’t about to pay $5 for a bag of laundry that wasn’t even filled completely. I don’t think I’m the only one. I was helping a couple of the guys down the hall try to decide how to rig up a clothes line around the room.
Also tomorrow, the field program sheets need to be turned into for the trips we want to do in the next couple of countries. I signed up for 4 things in South Africa – although one of them is free. I’m going to Cape Peninsula and Cape Point, Cycling in the Winelands, Cape Flats Nature Project, and a Performance by Township Choir. I think that I will find out for sure if I actually got into all of the trips I signed up for on February 13. In Mauritius, I only signed up for the Adventure Park & Beach ~ this one will probably end up being a lottery because a LOT of people I’ve talked to want to do this. It’s a high ropes course in the rainforest there with zip lines and obstacle courses high up in the trees. I’ve got my fingers crossed that I get in. then I also signed up for Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, which is a 3day/2night trip. Then in China I signed up for Beijing: Peking University which is another multi-day overnight trip. I’ll get to see the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
In the mean time, I’m going to Boipeba Island in Brazil which is 4days/3nights and involves lots and lots of walking and being outside ~ ideal for me. Also I’m doing the Erode homestay in India. I’m keeping in mind the warning of the cockroaches on the sleeper trains.
Tonight was also the activities fair. We got there about 10 minutes early and I’m so glad we did because the dining room filled up quickly and there was quite a line waiting to get in. I only signed up for the Adopt-a-Family and a club my RD started called lifesaver. I’m also doing Vicarious Voyage, so I’m sure I will be busy enough with all the ridiculous amounts of reading I have to do plus those 3 clubs, and I might try to get motivated and join some sort of fitness club, though I’m not sure if I’ll want to do yoga or pilates. Perhaps there will be other type of cardio work that I’ll be able to join. Though I’m sure the amount of walking I do in each port will be enough exercise. Okay time for bed. I feel drained already and its only a week into the voyage so far.
“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” ~ Samuel Jackson
Friday, February 9, 2007
So Far
Sunday February 4, 2007
Today is the first day of my journey around the world. After standing in line for slightly less than an hour I was finally able to board the M.V. Explorer for the first time. The ship is incredible, and so are all the people on board. And dinner was excellent.
I’ve been in the Bahamas since January 30th and staying at the Nassau Beach Hotel at Cable Beach. The Bahamians are the nicest group of people that I have ever met. I am so glad that I was able to spend a few days on the island before heading out to sea.
Yesterday at the beach I started meeting other SASer’s. It was incredible how we were able to all just randomly meet. I believe I met sixteen total at the beach and Café Johnny Canoe, and twelve of which were from PA, two from Boston, one from North Dakota, and one from Alabama. It really helped today having a few familiar faces to turn to amongst the crowds of people on the ship today. This morning I rode in a limo for the first time I ever. Corrine, Sean, Tom, Matt, and I took one to the harbor, and I think the taxi driver charged us more for the luggage than actually us for the ride there. We did have a lot of luggage.
At our general orientation tonight, we learned that this voyage has a record number of people aboard the ship. There are 702 students, two thirds of which are girls. There is at least one student from every state and quite a few from other countries. The total number of people aboard the ship including crew is currently 1,002 people. Now this number will change after each port as some staff/family members travel back home and others arrive. The dean announced that the youngest member of the ship is 7 months old and the oldest is 91 years old.
I must say I am rather sore after dragging my luggage around today and trying to open the extremely heavy cabin doors. Perhaps I’ll have a bit of muscle by the end of the trip
Tomorrow I am meeting for breakfast at 8:30. I wonder if we’ll finally get a glimpse at Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Oh yeah, by the way, if anyone decides to write to meet while I’m gone, my cabin number is 4104. Write that also with the address. It’ll help the mail get to my room faster.
Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing the behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes. ~ Jan Myrdal
Puerto Rico ~ February 8, 2007
Day 2
Today was absolutely amazing. Woke up and went to breakfast with Sean, Tom, and Matt. Here we saw Archbishop Desmond Tutu walk through the dining hall. He hasn’t made too many appearances yet due to a lot of traveling. But, anyways, after breakfast we went down to catch the bus to El Yunque Rainforest for a 0.86 mile hike through the rainforest. That was the longest 0.86 miles I have ever hiked. At one point we stopped to swim under a waterfall. That was quite enjoyable, although a bit chilly. After the hike, we continued back onto the bus where just about everyone slept the rest of the ride back to the bus. After we returned, Corinne, Tom, Sean, and I went to this restaurant that overlooked the ocean. Very good Puerto Rican food. From here we proceeded back to the ship to swim in the pool and relax until it was time to go again.
At 17:15 a large group of us were to meet outside of security to go to Bioluminescence Bay. This trip was organized on facebook so of course it turned out to be very unorganized and quite a few people showed up who were signed up originally and some of those who did showed up late. The kid in charge seemed very overwhelmed, so me and this other girl took charge and started writing down names and collecting money. Everything went rather smoothly after that. Together there were approximately 36 people. Well actually more, because the vans were only suppose to fit 15 people each, and a third only held 6, and somehow it ended up that I didn’t get a seat so I sat on the floor. Quite an experience I must say. I think I’m glad I sat on the floor because this way I couldn’t see how chaotic the driver was driving.
Finally after an hour or so we arrived at the bay. This was an experience all in itself trying to get people organized in the kayaks. Once we were in the water there were quite a few pile ups and traffic jams. I think someone forgot to teach the SASer’s what a straight line is. Oops, oh well. I was in a three person kayak which resulted in a very large bruise on my knee because I didn’t have much leg room and kept smacking my leg with the paddle. The kayak trip was unbelievable. Kayaking in complete darkness between and under mangrove trees. I never experienced anything like it. Then when we finally reached the bay where the plankton was, they tied our kayaks together in a circle and then let us swim. I’m so glad I went on this trip. There are only 3 Bio Bays in the world, and 4 of them are in Puerto Rico. The kayak trip back to the vans was interesting to say none the least. We had a few head-on collisions with tours that were arriving as we were leaving. Some people just don’t know which direction right is. I guess that’s another thing people did learn in school.
We got back around 2300 starving only to find out that McDonalds just closed. This was told to us by the crew of the ship who were sitting on the sidewalk using McDonald’s free wireless internet. I guess they would be the ones to know where to go for that. So a couple of the people that I met on the Bio Bay trip headed up to the 7th deck for some pizza. Now here I am, trying to stay awake to recall everything that occurred today. But I think I shall go to bed since its now after 0100 and I’m suppose to go to breakfast at 0800.
Today is the first day of my journey around the world. After standing in line for slightly less than an hour I was finally able to board the M.V. Explorer for the first time. The ship is incredible, and so are all the people on board. And dinner was excellent.
I’ve been in the Bahamas since January 30th and staying at the Nassau Beach Hotel at Cable Beach. The Bahamians are the nicest group of people that I have ever met. I am so glad that I was able to spend a few days on the island before heading out to sea.
Yesterday at the beach I started meeting other SASer’s. It was incredible how we were able to all just randomly meet. I believe I met sixteen total at the beach and Café Johnny Canoe, and twelve of which were from PA, two from Boston, one from North Dakota, and one from Alabama. It really helped today having a few familiar faces to turn to amongst the crowds of people on the ship today. This morning I rode in a limo for the first time I ever. Corrine, Sean, Tom, Matt, and I took one to the harbor, and I think the taxi driver charged us more for the luggage than actually us for the ride there. We did have a lot of luggage.
At our general orientation tonight, we learned that this voyage has a record number of people aboard the ship. There are 702 students, two thirds of which are girls. There is at least one student from every state and quite a few from other countries. The total number of people aboard the ship including crew is currently 1,002 people. Now this number will change after each port as some staff/family members travel back home and others arrive. The dean announced that the youngest member of the ship is 7 months old and the oldest is 91 years old.
I must say I am rather sore after dragging my luggage around today and trying to open the extremely heavy cabin doors. Perhaps I’ll have a bit of muscle by the end of the trip
Tomorrow I am meeting for breakfast at 8:30. I wonder if we’ll finally get a glimpse at Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Oh yeah, by the way, if anyone decides to write to meet while I’m gone, my cabin number is 4104. Write that also with the address. It’ll help the mail get to my room faster.
Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing the behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes. ~ Jan Myrdal
Puerto Rico ~ February 8, 2007
Day 2
Today was absolutely amazing. Woke up and went to breakfast with Sean, Tom, and Matt. Here we saw Archbishop Desmond Tutu walk through the dining hall. He hasn’t made too many appearances yet due to a lot of traveling. But, anyways, after breakfast we went down to catch the bus to El Yunque Rainforest for a 0.86 mile hike through the rainforest. That was the longest 0.86 miles I have ever hiked. At one point we stopped to swim under a waterfall. That was quite enjoyable, although a bit chilly. After the hike, we continued back onto the bus where just about everyone slept the rest of the ride back to the bus. After we returned, Corinne, Tom, Sean, and I went to this restaurant that overlooked the ocean. Very good Puerto Rican food. From here we proceeded back to the ship to swim in the pool and relax until it was time to go again.
At 17:15 a large group of us were to meet outside of security to go to Bioluminescence Bay. This trip was organized on facebook so of course it turned out to be very unorganized and quite a few people showed up who were signed up originally and some of those who did showed up late. The kid in charge seemed very overwhelmed, so me and this other girl took charge and started writing down names and collecting money. Everything went rather smoothly after that. Together there were approximately 36 people. Well actually more, because the vans were only suppose to fit 15 people each, and a third only held 6, and somehow it ended up that I didn’t get a seat so I sat on the floor. Quite an experience I must say. I think I’m glad I sat on the floor because this way I couldn’t see how chaotic the driver was driving.
Finally after an hour or so we arrived at the bay. This was an experience all in itself trying to get people organized in the kayaks. Once we were in the water there were quite a few pile ups and traffic jams. I think someone forgot to teach the SASer’s what a straight line is. Oops, oh well. I was in a three person kayak which resulted in a very large bruise on my knee because I didn’t have much leg room and kept smacking my leg with the paddle. The kayak trip was unbelievable. Kayaking in complete darkness between and under mangrove trees. I never experienced anything like it. Then when we finally reached the bay where the plankton was, they tied our kayaks together in a circle and then let us swim. I’m so glad I went on this trip. There are only 3 Bio Bays in the world, and 4 of them are in Puerto Rico. The kayak trip back to the vans was interesting to say none the least. We had a few head-on collisions with tours that were arriving as we were leaving. Some people just don’t know which direction right is. I guess that’s another thing people did learn in school.
We got back around 2300 starving only to find out that McDonalds just closed. This was told to us by the crew of the ship who were sitting on the sidewalk using McDonald’s free wireless internet. I guess they would be the ones to know where to go for that. So a couple of the people that I met on the Bio Bay trip headed up to the 7th deck for some pizza. Now here I am, trying to stay awake to recall everything that occurred today. But I think I shall go to bed since its now after 0100 and I’m suppose to go to breakfast at 0800.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
