Donna Gannon Mario, gas was $3.76 a gallon yesterday. They say that a barrel of oil could reach $200 a barrel in the foreseeable future, damn! Barack and Hillary are fighting for the nomination but Barack is leading in delegate count and Hillary just won't give up. Some are talking a Barack/Hillary ticket but who knows if that will happen. There was a cyclone that hit the country of Myanmar and thousands of people were killed. The military was refusing help as of yesterday. Watterson is going through closing and kids are putting lofts, carpets, etc down the trash chutes and blocking them up. You know, the same old stuff. My Mom is still hanging in there. We have hospice at her home and we children are taking care of her. Hope you have a good transition to the good ole USA!

Tosh Hi Mario! Aja told me you were doing SAS and loving it. I'm going to go on the Fall 2008 voyage, which is so exciting. I cannot wait to hear about your experiences circumnavigating the world...you must give me a call when you return. -Tosh

Matth Shaffer Have fun in Costa Rica! I'm sure it will be good to get off the boat a little while. I can't wait to hear about your plans when you return and about closing time on A SHIP!!!

dawn Read the at sea to Costa Rica blog...the food in Hawaii must not have been very interesting...no mouth watering descriptions or pictures!

samantha OK I can't wait to see you I can just imagine the adjustment when your plane lands in NYC. Miss YOU MAN

Dawn Welcome home to the USA...even if you're in one of two states that's pretty unlike anywhere in the 48. Must be a bittersweet time, to be wrapping up your journey! How goes the job search? I interviewed for an Associate Director job at Kennesaw State U but didn't get it. Oh well! We're interviewing candidates for our Director job at UWG, so it feels good to have a hand in picking my next boss, anyway. :)

Beth Hey Mario, Looks like things are going great for you! I can't believe you will be home in a few short weeks. It'll be weird for you to go back to Jersey and not to Watterson... The weather here is finally turning nice and people are busting out the sandals and tank tops! Hooray for Spring!! Kick Off is next week and we are really excited - let's get these kids outta here!! Be safe in your upcoming travels. Talk to you later! Beth

Matt Shaffer Hey Mario! I'm so happy that you're having a fantastic time on your trip and I can't wait to see more pictures and blog entries. An employee of mine is going to be in the UVA higher ed program next year and will be working with Semester At Sea as her assistantship...small world! -Matt

maylen aldana ok, i love japan. Is it not the best. THe people are so great and peaceful. Ok, i see a road trip soon in our future to Japan. The landscape is amazing.Did you eat sushi? I can't eat sushi.... Take care - MLA

RK WOW! fun stuff Mario. What's next on your itinerary?

SAMANTHA This has been such an emotional year for me thus far (Boy trouble) but you know what, I am such a luck girl Ihave been blessed with an amazing son and a great network of friends. I love my family but I depend on my friend for emotional stability.. I enjoy reading and basically experiencing your travels with you...I have been disconnected to my friends in the past but I vowed this year to make my connects with the people I care about the most last forever.... Happy Travels until next time (I hope I made sence, I felt like I just purged my thoughts onto this blog)

Dawn Vavrik Palmer Continuing to enjoy your great updates! The food pictures from each country just make my mouth water! I especially could go for some decent Indian food! There were good Indian restaurants in Illinois...likely some in Atlanta, too, I just don't know where! Thanks for being such a good blogger/photographer and keeping the updates current!

Linda Hey Mario! Wow what great pictures. South Africa is beautiful!!!! Those beaches! Your hair is growing back so fast. Darren was so cute. Did you say you ate Ostrich? Deer? wow. Now that's something. Keep the pictures and the updates coming. I read every word and find it totally fascinating. Thanks so Much! Continue enjoying your trip to the fullest. It will certainly be an experience you will always remember. Take care, Linda

Uncle Jimmy Just got around to viewing your photos but I had been reading your blog. Sounds like you are having a terrific time. Remember this is a once in a lifetime adventure so do enjoy it meet interesting people eat their cusine because you will return a much more worldly person and you will have all those great memories and stories to tell everyone. If you get a chance send grandma a postcard, she misses you a lot. You will have to put together a photo album for your family to see when you are all done with your trip. So be good have a great time and enjoy Your Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Darlene

Donna Gannon Hey, Mario, how was your safari? And your river rafting? Where are you headed next? I've only read the last paragraph of the blog from South Africa. Will read the rest tomorrow. Not much new here. Hey, we're getting a new computer at the student workstation. Amanda is thrilled. I didn't know penguins lived in warm climates. Do they migrate there at certain times? Bet you're learning a lot about different animals. The stray kittie that I was taking care of hung itself accidentally the other day. I'm very sad today about it even though I knew it was a stray and something could happen at any time. Got pictures up on the map so that everyone can see what's up with you. Did I already tell you James Roche was jealous when he saw the girl who cut your hair. Gotta go.