Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Semester at Sea - "The MV Explorer Diaries"
Fifth day on the ship and still very much adjusting...My first night at sea was pretty rough but I think I've finally got my "Sea Legs" I'm also dealing with the absurd amount of free time I have here - two classes on half of the days at sea and three the other...and none of my fifteen thousand commitments and activities that I'm used to at CSU...I miss being busy! When the weather clears up it should be nice though because I can lay out on the deck and go swimming in the pool! (Rough life I know) I woke up early for the sunrise this morning and watched it while eating breakfast on the deck...It was a fantastic beginning for my first day of classes.
So life on a ship...it's a strange feeling to wake up and look out your bedroom window (cabin porthole - I'm getting used to the lingo) and have no idea what you will see. I can't wait until I can watch the dolphins and whales from the comfort of my own bed! Classes are small and not in typical classrooms but cozy lounges with couches and panoramic views of the ocean. I feel quite spoiled here as well, we are very waited on and even have someone cleaning our rooms daily (they even make my bed!). The crew members are some of the most fantastic people aboard and I have loved chatting with them everyday.
The ship is beautiful (check out the pics) - there are large decks on the front and back, some with bars (with snacks and coffee and such - alcohol consumption is highly monitored and only on certain days). There is a full spa - sauna, facials, massages, haircuts, etc - a gym, campus store, computer lab, piano lounge and so so much more. The food so far has been fantastic as well and as soon as we get to some ports, they will be picking up local food so I can experience that as well. Meeting people is like freshman year again - it's quite hilarious, but everyone has been amazing and they are all so excited to be here. I was fortunate enough to board the ship two days early for work-study training so I had the chance to meet about twenty other students before we set sail. They have really been fantastic and we spent the first night eating dinner on the deck and watching the sun set over the bay and reflecting on just how lucky we are to be here. One of the qualities that I value the most in the students I've met is their deep appreciation for this experience. It's exciting to know that I'm not the only one who can hardly believe that I'm about to travel around the world!
So we arrive in Hawaii on Saturday but only stay until that night before spending ten (?) more days at sea en route to Japan! It will be nice to spend a day on land, but I really can't wait to get started with my adventures! So, there's the update thus far...I'm feeling pretty homesick but that comes with adjusting to new surroundings (especially when they are as unique as this!) and I know the time will come soon where I can fully appreciate my new life! I'm learning a lot already and am anticipating all of the lessons that are in my future. Internet is quite expensive, but I will update this as often as I am able...Miss you all!!!
- comments