Last day here! We started out early again with a tour to the Chocolate (Xocolata) Museum. This was for a class for me, International Marketing. We were able to go through the museum and see the history of chocolate and learn about how it became an international staple that defined markets. After the tour, we were able to make molds of little houses out of chocolate that they gave us to eat, as well as write with chocolate on some wax paper. It was cute, and delicious. We took some pictures of our designs, you’ll see them later. The admittance ticket to the museum is also a piece of chocolate itself. So we were cocoa’d out. ☺
After, we headed down the street and visited the Picasso museum. This is a HUGE museum completely filled with the art of Picasso in chronological order. It started out rather nice, and then went crazy as he got older.
Next came a little ramble through some of the side streets till we came across a little pizza bar where we ate and watched the world cup. We took the metro from there and visited the mall on the pier. We didn’t buy anything, but it was exciting to see the different stores. There’s a lingerie place called “Women’s Secret”, and a place called “Lefties,”. Note that there is a comma at the end. Some strange stuff, but cool too.
After the mall we decided to head on back to the boat. We had to be back by 6pm, or we’d get “dock time”, which is when you have to remain on the boat for a specific amount of time at the next port before you can go out. We wanted to play it safe. The rest of tonight will most likely be taken up by eating, trying to catch up on studying and sleeping. Definitely sleeping.
Overall Thoughts on Spain:
I liked it. Barcelona is a huge city with so much art and history. The things that Europeans are the most proud of and care the most about is really their art and architecture. You really have to be a little older to appreciate it here. There are a couple little kids here and I don’t know how cool it really is for them. A lot of our pictures are of just things because the things themselves are so incredibly beautiful. The people here are a little different as well, but in a good way. They don’t smile at you in the streets like we do. There is no need for service in a restaurant though they pride themselves on being servers. People take days off just because they feel like it, and nothing is to be overly rushed. We didn’t experience the night life, but we heard it was great. I’m sure, as the whole of the city that I saw was incredible. Every part. I’d definitely come back to Barcelona and stay longer. There is so much to see and do. I feel like we only really scraped the surface. I also hope that Italy is just as great!
Chapter one done! Now on to number two: Italy!
Semester at Sea
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Spain Day Three!
By now, we were getting awfully tired. Walking miles a day really drains a person. We started out today with a “paella” tour. We headed out at 10am with a British tour guide who was born in Washington D.C., lived in Spain his whole life and spoke prolly four languages. He was super detailed, and we absolutely loved him. We visited some of Gaudi’s famous houses around the city, explored the Markets on La Rambles (where you can get fresh fruit and any kind of meat or fish. It’s a little overwhelming because it’s super crowded and the smells were strong. We didn’t stay long), and then went down some of the side allies around the area. The guide (William) took us to a square down one of the side streets. There was a nice little fountain, a small little restaurant and a nursery school. The walls surrounding the square though were filled with holes. The tour guide proceeded to tell us that during the Spanish Inquisition, soldiers would take right-wingers down to the square because it was easy to block off and execute them. Straight up. It was a little poignant. The children were running around. Life goes on. It was a touching moment to say the least (For a very poetic version, check out James’ blog). Next, we continued on down lots of small streets where we’d stop to hear some tidbit or another. Finally, we went across a bridge along the pier to this big shopping mall. We went inside one of the restaurants and literally watched chefs make paella in this little side room. They gave us spoons and we got to stir around in the pans as well. Let me explain paella:
It’s basically rice with some special yellow sauce. It’s got shrimp, prawns, calamari, and clams. The make it in a huge pan called a “Paella Pan” and everything is cooked together at the same time. It’s a long process, but it’s kinda cool. We took some good pictures and tried to track the progress.
We then continued to eat some appetizers and then the paella! Eating the seafood was pretty interesting because the little bodies were still intact on the shrimp and the prawns, but we made it through. We sat next to the woman who is the doctor for the Pittsburg Steelers. Her and her husband are pretty cool and it was fascinating to hear stories about how she takes care of “Ben”, as she calls him. Freakin A. I hate the Steelers, but it was still exciting!
After lunch, we walked down to the L’Aquarium. It was pretty cute. There’s lots of different Mediterranean fish, and some crazy sharks. There’s one that HAS to continually swim or he’ll drown. The Coral Reef Black Tip Shark (or something like that). There’s a 360 degree huge tank as well that you walk through. There were rays and sharks swimming above us and around us, and some really vicious looking eels. I have decided that I hate eels, with a passion. The aquarium was pretty sweet. There’s a jelly fish area that we saw, but we had to walk through the mouth of a sperm well and the exhibit was inside the whale. It was really rather trippy to walk through, haha. Which makes me sound pretty lame. It’s ok, I am.
After the L’Aquarium, we walked down to the beach! We were not dressed for the occasion, but it was still cute. I had pants and a longer sleeved shirt on, and James had tennis shoes on as well. We walked down the boardwalk and eventually down to the beach, which was interesting…to say the least. There were definitely a lot of topless women, and men in super little speedos. The women who were topless were pretty old…lol. But there were a few young ones. It was…different. Not gross or lewd, just different. I was pretty glad that we just walked it rather than spend time there like the other 98% of the other kids on the boat. While we were walking along, we were approached by this Brazilian guy. Turns out he goes to ASU and recognized James’ U of A shirt. We talked for awhile about the rivalry. He’s also majoring in business, and was vacationing for the summer. Best Part!: He Spanish kissed me! On both cheeks!!! Ciao Ciao, he said and kissed me. Sigh. It happened. I was really stressed that it wouldn’t and I would miss the experience, but no! Got it done, woop woop! Definitely a high light of the day.
Afterwards, we found a place to watch the USA vs. Ghana game. We found this little pub that was on the second story of a gelato place that was full of a bunch of Americans, some Brits and some Canadians. It was intensely rowdy, but the atmosphere was good for the game and the bread was good in general. The Spanish use Ciabatta bread and always top it with a tomatoes and onions and things. It is SOOO delicious, pan con tomato. That’s what it’s called.
So that was day three. Pretty good!
It’s basically rice with some special yellow sauce. It’s got shrimp, prawns, calamari, and clams. The make it in a huge pan called a “Paella Pan” and everything is cooked together at the same time. It’s a long process, but it’s kinda cool. We took some good pictures and tried to track the progress.
We then continued to eat some appetizers and then the paella! Eating the seafood was pretty interesting because the little bodies were still intact on the shrimp and the prawns, but we made it through. We sat next to the woman who is the doctor for the Pittsburg Steelers. Her and her husband are pretty cool and it was fascinating to hear stories about how she takes care of “Ben”, as she calls him. Freakin A. I hate the Steelers, but it was still exciting!
After lunch, we walked down to the L’Aquarium. It was pretty cute. There’s lots of different Mediterranean fish, and some crazy sharks. There’s one that HAS to continually swim or he’ll drown. The Coral Reef Black Tip Shark (or something like that). There’s a 360 degree huge tank as well that you walk through. There were rays and sharks swimming above us and around us, and some really vicious looking eels. I have decided that I hate eels, with a passion. The aquarium was pretty sweet. There’s a jelly fish area that we saw, but we had to walk through the mouth of a sperm well and the exhibit was inside the whale. It was really rather trippy to walk through, haha. Which makes me sound pretty lame. It’s ok, I am.
After the L’Aquarium, we walked down to the beach! We were not dressed for the occasion, but it was still cute. I had pants and a longer sleeved shirt on, and James had tennis shoes on as well. We walked down the boardwalk and eventually down to the beach, which was interesting…to say the least. There were definitely a lot of topless women, and men in super little speedos. The women who were topless were pretty old…lol. But there were a few young ones. It was…different. Not gross or lewd, just different. I was pretty glad that we just walked it rather than spend time there like the other 98% of the other kids on the boat. While we were walking along, we were approached by this Brazilian guy. Turns out he goes to ASU and recognized James’ U of A shirt. We talked for awhile about the rivalry. He’s also majoring in business, and was vacationing for the summer. Best Part!: He Spanish kissed me! On both cheeks!!! Ciao Ciao, he said and kissed me. Sigh. It happened. I was really stressed that it wouldn’t and I would miss the experience, but no! Got it done, woop woop! Definitely a high light of the day.
Afterwards, we found a place to watch the USA vs. Ghana game. We found this little pub that was on the second story of a gelato place that was full of a bunch of Americans, some Brits and some Canadians. It was intensely rowdy, but the atmosphere was good for the game and the bread was good in general. The Spanish use Ciabatta bread and always top it with a tomatoes and onions and things. It is SOOO delicious, pan con tomato. That’s what it’s called.
So that was day three. Pretty good!
Spain Day Two!
Today was just as intense. We started out with a faculty led tour to Montserrat which is a monastery built into the side of a mountain. People come to pray to another patron saint of Barcelona. The monastery was so beautiful! It was terrifying getting up with our bus driver, but we made it and it was so worth it! I wish I could say that I saw it all, but my stomach was on the fritz and I was NOT feeling well. So I have to admit that I missed a large chunk of it, but what I saw was nice! We have some incredible pictures of it.
After Montserrat, we headed down La Ramblas and did some shopping! I really wanted some Spanish shoes! James was super nice and let me walk him all around to the side streets and the main “Shoe Road”. I found a cute pair, but it wasn’t meant to be. No Spanish shoes for me, but I have high hopes, there is still Italy to check out ☺
After a quick trip to the Carrefore and back to the boat with some sodas, we headed back out. We found a nice little bar off La Ramblas and found a place to watch the Spain game. It was super important to James, so we tried to get out early. Unfortunately, we were a little late, so we had to search rather quickly to find somewhere to watch it! But we made it happen! I figured that the Spanish would be a little more excited that they had won, but I think they expected it. Still, every bar WAS full, so I guess there were some expectations.
Afterwards, we TRIED to get some internet at a McDonalds (the only place open and available, supposedly). No luck, which was super frustrating, but we have hopes that we’ll get connected eventually.
Day two was all about exploring and getting around. The city is beautiful, and we explored our little hearts out. We also walked our hearts out, but it was well worth it.
After Montserrat, we headed down La Ramblas and did some shopping! I really wanted some Spanish shoes! James was super nice and let me walk him all around to the side streets and the main “Shoe Road”. I found a cute pair, but it wasn’t meant to be. No Spanish shoes for me, but I have high hopes, there is still Italy to check out ☺
After a quick trip to the Carrefore and back to the boat with some sodas, we headed back out. We found a nice little bar off La Ramblas and found a place to watch the Spain game. It was super important to James, so we tried to get out early. Unfortunately, we were a little late, so we had to search rather quickly to find somewhere to watch it! But we made it happen! I figured that the Spanish would be a little more excited that they had won, but I think they expected it. Still, every bar WAS full, so I guess there were some expectations.
Afterwards, we TRIED to get some internet at a McDonalds (the only place open and available, supposedly). No luck, which was super frustrating, but we have hopes that we’ll get connected eventually.
Day two was all about exploring and getting around. The city is beautiful, and we explored our little hearts out. We also walked our hearts out, but it was well worth it.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
First Day in Spain!
We aren’t messing around. The first minute that the gangway opened up, we were out the door. We have to be ferried by bus from the port to the city, which is a short seven minute drive or so. They let us off at this towering statue that’s topped with a larger than life sized Christopher Columbus. It’s got angels and saints and the proudest sitting lions I have ever seen. Everywhere we turned there seemed to be things just like that. The architecture is what Europe is most proud of and you can tell. It’s pretty nuts when you see building and statues that are older than the United States and they’re all over like it’s no big deal.
We started out running. We already had our plan so we knew right where we were going. We started out going to a Mountain that overlooks the city of Barcelona. We found the metro and headed out. The mountain is called MontJuic, and you climb up to it from the city. There’s fountains flanking the road that leads up to a larger one that does light shows to music at night. We took some pictures, you’ll see eventually. We climbed up like a million stairs and finally came to this huge museum surrounded by fountains and different gardens. Behind the museum are like 5 different gardens. We walked through one that led out to a block that we walked down. We saw some spectacular views of the city. Everything was laid out right there. We climbed for prolly an hour and a half before we started down (note: we also got to use some mandarin when we bought a coke at the top of the mountain. The clerk was obviously oriental and we asked. So we spoke Chinese in Spain. Bridging gaps!). From MontJuic, we headed off for a city tour! We saw the majority of the biggest sights of Barcelona. Here’s a little list and a blurb for some:
La Sagrada Familia: I would google this one. It’s the monument of Barcelona and it’s not scheduled to be done until 2017. This gigantic structure is trying to be a place of worship for the 98% Catholic Spain. The architect (Gaudi) died before it was completed though, and his plans were destroyed. They’ve got a team currently working on completing it so parts of it look a little out of place because they’re obviously from different artists.
I have to say, while this thingy is absolutely stunning, it’s also absolutely terrifying. It’s hard to explain. The architecture is so strange. At night, it lights up and looks like human bone. It’s got strange shapes and random towers, and the texture of the building is like….something. You’ll have to google it. It’s a little grotesque, but at the same time, it’s intense and amazing. I’d say it’s pretty in the end, but a scary pretty if that makes sense.
Gaudi’s Houses: Gaudi was a Spanish architect who was a little nuts I think. He was commissioned to build for extremely wealthy families back in the 1900-1910’s. His buildings are…different. They’re supposed to look like scenes from nature. I don’t know what it is that they look like…but it’s definitely something. We took a few pictures.
MontJuic: Quick revisit.
Poble Espanol: This is literally a small village near the middle of MontJuic (I forgot, this is translated as the “Jewish Hill”, because there is a Jewish cemetery at the top. The Jews were driven out of Spain during the Spanish Inquisition though). The village is split up in construction. There are currently 17 different cultural districts of Spain, and there is architectural styles from all 17 throughout the city. Some are quite quaint. Some are strange, like the Moorish one that had punishment chains hanging from the walls. These are chains that officials would hang criminals from for days and starve when they were…in trouble? Kinda morbid, but at the same time, it’s history. I liked Poble Espanol. Bob Dylan was playing there that night so we got to see them setting up his set. We didn’t see him ☹ But he was totally in the same vicinity!
Gothic Quarter: We visited a Gothic Cathedral as well. To get in, you had to have your shoulders covered and your shorts had to come to your knees. They weren’t messing around. The cathedral was built in honor of the Patron Saint of Barcelona, a thirteen year girl who was tortured and crucified in the 1300’s in the streets of Barcelona. I can’t describe what a Gothic Cathedral is like in words. It’s massive. It’s beautiful. There are millions of candles and stained glass windows. There’s a roman burial underneath and also a Jewish masoleum. We went into a center area and sat in the room where the 49 elite knights would meet back in the 14th century with the King of Spain. They all had their own seats, including the king. The cathedral was intense. James says that Notre Dame is better, but I’m not sure how anything could beat that.
After the tour, we hit up this nice place called the Attic. It’s off La Ramblas (which is the central road in Barcelona. This is where EVERYthing happens. There are shops and bars and restaurants. It’s like congress or fourth or main (in Safford) on SUPER steroids. Like ULTRA steroids. Walking it is super intense, and we’ve prolly done it 15 times. That’s gotta be 12 miles. ☺
The Attic was very nice. Great food, and we wanted to have an experience like that. Afterwards we went back to MonJuic and saw the light show.
Super busy day! But we saw so much. Collapsed into bed, didn’t read, didn’t blog. Stupid exhausted, but satisfied.
Catchin Up on the Info... 6-26-10
Well, it’s been awhile. Typical me. If you want minute details, you’ll have to look at James’ blog. I’m sure I won’t be as constant.
Let me debrief!
The last few days on the ship were intense! We had classes like seven days in a row, so we were super done with them all and the extra 4 hours that we lost were really wearing us down. The food got a little old (we tried the upper deck bar, equally as ick), and the reading that I was getting behind in was piling up pretty steadily.
Some kids hate the boat, but I like it. I like the rock that puts me to sleep at night. I like the rooms where I can read and get away for a bit. I like the library that has a lot more than you would think. I like the cafeteria and the lounges and I like the classes. The atmosphere is so exciting. It freaks me out that kids are all “la dee da” about it.
Evenings on the ship are taken up by speakers and special lectures. We’ve had quite a bit. The Spanish Knight, “Don David” has given a few on different places to go and different types of foods we should eat. We’ve also had an interport student. He’s actually from Barcelona and he traveled around the ship during the day answering questions and such. He gave us a lecture as well, listed a few night clubs and places to see. He also explained about the European beaches. They’re a little different than ours to say the least. The women are often topless. Hahahahahaha (I know, I shouldn’t laugh). It’s not really lewd and it’s not supposed to be gross. It’s just what the women do. They also have nude beaches, but that’s something totally different I guess. We’ve had safety speeches and diplomats come on to talk to us about the political climate in Spain. They want us to be prepared, and I’m glad for that. We’ve invested in a passport pouch for James and a money belt for me, and I think we’ll be pretty safe with all of our stuff for sure.
Let me debrief!
The last few days on the ship were intense! We had classes like seven days in a row, so we were super done with them all and the extra 4 hours that we lost were really wearing us down. The food got a little old (we tried the upper deck bar, equally as ick), and the reading that I was getting behind in was piling up pretty steadily.
Some kids hate the boat, but I like it. I like the rock that puts me to sleep at night. I like the rooms where I can read and get away for a bit. I like the library that has a lot more than you would think. I like the cafeteria and the lounges and I like the classes. The atmosphere is so exciting. It freaks me out that kids are all “la dee da” about it.
Evenings on the ship are taken up by speakers and special lectures. We’ve had quite a bit. The Spanish Knight, “Don David” has given a few on different places to go and different types of foods we should eat. We’ve also had an interport student. He’s actually from Barcelona and he traveled around the ship during the day answering questions and such. He gave us a lecture as well, listed a few night clubs and places to see. He also explained about the European beaches. They’re a little different than ours to say the least. The women are often topless. Hahahahahaha (I know, I shouldn’t laugh). It’s not really lewd and it’s not supposed to be gross. It’s just what the women do. They also have nude beaches, but that’s something totally different I guess. We’ve had safety speeches and diplomats come on to talk to us about the political climate in Spain. They want us to be prepared, and I’m glad for that. We’ve invested in a passport pouch for James and a money belt for me, and I think we’ll be pretty safe with all of our stuff for sure.
Startin out Classes! 6-19-10
Well, I’ve made it through the first few days. Some interesting things have happened. The second day on the ship was taken up by the same meeting three times. Safety and such, but the majority of it was centered on drinking on the ship and why that is unsafe. All injuries suffered on Semester at Sea have been alcohol related. Hopefully that means I have good chances of making it out ok! James and I were pretty bored through this part, but it was good for the rest of the ship I’m sure.
Third day started classes! I’m taking three. The first is an International Marketing class. The teacher has been everywhere it seems including China. She’s definitely knowledgeable, but she seems a little terrifying. Our tests are open book so I’m a little nervous. Those are never good. Note that it’s also at 8 am, ALSO never good. I’ll make it though. The material is very interesting.
The second class is called Global Studies. This is basically information about the region that we’re going to. It’s a little more disorganized than I thought it would be, but the teacher is HILARIOUS! Prolly the funniest teacher I have ever had. He’s from Canada, and he’s different for sure, but I love him. Definitely my favorite class so far, though James hates it I think. We have our first test tomorrow for that class on a map of the Mediterranean. He’s not messing around, but it should go well.
My third class is an economics class called International Trade. We really haven’t done much yet. We spent the first day discussing the class and the last two having a question-answer session on China. Very enlightening, but it’ll be interesting to see how the class turns out in terms of organization. James and I are a bit nervous for it to say the least.
Let’s see. Events.
The second night at 3 am, my roommate and I were jostled awake by all of our stuff flying across the room from our countertops. We were hit by some giant waves. And the whole rest of the day the swells were at 6 to 10 feet. Which may not seem like a lot, but trust me, we were doing some SERIOUS rocking. Needless to say, I did not sleep much that night.
On the subject of sleep, something strange! We are experiencing 23 hour days. To stay on track and be on Barcelona time when we get there, we have had to lose an hour every night so far. SO that means we’re basically waking up an hour earlier everyday. Pretty brutal as we’re still rather jet lagged as well. I feel like I’m tired all the time, though it’s getting better for sure.
We’ve been having some interesting lecturers and extra activities too. Our first guest lecturer is sailing with us from Halifax but only to Spain. He’s an expert on España, and he’s even been knighted by the Spanish King (His name is Don David Gies, the Don is the knight part in Spain). Nuts! His presentation was on the art that we can expect to see there. He showed some architectural photos as well and much to my shock, he showed one of the most famous architects of Spain at the moment, Frank Ghery. You prolly don’t know (unless you’re my mother), but this is the man who actually designed my Tiffany’s orchid necklace!!!! I knew he was an architect from Spain, but I didn’t know he was a BIG shot! Small world?
What else, what else.
I’ve bought a semester at sea sweatshirt and I must say it’s super cute! It’s got Sem at Sea on the front, the name of the ship (MV explorer) on the side and the SAS logo on the hood. Bought some sleep shirts too. I somehow neglected to bring more than three of those. Haha.
Laundry is going to be tricky. We only get it 4 times the WHOLE time. SO I may be washing some shirts in the sink. ☺
Yesterday we had a mini lecture from the Spanish teachers on the ship. We learned some of the important Spanish phrases and how the Spanish people treat each other. I guess that they are big kissers. When you greet someone, even someone you don’t know, you kiss them on both cheeks and embrace. Very close contact. They like to eat and drink on the streets. Smoking is everywhere, and staying the night at someone’s house whom you met at a bar that night is really rather common. Very interesting society, but I’m excited to experience it.
Tonight our inter-port lecturer was a clown….ya…Our academic dean is an expert on Circuses, and as such, he brought us a clown. He was pretty good. Pretty funny. It lasted an hour. The rest of the evening was taken up with planning our trips. We took like 3 books out of the library and did a major brain drain. Got some good stuff down! Definitely getting exciting!
Third day started classes! I’m taking three. The first is an International Marketing class. The teacher has been everywhere it seems including China. She’s definitely knowledgeable, but she seems a little terrifying. Our tests are open book so I’m a little nervous. Those are never good. Note that it’s also at 8 am, ALSO never good. I’ll make it though. The material is very interesting.
The second class is called Global Studies. This is basically information about the region that we’re going to. It’s a little more disorganized than I thought it would be, but the teacher is HILARIOUS! Prolly the funniest teacher I have ever had. He’s from Canada, and he’s different for sure, but I love him. Definitely my favorite class so far, though James hates it I think. We have our first test tomorrow for that class on a map of the Mediterranean. He’s not messing around, but it should go well.
My third class is an economics class called International Trade. We really haven’t done much yet. We spent the first day discussing the class and the last two having a question-answer session on China. Very enlightening, but it’ll be interesting to see how the class turns out in terms of organization. James and I are a bit nervous for it to say the least.
Let’s see. Events.
The second night at 3 am, my roommate and I were jostled awake by all of our stuff flying across the room from our countertops. We were hit by some giant waves. And the whole rest of the day the swells were at 6 to 10 feet. Which may not seem like a lot, but trust me, we were doing some SERIOUS rocking. Needless to say, I did not sleep much that night.
On the subject of sleep, something strange! We are experiencing 23 hour days. To stay on track and be on Barcelona time when we get there, we have had to lose an hour every night so far. SO that means we’re basically waking up an hour earlier everyday. Pretty brutal as we’re still rather jet lagged as well. I feel like I’m tired all the time, though it’s getting better for sure.
We’ve been having some interesting lecturers and extra activities too. Our first guest lecturer is sailing with us from Halifax but only to Spain. He’s an expert on España, and he’s even been knighted by the Spanish King (His name is Don David Gies, the Don is the knight part in Spain). Nuts! His presentation was on the art that we can expect to see there. He showed some architectural photos as well and much to my shock, he showed one of the most famous architects of Spain at the moment, Frank Ghery. You prolly don’t know (unless you’re my mother), but this is the man who actually designed my Tiffany’s orchid necklace!!!! I knew he was an architect from Spain, but I didn’t know he was a BIG shot! Small world?
What else, what else.
I’ve bought a semester at sea sweatshirt and I must say it’s super cute! It’s got Sem at Sea on the front, the name of the ship (MV explorer) on the side and the SAS logo on the hood. Bought some sleep shirts too. I somehow neglected to bring more than three of those. Haha.
Laundry is going to be tricky. We only get it 4 times the WHOLE time. SO I may be washing some shirts in the sink. ☺
Yesterday we had a mini lecture from the Spanish teachers on the ship. We learned some of the important Spanish phrases and how the Spanish people treat each other. I guess that they are big kissers. When you greet someone, even someone you don’t know, you kiss them on both cheeks and embrace. Very close contact. They like to eat and drink on the streets. Smoking is everywhere, and staying the night at someone’s house whom you met at a bar that night is really rather common. Very interesting society, but I’m excited to experience it.
Tonight our inter-port lecturer was a clown….ya…Our academic dean is an expert on Circuses, and as such, he brought us a clown. He was pretty good. Pretty funny. It lasted an hour. The rest of the evening was taken up with planning our trips. We took like 3 books out of the library and did a major brain drain. Got some good stuff down! Definitely getting exciting!
First Day on the Ship! 6-15-10
So exciting. Got up super early so I could beat the line out there at the Halifax port. Good decision. There was a line three hours long and the workers checking people on took an hour off for lunch because they’re all on union work. Haha (but not really, it was horrible). I was prolly tenth in line, so I got right on. Thank goodness. The ship is incredible! It’s got 7 floors and the inside looks like a luxury cruise liner. I can’t wait to post the pictures. My cabin is a lot bigger than I thought too. There’s a huge round window looking out to the sea and we can see the waves from the wake. The ocean is super blue here. It’s nuts. It’s unexplainable. It’s like the one blue you found in the one coloring box that you used ONE time and it was the coolest blue you’d ever used. It looks fake almost. I know that the water in Hawaii is blue, but this stuff is dark. Like cobalt I think.
My roommate is hilarious! Her name is Danielle and she’s from South Carolina. Super bubbly. Super excited. Unpacking took a bit, for sure. There’s a lot more room than I though there would be. I got everything out and I feel pretty satisfied. I think things will work out just right. We have an extra bag for things that we’ll pick up on the way, so we should be pretty covered!
There’s a spa on deck seven. We got a tour and it’s intense. There’s a sauna and a steam room, a workout room full of treadmills. They have 5 message rooms, a facial room, and a hydrotherapy room with a special kind of bath tub. You get a ten percent discount on your birthday for a spa treatment, so I think I’m gonna get a massage for my 21st, or maybe a pedicure. There’s even a salon. They do hair and waxing, manicures and pedicures. What more could a girl want?!
There’s also a swimming pool on the seventh deck near a snack bar where you can get pizza and burgers. It’s a little cold to swim right now, but maybe once we get a little closer to the Mediterranean. The pool is comically small, but I’m going for it.
The ship is definitely nuts. Full library, three small shops, two baby grand pianos, two dining halls, outside eating decks, internet (though limited) and pretty amazing stewards who clean my room everyday ☺
It’s definitely looking like this will be an awesome summer.
My roommate is hilarious! Her name is Danielle and she’s from South Carolina. Super bubbly. Super excited. Unpacking took a bit, for sure. There’s a lot more room than I though there would be. I got everything out and I feel pretty satisfied. I think things will work out just right. We have an extra bag for things that we’ll pick up on the way, so we should be pretty covered!
There’s a spa on deck seven. We got a tour and it’s intense. There’s a sauna and a steam room, a workout room full of treadmills. They have 5 message rooms, a facial room, and a hydrotherapy room with a special kind of bath tub. You get a ten percent discount on your birthday for a spa treatment, so I think I’m gonna get a massage for my 21st, or maybe a pedicure. There’s even a salon. They do hair and waxing, manicures and pedicures. What more could a girl want?!
There’s also a swimming pool on the seventh deck near a snack bar where you can get pizza and burgers. It’s a little cold to swim right now, but maybe once we get a little closer to the Mediterranean. The pool is comically small, but I’m going for it.
The ship is definitely nuts. Full library, three small shops, two baby grand pianos, two dining halls, outside eating decks, internet (though limited) and pretty amazing stewards who clean my room everyday ☺
It’s definitely looking like this will be an awesome summer.
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