Dec 14th
After waking up at 6AM to have breakfast with Christina, Tierney and Annie, we watched the sun rise from the back deck. Everyone was up to share their last few moments together before we pulled into the Miami port. The water was crystal blue, and Dan and I could see dolphins in the water below as we watched the Miami coast line. At 8AM, we started pulling into the port area, so students gathered on the top deck to hold up signs to their parents and wave to those their to greet us. The U.S. Coast Guard started honking their horns and yelling “welcome home” to us. The parents on the pier started cheering as soon as they saw us. Many had huge signs, especially Harry’ parents. They made something that could cover two car lengths. Needless to say, he definitely saw it. As soon as we pulled in, the shipping crane came out to lift our baggage off the ship. Once they had re-distributed passports in the Faculty Staff Lounge, they began calling Seas to disembark. The whole process went a lot faster than any of us expected. By the time they got to the fourth to last sea, it was time for Sara to get off. We had all been standing around Tymitz square to hug good bye those students getting off. Everyone was crying or looked rather solemn. When they called the Mediterranean Sea, we said “good bye” to Sara. I started crying, which in turn made everyone else cry. Next was the Bering Sea, when a whole slew of friends had to leave, including Goldie and Dan. Finally, they called the Arabian Sea, which was the last group of students. We collected our things and together made our way off the ship to swipe our cards one last time. After passing through the terminal to collect our luggage, we passed through immigration. I was too stubborn to get a porter to carry my things (because they line for them was too long), so I had my backpack on, a carry on strapped to me and two enormous duffels dragging in each hand as I headed out the exit. The SAS alumni greeted me and handed me a student directory that I gripped between my teeth as I kept trudging along. One parent even started cheering me on, since probably looked utterly pathetic with enormous luggage strapped to all parts of my body. Finally, I made it to the curb side to wait for Mom to show up. During that time, I met Goldie’s parents, said goodbye to Britney, Jonah and Becca and finally got the hug I was waiting for the last four months! Mom showed up, helped me get my things into the cab and we headed to the airport to go home.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was having the best experiences of my life in one semester. My “low” was leaving the greatest group of friends I will ever meet.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Day 108 – Packing
Dec 13th
Morning
I woke up at 5Am to check for the sunrise before falling asleep till 6AM for breakfasts Christina, Tierney and I had our very last breakfast on the ship while watching the sunrise come over the sea. I hung out with Spencer, Dan and Brian while the sun was coming up and chatted about going home! We swapped some pictures and videos from the trip. In the afternoon I finally decided to start packing my clothes, which ended up taking up a whole another duffel. After they called our sea, we ragged our stuff down to the bottom floor for the crew to collect. Julie and I wrote on the back of our picture to give helpful hints on what the next 4115 students should and should not do. I also taped my converter to the bottom to the desk as a welcome gift so they wouldn’t have to worry about their laptops running out of batteries around the ship.
Convocation Union
We gathered in the Union for graduation. A good deal of students were recognized for completing college upon the end of this semester, including Becca Valencia, Danny and Tori. Schoppa got up and read a speech about change: yourself, the economy and the world. He said, that “if you can deal with the auto rickshaws of Chennai, than you can handle the diminishing economy at home.” Essentially, he challenged students to integrate the new experiences they have had with home life. He reminded us that North Dakota is the only state not suffering from the economic collapse, so perhaps many of us would like to move up there to find a job. Then Tien sang “My Companion,” which he wrote on the trip about friendship and traveling. Schoppa called each graduation seniors name and they stood to take a bow, scream in enthusiasm or jump around. When they called one kid’s name, a bunch of friends threw condom balloons into the air in celebration. This kinda threw Schoppa off a little. Jack Van der Water got up to congradulate us on a great voyage. He started with “I’m proud of most of you” and then encouraged us to “think globally, act locally.” His final words were his slogan: Be safe, be smart and have fun. Professor Laxmi got up to sing a traditional Indian song dedicated to everyone on the voyage. Then we heard speeches from a student representative, a faculty representative and a staff representative about what a changing and moving experience it has been with everyone on the trip. Finally, Michelle sang a beautiful jazzy song before Schoppa announced the students with 4.0s who could get off the ship with Faculty in the second group and the awards from the World Food Summit.
USA Pre-port
Following Convocation, we stayed for US pre-port, which is essentially a big joke about the US and what we have to expect from American culture. Accordingly, the cultural norms include no public urination, no public nudity, stand at arms length form people and driving laws are not suggestions. Street lines and signs actually do mean something here. They encouraged us to remember that 100mph is not the same as 100kmph, even if it could be just as fun. Most Americans are only fluent in English, but some words to help you out include “please,” “goodbye,” and “Facebook.” Foreign currencies are not accepted. Americans use the dollar, which is pegged to the dollar at a rate of 1-1. Then they presented us with the 10 ten music hits at the moment and the top 10 movies out in theatres. We didn’t recognize any of them. More updates, included Bragalina not adopting another child, Tara Reed went to rehab, Huge Jackson was named sexiest man alive and Miley Cyrus got a hand me down porche to show she is not spoiled. Afterward, the LLC’s showed a video titled “A Day in the Life of Your LLC,” which included showing them sleeping till the afternoon and in training sessions. Their sessions included a naughty and nice list, alcohol distribution after confiscation, a student hook up chart and staff development otherwise known as creeping tactics. It was thoroughly amusing. Then Brad and Brian got up to re-enact Bob “The Voice” and Jack’s conversations in front of the students during pre-ports. Brad did the most amazing impression of Jack’s voice that it was almost creepy. Then Brian got up to run through the process of disembarkment when we arrive in Miami.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was staying up most of the night watching Weeds and hanging out with friends. My “low” was realizing it was the very last night we would all be together on the boat.
Morning
I woke up at 5Am to check for the sunrise before falling asleep till 6AM for breakfasts Christina, Tierney and I had our very last breakfast on the ship while watching the sunrise come over the sea. I hung out with Spencer, Dan and Brian while the sun was coming up and chatted about going home! We swapped some pictures and videos from the trip. In the afternoon I finally decided to start packing my clothes, which ended up taking up a whole another duffel. After they called our sea, we ragged our stuff down to the bottom floor for the crew to collect. Julie and I wrote on the back of our picture to give helpful hints on what the next 4115 students should and should not do. I also taped my converter to the bottom to the desk as a welcome gift so they wouldn’t have to worry about their laptops running out of batteries around the ship.
Convocation Union
We gathered in the Union for graduation. A good deal of students were recognized for completing college upon the end of this semester, including Becca Valencia, Danny and Tori. Schoppa got up and read a speech about change: yourself, the economy and the world. He said, that “if you can deal with the auto rickshaws of Chennai, than you can handle the diminishing economy at home.” Essentially, he challenged students to integrate the new experiences they have had with home life. He reminded us that North Dakota is the only state not suffering from the economic collapse, so perhaps many of us would like to move up there to find a job. Then Tien sang “My Companion,” which he wrote on the trip about friendship and traveling. Schoppa called each graduation seniors name and they stood to take a bow, scream in enthusiasm or jump around. When they called one kid’s name, a bunch of friends threw condom balloons into the air in celebration. This kinda threw Schoppa off a little. Jack Van der Water got up to congradulate us on a great voyage. He started with “I’m proud of most of you” and then encouraged us to “think globally, act locally.” His final words were his slogan: Be safe, be smart and have fun. Professor Laxmi got up to sing a traditional Indian song dedicated to everyone on the voyage. Then we heard speeches from a student representative, a faculty representative and a staff representative about what a changing and moving experience it has been with everyone on the trip. Finally, Michelle sang a beautiful jazzy song before Schoppa announced the students with 4.0s who could get off the ship with Faculty in the second group and the awards from the World Food Summit.
USA Pre-port
Following Convocation, we stayed for US pre-port, which is essentially a big joke about the US and what we have to expect from American culture. Accordingly, the cultural norms include no public urination, no public nudity, stand at arms length form people and driving laws are not suggestions. Street lines and signs actually do mean something here. They encouraged us to remember that 100mph is not the same as 100kmph, even if it could be just as fun. Most Americans are only fluent in English, but some words to help you out include “please,” “goodbye,” and “Facebook.” Foreign currencies are not accepted. Americans use the dollar, which is pegged to the dollar at a rate of 1-1. Then they presented us with the 10 ten music hits at the moment and the top 10 movies out in theatres. We didn’t recognize any of them. More updates, included Bragalina not adopting another child, Tara Reed went to rehab, Huge Jackson was named sexiest man alive and Miley Cyrus got a hand me down porche to show she is not spoiled. Afterward, the LLC’s showed a video titled “A Day in the Life of Your LLC,” which included showing them sleeping till the afternoon and in training sessions. Their sessions included a naughty and nice list, alcohol distribution after confiscation, a student hook up chart and staff development otherwise known as creeping tactics. It was thoroughly amusing. Then Brad and Brian got up to re-enact Bob “The Voice” and Jack’s conversations in front of the students during pre-ports. Brad did the most amazing impression of Jack’s voice that it was almost creepy. Then Brian got up to run through the process of disembarkment when we arrive in Miami.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was staying up most of the night watching Weeds and hanging out with friends. My “low” was realizing it was the very last night we would all be together on the boat.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Day 107 – Packing
Dec 12th
Reorientation/Re-entry
I got up to spend the morning with Julie lounging in bed. Eventually, Britney called and convinced me to get up for food. We had a quick lunch of chicken soup, before I headed to the gym with Sara and Goldie. Then we picked up our yellow fever cards, which they made it seem like if we loose it the punishment is death. Or, not re-entering the US, which would feel like death at this point. There is a serious buzz around the ship about getting back home. Personally, I’m mixed between the excitement of going home and near depression over leaving such a fabulous group of friends and experiences. After the first shower I took in two days, Sara, Goldie, Britney, Becca and I went to the Union to a student activity called “Reflection and Re-entry.” Basically, they had a panel discussion and presentations about returning home to warn us about feelings we might experience. They even had this whole diagram about the re-entry process that starts with excitement for being home then realization that things have changed then reverse-homesickness about going back and finally adaptation to home life. The doctor panel heavily warned us about boredom and depression. Britney, Sara, Becca and I left to grab snacks on the pool deck before heading back to hear a “breakout session” about the current economic conditions. Professor Warnock discussed the logistics of rent inflations, college endowment funds and employment options. It was pretty interesting, but a little scary to hear.
Packed Up
After the presentation, I took everything out of my closet and drawers to pack for home. The room looked like a tornado went through it and threw up clothes mixed in with African wood work, Indian scarves and Asian artwork. After I was done, it was all neatly packed into two ENORMOUS duffels. I had only come with one, but the accumulation of gifts and souvenirs ended up requiring more space. After successfully emptying every nock and cranny from the room, I meandered around the ship talking to friends, swapping pictures, taking music and getting email addresses to anyone I ran into.
Music Video
With some time to kill, Becca, Goldie and I decided to make our very own music. Goldie selected “All around the World,” the best choice for a mini tour of the ship and a good way to spend an hour. Goldie and I were the dancers, so we grabbed Britney’s flags that she had purchased from each country as props. We started in the library running through the stalks and then went to the computer lab to dance around Sara and Britney. We also got some shots in the dining hall, which included a star appearance from a waiter named Darwin, the Union, classrooms and the ship store. After Goldie and I danced our little hearts out (and got some weird looks in the process), Becca took the footage and put the video together. Look out for it on Facebook or UTube. We’ll post it sometime soon.
Rest of the Night
After dinner, we went to see Danny, Todd, Lauren and Ryan perform in the Rockapella concert. They were amazing, since each member took on their own song to take the lead in. Later, we headed to the last Pub Night to hang out with friends and enjoy some of our last time together. The long was super long, since everyone realized it was their last time to enjoy drinks on the ship. I just relaxed with some water, since I refused to buy the drink card that they almost charged me double for the last time. After enough time socializing, Sara, Britney and Goldie went back to their room to hang out. After deciding that Goldie’s hair was too long, we convinced her that I was an expert hair stylists. So, I cut her hair a few inches, just like I did my Barbie’s when I was younger. She looked great and was very happy with the results. Afterward, we all settled in to watch Step Brothers. I was the only one who stayed awake, since I can’t fall sleep during movies. I found it mildly hilarious.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was leaving Sara, Goldie, Britney and Becca to fall asleep on each other like puppies after finishing Step Brothers. My “low” was packing everything and realizing we were done with the semester.
Reorientation/Re-entry
I got up to spend the morning with Julie lounging in bed. Eventually, Britney called and convinced me to get up for food. We had a quick lunch of chicken soup, before I headed to the gym with Sara and Goldie. Then we picked up our yellow fever cards, which they made it seem like if we loose it the punishment is death. Or, not re-entering the US, which would feel like death at this point. There is a serious buzz around the ship about getting back home. Personally, I’m mixed between the excitement of going home and near depression over leaving such a fabulous group of friends and experiences. After the first shower I took in two days, Sara, Goldie, Britney, Becca and I went to the Union to a student activity called “Reflection and Re-entry.” Basically, they had a panel discussion and presentations about returning home to warn us about feelings we might experience. They even had this whole diagram about the re-entry process that starts with excitement for being home then realization that things have changed then reverse-homesickness about going back and finally adaptation to home life. The doctor panel heavily warned us about boredom and depression. Britney, Sara, Becca and I left to grab snacks on the pool deck before heading back to hear a “breakout session” about the current economic conditions. Professor Warnock discussed the logistics of rent inflations, college endowment funds and employment options. It was pretty interesting, but a little scary to hear.
Packed Up
After the presentation, I took everything out of my closet and drawers to pack for home. The room looked like a tornado went through it and threw up clothes mixed in with African wood work, Indian scarves and Asian artwork. After I was done, it was all neatly packed into two ENORMOUS duffels. I had only come with one, but the accumulation of gifts and souvenirs ended up requiring more space. After successfully emptying every nock and cranny from the room, I meandered around the ship talking to friends, swapping pictures, taking music and getting email addresses to anyone I ran into.
Music Video
With some time to kill, Becca, Goldie and I decided to make our very own music. Goldie selected “All around the World,” the best choice for a mini tour of the ship and a good way to spend an hour. Goldie and I were the dancers, so we grabbed Britney’s flags that she had purchased from each country as props. We started in the library running through the stalks and then went to the computer lab to dance around Sara and Britney. We also got some shots in the dining hall, which included a star appearance from a waiter named Darwin, the Union, classrooms and the ship store. After Goldie and I danced our little hearts out (and got some weird looks in the process), Becca took the footage and put the video together. Look out for it on Facebook or UTube. We’ll post it sometime soon.
Rest of the Night
After dinner, we went to see Danny, Todd, Lauren and Ryan perform in the Rockapella concert. They were amazing, since each member took on their own song to take the lead in. Later, we headed to the last Pub Night to hang out with friends and enjoy some of our last time together. The long was super long, since everyone realized it was their last time to enjoy drinks on the ship. I just relaxed with some water, since I refused to buy the drink card that they almost charged me double for the last time. After enough time socializing, Sara, Britney and Goldie went back to their room to hang out. After deciding that Goldie’s hair was too long, we convinced her that I was an expert hair stylists. So, I cut her hair a few inches, just like I did my Barbie’s when I was younger. She looked great and was very happy with the results. Afterward, we all settled in to watch Step Brothers. I was the only one who stayed awake, since I can’t fall sleep during movies. I found it mildly hilarious.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was leaving Sara, Goldie, Britney and Becca to fall asleep on each other like puppies after finishing Step Brothers. My “low” was packing everything and realizing we were done with the semester.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Day 106 – Panama Canal
Dec 11th
The Canal
Despite going to bed at 4AM, Sara, Goldie and I woke up at nine to watch us go through the Panama Canal. While selecting a shirt to wear, I flipped open my blinds to find a few canal workers in hard hats standing across the ledge outside my window. I screamed, although I don’t think they heard me, and dove on my bed for cover. I stayed crouched down for a few mins before finding it safe enough to close the window, throw on a shirt and run to meet Sara and Goldie. The whole process was a lot slower than we could have imagined. The lack of sleep last night didn’t help, since all we really wanted to do was crawl back into bed. Of course, we didn’t realize we would be going through the gates all day until six o’clock tonight when we reached the Pacific. So, we spent some time taking pictures of the lush green surroundings, murky water and canal operators who were working at each gate. Professor Sobey made periodic announcements about every 30 minutes about which body of water we were in, the number of gallons (16 Olympic swimming pools) filled each gate and how long the canal was itself. Very informative, but not an easy thing to sleep through. We watched as small trains drove along side the canal with ropes that dragged us through each gate. We had to sit and wait for water to fill us up to the next elevation level each time, so needless to say the whole process would be a lot more exciting in fast forward. Regardless, I was really impressed that the ship never hit the edges, seeing as there was only a few feet of space on each side. After an enjoyable brunch where the eggs were actually completely cooked for the first time, we headed to Britney and Becca’s room to watch a marathon of Sex and The City and take periodic naps.
Evening Activities
Once we reached the Caribbean Ocean, the ship got remarkably rocky. Perhaps that’s just because we were remarkably stationary throughout the canal crossing. After dinner with Falyn, Britney and Becca, I went to listen to Julie get serenaded by Tien, another SAS student with the most amazing voice. Julie and her two friends Stef and Cynthia had won the serenade and a number of his self-made CDs at the Students for Service auction. He sang a bunch of songs about his “hopeless crushes,” which made him all the more adorable. Later, Britney, Becca, Goldie and Sara dragged me out of bed to see the ‘Grande Finale Talent Show’ in the Union. Once again, Bobbie MCed that acts that included: a ballet dance, a few singers and a bunch of guys with guitars trying to be sexy. (It kinda worked.) My LLC Brooke came out of no where with one of the best voices I have heard on this trip. Armon sang an “interesting” song/poem about plagiarism in a Russian ascent. A group of guys raped about the trip, which was freaking hilarious. Chris brought out some raggae with a song he wrote on the trip.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was enjoying the greatest man-made wonder of the world (because it brought me much closer to home). My “low” was realizing that this “intermission” between countries and going home pretty much just consists of eating and watching SATC.
The Canal
Despite going to bed at 4AM, Sara, Goldie and I woke up at nine to watch us go through the Panama Canal. While selecting a shirt to wear, I flipped open my blinds to find a few canal workers in hard hats standing across the ledge outside my window. I screamed, although I don’t think they heard me, and dove on my bed for cover. I stayed crouched down for a few mins before finding it safe enough to close the window, throw on a shirt and run to meet Sara and Goldie. The whole process was a lot slower than we could have imagined. The lack of sleep last night didn’t help, since all we really wanted to do was crawl back into bed. Of course, we didn’t realize we would be going through the gates all day until six o’clock tonight when we reached the Pacific. So, we spent some time taking pictures of the lush green surroundings, murky water and canal operators who were working at each gate. Professor Sobey made periodic announcements about every 30 minutes about which body of water we were in, the number of gallons (16 Olympic swimming pools) filled each gate and how long the canal was itself. Very informative, but not an easy thing to sleep through. We watched as small trains drove along side the canal with ropes that dragged us through each gate. We had to sit and wait for water to fill us up to the next elevation level each time, so needless to say the whole process would be a lot more exciting in fast forward. Regardless, I was really impressed that the ship never hit the edges, seeing as there was only a few feet of space on each side. After an enjoyable brunch where the eggs were actually completely cooked for the first time, we headed to Britney and Becca’s room to watch a marathon of Sex and The City and take periodic naps.
Evening Activities
Once we reached the Caribbean Ocean, the ship got remarkably rocky. Perhaps that’s just because we were remarkably stationary throughout the canal crossing. After dinner with Falyn, Britney and Becca, I went to listen to Julie get serenaded by Tien, another SAS student with the most amazing voice. Julie and her two friends Stef and Cynthia had won the serenade and a number of his self-made CDs at the Students for Service auction. He sang a bunch of songs about his “hopeless crushes,” which made him all the more adorable. Later, Britney, Becca, Goldie and Sara dragged me out of bed to see the ‘Grande Finale Talent Show’ in the Union. Once again, Bobbie MCed that acts that included: a ballet dance, a few singers and a bunch of guys with guitars trying to be sexy. (It kinda worked.) My LLC Brooke came out of no where with one of the best voices I have heard on this trip. Armon sang an “interesting” song/poem about plagiarism in a Russian ascent. A group of guys raped about the trip, which was freaking hilarious. Chris brought out some raggae with a song he wrote on the trip.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was enjoying the greatest man-made wonder of the world (because it brought me much closer to home). My “low” was realizing that this “intermission” between countries and going home pretty much just consists of eating and watching SATC.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Day 105 – Ship Time
Dec 10th
Morning
My alarm went off at 10AM to get to the gym to meet Sara and Goldie, but I was way too tried and hit snooze before passing out again. I later woke up at 1PM, and found out that I successfully slept later than Britney Brit! That’s huge. I grabbed a quick snack for lunch before visiting Sara and Goldie on the top deck where half the boat was sun tanning or sleeping in the sun. After responding to some emails, I went with Becca and Britney to the Union for a disembarkment information session.
Disembarkment Meeting
Jack and Bob “The Voice” announced that we officially raised $30,000 through Students for Service due to the kindness of the Life Long Learners and some of the students’ drunken mistakes. Other announcements were as follows: There are no cash advances at the Purser’s desk, so if you have to pay off US customs you have to find money elsewhere. The last day for laundry was today. Now we just accumulate dirty socks until we get home to do it ourselves. We are each getting five luggage tags to attach to our oversized duffels for the crew to collect and take off the boat for us. For this, they are using a small crane, so we are advised to make sure the luggage is well sealed. After going over the disembarkment order, the Arabian Sea realized the only group that gets off after us are the “administrative boxes,” which are boxes of professor’s books. Otherwise, we are stuck there to the bitter end. Students for Service is also collecting unwanted, but gently used clothes, beddings, school supplies and toiletries that you don’t want to pack for the next two days.
Ambassador’s Ball
The girls (Britney, Sara, Goldie, Becca, Falyn) and I started getting all gussied up at around 6PM. All the guys were donning their tailor made suits from Vietnam. This included colors of orange, African print and purple suede. All girls had done up their hair, make up and wore their favorite dresses and hells. It was really weird seeing everyone in something else other than sweatpants or jeans. Becca, Britney, Sara, Goldie and I went to the Union to hear some “entertainment,” which consisted of Tien serenading us with the voice that I’m dating, Michelle re-creating Nora Jones for us and two professors playing classical piano. By 8PM, it was time for dinner. The fifth floor dining hall was decked out in a Chinese “A Forbidden Night” theme with paper dragons on the walls and lanterns floating about. As you walked in they handed you champaign in a real glass (as opposed to the plastic ones they hand you at Pub Night). We found our table, which was all the way in the back on the right. The table was stuck in a group of tables with other friends, so it was perfect to run around and take pictures with everyone. Darwin, our waiter, brought out the dishes, which included wonton and dim sum appetizers, sweet and sour soup, a mixed salad and file minon with veggies. Everything was delicious, except for the soup that was too spicy. Britney, a self-designated Chalula addict, polished off a few bowls. Between each course we reminisced about the trip, and talked about our favorite ports, favorite memories, best thing we learned and what/who we will remember most. It’s really hard to believe that this trip is actually ending. We have been stuck in our own bubble for so long that going back to reality will be quite a change. Regardless, we still don’t have to think about it for a few days. So, after we wrote down one thing that we wanted to remind ourselves of in the future and then all signed each others cards, we headed upstairs to socialize. Dessert came out a little while later. It was a long buffet of cheesecake, brownies, lemon cakes, fondue and fruit. After indulging, we headed to the Union, where a dance party had been set up with lights, streamers, balloons and blasting music. It really reminded me of a Bat Mitzah with the music choices, but we boogied away for a few hours before heading to Britney and Becca’s room to get into sweats and hang out. We flipped through slide shows of pictures from the trip, most of which made us hysterically laugh. About 60% of the pictures were just of me, since I am a bit of a camera whore due to my philosophy that “the more you take, the more bad ones you can delete.” I think Goldie will never ever forget my smiling face seeing how many times I used her camera recently.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was spending the time to sit down and really enjoy the company of friends. My “low” was not being able to take them home with me.
Morning
My alarm went off at 10AM to get to the gym to meet Sara and Goldie, but I was way too tried and hit snooze before passing out again. I later woke up at 1PM, and found out that I successfully slept later than Britney Brit! That’s huge. I grabbed a quick snack for lunch before visiting Sara and Goldie on the top deck where half the boat was sun tanning or sleeping in the sun. After responding to some emails, I went with Becca and Britney to the Union for a disembarkment information session.
Disembarkment Meeting
Jack and Bob “The Voice” announced that we officially raised $30,000 through Students for Service due to the kindness of the Life Long Learners and some of the students’ drunken mistakes. Other announcements were as follows: There are no cash advances at the Purser’s desk, so if you have to pay off US customs you have to find money elsewhere. The last day for laundry was today. Now we just accumulate dirty socks until we get home to do it ourselves. We are each getting five luggage tags to attach to our oversized duffels for the crew to collect and take off the boat for us. For this, they are using a small crane, so we are advised to make sure the luggage is well sealed. After going over the disembarkment order, the Arabian Sea realized the only group that gets off after us are the “administrative boxes,” which are boxes of professor’s books. Otherwise, we are stuck there to the bitter end. Students for Service is also collecting unwanted, but gently used clothes, beddings, school supplies and toiletries that you don’t want to pack for the next two days.
Ambassador’s Ball
The girls (Britney, Sara, Goldie, Becca, Falyn) and I started getting all gussied up at around 6PM. All the guys were donning their tailor made suits from Vietnam. This included colors of orange, African print and purple suede. All girls had done up their hair, make up and wore their favorite dresses and hells. It was really weird seeing everyone in something else other than sweatpants or jeans. Becca, Britney, Sara, Goldie and I went to the Union to hear some “entertainment,” which consisted of Tien serenading us with the voice that I’m dating, Michelle re-creating Nora Jones for us and two professors playing classical piano. By 8PM, it was time for dinner. The fifth floor dining hall was decked out in a Chinese “A Forbidden Night” theme with paper dragons on the walls and lanterns floating about. As you walked in they handed you champaign in a real glass (as opposed to the plastic ones they hand you at Pub Night). We found our table, which was all the way in the back on the right. The table was stuck in a group of tables with other friends, so it was perfect to run around and take pictures with everyone. Darwin, our waiter, brought out the dishes, which included wonton and dim sum appetizers, sweet and sour soup, a mixed salad and file minon with veggies. Everything was delicious, except for the soup that was too spicy. Britney, a self-designated Chalula addict, polished off a few bowls. Between each course we reminisced about the trip, and talked about our favorite ports, favorite memories, best thing we learned and what/who we will remember most. It’s really hard to believe that this trip is actually ending. We have been stuck in our own bubble for so long that going back to reality will be quite a change. Regardless, we still don’t have to think about it for a few days. So, after we wrote down one thing that we wanted to remind ourselves of in the future and then all signed each others cards, we headed upstairs to socialize. Dessert came out a little while later. It was a long buffet of cheesecake, brownies, lemon cakes, fondue and fruit. After indulging, we headed to the Union, where a dance party had been set up with lights, streamers, balloons and blasting music. It really reminded me of a Bat Mitzah with the music choices, but we boogied away for a few hours before heading to Britney and Becca’s room to get into sweats and hang out. We flipped through slide shows of pictures from the trip, most of which made us hysterically laugh. About 60% of the pictures were just of me, since I am a bit of a camera whore due to my philosophy that “the more you take, the more bad ones you can delete.” I think Goldie will never ever forget my smiling face seeing how many times I used her camera recently.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was spending the time to sit down and really enjoy the company of friends. My “low” was not being able to take them home with me.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Day 104 – “Last Day on Land”
Dec 9th
Last Stop
For our last day, Becca, Cassidy, Ryan and Torrie left early to go on a canopy tour. The rest of us hung around the house and made cereal, fried plantains and left over beer for breakfast. We spent the morning cleaning up the house, finishing the beers and lounging around the pool. While Jonah and Goldie played frisbee, we found an enormous iguana that lived in the next door lot. Britney spent most of the morning in the hammock, while Goldie and I played catch with a rubber ball in the pool. After saying good bye to Alfronzo, the family and Bronco, we headed back to central Puntarenas to enjoy a late lunch and get back on the ship. We wandered around and away from the generally pricy tourist area to find a quaint local eatery on the road side. We ordered chicken fajitas and garlic fish with fries and cokes on the side. It was a wonderful meal for $4. Afterward, Jonah, Britney and I headed to the internet café across the street where I unsuccessfully tried to log onto OASIS (Vandy’s online class registration) to sign up for classes I got bumped out of. Instead, I read all my birthday Facebook posts. Jonah, Britney and I then wandered about town toward the direction of the ship and check out a few shops to spend our last colones. When we finally made it to the pier, we trekked down the 300 yard pier back to the ship.
Ship Time
Unfortunately, not as many students were as drunk and entertaining as I had hoped they would be, but a lot of students failed a “random” drug test. I don’t know what will happen to them, but the prescribed punishment is withheld academic credit. Dinner back on deck six was ‘Around the World’ themed, so it included things like Costa Rican rice and beans and Indian curry chicken. Of course, they faithfully managed to stick iceberg lettuce in there anyway. Later Goldie, Sara, Britney and I watched a marathon of SATC, before Goldie left us to enjoy a champaign and cookie reception with her Sea. They had the highest percentage of student donations to the Alumni Fund, so they got to join faculty and staff in the Faculty Lounge for drinks and dessert. She and Becca V. managed to smuggle back some cookies for us anyway. While walking back to Britney and Becca’s room, we came across Jonah in the hallway. So, we ended up sitting around for hours blocking traffic and munching on cookies. Greg, the camera crew guy, found us and taped us “in our habitat.” We just kept breaking into laughter every time someone said “fuck” or “shit” and then realized Greg was still filming. I’m not sure how much of that tape he is going to use, unless he wants to show people what happens after too much time on a ship.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was reading Facebook birthday wishes (because they have shamelessly become one of my favorite things to do post-birthdays). My “low” was leaving our magical yellow-and-blue oasis of carefree fun.
Last Stop
For our last day, Becca, Cassidy, Ryan and Torrie left early to go on a canopy tour. The rest of us hung around the house and made cereal, fried plantains and left over beer for breakfast. We spent the morning cleaning up the house, finishing the beers and lounging around the pool. While Jonah and Goldie played frisbee, we found an enormous iguana that lived in the next door lot. Britney spent most of the morning in the hammock, while Goldie and I played catch with a rubber ball in the pool. After saying good bye to Alfronzo, the family and Bronco, we headed back to central Puntarenas to enjoy a late lunch and get back on the ship. We wandered around and away from the generally pricy tourist area to find a quaint local eatery on the road side. We ordered chicken fajitas and garlic fish with fries and cokes on the side. It was a wonderful meal for $4. Afterward, Jonah, Britney and I headed to the internet café across the street where I unsuccessfully tried to log onto OASIS (Vandy’s online class registration) to sign up for classes I got bumped out of. Instead, I read all my birthday Facebook posts. Jonah, Britney and I then wandered about town toward the direction of the ship and check out a few shops to spend our last colones. When we finally made it to the pier, we trekked down the 300 yard pier back to the ship.
Ship Time
Unfortunately, not as many students were as drunk and entertaining as I had hoped they would be, but a lot of students failed a “random” drug test. I don’t know what will happen to them, but the prescribed punishment is withheld academic credit. Dinner back on deck six was ‘Around the World’ themed, so it included things like Costa Rican rice and beans and Indian curry chicken. Of course, they faithfully managed to stick iceberg lettuce in there anyway. Later Goldie, Sara, Britney and I watched a marathon of SATC, before Goldie left us to enjoy a champaign and cookie reception with her Sea. They had the highest percentage of student donations to the Alumni Fund, so they got to join faculty and staff in the Faculty Lounge for drinks and dessert. She and Becca V. managed to smuggle back some cookies for us anyway. While walking back to Britney and Becca’s room, we came across Jonah in the hallway. So, we ended up sitting around for hours blocking traffic and munching on cookies. Greg, the camera crew guy, found us and taped us “in our habitat.” We just kept breaking into laughter every time someone said “fuck” or “shit” and then realized Greg was still filming. I’m not sure how much of that tape he is going to use, unless he wants to show people what happens after too much time on a ship.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was reading Facebook birthday wishes (because they have shamelessly become one of my favorite things to do post-birthdays). My “low” was leaving our magical yellow-and-blue oasis of carefree fun.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Day 103 – Puntarenas
Dec 8th
Breakfast
Sara, Jonah and Ryan made pancakes, scrambled eggs and toast for everyone. It was much better than boat breakfast, and just felt great to wake up and sit around the table with everyone in the morning. A lot of the conversation surrounded what foolish things people did last night and what things we hope they could remember. Ex: “No, Goldie, Todd’s skuzzy clinger did NOT throw up in your bed last night.” And “Yes, Todd, you were pull dancing around the enormous wooden block that holds the house up.”
Pool Activities
We spent the rest of the morning, goofing around the pool. I convinced everyone to start drinking again with enticing breakfast juices. Falyn tanned herself by the pool. Cassidy, Becca and Torrie slept in very late. Sara and Goldie had hand stand contests, while Todd filmed underwater. Goldie and I raced each other in inner tubes. Sara, Goldie, Todd and I filmed underwater shots with flips and dives. After feeding the parots, Alfronzo cut down a coconut with a machete and gave us the pieces to nibble on. Almost everyone ended up laying out in the sun (except for me since I knew I would get heat rash almost instantly in the heat.) Britney and I took naps in the hammocks with beers in hand. We spent hours just taking pictures of our beautiful little oasis. We couldn’t believe how amazing the place was and how happy we were to spend the time together.
Lunchtime
In the early afternoon, we decided to head into Central Puntarenas to see what the town was like and get some traditional lunch. We hoped into taxis that took us on 20 min tours of the run down buildings, small houses and heat-drenched people of Costa Rica. The scenery was beautiful, but you could see the utter dilapidation of the area. The taxi drivers recommended a wonderful open-air seafood place right in the center of town. We ordered a pitcher of margarita, which ended up being disgustingly sour and waters before diving into orders of ceviche (shrimp cocktail) and this plantain dish. Goldie mis-ordered, but we shared this delicious dish of fried plantains that you cover with bean paste and cheese. Then we passed around tastes of garlic fish, beans and rice and shredded chicken. I was happy to discover some new favorite tastes to take home. After that we split into groups to walk around town for a bit. Britney, Sara, Goldie, Becca and I walked to the pier side of town where we found the Explorer sitting idly along a long and empty pier. There were tons of small tourist shops filled with hammocks, beach hats, embroidered bags and hemp jewelry. We walked along to the supermarket where we found ice cream and “Negroito” candy. The candy actually features a black man with an afro on the cover. That would totally not fly in the US. Regardless, I bought out the display on the counter. Goldie ordered a Fanta that they then poured into a bag that she had to carry around, since you aren’t allowed to carry bottles.
Afternoon
As it got late and the heat was wearing us down, we headed back to Casa de Rector to take naps and rest up for tonight. Eventually, the music started blasting and calling everyone to get up, get dressed and get drinking! Becca V. decided to treat us to dinner for the last night, since we wanted to have a family dinner. Goldie, Jonah and I pulled some tables together to try and fit all 14 of us together. While we set the table, Sara made fresh gucuamole and Becca V. and Falyn made nachos. Ryan and Dan prepared the macaroni and cheese, while the chicken was barbequing on the grill. After we all settled down and made sure everyone had a nice sized drink in their hands, Becca V. made the most moving speech about our time on the trip together. She started to cry almost on command, but we were all seriously touched by it. They we dug in and shared some wonderfully “homemade” food for the first time in a long time.
Fiesta Round Two
Sara, Britney and Falyn started a power hour that I kindly declined the invitation from to stick to my delicious champaign cocktails that I was treating myself to for my birthday. (Side note: my birthday lasted throughout the entire trip to Costa Rica.) The music was blasting as we danced around Todd and Spencer who remained passed out on the living room couches despite the commotion. Goldie took glamour shots of Sara and I with Sprite cans. (We have no idea why.) We went over to the other SAS house, but they only had radio and did not feel like sharing drinks, so we returned to Casa de Rector and brought along those SASers who wanted to have more fun. We had this incredible dance party that we captured in multiple video shots. Specer dancing was the all time best! Unfortunately, Todd did not pull out his pole dancing routine again. He did manage to pull a train of girls out of the kitchen into the living room though. Some of us got back into the pool to swim and splash around. Later, Britney, who is the most innocent and reserved of the bunch, used this idea to purpose skinny dipping in the ocean. So, inevitably all 22 SASers got rallied up at her liberation and charged the ocean naked. If only there had been someone on the beach to capture the moment everyone came thundering down the hill into the water. It would have been priceless.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was sitting around for family dinner. My “low” was falling asleep next to Sara with a boob hanging out.
Breakfast
Sara, Jonah and Ryan made pancakes, scrambled eggs and toast for everyone. It was much better than boat breakfast, and just felt great to wake up and sit around the table with everyone in the morning. A lot of the conversation surrounded what foolish things people did last night and what things we hope they could remember. Ex: “No, Goldie, Todd’s skuzzy clinger did NOT throw up in your bed last night.” And “Yes, Todd, you were pull dancing around the enormous wooden block that holds the house up.”
Pool Activities
We spent the rest of the morning, goofing around the pool. I convinced everyone to start drinking again with enticing breakfast juices. Falyn tanned herself by the pool. Cassidy, Becca and Torrie slept in very late. Sara and Goldie had hand stand contests, while Todd filmed underwater. Goldie and I raced each other in inner tubes. Sara, Goldie, Todd and I filmed underwater shots with flips and dives. After feeding the parots, Alfronzo cut down a coconut with a machete and gave us the pieces to nibble on. Almost everyone ended up laying out in the sun (except for me since I knew I would get heat rash almost instantly in the heat.) Britney and I took naps in the hammocks with beers in hand. We spent hours just taking pictures of our beautiful little oasis. We couldn’t believe how amazing the place was and how happy we were to spend the time together.
Lunchtime
In the early afternoon, we decided to head into Central Puntarenas to see what the town was like and get some traditional lunch. We hoped into taxis that took us on 20 min tours of the run down buildings, small houses and heat-drenched people of Costa Rica. The scenery was beautiful, but you could see the utter dilapidation of the area. The taxi drivers recommended a wonderful open-air seafood place right in the center of town. We ordered a pitcher of margarita, which ended up being disgustingly sour and waters before diving into orders of ceviche (shrimp cocktail) and this plantain dish. Goldie mis-ordered, but we shared this delicious dish of fried plantains that you cover with bean paste and cheese. Then we passed around tastes of garlic fish, beans and rice and shredded chicken. I was happy to discover some new favorite tastes to take home. After that we split into groups to walk around town for a bit. Britney, Sara, Goldie, Becca and I walked to the pier side of town where we found the Explorer sitting idly along a long and empty pier. There were tons of small tourist shops filled with hammocks, beach hats, embroidered bags and hemp jewelry. We walked along to the supermarket where we found ice cream and “Negroito” candy. The candy actually features a black man with an afro on the cover. That would totally not fly in the US. Regardless, I bought out the display on the counter. Goldie ordered a Fanta that they then poured into a bag that she had to carry around, since you aren’t allowed to carry bottles.
Afternoon
As it got late and the heat was wearing us down, we headed back to Casa de Rector to take naps and rest up for tonight. Eventually, the music started blasting and calling everyone to get up, get dressed and get drinking! Becca V. decided to treat us to dinner for the last night, since we wanted to have a family dinner. Goldie, Jonah and I pulled some tables together to try and fit all 14 of us together. While we set the table, Sara made fresh gucuamole and Becca V. and Falyn made nachos. Ryan and Dan prepared the macaroni and cheese, while the chicken was barbequing on the grill. After we all settled down and made sure everyone had a nice sized drink in their hands, Becca V. made the most moving speech about our time on the trip together. She started to cry almost on command, but we were all seriously touched by it. They we dug in and shared some wonderfully “homemade” food for the first time in a long time.
Fiesta Round Two
Sara, Britney and Falyn started a power hour that I kindly declined the invitation from to stick to my delicious champaign cocktails that I was treating myself to for my birthday. (Side note: my birthday lasted throughout the entire trip to Costa Rica.) The music was blasting as we danced around Todd and Spencer who remained passed out on the living room couches despite the commotion. Goldie took glamour shots of Sara and I with Sprite cans. (We have no idea why.) We went over to the other SAS house, but they only had radio and did not feel like sharing drinks, so we returned to Casa de Rector and brought along those SASers who wanted to have more fun. We had this incredible dance party that we captured in multiple video shots. Specer dancing was the all time best! Unfortunately, Todd did not pull out his pole dancing routine again. He did manage to pull a train of girls out of the kitchen into the living room though. Some of us got back into the pool to swim and splash around. Later, Britney, who is the most innocent and reserved of the bunch, used this idea to purpose skinny dipping in the ocean. So, inevitably all 22 SASers got rallied up at her liberation and charged the ocean naked. If only there had been someone on the beach to capture the moment everyone came thundering down the hill into the water. It would have been priceless.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was sitting around for family dinner. My “low” was falling asleep next to Sara with a boob hanging out.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Day 102 – Costa Rica
Dec 7th
*DISCLAIMER: The following entries contain details about drinking and partying. Please, keep in mind that I am a 21 year old college student that does in fact drink responsibly. So Mom, before you send me another horrified email about “being careful,” please keep in mind that I am, in fact, responsible and mature enough to make my own choices.
Getting Around
We “woke up” for breakfast on the ship. I actually never fell asleep last night because I was so engrossed in making video-slideshows of all my pictures that I didn’t realize it was time for bed until the sunlight started to creep through the blinds this morning. There was no diplomatic briefing, so we just had to wait our turn for the tenders to get to shore. After spending some time sitting around the Union, Goldie, Falyn, Becca, Dan and I bordered the seventh tender and headed to Port Caldera. (Tendering is like taking a water taxi to shore.) While we were some of the last to board, we had to find seats wherever we could. Dan was super excited to find a seat right under the front window where he could already start his tan. After rolling up his sleeves and soaking up some rays, we started for shore and not a moment too soon a huge wave came crashing in right on him. He was the only one that got wet! Goldie shared, “I guess that’s the reason no one wanted the window.” After making it to shore, we found an entire crowd of SAS kids standing around dumb struck. Apparently, they had dropped us off at a warehouse port and they only thing we could see around us were Dole cargo carriers. There was no town, no taxis, no roads to walk down except one highway. Some kids just started walking to Puntarenas, which is 20 mins away be taxi. We found a pay phone and called a taxi, which we then had to ward off the swarm of destitute SASers.
Casa de Rector
The taxi dropped us off at a bright yellow and blue Casa de Rector, which is a beach house that Becca found on the internet. A group of about 12 of us had rented the house out for the next two nights to enjoy the sun, beach and pool in the backyard. Alfronzo greeted us at the front gate with Bronco, a gentle German Shepard that “came with the house.” He showed us around the seven bedrooms, kitchen, living room, pool and front beach. There was even a bird hutch with two beautiful red parrots, and eventually we met the Pitbull that was put out in the front yard at night. We weren’t allowed to pet him because he was purely meant for defense and was not supposed to get used to strangers. (We eventually learned that Puntarenas is not a very safe area, seeing as Mark got mugged on the beach and another girl had problems with a man on a motorcycle.) The house was absolutely beautiful with its bright colors covering the walls and furiture. The pool was filled with fresh water and bright neon donut floaties. Palms trees swayed in the breeze and threw shadows cover the lawn. Bright yellow and red hammocks temptingly swayed between the trees. The expansive yard had a red-brick outdoor barbeque that we instantly knew we had to use for dinner later. With that in mind, we headed to the supermarket to stock supplies.
Supermarket
Alfronzo, the house tenant, walked us to the nearby supermarket through the balmy Costa Rican heat. He pushed the grocery cart while we piled in hamburgers, hot dogs, corn, buns, condiments and lots of beer. When we got to the house, we clearly knew the house was made for parties. The kitchen opened up to the living room, which ironically had a perfectly sized beer pong table, and a speaker system. Alfronzo’s wife even told us (without us asking) that we should have a party because they sleep through it. With that in mind and a very special ladies birthday to still celebrate (mine!), we stocked up. Alfronzo found a friend of his at the supermarket to ride us back to the house in the back of his pickup truck. We unloaded everything in the fridge, changed into bathing suits, turned up some tunes, made ourselves some cocktails and headed to the pool to wait for everyone else to arrive. It was absolutely gorgeous and perfect to just sit around and enjoy each other’s company.
Fiestas
Eventually, Sara and Britney made it back from a canopy tour. Becca, Cassidy and Torri woke up and made it off the tender. Jonah, Ryan and Todd came from somewhere. We all made it to the house to play childhood games in the pool, play soccer in the lawn and pass around newly invented cocktails courtesy of Ryan. We had so much to celebrate: my birthday, meeting each other, seeing the world and successfully finishing one of the best semesters of our lives. Britney and Dan challenged Becca and I to beer pong, which I must say was completely disappointing. (Jenny, I’m sorry to say: I have no game.) In order to enjoy some of the beach waves, Goldie and I headed to the beach to reflect on our journey. We stopped to write the top four things we want to do before we die: 1) have a reunion with the girls (Britney, Becca, Sara, etc) 2) turn a gay man straight 3) learn to “gargoyle” 4) go to Greece. So, if we have a reunion in Greece with the mission of turning a gay man straight while gargoyling, we just might be able to get it all done! (“Gargoyling” is similar to a keg stand, but you pretend to be a gargoyle perched ontop a keg while chugging. Unfortunately, I did not even make this one up!) Down the beach, we could see the other house of SASers frolicking in the waves, so we decided to check it out. We went down to find Spencer, Mark, Molly and company playing Frisbee and flying kites. We ran into the waves with a few people before realizing it was getting really dark… almost too dark to see where you were walking. So, we headed back to our house for dinner. Sara and Dan started grilling up some hamburgers, hotdogs and what turned out to be some really funky corn. The rest of the night, we spent it playing beer pong during which Jonah and I bumped out the long standing champions: Britney and Dan. (Suckas!) Then we welcomed a group from the other house to join in a MAJOR dance party that lasted for hours.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was celebrating my birthday “for realizes.” My “low” was never hearing of gargoyling before.
*DISCLAIMER: The following entries contain details about drinking and partying. Please, keep in mind that I am a 21 year old college student that does in fact drink responsibly. So Mom, before you send me another horrified email about “being careful,” please keep in mind that I am, in fact, responsible and mature enough to make my own choices.
Getting Around
We “woke up” for breakfast on the ship. I actually never fell asleep last night because I was so engrossed in making video-slideshows of all my pictures that I didn’t realize it was time for bed until the sunlight started to creep through the blinds this morning. There was no diplomatic briefing, so we just had to wait our turn for the tenders to get to shore. After spending some time sitting around the Union, Goldie, Falyn, Becca, Dan and I bordered the seventh tender and headed to Port Caldera. (Tendering is like taking a water taxi to shore.) While we were some of the last to board, we had to find seats wherever we could. Dan was super excited to find a seat right under the front window where he could already start his tan. After rolling up his sleeves and soaking up some rays, we started for shore and not a moment too soon a huge wave came crashing in right on him. He was the only one that got wet! Goldie shared, “I guess that’s the reason no one wanted the window.” After making it to shore, we found an entire crowd of SAS kids standing around dumb struck. Apparently, they had dropped us off at a warehouse port and they only thing we could see around us were Dole cargo carriers. There was no town, no taxis, no roads to walk down except one highway. Some kids just started walking to Puntarenas, which is 20 mins away be taxi. We found a pay phone and called a taxi, which we then had to ward off the swarm of destitute SASers.
Casa de Rector
The taxi dropped us off at a bright yellow and blue Casa de Rector, which is a beach house that Becca found on the internet. A group of about 12 of us had rented the house out for the next two nights to enjoy the sun, beach and pool in the backyard. Alfronzo greeted us at the front gate with Bronco, a gentle German Shepard that “came with the house.” He showed us around the seven bedrooms, kitchen, living room, pool and front beach. There was even a bird hutch with two beautiful red parrots, and eventually we met the Pitbull that was put out in the front yard at night. We weren’t allowed to pet him because he was purely meant for defense and was not supposed to get used to strangers. (We eventually learned that Puntarenas is not a very safe area, seeing as Mark got mugged on the beach and another girl had problems with a man on a motorcycle.) The house was absolutely beautiful with its bright colors covering the walls and furiture. The pool was filled with fresh water and bright neon donut floaties. Palms trees swayed in the breeze and threw shadows cover the lawn. Bright yellow and red hammocks temptingly swayed between the trees. The expansive yard had a red-brick outdoor barbeque that we instantly knew we had to use for dinner later. With that in mind, we headed to the supermarket to stock supplies.
Supermarket
Alfronzo, the house tenant, walked us to the nearby supermarket through the balmy Costa Rican heat. He pushed the grocery cart while we piled in hamburgers, hot dogs, corn, buns, condiments and lots of beer. When we got to the house, we clearly knew the house was made for parties. The kitchen opened up to the living room, which ironically had a perfectly sized beer pong table, and a speaker system. Alfronzo’s wife even told us (without us asking) that we should have a party because they sleep through it. With that in mind and a very special ladies birthday to still celebrate (mine!), we stocked up. Alfronzo found a friend of his at the supermarket to ride us back to the house in the back of his pickup truck. We unloaded everything in the fridge, changed into bathing suits, turned up some tunes, made ourselves some cocktails and headed to the pool to wait for everyone else to arrive. It was absolutely gorgeous and perfect to just sit around and enjoy each other’s company.
Fiestas
Eventually, Sara and Britney made it back from a canopy tour. Becca, Cassidy and Torri woke up and made it off the tender. Jonah, Ryan and Todd came from somewhere. We all made it to the house to play childhood games in the pool, play soccer in the lawn and pass around newly invented cocktails courtesy of Ryan. We had so much to celebrate: my birthday, meeting each other, seeing the world and successfully finishing one of the best semesters of our lives. Britney and Dan challenged Becca and I to beer pong, which I must say was completely disappointing. (Jenny, I’m sorry to say: I have no game.) In order to enjoy some of the beach waves, Goldie and I headed to the beach to reflect on our journey. We stopped to write the top four things we want to do before we die: 1) have a reunion with the girls (Britney, Becca, Sara, etc) 2) turn a gay man straight 3) learn to “gargoyle” 4) go to Greece. So, if we have a reunion in Greece with the mission of turning a gay man straight while gargoyling, we just might be able to get it all done! (“Gargoyling” is similar to a keg stand, but you pretend to be a gargoyle perched ontop a keg while chugging. Unfortunately, I did not even make this one up!) Down the beach, we could see the other house of SASers frolicking in the waves, so we decided to check it out. We went down to find Spencer, Mark, Molly and company playing Frisbee and flying kites. We ran into the waves with a few people before realizing it was getting really dark… almost too dark to see where you were walking. So, we headed back to our house for dinner. Sara and Dan started grilling up some hamburgers, hotdogs and what turned out to be some really funky corn. The rest of the night, we spent it playing beer pong during which Jonah and I bumped out the long standing champions: Britney and Dan. (Suckas!) Then we welcomed a group from the other house to join in a MAJOR dance party that lasted for hours.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was celebrating my birthday “for realizes.” My “low” was never hearing of gargoyling before.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Day 101 – My Birthday!
Dec 6th
End of the Semester
I woke up extra early for breakfast with Sara and Becca. We studied for our very last exams over fruit, cereal and lots of coffee. A little while later, I took my Psych of Food and Culture final and was officially on winter break (even if it feels more like summer break). I took my textbooks to the school store to sell them back for $17. Then, Sara and I got Britney out of bed before heading to the seventh deck to sunbathe till lunch. Today we passed just north of Cocos Island, which is the southern most part of Costa Rica! It is a small volcanic island covered with a tropical rainforest and 400 waterfalls. As a National Park and World Heritage Site, its rich coral reefs are home to large ocean animals: manta rays; hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, sailfish and marine turtles. Unfortunately, we couldn’t spot anything from the deck. It was a beautiful day, especially with a nice breeze that kept the deck cool despite the heat. Regardless, I clocked my heat rash at about 35 mins before I needed to get out of the sun. So, we headed to lunch outside on the back deck. From there, I decided to escape the sun and recover from a week of finals and time changes by indulging in a much-needed afternoon siesta.
Afternoon Siesta
To my surprise, Julie had decorated the room with a sign and hand-made ribbons on the mirror and a picture of the two of us right next to my bed. There was even a sign wishing me ‘happy birthday’ from Falyn on the door. While I did get a nice hour sleep or so, I had a number of guests. Becca came by to show me her SAS video called “Which Way?” that she made in Digital Storytelling class. She has recently shown me all these amazing things you can do on iMovie and iPhoto to make video-slideshows. I’m utterly obsessed, and have been working on compiling slideshows for each of the countries out of my favorite pictures. So, I’m now on the unending process of sorting through 5,000+ pictures to select the best ones. (Yes, you’ll thank me later.) My LLC Brooke stopped by to wish me “Happy Birthday” and pass along some candy. Sara and Britney came by to wake me up and drag me off to Britney and Becca’s room to hang out. There room was utter chaos, since they began the intimidating process of packing all the souvenirs, clothes, flags and general crap they had accumulated over the last three months. While we were sitting around chatting, Goldie comes bursting into the room with “presents” and they all started singing to me. I was totally caught off guard, and bewildered that I was even getting anything. They presented me with a blown up group picture we took on the cable car in Hong Kong, a fabulous peace sign bracelet that I had liked in a store in Tokyo and a ying-yang picture of two koi fish that I had liked in the art gallery in Shanghai. I was so overwhelmed at how much they cared to listen to me and buy me gifts in anticipation of my birthday that I started to cry. Luckily, Goldie brought toilet paper as a gag gift, so it came in handy. The picture was the best present I could have received. It perfectly depicts each of our characters, but you will have to see it to understand.
Dinner and Cake
After a few hours of lounging around, goofing off and reminiscing about the trip, we finally headed to dinner to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican themed dinner courtesy of the ship. Basically, the best thing was the rice and beans. But, my good friend Clyde, who is in charge of the dining halls, had let me in on a little secret a few days ago that I had a cake waiting for me. I told him to surprise me with one of my favorite ice cream flavors: cookies and cream. Since the ship doesn’t stock very many flavors, I was pretty sure that I would just end up with chocolate and vanilla. However, to me surprise Clyde “knew a guy that knew a guy” who got me what I wanted! The cake that came out was enormous with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles and read: “Happy Birthday Carolyn! Love, the Dogs.” Bradley and Sidney are getting big hugs when I get home, because the cake was delicious. Becca, being the little mischievous piece of shit that she is, decided to start a cake food fight with me. I ended up covered in it, but I made sure to get her back. After I handed out mammoth sized slices to everyone at the table, I went around and distributed it to anyone I recognized. Even after sharing it with most of the dining hall, there was still a quarter left that I handed off to a table of boys who I felt could handle finishing it.
Logistical Pre-port
Bob “The Voice” detailed the sever ramifications of drinking and neglecting to get back on the ship on time on the last day of Costa Rica. Apparently, without classes or a last port to threaten students with, the administration came up with new ways to punish us if we misbehave. These include, but are not limited to, not receiving academic credit, getting locked in your room without a laptop for the last four days of the trip and having to get off the boat very last in Miami. Seeing as I’m not getting academic credit for the program, I don’t get internet in my room and I am already in the last Sea to get off in Miami, none of these impressed me. Then Garret, the video editor, showed us a pre-view of the SAS video that Greg, the photographer, has been filming. It seems like it will be really great, but I think my narcissistic video-slideshows will be even better. As a way to incorporate “cultural pre-port” into the mix, Cindy gave us some background on Costa Rica. Accordingly, Costa Rica is the post child of eco-tourism with tons of jungles and volcanoes to hike around. Over 23% of the country is protected with conservation regulations, in addition to the 35 National Parks that cover the area. Cindy warned us there are LOTS of birds, so we are supposed to be careful of bird droppings I suppose. She also suggested that we check out the coffee and palm oil plantations, as well as the banana farms. There is so much Sun coffee that it even grows along the highway mediums. In addition there are LOTS of mosquitoes, so we have to be careful to wear a lot of bug spray. She even suggested that we get those mosquitoes coils. She shared that “Yes they are poison, but they are better than mosquitoes.” Great. Finally, Bob came back to explain the dismemberment information. We are tendering to the shore in Port Caldera, which is about 20 mins from Puntarenas where the ship will be moving later in the day. Apparently, there is no town in Caldera, so there is no traffic on the right or left that we need to worry about. But, all Americans are supposed to avoid high concentrations of bar areas where prostitutes and muggers hand out. I’m not sure how this is going to go over with students. There are also more passports stolen in Costa Rica than any other tourist destination in the world. Apparently, an average of four passports are stolen a day, so we have to be extra careful. Finally, the medical staff came out to sing a rendition of “10 parches in a pear tree” about the medical reports from the trip. It covered: 12 pepto girls, 11 muffler burns, 10 constipations, 9 still sleeping, 8 boils bursting, 7 rashes scratching, 6 passed out students, 5 – NO HIV, 4 professor’s puking, 3 condoms failing, 2 coughing and a case of dysentery. In closing, they warned us that “Some like the pat downs more than others” in allusion to the drunk students that made sexual sounds when they were patted down by security in the last port. But, they will be doing them again when we get back in three days.
Movie Night
So, what do most birthday girls do on there 21st birthday when they are stuck on a boat in the ocean with not even a Pub Night to go to? Movie night with the girls! Duh. After logistical pre-port, Sara, Goldie and I settled down to watch December Boys because we heard you could see Harry Potter naked. Unfortunately, it was so totally boring that we turned if off after 40 minutes and decided to watch Sex and The City instead. Later I went back to my room to hang out with Julie before bed.
Goldie’s Birthday Poem:
Highs and Lows
My “high” was spending the day with the most fabulous people I have found in this world. My “low” was getting my birthday present from OASIS (Vandy online class registration): I was “bumped” from two classes!
End of the Semester
I woke up extra early for breakfast with Sara and Becca. We studied for our very last exams over fruit, cereal and lots of coffee. A little while later, I took my Psych of Food and Culture final and was officially on winter break (even if it feels more like summer break). I took my textbooks to the school store to sell them back for $17. Then, Sara and I got Britney out of bed before heading to the seventh deck to sunbathe till lunch. Today we passed just north of Cocos Island, which is the southern most part of Costa Rica! It is a small volcanic island covered with a tropical rainforest and 400 waterfalls. As a National Park and World Heritage Site, its rich coral reefs are home to large ocean animals: manta rays; hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, sailfish and marine turtles. Unfortunately, we couldn’t spot anything from the deck. It was a beautiful day, especially with a nice breeze that kept the deck cool despite the heat. Regardless, I clocked my heat rash at about 35 mins before I needed to get out of the sun. So, we headed to lunch outside on the back deck. From there, I decided to escape the sun and recover from a week of finals and time changes by indulging in a much-needed afternoon siesta.
Afternoon Siesta
To my surprise, Julie had decorated the room with a sign and hand-made ribbons on the mirror and a picture of the two of us right next to my bed. There was even a sign wishing me ‘happy birthday’ from Falyn on the door. While I did get a nice hour sleep or so, I had a number of guests. Becca came by to show me her SAS video called “Which Way?” that she made in Digital Storytelling class. She has recently shown me all these amazing things you can do on iMovie and iPhoto to make video-slideshows. I’m utterly obsessed, and have been working on compiling slideshows for each of the countries out of my favorite pictures. So, I’m now on the unending process of sorting through 5,000+ pictures to select the best ones. (Yes, you’ll thank me later.) My LLC Brooke stopped by to wish me “Happy Birthday” and pass along some candy. Sara and Britney came by to wake me up and drag me off to Britney and Becca’s room to hang out. There room was utter chaos, since they began the intimidating process of packing all the souvenirs, clothes, flags and general crap they had accumulated over the last three months. While we were sitting around chatting, Goldie comes bursting into the room with “presents” and they all started singing to me. I was totally caught off guard, and bewildered that I was even getting anything. They presented me with a blown up group picture we took on the cable car in Hong Kong, a fabulous peace sign bracelet that I had liked in a store in Tokyo and a ying-yang picture of two koi fish that I had liked in the art gallery in Shanghai. I was so overwhelmed at how much they cared to listen to me and buy me gifts in anticipation of my birthday that I started to cry. Luckily, Goldie brought toilet paper as a gag gift, so it came in handy. The picture was the best present I could have received. It perfectly depicts each of our characters, but you will have to see it to understand.
Dinner and Cake
After a few hours of lounging around, goofing off and reminiscing about the trip, we finally headed to dinner to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican themed dinner courtesy of the ship. Basically, the best thing was the rice and beans. But, my good friend Clyde, who is in charge of the dining halls, had let me in on a little secret a few days ago that I had a cake waiting for me. I told him to surprise me with one of my favorite ice cream flavors: cookies and cream. Since the ship doesn’t stock very many flavors, I was pretty sure that I would just end up with chocolate and vanilla. However, to me surprise Clyde “knew a guy that knew a guy” who got me what I wanted! The cake that came out was enormous with white frosting and rainbow sprinkles and read: “Happy Birthday Carolyn! Love, the Dogs.” Bradley and Sidney are getting big hugs when I get home, because the cake was delicious. Becca, being the little mischievous piece of shit that she is, decided to start a cake food fight with me. I ended up covered in it, but I made sure to get her back. After I handed out mammoth sized slices to everyone at the table, I went around and distributed it to anyone I recognized. Even after sharing it with most of the dining hall, there was still a quarter left that I handed off to a table of boys who I felt could handle finishing it.
Logistical Pre-port
Bob “The Voice” detailed the sever ramifications of drinking and neglecting to get back on the ship on time on the last day of Costa Rica. Apparently, without classes or a last port to threaten students with, the administration came up with new ways to punish us if we misbehave. These include, but are not limited to, not receiving academic credit, getting locked in your room without a laptop for the last four days of the trip and having to get off the boat very last in Miami. Seeing as I’m not getting academic credit for the program, I don’t get internet in my room and I am already in the last Sea to get off in Miami, none of these impressed me. Then Garret, the video editor, showed us a pre-view of the SAS video that Greg, the photographer, has been filming. It seems like it will be really great, but I think my narcissistic video-slideshows will be even better. As a way to incorporate “cultural pre-port” into the mix, Cindy gave us some background on Costa Rica. Accordingly, Costa Rica is the post child of eco-tourism with tons of jungles and volcanoes to hike around. Over 23% of the country is protected with conservation regulations, in addition to the 35 National Parks that cover the area. Cindy warned us there are LOTS of birds, so we are supposed to be careful of bird droppings I suppose. She also suggested that we check out the coffee and palm oil plantations, as well as the banana farms. There is so much Sun coffee that it even grows along the highway mediums. In addition there are LOTS of mosquitoes, so we have to be careful to wear a lot of bug spray. She even suggested that we get those mosquitoes coils. She shared that “Yes they are poison, but they are better than mosquitoes.” Great. Finally, Bob came back to explain the dismemberment information. We are tendering to the shore in Port Caldera, which is about 20 mins from Puntarenas where the ship will be moving later in the day. Apparently, there is no town in Caldera, so there is no traffic on the right or left that we need to worry about. But, all Americans are supposed to avoid high concentrations of bar areas where prostitutes and muggers hand out. I’m not sure how this is going to go over with students. There are also more passports stolen in Costa Rica than any other tourist destination in the world. Apparently, an average of four passports are stolen a day, so we have to be extra careful. Finally, the medical staff came out to sing a rendition of “10 parches in a pear tree” about the medical reports from the trip. It covered: 12 pepto girls, 11 muffler burns, 10 constipations, 9 still sleeping, 8 boils bursting, 7 rashes scratching, 6 passed out students, 5 – NO HIV, 4 professor’s puking, 3 condoms failing, 2 coughing and a case of dysentery. In closing, they warned us that “Some like the pat downs more than others” in allusion to the drunk students that made sexual sounds when they were patted down by security in the last port. But, they will be doing them again when we get back in three days.
Movie Night
So, what do most birthday girls do on there 21st birthday when they are stuck on a boat in the ocean with not even a Pub Night to go to? Movie night with the girls! Duh. After logistical pre-port, Sara, Goldie and I settled down to watch December Boys because we heard you could see Harry Potter naked. Unfortunately, it was so totally boring that we turned if off after 40 minutes and decided to watch Sex and The City instead. Later I went back to my room to hang out with Julie before bed.
Goldie’s Birthday Poem:
The trip is nearly over, our finals are finally done
and what a better way to end it, then turning 21
so get your clothes all packed up, give your legs a shave
you'll only need your swim trunks, and a few choice tasty waves
and cause it is your birthday, you get to be the boss
you'll be the cutest on the beach, even hotter than the sauce
make sure you pace you drinks, and watch on what you're sipping
I'd hate to see you pass out, and miss out on skinny dipping
lets make this last port really count, make it worth the boast
cause in 2 weeks we'll be apart, residing on separate coasts
I'm so happy that I met you, you're really quite divine
I've never met another girl, with an ass as nice as mine
I'll be sad to leave you, cause when you're gone life really stinks
but I'll always remember the times we had, and you'll always be my minx
Love Always,
Goldie
and what a better way to end it, then turning 21
so get your clothes all packed up, give your legs a shave
you'll only need your swim trunks, and a few choice tasty waves
and cause it is your birthday, you get to be the boss
you'll be the cutest on the beach, even hotter than the sauce
make sure you pace you drinks, and watch on what you're sipping
I'd hate to see you pass out, and miss out on skinny dipping
lets make this last port really count, make it worth the boast
cause in 2 weeks we'll be apart, residing on separate coasts
I'm so happy that I met you, you're really quite divine
I've never met another girl, with an ass as nice as mine
I'll be sad to leave you, cause when you're gone life really stinks
but I'll always remember the times we had, and you'll always be my minx
Love Always,
Goldie
Highs and Lows
My “high” was spending the day with the most fabulous people I have found in this world. My “low” was getting my birthday present from OASIS (Vandy online class registration): I was “bumped” from two classes!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Day 100 – Study Day
Dec 5th
Pre-Birthday Preparations…
The rocking of the ship was so bad this morning that after the sixth time I woke up before 7AM, I decided to just get up anyway. I headed up to breakfast for the first time in a long time, and discovered that the other half of the boat couldn’t sleep either. After some fruit to wake me up, I headed upstairs for stretching, weights and (since everyone was too intimidated to attempt the gym) a 45 mins run… on the treadmill! (This is almost as exciting as discovering Santa left presents under the Christmas tree.) After a quick shower, I went to the ‘Wellness Center’ to primp myself with a deep conditioning treatment, scalp message, hair cut, blow out and a complimentary bottle of leave-in conditioner –all for half the price of my haircuts at home! The hairdresser was a pleasant South African woman, who I remember from Goldie telling me she had ripped her pubes out earlier. I told her to add layers, angles and whatever else she wanted. It turned out wonderfully, and my hair smelled better than Bradley and Sidney’s after they come home from the groomers. Once I got back to my room, Sara called to see if I wanted to lay out on the back deck. Of course, I only made it for about 30 minutes before I felt my heat rash coming on. While I was pulling on my favorite pair of Hydraulic jeans, my toe got caught on a hole near the left knee and ripped an enormous hole down the leg. Flustered that I looked like a complete fatty trying to get re-dressed, I went inside to hide my knee under the table, while we had turkey sandwiches for lunch. A little while later, I used Julie’s scissors and a little ingenuity to make my favorite pair of jeans into my favorite pair of jean shorts! And, as Cassidy would say, “They are as hot as fuck.”
Special Dinning
The rest of the day was spent reading 30 to 48 page articles about anorexia and obesity for my psych of food final. At 6:45PM, Britney, Becca, Goldie, Sara, Jonah, Dan and I got all gussied up in cute dresses (except the guys were in jeans and button downs) and headed to “special dining” on the fifth floor. “Special Dining” is a five-course meal in a separate room that is designed for special occasions, like birthdays, dates, holidays, etc. Some students just go because the food is really good, but it costs $25 out of their parent’s pockets each time. Since tomorrow (my real birthday) is the day before we land in port, they don’t have special dinning. Thus, we decided to have the meal today for our first (and last) time. When we got there, they handed us menus to make our food selections for each course: appetizer, soup, salad, main dish and dessert. Then they poured us a glass of champaign, which we used to toast to our 100 days together (and my birthday). Then came out the courses: veggies wantons, chicken cucumber soup, mixed green salad, lamb chops with ratatouille and mud pie for dessert. It was the best food (yes, better than taco day) we have ever had on the boat. Clearly, that is why the Captain was there having his meal with the other officers.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was being the only person wearing a color at my special dinner. (For some reason, every single person wore black except me. I wore bright purple.) My “low” was missing Annie’s performance in the Vagina Monologues because I was studying.
Pre-Birthday Preparations…
The rocking of the ship was so bad this morning that after the sixth time I woke up before 7AM, I decided to just get up anyway. I headed up to breakfast for the first time in a long time, and discovered that the other half of the boat couldn’t sleep either. After some fruit to wake me up, I headed upstairs for stretching, weights and (since everyone was too intimidated to attempt the gym) a 45 mins run… on the treadmill! (This is almost as exciting as discovering Santa left presents under the Christmas tree.) After a quick shower, I went to the ‘Wellness Center’ to primp myself with a deep conditioning treatment, scalp message, hair cut, blow out and a complimentary bottle of leave-in conditioner –all for half the price of my haircuts at home! The hairdresser was a pleasant South African woman, who I remember from Goldie telling me she had ripped her pubes out earlier. I told her to add layers, angles and whatever else she wanted. It turned out wonderfully, and my hair smelled better than Bradley and Sidney’s after they come home from the groomers. Once I got back to my room, Sara called to see if I wanted to lay out on the back deck. Of course, I only made it for about 30 minutes before I felt my heat rash coming on. While I was pulling on my favorite pair of Hydraulic jeans, my toe got caught on a hole near the left knee and ripped an enormous hole down the leg. Flustered that I looked like a complete fatty trying to get re-dressed, I went inside to hide my knee under the table, while we had turkey sandwiches for lunch. A little while later, I used Julie’s scissors and a little ingenuity to make my favorite pair of jeans into my favorite pair of jean shorts! And, as Cassidy would say, “They are as hot as fuck.”
Special Dinning
The rest of the day was spent reading 30 to 48 page articles about anorexia and obesity for my psych of food final. At 6:45PM, Britney, Becca, Goldie, Sara, Jonah, Dan and I got all gussied up in cute dresses (except the guys were in jeans and button downs) and headed to “special dining” on the fifth floor. “Special Dining” is a five-course meal in a separate room that is designed for special occasions, like birthdays, dates, holidays, etc. Some students just go because the food is really good, but it costs $25 out of their parent’s pockets each time. Since tomorrow (my real birthday) is the day before we land in port, they don’t have special dinning. Thus, we decided to have the meal today for our first (and last) time. When we got there, they handed us menus to make our food selections for each course: appetizer, soup, salad, main dish and dessert. Then they poured us a glass of champaign, which we used to toast to our 100 days together (and my birthday). Then came out the courses: veggies wantons, chicken cucumber soup, mixed green salad, lamb chops with ratatouille and mud pie for dessert. It was the best food (yes, better than taco day) we have ever had on the boat. Clearly, that is why the Captain was there having his meal with the other officers.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was being the only person wearing a color at my special dinner. (For some reason, every single person wore black except me. I wore bright purple.) My “low” was missing Annie’s performance in the Vagina Monologues because I was studying.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Day 99 – Finals
Dec 4th
I struggled out of bed at around 9AM, to make some of the instant tiramisu coffee that I had picked up in a Malaysia coffee house. I relaxed on the sixth deck, sipping my coffee and reading over my study guide until lunch. The only edible thing turned out to be a turkey sandwich. Afterward, I had my sociology exam, which turned out to be easy as expected. The extra credit question was explaining how Kesho’s appearance on Oprah related to class material. Clearly, this opened the doors to a little brown nosing, but I kept my piece strictly political. When I came back to the room to get my laptop, Julie had just finished her last exam and (to me dismay) was slipping into her bathing suit to go lay out by the pool! I, unfortunately, still had to make a study guide about eating disorders for my psych of food exam. But, when Goldie called to watch a few episodes of Sex and the City, I couldn’t resist the study break. After finding out what happens to Carrie when she visits Aden in the country, I decided to head back to studying. Sara, Goldie, Britney and I met for dinner, which was once again horribly unoriginal. Sara and I found a quiet classroom by the Union to work on reading massive amounts of articles about food. She is in nutrition and I’m in psych of food and culture, so people could think we had serious eating disorders, or were just really studious. We took a few study breaks to watch Sea TV in Becca and Britney’s room and later to get fro yo at the pool bar. When we returned to our ice box classroom, where we seriously contemplated wearing snow suits and gloves if we had them, and listened to the Gamelon class performance in the Union while we worked.
Nighttime
By midnight, I dropped off my computer with Becca, so she could finish her movie project. Since Julie and I haven’t been able to fall asleep before 3 o’clock within the last week, we decided to be productive and stay awake. She artfully put together a slideshow for her parents, while I doodled pictures and quotes all over my world map that I picked up at a school supply store before I came. After I lost some interest and I realized I had nothing to do without my computer, I meticulously removed every errant hair from my body and re-polished my nails. Since I planned on “being fabulous” for my birthday, I decided I had to look the part. A few hours later, I finally drifted to sleep, dreaming of sugar plum fairies and candy canes.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was having only one final left! My “low” was experiencing the NY fall in a classroom on a ship off the coast of Mexico.
I struggled out of bed at around 9AM, to make some of the instant tiramisu coffee that I had picked up in a Malaysia coffee house. I relaxed on the sixth deck, sipping my coffee and reading over my study guide until lunch. The only edible thing turned out to be a turkey sandwich. Afterward, I had my sociology exam, which turned out to be easy as expected. The extra credit question was explaining how Kesho’s appearance on Oprah related to class material. Clearly, this opened the doors to a little brown nosing, but I kept my piece strictly political. When I came back to the room to get my laptop, Julie had just finished her last exam and (to me dismay) was slipping into her bathing suit to go lay out by the pool! I, unfortunately, still had to make a study guide about eating disorders for my psych of food exam. But, when Goldie called to watch a few episodes of Sex and the City, I couldn’t resist the study break. After finding out what happens to Carrie when she visits Aden in the country, I decided to head back to studying. Sara, Goldie, Britney and I met for dinner, which was once again horribly unoriginal. Sara and I found a quiet classroom by the Union to work on reading massive amounts of articles about food. She is in nutrition and I’m in psych of food and culture, so people could think we had serious eating disorders, or were just really studious. We took a few study breaks to watch Sea TV in Becca and Britney’s room and later to get fro yo at the pool bar. When we returned to our ice box classroom, where we seriously contemplated wearing snow suits and gloves if we had them, and listened to the Gamelon class performance in the Union while we worked.
Nighttime
By midnight, I dropped off my computer with Becca, so she could finish her movie project. Since Julie and I haven’t been able to fall asleep before 3 o’clock within the last week, we decided to be productive and stay awake. She artfully put together a slideshow for her parents, while I doodled pictures and quotes all over my world map that I picked up at a school supply store before I came. After I lost some interest and I realized I had nothing to do without my computer, I meticulously removed every errant hair from my body and re-polished my nails. Since I planned on “being fabulous” for my birthday, I decided I had to look the part. A few hours later, I finally drifted to sleep, dreaming of sugar plum fairies and candy canes.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was having only one final left! My “low” was experiencing the NY fall in a classroom on a ship off the coast of Mexico.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Day 98 – Study Day
Dec 3rd
Lessons from Kesho Scott
After making a study guide for global social movements, I had an intensive two-hour study session with Nicole, Aundrea and Cassidy. During which, we realized that test was going to be all about one concept: “globalization spreads transnational activism.” Professor Scott came upon us studying, and took the time to explain to us everything that we need to know about life. The key concept was children. She told us not to worry about marriage, because divorce was a wonderful concept. Despite being a serious feminist, Kesho believes that children were the hardest and best “work” someone could do in their life. About 40 minutes later, she realized that we had asked her a question about the difference between globalization and internationalization and told us not to worry about it. After that, I took a break from soc to write four pages on where global development economics should go in the future before bed.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was being on West Coast time, which means we are one step closer to being home! My “low” was still not seeing land or another boat for the seventh day at sea.
Lessons from Kesho Scott
After making a study guide for global social movements, I had an intensive two-hour study session with Nicole, Aundrea and Cassidy. During which, we realized that test was going to be all about one concept: “globalization spreads transnational activism.” Professor Scott came upon us studying, and took the time to explain to us everything that we need to know about life. The key concept was children. She told us not to worry about marriage, because divorce was a wonderful concept. Despite being a serious feminist, Kesho believes that children were the hardest and best “work” someone could do in their life. About 40 minutes later, she realized that we had asked her a question about the difference between globalization and internationalization and told us not to worry about it. After that, I took a break from soc to write four pages on where global development economics should go in the future before bed.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was being on West Coast time, which means we are one step closer to being home! My “low” was still not seeing land or another boat for the seventh day at sea.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Day 97 – Global Studies Exam
Dec 2nd
Global Studies Final
Julie and I got up for breakfast at 8:30AM to get some extra studying in before the global studies final. Almost every student was sitting around quietly cramming notes or studying flashcards. Since every student had to take one of the two exams (A or B), we were split up all over the ship. I was in the Garden Lounge, which is the sixth floor dining hall. It was generally pretty easy, and after we finished, we completed a ship-wide evaluation to talk about all the things they have to change about the program. My number one suggestion: serve milk at lunch. (Since I didn’t usually get up for breakfast during the week, I feel my osteoporosis setting in.) Barely awake from lack of sleep, I made it straight back to bed for a nice long nap with Swaky Po (Goldie’s elephant stuffed animal named after his birthplace: Swakopmund, Nambia).
Cream Pies
Later in the afternoon, Sara, Britney and I were once again working/studying in the sixth floor dining hall. We decided to take a break to see Wes and Joe throw pies at the Deans, including my global studies teacher Professor Schoppa. They had “won” the chance when they bid on the item during the Students For Service charity auction. Unfortunately, Wes was completely drunk at the event (since he snuck alcohol on the boat). When he sobered up, he realized he pledged $450 for this one item. They wouldn’t let him get out of it, despite his pleas. The event was a nice break from work, especially since we got to hang around outside in the sun. Everyone was excited to see Schoppa get a pie to the face, even if Wes whipped it hard into the side of his face.
Ice Cream Social
As our required Arabian Sea social activity for the month, our LLC (resident advisor) Brooke organized a ‘make your own ice cream sundae’ social. So, after I worked up a nice sweat at the gym, I headed down to the dining hall to socialize with my fellow Arabs (reference to Sea Olympics). I wiped up a cookies and cream sundae with chocolate chips before plopping down next to Britney, Darby, Jonah and Falyn. Afterward, I went back to working and studying for rest of my classes.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was raising my “mooning count” to four thanks to Jonah, My “low” was returning my snuggle buddy back to Goldie.
Global Studies Final
Julie and I got up for breakfast at 8:30AM to get some extra studying in before the global studies final. Almost every student was sitting around quietly cramming notes or studying flashcards. Since every student had to take one of the two exams (A or B), we were split up all over the ship. I was in the Garden Lounge, which is the sixth floor dining hall. It was generally pretty easy, and after we finished, we completed a ship-wide evaluation to talk about all the things they have to change about the program. My number one suggestion: serve milk at lunch. (Since I didn’t usually get up for breakfast during the week, I feel my osteoporosis setting in.) Barely awake from lack of sleep, I made it straight back to bed for a nice long nap with Swaky Po (Goldie’s elephant stuffed animal named after his birthplace: Swakopmund, Nambia).
Cream Pies
Later in the afternoon, Sara, Britney and I were once again working/studying in the sixth floor dining hall. We decided to take a break to see Wes and Joe throw pies at the Deans, including my global studies teacher Professor Schoppa. They had “won” the chance when they bid on the item during the Students For Service charity auction. Unfortunately, Wes was completely drunk at the event (since he snuck alcohol on the boat). When he sobered up, he realized he pledged $450 for this one item. They wouldn’t let him get out of it, despite his pleas. The event was a nice break from work, especially since we got to hang around outside in the sun. Everyone was excited to see Schoppa get a pie to the face, even if Wes whipped it hard into the side of his face.
Ice Cream Social
As our required Arabian Sea social activity for the month, our LLC (resident advisor) Brooke organized a ‘make your own ice cream sundae’ social. So, after I worked up a nice sweat at the gym, I headed down to the dining hall to socialize with my fellow Arabs (reference to Sea Olympics). I wiped up a cookies and cream sundae with chocolate chips before plopping down next to Britney, Darby, Jonah and Falyn. Afterward, I went back to working and studying for rest of my classes.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was raising my “mooning count” to four thanks to Jonah, My “low” was returning my snuggle buddy back to Goldie.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Day 96 – Last Day of Class
Dec 1st
So, I had my last day of classed for the semester! To celebrate Goldie and I went to the gym before eating outside in the beautiful Pacific. They had their own form of Chinese food, which was delicious. Following a refreshing shower, I met up with Sara and Britney to study for global studies. We claimed a plug, which are hard to come by during finals, in the back of the fifth floor dining hall and settled in for a few hours. Sara and I took a break to collect the perfect display of study snacks: wheat thins, cheese, apples and chocolate. Admits hours of sitting in the same spot attempting to study, we took a study break to find out who gets to get off the ship first in Miami. Bob “the Voice” held a lottery in the Union to pick the order of seas, which are basically our hallways on the ship, for disembarking in Miami. Since the Yellow Sea won the Sea Olympics, they have the honor of getting off first. As they called each name, my Arabian Sea’s outlook appeared very grim with each name that wasn’t ours. Low-and-behold, we ended up last, so I will have to wait to the bitter end before I get to get off the boat.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was getting a copy of the “Same Same But Different” music video, so I can show my kids how cute their Mom looked in sweat pants back in the day. My “low” was finding out my Sea (floor) is the very last to get off the ship in Miami!
So, I had my last day of classed for the semester! To celebrate Goldie and I went to the gym before eating outside in the beautiful Pacific. They had their own form of Chinese food, which was delicious. Following a refreshing shower, I met up with Sara and Britney to study for global studies. We claimed a plug, which are hard to come by during finals, in the back of the fifth floor dining hall and settled in for a few hours. Sara and I took a break to collect the perfect display of study snacks: wheat thins, cheese, apples and chocolate. Admits hours of sitting in the same spot attempting to study, we took a study break to find out who gets to get off the ship first in Miami. Bob “the Voice” held a lottery in the Union to pick the order of seas, which are basically our hallways on the ship, for disembarking in Miami. Since the Yellow Sea won the Sea Olympics, they have the honor of getting off first. As they called each name, my Arabian Sea’s outlook appeared very grim with each name that wasn’t ours. Low-and-behold, we ended up last, so I will have to wait to the bitter end before I get to get off the boat.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was getting a copy of the “Same Same But Different” music video, so I can show my kids how cute their Mom looked in sweat pants back in the day. My “low” was finding out my Sea (floor) is the very last to get off the ship in Miami!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Day 95 –Belly Goo
Nov 30th
After my last developmental economics class, I spent some time running off “stress” at the gym. Goldie and I decided we were working on our ‘Surf Bodies Take 2,’ since we want to go surfing again in Costa Rica. Afterward, we met Sara and Marg for lunch on the back deck. It was such a sunny, beautiful day that we lounged out for a little while. That’s when I discovered this gooey stuff could be squeezed out of my belly button piercing hole (which has not been used in two years). One of the waiter staff came over to see what we were looking at and was totally grossed out to discover my mini geyser. Then I headed to my last global social movements class of the semester, before spending some time studying.
A poem I emailed Goldie today:
“I'm waiting for class to start.
This closet reeks like someone's fart.
There's only one place I want to be
And that is with you in a teepee!”
Goldie’s email response:
“I'm sorry the smell is disturbing your sense.
I'm also waiting for class to commence.
I'd rather be outside with you cutting loose,
Even if it means watching you squeeze belly juice.”
Highs and Lows
My “high” was hearing Chris say “Guys, I think I was the one who deleted the public folder” as soon as he sat down to Lauren, Leah and my global study group. (The public folder is an online “space” that everyone can access and post documents to share. It mysteriously deleted after Japan.) My “low” was realizing my two year old piercing could still shot wades of goo.
After my last developmental economics class, I spent some time running off “stress” at the gym. Goldie and I decided we were working on our ‘Surf Bodies Take 2,’ since we want to go surfing again in Costa Rica. Afterward, we met Sara and Marg for lunch on the back deck. It was such a sunny, beautiful day that we lounged out for a little while. That’s when I discovered this gooey stuff could be squeezed out of my belly button piercing hole (which has not been used in two years). One of the waiter staff came over to see what we were looking at and was totally grossed out to discover my mini geyser. Then I headed to my last global social movements class of the semester, before spending some time studying.
A poem I emailed Goldie today:
“I'm waiting for class to start.
This closet reeks like someone's fart.
There's only one place I want to be
And that is with you in a teepee!”
Goldie’s email response:
“I'm sorry the smell is disturbing your sense.
I'm also waiting for class to commence.
I'd rather be outside with you cutting loose,
Even if it means watching you squeeze belly juice.”
Highs and Lows
My “high” was hearing Chris say “Guys, I think I was the one who deleted the public folder” as soon as he sat down to Lauren, Leah and my global study group. (The public folder is an online “space” that everyone can access and post documents to share. It mysteriously deleted after Japan.) My “low” was realizing my two year old piercing could still shot wades of goo.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Day 94 – Kesho on Oprah
Nov 29th
I had my second to last global studies and psych of food classes today. The rest of the day was mixed in with studying, reading and napping. For dinner, they served our much anticipated Thanksgiving meal. It consisted of turkey with cranberry sauce, purple sweet potatoes, gravy, stuffing, veggie casserole and pumpkin pie. Britney, Sara, Goldie, Becca and I all held hands and said one thing we were thankful for, after I said half the Shabbat candle blessing. Essentially, we were all thankful that we had this experience and that we got to met each other. (Cheesy, I know.) As a study break, Becca, Goldie and I watched my sociology teacher Professor Scott’s tape of when she was on Oprah in the ‘80s to talk about racism in rural Iowa. She was only on for one segment between commercials, but she literally just started talking about racism, her experience and the definition of it, etc. Oprah didn’t even have a chance to get a word in there! It was unbelievable!
Highs and Lows
My “high” was seeing an Arby’s commercial from the ‘80s that used the phrase “Same Same, but Different,” which is how every Vietnamese merchant tried to sell us something. (Now, I see where they got it.) My “low” was reading in the Dean’s Memo about how to deal with the lack of sleep everyone is suffering from: they suggest to not study in bed, and only leave it for sleeping and sex!
I had my second to last global studies and psych of food classes today. The rest of the day was mixed in with studying, reading and napping. For dinner, they served our much anticipated Thanksgiving meal. It consisted of turkey with cranberry sauce, purple sweet potatoes, gravy, stuffing, veggie casserole and pumpkin pie. Britney, Sara, Goldie, Becca and I all held hands and said one thing we were thankful for, after I said half the Shabbat candle blessing. Essentially, we were all thankful that we had this experience and that we got to met each other. (Cheesy, I know.) As a study break, Becca, Goldie and I watched my sociology teacher Professor Scott’s tape of when she was on Oprah in the ‘80s to talk about racism in rural Iowa. She was only on for one segment between commercials, but she literally just started talking about racism, her experience and the definition of it, etc. Oprah didn’t even have a chance to get a word in there! It was unbelievable!
Highs and Lows
My “high” was seeing an Arby’s commercial from the ‘80s that used the phrase “Same Same, but Different,” which is how every Vietnamese merchant tried to sell us something. (Now, I see where they got it.) My “low” was reading in the Dean’s Memo about how to deal with the lack of sleep everyone is suffering from: they suggest to not study in bed, and only leave it for sleeping and sex!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Day 93 – Many Moons
Nov 28th
After 12-hours of much needed sleep, I woke up still groggy and tired. I somehow pulled myself out of bed for developmental econ, which was more than half empty. I guess most students were still feeling hung over from their day of sun, sand and mai tais in Hawaii. For lunch, we made banana, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, before Sara, Goldie, Dan and I spent some time relaxing on the back deck. Afterward we all headed straight to work for the day. While I was on the treadmill, the “Voice” came over the loudspeaker alerting us to our monthly safety boat drill. Dripping with sweat, I went downstairs to get my life vest, suit up and line up outside. It took a lot longer than usual for some reason, so I spaced out and wonder about what it would be like to live on the tiny rescue boats with 150 other people for a week. I concluded it would be hell. After a shower and dinner, Sara, Goldie, Britney, Becca and I did some work in one of the classrooms in the sixth floor dining hall. While our studying was mixed in with sporadic games of hangman and gossip, Becca randomly decided to moon me. Now, I’m starting to think there is a conspiracy for everyone to show me their asses? I don’t really get it, but I think it is hilarious.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was raising my count of seeing my friends’ asses to 3 of 5! (Sorry, Becca and Goldie, but I still think mine is the cutest.) My “low” was hearing about all the students that got written up for being really drunk yesterday.
After 12-hours of much needed sleep, I woke up still groggy and tired. I somehow pulled myself out of bed for developmental econ, which was more than half empty. I guess most students were still feeling hung over from their day of sun, sand and mai tais in Hawaii. For lunch, we made banana, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, before Sara, Goldie, Dan and I spent some time relaxing on the back deck. Afterward we all headed straight to work for the day. While I was on the treadmill, the “Voice” came over the loudspeaker alerting us to our monthly safety boat drill. Dripping with sweat, I went downstairs to get my life vest, suit up and line up outside. It took a lot longer than usual for some reason, so I spaced out and wonder about what it would be like to live on the tiny rescue boats with 150 other people for a week. I concluded it would be hell. After a shower and dinner, Sara, Goldie, Britney, Becca and I did some work in one of the classrooms in the sixth floor dining hall. While our studying was mixed in with sporadic games of hangman and gossip, Becca randomly decided to moon me. Now, I’m starting to think there is a conspiracy for everyone to show me their asses? I don’t really get it, but I think it is hilarious.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was raising my count of seeing my friends’ asses to 3 of 5! (Sorry, Becca and Goldie, but I still think mine is the cutest.) My “low” was hearing about all the students that got written up for being really drunk yesterday.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Day 92 – Hawaii Thanksgiving
Nov 27th (Thanksgiving)
Morning Sunrise
I woke up to the head kitchen staff calling to tell “Princess Carolyn” that she has a surprise in the dining hall tonight. (I was too delirious to ask what in the world he was talking about.) A little annoyed he woke me up at 6:35AM to tell me that, I flipped open my window to see the most amazing sun rise over the ocean as we pulled into Honolulu. I immediately called (and woke up) Britney and told her to take a picture, since she L-O-V-E-S sunrise-sunset pictures off the boat. The sunset was absolutely mesmerizing.
Thinking of Home
A few seconds after I pulled myself out of my morning daze and realized that we had just officially entered US TERRIRORY!! That means my cell phone would work! I dashed to our safe box, pulled out my cell phone and immediately dialed home to have a wonderful conversation with Mom, Dad, Jenny, Catherine and Sidney (who sniffed the phone). For the rest of the morning (around breakfast, getting ready and the immigration process), I got to catch up with some people from home and Vandy. I just like to add that about 95% of you answered the phone with “Why/How the hell are you calling me right now?” For the rest of you who I didn’t get a chance to talk to, I’m sorry. My cell phone actually died that morning because I didn’t bring a charger (thinking I would only use it in the Miami Airport). Regardless, it was so wonderful catching up on things even if it made me miss home a little more. I know a bunch of SAS kids would agree that after three months of non-stop traveling, of not one good night’s rest and of being out of touch we are ready to come home! (Especially since we are in the middle of studying for finals.)
The Day with Alan
After the ship was cleared by immigration, Sara, Goldie, Dan, Jonah, Marg and I disembarked to try and find Goldie’s Dad in the crowd that was forming off the boat. Since Alan is a UPS pilot and was lucky enough to trade flights to get out here, he met us at the harbor with his rent-a-car. Goldie and Alan’s reunion was absolutely adorable and almost made Sara and I cry with happiness. All of us were so excited to spend Thanksgiving with an adopted Dad. After we dropped our things off in his hotel room, Alan took us to the supermarket for study snacks to bring back to the boat. Alan caught on quickly that things do not move fast in our group. So, we eventually made it back to the hotel to drop off the food, got in our bathing suits and headed to Alan’s favorite surf shop to rent boards. As a pilot, Alan has spent a lot of time in cities all over the world and is well acquainted with the shops, streets and even store owners in the area. With our boards in hand, we lugged the monsters to the beach and prepared to “catch some waves.” Being the palest of the group, Alan let me don his rash guard to avoid the sun. I looked like a real professional or a huge tourist… I couldn’t decide. Seeing as Goldie surfs at home with her own sponsor in competitions, she gave us an instructional lesson on the beach. Queen’s Bay was crowded with tourists for Thanksgiving, so the water was packed newbies learning to surf. At least, we weren’t going to look like the only idiots. The waves were decent, but they came in random bouts. Scattered between my few hundred attempts, I actually did manage to get up a few times! At one point, while I was remounting my board after a wipe out, Goldie cruised by smiling and showing her white ass in pride. I think mooning is Californian for “sucka.” About two hours later, we were thoroughly exhausted and ready for our big Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving Meal
Alan took us to La Cucaracha for a late lunch and Thanksgiving feast. I got chicken fajitas and a super sized Shirley Temple. It came out as an enormous serving of sizzling chicken, onions, green peppers and cheese with beans, rice and guacamole on the side. We were all stuffed after the spicy meal, just as any Thanksgiving meal requires. To walk off our food babies, we walked along the beach and out to a long pier that had waves crashing against it on both sides. Before we left we caught the most spectacular yellow, orange and red sunset set against sailboats cruising through the water. For dessert, we had Haagen Dazs ice cream, while Alan and Jonah enjoyed milk shakes. Since I had worked at one my senior year of high school, I helped Sara pick out the best flavor combination I had discovered in my months of intense “field study” –‘Belgium chocolate chocolate’ and coffee. I went with something new. But, while sitting outside and chatting about things, we all couldn’t help but feel that impending drudgery of having to get back on the boat soon. Hawaii was so beautiful, and we obviously wanted to post-pone finals as long as possible. Eventually, we made it back to the hotel to watch some football on TV (I ended up falling asleep. Woops.), gathering our things and making it back to the harbor. We all thanked Alan for everything he had done to make our Thanksgiving special and said our “good byes.”
Back on the Boat
Once back on the boat, Sara, Goldie, Dan and I headed to the sixth floor dining hall to see what my surprise was from the phone call I got this morning. We hypothesized it was a birthday cake they were mistakenly delivering too early or a stripper. Well, it turned out to be neither. The waiter came out with a huge chocolate cake that read “Welcome Back to the USA” in dark chocolate frosting. Apparently, my parents had ordered the cake to be delivered as a surprise to welcome me closer to home. I was really thrown for a loop. Everyone else was pretty surprised too and sang their own version of “Welcome Back” using “Happy Birthday” lyrics. The cake was way too big, so I passed out pieces to everyone I knew and a bunch I didn’t really know but who eagerly wanted cake. A lot of people wished me ‘Happy Birthday’ since that is usually the only reason a person gets a cake on the ship. Awkwardly, I explained it wasn’t my birthday. Regardless, everyone was really excited and really enjoyed it.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was seeing not one person inside the boat that night because everyone stayed up to talk to people on their cell phones while we still had service. My “low” was not being able to mail my postcards.
Morning Sunrise
I woke up to the head kitchen staff calling to tell “Princess Carolyn” that she has a surprise in the dining hall tonight. (I was too delirious to ask what in the world he was talking about.) A little annoyed he woke me up at 6:35AM to tell me that, I flipped open my window to see the most amazing sun rise over the ocean as we pulled into Honolulu. I immediately called (and woke up) Britney and told her to take a picture, since she L-O-V-E-S sunrise-sunset pictures off the boat. The sunset was absolutely mesmerizing.
Thinking of Home
A few seconds after I pulled myself out of my morning daze and realized that we had just officially entered US TERRIRORY!! That means my cell phone would work! I dashed to our safe box, pulled out my cell phone and immediately dialed home to have a wonderful conversation with Mom, Dad, Jenny, Catherine and Sidney (who sniffed the phone). For the rest of the morning (around breakfast, getting ready and the immigration process), I got to catch up with some people from home and Vandy. I just like to add that about 95% of you answered the phone with “Why/How the hell are you calling me right now?” For the rest of you who I didn’t get a chance to talk to, I’m sorry. My cell phone actually died that morning because I didn’t bring a charger (thinking I would only use it in the Miami Airport). Regardless, it was so wonderful catching up on things even if it made me miss home a little more. I know a bunch of SAS kids would agree that after three months of non-stop traveling, of not one good night’s rest and of being out of touch we are ready to come home! (Especially since we are in the middle of studying for finals.)
The Day with Alan
After the ship was cleared by immigration, Sara, Goldie, Dan, Jonah, Marg and I disembarked to try and find Goldie’s Dad in the crowd that was forming off the boat. Since Alan is a UPS pilot and was lucky enough to trade flights to get out here, he met us at the harbor with his rent-a-car. Goldie and Alan’s reunion was absolutely adorable and almost made Sara and I cry with happiness. All of us were so excited to spend Thanksgiving with an adopted Dad. After we dropped our things off in his hotel room, Alan took us to the supermarket for study snacks to bring back to the boat. Alan caught on quickly that things do not move fast in our group. So, we eventually made it back to the hotel to drop off the food, got in our bathing suits and headed to Alan’s favorite surf shop to rent boards. As a pilot, Alan has spent a lot of time in cities all over the world and is well acquainted with the shops, streets and even store owners in the area. With our boards in hand, we lugged the monsters to the beach and prepared to “catch some waves.” Being the palest of the group, Alan let me don his rash guard to avoid the sun. I looked like a real professional or a huge tourist… I couldn’t decide. Seeing as Goldie surfs at home with her own sponsor in competitions, she gave us an instructional lesson on the beach. Queen’s Bay was crowded with tourists for Thanksgiving, so the water was packed newbies learning to surf. At least, we weren’t going to look like the only idiots. The waves were decent, but they came in random bouts. Scattered between my few hundred attempts, I actually did manage to get up a few times! At one point, while I was remounting my board after a wipe out, Goldie cruised by smiling and showing her white ass in pride. I think mooning is Californian for “sucka.” About two hours later, we were thoroughly exhausted and ready for our big Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving Meal
Alan took us to La Cucaracha for a late lunch and Thanksgiving feast. I got chicken fajitas and a super sized Shirley Temple. It came out as an enormous serving of sizzling chicken, onions, green peppers and cheese with beans, rice and guacamole on the side. We were all stuffed after the spicy meal, just as any Thanksgiving meal requires. To walk off our food babies, we walked along the beach and out to a long pier that had waves crashing against it on both sides. Before we left we caught the most spectacular yellow, orange and red sunset set against sailboats cruising through the water. For dessert, we had Haagen Dazs ice cream, while Alan and Jonah enjoyed milk shakes. Since I had worked at one my senior year of high school, I helped Sara pick out the best flavor combination I had discovered in my months of intense “field study” –‘Belgium chocolate chocolate’ and coffee. I went with something new. But, while sitting outside and chatting about things, we all couldn’t help but feel that impending drudgery of having to get back on the boat soon. Hawaii was so beautiful, and we obviously wanted to post-pone finals as long as possible. Eventually, we made it back to the hotel to watch some football on TV (I ended up falling asleep. Woops.), gathering our things and making it back to the harbor. We all thanked Alan for everything he had done to make our Thanksgiving special and said our “good byes.”
Back on the Boat
Once back on the boat, Sara, Goldie, Dan and I headed to the sixth floor dining hall to see what my surprise was from the phone call I got this morning. We hypothesized it was a birthday cake they were mistakenly delivering too early or a stripper. Well, it turned out to be neither. The waiter came out with a huge chocolate cake that read “Welcome Back to the USA” in dark chocolate frosting. Apparently, my parents had ordered the cake to be delivered as a surprise to welcome me closer to home. I was really thrown for a loop. Everyone else was pretty surprised too and sang their own version of “Welcome Back” using “Happy Birthday” lyrics. The cake was way too big, so I passed out pieces to everyone I knew and a bunch I didn’t really know but who eagerly wanted cake. A lot of people wished me ‘Happy Birthday’ since that is usually the only reason a person gets a cake on the ship. Awkwardly, I explained it wasn’t my birthday. Regardless, everyone was really excited and really enjoyed it.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was seeing not one person inside the boat that night because everyone stayed up to talk to people on their cell phones while we still had service. My “low” was not being able to mail my postcards.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Day 91 – Logistical Pre-port
Nov 26th
I woke up late and sprinted to global studies to hand in my final assignment or ‘Power Journal’ that I have been working on for the last few days. It is essentially a journal about the various types of “power” (military, resource, trade, financial, cultural, etc) we have seen in all the ports. Professor Schoppa must be really good at speed-reading because he collected a journal (min 8 pages) from all the 350 students in that class. Then I napped till gym time with Sara. Since most students were outside in the gorgeous sunshine, we had the gym to ourselves! After feeling like I successfully tighten my gluts into a nice ball of steel, we switched into bathing suits to sunbath by the pool. There we met up with Britney Brit to do some work outside in the wonderfully salty breeze. After that, I pretty much spent the rest of the day working, reading and writing postcards to (hopefully) be mailed in Hawaii tomorrow.
Logistical Pre-port
We had logistical pre-port to find out about getting off the ship tomorrow. Breakfast is earlier than usual, since we will be suffering through a MUCH longer immigration line than even Japan. (Yikes!) They decided to make on-ship time 9PM instead of the usual 6PM to give us some more time in Hawaii. Regardless, they are feeding us incentives to get back on the ship sooner to avoid long lines or consequently ‘dock time.’ We get an hour of FREE internet if we get back before 6PM! In addition, there is some sort of Hawaiian themed dinner with ice cream that they are serving onboard that night. (A Thanksgiving feast will be held the 29th instead.) The medical staff also reiterated that traffic will be on the right side of the road again and that we should get rest so we don’t look “ship faced” from the time changes and loss of sleep.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was being done with my Power Journal. My “low” was hearing them tell us to wash our shoes with old toothbrushes to make sure we weren’t carrying foreign pests into the United States.
I woke up late and sprinted to global studies to hand in my final assignment or ‘Power Journal’ that I have been working on for the last few days. It is essentially a journal about the various types of “power” (military, resource, trade, financial, cultural, etc) we have seen in all the ports. Professor Schoppa must be really good at speed-reading because he collected a journal (min 8 pages) from all the 350 students in that class. Then I napped till gym time with Sara. Since most students were outside in the gorgeous sunshine, we had the gym to ourselves! After feeling like I successfully tighten my gluts into a nice ball of steel, we switched into bathing suits to sunbath by the pool. There we met up with Britney Brit to do some work outside in the wonderfully salty breeze. After that, I pretty much spent the rest of the day working, reading and writing postcards to (hopefully) be mailed in Hawaii tomorrow.
Logistical Pre-port
We had logistical pre-port to find out about getting off the ship tomorrow. Breakfast is earlier than usual, since we will be suffering through a MUCH longer immigration line than even Japan. (Yikes!) They decided to make on-ship time 9PM instead of the usual 6PM to give us some more time in Hawaii. Regardless, they are feeding us incentives to get back on the ship sooner to avoid long lines or consequently ‘dock time.’ We get an hour of FREE internet if we get back before 6PM! In addition, there is some sort of Hawaiian themed dinner with ice cream that they are serving onboard that night. (A Thanksgiving feast will be held the 29th instead.) The medical staff also reiterated that traffic will be on the right side of the road again and that we should get rest so we don’t look “ship faced” from the time changes and loss of sleep.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was being done with my Power Journal. My “low” was hearing them tell us to wash our shoes with old toothbrushes to make sure we weren’t carrying foreign pests into the United States.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Day 90 –Another Sea Day
Nov 25th
I had my econ development presentation this morning. As a group of eight, we had to represent the Asian Development Bank and field questions on trade liberalization, international aid, short-term capital flows (ie, Asian Financial Crisis) and immigration flows. One personal anti-globalizer in the class began ranting to us about how we let FDIs flow all their capital out of the country. I wish I could have started with “shut up and shit down” in Mandarin, but sadly I don’t know Chinese. So, instead I went with the idea that FDIs bring infrastructure (ie, roads, factories, electricity, etc) to countries that don’t have the means to develop them itself and can be used for the benefit of the country later on. Then he really did concede the argument (?)… and that was my most glorious moment of the day. I literally did nothing else exciting after that, just sociology, lunch, gym and work. (Lame. I know.)
Cabin Fever
After getting back from studying in the dining hall, I headed to Britney Brit’s room to see where everyone was for dinner. We usually congregate in there around 5:30-6ish to head up together. To my surprise, I found no one. (They leave their door ajar so anyone can walk in.) I tried calling Goldie, who I thought was asleep, but didn’t get an answer. So, I was faced with two options: 1) go upstairs and sit with anyone I run into OR 2) T-pee Britney and Becca’s room for not inviting me to dinner (Of course, I knew they probably called, but ignored that small fact.). Well, which option do you think I choose!? After finishing my elaborate “decorations” that completely covered their beds, ceiling and meticulously wrapped stuff animals, I headed to dinner to find them and join them for dinner. They told me they had tried calling and knocked on my door, but couldn’t find me. When they asked where I had been, I just shrugged and said, “just studying.” A little later Becca headed back to the room to get something and she came running back through the dining hall screaming: “Britney! Someone T-peed our room!” For some reason, they all turned to me before I could even crack a smile and told me that I had done it! I don’t know how they knew! (Well, actually I do.) But, they seemed to get a real kick out of it, and still keep a piece of the toilet paper hanging in commemoration.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was dragging Goldie and Dan all the way upstairs to look at Venus and Jupiter and finding that we couldn’t see anything at all bc of the lights from the deck. (Sorry, guys.) My “low” was having nothing exciting to report in my blog… maybe I should start making up crazier stories.
I had my econ development presentation this morning. As a group of eight, we had to represent the Asian Development Bank and field questions on trade liberalization, international aid, short-term capital flows (ie, Asian Financial Crisis) and immigration flows. One personal anti-globalizer in the class began ranting to us about how we let FDIs flow all their capital out of the country. I wish I could have started with “shut up and shit down” in Mandarin, but sadly I don’t know Chinese. So, instead I went with the idea that FDIs bring infrastructure (ie, roads, factories, electricity, etc) to countries that don’t have the means to develop them itself and can be used for the benefit of the country later on. Then he really did concede the argument (?)… and that was my most glorious moment of the day. I literally did nothing else exciting after that, just sociology, lunch, gym and work. (Lame. I know.)
Cabin Fever
After getting back from studying in the dining hall, I headed to Britney Brit’s room to see where everyone was for dinner. We usually congregate in there around 5:30-6ish to head up together. To my surprise, I found no one. (They leave their door ajar so anyone can walk in.) I tried calling Goldie, who I thought was asleep, but didn’t get an answer. So, I was faced with two options: 1) go upstairs and sit with anyone I run into OR 2) T-pee Britney and Becca’s room for not inviting me to dinner (Of course, I knew they probably called, but ignored that small fact.). Well, which option do you think I choose!? After finishing my elaborate “decorations” that completely covered their beds, ceiling and meticulously wrapped stuff animals, I headed to dinner to find them and join them for dinner. They told me they had tried calling and knocked on my door, but couldn’t find me. When they asked where I had been, I just shrugged and said, “just studying.” A little later Becca headed back to the room to get something and she came running back through the dining hall screaming: “Britney! Someone T-peed our room!” For some reason, they all turned to me before I could even crack a smile and told me that I had done it! I don’t know how they knew! (Well, actually I do.) But, they seemed to get a real kick out of it, and still keep a piece of the toilet paper hanging in commemoration.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was dragging Goldie and Dan all the way upstairs to look at Venus and Jupiter and finding that we couldn’t see anything at all bc of the lights from the deck. (Sorry, guys.) My “low” was having nothing exciting to report in my blog… maybe I should start making up crazier stories.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Day 89 – Taco Day
Nov 24th
Following global studies and psych of food, I took a much-needed 3 hour nap. As soon as I woke up Julie solemnly turned to me and said, “You slept through taco day!” I was devastated. Regardless, I headed to the pool bar to grab a veggie burger, do some reading and chat with Brian and Sara. We watched the sun set and relaxed in the warm breeze that was floating across the deck. Sara and I then found the perfect oasis for studying: Becca and Britney’s room while they are not there. Fortunately, they tend to leave their door open, so we just crashed on their beds. Since none of the stuff in there is ours, there are really no distractions. Of course, Becca and Britney thought it was hilarious when they walked in on us studying without them there.
Notice in Dean’s Memo:
“Water sports in Hawaii may be postponed due to box jellies. These animals are related to, but different from jellyfish and are among the most toxic animals anywhere. Over 5,000 human deaths have been attributed to them. Unlike jellyfish, which are planktonic (unable to swim against a current), box jellies are active swimmers and hunters. Also unlike jellyfish, box jellies have rudimentary eyes that can not only discriminate between light and dark, some can also see images. But how the images/information is processed is a mystery in this animal that doesn’t have a central nervous system. Both jellyfish and box jellies have toxin they inject after stinging cells fire on contact. If you have the bad fortune to come in contact with either, wash off the area with vinegar even before removing the tentacles from your skin. A bottle of vinegar may save your life.”
Open Mic Night
Dan, Sara, Goldie and I made our way to the Union for some ‘Open Mic Night’ entertainment (and a break from work) hosted by the one-and-only Bobby. (Picture: a New-York-accent, smack-talking guy hosting.) Some of the acts were absolutely amazing. Michelle, a girl I had met on the ship, blew me away with her soulful, jazzy piano solo. Linda (remember the solo interpretive dance from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’?) sang her own song about Thanksgiving, which was actually really good. Some were absolutely horrible, but I’ll leave them nameless. I have to admit some of them were absolutely hilarious despite being shamelessly embarrassing.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was watching our own version of ‘Explorer Idol’ (bc some people were absolutely, blow-me-away amazing… and others just embarrassed themselves)! My “low” was finding out we might not be able to swim in Hawaii because of killer box jellies.
Following global studies and psych of food, I took a much-needed 3 hour nap. As soon as I woke up Julie solemnly turned to me and said, “You slept through taco day!” I was devastated. Regardless, I headed to the pool bar to grab a veggie burger, do some reading and chat with Brian and Sara. We watched the sun set and relaxed in the warm breeze that was floating across the deck. Sara and I then found the perfect oasis for studying: Becca and Britney’s room while they are not there. Fortunately, they tend to leave their door open, so we just crashed on their beds. Since none of the stuff in there is ours, there are really no distractions. Of course, Becca and Britney thought it was hilarious when they walked in on us studying without them there.
Notice in Dean’s Memo:
“Water sports in Hawaii may be postponed due to box jellies. These animals are related to, but different from jellyfish and are among the most toxic animals anywhere. Over 5,000 human deaths have been attributed to them. Unlike jellyfish, which are planktonic (unable to swim against a current), box jellies are active swimmers and hunters. Also unlike jellyfish, box jellies have rudimentary eyes that can not only discriminate between light and dark, some can also see images. But how the images/information is processed is a mystery in this animal that doesn’t have a central nervous system. Both jellyfish and box jellies have toxin they inject after stinging cells fire on contact. If you have the bad fortune to come in contact with either, wash off the area with vinegar even before removing the tentacles from your skin. A bottle of vinegar may save your life.”
Open Mic Night
Dan, Sara, Goldie and I made our way to the Union for some ‘Open Mic Night’ entertainment (and a break from work) hosted by the one-and-only Bobby. (Picture: a New-York-accent, smack-talking guy hosting.) Some of the acts were absolutely amazing. Michelle, a girl I had met on the ship, blew me away with her soulful, jazzy piano solo. Linda (remember the solo interpretive dance from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’?) sang her own song about Thanksgiving, which was actually really good. Some were absolutely horrible, but I’ll leave them nameless. I have to admit some of them were absolutely hilarious despite being shamelessly embarrassing.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was watching our own version of ‘Explorer Idol’ (bc some people were absolutely, blow-me-away amazing… and others just embarrassed themselves)! My “low” was finding out we might not be able to swim in Hawaii because of killer box jellies.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Day 88 – Sea & Seagulls
Nov 23rd
Tropic Birds Attack
After lunch, I spent some time tanning on the seventh deck. While I was leisurely reading about anorexia for my psych of food class, Ginnie (Goldie’s roommate) and friends joined me. We were sitting there relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, when all of a sudden an injured (and very large) white tropicbird flaps down from a higher perch. Ginnie and I jump up just in time for it to fall between our two lounge chairs. A life long learner then proceed to get the bird a piece of bread with peanut butter and a glass of water. Of course, the bird wasn’t used to eating sandwiches and didn’t touch it. Later, Ed Sobey, the on board nature specialist, came by to ID the bird and make sure it was well cared for. The Dean’s Memo the next day highlighted this whole event:
“A Red-tailed Tropicbird landed on the ship Sunday. This beautiful bird is predominately white with a black eye patch and long red tail. Several have followed the ship in recent days (in addition to the large, dark Petrels that have been around). To prevent further injury to the Tropicbird it was moved to a sheltered area in the hope that it would recover and fly off when ready. It did so this morning ☺”
After this traumatic incident (and sadly the most exciting thing that happened all day), I headed inside to recover during sociology.
Location
Currently, we are passing what was the world’s largest marine reserve, the Northwest Hawaiian National Monument. By far the largest US national park, this body of water, coral reefs, and islands contains 70% of the nation’s tropical coral reefs, unspoiled home of the endangered Monk Seal, and nesting homes for millions of sea birds. When President Bush signed this monument into existence it doubled the US National Park system. Recently this reserve was dethroned as the world’s largest by a much larger park in the South Pacific by the nation of Kiribati. (Assholes.)
Divided We Fall
After finishing some work, Dan and I headed to the Union to watch “Divided We Fall,” a documentary made by a 20 year old Stanford student about the anti-turban sentiments following September 11th. It was incredibly long and definitely opened my eyes to the utter stupidity of many Americans, but also just a nice way to avoid doing any more homework.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was eating Julie’s cookies (since she gets about 5 fresh ones a day from the kitchen staff member that has a crush on her). My “low” was finding out there is an epidemic of Mac’s crashing (apparently, the vibrations of the ship are destroying hard drives).
RIP: Britney Brit’s MacBook (November 23rd, 2008 at 23:16PM)
Tropic Birds Attack
After lunch, I spent some time tanning on the seventh deck. While I was leisurely reading about anorexia for my psych of food class, Ginnie (Goldie’s roommate) and friends joined me. We were sitting there relaxing, enjoying the sunshine, when all of a sudden an injured (and very large) white tropicbird flaps down from a higher perch. Ginnie and I jump up just in time for it to fall between our two lounge chairs. A life long learner then proceed to get the bird a piece of bread with peanut butter and a glass of water. Of course, the bird wasn’t used to eating sandwiches and didn’t touch it. Later, Ed Sobey, the on board nature specialist, came by to ID the bird and make sure it was well cared for. The Dean’s Memo the next day highlighted this whole event:
“A Red-tailed Tropicbird landed on the ship Sunday. This beautiful bird is predominately white with a black eye patch and long red tail. Several have followed the ship in recent days (in addition to the large, dark Petrels that have been around). To prevent further injury to the Tropicbird it was moved to a sheltered area in the hope that it would recover and fly off when ready. It did so this morning ☺”
After this traumatic incident (and sadly the most exciting thing that happened all day), I headed inside to recover during sociology.
Location
Currently, we are passing what was the world’s largest marine reserve, the Northwest Hawaiian National Monument. By far the largest US national park, this body of water, coral reefs, and islands contains 70% of the nation’s tropical coral reefs, unspoiled home of the endangered Monk Seal, and nesting homes for millions of sea birds. When President Bush signed this monument into existence it doubled the US National Park system. Recently this reserve was dethroned as the world’s largest by a much larger park in the South Pacific by the nation of Kiribati. (Assholes.)
Divided We Fall
After finishing some work, Dan and I headed to the Union to watch “Divided We Fall,” a documentary made by a 20 year old Stanford student about the anti-turban sentiments following September 11th. It was incredibly long and definitely opened my eyes to the utter stupidity of many Americans, but also just a nice way to avoid doing any more homework.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was eating Julie’s cookies (since she gets about 5 fresh ones a day from the kitchen staff member that has a crush on her). My “low” was finding out there is an epidemic of Mac’s crashing (apparently, the vibrations of the ship are destroying hard drives).
RIP: Britney Brit’s MacBook (November 23rd, 2008 at 23:16PM)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Day 87 – Nov 22nd (Take Two)
Nov 22nd
World Food Summit
After not sleeping late on the one day off from classes (and enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch), I got up to research Namibian imports/exports and trading partners for the mock UN General Assembly. Unfortunately, my developmental econ professor made it extra credit and me being the big nerd that I am decided I had to do it. So, we each had to dress “business casual,” which resulted in most boys wearing their tailor-made suits from Vietnam, or “cultural costumes,” which resulted in most people dressing in exaggeratedly ethnocentric outfits. For example, the U.S. rep wore a suit with a superman costume peaking though his unbuttoned shirt. After presenting our countries basic economic conditions and response to the mock food crisis, we adjourned to classrooms to discuss the problem: a rice crisis has wiped out 75% of world rice production in places like Southeast Asia, the U.S and Brazil. The African nations of South Africa, Namibia (me!) and Nigeria formed a nice little nugget of love in order to solve the world’s problems. From our research, we discovered that new research can make West Africa more efficient in producing rice than the main producers in Southeast Asia. Of course, there wasn’t much else we could do to solve the short-term problems, so we just hung out. My main point stemmed from the legendary Maria Antoinette: “When you don’t have rice, eat oysters!” (One of Namibia’s main exports is oysters.) South Africa crudely shared that they have no real resources to provide, but what they do have is AIDS and that can reduce the world populations that are suffering from hunger. In the end, Germany approached me (Namibia) to offer machinery to develop the rice production that could potentially overtake Japanese rice production (for the cost of control, of course). However, I remembered from Global Studies that during German colonization in the mid 1900s, Germany had massacred over 50% of Namibia’s indigenous people. So, I kindly told them to back off on their neo-colonial principles. After reading proposals and voting, the UN General Assembled adjourned from the Union.
Students for Service Auction
In order to donate money to various charities that we had visited on our trip, Students for Service organized both a silent and live auction to raise money. Some of the items included:
- Sea Olympics du rag worn by Ed Sobey
- Special dinner with the Captain
- Jesus painting from the crew talent show
- Breakfast in bed served by your LLC (resident advisor)
- Photo of the Explorer signed by Desmund Tutu (from his visit)
- Bob “The Voice” ring tone or voicemail recording
- First person off the ship in Miami
The auction was a great success and raised over $16,000 from students, faculty and life long learners. I was very surprised at how much some students paid for various things. One drunk kid won a $450 bid to throw a pie at Professor Schoppa’s face. Other students dished out $100-$200 on pictures of Fidel Castro or to be serenaded by Tien. I don’t think they really understood that it was real money they were bidding, or maybe they just didn’t care that it was their parent’s money.
Solved: The Dying Cow
Julie and I have been hearing this horrible squealing noise outside our cabin window for some time. It mostly only happens when we are at sea, but we have managed to adapt and sleep through it. The only times we ever noticed it was when anyone would come in the room and say “OMG! What is that!?” Today, Julie came in the room and off handedly told me the Security Officer was in the hall. Determined to get to the bottom of this mysterious sound, I jumped up, grabbed her and we headed out to chat with him. He asked if the “noise” sounded like a crying dog and then chuckled while explaining it was the stabilizers under the ship that keep it from tipping over. Apparently, the officers that sleep on the second floor have it much worse, since they sleep right on the other wall from it and have to sleep with ear plugs to get through the night. Reassuringly, he told us the problem was being fixed by mechanics as we spoke.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was watching Sex and the City with Julie before bed. My “low” was finding out the mysterious dying cow sound was nothing more than ship stabilizers. (When people come in the room, I might still tell them it’s the kitchen staff killing dinner.)
World Food Summit
After not sleeping late on the one day off from classes (and enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch), I got up to research Namibian imports/exports and trading partners for the mock UN General Assembly. Unfortunately, my developmental econ professor made it extra credit and me being the big nerd that I am decided I had to do it. So, we each had to dress “business casual,” which resulted in most boys wearing their tailor-made suits from Vietnam, or “cultural costumes,” which resulted in most people dressing in exaggeratedly ethnocentric outfits. For example, the U.S. rep wore a suit with a superman costume peaking though his unbuttoned shirt. After presenting our countries basic economic conditions and response to the mock food crisis, we adjourned to classrooms to discuss the problem: a rice crisis has wiped out 75% of world rice production in places like Southeast Asia, the U.S and Brazil. The African nations of South Africa, Namibia (me!) and Nigeria formed a nice little nugget of love in order to solve the world’s problems. From our research, we discovered that new research can make West Africa more efficient in producing rice than the main producers in Southeast Asia. Of course, there wasn’t much else we could do to solve the short-term problems, so we just hung out. My main point stemmed from the legendary Maria Antoinette: “When you don’t have rice, eat oysters!” (One of Namibia’s main exports is oysters.) South Africa crudely shared that they have no real resources to provide, but what they do have is AIDS and that can reduce the world populations that are suffering from hunger. In the end, Germany approached me (Namibia) to offer machinery to develop the rice production that could potentially overtake Japanese rice production (for the cost of control, of course). However, I remembered from Global Studies that during German colonization in the mid 1900s, Germany had massacred over 50% of Namibia’s indigenous people. So, I kindly told them to back off on their neo-colonial principles. After reading proposals and voting, the UN General Assembled adjourned from the Union.
Students for Service Auction
In order to donate money to various charities that we had visited on our trip, Students for Service organized both a silent and live auction to raise money. Some of the items included:
- Sea Olympics du rag worn by Ed Sobey
- Special dinner with the Captain
- Jesus painting from the crew talent show
- Breakfast in bed served by your LLC (resident advisor)
- Photo of the Explorer signed by Desmund Tutu (from his visit)
- Bob “The Voice” ring tone or voicemail recording
- First person off the ship in Miami
The auction was a great success and raised over $16,000 from students, faculty and life long learners. I was very surprised at how much some students paid for various things. One drunk kid won a $450 bid to throw a pie at Professor Schoppa’s face. Other students dished out $100-$200 on pictures of Fidel Castro or to be serenaded by Tien. I don’t think they really understood that it was real money they were bidding, or maybe they just didn’t care that it was their parent’s money.
Solved: The Dying Cow
Julie and I have been hearing this horrible squealing noise outside our cabin window for some time. It mostly only happens when we are at sea, but we have managed to adapt and sleep through it. The only times we ever noticed it was when anyone would come in the room and say “OMG! What is that!?” Today, Julie came in the room and off handedly told me the Security Officer was in the hall. Determined to get to the bottom of this mysterious sound, I jumped up, grabbed her and we headed out to chat with him. He asked if the “noise” sounded like a crying dog and then chuckled while explaining it was the stabilizers under the ship that keep it from tipping over. Apparently, the officers that sleep on the second floor have it much worse, since they sleep right on the other wall from it and have to sleep with ear plugs to get through the night. Reassuringly, he told us the problem was being fixed by mechanics as we spoke.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was watching Sex and the City with Julie before bed. My “low” was finding out the mysterious dying cow sound was nothing more than ship stabilizers. (When people come in the room, I might still tell them it’s the kitchen staff killing dinner.)
Day 86 – Nov 22nd (Take One)
Nov 22nd
After global studies and psych of food, I had a five-hour marathon of being productive and getting work done. I spent the rest of the day goofing around by watching Lost with the girls, having a long drawn out dinner and then stealing pictures and sharing music with Goldie for the rest of the night.
International Date Line
Today we passed the International Date Line, so we are actually going to have the same day (Nov 22nd) twice. The International Date Line was discovered when Magellan’s crew had kept precise logs so they knew what the day and date were, but their logs differed from the calendars they discovered when reaching a port after their circumnavigation. In general the date line lies along the 180 degree of longitude, but each country is allowed to set its own time standards. Hence, why all of India is on one time zone that is 30 mins different from al other countries in the world.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was going to Shabbat with Sara and Goldie, thus continuing my legacy of being a Jew observer overseas! My “low” was realizing I have to live the same day over again.
After global studies and psych of food, I had a five-hour marathon of being productive and getting work done. I spent the rest of the day goofing around by watching Lost with the girls, having a long drawn out dinner and then stealing pictures and sharing music with Goldie for the rest of the night.
International Date Line
Today we passed the International Date Line, so we are actually going to have the same day (Nov 22nd) twice. The International Date Line was discovered when Magellan’s crew had kept precise logs so they knew what the day and date were, but their logs differed from the calendars they discovered when reaching a port after their circumnavigation. In general the date line lies along the 180 degree of longitude, but each country is allowed to set its own time standards. Hence, why all of India is on one time zone that is 30 mins different from al other countries in the world.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was going to Shabbat with Sara and Goldie, thus continuing my legacy of being a Jew observer overseas! My “low” was realizing I have to live the same day over again.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Day 85 – Work
Nov 21st
It was extraordinarily peaceful today at sea. We are now making our way into the Pacific, which is the largest ocean in the world since it covers 32% of the earth’s surface. The Pacific Ocean is larger than all of the land areas and it is just as beautiful as all the other oceans that we have passed through. I have never seen water such a deep blue before! As Sara described: “It’s like deep whale blue.”
Today, I had development econ and global social movements. In econ my class discussed the intricacies of the definitions of “global” and “earth.” But in soc, my group presented on Hong Kong and China’s human rights violations. I explained the controversy behind the One Child Policy that has led to a rise in a black market of “extra” or unwanted children. (Sadly, they most turn out to be girls, since the Chinese prize male children over females.) Unfortunately, it struck me a little too late what I could have taken home as a souvenir.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was having a dance work out with Sara and Goldie on the seventh side-deck since we were tired of the elliptical. My “low” was finding out we have only 25% of the semester remaining and 90% of it will be spent working.
It was extraordinarily peaceful today at sea. We are now making our way into the Pacific, which is the largest ocean in the world since it covers 32% of the earth’s surface. The Pacific Ocean is larger than all of the land areas and it is just as beautiful as all the other oceans that we have passed through. I have never seen water such a deep blue before! As Sara described: “It’s like deep whale blue.”
Today, I had development econ and global social movements. In econ my class discussed the intricacies of the definitions of “global” and “earth.” But in soc, my group presented on Hong Kong and China’s human rights violations. I explained the controversy behind the One Child Policy that has led to a rise in a black market of “extra” or unwanted children. (Sadly, they most turn out to be girls, since the Chinese prize male children over females.) Unfortunately, it struck me a little too late what I could have taken home as a souvenir.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was having a dance work out with Sara and Goldie on the seventh side-deck since we were tired of the elliptical. My “low” was finding out we have only 25% of the semester remaining and 90% of it will be spent working.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Day 84 – Back to Routine
Nov 20th
After Global Studies and Psy of Food in the morning, Sara, Goldie and I headed to our designated “gym time” to work our little asses into shape after all that culinary tourism we really embraced over the last month. After lunch, a bunch of us headed to the 5th floor dining hall to deal with some of the piles of work that built up during our journey through Asia.
Kurt’s Memorial Service
Students filled the Union tonight at 7 o’clock to pay respects to Kurt Leswing, a SAS student who had been struck by a car and passed away in Hong Kong two weeks ago. Kurt’s roommate Vince reminisced about how they had first met and became inseparable friends along their travels. Other students made a moving montage of Kurt’s pictures and video commentaries from his friends on the boat. The whole Union was in tears by the end, as everyone proceeded to the fourth floor aft where Vince released flowers into the ocean in honor of Kurt’s life.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was getting back some semblance of a sleep routine. My “low” was realizing how close to home Kurt’s death was for everyone on the ship.
After Global Studies and Psy of Food in the morning, Sara, Goldie and I headed to our designated “gym time” to work our little asses into shape after all that culinary tourism we really embraced over the last month. After lunch, a bunch of us headed to the 5th floor dining hall to deal with some of the piles of work that built up during our journey through Asia.
Kurt’s Memorial Service
Students filled the Union tonight at 7 o’clock to pay respects to Kurt Leswing, a SAS student who had been struck by a car and passed away in Hong Kong two weeks ago. Kurt’s roommate Vince reminisced about how they had first met and became inseparable friends along their travels. Other students made a moving montage of Kurt’s pictures and video commentaries from his friends on the boat. The whole Union was in tears by the end, as everyone proceeded to the fourth floor aft where Vince released flowers into the ocean in honor of Kurt’s life.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was getting back some semblance of a sleep routine. My “low” was realizing how close to home Kurt’s death was for everyone on the ship.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Day 83 – Back on the Boat
Nov 19th
Back to Routines
After developmental economics in the morning, I started to realize how sad it is we are stuck on a ship for the next 8 days straight until Thanksgiving. Most students have fallen behind on work, including myself, because we tried so desperately to catch up on sleep while between ports. After lunch, a group meeting and global social movements class, I finally had time to go to the gym. It was packed with girls trying to slim down before we reach Hawaii and Costa Rica. Dan informed me that he bought protein powder with the boys, so they could all bulk up. Inevitably, I feel like I’m trapped on a Weight Watchers cruise, but on the bright side now there is more dessert for me to pick from.
Video Vixen
Within seconds of me getting back to my room from the library, Spencer pounded on my door. I opened the door to find him breathlessly explaining that he needs “sexy bitches” for a Sea TV music video. He was all dressed up in a pin strip suit he had had made in Vietnam that I just couldn’t say no. (And when anyone calls you a ‘sexy bitch’ how could you possible resist?) So, I recruited Sara to dance and Goldie to be the strobe light technician, and we headed to 3102 to make our video debut. We didn’t really feel like changing since it was getting late so we showed up in tanks and baggy sweat pants, but our wild hair flips and jumping around the cabin beds made the video. I can’t wait to see the results (even if it has to be broadcast on all the ship’s TVs).
Highs and Lows
My “high” was crossing off one of the things on my ‘100 Things To Do Before I Die’ list (ie. dance my heart out for the camera). My “low” was realizing, along with the rest of the student body, that the rest of the cruise would be spent studying and sleeping.
Back to Routines
After developmental economics in the morning, I started to realize how sad it is we are stuck on a ship for the next 8 days straight until Thanksgiving. Most students have fallen behind on work, including myself, because we tried so desperately to catch up on sleep while between ports. After lunch, a group meeting and global social movements class, I finally had time to go to the gym. It was packed with girls trying to slim down before we reach Hawaii and Costa Rica. Dan informed me that he bought protein powder with the boys, so they could all bulk up. Inevitably, I feel like I’m trapped on a Weight Watchers cruise, but on the bright side now there is more dessert for me to pick from.
Video Vixen
Within seconds of me getting back to my room from the library, Spencer pounded on my door. I opened the door to find him breathlessly explaining that he needs “sexy bitches” for a Sea TV music video. He was all dressed up in a pin strip suit he had had made in Vietnam that I just couldn’t say no. (And when anyone calls you a ‘sexy bitch’ how could you possible resist?) So, I recruited Sara to dance and Goldie to be the strobe light technician, and we headed to 3102 to make our video debut. We didn’t really feel like changing since it was getting late so we showed up in tanks and baggy sweat pants, but our wild hair flips and jumping around the cabin beds made the video. I can’t wait to see the results (even if it has to be broadcast on all the ship’s TVs).
Highs and Lows
My “high” was crossing off one of the things on my ‘100 Things To Do Before I Die’ list (ie. dance my heart out for the camera). My “low” was realizing, along with the rest of the student body, that the rest of the cruise would be spent studying and sleeping.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Day 82 – Yokahama
Nov 18th
Naked Time!
Falyn and I headed to the Minato Mirai district of Yokahama to track down the Manyo Club for our very own onsen experience. Onsens are public hot spring bathhouses that use water from specific water sources that are thought to cure certain types of aliments and diseases. Since Falyn had tattoos (and tattoos are a sign of gang violence in Japan), she wasn’t allowed in the facility and had to set off on her own adventures. Undaunted that I should face the establishment myself, I paid my entrance fee, removed my shoes and headed inside. (Of course, it took me about 30 mins to try and figure out what the cashier was saying first.) Then, I selected my yukata (robe). I selected a beautiful, flowery pink design off the nearby picture board and nodded a “domo agrigato” to the woman. Then, I headed inside the women’s changing room to stripe down and lock my things in my locker. As the only foreigner, I clearly stuck out like a “fish out of water.” I did my best not to follow what others were doing, but I definitely took a peak to see if I looked crazy. Afterward, I headed bare-ass to the communal bathhouse, which was just passed some small, sit-down shower stalls stocked with shampoo, conditioner, face wash and soup. Since I was running out of conditioner on the ship, I took my time to shampoo and deeply condition a few times. Fully satisfied that I was squeaky clean, I made my way further into the bathhouse to find groups of Japanese (naked) women chatting in various pools and baths around the complex. I settled myself into a nice, quiet spot in the far right corner of the outside rock garden. I had a steaming, flowing pool all to myself along with a beautiful view of the Yokahama skyline (since the onsen was in a high rise building). After nearly falling asleep in the warm comfortable surrounding, I decided to try the saunas since a women passed along a free coupon when I initially walked in. There was quiet a selection, including an herbal sauna, steam sauna and salt sauna. Since the herbal sauna burned my nose and the steam sauna was too normal, I spent some time in the salt sauna. When I walked in there was a big pile of salt sitting in the middle of the room, which had tiled seats and shower hoses surrounding the outside. Even though the sign on the wall clearly said “refrain from following,” I just had to take a peak to figure out what to do in there! The women were scrubbing down with the salt, sitting around and rinsing it off a few minuets later. I had a blast scrubbing myself down from head to toe, but my sweat nearly washed myself clean it so was hot. A little scared I was sweating away too much water, I rinsed off then showered again and got into my pink yukata (robe).
Yukata Time!
This place turned out to be the most fun playground for a pampered girl. After getting into my yukata, I headed to an area near the exit of the women’s changing room where I had seen hair brushes, hair dryers and products galore. Well, it turned out you could use whatever you wanted. Each vanity was stocked with mouse, jell, hair dryers, lotions, stylers, creams, everything! I had so much fun playing with all of it and beautifying myself in the process. The next are had all these face treatments and make up to use. I gave myself a glycolic face peal before moisturizing and realizing I needed to stop before I walked out of there looking like Japanese Barbie. (I made sure to stay far away from the make up.) After re-dressing in my “street” clothes, I wandered around the onsen complex a little more to discover the place was like Disneyland for old people. There was a restaurant, multiple drink bars, a top-deck garden, an arcade, an internet room, a room filled with lazy boys that had TV monitors you could watch movies on, in additional to spa and healing services. The place had treatments from color therapy to finger pressure therapy. I was in heaven, but pulled myself back to reality around 1:30 when I knew I just had to get out before I could do any more damage.
Lunch, Mochi & Cosmoworld
Totally invigorated, I headed across the street to the World Porters, which was a five-story mall with a massive selection of restaurants on the first floor. I sat down in Sario, a casual Japanese place, and munched on a bao it (white steamy dumpling) and gyoza (pan-fried shrimp dumplings). I stopped in the supermarket to read up on celeb gossip (which was unfortunately in Japanese) before finding an ice cream mochi stall! I had been hearing about this stuff the whole trip, and finally could find out what all the hype was about. I had one banana-chocolate and one honey cranberry mochi wrapped, so I could take them out to Cosmoland, an amusement park that boasts a clock ferris wheel that can be seen all over the city. Since it was a Tuesday, the park was a little quiet, but it was still a nice place to find a bench and enjoy some wonderfully softened ice cream. I walked back toward the harbor, only to run into Spencer, Dan and Friend relaxing with some noodles at an outside shop. I stopped to hear their stories of Japan, before reboarding the Explorer to contemplate the best day I had in Japan.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was naked time! My “low” was when Goldie and I watched us pull away from Yokahama via the gym windows.
Naked Time!
Falyn and I headed to the Minato Mirai district of Yokahama to track down the Manyo Club for our very own onsen experience. Onsens are public hot spring bathhouses that use water from specific water sources that are thought to cure certain types of aliments and diseases. Since Falyn had tattoos (and tattoos are a sign of gang violence in Japan), she wasn’t allowed in the facility and had to set off on her own adventures. Undaunted that I should face the establishment myself, I paid my entrance fee, removed my shoes and headed inside. (Of course, it took me about 30 mins to try and figure out what the cashier was saying first.) Then, I selected my yukata (robe). I selected a beautiful, flowery pink design off the nearby picture board and nodded a “domo agrigato” to the woman. Then, I headed inside the women’s changing room to stripe down and lock my things in my locker. As the only foreigner, I clearly stuck out like a “fish out of water.” I did my best not to follow what others were doing, but I definitely took a peak to see if I looked crazy. Afterward, I headed bare-ass to the communal bathhouse, which was just passed some small, sit-down shower stalls stocked with shampoo, conditioner, face wash and soup. Since I was running out of conditioner on the ship, I took my time to shampoo and deeply condition a few times. Fully satisfied that I was squeaky clean, I made my way further into the bathhouse to find groups of Japanese (naked) women chatting in various pools and baths around the complex. I settled myself into a nice, quiet spot in the far right corner of the outside rock garden. I had a steaming, flowing pool all to myself along with a beautiful view of the Yokahama skyline (since the onsen was in a high rise building). After nearly falling asleep in the warm comfortable surrounding, I decided to try the saunas since a women passed along a free coupon when I initially walked in. There was quiet a selection, including an herbal sauna, steam sauna and salt sauna. Since the herbal sauna burned my nose and the steam sauna was too normal, I spent some time in the salt sauna. When I walked in there was a big pile of salt sitting in the middle of the room, which had tiled seats and shower hoses surrounding the outside. Even though the sign on the wall clearly said “refrain from following,” I just had to take a peak to figure out what to do in there! The women were scrubbing down with the salt, sitting around and rinsing it off a few minuets later. I had a blast scrubbing myself down from head to toe, but my sweat nearly washed myself clean it so was hot. A little scared I was sweating away too much water, I rinsed off then showered again and got into my pink yukata (robe).
Yukata Time!
This place turned out to be the most fun playground for a pampered girl. After getting into my yukata, I headed to an area near the exit of the women’s changing room where I had seen hair brushes, hair dryers and products galore. Well, it turned out you could use whatever you wanted. Each vanity was stocked with mouse, jell, hair dryers, lotions, stylers, creams, everything! I had so much fun playing with all of it and beautifying myself in the process. The next are had all these face treatments and make up to use. I gave myself a glycolic face peal before moisturizing and realizing I needed to stop before I walked out of there looking like Japanese Barbie. (I made sure to stay far away from the make up.) After re-dressing in my “street” clothes, I wandered around the onsen complex a little more to discover the place was like Disneyland for old people. There was a restaurant, multiple drink bars, a top-deck garden, an arcade, an internet room, a room filled with lazy boys that had TV monitors you could watch movies on, in additional to spa and healing services. The place had treatments from color therapy to finger pressure therapy. I was in heaven, but pulled myself back to reality around 1:30 when I knew I just had to get out before I could do any more damage.
Lunch, Mochi & Cosmoworld
Totally invigorated, I headed across the street to the World Porters, which was a five-story mall with a massive selection of restaurants on the first floor. I sat down in Sario, a casual Japanese place, and munched on a bao it (white steamy dumpling) and gyoza (pan-fried shrimp dumplings). I stopped in the supermarket to read up on celeb gossip (which was unfortunately in Japanese) before finding an ice cream mochi stall! I had been hearing about this stuff the whole trip, and finally could find out what all the hype was about. I had one banana-chocolate and one honey cranberry mochi wrapped, so I could take them out to Cosmoland, an amusement park that boasts a clock ferris wheel that can be seen all over the city. Since it was a Tuesday, the park was a little quiet, but it was still a nice place to find a bench and enjoy some wonderfully softened ice cream. I walked back toward the harbor, only to run into Spencer, Dan and Friend relaxing with some noodles at an outside shop. I stopped to hear their stories of Japan, before reboarding the Explorer to contemplate the best day I had in Japan.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was naked time! My “low” was when Goldie and I watched us pull away from Yokahama via the gym windows.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Day 81 – Tokyo
Nov 17th
Grossness
We got up at 6AM to make “bath time” when we had to shower in the communal showers. Luckily, I got in there when no one else was. After making it to the train station, we picked up some beacon wrapped asparagus pastries and juice before boarding the bullet train for Tokyo. Once on the train, we found seats in the third car and settled in for a nice nap. I sat next to a old man in a business suit, who was reading manga (comic books), which almost everyone reads in Japan. They are ubiquitous on the trains, seen in hands of salarymen, housewives, college, high school and elementary school children. But this guy was reading anime porn, which was totally awkward. He spent most of his time in a perpetual cycle of reading, heading to the bathroom and falling asleep. I tried to shift closer in my seat to Sara, who had passed out for most of the time. Honestly, I was a little scared he might touch me if I feel asleep, so I vigilantly stayed awake through the trip.
Tokyo!
After pulling into Tokyo station and locking our things in a station locker, we hoped on the subway to the Shibuya district in Western Tokyo where we began our walking tour north to Shinjuku. During our walking tour we admired the business industrial streets of Tokyo. It looks remarkably like NYC, and had all the ritzy shops that you can find anywhere but we were in Japan! While making our way into the Harajuku district (famous for the teens that dress crazy like in Gwen Steffani’s music videos), we stoped for lunch. We ordered steamy bowls of udon or soba noodles with green tea. Once filled up, we continued walking along Harajuku to find Kiddie World, a massive six story toy store that had every Japanese cartoon character under the sun. We spent a good deal of time looking around and playing with the toys. Brit and Sara got leather bracelets engraved, while Goldie and I had a photo shoot on the floor devoted to Snoopy. We peaked into a few more shops, before finding We Go (a popular used clothing store) where everyone went wild with the selection of flannels, boots and wool hats. Finally, we took a break at Starbucks. While sitting and chatting outside, we someone dressed up as Santa Clause walk in. Jokingly, we guessed it was another Semester at Sea students… and low-and-behold we were right. Following Santa, marched in a rein deer and the red Power Ranger. Dominico, the Power Ranger, explained they just felt like dressing up for no reason. It really didn’t surprise us, since SAS students kinda do and wear whatever the hell they want on this trip. After feeling refreshed, we headed further into the Harajuku district toward Yoyogi park and fund the H&M that had a line outside that was three blocks long! I hope it was worth getting inside because it was about eight-stories high. We just admired the people and headed through the Harajuku alley streets where we came upon some of Gewn’s Harajuku girls. That’s where we came across the small eclectic shops that I could have spent all day in. Unfortunately, I had to make it back to Yokahama to visit the Ramen Museum for my Psych of Food class.
Ramen Museum
Once in the Shin Yokahama station, we headed straight for the Museum, which was just a few blocks from the station. Staged as the streets of 1950s Tokyo, the museum takes visitors back in time to when ramen was first transforming with new flavors and distinct tastes. Furthermore, visitors can sample a range of ramen shops from areas across Japan, including places like Sapporo, Asahikawa, Tokyo, Yokahama, Wakayama, Hakata and Kumamoto. Each of the restaurants had their own unique taste, ambiance and aroma based on the chef’s specifications for their ramen. We had a great time walking around just looking at the Museum itself, but also got captivated by a game of bingo that erupted in the center. With the help of two staff members, we were able to translate our bingo board into English versions of the various sea animals that made up the simple, 3-by-3 bingo board. I actually won bingo during the second round, and got a free lollipop that is currently sitting beside my bed in all its glory. Afterward, we settled down in the Fukuchan Ramen Shop to taste the steamy noodles sprinkled lightly with crushed garlic. Full of ramen and dirty from a day of traveling, we made our way back to the boat to get some rest from seeing 6 cities in 4 days.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was seeing Santa, a rein deer and a Power Ranger walk into Starbucks. My “low” was having to head back to Yokahama sooner because of my FDP requirement (the Ramen Museum).
Grossness
We got up at 6AM to make “bath time” when we had to shower in the communal showers. Luckily, I got in there when no one else was. After making it to the train station, we picked up some beacon wrapped asparagus pastries and juice before boarding the bullet train for Tokyo. Once on the train, we found seats in the third car and settled in for a nice nap. I sat next to a old man in a business suit, who was reading manga (comic books), which almost everyone reads in Japan. They are ubiquitous on the trains, seen in hands of salarymen, housewives, college, high school and elementary school children. But this guy was reading anime porn, which was totally awkward. He spent most of his time in a perpetual cycle of reading, heading to the bathroom and falling asleep. I tried to shift closer in my seat to Sara, who had passed out for most of the time. Honestly, I was a little scared he might touch me if I feel asleep, so I vigilantly stayed awake through the trip.
Tokyo!
After pulling into Tokyo station and locking our things in a station locker, we hoped on the subway to the Shibuya district in Western Tokyo where we began our walking tour north to Shinjuku. During our walking tour we admired the business industrial streets of Tokyo. It looks remarkably like NYC, and had all the ritzy shops that you can find anywhere but we were in Japan! While making our way into the Harajuku district (famous for the teens that dress crazy like in Gwen Steffani’s music videos), we stoped for lunch. We ordered steamy bowls of udon or soba noodles with green tea. Once filled up, we continued walking along Harajuku to find Kiddie World, a massive six story toy store that had every Japanese cartoon character under the sun. We spent a good deal of time looking around and playing with the toys. Brit and Sara got leather bracelets engraved, while Goldie and I had a photo shoot on the floor devoted to Snoopy. We peaked into a few more shops, before finding We Go (a popular used clothing store) where everyone went wild with the selection of flannels, boots and wool hats. Finally, we took a break at Starbucks. While sitting and chatting outside, we someone dressed up as Santa Clause walk in. Jokingly, we guessed it was another Semester at Sea students… and low-and-behold we were right. Following Santa, marched in a rein deer and the red Power Ranger. Dominico, the Power Ranger, explained they just felt like dressing up for no reason. It really didn’t surprise us, since SAS students kinda do and wear whatever the hell they want on this trip. After feeling refreshed, we headed further into the Harajuku district toward Yoyogi park and fund the H&M that had a line outside that was three blocks long! I hope it was worth getting inside because it was about eight-stories high. We just admired the people and headed through the Harajuku alley streets where we came upon some of Gewn’s Harajuku girls. That’s where we came across the small eclectic shops that I could have spent all day in. Unfortunately, I had to make it back to Yokahama to visit the Ramen Museum for my Psych of Food class.
Ramen Museum
Once in the Shin Yokahama station, we headed straight for the Museum, which was just a few blocks from the station. Staged as the streets of 1950s Tokyo, the museum takes visitors back in time to when ramen was first transforming with new flavors and distinct tastes. Furthermore, visitors can sample a range of ramen shops from areas across Japan, including places like Sapporo, Asahikawa, Tokyo, Yokahama, Wakayama, Hakata and Kumamoto. Each of the restaurants had their own unique taste, ambiance and aroma based on the chef’s specifications for their ramen. We had a great time walking around just looking at the Museum itself, but also got captivated by a game of bingo that erupted in the center. With the help of two staff members, we were able to translate our bingo board into English versions of the various sea animals that made up the simple, 3-by-3 bingo board. I actually won bingo during the second round, and got a free lollipop that is currently sitting beside my bed in all its glory. Afterward, we settled down in the Fukuchan Ramen Shop to taste the steamy noodles sprinkled lightly with crushed garlic. Full of ramen and dirty from a day of traveling, we made our way back to the boat to get some rest from seeing 6 cities in 4 days.
Highs and Lows
My “high” was seeing Santa, a rein deer and a Power Ranger walk into Starbucks. My “low” was having to head back to Yokahama sooner because of my FDP requirement (the Ramen Museum).
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