January 19, 2008

The Airport experience….So let me tell you 5 AM came real fast this morning.We headed out to Newark airport and got checked-in.So first things first… checking luggage for a 4 month trip is very interesting.Of course, one of my bags was overweight by 10 pounds, the interesting aspect was that this piece of luggage was not even entirely packed to the fullest… go figure.But for $25, we were able to check that luggage, it was well worth it.If you never have flown out of Newark airport you won't understand, but the security line at 6:30 am was unbelievable!!It took me 45 minutes, plus a bag search to get passed security.After explaining to them why I had so much bottled medicines (pills like malaria, vitamins in quantities of hundreds was fun to explain.)But I made it.

7 of the 9 RD's meet me at the airport and it was comforting to meet everyone at baggage claim and ride over to the port.The ride over to the port was fun meeting all of my new colleagues and friends.During the ride over to the port, we experienced a Bahaman style funeral procession.It was sad to see that a 17 year had been killed in an accident, but the style of the funeral procession was interesting as swarms of people were walking the streets behind the hearse and a band.

Once we got settled into our cabins… which I am 3136, we started right away with training and introductions.For those of you wondering, this semester at sea voyage is going to the largest voyage in HISTORY, with 735 students, with over 100 faculty and staff and about 200 crew members.Our student population is going to consist of 70% female students, so that is going to be interesting for our male students to handle.This is our 95th voyage for semester at sea.

I am looking forward to learning a lot of new things on this trip - from the world, to the students, to the position.Our "f" word on the boat is flexibility… learning to adapt with uncertainty.I have realized on the first night some things I have given up from my work at home…secretaries, supplies, private offices, etc.. but in exchange, I received a maid to clean my room, someone to domy laundry and others to cook for me and clean my dishes… so I guess the exchange is an equal one.

The atmosphere of the faculty and staff is amazing!! Hearing their stories of their experiences, how they got to semester at sea and to hear all of the things everyone gave up to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity experience.All of us who were hired are all members of a "highly over qualified" group that were singly handpicked to be a part of this experience.I am, as others are, very proud and excited to be a part of this.

Well, the voyage is going to begin.. it is time to see the world that is out there.