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.