First stop, Dominica!

Dominica: The Nature Island

Well, we have just set sail from our first port, Dominica! The small Caribbean island was BEAUTIFUL, it is known as the nature island. We were there for only two days, Jan 16^th through the 17^th. The people here are absolutely beautiful and so nice! Yesterday, I went on a rainforest aerial tram, it was amazing to see the rainforest from that view, it included a small hike that included a suspension bridge over one of their 365 rivers, one for everyday of the year! We also were able to swing from vines in the trees, very Tarzan and Jane! Haha The majority of the Semester at Sea kids went out last night to two clubs JR’s and the Krazy Koconut, both of which are normally closed on Sundays but opened up for us! Today I walked around town and went snorkeling in Champagne Reef, famous for the tiny gas bubbles that come up from the sea floor, produced my the dormant volcano. It looks like you’re in a glass of Champagne! (Hence the name) The reef was beautiful, we saw tropical fish, a king crab, barracuda, and I managed to find the jellyfish and red ants, or they found me I guess, ouch! Nothing too bad though, no worries! We walked around and went to the market, lots of fresh fruit and picked up a few souvenirs from the vendors. There was some tropical rain, complete with two rainbows! We now continue with classes and I go back to work in the library. Next stop, Brazil and the Amazon!

Officially Set Sail!

Hey everyone! So it is my second day aboard the MV Explorer, and so far so good! I boarded the ship on 1-11-11 along with all the other students doing the work-study program. We have officially set sail in route to Dominica! Some families were gathered on the deck in the Bahamas waving goodbye to their loved ones as we set sail at 8:00 pm (or 2000 I guess haha). My roommates name is Becca, she is from Colorado and seems really sweet. It’s pretty windy and some are already falling ill from seasickness, I am staying strong, lets just hope I can remain strong! Haha I worked from 7am to 3pm today directing my fellow students where to go, was a long time to be standing but it was a good way to meet people. We have a full day of orientation tomorrow and have to set the clocks an hour ahead, first day at sea and already losing hours! I hope you all are doing well, stay posted!

Bahamas

Atlantis!

Atlantis!

Well it is now my final day in the Bahamas, I leave tomorrow to board the ship! It has been such an amazing time, filled with lots of sun, sand, and Bahama Mama drinks haha :) Tyler left today to catch his plane back to the states, it was great to have him with me for the few days! We went to Atlantis and spent a day there... it was AMAZING exceeded all expectations. Next time I'll have to stay there ;) We also went jet skiing! Which was a blast, I had never been on one before. I am nervous, excited and anxious to get on the boat and start my journey. There are a lot of people staying that the hotel that are going on Semester at Sea, I have met a few... hoping to meet more today and tonight! Missing everyone already!

Packing up!

Hello family, friends and followers, so tomorrow is the big day! I will be flying to the Bahamas and staying there for about a week with my boyfriend, Tyler. From there I will board the ship on 1-11-11 and set sail the following day. Words simply cannot express the excitement I feel. Below, I have listed my itinerary for the next four months. There is also a link to the Semester at Sea website so you can check out a world map and get a visual of where it is that I will be sailing to. It will be difficult to have much communication once I hit international waters, so if you want to keep up with what's going on with me, this blog will be the best way! I will miss you all but can't wait to come back with so many stories to share! This has been a dream of mine for years and it is a surreal feeling knowing that I am about to embark on the most amazing journey of my life. Stay tuned! :)

Nassau, Bahamas	Depart	Wednesday	January 12	1700
Roseau, Dominica	Arrive Depart	Sunday Monday	January 16 January 17	0800 2000
Macapa, Brazil (Amazon Entrance)	Arrive Depart	Thursday Thursday	January 20 January 20	1830 2300
Manaus, Brazil	Arrive Depart	Sunday Thursday	January 23 January 27	0800 2000
Macapa, Brazil (Amazon Exit)	Arrive Depart	Saturday Saturday	January 29 January 29	1400 1530
Takoradi, Ghana	Arrive Depart	Sunday Thursday	February 6 February 10	0800 2000
Cape Town, South Africa	Arrive Depart	Thursday Tuesday	February 17 February 22	0800 2000
Port Louis, Mauritius	Arrive Depart	Sunday Sunday	February 27 February 27	0800 2000
Chennai, India	Arrive Depart	Sunday Friday	March 6 March 11	0800 2000
Singapore	Arrive Depart	Wednesday Wednesday	March 16 March 16	0800 2300
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam	Arrive Depart	Saturday Thursday	March 19 March 24	0800 0600
Hong Kong / Shanghai, China	Arrive Depart	Saturday Friday	March 26 April 1	0800 2000
Kobe / Yokohama, Japan	Arrive Depart	Monday Friday	April 4 April 8	0800 2000
Hilo, Hawaii, USA	Arrive Depart	Sunday Monday	April 17 April 18	0800 2000
San Diego, California, USA	Arrive	Sunday	April 24	0800