Sea, including Caitlin’s friend Taylor.
When we got to Halifax, a town car, which was much too small to fit three-month’s worth of luggage for three girls, picked us up. We ended having to put three suitcases in the front seat of the car—it was tight, but at least we fit all of our luggage. Then when we got to the hotel (about 2:30 am), they told us they were overbooked for the night and had to send us elsewhere. Fortunately, the manager was very accommodating and we were sent to a nearby hotel that was equally as nice, free of charge.
In the morning, we moved onto the MV Explorer, Semester at Sea’s ship. Caitlin and I are roommates—we decorated our room with pictures from home and a world map to record our journey. There are 721 students on the ship plus faculty, staff, and some of their families: about 1000 people total.
On the ship, there are two dining rooms, an auditorium we call “the Union,” a pool, a pool bar, a spa, a gym, a hair, salon, and lots of seating/lounge areas (which double as the classrooms). My favorite part of the ship is the deck at the front of the ship: it is not as big or as crowded at as the rear decks. This is where I stood when we departed from Halifax. When we left, there were people waving good-bye and a group playing the bagpipes—it was very exciting.
After departure, Caitlin and I wandered the ship, ate lunch, and had an emergency drill. We all had to go to our designated areas, put on our bright-orange life vests and stand in lines—it was mostly just a lot of waiting and a little boring, but at least we know what to do now: better safe than sorry! After the drill, we sat on a rear deck and watched the waves, enjoying the beginning of our voyage.
Yesterday as orientation—mostly meetings and listening to rules—and today we started classes. We only take classes while traveling, never in port, so we will have class straight until Tuesday (including Saturday and Sunday). But, once we get to the Mediterranean, we will be in port so much, that we hardly have class at all. I am taking Spanish, Stress and Stress Management, and Global Studies. Spanish is really easy, but it will be a nice review and practice. Stress and Stress Management should be really interesting; it involves some reading but also “stress reduction techniques” like yoga and meditation. And I love my Global Studies class! The teacher is great, it is so interesting, and I think I should have been an International Studies major.
Now that we are out to open sea, we are moving faster and the waves are bigger. It is entertaining to see everyone stumbling around, trying to be graceful, but failing terribly. I was in line for lunch and it was funny to see the entire line swing from right to left.
Yesterday was really gray and cold, but today is clear skies, warm, and beautiful. I am sitting on a rear deck as the sun is setting, taking a break from my homework.
I have very limited Internet access, so I won’t be able to update my blog as often as I hoped. I also do not have frequent access to my regular e-mail account, so if you want to get ahold of me, contact my parents, Alicia, Mindy, or Nadya—they all have my new e-mail address that I can access from the ship.
P.S. No seasickness yet!
At Sea Tac, Leaving For Halifax
Our Room
Emergency Drill
On The Front Deck At The Ship's Departure From Halifax
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