8/29

It looks as though I’ll to type up all of my blog posts and then update them once I’m in port.  Currently we’re experiencing stormy weather on and off so I have a feeling internet is going to be hard to come by. My seasickness has been in control until today. Last night the rolling as well as pitching definitely picked up so it was difficult to actually get a good night’s sleep. Today was the first day of classes which would have been fine if everyone wasn’t sick to their stomachs. I like all of my classes and professors, but the only problem is that the Union is the absolute worst place in the ship as far as movement goes and I have 2 classes there. All 25 of us headed for the bathroom as soon as the hour and a half lecture was over. The chairs were moving underneath us and the ceiling seemed like it was going to cave in or something. Just imagine the ride that swings and spins you 360 degrees at the same time ( I think it’s the Tomahawk or something )…. Well that’s what it felt like for an hour and a half. I can honestly say I spent more time concentrating on not passing out or something than I did on the notes as seen by my half a page of chicken scratch. After three classes I started my job in the field office which is actually fun so that’s good. Again, it’s this whole ship rocking thing that’s getting to everyone. I think we’re all overly anxious to get to Spain. The major problem is that there is a storm north of us and a hurricane south of us and we’re trying to split the two before they converge on each other so we’re receiving the swells from both areas. It’s amusing to watch people try to walk down the hall until you fall into a wall or miss a stair.

I enjoy how easy it is to meet people here. I’ve sat with a different group of people at every meal so far. A lot of people are here by themselves as well so everyone is open to each other.  One of my favorite things to do is sit and talk with the life long learners. They’re all so anxious to meet the students and I think it’s great, which is why I signed up for a program called extended family. Basically some of the older folks adopt you as their own for the voyage. You can have dinner together, discuss experiences, etc. I also signed up to work the dependent children on board (the youngest kid here is 6 months) so I guess Happyland Day Camp rubbed off on me a bit, haha. I also am now a part of our 4 month Amnesty International chapter on board to keep that human rights motivation strong. There were so many options and I finally feel like I’m back at school with a busy schedule and little time to sit and do nothing.  I love it! Desmond Tutu spoke to us yesterday and assured us that it’s not impossible to change the world. He’s so motivated to spend time with the students because we “make him young again.”

Spain is in 6 days! Solid ground! Although being surrounded by water is quite the peaceful experience. Looking out onto the horizon the ocean looks so calm and then you feel the boat move and realize it’s the total opposite of calm. Hopefully tomorrow’s better although it’s supposed to be another rough night.