One World.

Whirland wind of 3 days...

2007-05-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

So, we are completing our third day in Europe and it already seems as though we've been here 3 months. We had slept a grand total of about 7 hours in the last three days. Talk about some jet lag. We just couldn't catch a break, until now. We arrived in Poland this morning around 6:30, and after some wandering around and bagels, we were able to find a really nice hostel that would let us leave our luggage use the internet for free. Luckily were were able to get our beds early and then planning to get up in two hours and go to auschwitz, we all ended up sleeping our best 7 hours of our life. So now its 5pm here and Im not quiet sure what were will be doing tonite... k, well the battery is dying, so gotta go.

Closer with every passing moment...

2007-05-08T19:28:00.000-04:00

So Ash, Kayla and I were able to nail down some plans via phone until my cell died, then email. We purchased tickets on the May 23 to Salzburg where were are going to "start" our journey, and we were also able to snag tickets from Madrid to Casablanca, Morroco on June 22. We will finally return to london on the 26 from Fez, Morroco. I am definately super excited to go to Morroco. I have been to Africa before, but there is something about Morroco that seems so different. I am interested in witnessing the Islamic culture. I have never been to a country where Islam is dominate.

wiping off the dust....

2007-04-29T17:02:00.000-04:00

Alright well I am gearing up to travel again, so I thought I would dust off the blog and use it once more. I will be completing my last leg on my world tour (sounds weird but I guess its true... after this summer the only continents I will not have been to will be Antarctica and Australia--- but I am sure I can knock those ones down with time). EUROPE. seems odd that I have not been there yet. I obviously am very excited to go but am not looking forward to being very broke when I return :-( But that is what credit cards are for ;-)

So here's the game plan: my little sister,Kayla, and my best friend, Ashley, will be boarding a plane in Chicago on May 21st and fly nonstop to London. On June 28th will do the same but in opposite order. What happens in between is any one's guess, but all the adventure.

2006-04-28T18:10:00.000-04:00

All the decorations are off the wall: the birthday card, Valentines, and Easter cards mostly from my loving sister, aunt, Daun, and grandma (nothing from my parents or boyfriend… hmm….). The world map with all of the destinations and progress is gone. No more photos. It is a very eerie feeling to walk into my small dungeon of a room, suitcases everywhere and nothing on the walls. It is sad to say the least.

I was trying to organize some video picks and photos on my overloaded computer when I came across an email that I had saved but never read from my sister. She was talking about graduating from high school and said “I am trying not to cry that it is over but smiled that it happened.” And that is exactly how I feel right now. I am not sad to be leaving but I am very glad that I came on this trip. I know that the things that I learned and experienced for the past 98 days would have far surpassed anything I could have done at home.

When I hear people talk about how sad they are, that’s when I get sad… but for the most part I am not. I am content that I spent the last 98 days circumference the globe. All good things must come to end and the end is almost here. And I am a better person for it.

Thanks for everyone who emailed me and encouraged me to keep writing my blog… it was the only way that I kept at it and used my precious internet minutes to do it! I hope that everyone enjoyed it. Feel free to leave more comments and make my day. I will try to update my blog again when I get off the ship and back home.

2006-04-25T03:09:00.000-04:00

I forgot this picture of the Japanese baseball game I went to.. of course the weather has was less then sastifactory

2006-04-25T03:05:00.000-04:00

Cheers to a great semester, finals, and getting off the boat!

So its been awhile....

2006-04-25T03:03:00.001-04:00

Here is what has been happening since Japan. Once Jesse and I spilt an $80 Kobe steak (which was absolutely phenomenal) we headed to the grocery store to stock up on edible food correctly foreseeing that the ship food would go from bad to absolutely disgusting on our two week ride home.
Once on the ship I tried not to think about the two weeks that layed ahead. I had three 10-page papers and five 2-page papers to write within 3 days so I was kept very busy. Besides that I had the global studies exam and another final on the last day of regular class. Unfortunately, I did really bad on both. I don’t know what happened with the GS exam but the theater exam was absolutely ridiculous and I am kicking myself that I didn’t drop the class. I have never ever experienced had so a poor teacher in my life. She is a very talented actor/director but cannot teach to save her life….and her tests are even worse. It was a very frustrating class but I am sure I passed and sometimes that’s all you can ask for.

During this time we had the ambassador’s ball which was a lovely event. The price was $20 but for that I actually got some good, edible food including smoked salmon, a garden salad, soup, and a good steak. Then there was a huge desert bar and I mean gargantuous. The deserts all looked good, but not all of them tasted that way (as with many of the things on the ship). I had some homemade chocolate and chocolate bar and that was my favorite part(… sigh… ) then we headed to the dance for a little while and had a good time.

An on ship service organization put on a silent and live auction and sold a whole bunch of cool items. Some kids spent hundreds and thousands of dollars on stuff… My favorite items included a week stay on the England coast for $2500ish, a map that was signed by the crew and had our cordinances plotted $400ish, and to raise the flag in San Diego went for hundreds of dollars also… ridiculous! I wish I was rich… no actually I don’t because then I would have overpaid for highly unnecessary items. Needless to say I didn’t buy (wasn’t able to afford) anything.

Moving to the present: I had two finals yesterday (which I feel I did good on) and one tomorrow and then I am done. I packed almost all of my unnecessary items last night and it felt great to unclutter my room but I have no idea how I am going to get all of this stuff home! Tonight is our last BBQ nights (the only time I get to have a hamburger without paying for it!) and I have a little more studying to do. But tomorrow will be spent basking in the sun and chill-axing.

2006-04-25T03:03:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Japan!

Kon nishi wa!

2006-04-14T23:10:00.000-04:00

Hey everybody! I am leaving Japan today... I wish I could say that I didn:t want to go but I sure am ready. I found Japan while unique rather unineteresting. The people are nice but very shy and quiet. There is never anything going on in the streets and it seems most entertainment you have to pay for. Japan is a very, very expensive country, much more expensive then the states. I spent 3 days walking around by myself and it was just really boring. There are few people to observe and for once people didn`t take much notice of me. Not once did anyone stare or the men take second glances... It was nice not to be bothered but at the same time it seemed that I was just as uninteresting to them as they were to me.

I wasn`t able to go to Hiroshima b/c I double booked myself the day and wasn`t able to sell my ticket (I would have had to pay antoher $100 to go on a different day b/c SAS wouldn`t let me use my old ticket) I did get to experience some Noh theater. All the characters were played by men. The women characters were played bt big sumo wrestler type men with big burley, baratone voices. The movements were very slow and symbolic. We were given a headset and were able to watch the performance while someone translated the play. Thank god, because I never would have understood half the stuff.

Much like the states there are mini marts everywhere, but these ones sell sushi. I have eaten 7-11 sushi many times now and its incredible!

I went to a baseball game yesterday. It reminded me of a high school football game. The crowd brings musical instruments, clappers, banners and flags. It was cool but it was really cold so we left after a few innings.

And that is about my entire time in Japan. Its a very nice place but I think I would only come back on business- never to vacation. Today I am planning to take Jesse to the 100￥(yen) store... which is equivalent to a dollar store in the us. I went a couple of days ago and spent $30 but I want to pick up some more chopsticks. Then we need to go to a cigar shop (buy some cubans), the grocery store (two weeks of ship food ahead... yuck!) and finish our stay in Kobe at a steakhouse, partaking in a wonderful Kobe beef stake!

2006-04-11T02:23:00.000-04:00

My new chinese friends at a party they threw for us... I`ll tell you more about them later! Camby is the one with her arm around me and pointing at me!

2006-04-11T02:21:00.001-04:00

The summer palace... still cold but not raining!

2006-04-11T02:21:00.000-04:00

The forbidden City with my starbucks bag in hand... My fur hat is the plastic bag b/c it got wet in the rain and smelled like wet dog... eww!

2006-04-11T02:20:00.000-04:00

Tianan Square moments before the rain and snow...

2006-04-11T02:18:00.000-04:00

The fabled Great Wall!

Hong Kong Revisited... China begun

2006-04-11T02:01:00.000-04:00

Hong Kong was a mecca for shopping… stores I has only read about in magazines littered the most common malls and streets. Every street was like walking down 5th avenue. Most everthing was so expensive! I found lots of knock off stuff for a good price however. Come nightfall Jesse and I headed over to HK island to check out the nightlife. What we found was a street filled with restaurant/bars, many strip clubs and a few clubs. The two clubs we went to were of the same demography: 90% Chinese women, 5% white businessmen, 5% other (white females and Chinese men). It was absolutely disgusting to watch the Chinese women pursue with the “rich foreigners”, while the men picked out which one they’d be taking home that night. One thing is for sure after seeing what I saw in those bars is I will never ever let my husband go to HK on business. Ever.
I flew out of HK the next morning to Beijing with my SAS university trip. My group was really small (30 people) compared to the other university trips (70people). The three hour flight was spent catching up on sleep from the night before. On the way to the hotel, I couldn’t get over the fact that I was actually in fact in china!! Never in a million years would I have ever pictured myself in china. I remember being little and being told of the persecuted Christians, the “Bible smuggling,” and other atrocities committed by the communists in China. I just couldn’t believe that I had made it to China. We passed by the national stadium being built and for once I felt really proud of myself for coming on this trip. My admission essay had been on the topic of china and its excitement and preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics. And here I was… witnessing it all! How cool to see my essay unfold before my eyes. In the afternoon we met with the university students. My student’s English name was Camby. She was nice girl who was originally from the Chinese countryside. I learned a lot of China and its people from talking with her as she gave me a tour around The University of International Business and Economics. I had a really good time. The next day we all headed to the Great Wall. It was spectacular to see the wall weave its way through the mountains and countryside. It was so cold that day that I ended up buying a huge fox fur hat… which made the coldness slightly more bearable. After two hours at the great wall everyone was pretty chilled and ready to go. Our next stop was the silk market where we had to bargain down the price of everything by more then 90%. It was so ridiculous and tiring. I was looking at an abercromie zip up hoodie (since it was so cold!) and the saleslady tried selling it to me for $120 b/c she said it sold in the US for over $160. I laughed… and after attempting to walk our of her shop numerous times she finally gave it up for $20 (still more then I think I should have paid for it…) The next day we visited Tianan Square, Mao’s Body, and the Forbidden City. It was so cold that I barely made an effort to culture myself once it started rain, hailing, sleeting and then snowing. By the time I was in the Forbidden City I was drenched and I headed straight to the Starbucks inside…the ultimate symbol of globalization….Later that afternoon we went to the summer palace. The palace was very beautiful although our visit was quick.

.... Alright that is all I have for now... the ship has been pitching for the last two days which has made anything but napping impossible. I am so exhausted! I am sitting in a internet in Kobe and the weather is so nasty out right... I am just not feeling Japan right now.... But anyway I hope the weather clears and the sun comes out!

Finally... Vietnam!

2006-04-08T02:44:00.000-04:00

Days 1 and 2: A shopping experience like no other…
I literally spent all two days shopping. The plan was to head towards the War Remnants museum and stop if we saw any cool shops. Well two hours later we finally arrived at the museum, only after making a conscious effort to stop stopping and get to the museum before it closed.
The museum is known for its “other side of the story” depiction it gives of the Vietnam War, which is called the American War in Vietnam. It was especially hard to walk through seeing the devastating pictures and know that your country inflicted so much unnecessary pain, suffering, and hardships. I know only the footnote versions of the causes of the Vietnam War but what I saw in the museum gives little justification for any of them. My eyes filled with tears as I walked through the War Crimes section and saw picture after picture of mutilated, scarred, burned, and murdered people. Agent Orange was spread all over Vietnam to drive out the Viet Cong from the jungles, while completely destroying the vegetation and subjecting thousands, if not millions of people, to the toxic chemicals. The most horrendous chemicals were used which marred the bodies of its victims and caused thousands of birth defects for a generation afterwards. I held back the tears as I read about the massacres of villages and looked at pictures of soldiers posing with decapitated heads or smirking while picking up half-blown up bodies. It was absolutely disgusting and shameful. Only the Holocaust museum in Washington DC rivals the graphicness.
The museum closed before we got to see all of it, so since it was 5pm we decided to get some lunch. After we had “refreshed” ourselves we continued to shop as we headed back to the shuttle. We went in to really cool stores. I couln’t believe how fashionable the clothes were and they all seemed “hand-made.” Jesse and I had the hardest time finding pants and shoes to fit. He is tall and I am fat (especially compared to the Vietnamese). That's the only downfall but still didn't hold me back from spending all of my money! I did purchase the coolest “Louis Vuitton” watch and some bootleg DVDs ($1/ea).
Since our plans fell through to go the Cu Chi Tunnels fell through we had the entire day to go shopping. I booked a two day Mekong Delta tour with my friends, Linda, Nhim, Lisa, and Jesse for the next day. Jesse and I continued to shop but this time at the market. The bargaining ordeal was so fun in Vietnam because when you bargained for a lower price, the women would make a face, pout and act offended that you offered such a low price. They would rebuttal with a price a little lower, then I would raise my original offer a little, and the same thing would happen over and over until a price would be established. But it was always my goal to get the biggest pout I could.
I found another tailor to make me two more suits for $65 (!) and the fabric was pimp! I brought in a picture from the Victoria Secret Catalog of the suits I wanted and hoped that when I returned to get them fitted that’s what they would look like. They also made me a skirt from some silk I had purchased in Myanmar. We spotted a spa across the street from my tailor and stopped in. Jesse and I ended up getting a facial, massage, manicure, pedicure, and a haircut for $40. It was like a 3 and half hour ordeal and it was absolutely wonderful to pampered!

Day 3 and 4: Big Motorcycle, Big Girlfriend

At 8 am we boarded the bus to the Mekong delta. A noisy and bumpy two hours later we arrived at the the first city on the delta. Along the way, our guide was telling us about all the motorcycle in Vietnam. Transportation has been constantly evolving for the rich in Vietnam. At first on the rich had bicycles, then motorbikes and now cars. But for the average young person, to have a motorbike is a huge status symbol. He said in the US the saying is “no money, no honey”, and here it is “no motorcycle, no girlfriend”. He went on to say that young men like to get big motorbikes so they can get big girlfriends (I think he meant a lot since there are virtual no fat women), b/c the women don’t like riding around on bicycles.
We boarded wooden boats and cruised the river for a while. Our first stop was a street market that we wondered for half an hour. The fried banana cakes were recommended by our guide, so when we found a woman on the street selling them I bought one to share. The cakes are bananas wrapped/covered in rice which is then fried and then topped with a yogurt like cream. Delicious! We met a lone traveler from Germany who shared her pineapple that she bought, and that was really good too. We continued on in the boat to another place where we boarded canoe like boats which had to be paddled. We ventured up a river way through the thick delta vegetation for awhile before turning back. We had lunch on an island that was in the Delta. We had fried noodles that tasted a lot like ramen noodles, I dont know, maybe they were (?). We continued on for another hour before we got to the bus pick up point and bordered it for another 2 and half hours. When we finally arrived at Can Tho it was dark. My friends and I had signed up for the homestay option so after being dropped off at the hotel, we were taken by rickshaws hooked up to motorbikes to the river. From there we boarded another boat and went 20 minutes in the dark on the river before reached the “bungalows.” Looking from the boat on to the lights on the shore reminded me exactly of being back home and out on a lake.
The homestay turned out not to be quite what we had all expected. The family merely placed food on the tables outside and woke us up in the morning… and that was about the extent of the contact. I was disappointed but for $23 for two days of traveling/touring I don’t think there is room to complain about anything.

I slept horribly that night b/c the bungalows were right on the water (on stilts) and motor boats with no sound muffling devices of any kind would go by wake me up every five minutes. But around 7 am we boarded the boats again and traveled down the river way to the floating market. We met up with the rest of our group that stayed at the hotel on the river and the three boats ventured through the floating market together. While the markets were nothing too terribly exciting, it was very interesting to observe the people. I mostly saw food stuffs for sale, and if you wanted what someone was selling you just paddled your boat beside theirs.
The rest of day was spent visiting a rice paper making “factory”, a rice factory (that produced final rice products), and a “monkey” bridge (which when you cross you look like a monkey b/c there is only a pole across with one handrail). After lunch, we hopped back into the bus for our 4 and half hour bus ride back to HCMC.

Day 5: Water puppets, deaf school and disabled children’s home
For an FDP, I went to a water puppet performance. It was really interesting… the puppeteers stand behind a curtain in the water. The puppets are controlled by a long pole and pulleys that is hidden beneath the water. The puppeteers study for 3 to 6 years to master the craft. I was really impressed the skill and liveliness of the performance. Afterwards, Jesse and I went to the second suit fitting where I had the tailor add one more button to my cashmere suit. It was looking sooo good! I couldn’t wait to return to pick it up. Since I had another FDP at 1pm I had to return to the ship and to catch the bus. Our first stop was a school for the deaf. I got to play with the children and it was really fun. It was hard to communicate but it would have been hard to communicate with any Vietnamese children reguardless if they could speak or hear b/c they wouldn’t speak English. Some students did write some English phrases down like “What is your name?” and many wanted me to write my name for them. The children were so excited that we were there and to get some new toys and school supplies.
After an hour and half we went to an disabled abandoned childrens home. I am normally slightly uneasy around handicapped children but I was determined to have a good time with them… after all they’re still children. We visited several rooms, each with various degrees of mentally and physically handicapped children. It was odd because the tour guide asked us if we were afraid of them, and if so, we didn’t have to go into the rooms. I wondered if previous tours had actually not even played with the children b/c they were “different.” All the students enthusiastically wanted to go in and meet the kids. The kids were so excited, started yelling, clapping, jumping around, and most of all smiled their biggest smiles! I really felt like I grew from my experiences at the home and am much more comfortable with handicapped children. I really had a great time interacting with many children.
After getting back to the ship I left once again to fit my last two suits and pick up my cashmere suit. I was so nervous that there was going to be something majorly wrong with my suits since I hadn’t even seen them, or I would run out of time waiting for them to be finished. But everything worked out splendidly! My suits fit great with no major alterations needed. Since I had gotten them both in the same design, once I tried them on I decided to shorten one jacket so they wouldn’t be the exact same. We went and picked up Jesse’s other suit and coat and again all the alteration had been made perfectly so no problems there. We even had time to go back to the spa and get my nails repainted (they had gotten so dirty on the Delta!). After my jacket was finished we walked back to the original tailor and had our last fitting. Again everything was great! So after all was said and done we had a nice Vietnamese dinner and headed back to the ship with plenty of time to spare.

2006-04-08T02:19:00.000-04:00

My new friends at the deaf school...

2006-04-08T02:18:00.000-04:00

Some kids outside the school for the deaf

2006-04-08T02:17:00.001-04:00

The water puppets

2006-04-08T02:17:00.000-04:00

The floating market....

Hey from Hong Kong!!!

2006-04-03T22:28:00.000-04:00

So sorry I don''t have Vietnam up but I will as soon as I find an internet cafe or free wifi. The nice thing about HK is that there are free internet stations all over but you can't hook up jump drives or send email.... so sorry! HK is so incredible, I have never been to any place like it. Yesterday was pretty much spent shopping b/c thats what HK is all about... Anyhoo I am at the airport and they are now boarding my flight to Beijing so I gotta go!

2006-03-31T03:57:00.000-05:00

First stop on my two-day Mekong Delta trip. I had a great time riding around in a little wooden boat...

2006-03-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

The shopping asle...

2006-03-25T23:46:00.001-05:00

Glass factory!

2006-03-25T23:46:00.000-05:00

The monk school for boys...

2006-03-25T23:45:00.000-05:00

the cloth making shop..

2006-03-25T23:41:00.000-05:00

In the village

2006-03-25T23:40:00.000-05:00

My new friend!

2006-03-25T23:39:00.001-05:00

Feed the monks...

2006-03-25T23:39:00.000-05:00

The beautiful people... the yellow stuff on their faces is sun block made from bark

2006-03-25T23:36:00.000-05:00

Monks....

2006-03-25T23:34:00.000-05:00

the pagoda

2006-03-25T23:32:00.000-05:00

The famed Schwedagon Pagoda...

2006-03-25T23:30:00.000-05:00

Little boy playing with his water gun at the reclining buddah...

2006-03-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

Jesse and I at the reclining Buddah...

2006-03-25T23:26:00.000-05:00

Royal Lake and the barge...

2006-03-25T23:25:00.000-05:00

local life....

2006-03-25T23:24:00.000-05:00

Walk through Chinatown

The rest of Myanmar...

2006-03-25T23:18:00.000-05:00

Day 2: Bago

Bago is a city that is not very far from Yangon but can take hours to get there b/c of bad roads and traffic. Luckily the scheduled 3 hour drive only took 2 so we got to spend extra time at our first stop which was a monastery. The Buddhist monks are so beautiful with their dark Asian eyes, shaved heads and red robes. Every morning the monks go around to the villages and collect spoonfuls of rice which they put into their black bowls. Back at the monastery all the rice is dumped into large pots for it to be distributed equally during their second and finally meal of the day (which is around 11am or 12pm). The feeding of the 800 monks in this monastery is a process in and of itself. Whoever is available in the community comes and helps prepare the meals for the monks to earn merit (for their next life). Monks can’t cook anything b/c they cannot kill any of the organisms in the water, bugs in the food, or the actually plant itself, so they rely on the people that come. The people were young and old but all doing there various duties, from peeling, cutting, cooking, setting the table, etc. When its time to eat someone rings this huge bronze bell and the monks line up. Then they file past the rice pots where volunteers load their bowls with rice and proceed into the dining hall. Scriptures are read as they eat their meals of rice, duck eggs, coconut, potatoes, and other veggies.

After the monastery we proceeded to a replica of the golden palace from the 1700s. It was cool but so elaborate and big. By this time it was midday, and very, very hot and sunny. We visited a pagoda much like the Schwedagon in Yangon but not quite as glamorous. But the marble or whatever the floor was made of was soooooo hot to walk on. As our tour guide showed us around we went from one boadhi tree to another for relief from the scalding pavement and sun. After lunch we headed to another reclining Buddha. Nothing remarkable about this one but I did meet the coolest girl there. She was selling postcards and asked if I wanted to buy any. I replied no thank you and began to walk away when she followed me and started a conversation. I took the chance to find out how old she was (b/c she looked like she was 8 or 10 yrs old but was really 14), if she went to school, and since she didn’t how she learned English. She told me that she didn’t have a father, couldn’t go to school b/c she didn’t have the money, and learned English by talking to people. She in fact knew 9 other languages! I was so taken aback by this brilliant girl. She gave me 2 postcards as a gift b/c she said I was beautiful. I gave her a dollar for the postcards b/c I wanted to pay for them. She also had some old Myanmar coins that I bought from her for $3.
Next we went to a village not far from the reclining Buddha, and when the bus door opened there was my new friend again. I don’t know how she got their but she and many other hawkers/beggars that were at the Buddha were now at the entrance to the village. We walked and talked as I toured the village. We went to a cloth weaving shop and many people bout longyis (the traditional Burmese skirts that men and women wear). I continued to find out more about my new friend. I wanted to give her my address or get hers so I could write to her. I asked if she could read English. She said that she couldn’t read or write any languages. I was so flabbergasted that such an intelligent girl couldn’t read or write, but I guess if one is not able to attend school then one wouldn’t be able to. I realized how privileged I am to have been able to go to school, for free, and then to college. Schooling, along with freedom of speech isn’t a universal privilege. I am once again so thankful to be an American yet I feel so guilty that not everyone can enjoy the freedoms and dare I say it, luxury of going to school. To exasperate my feelings, on the way back to Yangon we passed another reclining Buddha that is being built. Our tour guide said something to the effect the govt would rather sponsor another Buddha then build schools for its children. On the way back to the bus, we passed a monk school, where families can send their boys to become monks b/c it is one of the only ways for them to get an education (and enough to eat in some cases). When it was time to depart from the village, I told my friend that if when I return to Myanmar, I would teach her to write. She asked me not to forget her… and quite honestly I don’t think I will ever.

On the way back to Yangon we stopped at the 4 sided Buddha pagoda and the World War II memorial. The memorial was absolutely beautiful but I still don’t understand why these soldiers ended up dying in Burma.

Day 3: Glass factory

Jesse and I snuck on the shuttle from the boat to downtown Yangon early the next morning. We had talked to some friends the night before and all decided to rent a room in Yangon instead of trying to make it back to the ship late at night again. We checked into the Central Hotel for $35 a night and our room was very nice. Even more, we had satellite TV (granted we couldn’t get many channels b/c of the govt) but we did get BCC, CNN, and MTV Asia. We settled in and then headed to the “glass factory.” I don’t know what I expected before but it was unlike anything I ever would have imagined. It was located in a woodsy, jungle area of Yangon. The set-up was a seedy, shed like shop and a roofed work area. One of the owners (there are 9 brother and sister owners)gave us a tour and showed us how they blow the glass, bake it and then polish it. It was very interesting but I couldn’t get over the piles upon piles of glass that they had lining the walk ways. Our guide told us we were welcomed to rummage through any of it and they would clean it up for us to buy. He also mentioned that the piles are how they store everything and if the items break then they just melt make them into something else.
I bought a few cool items, but Jesse went absolutely crazy buying three huge vases/bowls, plus matching glasses. I had to laugh when we walked back to the cab with 4 boxes full of glass.
Once back at the hotel we headed to the top floor where we enjoyed a hour foot massage and a hour back massage for $8. It was incredible and much needed.

Day 4: Practice for Vietnam
Early in the morning, we walked to the US Embassy hoping to talk to someone about life in the foreign service (I had spoken to a the consular onboard during preport and she invited me to stop by). But when we arrived the consular wasn’t there and another guy who would have talked to us had to go to a meeting… bummer but we’re going to try to go the Embassy in Vietnam.
Next we headed for the market for some practice for our “shopping experience” we anticipate having in Vietnam. We spent all day spending all of our money in the market. I bought some beautiful artwork of monks and of the marketplace (in the impressionist style). I also got a beautiful longyi (the traditional skirt of Myanmar). I splurged slightly and bought some loose blue and white sapphires. I originally was going to have them made into a ring in Vietnam but I think I am going to hold on to them and have them appraised when I get back. Once we ran out of money we snuck onto another shuttle back to the ship. The next morning dock time was at 11am so we just slept in and enjoyed the rest of the day!

Final thoughts on Myanmar…
Myanmar is so magnificent. If they didn’t have such a horrific govt, the place would be an awesome country to visit. Its called the “bejeweled pauper” b/c it is one of the most naturally endowed countries (teak wood, rubies, jade, rice), yet it ranks among the most undeveloped and poor nation in the world. I definitely don’t think that SAS should have gone there. There is just so much corruption and it is inevitable that you’ll support the govt no matter how hard you try. For me there is no reason that is not selfish to visit Myanmar. If you go b/c you want the “experience” then you do so at the expense of entire repressed population. And to me it is not worth the stamp in my passport.

Myanmar

2006-03-22T07:42:00.000-05:00

Day One: Buddhist Disneyland

After hearing the interport lecturer’s stories about Burma, I already knew Semester at Sea was making a huge mistake to go there. She described the injustices that the people of Myanmar (formerly Burma) face on a daily basis. The people elected a democratic govt in the 80s but the military wouldn’t allow the new govt to take office. If one is found talking ill of the gov’t they are thrown in jail. Burmese people can’t walk in groups of 4 or more. Most outside media is blocked, this includes many tv stations, news papers, hotmail, and AOL. There are many areas in Myanmar that foreigners are not allowed to go/see. In addition the lecturer also believed that the decision to go to Myanmar, while an individual one, was not a good one.

The first day, Jesse and I went on a full day Yangon City tour. There is absolutely nothing around our port area. It is a 20-25 minute walk from the ship to the gate, and then a 45min-1 hour drive into the city. This drive reminded more of Rural Africa then what I would have ever expected from SE Asia. There were literally huts littered along the road along with rice fields and cattle. Once in the city, while there wasn’t trash everywhere, the infrastructure was worse then India. The buildings were of gorgeous design (you could tell the British had been there!) but horribly run down and dirty.

We went to the national museum which was rather dull but it was the first time, of many, that I had saw “darting eyes.” Darting eyes is the reaction of the citizens of Myanmar when either they have said something (or about to) that could get them into trouble with the military. It was kind of like a “big brother” mentality at all times, which was very creepy and uncomfortable. Our tour guide was showing us a map of the country and explaining that Myanmar is divided into three zones: white, gray, and black. White zones allow foreigners (and are mostly the big cities in the central area of the country), the gray zones a foreigner would need a permit to enter (and they were generally located just outside the white areas). The black zones allow no foreigners to enter and make up at least half of the country and touching all international borders of the country. A student asked why can’t we go into the black zones, and that is when the “darting eyes” occurred, before the tour guide answered he couldn’t talk about that there.

We stopped at Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda which is Yangon’s reclining Buddha (every city has one). I couldn’t believe how big this statue was! It dwarfed me. I couldn’t believe the amount gold and gems that were used. It truly was magnificent. Our next stop was at the Shwedagon Pagoda. This place of worship was unreal. It reminded me, and many others, of Disneyland. The temple was plated with 90 tons of gold. Surrounding it were smaller temples and shrines. It was interesting to watch the people and monks worship and give offerings.

Jesse and I left the SAS trip at the end and went to a restaurant for dinner. The restaurant overlooked Royal Lake and the dragon Barge. It was really beautiful. For appetizers we ordered fired Gourd and fried cashews (fried was definitely the theme on the menu… but this was “authentic Burmese cuisine.” Both were great and I was really surprised that I liked the gourd, but it actually tasted like onion petals. I ordered shrimp curry with Indian Spices with Jesse order duck-something. Both were really good. Mine was really spice but absolutely wonderful. For desert we spilt a fried banana with honey. The bill came to under $25 dollars with drinks, tip, and the mandatory 10% government tax.

We decided to walk off dinner and headed towards the barge. The streets were relatively empty and kind of eerie, but we arrived safely to the park area in front of the barge. We were wondering around when some one yelled hello, and jumped out of his chair at an outdoor restaurant. He introduced himself and asked us where we were from. He then invited us to have a drink with him. I was ready to refuse when Jesse said he’d love to . So we sat down with him and ended up talking to him and his two companions for a couple of hours. This Burmese had lived in Seattle for a year and spoke decent English. He had a cross tattooed on his forearm so I asked him if he was a Christian and he said yes. I asked him if he was discriminated against in Burma (over 90% of the population is Buddhist) and he said no, that everyone was very peaceful and tolerant. Interesting…

To summarize our conversations with this slightly intoxicated Burmese man and his friends, anytime we’d talk about anything he’d look around whisper a few things and then say he couldn’t really talk about it. Jesse and I weren’t pressing him for information at all but our friend, Winston was his name, kept talking about this and that. Winston talked a lot about his love for America and how he wishes he could go a back and escape Burma. He knew that since he had already been to America there was hardly any chance that he would get another visa (b/c it would be presumed that he wouldn’t leave the states then). He spoke with desperation about trying to go anywhere so he could actually “live life” and how he was dead in Burma (figuratively).
After a while, Jesse left to use the restroom, and men came over to the edge of the restaurant and yelled something to Winston. Winston went to talk to the men, and came back and looked riled. He said that that was an officer and we needed to go soon. When Jesse returned he told me that he had been stopped by half a dozen soldiers who began to question the waiter that had accompanied him to the bathroom. So needless to say we began to walk to the gate of the park to catch a taxi. SAS had said that a taxi to/from the Yangon to the port should cost around $6. The cabbies at the gate wanted $10 b/c it was 11:00pm, but Winston said we should not trust them. So we continued on a little ways and found another cab willing to take us for $12, and by this time all I wanted to do was go back immediately because I was very nervous, feeling like we shouldn’t trust anyone anymore. Winston kept saying that he’d right down the license plate number and that it was only $2 more and you can’t put a price on safety… plus what he had been telling me earlier, I was felt like we might not make it back to the ship…
Five minutes into the cab ride, we stopped at this seedy looking place and the driver whistles. I start freaking out and yelling to the driver (who doesn’t speak English) to keep driving. He got out of the car and opened the trunk and then I saw 3 guys come out of the woodwork. Luckily, I remembered hearing in my econ class that the govt regulates the amount of gasoline each cabbie can have per week, and then I saw a gas can and a funnel in the hands of the approaching men.
So after refueling, we continued on, having to clear through two different military checkpoints. Creepy… Then Jesse, who had way too much to drink, had to go “really, really bad” and couldn’t hold it. So we asked the driver to stop so he could get out. Once out, I hear a whistle, and then see a police officer heading to towards the car. He begins to talk to the cab driver and more and more personnel come over all talking to each other and to me in Burmese. They point at me and then somewhere else and then would say something to me, which I didn’t understand. I think they wanted me to get out of the car, but I was definitely not getting out (they would have had to pull me out). Finally Jesse returns from the bushes and hops in like they weren’t 10 people surrounding the car and tells the cabbie to go. Well, that didn’t work and the men continued to talk. The cabbie told us to pay them “tu dollas”. Confused, but just wanting to leave, I began to fish through my purse for 2 dollars when the officer said 5 dollars. What were supposed to do? So reluctantly, I gave the bastards 5 dollars and we were able to leave.
Needless to say, the rest of the way Jesse and I fumed over our experiences that day. I was so angry. I was angry that SAS brought us here. I was angry that I was forced to give their horrible govt my money, thus allowing them to be in power for one day longer. When I finally got back to the ship I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get back off again in Myanmar.

Well I hate to leave it there but I must… until I have time to write the rest of my journey in Myanmar… and no worries, I did get off and had a wonderful time.

Besides that, tonight is the famous crew talent show and I am looking forward to that very much. Tomorrow is a no class day but I am sure I won’t do anything productive like I should… Everyone write me an email and give me updates on what is happening back home so I’ll have lots of email waiting for me when I get Vietnam.

2006-03-19T02:49:00.000-05:00

Day 3: Americans on Parade

After seeing New Delhi I didn’t really have much hope that Old Delhi would be more exciting. But the transformation, from the government created New Delhi to the people’s Old Delhi, was instantaneous. There is so much life! It was exactly what I had pictured India being before every getting off the ship. People were just everywhere. The streets were litter with some busses, many rickshaws and motorcycles, but mainly people. The conditions of all the buildings were disrepair. Trash and filth was everywhere, yet the people were happily going about there business. It felt odd to be taken pictures of people just going about their normal business, but they stared at us too, finding us as interesting as we found them. Our tour guide arranged a rickshaw (the man-powered kind) en route to Gandhi’s crematory site. So sixty-some Americans piled into two-seat rickshaws and paraded through Old Delhi. It was so fun to actually be on the same level as the locals, instead of towering above them on big charter busses. Other rickshaws, cars, bikes, motorcycles, and public busses would pull up next to us. Many people, especially the men gawked at us, which was slightly uncomfortable, yet some-what expected.

Gandhi’s burial site (I am not sure what the technical name is for where some of his ashes are kept) is a nice area surrounded by a huge park. I had to take off my shoes in order to walk up to the monument. There were many school children there on a field trip.

Next we head to this magnificent Hindu temple. We weren’t allowed to take pictures, which was a huge disappointment b/c they had gorgeous statues of different Hindu gods and goddess. Then, after that we headed to a Sikh temple. I had never heard of this religion either that blends the best of Hinduism and Islam. The Sikh people in India have been very prosperous b/c of their hard working ethics, fair treatment of women, and emphasis on education.

We headed back to the hotel for lunch, and then we had the rest of the day free. A group of people that I met on my trip and myself all went to a market. I found so much cool stuff and spent all of my money! I bought cashmere pashminas (fat scarves that are like shawls), fabric, bronze ware, wrap pants, a wrap skirt, and a hand bag. It was a very successful day of shopping!

Day 4: Pizza Hut and the Taj Mahal

At 4am I woke up and by 5am we were at the train station. We boarded a “tourist” train that is apparently much faster and nicer then the rest. We received bottles of water, a newspaper and breakfast on the train. I met some new people and talked awhile before turning my ipod on and falling asleep.
We awoke in the city of Agra which is home to the fabled Taj Mahal. We had been fore warned that this is the “dirtiest” city in India and the train station was “intense” filled with beggars, cripples, and diseased… and I would have to say that was about the most accurate description. I collected all the breakfast left-overs around me to give to beggars. Since we had been told that you could be mobbed by people (when given to beggars) I gave the food to my new friend Rex to give away. We were able to quickly disperse the food on the walk out of the train station to the bus.
Once on the bus we were informed that VIPs would be at the Taj Mahal this afternoon thus closing it to tourist. This meant that we had to rearrange our entire day, viewing it neither at dawn or dusk but smack-dab in the middle of the day. We proceeded to the Agra fort where we were supposed to be able to catch our first glimpse of the Taj. When we arrived, it was so incredibly foggy we could barely see 20 feet ahead of us! Besides that the fort was cool and amazing to think of all the might and resources that went into it.

Next we headed to the Taj. When we arrived we had to walk about half mile to the gate. The duration of this walk was filled with hawkers shoving their shit in our faces constantly. If you tried to be polite and say no thank you they took that as yes you wanted what they were selling. No joke you literally had to ignore them even when they putting stuff in your hands or pulling at you. You had to treat them like they did not exist, which for me was extremely hard (b/c I felt like I was being extremely rude). Some of my friends shouted at them “No!!” but the hawkers just didn’t seem to get it. I have never been so hassled in my life.

Once we got to the gate I could not believe the line! It was so long, but more surprisingly, it was full of Indians- not tourist. As a side note: personal space does not exist in India. Everyone one is always shoulder to shoulder and always in each other’s “personal space.” Since the line was so long (b/c they had security like at the airport) it was not moving. Our guides told us to follow this man, who in turn, led us through downtown Agra’s seedy allies to another entrance. But all the hassle was worth it… the taj is splendid! Even in my pictures it looks to perfect to be real!

The story behind the Taj: The queen of one of the great kings was pregnant with their 14th child. There were complications and on her death bed the Queen asked the King for three things. The first was to never remarry. The second was to take care of their children. And as the third and finally thing the queen asked for the King to build her something that would show the world their undying love and to always be remembered by. The king did all three things.

After the taj we drove an hour and a half to the deserted city. A great palace was built out in the middle of nowhere that apparently at first had water. But after only 14 years of use it was abandoned b/c of the lack of water. Everyone was so tired by this point in the day that the palace was not very exciting to anyone. It was grand just like every other fort/palace we had been to within the past 3 days. This one was defiantly my favorite, but it was hard to appreciate the way it should be when you’re so fatigued.
The palace built its own “lake” (which looked like a deep pool) that you looked down upon from the main level. The lake was now about 10% full of nasty green, algae infested rain water. There were a group of Indian boys playing down there, and when they spotted the tourists they would dive in. After two of them jumped in, them came out and the leader said “pay as you like.” I was so flabbergasted that these boys actually expected us to pay them for what we just witnessed! It was so funny b/c no one asked them to jump nor would anyone have cared unless we hadn’t screamed for them to stop (b/c no one knew how deep the water was). This is an example with one of my biggest problems with India. Everyone wants something for doing nothing. I understand that they have a huge labor pool (some of which is untapped) but it is almost to the point of absurdity. I used the restroom at one place where in the entrance a man stood. He didn’t say anything and I just stepped around him. The bathroom was an absolute shit hole (literally and figuratively) and when I exited, the man asked for a tip. A tip for what was my question? He did nothing but stand in my way when I entered. There had already been problems at other places where the bathroom attendants actually charged students to use the restroom, which is not allowed. These attendants are already salaried people and if they do an exceptional job and give you T.P., a towel, turn the facet on for you , or wipe down the toilet seats, then you should give a small tip. But most of the time none of these things are done.
After the abandon city we headed back to Agra and stopped at a Pizza hut for dinner. The pizza was nothing like that of the USA consisting mostly of dough, with a minimal amount of sauce, cheese or toppings. But I like carbs and had no problem eating most of it.
Then we proceeded to the train station, but we were an hour early. As we sat on the bus for a minute (trying to see if we could wait on the bus) beggars already began to line up outside of the motor coach. The tour agent for some reason wouldn’t allow us to wait on the bus so we all proceeded into the train station for the most uncomfortable hour wait known to man. The beggars, mostly children, were unrelenting. I gave a power bar to one child trying to be sneaky about it so that the others wouldn’t see and steal it from him. But what broke my heart was the callousness that not only I felt, but everyone felt. We had been hassled all day long, and by this time all anyone wanted to do was get on the train and get back to the hotel. Most students just had to turn away and not acknowledge the taps on their legs or tugs on their clothes. Others were just down right mean to them, yelling at them to go away. It was so awful, because all I wanted to do was help but their just was no way to help them all. We had been specifically told not to give to beggars, because many are being exploited by the mafias and other underground organization or their own parents. I desperately wanted to help but I didn’t want my efforts to be in vain. So I did very little, which is what I regret the most about my trip.

Day 5:
To make a long story short (and bring this to an end), once I got up, had breakfast, and checked out, we were told that our plane was delayed due to fog. Of course it would be! So 3 hours late, we finally arrived in Chennai. By this time, every other SAS trip was coming back, so we paid our bus driver, enough to put his kids through college, to speed through the streets and pass every other SAS bus so we could be the first ones off and in the "never ending" bag search line to get back on the ship. It was definately the highlight of the day, as we passed a day-trip bus, on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic. What can I say? We like to live dangerousely! But by the time I got back, through line and situated, there was no way I could get off again and deal with the taxis. Bummer but oh well!

2006-03-14T13:10:00.000-05:00

People do everything in the streets, which includes eating, sleeping. playing, bathing, urninating, washing, etc.

2006-03-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

People in the streets of Old Delhi... where all the life is!

2006-03-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

THis was in the lobby of our five-star hotel...

2006-03-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

The tomb...

India.... day 2!

2006-03-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

What an amazing country... I will now to try to describe small parts of my experiences. And this is really long and only one day, sorry. I just have so much to say.

At 3:45 am my alarm went off and I got up and ready for the journey across the huge country of India to Delhi. After surrendering all of my batteries (some Indian security regulation) I boarded a charter bus that smelled like a barnyard. I took the opportunity on the 45 minute ride to the airport to see life in the wee hours before dawn. I was able to see, more apparently, the destitute poverty that strikes India. Many people were sleeping on the sidewalks. Surprisingly many people were not up at 5am.

The airport was one of the worst experiences I have had on the trip thus far. I have never been so outrightly discriminated before in my life. We were told to get in line for to go through the security check point. What they didn’t tell the women was that was a special line that we had to go in. So after the line moving inch by inch, we (the group of girls I was with) get to the front, where then the security guard would lead any male behind to the front of line. After 10 minutes of waiting (and with about 15 minutes before the plane was schedule to leave) the man started letting any Indian women in front of us. I finally got really upset and asked sharply if we were in the wrong line. He motioned for us to stay and a couple minutes later he let us go to the one (out of ten) line designated for women (b/c it was behind a curtain). Then we had to wait to put our stuff on the security belt, and of course, we also had to wait for anyone who male or Indian that came along. The security check they make you walk through a metal detector and regardless if it went off they still wand you and pat you down. So after making it to second base with the security lady, I collected my carry-on and ran upstairs to my gate. I made it even though I was late, but I was very upset and angry. Thankfully, and I mean thankfully, since semester at sea had taken over the entire plan, and consequently purchased all the tickets in coach, I was assigned a seat in first class. It was so pimp. It quickly made my frustration subside and I had an awesome 2 hour plane ride….

After being picked up at the airport we headed to the Bahu’I House of worship. This temple in the shape of a lotus flower is one of the “latest seven edifices raised in different parts of the world, each with its distinctive design, each inviting peoples of all religions and races to worship the creator of the universe and to express the love between God and man” (Brochure). I had never heard of this religion, but apparently it originated in 1850s and has representation at the UN headquaters. It was a cool looking structure but not too terribly exciting.

Then we checked into the Ashok Hotel. This is india’s 5-star hotel and is the largest in India. It was very big and beautiful and had a lot of ammendities. The best part, by far, was the food. India food has a way of transforming into many flavors, one after the other. It is always spicy but not rancid. I never had any idea what anything was but it was all so good. Even though most of it was mushy, and soft, it was the best spicy fried mush I have ever had!

After lunch we had a tour of New Delhi. I was really excited to see it, after all it is a destination where Carmen San Diego and her henchmen always hide (remember that game?). I saw the war memorial (WWI), Parliament House, Gov’t Buildings, the president’s residence, and Huyaman’s Tomb (a famous empire). It was raining for everything except the tomb, which was the best site. It was huge and slightly resembled the taj in architecture.

We did go to a tourist shop where they had a mini presentation on the rugs of India. We were served the most amazing green tea (I don’t even like tea!), as they explained to us the process of making the hand-woven silk and wool rugs. It’s a dying family business/art. They last hundereds of years and were so gorgeous. I want to return to India one day w/my husband and purchase a rug to keep as a family airloom to be passed down from gerneation to generation. I almost bought one (b/c they’ll ship it for free) but I couldn’t find an inexpensive on that I liked. Ohh well I guess I have another reason to come back.

Electric Rickshaw

2006-03-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

So after much ado SAS made it to India…. I don’t know who is aware of the terrorist bombings that happened in Varanasi. I was suppose to be going to Varanasi w/ SAS tomorrow, but the government has been put on high alert and the holy city of the Hindus has been sealed off to everyone. It is very unfortunate but I’d rather not endanger myself beyond the necessary means of this trip! They don’t know much about what my group will do instead, except spend an additional day in Delhi (I am hoping for some kind of refund since I paid like $300 more to go to Varanasi then any of the other Delhi/Taj Mal trips but no one knows any details yet… An additional comment on the attacks, SAS must think it is safe to be here (especially since the ship is docked in South India, and most terror related happens in the north b/c of the Kashmere/political/religious tensions) so I am just going to trust them. No matter where we are, possibly even more so in the US, we will always be at risk for acts of terror. So Grandmas, don’t worry yourselves sick over me! And that goes for the rest of you too!

So far, after a rather eventful day, I still am mezmorized with India. We found a electric rickshaws to take us around. We were told to pretty much expect to not be taken where we orginally asked b/c the drivers get money for bringing us to tourist traps. So we found a really cheap ride ($2.50 for the three of us- myslef, Jesse, and Linda)and asked to go a market... and what we got was a full day of expensive shop-hopping only to end up not where we wanted to go and the driver wanting extra money b/c "we liked him" Please! Highlight of my day was seeing a Cobra dance to that little flute thing. Creepy but cool.

Only in India is my motto now. B/c only in India is where you can drive like a lunatic and not be run into. B/c only in India will you litterally hoover over a hole in the ground to pee. Only in india can you buy 4 seven ups, and three main dishes, an appetizer and coffee for your rickshaw driver for $4.25. India is just India...

PS… I was so excited to get mail today! I received 2 valentines day cards and a birthday card! Thanks Billy for your “Birthday” note. Gracias a mi tia y mi hermana tambien.

And another note: I found Doug and he is actually in my comparative economics class and is very nice and intelligent.

intro to India

2006-03-06T15:14:00.000-05:00

I just want to share a few excerpts about India that struck me in the SAS “India” handout:

“India tends to overload the senses and present a somewhat overwhelming diversity. You will be exposed to the contradictions of the incredible beauty with the crushing poverty, of intense daily worship with hygienic practices with do not fit with your experiences… It is often best to observe in India without too much ‘on-the-spot’ evaluation. Evaluation and interpretation can wait until you return to the ship.”

“It takes some discipline and/or luck to avoid ‘Delhi-Belly’”

India has a billion people, which is 1/6 of the worlds population.
“The head is considered ‘the seat of the soul,’ and should never be touched by anyone, not even to pat the head of a child.”

“Always look both ways before crossing the street.”

“India is a land of constrasts. There is a saying that goes, ‘Whatever you say about India, the reverse is also true’”
So yeah…..

Bare What? BERING!!

2006-03-04T13:27:00.001-05:00

The Sea Olympics were a blast. My resident director has been pumping us up for this day since the first sea meeting we had on day #1. [FYI—my sea is the Bering sea and includes half of the kids in my hall (4th deck, port side) and our color was black]. The winner of the Sea Olympics get to get off the boat first in San Diego, which can be a looooong day if you’re last. And with that in mind (and the 3 hours-in-the-hot-sun wait in the Bahamas to get on), Miss “Class of 2004 Most-Spirited”, has cheered her ass off. We blew the competitors out of the water in the opening ceremony with a 10 minute long parade, which included a step routine and dance. Throughout the day we competed hard. The event I participated in (the scavenger hunt) we won! By the end of the day, the judges and announcers told us not to cheer anymore b/c I guess we were “too spirited”. The last event was karaoke/lip sync contest and we’re in second place down by two points. We had an absolutely awesome lip-sync routine but we were chosen to go 2nd (and I think the judges were a little conservative w/our scoring), but we got 4th out of 9 but it was just enough to make us the overall champions! Heck yeah! So watch for me in San Diego b/c I will be the first one off the boat!

2006-03-04T13:27:00.000-05:00

BERING BANDITS!!!

Mauritius cont...

2006-03-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

What can I say? It was a vacation island. After walking around the first morning we arrived I was bored after an hour. The people were very friendly and different, at least origin-wise from what I am used to in Grand Rapids, or anything thus far on the voyage. There is a huge Indian (from India) population. The Indians came as indentured slaves when the British took over the colony from the French (Before the Indian slaves came the French had brought Africans to work the sugar plantations). So ethnically it was very interesting. My friends and I ended up renting a condo about a 7 minute walk from the beach. So I pretty much just relaxed for a day and a half (but felt guilty that I didn’t try harder to find something to do) on the beach. I ate some great curry dishes which makes me even more excited for India. The last day in port Jesse and I went to the Botanical gardens, where most of the plants were not native to the island. It was interesting but even more exposed the fact that not much is native to the island. All the native trees (were chopped down by the dutch) and the native dodo bird are gone. All the flora, fauna, and crops were brought to Mauritius by the passing ships. Even the people were imported! Its kind of strange to say but really it is the truth.

Mauritius!

2006-02-27T03:40:00.000-05:00

Hey Everybody!Well I made it to Mauritius alright! I have no plans really, but I am sure I will have a good time. Most people are renting beach houses and partying it up, but I hope to find other, more cultural, things to do…

2006-02-22T06:51:00.000-05:00

Giraffe siting...

What do zebras and I have in common?

2006-02-22T06:48:00.001-05:00

Day 5: What Zebras and I have common…
I awoke around 5 am to get ready for my safari, just around the time my roommate was getting back from celebrating Fran’s birthday (I had been out but came back around 1:30am). Tara (Dad- remember tara? We drove her to the ship?), Kiley, and I headed over to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Much to our dismay there were about 20 other SASers waiting to go to the same Game Reserve. Luckily, there were only 3 other (cool) girls that were actually staying the night, and the six of us were pretty much kept separate from everyone else. The Aquila game reserve is about 2 hours north of Capetown. I couldn’t really sleep during the ride but made use of my ipod and relaxed. We stopped at a small Afrikaans store that sold wine, dried fruit, and some baked goods. It was charming yet a very different flavor then what is presented in Capetown. I found some “jungle mix” (like trail mix), caramel-sesame peanuts, and a maple sugar nougat thingy. When we arrived we were given a welcome glass of sparkling wine (the only wine I had in SA) and then had breakfast. The Breakfast was glorious because we could actually have thoroughly cooked eggs upon request (I am pretty sure that the eggs are sometimes raw when they serve them to us on the ship). I loved it. What I loved even more was the natural beauty of my surroundings. The dining hall was located next to the crocodile pen and close to the cheetah’s den. The lodge itself is very charming—very savannah Africa J There was a small corral in front with wild ostriches running around trying to peck people’s fingers through the window or just running through the reception area.

Within 2 minutes of starting our open air game drive we spotted the Reserve’s 3 giraffes. There are just amazing and very odd looking creatures. We drove over to the water hole which is apparently the happening place in the animal kingdom. We found hippos swimming, zebra, spring bok, and a water buffalo. All in all we ended up spotting Bontus, Rhinos, the lions,, wiledebeasts and many birds. It was so surreal.

The Reserve is very young (6yrs old) and has been open to the public for 2 yrs. But the staff and scenery make up for the lack of large herds and elephants (which they’re getting in a couple of weeks). Both Margret Thatcher and Tyra Banks have stayed at this lodge within the past year.

Overall, Iwas very impressed by the natural beauty, closness to the animals, accomadations, food, and the professionalism of the staff. Aquila seems to have a bright future ahead- elephants, introduction of the lions and cheetahs into the large reserve soon, and having seemingly happy and healthy herds of animals.

So what do I have in common with a zebra? Cellulite. Gross, huh? Apparently Zebras develop cellulite which they store (and gives them their shape) but can never be used for energy. So a seemingly healthy zebra could be starving but would look perfectly normal at the same time because of the cellulite.

Day 6: Ready to Change the World

I went to the slave logde in Company Gardens. Now called the museum of Slavery, the main focus is on human rights and the future. There is an exhibit called “Hands that Shaped Humanity” which is a Desmond Tutu Peace Center Intiative. It was so moving. It hightlighted numerous people that have helped transform not only South Africa but the world: Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, Carlos Santana, Marion Jones, Lennox Lewis, Phillipe Stark and Richard Lugar- just to name a few. All the people were asked “If there is only one message of wisdom you could eave behind for humanity what would it be?” Everyone’s answers were brilliant, heart-felt and motivating.

After leaving the slave lodge late, my friends (Linda and Nyhm) and I literally ran to the dock (since we had no money for a cab) to board the ferry for Robben Island which was about 2 miles away (and we jogged at least a mile of it). As soon as we boarded the boat took off. Robben Island was an incredible experience. I was almost on overload from hearing about all the horrible things that the Dutch and Europeans did to the slaves at the museum, yet Robben Island now stands for the end to all of that. It was first a lepers colony but then turned into a prison. At first, criminals and political prisoners were put together (with hopes that the criminals would torture or do whatever to the political prisoners) but the prisoners were actually recruiting the criminals for their cause. So then the prisoners were kept in the maximum security, and the criminals in the medium security prisons. The political prisoners were put through so much; hard labor, torture, starvation, inhumane conditions. One of my tour guides was a political prisioner himself and he told us some of his stories. Just absolutely amazing. I don’t know how anyone survived a week let only years or decades of Robben Island.

2006-02-22T06:48:00.000-05:00

My favorites were definately the rhinos! Look at the baby!

2006-02-22T06:47:00.000-05:00

My new friend and me....

Loving Capetown...

2006-02-22T06:46:00.000-05:00

Day 2: Cape Point

I was required to go on a SAS trip for one (actually my 3 econ) class. I am definitely glad it was required because I wouldn’t have signed up for it, and boy would I have missed out! Our guide was terrific and I learned some many random things about many aspects of South Africa. Our first stop was a seal breeding colony. How cool. It was like being at the zoo but so much better. The seals are full of life. Our next stop was a huge statue park. When I asked a vendor what the statues were made out of the answer I got was “stone” (slightly obvious). I have no idea what kind but the statues were amazing. They had from very small figurines to huge sculptures. The designs and details were amazing! I had fun taking pictures… The next actual stop was Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Everywhere there were signs “Don’t feed the baboons,” “Beware of Baboons,” and the “The Baboons are dangerous.” We didn’t see any of the notorious baboons but we did see wild ostriches. To get to the light house atop of Cape Point, one must either hike or take the cable car. I chose to walk, since its free, and got some excellent views along the way. And mom, I took a picture of it for you. After lunch we headed to Boulder’s beach to see the penguins. Unfortunately there was a boardwalk, so actually mingling with, or being “thigh high in penguins” was impossible. Penguins are odd creatures. And for Kayla I took a picture of two mating. I really enjoyed the tour and I learned a lot about SA (and this is definitely the “I-am-too-lazy-to–type-all-the-details-version”).

Day Three: Company’s Gardens

After a late start, Janelle and Darnel and I headed to the East Dutch Indies Gardens. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous but it was at least 100 degrees outside. Around these gardens are many famous and important buildings, including parliament, St. Georges Cathedral, the National Library, and the Slave Lodge. I say all of them but the only place I visited was the South African Museum. It was soooo interesting. It was a natural history museum. I am pretty sure that I learned about every facet of SA’s natural history. Dinos, fossils, sea creatures/sharks, wildlife, rocks and gems, the indigenous people, the solar system/galaxy, and so much more! I got to touch a 250 million year old dino fossil! I was thoroughly impressed and if flooded me with memories of museum-going with my grandparents and parents.

Day 4: Three mile walk with a wooden giraffe

I headed to the Green Square Market to pick up some local crafts. I spent way too much (since I hadn’t fine-tuned my bargining skills) but I did get some cool items. One of them was this 3 foot wooden giraffe which I then attempted to carry back to the ship three miles away. I made it but not after my arms were ready to fall off.

2006-02-20T04:45:00.000-05:00

JACK-ASS, the penguins I mean...

2006-02-20T04:44:00.001-05:00

The seals... the story is still to come

2006-02-20T04:44:00.000-05:00

The statue park... (one of my favorite statues)

2006-02-20T04:43:00.000-05:00

Township kids posing...

DAY ONE in SA

2006-02-20T04:22:00.000-05:00

Day One:
I did an SAS trip and went to the District Six Museum and a township named Langa. The Museum was slightly overwhelming for someone who is not familiar with District Six and S.A.’s racist history. I got the jist of it but didn’t feel like I learned as much as I should have. District is an area of town that the government confiscated from the black inhabitants and made into a “white-only area.” They kicked out all of the blacks and then bulldozed all of it down except for a couple of churches. The museum is a tribute to those who lived there and the struggle of the black man versus the white government.

Next, we went to Langa. The housing this area was from the 1920s and 1940s. At first glance it didn’t look that horrible and there were many small, (old and run down) houses but not really the shanties to which the townships are notorious for. We did pass some on the way out, but the tour guide said the new government (instated in around 1994) is making a massive effort to provide housing and eliminate the shanty towns. We went in to a government owned hostel (one form of public housing). Families rent one twin sized bed (regardless of size) and share the room with on e or two other families. There was 6 bedrooms; a nasty no-stove, no refrigerator, no sink kitchen, and a common area (with a picnic table as a dining table and a sink). All together there were 16 families occupying this area big enough for a family of six people in the states. It wasn’t until recently, (I think 1985) that electricity and water was installed. Even more recently was a light in each room installed. After that we went to a new government flat while still very small this one was at least humanely livable. It reminded me of a low rent apartment in the states. I, however, didn’t ask how many people lived in the flat.

The Children were absolutely wonderful. They’d just run up to us in the streets and hug us and hold our hands. They loved touching our hair. They were defiantly the highlight. On the way back to the ship the tour guide thanked us for seeing the township. She said that there were many South Africans that never had and didn’t want to. As odd (and wrong) as it felt “touring” the township I think that the people honestly want others to see—so things can change. If people are ignorant of the problem then how can they help?

The African Beat...

2006-02-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love South Africa!!! Yesterday I went to a township and the district six museum. And today I went to Cape Peninsula and saw penguins, seals, ostriches,and a baboon (all the non-caged variety). It was amazing... I can't wait until I have enough time to write about it all. I am going to go on a day safari on Friday and the wine lands on Saturday. I can't wait! But anyway I just wanted everyone to know that I love Capetown!

2006-02-12T03:15:00.000-05:00

80s night....

2006-02-12T03:13:00.000-05:00

The night before the no-class day was crazy to say the least. That night we had our first ship dance, themed 80s dance party. I have never been that into the 80s or its music but it ended up being the most fun activity on the ship thus far. I actually wasn’t planning on going until after the pub night started. I ripped through my closet to find something to wear… I was definitely going to half to be creative. I came up tube socks I cut into leg warmers, a hot pink bathing suit top, a mutilated wife-beater, and a random mini skirt. And to top it off green eye-shadow and a side ponytail. My friends came to pick me up at my room and we headed to the 7th deck for pub night. Now, if you did not know, SAS strictly monitors alcohol consumption and you are only allowed to have a max of 4 drinks (beer, wine, wine cooler) in a two hour period, and you have to purchase your tickets (for alcohol) before dinner. I also like to note that this is the first time I have drank on the ship (I am trying to save my money for more worth-while ventures). But anyhow, after a quick stop at pubnight we headed to the union to dance. I have no idea how drinks people were actually getting at pubnight, or if perhaps the alcohol tolerance of the entire ship decreased, but there seem to be some very intoxicated people attempting to dance. Very admusing to say the least. The dance party ended at midnight and as soon as the lights came up I was (sweat-drenched and) out of there.

I got to sleep in until 12 the next day (NO CLASS!!) and since my room is pitch dark without any windows I probably could have slept all day. I lounged the entire day. At dinner they had a huge BBQ for us on the pool deck. It was awesome to have a cheese burger and ribs again. Besides have five different deserts, this amazing coconut ice cream was also served. It was defiantly the best two days I have had on the ship so far, but I still can’t wait to get off this boat and to step onto Africa.

Update from the middle of the Atlantic!

2006-02-10T03:38:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody!

So we are crossing the Atlantic Ocean right now. We are about half way across now. Nothing really new or exciting is going on. I am having my first tests in all of my classes except Global Studies. Our interport lecturer onboard is a South African who spent time on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela. He is a social activist and author. He seems to be very interesting. He spoke today about Africa in general, and all but blamed ever single one of Africa’s problems on corporate globalization (globalization is a conspiracy of the big corporations) and the “Super Powers” (mainly the USA) controlling the IMF and World Bank. I strongly disagree with him on these issues but he seems very knowledgeable in other areas of Africa so I won’t draw any conclusions of his reputability at this time. He talking again tomorrow, so we’ll see… Since I have talked about globalization in all of my classes I am grappling with my own thoughts and opinions on the subject. Just for fun I have started a “predictions for the future” paper in which I am speculating what I think (ideas drawn from my rather uneducated mind) will be happening to the world and economy in the very near future. My goal by the end of the voyage is to finish reading The World is Flat.

I went to another one of Dr. Sherman’s “Change the World” Seminars. I’m telling you this man is soooo interesting. Before will he begin telling us how to change the world he is coaching us on how to change ourselves. Pretty much he is encouraging up to be come more optimistic and “lucky.”

Saturday I get a day off from school. I don’t know if the shipboard community has something planned or not. Hopefully it will just be a chill day!

2006-02-06T17:24:00.000-05:00

Rio in black and white....

2006-02-06T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hey Look! Its Jesus!

2006-02-06T17:22:00.000-05:00

Carnival group practice. There were many other performers but these ones were in the tradition clothing...

2006-02-06T17:21:00.000-05:00

Me on top of sugar loaf, over looking rio and the christ statue...

Rio, Rio, Rio I can’t believe I was in Rio!

2006-02-06T17:19:00.001-05:00

How incredible! Less then 48 hours ago I was in Rio De Janerio. Rio is a crazy beautiful city. The people are gorgeous, the beaches are gorgeous, and the mountains are gorgeous. It definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I will go back for carnival someday…

Day One

I went to a carnival school. It was amazing. It is a kind of like a community center where any one is welcomed to learn and worship (there was a temple of sorts there to- candomble) Their aim is to get kids off the streets and channel there energy into performing in the carnival. I got to do a carnival dancers workout with the kids. The warm-up was like any other dancer’s warm up (stretching and Pilates-like exercises) and then they taught us some carnival-moves. It was so fun! After that, they taught how to drum the samba beats and actually played some pieces. It was absolutely amazing.

That night I went to the welcome reception at the local university. I sampled the local cuisine and beer (which was extremely bitter and gross). Some Capoeiristas (dancer/fighters) performed their fight dances… its absolutely amazing to watch then move with such skill and precision as then punch, kick, flip, and cartwheel over each other without touching.

Day Two

…actually an extension of day one, since I couldn’t go to bed. Jesse (el jefe), Richard (Q), and I headed to the airport at 1:30am. The flight to Rio was departed at 4am and arrived at 7am. I did my best to sleep in the middle seat but I felt absolutely horrible when I woke up in Rio. I wasn’t quite sure what I had gotten my self into when we got off the plane, b/c it was gloomy and overcast, plus we had to find someplace to stay. To make a long story short we got on the bus, priced a couple of different hotels, and choose one so we could go to bed. The Ducasse Rio Hotel was located right next to a street that goes up a hill into a favela (shanty town=ghetto). The upside was that we armed-police stationed on that corner 24 hours a day.

After a nap we walked to sugar loaf (about 3 or 4 miles away), and took the cable car to the top. Amazing. Beautiful. Sugar loaf was formed from a volcanic eruption and then some bad weathering b/c of the chemical composition of the rock. No matter however it got there, it is beautiful. I got my first great view of the city on the first day, plus I saw Jesus.

On our walk to Sugar Loaf we passed a theatre, and randomly decided to buy tickets for that night’s performance. I have no idea what exactly the plot was but it was musical based around a night club. I did catch that the story moved from decade to decade starting in the 1920s with the flappers and ending in the 70s (with all the characters old and gray) with disco. The dancing was amazing and kept me tuned in for the duration of the show.

After that we headed to next beach down, Impanema (ie “The girl from Impanema”) to find out there was a ‘dress code’, so we couldn’t check out the club we had planned on. We still had a great time observing the Brazilians in their element.

Day Three

Nothing too exciting happened since we slept-in. When we awoke we went to breakfast/lunch at a restaurant along the beach. I order chicken-lasguana. I received a thin layer of noodles followed by ground up chicken (had the same consistence of ground beef) mixed with a red sauce, smothered (and I mean smothered) in a white creamy sauce and their ‘salt cheese.’ Interesting? Yes. Good? You bet! Jesse ordered a Portuguese pizza which was mostly cheese but also had many random ingredients including fried egg. When we got back to the hotel we found out that the (Tijuca) national park closed at five and we wouldn’t have time to get there before it closed. We had found out about a tour to a carnival-group practice that evening. We signed up and were taken to the practice arena. It was amazing to watch these people practice their samba dance. They’re so fast and good. I couldn’t believe people could move that fast. It most reminded me of jig-ing when they free-style.

Day Four

Even though we got back really late to the hotel the night before we got up very early to check out everything we had meant to do the day before. So at 9am we headed out to go hang gliding. We were going to a cliff in the Tijuca National Forest (this rainforest is the largest urban forest in the world) . We arrived, we were instructed on how to do it, and then we pretty much ran down a platform until we ran off and the wind caught the wings. Running was the only slightly scary/thrilling part. But oh man the views! Absolutely gorgeous. I had them take pictures while in the air but I have to get the film developed. It was surreal to look down at the rainforest on the mountain sides and seeing these huge houses with swimming pools and tennis courts all within a mile of the beach and the ocean . I saw the statue of Christ and sugar loaf in the distance. Seeing the mansions in the forest was a stark reminder of the income inequality as I looked off into the distance and saw the favelas littering the sides of the distant mountains.

Next we went to the Christ statue. It (he?) was really cool. It was huge! I am glad I got to stand at Jesus’ feet.

And after a quick stop at the Contemporary Arts Museum we head to the airport a few hours early. We had absolutely no money left on us after the cabbie cleaned us out and for some reason my debit card wasn’t working. At the airport, we met up with a lot of other SASers who were on their way back also from Rio. Everyone looked so tired! But the general consensus was “Everyone loved Rio”

Last Day

Back in Salvador: I definitely did not get the same vibe from Salvador as Rio. I felt awkward in Salvador, maybe in part b/c they (deans and security advisors and the doctor) had me convinced that I was going to get mugged or get malaria or dengue fever. I just didn’t like it. I know many people who did and had a great time but it just intimidated the hell out of me. I went to the beach in the morning with my roommate, Sarah, and my other friend Danielle. We took at ferry over to Itaparica Island (which even people in Rio raved about). It was absolutely gorgeous (even prettier then Copacabana). After frying on the beach and observing the locals (Sunday is beach day) we headed back to get ready for the soccer game. The soccer game was cool. It totally reminded me of a football Sunday with die hard football fans. They got so into it. I was extremely disappointed to see men everywhere peeing in the corners on the walls. By the end of the game there were huge puddles everywhere and it reeked. It definitely turned off some the excitement I had felt about Brazil. Plus there was trash everywhere. I felt so angry (not only b/c I had to walk through people’s urine) but b/c Brazilians don’t seem to have a sense of social responsibility to keep their environment clean. Even in Rio, there was trash everywhere and I had seen numerous people throw garbage into the ocean and streets. It was really disappointing.

But on a last note, Brazil was incredible. I only wish I knew Portuguese, so I could have communicated with many more Brazilians.

2006-02-06T17:19:00.000-05:00

Sugar Loaf...

Mail Call!

2006-02-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

I have had numerous emails requesting the addresses for snail mail. I already posted them in Dec but here they are again...

Address like this:
Janine Wilson
Room 4058
C/O: Explorer
"Arrival Date " (either leave blank go to semesteratsea.com)
Port Agent Address

The addresses are as follows....

Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
(You already missed your chance, it should have been sent by Jan 31)

MAURITIUS--- SEND BY FEB 11TH
Phone: 230 202 7040
Fax: 230 208 5814
Ireland Blyth, Ltd.1 Queen Street
P.O. 53 Port Louis, MAURITIUS

INDIA--- SEND BY FEB 23
Phone: 91 44 252 12032
Fax: 91 44 252 43813
J.M. Baxi & CO.
3rd Floor, Clive Battery Complex
4 & 4A, Rajaji Salai
Chennai-600 001, INDIA

MYANMAR--- SEND BY MAR 2
Phone: 95 1 256 913
Fax: 95 1 256 321
Myanmar Port Authority Sea Horse Agency
347/1st Floor
Mahabandoola Road
Kyauktada,Yangon, MYANMAR

VIETNAM--- SEND BY MAR 11
Phone: 84 8 823 1052
Fax: 84 8 824 2996
General Forwarding & Agency Co., Inc.5
th Fl. OSIC Bldg.
8 Nguyen Hue Avenue
Dist. 1,Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM

Hong Kong-- SEND BY MAR 20
Phone: 852 2746 7312
Fax: 852 2744 3240
Inchcape Shipping Services (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Units 1802-1805,18/FNo.
3 Lockhart RoadWanchai, HONG KONG

-ChinaPRC--- SEND BY MAR 24
Phone: 86 532 2653 332
Fax: 86 532 2655 752
Penavico Qingdao
21 Wuxia Road
Quingdao, 266002, P. R. CHINA

JAPAN--- SEND BY MAR 28
Phone: 34 94 424 2100
Fax: 34 94 424 0123
Inchcape Shipping ServicesKenryu Bldg.
Room 5026, Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku KOBE-shi,
Hyogo-ken 6500024,
JAPAN

And I am not exactly sure why SAS included the port agents phone and fax numbers but I guess I wouldn't use them unless its an emergency...

I am in Brazil!

2006-02-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody! I made to Brazil this morning! I went to a carnival school. It was so much fun. I danced and learned how to play a little bit on the drums. i am super excited to go the welcome reception tonight with all the local college students. And then at 2am I am going to leave for the airport to go to Rio. Woohoo! Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am sorry that I could update and repond to emails as the ship internet was super slow and i have already used over half of my minutes. There is an internet cafe right outship the port so I will do my best to make it back here before I depart from Brazil. Keep it real...

I SHAVED MY HEAD!!!!

2006-02-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, not really. I didn’t shave my head but there were plenty of girls who did as we celebrated King Neptune’s Day today. We crossed the equator this morning at 3am (and lost another hour of sleep). At around 8am the entire ship was awoken to Neptune’s Parade of ship staff, dressed in bed sheets and faces painted, banging drums, pans and jingling bells. After rallying everyone on the 7th deck the transitional pollywog to shellback ceremony began. After being doused with fish guts, I jumped into the pool (by that time it was nasty with other’s salty fish guts). Upon exiting the pool I proceeded to Neptune’s court where I kissed a dead fish on the mouth and then kissed Neptune’s ring… then it was official! I am now a shellback (with my lovely locks intack). Then I got some prime equator-sun today as I shaved my friend, Q’s hair. There was fish guts and hair everywhere when all was said and done! Overall it was a good time, but the best part was having no class!

Jan 29th, 2006

I wish I had more to post, but I don’t want to bore everyone with the trivial details of ship life. It’s not too exciting, quite frankly. However, the ship will be passing the equator at 3am tomorrow, and consequently, we’ll be in a satellite shadow for anywhere from 6 hours to 2 days. I already tried to check my email (right after the announcement) and was unable to get on the internet. So most like when I post this it will be after the ‘blackout,’ whenever that maybe.

Last night I learned some Portuguese. While it was similar in written form to Spanish, there are many different dialects (even in Brazil) that absolutely slaughter the pronunciation. So pretty much I learned that no matter where I am, I won’t be able to understand nor speak any understandable Portuguese. Oh well! At least I tried…

The shipboard community has an environmentalist professor from Berkley who is absolutely amazing! He is advising the “Change the World” club on the ship. He is leading seminars on literally how to change the world through social change. He has study many social movements, although relating to environment, and believes he has developed a model of effective social action. I can’t get over how fascinated I am with this man’s charisma. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am not really an activist of any type. But I figured it would hurt to learn how to lead a social movement, just in case the need every be. J There is another seminar tonight on how to discover your passions and dreams that I am looking forward to attending.

Also, before I get off the ship I am told that I need to see the movie, “City of God.” I know little about the movie other then it takes place in Brazil and it will make me scared to go to Rio. I guess we’ll see… Tomorrow is King Neptune’s Day.

Jan 29th 2006

2006-01-30T15:32:00.000-05:00

I wish I had more to post, but I don’t want to bore everyone with the trivial details of ship life. It’s not too exciting, quite frankly. However, the ship will be passing the equator at 3am tomorrow, and consequently, we’ll be in a satellite shadow for anywhere from 6 hours to 2 days. I already tried to check my email (right after the announcement) and was unable to get on the internet. So most like when I post this it will be after the ‘blackout,’ whenever that maybe.

Last night I learned some Portuguese. While it was similar in written form to Spanish, there are many different dialects (even in Brazil) that absolutely slaughter the pronunciation. So pretty much I learned that no matter where I am, I won’t be able to understand nor speak any understandable Portuguese. Oh well! At least I tried…

The shipboard community has an environmentalist professor from Berkley who is absolutely amazing! He is advising the “Change the World” club on the ship. He is leading seminars on literally how to change the world through social change. He has study many social movements, although relating to environment, and believes he has developed a model of effective social action. I can’t get over how fascinated I am with this man’s charisma. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am not really an activist of any type. But I figured it would hurt to learn how to lead a social movement, just in case the need every be. J There is another seminar tonight on how to discover your passions and dreams that I am looking forward to attending.

Also, before I get off the ship I am told that I need to see the movie, “City of God.” I know little about the movie other then it takes place in Brazil and it will make me scared to go to Rio. I guess we’ll see… Tomorrow is King Neptune’s Day.

The Wristbands are Off!

2006-01-27T19:07:00.000-05:00

The ship is moving about twice as fast as it was on the way to San Juan, so the rocking and pitching is minimal (or at least feels that way). I have been wristband/medication free today and am doing okay.

Tonight was the activities fair. I signed up for a lot of different things: kickboxing, Pilates, volleyball, the fashion show, vicarious voyage (corresponding with elementary students), the extended family (meeting with the adult passengers), the ambassador club, and the dance club. Yeah, I know that is a lot of things but life on the ship is so boring, and I have been very unproductive. I am looking forward to have things to do other then reading and playing board games.

The food on the ship has been less then satisfactory lately. Everything seems to be tasteless. Everyday I have pasta and potatoes and a salad, and maybe the main meat dish if it looks edible. I am always hunger (I think b/c of all the carbs I eat), but I don’t want to eat at the snack bar and waste my money. It is definitely hit or miss in the dining room.

I booked my ticket for Rio de Janeiro in San Juan. So I have been reading up on it. I am super excited. Plus it is much cheaper then the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Good thing, because I don’t want to run out of money before the end of the trip!

We are crossing the equator in two days, and with that comes King Neptune’s Day. No one really knows what to expect except for head shavings and fish guts… I guess we’ll see!

2006-01-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

El Morro...

My last days as a rica chica...

2006-01-25T22:48:00.000-05:00

The original plan was to go to the rainforest and the bioluminescent bay yesterday. But after finding out that it would be a $200 taxi ride, we were all a little turned off by the idea. So then we decided to search out the local Costco, but again it was really far away. So we just head the opposite way of the tourist Old San Juan and went into “New” San Juan. It is a cute city, with the same latin flavor similar to Costa Rica, but definitely not as poor. We just walked the streets for good part of the afternoon, not really seeing anything in particular other then just “seeing real puertorriquenos” in their elements. We took the beach back to the ship. Although I did absolutely nothing, I didn’t feel like I wasted the day in anyway. I just experienced the daily hustle and bustle of the people of PR.

I was dragged to a very expensive Latin Asian fusion restaurant and spent way too much money (One of the guys I was dining with likes the whole ‘dining experience’ and is willing to pay like 4 times more then I am to dine… this could definitely be a problem in the future but we will see…) It was good by all means but far too above my taste buds: duck-something nachos and sushi (lobster and salmon). Ohh well! You only live once!

The girls and I went back to Senor Frogs for a bit, while the boys went and gambled at the Casino across the street. I met a guy from the Coast Guard who I ended up to talking to for quite awhile, while my friends “got friendly” with the natives. I was totally unaware of any military presence on the island since we were staying on the Navy Pier and there was no Navy present. When the boys came back, we headed to the Salsa bar we didn’t actually go into on my bday. The alley was like a house party. There were so many people hanging out in the alley! The bar was okay. I had fun, and I actually ended up salsa-ing with one of guys that worked on the ship in the dining room. It was kinda random but whatever.

My last day in PR was spent at la Isla Verde, which I guess it a famous beach. I was not impressed at all. It was just a hotel strip with planes flying overhead constantly, and dried algae-plant stuff all over the sand. I liked PR a lot better before I visited the beach, but at least now I know where not stay if I ever return to PR.

Finally thoughts: PR is very charming but after the first day of exploring I ran out of things to do. This would be a great vacation spot, but Old San Juan is catered to tourist, so in my opinion it voiding its own culture.

PS my room number 4058, so put that on the envelope when sending mail, which you all are required to do.

2006-01-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

I found a friend...

2006-01-25T22:44:00.000-05:00

Inside of the Castillo de San Cristobal looking out to Old San Juan

Cumpleanos en Puerto Rico!

2006-01-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, it was my birthday yesterday. Luckily I found some cool people to travel with and go out with that night, so it didn’t suck as much as I thought it would… it was actually better then some of my last few bdays in the states… So what exactly did I do yesterday?

The port docked kinda late. Customs officials insisted on meeting with us face to face and no one could get off until everyone did. After waiting and waiting we were allowed to disembark around 11 am. During all this, the Secretary of State (of Puerto Rico) came and made a speech. I met him afterwards and he was a very nice man.

I am beginning to think that SAS is a super cheap-wad. Because first of all, it should have only taken us about a day and a half to get to PR (but I am guessing that in order to save fuel and docking fees it took us 4). Then when we got here, they announced that instead of staying at the beautiful, nice ports, we’re going to be docking at the Navy Frontier Pier. This Pier is about a mile and a half from Old San Juan and in the seedy part of town. It is all but impossible to walk at night, so a taxi ride is a must.

Anyway, after we disembarked, I met up with my new friends; Danielle, Janelle, Jessy, and Richard. We walked into Old San Juan which was about 25 minutes away and stopped a bank. The bank didn’t charge me anything for withdrawing cash which I found amazing! We found this little shop selling fried Puerto Rican “delicacies.” I bought a fried chicken burrito. It was good but greasy. We adventured on, with no plan, and came a crossed “Castillo de San Cristobal,” which is this huge fortification. It was super cool. From there we could see the famed “El Morro,” the even bigger, older fortification. We headed over there to find an even more incredible fort.

Since we’re on the tip on the peninsula, we headed back to Old San Juan. We passed Casa Blanca, but it was closed (b/c it was Monday) along with some other museums and art galleries, I had wanted to check out. We asked a police officer where he eats and he directed us to this small restaurant. I order some phenomenal cube steak with yellow rice and black beans (arroz congri) and some homemade sangria. It was so good.

After fueling our bellies we did some shopping. I didn’t buy anything because all of this ”stuff” didn’t really seem very Puerto Rican (it just said “PR” on it). I have seen all of these nic-nacks in Mexico, Costa Rica and even in the Bahamas.

Fast-Forwarding to the “la noche,” Jessy, Rich, Sarah and I head out for dinner to this very posh looking restaurant. I had an amazing meal of red chicken curry on a bed of spaghetti. We then walked around looking for a bar to frequent, but apparently there was a huge festival in the streets for the last four days (it ended Sunday), so most everything was closed. Some Puerto Rican students (that knew we were coming) had organized live salsa, bomba, and plena music for us at a bar. But when we went by, the band was not there yet and there was a cover. We headed to Senor Frogs (yuck!) to fill in the time. It was fun but really crowded, so we left after an hour and headed back to the salsa music. By then, the bar was over capacity full, so we just hung out outside in this ally. It sounds really creepy but it was cool. We met some nice PR students and salsa danced in the alley. We’ll probably head there tonite…

PS I will post lots of pictures when I get to the boat!

First day of classes...

2006-01-21T14:47:00.000-05:00

The waves were so rough last night and this morning. I skipped breakfast to see if there really was a need for me to get up and go. I now know there is. I was getting so sea sick this morning even with my wrist bands that I have been sporting. So I don’t think I will be making that mistake again…

I had a good night last night and met so really cool people. I even had my first date on the ship with two gentlemen. Now before Mario freaks out, this was purely a plutonic date which involved going to the 7th deck’s exercise room at 11:30pm (it was the earliest time there was an elipitical machine available) and then proceeding to the weight deck. Let me tell you it is quite a nauseating challenge to peddle on a rocking ship. It’s even harder trying to keep your balance while lifting and stretching. I have another date schedule for tonite at 9pm…

I had my first day of class. The global studies class is everyday and the other 4 that I have are split between two each day. Today I had International Trade Theory and History of Economic Thought in addition to GS. I already have reading homework L but we were asked to work on a purchasing power parity project when were in port. (In this PPP project we will see how much the same items cost in each country. We’ll collect info on McDonald’s big Macs and other items, and compare the differences.)

It was 77degrees out today so I just had to lay out while attempting to read my econ book. It was so nice although a little windy.

I found some people to hangout with in PR and there going to take me out for my bday on Monday. In PR I am thinking about exploring San Juan and el Morro, and possibly going to the rainforest, and for sure go to the bioluminescent bay.

I will definitely try to find an internet café in port so I won’t be posting anything tomorrow. Feel free to email me, b/c I am more likely to answer you in port then with the $.40 a minute onship internet.

The ship...

2006-01-20T19:55:00.001-05:00

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” –Marcel Proust

Morning:
Its’ kinda hard to describe how I feel right now other then just blah… I don’t really feel like meeting people or learning anyone’s name. This ship is huge and I am always getting turned around and lost. I don’t know where anything is… I can’t wait to get out of this funk…

I met my roommate yesterday. Her name is Sarah and is super nice. I think I am going to like living with her and won’t have any problems. She didn’t prepare much to come on the ship and when she saw me unpack all my “just in case” things she said she was glad that I was her roommate.

Yesterday, I arrived at the port at 10:30 with a girl that I had met the night before. Somehow we managed to put 4 large filled-to-capacity suitcases, a rolling carry-on, a duffel bag, and a large duffel bag in the back of tiny Suzuki that I had rented. I was so tired from my late night out which included my first apple martini. I definitely drank too much but I am glad I got that out of my system in a rather safe country. Being on the ship now, not being able to stand or walk straight, reminds me exactly of what I will now refer to as the “martini” night.

But anyway, we ended up standing in line for 3 hours! It was so ridiculous! I made a Starbucks run after awhile for some frappacinos and food once my stomach settled down from the night before. The only good thing about yesterday was that I did get some sun on my shoulders… but I am pretty sure I was darker before I came to the Bahamas then I am now!

Today after waking up at 8:30, Sarah and I went to breakfast and then to the faculty introductions meeting. I did get a chance to meet the Econ professor and he said it was fine to sign up for his third class, which is the only one that I will count towards my degree back home, asides from the ones that I am already taking. So that worked out well!

I have more meetings this afternoon and tonight. Hopefully I will be in better and more adventurous mood. Guess we’ll see!

Dinner Time:
I met some more people and am feeling a little more comfortable. We are going to have dinner together later. I even found some traveling partners for Puerto Rico. I am beginning to feel better about all of this…

2006-01-20T11:38:00.000-05:00

The boat is massive...

2006-01-20T11:37:00.000-05:00

This is for my mom, who loves lighthouses....

2006-01-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

The endless wait...

Last night as a Bahama Mama...

2006-01-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

To make a long story short I did absolutely nothing exciting today. When I put my suit on this morning to bask in the Bahamas sun, there was an instant down pour. I was able to go out later for an hour in the overcast, windy, and humid weather. Ohh well...
Before I had to drop my dad off at the parent's reception he wanted to go the fish market. The market is located underneath the bridge to get off Paradise Island. It smelled absolutely horrible! It was cool but smelly. I forgot my camera so I couldn't take any pictures of the little shacks and stands. We found "The burning spot" still open and ready to serve us dinner. We order up so conch fritter, fried conch and peas-n-rice (which are actually beans and rice). For less the $10 we ate to the breaking point and had the best sea food on island! It was way better then the poop deck! Only time will tell if I get food poisoning from the possible unsanitary conditions that probably prevailed behind the counter.
Tonight my computer will be getting packed so this is where I say good bye to the Bahamas and my "vacation". When I get all settled in on the ship I will post again but I can't really say when that will be... Everyone take care and I'll talk to you soon!

2006-01-17T22:50:00.000-05:00

I finally made it to the Beach to lay out!

"Flying Cloud"

2006-01-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

One of my biggest accomplishments today was finding the pool and beach. Around 10am I went to investigate the pool for a possible lay-out area. The wind was really whipping around by the pool so I headed to the beach to find a "more calm" wind. I choose a beach chair and oiled up for the next hour while listening to my ipod for one of the first times on this entire trip. I didn't want to stay out too long in the sun b/c my dad had booked us a 2pm Catamaran ride on the "flying cloud." A bus came and picked us up around 12:30 and we headed over to Paradise Island to catch the boat. We were really early so we had a lot of time to do some shopping and people watching. My dad brought along my binoculars that I got for Christmas from Ryan and Lauren and spyed on people on their boats... it was kinda funny.

But anyway, we hopped on the boat at two and basked in the sun although once again it was windy. The boat headed out to the unhabitated Rose Island about 8 miles off the coast of Providence Island (the main island where I am staying). There were actually alot of other tours going on around the area and on the island so it was by no means seculded. Since no one wanted to get off at the island, the boat anchored just off a coral reef and everyone went snorkeling. I saw some fish and a sting ray but over all I wasn't very impressed. And the water was cold :-(

I cut my snorkel time short and got back on the boat, only to meet a girl who is going on SAS. Yeah! I now know 2 people! Its a start I guess.. She was really cool and I hope to meet more people like her on the ship!

Once my dad and I got back to the hotel, we headed to dinner at the "Poop Deck." My dad had had it recomended so he thought he would splurge and take me there. I ordered the Conch Chowder, my dad ordered the Conch Fritters and the Sea Food Platter (conch, shrimp, peas and rice, slaw, and grouper) to share. The seafood was much better the seafood we had a few days ago. Overall it was very good.

Tomorrow is my last day in the Nassau, and I am really looking foward to getting on the ship. I don't have anything planned, although my dad is going to go diving. I just want to lounge around and meet some people. Maybe I'll take the car for one last joy ride...

PS Leave me comments on this page if you want (they get sent directly to my email) or just email me... plus it will let me know who is reading my blog. I'd love to hear from you all!

2006-01-17T22:26:00.000-05:00

Me at the "Poop Deck." The Orange Fleck behing me is the moon.

2006-01-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

"Jaw's Beach"

2006-01-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

the side of a highly-flamable rum aging warehouse... (it's the fruit bat)

2006-01-16T20:04:00.000-05:00

My dad woke me up early this morning b/c we're suppose to rent bikes and bike to the south island (which is on the opposite side of the island). I was actually enthuased about this idea becuase we were also going to stop at the Bacardi Distillary. But once we went across the street to rent the bikes we discovered thatm they didn't rent bicycles, they only rented scooters. Now had we been in the states I may have actually considered this option. But they drive crazy in the Bahamas (think Mexico...) and on the left side. I figured that I already beat the odds just by getting to the Bahamas and I really did want to get on the boat... alive. So then we thought of renting a car, so after a few calls we found an "economy" car priced right for 3 days. What we got was a tiny, tiny Suszuki whatever (reminds me of Mario's old civic). But anyway, they actually rented it to me(your suppose to be 25), since I have the AMEX (shout out to my cash-back costco-amex card w/ free accident insurance) and I therefore became the chauffer for the day. Driving on left is actually a lot easier then I ever imagined. I don't know if its b/c I normally don't drive on my side of the road back home or if I just adapted quickly... but turns still freak me out and the "give way" signs (I don't know which way to give way) but I think I am getting the hang of it.

The Barcardi Distillary was so cool. We took a tour with a young couple from Australia and an older couple from NY who all evidently stay at our hotel...?... I learned so many interesting facts i wish I would have taken notes. For instances, all the rum ages at least two years in "used" barrels that are bought from other spirit makers like Jack Daniels. The dark color comes from the barrels (because they are orginally charred inside). Before entering the storage warehouse we were warned to enter at our own risks, becuase you can get contact buzz from inhaling the alcohol fumes in the air... the rum in the barrels is either 191 or 178 proof (they add water and flavors later on).

After the tour we were invited to their bar where we're able to try any and all of the products that we wished. I only had a daquier because I was driving (and had gone into the warehouse). Then we were able to go into the gift store and buy barcardi at "Factory" prices. But sadly I can't bring any on the ship so I couldn't really buy anything to bring home :-( Good thing I don't like rum...
And finally, my dad and I found a small public beach called "Jaw's Beach" and went snorkeling. We didn't see anything terrible exciting b/c my dad was experience techincal difficulties and had to cut our trip to the reef short. Ohh well... I hear Puerto Rico has phenomial coral reefs.

Getting to the Bahamas...

2006-01-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

This is what my computer wouldn't let me post yesterday or the first day I was here....

Well I made it to the Bahamas! I checked in to the Nassau Beach Hotel room 302. I am glad that my dad and I made it because the trip here was interesting. Not only did we get into many wrong lines, had “weapons” confiscated from us, every flight was delayed, but I also managed to turn a suitcase into a fly projectile that nearly took out my dad. I was so exhausted when I got in the car at 4:30 this morning but had a very uncomfortable sleep/ride in the Jetta. I managed to pass out on the plane to DC without laying on either of the two gentleman sitting next to me (or maybe I did and didn’t realize it while I was asleep). When we finally arrived to DC, we realized that our tickets for the Bahamas had no gate number on them, and we had less then a half hour before departure. But we obviously found the gate, and I don’t remember any of the flight, because once again I passed out. But anyway I am here now, and the internet is super expensive, so I am going to buy a three day unlimited pass, so I may be able to do a little more email and/or posting then I will in the future.

2006-01-15T23:40:00.000-05:00

Here is the ship that I will be spending 100 days on... It just docked today. It is not as shiny and big as other boats in port but it still seems nice!

Bahamas!!!

2006-01-15T19:06:00.000-05:00

My computer is acting totally crazy and I think it may have a break down soon. Pray for it please! I had something already written from yesterday but the internet was down in my room. The Bahamas is really cute... the people in general are really nice, polite, and beautiful. I ran into some "problems" on the way down here, and hopefully when my computer starts acting right I will be able to post some of what happened!
Anyway, my dad and I went to church today and it was really nice. The "MV Explorer" is in the habour. I missed the deadline to sign my dad up for the onboard reception...opps... I am trying to get ahold of someone to put him on "the list". So far it has been really relaxed and I feel like I have done absolutely nothing. I haven't even been to the pool yet! It was only 70 degrees and really windy today. I vow to make it to the beach tomorrow.
I have only taken two pictures, one of the ship in port and another of our bus driver's ID, who's first name is Prince and try to guess what his middle name is...Albert. I about rolled on the floor with laughter when I saw it hanging from the visor! Peace out!

2006-01-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

My friends at work got this for me....

One more day in Michigan....

2006-01-12T22:47:00.000-05:00

Ohh my goodness!!! My last day of work was on Tuesday and I so wish it would have been last week because I am freakin' out! I have so many odds and ends to do plus pack what will sustain me for the next four months... its a little bit of pressure! I cannot even comprehend that in thirty hours from now I will be on way to the airport. It seems so unreal.
Yesterday I starting getting these waves of anixiety and panic and at other times I get emotional and almost tear up at the thought of leaving. I never thought I would feel this way... I know that I will be missing a lot while I am gone like the people from work, my sister and her senior year (and volleyball season), my parents and grandmas, but mainly my boyfriend. He is not doing so well, he is totally bummed. I feel absolutely horrible that I am putting him through this, but then again if he didn't "let" me go and do my own thing, I don't think I would be with him anyway. He is the greatest boyfriend of all time... I just wanted to throw that out there!
Today my bestest friends Caroline and Russel took me out for Lunch at Applebees and then desert at Fridays. We headed to the mall and did some last minute "necessary" shopping at Victoria's secret, the Sunglass hut and Aeropostale. Whatever- it was fun. Tonight I am at Mario's downloading the 2000+ songs he has on his computer to my IPod, so I am pretty sure I will be here untill the wee hours of the morning!
So tomorrow should be even busier then today, but at least once I get it over with I am done and outta here.

Peace out for now!

Its all a blurr....

2005-12-29T23:23:00.001-05:00

The days are whizzing by. I always thought my life moved pretty quickly as I went from school to work, to meetings, to working out, to see my boyfriend, to going out with friends. But the past week has a much different feel. Even though I feel like I am on vacation (because I'm not going to school, but am working at least 6 days... somehow this is a vacation to my sick mind), the days seem like they will have an inevitable end. And I guess the days are coming to end (at least the ones in Michigan). I am so excited to be leaving but am starting to consider the serious possibility that I may experience some homesickness or perhaps, *gasp*, some sadness. The thought of only having two weeks left before I leave is almost gloomy... but then again maybe because it isn't negative 10 degrees and the snow has actually melted outside. We're suppose to get another storm tomorrow so, I let you know how I feel after that.

I am beginning to wonder what I am really expecting to get out of this trip, and how I will be different once I get back. My prediction is that I will be wierder, if that is possible, once I get back. How can you possible go to so many countries and have so many experiences and not come back a little strange? I have a feeling that my tolerance for handling peoples' egotistical, ethnocentric bull shit will probably be the first to go... but we'll see!