Day 109 – Miami

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.