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Semester at Sea - "The MV Explorer Diaries"
Hawaii: Short but Sweet
After spending two weeks at sea, I have finally adjusted to life as a "sailor." It's pretty easy to get used to laying outside in the sun between classes, watching sunsets in the pouring rain, observing flying fish (they're real...) outside of my classroom window, and enjoying spa treatments with my girls. In addition to being pampered, however, I am still learning a tremendous amount with every experience, and I am soaking up every second of this amazing opportunity.
Our first port was Hawaii, which was only a twelve hour stop but sooo refreshing. It's somewhat of a tradition to watch the sunrise as we pull into each port so several of us camped out on the deck the night before and slept under the stars. Apart from being kicked off twice, it was an absolutely beautiful night in so many ways and I loved every second of it.
We arrived in Honolulu early that morning and, after hours of disembarkation procedures, we were able to step foot on land for the first time in six days. We explored the city a bit in search for Japanese Rail Passes (you have to purchase them out of Japan) and I had the opportunity to talk to some people at home before I sacrifice my cell phone for three whole months! We then relaxed on the beach and swam in the warm tropical waters off of Waikiki, and enjoyed some local food and beverages before boarding the ship once again.
I am now halfway through one of the longest stretches at sea, en route to Kobe, Japan!! We are nearing a tropical storm (just changed from a typhoon) so the waters are getting a bit rough and it's too rainy to play outside My plans for Japan include consuming inordinate amounts of sushi, exploring the night life in Tokyo and climbing Mt. Fuji!! I hope to have many many stories to tell when I write again, post-Japan. Love and miss you all!!!
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