Aug 30 2008

Orientation today really felt like the first day of freshman year. Sitting through long boring meetings going over all the rules, regulations and where to be when. During the lunch break sat up on the pool deck and soaked in some sun. Completely surrounded by ocean, no land in sight. There was a lot more rocking today because they have been trying to make up time for avoiding the hurricane. The rocking is a great tool for going to sleep, literally rocks you to sleep like a baby. Went for a run on the treadmill this afternoon, hilarioussss. Being up on the highest point of the ship, it’s the least stable and when running on a treadmill lets just say you don’t always stay on it. Being on the ocean all the time I am in a constant state of dehydrations. I drink like 4-5 nalgenes a day and just go to the bathroom all day. Every hall on the ship has an RA type person and is named by the seas, my hall is the Red Sea and it’s a pretty fun group. Our leader Bill is a funny guy and is head of the recreation stuff onboard. So far I have signed up to help plan our activities for the Seas Olympics and plan our social event. First day of classes tomorrow, only have two  day which is nice and I might try and sign up for this oceanography class I was trying to get into. Hope everyone had a great weekend and sleeps in on Sunday because Ill be up and early for classes!

Aug 29 2008

First day on the ship and I feel like it’s the first day of freshman year. Everyone is very awkward and doing the whole “name game” for all the different colleges. Had to initially get on the ship by myself and unpack all alone. Parents were not allowed on the ship until 130 so Mom, Al. and Paul got on around 215 and then had to leave around 3. At 330 we had a Emergency drill and had to get on our big orange lifejackets and long sleeved pants/shirts and closed toed shoes. The captain came by to approve of each muster and the ship did pass inspection. Met my roommate Lauren, she is from the West Palm area and I think we are going to get along great. We both have our Vera Bradley computer cases, Jack Roger sandals, and share a love for Capt. Jack Sparrow. Our cabin is one of the larger on the ship, with 2 twin beds, bathroom, closet and shelves, a tiny sofa and table, a big mirror area, all with a water view. Tonight was full of meetings and tomorrow is a entirely full day of orientation. Currently we are running from the most current hurricane (Hanna I think) and are going NW of the Bahamas towards San Juan/Florida and we are supposed to be heading down to Salvador, Brazil; should be an interesting ride. It is a bit rocky and there is a ton of lightning on the water, very cool. No sea sickness yet ;) The MS Explorer is actually one of the fastest and safest ships in the world so don’t worry I will be safe. We are currently at a solid 21.5 knots. 

Departure

Leaving for Bahamas tomorrow!!! So I might be without internet for a couple days so dont hold your breath! Hope everyone has a great fall and keep in touch. I will do my best to keep all of you as informed as I can. Bon Voyage!

Sun. Aug 24

So it is three days until I leave for Nassau, Bahamas and I still havent started packing. Currently doing laundry and getting stuff together. Going to power through it in the next two days. People around home if you want to come by and say farewell stop on by! I will probably not be able to make any solid plans. Just call or text me. Everyone that still wants to be emailed please post them on facebook asap! Thanks