The Amazon

Yep. We're in the Amazon. It's crazy to think about but the bugs are proof. A huge rat beetle landed on the pool deck last night and it was bigger than a credit card. The thing could have easily bitten off a good finger or two. It was massive and disgusting but at least it was slow. The other ones around here keep flying around and landing on me or near me. They need to understand that they're just not welcome here!

Other than the bugs though, this place is pretty cool. We stopped in Macapa to refuel, get our visa's checked and take on local pilots. Now we're being navigated through constantly changing waters and sandbars by two local guides. We learned in Oceanography that we cleared the bottom by only three feet the other night. That's scary close. With the really official guys that came on yesterday, I think we're in pretty good hands. Apparently so does Captain Jeremy because he's chillin by the pool bar right now.

On ship time isn't too entertaining to update about so hopefully these posts don't get too repetitive or boring. We had a Pub Night last night so that was a good time. They're very strict with it though. No bags or bottles are allowed on the deck, no drinking games or rapid consumption are allowed, you're limited to three drinks (drinks being either wine or beer), and no music is allowed. I can understand the first couple rules but no music? That's just mean. We'll make up for it tonight though at Club Union (read that with a voice dripping with sarcasm). Open mike night first and then a dance that ends at 11pm? What a good time. We'll make the most of it though! These have only been fairly short trips on the ship so far and already we need to keep ourselves occupied. My readings for class have never been so interesting. The 10 day Atlantic crossing to Ghana after Brazil will be a little rough so we're trying to prepare ourselves.

Alright, well, I'm off to do nothing. We have a reading day tomorrow and then we're in port until Thursday so my six day weekend has officially begun.



As a side note, I'm not checking any comments on my blog (if there even are any?) so if you want to talk to me, feel free to email! Like I said, I have time to kill. ekwingate@semesteratsea.net