Sailors life for me

Tuesday, September 15 – Off the coast of Africa
23:47 pm
Today has been a good day. A weight has been lifted off my shoulders! I feel much more happy and like I can enjoy this semester fully now!

Tonight was the dinner with the extended family. It wasn’t the woman I thought it was, but she’s still very nice. She’s from St. Petersburg! So, we’ll probably be seeing each other after the voyage. She takes the elderly to a seeing eye dog center when the dogs are puppies so they can be loved and nurtured - SHE INVITED ME TO GO SOMETIME. Of course I’d go. PLEASE.

After the dinner I went to Church (aka Gay and Straight Alliance meeting). I loved it! I think I’ll stay involved in this group. 

Currently I am with Ryan, Terrance, Cody and Jackie studying. I really enjoy making friends on this ship. Terrance and Ryan are friends I’m going to have for a lifetime from this voyage (other than Jackie). I know I’m going to miss seeing them every day. Until then...

The rest of my stay in Morocco

Monday, September 14 – Morocco
1:45 am
I have not been writing about Morocco, and there is a decent amount to write! Four days worth of happenings haven’t even been recorded!  


As a side note, it seems that all of my friends are on the same page with me with the question of: Where are all the genuine people at?


1st Casablanca day (9.10)
Let me go into more detail about my first Morocco day. I was disappointed from the moment I stepped outside. The port we docked in is on no level attractive. Pictures will explain this better. It had been raining, and it was gloomy. Jackie and I took a tour of Casablanca through Semester at Sea. I actually enjoyed it a bit. We got to go inside the Mosque, which is absolutely beautiful and huge. So huge I couldn’t believe it. (That’s what she said.) The tour guide was funny and kept telling us jokes - which I hope I remember to tell everyone (mother of 6, 4 children = car, polite; for reference).


After the tour, Jackie and I attempted to go to the train station with some other SASers. We had no idea what the makeup of this group consisted of beforehand. It ended up being 5 girls. Jackie and I assumed this group was committed to going to Marrakech, which is why we were going to the train station with them to begin with. We also assumed that there was going to be at least one male in the group - wrong again. Half the girls weren’t 100 percent sure if they wanted to go or not. After walking around Casablanca for about 20 minutes, the group decided to give up on finding the train station and then the group wanted to split from Jackie and I to do their own thing. Thanks, really. Can we mention how overwhelming Morocco is at first? Also, can we talk about the way they drive? There is no solid crossing section for pedestrians - it’s go whenever you see you have the chance. So, I wasn’t very happy with that little excursion to say the least. I was very irritated - insert crying entry here.


A few moments after writing my crying entry, my friends came by to see where I disappeared to. We all chatted about my “deal”, and I calmed down a bit. We ended up going out to smoke hookah with a very large group. Of course the large group thing wasn’t going to work out. Side note: like 70+ SASers all climbed onto the shuttle bus that takes us from the ship to port that night/ I have a video of us getting off the shuttle. Anyways, the big group split up and I was left with Ryan, Jackie, Viki, Vicki and Robin. We eventually found a hookah spot after about 15 minutes of searching. It was pretty cool - we were basically the only women in the bar. I hadn’t smoked hookah in a long time, and it was really interesting to do it in Casablanca. By the end of the night, I felt a little better about Morocco.


2nd day Casablanca (9.11)
Ryan and I spent the afternoon hitting up the internet cafe and skyping our loved ones back home. I was so excited to be able to talk to my mother and Bryent. I had the biggest smile on my face when I left the internet cafe. Talking to them made me feel so much more relaxed and better about the previous day. Ryan and I also got train tickets to and from Marrakech for Jackie and I (Ryan bought his ticket earlier that day, but was escorting me to the train station).


I took Jackie’s SAS field program “evening with a Moroccan family” that night. Groups of about 4 SASers were matched up with families. The father and his children were at the ship to pick us up. We gave them a tour of our home. The daughter, who is 7, was amazed by the ship. She didn’t believe there was something bigger than a limousine! It was cute seeing how excited she was. After the tour, they took us back to their house where we were greeted by the mother with a kiss on each cheek. They’re observing Ramadan currently and as we entered the house it was time for them to break the fast for the day. Their meal starts off with a traditional soup to break the fast. It was pretty tasty. Their meals consist of a lot, and it seems like the courses don’t stop coming. I especially enjoyed the last dish that included meat. I hope I’m able to recreate that last dish. I learned a lot by talking to the family. The children are taught to speak English and French in school, and they learn Arabic at home. I think that’s incredible in itself. We talked a bit about September 11, 2001 - since it was it’s anniversary. We talked about some differences between the US and Morocco. The father also didn’t understand why in America we are unable to talk about religion and politics - he said, “you can believe in what you believe and I can believe in what I believe and we can talk peacefully”. It’s interesting to think that Americans have such a problem with disagreeing that even the people we tend to disagree with the most agree more than we do. Understand? They taught us a bit about their religion, and he told us jokes - mostly having to do with George Bush. I hope I can remember those, too. It was a really special experience that I never imagined I would ever do - but I will always remember.


3rd day Rabat/4th day Marrakech
The following day, Jackie and I took a SAS tour of Rabat. It was so boring, and you can basically get the same tour by looking through my pictures. So, I’ll leave it at that.


Jackie and I packed for our independent overnight stay in Marrakech and had dinner. At the last moment, Nikola decided to join us which made me feel a bit more safe. We took a taxi to the train station, in which the taxi driver ripped us off by going the wrong way first and racking up money on the meter. After our uneventful three hour train ride to Marrakech we got McDonald’s, because it was so tempting. And a meal at Mickey D’s is basically the same as the first class ticket on the train. Silly? Yes. After getting ripped off by another taxi driver, we arrived at our hotel (which I planned and booked) and it was so cute! The pictures don’t do it justice. It was a bit difficult to sleep at night, especially when the call to prayer was blasting in the window at 4 am, but besides that a pretty sweet hotel. We got free wifi and breakfast - which we ate on the roof, which was adorable. After breakfast, we attempted to join up with Ryan which failed and we ended up hitting up the Souks until we successfully joined up with him. I can say that I don’t really enjoy Souks much. I don’t like the whole bargaining thing, even though I didn’t buy anything today and I hate everyone being in my face, a lot. I had felt sick from the previous night and I couldn’t do Marrakech or the souks anymore and we all ended up leaving Marrakech earlier than planned. But we were all ready to leave. Another 3 hour train ride and a too expensive taxi ride and we were back on the ship watching The Little Mermaid and Milk. My friends are great!


20:55 pm
Today Jackie, Ryan and I hit up the free wifi - because we’re all addicted to the internet and we’re not ashamed. There was already around 7 other SASers there! After wifi we went to try to find art and a few other gift type items. Basically, shopping here is really stressful. I really do not enjoy people being in my personal space or begging me for money. We did not have enough money to get the art Jackie wanted, it was really quite beautiful - but she was able to get another piece of art by the end of the day. We also missed going to Rick’s Cafe, but oh well. I’m glad to be back on the ship and on our way to Ghana!



Afterthoughts:
I forgot to mention the screaming we heard during our first night in Casablanca. It was right after my crying entry, when I went out with my friends and had cooled off a bit/wasn’t AS scared because I was with a group of people that I’m comfortable with and know wouldn’t leave me, etc. As we were trying to find a hookah spot, we passed this stairwell going into the ground, that looks like a subway but isn’t. And we all heard a woman screaming. None of us knew what to do. It was really uncomfortable and put me back in the red zone.


I’d also like to mention, although I was ripped off in every taxi ride I took in Morocco, that I loved being in cars in Morocco. They drive crazy! They don’t use the “lanes”. I don’t think they have a speed limit. I don’t think there are any traffic laws at all. It’s quite fun being in the cars, especially when they’re weaving in an out of traffic. I also didn’t see one car accident while I was here, fyi.


In the last store we went into, where we used the rest of our non-convertible dirhams (Dh), a little boy and his sister came in. The boy had to be around a year, and the sister around 5. The boy was adorable and had the biggest smile on his face. He grabbed on to my leg and giggled and wouldn’t let go. It’s was quite cute. After leaving the store, the children went to a woman who was sitting on the side of the store. I wondered afterward if the children were sent into the store to try to get money from us.


Not many people seemed willing to help us out at all in this country or if they did help it seemed like they wanted something out of it. It seemed like a lot of people were begging, and using their children to help them get money. I understand that isn’t how everyone lives in Casablanca/Morocco, and the family I ate with definitely doesn’t live that way, but it’s shocking to see all those people on the streets, all the trash, all the dirtiness.


I liked Marrakech a lot more than Casablanca.


According to our Academic Calendar we have four days of classes, a big event (TBD), two days of classes (with a preport each night) and then GHANA! Three countries in less than a month - I would never have imagined.

The rest of my stay in Morocco

Monday, September 14 – Morocco
1:45 am
I have not been writing about Morocco, and there is a decent amount to write! Four days worth of happenings haven’t even been recorded!


As a side note, it seems that all of my friends are on the same page with me with the question of: Where are all the genuine people at?

1st Casablanca day (9.10):
Let me go into more detail about my first Morocco day. I was disappointed from the moment I stepped outside. The port we docked in is on no level attractive. Pictures will explain this better. It had been raining, and it was gloomy. Jackie and I took a tour of Casablanca through Semester at Sea. I actually enjoyed it a bit. We got to go inside the Mosque, which is absolutely beautiful and huge. So huge I couldn’t believe it. (That’s what she said.) The tour guide was funny and kept telling us jokes - which I hope I remember to tell everyone (mother of 6, 4 children = car, polite; for reference).


After the tour, Jackie and I attempted to go to the train station with some other SASers. We had no idea what the makeup of this group consisted of beforehand. It ended up being 5 girls. Jackie and I assumed this group was committed to going to Marrakech, which is why we were going to the train station with them to begin with. We also assumed that there was going to be at least one male in the group - wrong again. Half the girls weren’t 100 percent sure if they wanted to go or not. After walking around Casablanca for about 20 minutes, the group decided to give up on finding the train station and then the group wanted to split from Jackie and I to do their own thing. Thanks, really. Can we mention how overwhelming Morocco is at first? Also, can we talk about the way they drive? There is no solid crossing section for pedestrians - it’s go whenever you see you have the chance. So, I wasn’t very happy with that little excursion to say the least. I was very irritated - insert crying entry here.

A few moments after writing my crying entry, my friends came by to see where I disappeared to. We all chatted about my “deal”, and I calmed down a bit. We ended up going out to smoke hookah with a very large group. Of course the large group thing wasn’t going to work out. Side note: like 70+ SASers all climbed onto the shuttle bus that takes us from the ship to port that night/ I have a video of us getting off the shuttle. Anyways, the big group split up and I was left with Ryan, Jackie, Viki, Vicki and Robin. We eventually found a hookah spot after about 15 minutes of searching. It was pretty cool - we were basically the only women in the bar. I hadn’t smoked hookah in a long time, and it was really interesting to do it in Casablanca. By the end of the night, I felt a little better about Morocco.

2nd day Casablanca (9.11):
Ryan and I spent the afternoon hitting up the internet cafe and skyping our loved ones back home. I was so excited to be able to talk to my mother and Bryent. I had the biggest smile on my face when I left the internet cafe. Talking to them made me feel so much more relaxed and better about the previous day. Ryan and I also got train tickets to and from Marrakech for Jackie and I (Ryan bought his ticket earlier that day, but was escorting me to the train station).


I took Jackie’s SAS field program “evening with a Moroccan family” that night. Groups of about 4 SASers were matched up with families. The father and his children were at the ship to pick us up. We gave them a tour of our home. The daughter, who is 7, was amazed by the ship. She didn’t believe there was something bigger than a limousine! It was cute seeing how excited she was. After the tour, they took us back to their house where we were greeted by the mother with a kiss on each cheek. They’re observing Ramadan currently and as we entered the house it was time for them to break the fast for the day. Their meal starts off with a traditional soup to break the fast. It was pretty tasty. Their meals consist of a lot, and it seems like the courses don’t stop coming. I especially enjoyed the last dish that included meat. I hope I’m able to recreate that last dish. I learned a lot by talking to the family. The children are taught to speak English and French in school, and they learn Arabic at home. I think that’s incredible in itself. We talked a bit about September 11, 2001 - since it was it’s anniversary. We talked about some differences between the US and Morocco. The father also didn’t understand why in America we are unable to talk about religion and politics - he said, “you can believe in what you believe and I can believe in what I believe and we can talk peacefully”. It’s interesting to think that Americans have such a problem with disagreeing that even the people we tend to disagree with the most agree more than we do. Understand? They taught us a bit about their religion, and he told us jokes - mostly having to do with George Bush. I hope I can remember those, too. It was a really special experience that I never imagined I would ever do - but I will always remember.

3rd day Rabat/4th day Marrakech
The following day, Jackie and I took a SAS tour of Rabat. It was so boring, and you can basically get the same tour by looking through my pictures. So, I’ll leave it at that.


Jackie and I packed for our independent overnight stay in Marrakech and had dinner. At the last moment, Nikola decided to join us which made me feel a bit more safe. We took a taxi to the train station, in which the taxi driver ripped us off by going the wrong way first and racking up money on the meter. After our uneventful three hour train ride to Marrakech we got McDonald’s, because it was so tempting. And a meal at Mickey D’s is basically the same as the first class ticket on the train. Silly? Yes. After getting ripped off by another taxi driver, we arrived at our hotel (which I planned and booked) and it was so cute! The pictures don’t do it justice. It was a bit difficult to sleep at night, especially when the call to prayer was blasting in the window at 4 am, but besides that a pretty sweet hotel. We got free wifi and breakfast - which we ate on the roof, which was adorable. After breakfast, we attempted to join up with Ryan which failed and we ended up hitting up the Souks until we successfully joined up with him. I can say that I don’t really enjoy Souks much. I don’t like the whole bargaining thing, even though I didn’t buy anything today and I hate everyone being in my face, a lot. I had felt sick from the previous night and I couldn’t do Marrakech or the souks anymore and we all ended up leaving Marrakech earlier than planned. But we were all ready to leave. Another 3 hour train ride and a too expensive taxi ride and we were back on the ship watching The Little Mermaid and Milk. My friends are great!

20:55 pm
Today Jackie, Ryan and I hit up the free wifi - because we’re all addicted to the internet and we’re not ashamed. There was already around 7 other SASers there! After wifi we went to try to find art and a few other gift type items. Basically, shopping here is really stressful. I really do not enjoy people being in my personal space or begging me for money. We did not have enough money to get the art Jackie wanted, it was really quite beautiful - but she was able to get another piece of art by the end of the day. We also missed going to Rick’s Cafe, but oh well. I’m glad to be back on the ship and on our way to Ghana!

Afterthoughts:
I forgot to mention the screaming we heard during our first night in Casablanca. It was right after my crying entry, when I went out with my friends and had cooled off a bit/wasn’t AS scared because I was with a group of people that I’m comfortable with and know wouldn’t leave me, etc. As we were trying to find a hookah spot, we passed this stairwell going into the ground, that looks like a subway but isn’t. And we all heard a woman screaming. None of us knew what to do. It was really uncomfortable and put me back in the red zone.


I’d also like to mention, although I was ripped off in every taxi ride I took in Morocco, that I loved being in cars in Morocco. They drive crazy! They don’t use the “lanes”. I don’t think they have a speed limit. I don’t think there are any traffic laws at all. It’s quite fun being in the cars, especially when they’re weaving in an out of traffic. I also didn’t see one car accident while I was here, fyi.


In the last store we went into, where we used the rest of our non-convertible dirhams (Dh), a little boy and his sister came in. The boy had to be around a year, and the sister around 5. The boy was adorable and had the biggest smile on his face. He grabbed on to my leg and giggled and wouldn’t let go. It’s was quite cute. After leaving the store, the children went to a woman who was sitting on the side of the store. I wondered afterward if the children were sent into the store to try to get money from us.

Not many people seemed willing to help us out at all in this country or if they did help it seemed like they wanted something out of it. It seemed like a lot of people were begging, and using their children to help them get money. I understand that isn’t how everyone lives in Casablanca/Morocco, and the family I ate with definitely doesn’t live that way, but it’s shocking to see all those people on the streets, all the trash, all the dirtiness.

I liked Marrakech a lot more than Casablanca.


According to our Academic Calendar we have four days of classes, a big event (TBD), two days of classes (with a preport each night) and then GHANA! Three countries in less than a month - I would never have imagined.

Water - Morocco

Wednesday, September 9 – Water
9:35 am
Jackie and I are currently attending our Global Studies class. We are sitting in our beds, freezing, watching our TV, which is streaming what is happening in the Union. How awesome is my life?  

19:40 pm
Every day we get a Bridge Noon Report. This is todays:

Cadiz to Gibraltar

At noon today the Explorer’s position was…

Latitude: 36degrees,07minutes North

Longitude: 005degrees,22minutes West        

Distance Made Good: 99 Nautical miles (Since Cadiz)

Distance Made Good: 99 Nautical miles (Since Noon)

Distance to go to the next Port: 195.4 Nautical miles(Casablanca)                                         

Average Speed:  0.0 knots

Distance to nearest land: 0.7 Nautical miles from GIBRALTAR

Sea Depth: 262.4 Feet

Sea Water Temperature: 25º Celsius (69.8 º F)  

Air Temperature: 24 º Celsius (69.8 º F)

Wind: East / 16.5 knots

Sunset Today: 20:37

Sunrise Tomorrow: 06:09


23:22 pm (after I turned my clock back 2 hours)
I’m so nervous about Morocco. I’m really worried about my safety. I’m worried about my belongings being stolen. I can’t wait to see it, though. My mood is weird, therefore I can’t express how I feel very well.


Thursday, September 10 – Casablanca, Morocco
18:08 pm
I just had to leave dinner on the ship because I started to cry.  Today has not been a very good day. I’m sure going to sleep having such high anxiety didn’t help set a good tone for the day. Although the tour was decent today, the rest of the day has not been good. Morocco is a lot different than I expected. It’s dirty - it’s so disgusting. Bryent and my mom would not even step off the ship. There is literally liter everywhere. On our tour I noticed really nice houses, and then the lot next to that house was full of garbage - like 3 feet high and a lot the size of the houses. There’s garbage on every street. It’s so disgusting. 
The only thing I did expect was to not feel safe. And I don’t. I just had a really awful experience with these other 5 girls and Jackie. We were just trying to find the train station, but half the girls weren’t committed to the idea of going there and wanted to split up. I can’t and don’t want to explain the story, but those other 5 girls did not make me feel safe whatsoever. With every step I just wanted Bryent there. I wanted some kind of protection.
And everyone - EVERYONE - on the streets of Morocco stare at me (and everyone else that’s from SAS). They STARE. It’s so uncomfortable. It doesn’t make me feel the least bit safe. 
I feel like there aren’t many people on this trip that are like me, that I can get along with. I truly feel that a lot of these people are not considerate and lack commonsense. In order to go out in these countries, I’m going to need a decent amount of friends to make up for the friends that have schedules that conflict with mine.
I really wanted to eat dinner with my friends, but my emotions were so high. As I was writing this I calmed down, but my anxiety was so high. On top of that I was irritated. I just got to the point where I was really sensitive to everything that was happening around me. I wish I had some kind of comfort. I wish I could crawl into my own bed at home, be in Bryent’s arms, hug my mom, pet my dogs, eat some cookie dough - anything.

Spanish Adventures

Tuesday, September 8 – Cadiz
21:45 pm
I love Spain. I’ll definitely be back here in the future. Although there is graffiti everywhere, Cadiz and Spain is beautiful.  I feel like Spain is cheaper than the US. Drinks and food aren’t as expensive. The weather in Spain is about 90+, but with all of the shadows from the buildings and the breeze make it very tolerable. I feel like there’s no humidity, but I’m use to Florida. I wish Florida felt like Spain.

Seville:
Yesterday I went to Seville on a field program through Semester at Sea. Besides sight seeing, we didn’t do much and I can’t give you a valid opinion on Seville. I did find it to be quite beautiful, and very similar to Cadiz - I think there is less graffiti. 
It’s difficult for me to write about some of the things I saw, experienced, et cetera - so, I will let my photographs tell some of my stories. For example, the Alcazar has incredible tile work left over from when the Moors occupied Spain. I love the Arabic arches - and you can tell from my pictures.
The Cathedral, which is mostly gothic, was incredible. The moment I stepped inside I was overwhelmed. The high ceilings, with their arches, the religious “art”- everything - was just so overwhelming to me, being the “shutter bug” that I am. I literally didn’t know where to start taking pictures - but of course I figured it out and got at least 100 of the Cathedral. I was extremely excited to see Christopher Columbus’ tomb. I almost felt like crying. I’ve never seen a tomb so magnificent. I mostly don’t believe in being buried, but if I ever did something amazing like “discovering” a new world I’d love to be in a  tomb like Cristobal Columbus for the rest of my death. I have about 300 pictures from my trip to Seville, because everything was so beautiful. 
I can give you a valid opinion on the lunch we had that was complimentary. DELICIOUS! We ate at a small restaurant near the Cathedral. We had several tapas and wine. It was nice eating with such a large group. The warmth of Seville, and our yummy lunch in our tummies put us all to sleep on the bus ride back to Cadiz.


Cadiz:
When I got back from my semester at sea trip, Ryan, Jackie and I headed to new Cadiz to meet up with our local friends at 7. Jose and Sergio showed up to go out with us! It was lovely.  They took us to this bar called Woodstock that is on the beach. It was such a cool bar and I wish we had a place like it back home. It was dedicated to Woodstock, if you couldn’t tell by the name. I had actual sangria this time, and not the summer version. It was delicious! I also had rum and fanta again - but the bartender hooked me up and gave me a huge glass. And our friends wouldn’t let us pay for our drinks! 
We talked about music, which they basically only like American. We talked about how they like us (Americans) or don’t like us based on our president. We talked about how they want to come to America, and it was Sergio’s dream to see the Twin Towers. I absolutely loved talking to them about anything and everything.
We went back to the ship around midnight because Jackie was not feeling well. Ryan and I both wanted to go out to another bar or club. We ran into some other friends leaving the ship and went out with them. I had so much fun, I can’t even put it into words. There was a big group of us that ran into even more SASers and we all infiltrated this bar in New Cadiz. That bar closed around 3 and we headed to a club nearby. I DRANK A BEER. ONE FULL BEER, like it was no big deal. We were given free beer by the owner of the club, for whatever reason - so I drank it. I had a blast dancing with SASers. I know this trip is about meeting locals and learning about their culture, but I really enjoyed spending some time with my sea mates. I feel like going out with the SASers once every port would be great - not every night, because then I wouldn’t really experience the port and because I wouldn’t want to do that anyway. Ryan, Terrence and I got back to the ship around 7 am - SEVEN in the morning. These Spaniards are loco! Their nightlife is incredible here. We tried staying up to get breakfast by watching Family Guy Blue Harvest in the Union, but we failed and all went to bed. I had such a great time. I only wish I got pictures. 
Today, Jackie and I went into Cadiz and shopped! I didn’t think I’d want to shop in Spain, but I sure wanted to the first moment I saw all the stores. I really enjoyed spending the rest of my Euros on clothes. The rest of the day was spent soaking up Spain. I got ice cream, which was good - but I was so thirsty I couldn’t enjoy it. 
Side story: The first day we were in Cadiz, Jackie, Ryan and I were trying to find a post office to get stamps. We actually stopped once, in front of this building where a lot was happening in front of it (a market), and pulled out the map. It was really difficult because there aren’t any clear street signs like we’re use to in the states. I found out two nights ago that the building we were standing in front of was the post office... I might not be so good at Amazing Race.
I regret not seeing a Flamenco dance, but half of that wasn’t my fault. They don’t have Flamencos on Sundays and Mondays - the only nights I could of gone. I regret not getting sea glass from the beach for Aunt Bonnie, but I ran out of time today. I know I’ll be back in Spain, though.
I’m worried a bit about all the reading I need to do for my classes, but I know it will all work out in the end. I miss everyone back home a lot, and I really love all the emails I’ve been getting. I feel like I talk to some of you better now than I did back home! Haha! Morocco in one day!

Pictures from Spain

Spain

22:50 pm
I got up around 7 am this morning to see the ship pull into the first port and take pictures. It’s incredible to imagine Christopher Columbus leaving from the same port that I am at! I also watched the sunrise over the Atlantic, which is beautiful. 
Around 9 am, Jackie, Ryan and I ventured off into Cadiz! It’s rather beautiful, and quite a bit different than America. The streets here seem like alley ways, which is always good. There are puppies around every corner, which makes me very happy and makes me miss my puppies. I couldn’t help but wish that Bryent was here with me - to show me around, help me with the language barrier, and be there with me. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my walk around the town - taking pictures of everything, because everything seems beautiful and different to me. And I didn’t think I’d want to shop in Spain - but I so do. A lot. Stupid Euro.
Around noon we headed back to the ship and split up. After lunch, I joined up with some other friends - Chelsea and Andy. Our adventures consisted of eating at this random bar that had AMAZING Calamari - and I wish I could find it again, because it was only 4 euros! The server, however, was not very nice at all - but luckily the bartender was. 
Andy noticed my wrist tattoo, and then Chelsea asked if I had anymore. I began to show them without noticing a table full of guys behind us... who ended up clapping at the end of me showing my tattoos. A few of them had tattoos, but we were lost in translation. Chelsea and I found one of the many free wifi spots in town, and took the opportunity to cure our lust for the internet!
The day was basically spent walking around Cadiz, and now my legs are killing me! Jackie and I took a late Siesta, after taking half a camera tour with the photographer. Now, we’re about ready to go out into Cadiz for the nightlife!

Sunday, September 6 – Cadiz
3:35 am
Jackie, Ryan and I got back to the ship about 20 minutes ago from “New Cadiz”. After walking around trying to find a bar there, and Ryan ordering some gross food, we settled on a very tiny bar. We all had such a blast! We talked to some locals - Jose spoke English very well, Sergio tried pretty hard and the others only know bits and pieces - like we know Spanish! Ryan, Jackie and I all started out with summer sangria (wine and Limon Fanta) - which is very tasty and my mother would love. Jackie’s second drink was a mojito, which are so delicious here in Spain (and my mother would also love). And then Ryan and I shared Limon Fanta with rum - which might be my new favorite drink. (Word for delicious here) Sergio loves the Foo Fighters and Arctic Monkeys (whom I’ve never heard of, but I’ll probably check out). He also knows of Incubus, Radiohead, and Animal Collective. We are all supposed to meet them again on Monday at 7 pm - to see them again before we leave to Morocco.

LAND

Saturday, September 5 – Cadiz, Spain
12:25 pm
I’M IN SPAIN! 
More later.

From my travel journal

Pre-note: If you want me to respond to you, you have to email me. I will not be able to check the comments while out at sea, and I'll be very limited to internet in most ports - I'm guessing. bcdavis@semesteratsea.net - I'd love to hear from you!

Thursday, September 3 – Atlantic
22:51 pm
Tonight we had a mandatory culture pre-port meeting for Spain! The whole Union was laughing - it was really a good time. I recorded some of it, and I can’t wait to put all these memories together to look back at someday or share with my loved ones! Tomorrow is the logistical pre-port meeting. It will definitely be very helpful, I’m sure. We lose yet another hour tonight. I don’t know about everyone else, but I have really no sense of time - but it’s not that bad. Currently, I’m wishing I knew Spanish - for obviously reasons.
I’ve discovered (by stealing it from Andy) a nice spot on Deck 5 where not a lot of people go, that I can lay out and read. It’s a lovely spot for a nap, too! 
Everyone is so nice and happy on the ship. There are definitely some kids on here that aren’t very respectful to others, and are treating this semester as a party - or trying as hard as they can to. It’s pretty sad, actually. They can’t wait to drink on “pub nights” - when I haven’t even had a sip of alcohol on this ship. I tried to read by the pool the other day, like I would at the beach, and this girl came over and blared her speakers to the point the music sounded terrible. I had to leave.
Every day I meet someone new, talk to someone new - it’s great. I love it. I’ve had one of the lifelong learners sit down and eat lunch with me. I also think it’s wonderful that there’s families on this trip - it must be so cool for those children!

"But there is one priceless thing I brought back from my trip around the world, one that cost no money and on which I paid no customs duty: humility, a humility born from watching other peoples, other races, struggling bravely and hoping humbly for the simplest things in life."   
Félix Martí-Ibáñez, Spanish-born American

Still sailing the ocean blue

Monday, August 31 – Atlantic
20:11 pm
There is not much to report. I enjoy all of my classes (okay... not Global Studies -so far) and professors. One, Dr. Hunt, has already recognized me outside of the classroom. We signed up for more field programs, which I’m very excited about. I’m doing an Operation Hunger service project in Africa, which I’m very excited for, as well as other service projects and fun things. I can’t wait for Spain! Four more days! It’s a bit tough trying to plan things out with your new found friends, especially working around field programs.
So far we’ve passed through four time zones (EDT, AST, GFT, GST), and we’ll be going through another one tonight, and two more before we hit Spain! Yay sleep...
We’re currently going 14 knots and it’s a bit rocky - but we started off this voyage going 19! These swells are huge! I have not seen a whale yet, but some people have claimed to have seen sea turtles and dolphins - but no big deal on the dolphins since I live in Florida.
One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.
  -André Gide

Wednesday, September 2 – Big Blue Ocean
1:14 am
Last night we had a BBQ dinner with a “Mash Up” dance afterward to celebrate the 100th voyage. It was really fun and the outfits were crazy! And dinner was good - I had a cheeseburger and a baked potato! 
Yesterday, I took a tour of the Bridge, and got to wear the captain’s hat and sit in his chair! Apparently, if we ran all four engines we would of gotten to Spain in 4 days - but alas, we have classes. We also learned that the ship uses 56 tons of fuel a day!
I’m a bit worried about one of my classes, because he has assigned a lot of reading - but I think it will all work out in the end. 
Also, the night before last, I had a dream that the voyage was canceled - I was very relieved when I woke up to a big rocking motion of the boat. 
I’ve found a few people to hang out with Cadiz, who are as broke as me! And they’re cool girls that I met the last night in Halifax that I really like! I plan to see flamenco dancers, because Bryent says it’s a must. I’m also going to Seville with SAS on Monday. Other than that, there isn’t much planned! Probably hitting up the coastline one of the days, as well as a club or bar one of the nights!

Still sailing the Atlantic

Sunday, August 30 – Atlantic
0:51 am
Today was tough. We had orientation all day, and some of the speakers... well, let’s just say they should of picked other people or that I’m glad that they won’t be my teachers. SNOOZEFEST! I got to talk to one of my Deans today! How cool is that? Just passing by in the hallway. Also, Jackie and I are part of the Sargasso Sea (they split the ship up into different “seas”) and our color is gray/silver! (The Sargasso Sea is where the Bermuda Triangle is.) Overall, it was a boring day - but I really love this! I love all of it. Classes start today- in 8 1/2 hours! And we lost an hour!

First day on the ship!

Friday, August 28 – Atlantic
22:19 pm
I’M ON A SHIP!
 To begin, I’ll let you know there is FAR too much that has happened for me to write. As you can see from my current location, I am sailing on the ocean blue! And before I go any further about today, I’d like to mention last night!

Some guys from the trip called some clubs in Halifax ahead of time and planned a SAS night at The Dome! It was a blast! We met a bunch of SASers, and drinks were $2.50 - so naturally, I had my first (and second and third) legal drink! People actually recognized me from Facebook - kind of weird, right? Met Minh Vo in person, from Facebook and this really rad chick Vicki (who I’m going to be really good friends with).
Continuing on with today...
I’ll give you a slight run down and highlights:

Getting on the ship was rather easy, the walk to the port kind of sucked with two heavy bags on wheels and a backpack. Within minutes, I made my first friend (on the ship) Ryan! Jackie and I made it to our room around the same time, and unpacked. There’s actually some extra room and the rooms aren’t that small. Lifeboat drill, set sail, etc. Met up with Vicki - and ran into Ryan- and the four of us (Jackie included) hit up the gym! It’s nice working out and glancing out the window at the deep blue sea. Immediately after that we had our first meal on the ship - which was delicious - AND I ate vegetables. Toured the ship, some meeting, set up my email - and now I’m here in my room. During the meeting, our dean referenced “I’m on a boat” and asked T-Pain to come down to the front (joking, but some people thought he was serious). My books, along with Jackie’s, did not make it to our rooms - so, we’ll see how that plays out.

ALSO, we were moved up to the 4th floor, instead of the 2nd - because of... SWINE FLU. They’re leaving the 2nd floor open for anyone who gets Swine Flu and that’s where they will be QUARANTINED. Hopefully, none of us will be a “they”. 

The reality of this trip has come to me in waves. It catches me off guard, and has made me almost want to cry. Most of the time, I just go about my day and don’t think twice about it - and then it hits me... THIS IS MY DREAM, I AM LIVING MY DREAM. Living your dream feels a lot like a dream.
I am very emotional today. Tonight, I think, it will be difficult to sleep. I miss everyone tremendously, and it's definitely starting to sink in. & I just remembered the cards my parents left for me. It's very sweet and made me cry. I'll see you all soon.

Please all email me at bcdavis@semesteratsea.net

more from my travel journal

Continued Wednesday, August 26 - Halifax
4:33 pm
Travis, Jackie and I spent the day exploring Halifax. Kalvin and Tyler-dad would really love this place - a lot of the bars and restaurants have silly names. But Kal should wait until he’s 19, so he can drink legally! I almost bought some flower seeds for mom, but realized that it might be illegal to take back home - sorry! We’re rooming with another SASer, and the four of us are going to get dinner tonight!

Thursday, August 27 – Halifax
4:42 pm
Today is perfect out. The sun is shinning, no clouds in the sky, and it is 70 degrees. A great last day in Halifax! It feels like Florida’s not-summers!

18:35 pm
I switched to a 24 hour time, because that’s what we will be using on the ship. Jackie and I sent out postcards today, and toured the Citadel. We got a lovely tour, and learned a lot! I love how green it is here. We plan on going out to The Dome, a club in Halifax, tonight to meet up with some other Semester at Sea participants! It should be a good time and it’s a free cover! The ship is already docked, and I get to board around 9am TOMORROW! The ship is only about a 10 minute walk from our hostel, too! It hardly feels real, and I can’t believe it’s here already!

From my travel journal

Semester at sea Fall 2009
The 100th voyage!
Tuesday, August 25 – Over Florida
2:42 pm
Currently, Jackie and I are flying over Florida. I have a mixture of feelings. I have butterflies. I’m very excited. And I’m very sad, because I know I will miss everyone back home so much. Bryent, Bridget and my parents saw me off, which was so meaningful to me. My parents wrote me a letter which made me cry. By the end of this day, I will have finally left the country for the first time ever. I can’t believe it’s happening.

Wednesday, August 26 – Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
1:02 am
Jackie and I got into Halifax around eleven, and got to our hostel around 12:15. Along the way we ran into four students going on Semester at Sea - one of which, Travis, was staying at our hostel. Travis, Jackie and I just got back from a local Irish pub, where I was actually legal to drink at - but didn’t and just got a water. I can’t seem to get on the internet, but I’ll figure it out tomorrow. I also can’t seem to get a hold of Bryent and it has me a little worried. The weather tonight has been beautiful! On the way back from the pub I had to wear a jacket! A Jacket in August! By the way, our hostel is actually not bad. It’s very clean, and everyone is pretty much my age that I’ve seen. I’ll see how I feel about it tomorrow, after I have actually slept in the bed and experienced it a bit more. I can’t wait until Friday, when I don’t have to live out of suitcases anymore.

10:20 am
I slept okay last night. Like I said before, the hostel isn’t bad. Jackie and I are planning on exploring today. I’m also considering converting a lot of dollars into foreign money, as well as shopping for shampoo and stuff! I just stopped in to share this video my dad made for Jackie and I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-9nB-NU1i4 I love it. I think it’s great! I also found a bunch of cards in my luggage from my parents. I love them! I miss everyone already. Go figure.

email post test

    There is only 11 short days left until Jackie and I board our flight to Halifax and begin our adventure! There isn't much left for me to do. I just need to pack, and buy a few essential things (I'm going to buy things like shampoo in Halifax, to avoid explosion all over my clothes). I'm finishing up my final week at work on Sunday, and then I'll have a week off to do whatever I want! I'll probably spend this time packing and hanging out with a few friends and one really great boyfriend. 

    Speaking of great boyfriend, we booked our flights to return to Tampa from San Diego on December 16th. We also booked a pretty nice hotel for a good deal in downtown San Diego for a few days! It should be a really nice return trip!

    I'm really excited for this trip! My DREAMS are going to come true! I'm really excited for a week from today when all my friends, my parents and their pals go out to The Castle for my last time! Travis, one of my friends, purchased two white sailor hats (one for me and one for Jackie) and a party pack of 12 neon sailor hats for everyone to wear! I'm also very excited for the Bon Voyage party that my parents put together (Thanks so much mom and Tyler-dad! I appreciate it a lot!) on the 22nd! 

   :D It's so soon. I can taste it!

thirty-four days until I fly out and begin my adventure

I have a stack of books in my room that are taller than my printer. I still need to order one more, and three will be waiting for me in my room on the ship. I signed up for $465 worth of field programs during the presail sale. I'm participating in the field programs that are necessary for my classes, as well as some service projects and a safari in Africa. I'm really excited for the welcome reception in India and Hiroshima in Japan. I've also decided to join a few other Semester at Sea-ers and take a independent trip through China, in which we get to sleep on The Great Wall of China! Thank you Ashley for putting that together for us! I got my vaccination, and my malaria pills. Basically, all I need to do now is wait patiently, buy a few essential items, and pack!

Jackie and I are having a Bon Voyage party at my house on August 22 (a Saturday). It should be a really good time. I hope a lot of our friends and family show up, because it will be a few months until we see them all again. We are also planning to go to The Castle (a club in Ybor) the Thursday before that (August 20). Then, Jackie and I will have two days to pack, prepare, and rest until we get into our plane on August 25th and spend all day flying to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Jackie and I found a hostel for all three nights for $68 a piece! I heard of a "party" that a club is hosting in Halifax for our departure on the 27th! That should be a really awesome way to meet some of the fellow students!

I'm very excited for this voyage! I have put a lot of time, money and energy into this trip. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

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Classes

I signed up for classes this morning. My schedule looks as follows:

00002 SEMS 1010-2 3 GLOBAL STUDIES (A DAY) WINCHESTER A 0920 - 1035
00051 SEMS 2559-10 3 THE WEST AND THE WORLD HUNT B 0800 - 0915
00053 SEMS 3559-6 3 DIASPORA: THE EFFECTS OF IMMIGRATION ON WORLD HISTORY HUNT A 1215 - 1330
00078 SOC 2559-2 3 DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL KOVACH B 1455 - 1610

If anyone is interested in learning about the classes, the course listing is here. I missed out on getting Religious Freedom class! I really wanted it, but oh well!

I still have a lot of planning to do!

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Email posting?

I just logged on to this blog and saw that we can now post from email. Since SAS is hooking us up with a free email account, it looks like I'll be updating a lot more while on my voyage! Excited? I know I am!

I sent out my applications for fin aid yesterday. I get the results back May 9th. Payment is due May 25th.

And Jackie and I just booked our flights to Halifax. We got the tickets for $229 a piece! We're going to leave August 25th, that way we can scope out Halifax before we set sail!

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Changes to the itinerary

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 28 August - Departure
Cadiz, Spain 05 September - 08 September
Casablanca, Morocco 10 September - 14 September
Accra, Ghana 22 September - 25 September
Cape Town, South Africa 03 October - 08 October
Port Louis, Mauritius 15 October - 17 October
Chennai, India 23 October - 27 October
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 03 November - 08 November
Hong Kong / Shanghai, China 11 November - 16 November
Kobe / Yokohama, Japan 20 November - 24 November
Honolulu / Hilo, Hawaii, USA 04 December - 07 December
San Diego, California, USA Arrive 14 December - Arrival
(new ports are bolded)

I'm upset about losing Egypt. I'm not sure how I feel about being on the ship for my 21st. I guess it would be safer that way, and it will still be a memorable experience. I'm upset about losing Croatia. I wanted to dive there! I am very excited to be on the first voyage to go to Ghana. I'm incredibly stoked to go to Africa! Spain just sounds expensive. I'm VERY VERY happy to be crossing the equator, because now we will have a Neptunes day! We will actually be crossing it twice, so I wonder how that will go. I'm happy that there's a week added, but the cost didn't go up!

Also, I was confirmed to $26,500 room to start - and I was downgraded (along with Jackie) to a Deck 2 Inside, which is a $22,000 room! Yay, for saving money! All applications for financial aid are due on the 17th, and I'm hoping for any kind of aid. It'd would be incredible if they would be like, "hey, you're broke, come on for free." - but I just don't see that happening. :D

Packing List

1. Underwater disposable camera (2 count), for diving.
2. Griptex Wonderliner to keep laptops and other valuables secure on ship.
3. My Cannon Rebel XSi with two memory cards to document my trip.
4. My external hard drive to save my pictures.
5. My laptop, because.
6. Class supplies (pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, highlighters, note cards, sharpies, books, etc.)
7. My Nikon Coolpix S6 to have on me at all times - to take video, and pictures when the Cannon Rebel is not present.
8. Clothing of all types for all occasions. Especially, bathing suit(s), t-shirts, jeans, coat, scarfs. (Rain gear, sunglasses, watch, dresses)
9. My Sanuks for walking around the ship. 
10. Sneakers for hiking.
11. Sandals for laziness.
12. Heels for special occasions.
13. Large towel, because sas towels aren't allowed out of the rooms.
14. Toiletries (deo, shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste, shaving creme, razors, q tips, tampons, face wash, tooth brush, nail clippers, hair brush, little tissue packs, etc.)
15. A small blanket for cold nights.
16. Laundry detergent for cleaning my clothes. 
17. Neosporin, band aids, Aquaphor, sun screen (45+ SPF stick, and 20 SPF lotion), sea sickness medication, bug spray with deet, etc.
18. Alarm clock for waking me and my roomie up!
19. Backpack for carrying things while at port.
20. Magnets for hanging things on the wall.
21. Money! Lots and lots of money!
22. Snacks for snacking!
23. My iPod, for iPod uses. 

More to come...