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.
Samantha
Greetings from Queens College
I am working late tonight as I do on thursday's I work 11-7pm. Guess What I celebrated my 29th Birthday Yesterday and I will continue to celebrate my birthday for the rest of the month (February is such a short month) I am very excited to turn 29, I thought I would have been a little bit depressed but SUPRISE I am doing ok. I am celebrating with my friends 10 of us on Saturday at my favorite Thai restaurant Cafetasia in the East Village after we are heading out to BB Kings for a party and maybe another club.....I love reading your blogs because they transforme me too another place great writing.
P.S. I almost bought Kylan a hamster yesterday but when I thought about cleaning the cage every week I changed my mind. He is gettig a Betta Fish instead, he is going to be so happy.
Kisses Sammy
Mario
Hey there,
It is 6AM on Tuesday...(around 11 pm NY time) and we are all up watching the sunrise as we pull into port here in Cape Town, South Africa. We are right next to the mountain (Table Mountain) and in the waterfront. We arrived safely and on time for our week visit. Stay tuned for blogs and pictures.
Linda
OH MY GOODNESS!!! I can't believe you shaved your head! Forget the fish you have some guts! I thoroughly enjoyed your blogs. Oh my what an amazing experience you are having. AWESOME!!!! You are blessed to have that opportunity. Sounds totally amazing. I definitely would consider applying for it one day.
Sorry I haven't responded sooner. Things have been hectic. I was the keynote speaker at NEACUHO RD2B conference. I just love those NEACUHO folks. Then I was off to preside over my MACUHO exec board meeting in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I had a great time with my peers and getting MACUHO work done.
Back at Ramapo were incidents, incidents and oh wait more incidents. Can't pose them kind of sensitive but will tell you when I can. Got sick only with a cold so I should be grateful since most people seem to suffer from the flu and a horrible stomach virus. Would not handle that at all.
Today I took off because Kat has off and I plan to catch up on my TIVO shows as you know the reality tv freak that I am. American Idol is back so I am happy and watching fans versus favorites on Survivor plus celebrity apprentice and the one non reality show I love LOST is finally back. The darn writers strike is over and finally we are seeing some good award shows since we were completely gypped with the peoples choice and the golden globes. Who the heck wants to see lists of people who won. I want to see expressions on winners faces and losers who cant believe that other person won and of course what crazy outfits these stars wear on the red carpet. That is why I watch award shows not to see someone read a list of winners, so thank god the writers strike is over. Apparently, some shows have no time to make it this season so fans of 24 have to wait to January 2009 to see a new episode. That stinks for them Thank god I watch reality tv shows.
Anyway, I am sure you know the Giants won and it was a great win!!! It snowed two days ago in New Jersey and then it rained so lots of flooding and bad roads.
Ramapo news: Tanya had her baby. Kayla LoRe Washington was born on February 2nd at 5:46am, 6 pounds and 4 ounces. 19.5 inches long. So big baby. I have to go visit but need to recover from my cold first.
Bad news: there was a shooting at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. A former student came into an oceanography class and began shooting at the students. He killed 6 people but others are critical in the hospital. Everyone is reeling from that across the country. I was hoping Virgnia Tech would be an isolated incident and not the beginning of college shootings. I would hate to be scared to go to work everyday.Anyway, that was big news so I told you. I pray for the families of those students who were killed and injured.
Anyway, on to happier things I am making my plans for attending the ACUHO -I conference in Walt Disney World. Woohoo. Plan to stay a week longer and have a much needed vacation if god wills since I havent been on vacation in two years.
Well look forward to more blogs. Continue to have wonderful and amazing time at your semetser at sea and I cant wait to hear about every detail when you return. Still cant believe your female students shaved their heads. That also takes guts. Anyway, gotta go but looking forward to your next blog. Take care and god bless!
Sincerely,
Linda
Samantha
Well Mario, The weather sucks big time in NY It was snowing and raining at the same time but don't feel sorry for us we are ok we will survive have a great time on your HOT Ship
Jack Harris
Hi Mario,
Your pics have been great! It looks nice and warm! I especially liked the "Passing The Equator" sign! Anyways hope all is well and tell Al I STILL have not heard from him!!!
Matt Shaffer
HeyMario! It looks like you're having a great time at CARNIVAL!!! I hope you have as much fun if not more at all your ports! What an amazing oppertunity you have. I can't wait to see more pictures. Best wishes -Shaffer
Mario
Hey All.. before I get to my actual blog.. I have to say one thing to you all.. Carnival is SICK and CRAZY FUN!! I jus thad the time of my life partying, dancing, screaming and jumping on the street and in our private viewing area to see the celebrations. OMG... you have to come down and see this and take part of this one time in your life. I cannot even begin to describe what I just experienced, but I will try in next weeks blog. Have fun and keep in touch. Go Semester At SEA!!
Aja Holmes
WOW!! The pictures are great!! I have been busy here and I just got caught up with your site here and I can say I feel like I am talking to you over the phone the way its reads!! Continue to have fun and be safe!!
Dawn
OMG, I am so jealous. I could really use some sun and sand and good food! At least SEAHO is in Savannah, which is as close as I'm going to get to the tropics for a while. I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself...keep up the blogging!