BRAZIL!!

BRAZIL!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

We arrived in Manaus Brazil at 8:00am. WAHOOO BRAZIL!!! Manaus is the capitol of the state of Amazonas. I packed my eyewitness travel guide, put on some bug spray, and hit the streets to do some exploring before our midnight flight to Rio de Janeiro. Our group entered the market and our senses were immediately overwhelmed! So many smells and so many things to see. I led our group (with the help of the map included in my handy guide book) straight for the Manaus opera house. The Teatro Amazonas was built at the end of the 19^th century and is clearly the centerpiece and most prized landmark in the city of Manaus. The impressive cupola which sits on top has 36,000 colorful ceramic tiles! We arrived just in time to be ushered inside for what we thought was a tour but ended up being an orchestra performance! What a treat!! After the opera house we entered the market to grab some lunch. The rest of my group decided quickly upon a sandwich stand. I, being a large food connoisseur took my time deciding and ventured throughout the market investigating my options. Lots and Lots of meat- some identifiable, some not. Eggs are also a popular dish. All of it smelled great! Of course, I ended up back at the sandwich stand and ate a delicious sandwich with egg, plantain, ham, and an unidentifiable tarty orange substance that looked similar to carrots. Excellent. I then lost my group of friends somehow and wandered around until I found another group of SAS students and joined up with them for the rest of the afternoon! We quickly discovered that most stores are closed on Sundays. My friend Paula and I found a trampoline in the middle of the street and took the liberty to jump around for a bit. We walked around for a few more hours and after passing the opera house another 7 times it began to lose its wow effect and we ventured back to the ship After showering and packing for our midnight flight to Rio that we had later the same day, some friends and I hopped in a cap to the Hotel Tropical for our friend Josh’s birthday. The Hotel Tropical was about 25 minutes away and the cab driver drove like a maniac. Glad to be alive. Everyone finds it funny that I get so nervous in cabs. Maybe it is because of my bad accident record? I dk? Highlight of my day was when Liz dared our friend Serena to ask the performer at the hotel if she could sing for the lobby. Without a second thought, Serena (the bomb.com), marched up to the performer and sang the most beautiful version of “More Than Words.” True story. We have it on video.  Anywho, Liz and I were not able to stay long because of our flight and headed back to the boat after some food, singing, and socializing. Manaus was great, but I was happy to only have one day there. Judging from the fact that my guidebook devoted 2 full pages out of 3 total to the opera house… there probably wasn’t much else to see. WE WERE PUMPED FOR RIO!!!!

We departed for the Manaus International Airport at 11:40pm and our flight departed at 1:40am. Flying over night is probably not one of my favorite things in the world. Thankfully for me I received a window seat and was able to catch a few zzz’z. After only being on the plane for an hour they passed out our snack. I’m not sure why they woke us up in the middle of the night to pass it out to us… but they did…. And it was delish! Some sort of cracker toast with cream cheese and jelly and a chocolate chip cookie. J I had two snack packets. I don’t know why- I wasn’t even hungry- like I said it was the middle of the night. BUTTTT I did. Sorry for partying. I then ventured back to the lavatory where I noticed that poor Liz had drawn the short straw and was sitting in the middle seat in between two men whom she defiantly didn’t know. Not the most ideal sleeping situation. I felt bad, but I chuckled. Probably because I was tired. Hehe

Monday, January 24, 2011 

After a predominantly sleepless night aboard flight #3543, service to Rio de Janeiro we arrived safely! We met our tour guide for the next few days, Rodrigo, and it was time to start the day! Rodrigo was a likeable man with a cheerful smile and a large large belly. He took us straight to Copacabana beach (“at the Copa.. Copacabana”…insert music note) where we enjoyed a 5 course breakfast at a Nescafe Kiosk. We all basically ate in silence. Partly because we were tired, but mostly because we could not believe we were there!!! Sitting on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro eating 16 pieces of bread which fresh fruit and cheese and orange juice.  After breakfast, Rodrigo told us that he would be happy to take us on a bike hour of the Copacabana beach and surrounding beaches. Though I was dressed to sleep on a cold airplane, I hiked up my Nike pants into make shift cycling gear and followed Rodrigo to get the bikes. It was quite a sight… Large Rodrigo in his jean shorts at the lead and the rest of us (clearly tourists who were not dressed for 95 degree weather) trailing along behind him trying not to fall off our bikes. We biked all the way along the Copacabana until we reached its neighboring beach Ipanema (“the girl from Ipanema goes walking”… insert music note again). My pictures cannot do justice the beauty of both of these beaches and the surrounding mountains!!! They were incredible!!!!! Breathtaking.  AWESOME!!!! And so so colorful! The beaches are filled with so many colors! Red umbrellas, gold bathing suits (with sparkles), white sand, blue water, yellow bikes, lime green kiosks, people of every shape and size, purple people eaters (ok joking), but really, I love the colors of this place.

After the biking, Liz and I checked into our hotel which was walking distance to the beach (pinch me) and then set off the find some lunch. Not that we were particularly hungry but I am not one to skip meals. We ventured to a small store where the sandwiches of the other customers looked delectable. After speaking in English for 10 minutes about the sandwich that the man at the counter was eating, We then attempted to order the sandwich in Portuguese. Fail. The man at the counter then turns around and asks us in perfect English “Would you like some help?” He had just sat there watching us act like idiots for 10 minutes. Cool. HA. I guess we gave him a good laugh. After another WONDERFUL sandwich we went to purchase some sunscreen. We hadn’t packed it in our luggage for fear that the airport security would take it. Which is funny because the airport people barely looked at our bags and I made it through with a huge bottle of water. Anyways, purchasing sunscreen was a must because I looked like Sebastian after the morning bike ride. (catch the little mermaid reference SK)

For the rest of the afternoon we took a jeep ride to tour a favela. There are many many favelas in Rio de Janeiro as they are Rio’s main areas of poor housing. There are more than 1,200 favelas in Rio! Many favelas are unsafe and it is advisable not to visit them unless part of a guided tour. Our group visited the Santa Marta favela- one of the most famous favelas in Rio (with a guided tour). Santa Marta was the first favela to be pacified and has been relatively peaceful for about 2 years now. Our tour guide took us through the entire favela in which 800 people lived. We learned that Michael Jackson recorded his music video “They don’t care about us” in the favela and also did a lot to improve the conditions of Santa Marta. There is a mosaic in the center of the favela with his picture on it and his signature is one on one of the walls. The poverty in the Santa Marta favela was really terrible. I can’t imagine what the other, less improved favelas look like. At first I felt uncomfortable walking through the favela because I felt like we were intruding on the daily lives of the community members, but the tour guide assured us that they were proud with the improvements in the community compared to other favelas and wanted to show it off. All the same, I wish we could have participated in a service project or done something to give back to the community. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see the favela communities. The poverty in the favelas is severe and a large percentage of the country lives in them. They are placed up high on hills and so resources are limited. 15-20 people may live in a single shack and there is a lack of clean water is most places. Lack of clean water. That is something that has been a reoccurring theme on this voyage. People actually die from lack of clean water. It is something so simple that I take so much for granted every day. I am thankful for clean water. 

We left the favelas and traveled back down to the city of Rio.

That night most of our group ate at real life Brazilian steak house!!! They are called churrascaria rodizios. I have actually never been so full in my entire life. They had a buffet filled with sushi and every kind of cheese imaginable and ever 5 minutes they brought a large piece of meat in front of you and sliced off a section onto your plate. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!!!!! We couldn’t stop eating and eating and eating. For dessert I had to most wonderful brownie with ice cream and chocolate fudge topping. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. We walked around a bit after dinner to try and ease the pain in our stomach, but quickly learned that we were in the red light district and headed back to the hotel to avoid a yikes moment.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

We woke up early and ate a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing for our trek up Sugar Loaf Mountain. Our guide kept talking about the frenches the whole way over (“the frenches came over” and “the frenches said this”) I finally realized he was talking about the French. OH Rodrigo. He is so precious to us. Back to Sugar Loaf. The mountain is actually two parts- we hiked up Morro do Urca the first part, and then rode a cable car up the Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf). Sugar Loaf Mountain rises 1,300 ft above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful mountain. The hike was actually fairly steep- I hope I worked off some of the 10 lbs I gained in meat the night before. We stopped for a break and then waited for the cable car to take us the rest of the way. I thought of Mom when I saw the cable car and how much she would enjoy it. (hehe, more like enjoy putting dents in the rails from holding on so tight). At the summit you can see 360 degrees around and all of Rio de Janeiro. It was absolutely incredible. Once again, pictures cannot describe the things I have seen. The landscape here is beautiful!!! From the top of Sugar Loaf we could see the Christ the Redeemer statue sitting atop Corcavado. We could see panoramic views of Copacabana and Ipanema. It was an awesome experience. I sat down on a bench and took a deep breath- not wanting to forget anything.

On the way back from the trek (as our tour guide referred to it. not hike, trek) we had the bus drop us off at the mall and I picked up a few gifts (get excited Bradley!) and ate some lunch.

After lunch, we attended a Rio Maracatu percussion class. (google it) I had NO idea I was so talented on the drums. Hehe J ALSO, I had no idea you had to be so fit to hold one of those bad boy drums. Whew. My arms were killing me. It was so much fun though because I felt like I was Nick Cannon on drum line. Each different instrument played a different beat and then we put them all together. The instructors kept complimenting us. I thought it sounded terrible when we played together, so either my ear for music really is that bad, or they felt bad for us and tried to make us feel good.  Either way it was an absolutely blast and my arms were killing me from holding the heavy drums! I hope they ask me to come back and play in the famous Rio Carnaval—that would be awesome.

We headed back to the hotel and showered up before dinner. After dinner, our tour guide took us to a samba club! Samba is a large part of the culture in Brazil and I was really excited to learn the dance J. We went to a place called Rio Scenarium which was actually listed in my eyewitness guide as one of the best places to go! exciting! The band was incredible and I learned to Samba with one of the waiters who was wearing a floor length black apron. It was spectacular! Just liked the movies. Ha. I picked up the moves and didn’t stop dancing the whole night! What a work out and what a blast!!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

I was a tad tired this morning after our extremely active previous day, but I didn’t care. After all, I am visiting the coolest place in the world. In the morning we visited Morro do Corcovado and Christo Redentor! Christ the Redeemer statue! Brazil’s most recognized landmark and one of the 7 modern wonders of the world!! We took a train to the top of the Corcovado mountain (named Corcovado- or hunchback- because of its shape.) The size of the statue itself is massive. It towers 98 ft, and the head alone weights 30 tons. It is HUGEEEEE. Seeing it in person is un-real. I have seen pictures of it, but they don’t do it justice. The size of it alone is insane. The statue is so wonderful. I love how it is placed so high up on a mountain in the center of the city so you can see if from so many places within the city of Rio. It is always there, always embracing the city with open arms.

 After the statue we traveled to Praia Prinha beach. (Literally means little beach). It is one of the most preserved beaches in Rio and is famous for its surfing.

A few observations about the beaches of Brazil…. Men- it doesn’t matter what you look like, you wear a Speedo. Women- It doesn’t matter what you look like or how many children you have had, you wear a thong bikini. Unfortunately, I left my thong bikini at home and had to settle for just your average two-piece. We heard from a Brazilian man that they call our bathing suits (my average bikini) a parachute because it is so conservative. Hilarious. So I wore my average parachute and soaked up the beautiful rays and the incredible culture of Brazil. The beach is so important to Cariocas (residents of Rio). It is where they hang out, all day every day. They meet people at the beach, they exercise at the beach, they eat at the beach, they drink at the beach. The beach is so central to life in Rio de Janiero. I love love love it.   

After the beach Liz and I went to find some chocolate (of course) and then showered for our last dinner in Rio. L I was so sad to leave. We then tried the Internet café where of course my headphones and microphone wouldn’t work… it was defiantly the most disappointing movement of the trip. I had been looking forward to talking with my family and THE COMPUTER WOULDN’T WORK! I was so sad that Liz and I walked around to find cake. We discovered the most delectable bakery everrrr. It is probably a good thing we didn’t discover it earlier in the trip. I took way too many pictures at the bakery. Not as many as the Christ the Redeemer statue, but close. I purchased a phone card and was able to talk to the fam for a little bit! J

Our flight left at 3:30am the next morning (or that same night, however you look at it). So after 15 minutes of sleep, we drove to the airport and boarded the plane! You would think that we took off next… but we didn’t The plane was broken (comforting) and so we sat in the broken plane with no air conditioning for 2 hours before they told us to get off the plane. After we got off, the told us to get back on the exact same plane (again, comforting) and we took off. Mid way through about a 4 hour flight, the man in front of me begins to have a seizure. No one seems to notice and so I stand up and begin yelling for help. It was so frightening! Liz says she woke up to me yelling across the entire plane. “IS THERE A DOCTOR ON BOARD!? THIS MAN IS HAVING A SEIZURE. SIR, STAY CALM. SIR, ARE YOU ALRIGHT!!! SIR SIR” Thankfully, a doctor was on the plane and came to help, but it was such a frightening moment! Looking back, I guess no one came to help at first because I was yelling in a language they didn’t understand. They were probably thinking- who is this crazy girl trying to grab this man in the middle of the aisle. Whew- An eventful flight to say the least!

We arrived back on board the ship in Manaus exhausted!!!

I loved Rio de Janeiro. Rio is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. The scenery is incredible- dramatic mountains border beautiful beaches. The people are absolutely wonderful, they are so proud of their culture and their city, and they should be. I am very thankful to have experienced the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and the country of Brazil!

I am happy to be back “home” safe aboard the boat, but sad to have completed my Rio trip. It is crazy how fast time is already flying. I want it to slow down so I don’t miss a moment of it. We now have a long long swim across the Atlantic Ocean to Ghana. I will be doing nothing for the next 9 days but school and reading my guide books. J Advice to future travelers- get the Eye Witness travel books. They are the bomb. That being said- I am about to be lonely for 9 days. So e-mail please cewilliams@semesteratsea.net. It is much appreciated!!! KK THANKS!

Also, I am so sorry there are not pictures on the blog… they limit our Internet time so much and there is not enough service to post pictures on the boat. Hopefully, I will get to an Internet café in Ghana and be able to post pictures. I know the blog is boring without them! So sorry!

Love,

Carter

From the desk of Clam

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Today was our first day back at sea and it was rough. Last night we came across a storm and the boat was literally projecting us from our beds. Luckily for me, I did not have an early class and was able to sleep in a little bit. I hit the top deck for a bit and then headed to world religion where we began to discuss the Rastafarian religion. Interesting stuff. No one was feeling very well yesterday because of the waves and so we took it easy for the rest of the night.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Global Studies today. WOW. Our speaker was a professor here on the boat that spoke on the sex slave trade in Nepal. Nepal is a country that is bordered by China to the north and India to the south. Being landlocked, the country of the Nepal has no natural resources of their own. It is one of the few countries in which the life expectancy for men is greater than women. This is because of the high maternal mortality rate in Nepal. Not as many as ten years ago there were only 6 female physicians for all 30 million people of Nepal. It is one of the bottom 10 nations in the world. Napal is a country that still operates under a caste system. Still in 2011. The lowest caste is referred to as the untouchables. After 3^rd grade children must pay to attend public school. It cost a mere $50 to send a child to school for one year, yet the lowest caste cannot afford to send their daughters to school and are often forced to sell the young girls as sex slaves. 12-year-old girls are sent to Mumbai as sex slaves where they live for the rest of their lives working as sex slaves until they become too sick. Our professor told us that it is a common belief among the HIV-infected men of Mumbai that they can be cured of their AIDS if they sleep with a virgin. This is the most disgusting horrible and scary thing I have ever heard. It makes me sick to my stomach. Every YEAR 12,000 girls are sold in slavery because they cannot afford to pay $50 a year for an education that will literally save their lives. Our professor learned of what was going on and acted. He started by donating $50 to save a girl named Inu from slavery. He has returned to Nepali every year to make sure she is safe. His organization called Empower Nepali Girls is changing the lives of the girls in the remote villages of Nepali. He has developed relationships with the people of Nepali and he has acted where there was a need and he has made a difference. It is incredible. www.empowerneapligirls.org.

In America we really have NO idea what it is like to be oppressed. We have real freedom. Women have freedom. I never once question my safety in the 3^rd grade. When I was in the 3^rd grade I was swimming on the swim team and reading every book I could get my hands on. I dreamed of being a doctor. I am so thankful to live in America. I don’t appreciate it enough. We must never forget to blessings and the opportunities that we have been given. We also must take the blessings and opportunities that we are given and do something to help others. I will not let my life be a waste. I am far too blessed.   

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Tonight around 10:30pm we entered the mouth of the amazon river! The largest river of the worldddddd.

 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

We have been traveling down the Amazon River for a few days now! The Amazon is the largest fresh water river in the world. It is 6700km long and every day 1.5 trillion gallons of freshwater are pumped into the ocean. We entered at the mouth of the Amazon near a city named Macapa. We are right at the equator (actually just crossed it) and so it is real steamy! Tomorrow we will land in Manaus! I am looking forward to getting off the boat again to explore another country. After one day in Manaus I will fly to Rio de Janeiro where I will spend a few days before returning to the port of Manaus. J YAY! Other than preparing for Brazil, I have just been going to classes and meeting more and more new people. There sure are lots of people on the boat. I have taken up the habit of using mnemonic devices to remember people’s names. It has worked fairly well! I just returned form my sea captains meeting (I am captain for my sea- the Mediterranean Sea) during which we began to plan the sea Olympics. My group planned the opening ceremony. It is going to be awesome!  The Mediterranean Sea’s color is green. Go big green. If yall could please wear green on February 3^rd  (the day of Sea Olympics) in support of my team that would be awesome. K thanks.  

Dominica

DOMINICA!  January 16-17, 2011

We arrived at our first port, Roseau Dominica, on Sunday morning. Everyone aboard the ship was SO excited to get off. With no prior trips planned, Liz, Joellen, Devin and I grabbed breakfast aboard the boat and hopped of to see where the wind would take is. HA. Luckily for us we ran into some of our guy friends who were negotiating for a taxi and hoped in with a local named Shalom for a tour of the island. Shalom also gave us his card which reads- “Taxi service, group tours, hiking tours, dominica national boxing coach, and personal trainer.” Hilarious. We soon became great buds with Shalom. He was so great to all of us! He and his partner named Shy Guy, yes Shy Guy, took us to all the best sports in Dominica. Our first stop- Ti Tou gorge! According to Shalom, Johnny Depp swam in the Ti Tou gorge while filming Pirates of the Caribbean. Sweet. We jumped into the brisk water and swam in between very frightening rocks to get to a waterfall in the middle of a cave. It was incredible. INCREDIBLE! After the gorge, we went to the Trafalgar twin falls. The mother and father falls sit next to each other and one is hot and one is cold. They were so beautiful and we were able to hike so close to them. We took tons of pictures and some of the group took a swim in the pool beneath the mother fall. Shalom then took us to visit his home! Don’t worry dad- we had 10 guys with us. J He told us so many facts about his beautiful country. For example, Dominica is the only Caribbean island that does not have tourism as its number one industry. Agriculture is the number one industry in Dominica. The people of Dominica are also very healthy. They have more centurions (people over the age of 100) than any other country in the world! The second oldest person in the world was from Dominica and just died last year at 128 years old. Our guides were so incredibly hospitable to us- they really went over and beyond their duty to make sure we enjoyed their beautiful country! We headed back to the ship to shower up and eat a quick bite before meeting our new friends Shalom and Shy Guy at their favorite hang out spot- the crazy coconut. It let me tell you—it was crayyyyzeeee. Lots of strobe lights and the like. HA. It appeared as if our entire ship was there. I broke out some of my dance moves and we headed back to the ship. J The next day we walked around the town of Roseau shopping for post cards and such. We stopped at an Internet café where we took a quick look at our e-mail and I attempted to skype. We purchased the most delicious smoothie I have ever had from a vender on the side of the road. Fresh papaya, pineapple, and banana in fruit bunch juice. SO SO GOOD! I inhaled the smoothie so fast that I got a brain freeze and the vendor started laughing at me. Shalom met us at the dock to wish us well on the rest of our voyage- he was on his way to train for boxing. Shout out to the fam- I miss yall!!!! And also, I will never stop saying yall no matter how much people make fun of me for it on the ship. I mean really though- “you guys” is much more lame than “yall.”  We had to be back on the ship by 6pm and apparently you get dock-time if you are late. Dock-time is something similar to time-out. You have to wait on the boat in the next port for a few hours depending on how late you are back to the boat. That being said no one was trying to be late getting back on the ship and so we all headed back around 4pm and lounged at the pool the rest of the day. REALLY!!!! AM I SERIOUSLY HERE!!! PINCH ME ! OK THANKS!!! YEP I AM HEREEEE!!!! J Saw another rainbow and gallivanted around with the other SASers  by the pool as we celebrated an INCREDIBLE experience in the country of Dominica. Dominica really is awesome. It is not your typical Caribbean island. It is filled with so many beautiful sights – J it is called the adventure island and I now know why. The people are so genuine and hospitable. I LOVED Dominica and love this beautiful blue boat for taking me there. I love the people who I have gotten to share it with. Semester at Sea is off to a delightful start and I know it is only going to get better!! The boat is rocking again. Rocking rocking rocking. It is actually pretty violent- the rocking. I always run into people trying to climb the stairs- literally run into them. I guess it makes for an easy way to meet people! I don’t mind it. It is actually pretty funny and I like to think I am getting a work out trying to stay standing up on my two feet. Once again, I LOVE THIS BOAT. OK. I am going to do a little reading for my classes tomorrow. But just a little, I don’t want to be too studious ya know. The classes are great though! Have I mentioned that? Probs. But they really are. OK. Going now for real! Thanks for listening and I LOVE YOU ALL!

XOXO,

Car

Ship Lyfe

Ship Lyfe-

GREETINGS FROM THE OCEAN

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Today was the day. THE DAY. The day I have been anticipating for over a year now. Today, I boarded the MV explorer to begin my journey around the world. 

We checked out of our hotel in the Bahamas this morning and headed to the port where we waited in line to get onto the boat. I was sad that I didn’t have more time to say goodbye to my parents because they were ushering us through security so fast L … but all the same I am really glad they came with me to the Bahamas. It was so nice to spend some time with them before I left. Back to the line… I made it through the security checkpoint with both my curling iron and pepper spray (prohibited items on the ship). Success. You just never know when you are going to need to pull out the pepper pray. These days… haha anywho, As soon as Liz and I saw the boat we both started screaming and hugging each other like crazy people. The boat is INCREDIBLE. Words can’t even describe how nice it is on the inside. It actually isn’t even real life.   After filling out some quick paperwork Liz and I found our room. (Room 3018). A tad tiny, but SO CLEAN. Which is something that I really appreciate. It is nice to look in the shower and think, hey, I could probably accidently touch the shower curtain and not come away with an infection. After unpacking, we both showered and then headed out to the deck to watch the boat depart at 8:00pm. We found some people that we met earlier in the day and stood on the boat deck waving to all of the parents down below. It was so much fun. The boat tooted its horn and we were off!!! Of course I took both a video and a few pictures. I think something that I wasn’t prepared for was how much the boat actually rocks. I mean I knew I was getting on a boat and we were traveling across many seas, but this boat REALLY moves. I felt a little green at first. Walking is appearing to be quite a challenge I hope I get used to it.

Green-faced but SO happy,

Car

Thursday, January 13, 2011

We met with our discussion groups to “discuss” three cups of tea. Remember? The required reading. Well, apparently I am the only person in my group who read it. good for me.

The diversity on this ship is incredible. One of my favorite people so far is an Indian girl from London. AWESOME. And today I set next to someone from Singapore. I picked up a few swell food tips from her before we began our longggg day of orientation.

I knew I wasn’t in Clemson anymore when the dean introduced us to her partner.

Orientation consisted of everything from “if you fall overboard- we will send you home because it costs a lot of money to turn the boat around the come get you” to “if you would like to discuss your sexuality please know there is someone here for you.”

After hours and hours and hours and more hours of “PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING STUPID”, I needed a serious work out. I headed up to the fitness area on the 6^th floor and jumped on a treadmill. I immediately discovered that it requires intense focus to run on a treadmill while on board a moving vehicle. I had to keep a hand handy in order to grab the safety bar in front of me for especially large waves. After running, I ventured out to the top deck to grab some fresh air. The sun was about to set and to the right of the boat was the most beautiful double rainbow! I actually almost cried and now know how the guy on youtube felt when he saw his first double rainbow. I had my camera with me and so I caught a picture of it! I will post it as soon as I have enough service to.

Later this evening, we attended an activity fair with different opportunities to get involved around the ship. I signed up for a family. J They pair you with some of the professors and their families and they serve as your mock family for the voyage! (I heard they give you free food. Fingers crossed)

I also discovered that they offer snack! Though the food is pretty good one thing this ship lacks is dessert. And if you know me- I must finish a meal with a little something sweet. J Probs because I am so sweet myself…. Anyways snack offered a selection of treats including one of my favorites—pecan pie!! I ate it in one gulp.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Today we began classes. On the ship we have A and B days with classes 7 days a week while at sea and none at port. Today was an A day and I only had 1 class, World Religion, at 2:55pm. Therefore I spent a lovely day on the top deck of the boat catching some rays and socializing with my ship community. It is a difficult life I live out here at sea… but someone must do it I guess. In all reality, I still cannot believe I am here! I am so thankful for this incredible experience. Everyone on the ship- students, faculty, staff, and even the ship captain are incredible. My World Religion professor, John Copenhaver, was incredibly delightful. Our classroom was located in the front of the ship and the boat was rocking so much I felt as if I could possibly leave my chair. Back to what I mentioned in an earlier entry… the diversity on the ship really is incredible. My Indian friend from London walks around the ship with a cup of tea in her hand at all times and brightens my mood with her cheerful British accent. I spoke this evening with two boys who are here from Saudi Arabia. They have an 18 hour flight to get home from school! I also met the sign language translator that I noticed signing in the front of the room during orientation. She is only 23 years old, knows 5 languages, and is on the voyage translating for her best friend who is deaf. I have already learned so much from the fascinating students who surround me. I am looking forward to developing relationships with and learning from the professors and Life long learners as well.

 The entire ship is divided into “seas.” (ex- Arabian sea, Baltic sea, ect,) My floor is apart of the Mediterranean Sea and we have sea meeting every so often to stay in touch with general housekeeping rules. We also participate in the famous Semester at Sea SEA OLYMPICS!! Something I am looking forward to very much. When asked for volunteers to help plan the sea Olympics for the ship I gladly volunteered. J I hope my sea can wear its colors proud (green) and bring home the gold in the sea Olympics! Ha. We will see. I gave an acceptance speech for my position as Olympics volunteer and I could just feel the spirit of the Mediterranean sea in the air. I do hope win can pull out a W.

Well I better get to bed, B day is tomorrow and I have 3 classes starting at 8am. Unfortunately the mystical land of semester at sea includes 8 o’clock classes. Probs not my favorite, but I will survive considering I AM ON THE GREATEST ADVENTURE OF MY LIFE!

Thanks for listening,

Car

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Today I had the rest of my classes. I began at 8am with psychology and then went to global studies at 9:20am. After global studies, I was in need of a work out. After noticing that the fitness center was packed I had no other choice but to attempt my Jullian Micahels workout video in my room. Hilarious. I actually was able to do most of it, which was great!! Got a quick work out in and then hit the top deck of course! GLORIOUS DAY on the Caribbean today. Nothing better. I ate dinner with some friends on the top deck where we watched the sun set over the ocean. It actually almost brings tears to my eyes thinking about how beautiful it was. It is something that I don’t ever want to forget. The world is beautiful and it is amazing that God created something like the sunset for us to enjoy. I look at it and I see him. Powerful, Beautiful and just Perfect.

1st stop! Bahamas

Greeting fellow bloggers!

We have arrived in the Bahamas! After waiting an hour in customs, Mom, Dad, and I arrived on Sunday afternoon in order to miss the snowstorms arriving in South Carolina and I am glad we did! I have been able to catch a few days of sun. J

No major cultural experiences to report other than the casino clientele here at the resort. ALSO, Who knew I was such a fabulous Blackjack player? Last night Brad was kind enough to donate a few dollars to the cause and I won $20!! I played against a computerized black jack dealer who was rather endowed and invited customers to join her table by fluttering her eyelashes.

There are lots of SASers hanging around the hotel. I have been able to easily identify them because everyone is frantically reading 3 cups of tea trying to finish before boarding. I finished my last chapter this afternoon. Overall I really enjoyed the book and found it both inspiring and appropriate for the coming voyage. I have met a few students already. Everyone seems really ready to get on the boat!

The MV explorer is scheduled to depart from Nassau tomorrow morning. Being a Williams, I am one of the last to board. I am PUMPED. Yesterday, Sharon, Brad and I ventured into town to see the ship. Seeing the ship for the first time was so exciting! It seemed so much larger in person. We convinced one of the port workers to let us sneak through the gate so that I could take my first picture with the boat! 

My home for the next 104 days. 

I'll do my best to keep yall updated! :)

xoxo,

Carter