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.