Somewhere in the Atlantic

Just some other stuff from Brazil...


As part of my Global Journalism (GloJo) class, each of us collected a newspaper or some sort of news medium (i.e. magazine, tabloid etc.). Turns out, we made news all over the area. From newspaper articles complete with pictures, to television news stories with footage of the ship, we were famous. While some of the articles portrayed us well, others put a huge bull’s-eye on us. Stating how much we pay per night, and putting our faces on the front cover, they advertised us as moving targets.

To counterbalance this however, was the incredible amount of security they brought in for us. Apparently 600 American students plus an additional 100 Life Long Learners and the staff and their families are a group that needs to be looked after. The Brazilian government brought Military Police to Manaus along with five other police forces to help keep us safe. They also had undercovers and civilians watching out for us the entire time we were in Brazil. None of us knew this until we were back on the ship. In a city with as much violence as Manaus has (and it’s one of the safer cities according to the embassy people), we thought we were just lucky to only have one incident when a girl’s camera was stolen. Turns out, we have the Brazilian Government to thank for that.

Not only did Brazil provide us with security, they also ensured the health of 15 SAS participants after their stay in Juma Lodge on a jungle trip. The lodge had two toddler age pet monkeys. Treated like any other pet, they took care of them, fed them, brought them in at night and loved them. They had been brought in as pets, not picked from the wild. Naturally, the SASers would play with the monkeys like everyone else at the lodge. However, when they got back to the ship, the higher-ups found out about it and freaked out after learning that one girl’s skin was broken after being bitten (the people on the trip described it as puppy bites. They didn’t get attacked, just little playful teething type things). Even though there hasn’t been a monkey rabies case reported since the 80’s in Brazil, they couldn’t absolutely 100% guarantee that they wouldn’t get it. So, after much deliberation and discussion with multiple health and government departments in Brazil, they decided that all the people on that trip would have to get treated for Rabies. Rabies shots, if you’re unfamiliar, are a series of four and cost roughly $1500 for the set. Also, the only way to test a monkey for rabies is to take a brain segment. When we first got on the ship we were specifically told that if we were bitten by a dog or anything and needed to get treated, the ship doesn’t stock Rabies Vaccines and you would have to go home. Lucky for the Juma Lodge people, the Brazilian government came to the conclusion that they would provide the shots for all 15 participants free of charge when we stopped in Macapa to refuel. So, they all got the shots and vow never to touch a monkey again.

I guess, what I’m trying to say is that Brazil is really a wonderful country. Not only did we have a good time there, they made sure that we were all safe while in country, and on the rest of our travels from there. Thanks, Brazil. We (especially the monkey touchers) owe you one.

Departing Manaus, Brazil

Well, we’ve set sail again. We left Manaus about two hours ago and our on our way back out the Amazon to the Atlantic before crossing over to Ghana. It will be kind of nice to get out of the humidity and bug dense air for a change. But, while I have some time to kill before classes start again tomorrow, I suppose I should update on the last two days in Brazil.

While the first three were pretty action packed and full of activities, the last two were spent a little more leisurely.  Because we pretty much exhausted all of Manaus’ “tourist attractions,” Taylor and I walked around for a bit and got some shopping done. While at this artesian shop we met a group of travelers from all over, two of whom were from the States; Kentucky and New York. The Kentucky guy has been teaching English in South America for the last 18 months and is on his way back to Rio for the next job.  After doing the corporate thing in Chicago for two years, he decided it wasn’t for him and took off. What a life right?

We said our goodbyes and were directed to the bus stop so we could get to the mall. Turns our we weren’t as adventurous as the guy thought we could be and ended up taking a Taxi. I know, I know, we went to the mall in Brazil….but it was actually pretty cool to see. The stores were so different, and they have HUGE shoe stores in almost every other window display. I guess it makes sense seeing as the women here walk around in tight jeans and stilettos all day even when it’s 95 degrees and humid out.  After trying on some Brazilian styles, both Taylor and I struck out and went back empty handed.

As the day was still young, we decided to stop at the pier bar for some drinks before dinner. We ended up getting another Beer tower as referenced in a previous post, and drawing over some Life Long Learners and eventually some other students. We all had a good time together and went back to the ship for dinner feeling pretty satisfied with our afternoon.

Later that night, we got together a group of girls and wanted to go to Samba. Since we didn’t make it Sunday night and heard just phenomenal things about it,  we knew we had to go. Too bad by the time we go there rehearsal was pretty much over and only got to experience about 15 minutes of the drumming and dancing. While I wish I would have been able to see more, I’m glad I got to hear a little bit of it. Because this was our last night in Brazil, we all decided to go out to this club, Crocadillios or something of the sort. There were a ton of SAS kids here and we all were going hard having a great time. We got back to the ship around 2am, but because it was so smoky in the club, I had to shower before I could even think about climbing into bed.

This morning we woke up early for breakfast and got a jump-start on the day. We walked around town looking for souvenirs, a soccer jersey for me and anything Ali wanted because she hadn’t bought anything yet. After searching all over, I finally found a jersey that fit and I’m super excited about it. Ali got a hammock and some earrings and MB got some beads and a calzone type thing. We had a pretty successful morning but still had some Reals to kill before getting back on the ship. So, MB and I did what we do best and went back to hang out at the pier bar. We did some work with the local sugar cane liquor and made it back to the ship well in time for Ship Time at 3pm. If anyone is coming to Brazil, make sure you try the drink called….Capricana? Capricora? Capri something or other. It’s made with Cachaca (the sugar cane stuff), limes and sugar and it’s amazing. Kind of like a margarita on ice times five. Needless to say, we had a pretty great last afternoon in Brazil.

Overall, our time in Manaus was short but we saw and accomplished a lot. While the language barrier was great, we met some nice people who were willing to give us foreigners pointers on how to stay safe and walk through town with our bags. We ate some amazing food (the best steak on a stick I’ve ever had, and probably will ever had from a street vendor last night), listened to some incredible music (samba rules for a reason here) and experienced life changing circumstances (riverside villages where Sloths are common pets and people don’t have treated water). Although it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, I’m already learning to disregard any preconceived notions I have prior to docking.

Thanks again Mom and Dad for making this all possible. You’re amazing and I appreciate this more than you’ll ever know.

Manaus, Brazil

Welcome to the Jungle…10 points for anyone who can name that band. Anyway, we’re here for another three days so I just wanted to update quick on the last two.

Yesterday, Sunday, we arrived early to a Samba line performing to us at 7:30am. Because a few of us weren’t going to Rio (regretful now), we spent the day exploring Manaus. After going left from the pier which is a huge no-no, we finally found our way to the beautiful Opera House. Because almost everything is closed, we had a tough time finding anything interesting to see. However, after that nice visit, we wondered around the city before finding a quaint little “bar” that would serve us at 11am on a Sunday. The bottles of Kaiser were huuuge and the lady couldn’t understand that each of us wanted one. So instead, she brought one out with seven glasses for us to share. We just settled and kept ordering them and refilling our cups. While we were there, there was a little boy who would poke his head out and peak at us before hiding again. He was so adorable. When we left I coaxed him out to take a picture with me and I have some of the most memorable photos with him holding his hand around the glass. Way too cute for words.

After that, we meandered around some more before heading back to the ship. Ali and I had an FDP later that day so we rested a little before getting on the bus for “From Rubber Boom to the 21st Century.” In all honesty, it was the most boring thing I have ever been on. I hate to admit it, but I literally got on the bus and fell asleep while they drove us around Manaus. I woke up for pictures of the Favelas and stolen electricity from the power lines but then cashed out again right away. We got out twice; the first time for literally two minutes to look at a rubber tree, and then the second at this super sketchy part of town. Ali and I got a drink and took some pictures trying not to think about where we were. There were however, some really cute kids again. It seems like no matter where you go, a smile will win over the hearts of the little ones. This one little boy in particular kept following us and trying ot play soccer with an empty two liter bottle. I’m guessing he had down syndrome or something similar, but he was so friendly with us. I reached out a hand to him and after a second of hesitation, he took it. Again, the pictures are worth 1,000 words. I currently have a picture of us set to my desktop background. That 25 minutes off the bus was the best part of the entire 3.5 hour tour just because of him.

After the hellish tour, we got back to the ship, ate some dinner and then headed out for the night. Even though it was kind of a bust, we still had a good time after going to Hotel Tropical, some outdoor trampoline show and then another outdoor place with live music and tables. Hopefully on Wednesday we’ll make it to Samba and see the performers. We heard it was a blast and now we’re regretting our decision.

Today, Monday, I didn’t have a tour planned at all. After sleeping through my alarm (apparently you actually have to turn it on for it to go off, who knew?!), I met up with Taylor and some other girls and we found this guy to take us around on the river. Packed into this rickety old riverboat with a guy who spoke absolutely zero English, we saw where the rivers met (the Amazon and the Rio Negro are two different colors and they don’t mix together-you can visibly see the different waters flowing together but never blending), the riverside villages, and some floating gas stations. We got out at this floating restaurant and went on a hike through the rainforest. Although we could hear the monkeys, we never actually got to see them which is unfortunate. However, at the end of the scariest, most worn down wood bridge/walkway through the rainforest ever, we got out into this swampy part with HUGE lily pads.  I’m talking three feet across at the very least (the kind they had at the Botanical Gardens in Scotland). On the way back to the boat from there we stopped and got off the walkway onto the Rainforest floor. The guy led us to this HUGE tree. It was massive. The trunk and roots formed walls around it was so big. We also stopped through this crafts warehouse type thing with different vendors selling all sorts of Amazonian things. Only two were open so we got a few things and then went on our way.

From there, our tour guide managed to get out “snake, picture, $1” so we said okay and he took us to this random floating house on the river. When we pulled up, two girls came out, one carrying a sloth like a teddy bear. She hopped on the boat and passed him around so we could all hold him (Sorry Dr. Bill. The whole “Don’t get bit, Don’t get hit, Don’t get lit, Don’t eat shit, Don’t do it” speech didn’t really register at this point). It was unreal. The thing was so light but when it grabbed on, it really pinched. I had marks on my finger for about 30 minutes after he latched his three sharp toes onto me. It was so worth is. Back to the snake though, after the sloth, the guy brought out a massive Boa Constrictor. It had to have been at least 13 feet long. He would pile it on us so we could take pictures. I was freaking out and turned my head and there it’s head was. Oh man. Not my thing to say the least. They kept it in their house in a Styrofoam cooler. There is no way that thing couldn’t get out if it wanted to. And to think they sleep with it? And the sloth was there too? That snake could eat the sloth as an appetizer and then come back for the kids as a main course! Soooo freaky. We got out of there as soon as our hearts returned to normal pace and headed back to the pier.

It was only noon at this point so we explored the city, got some of the best pizza I’ve ever had (Eat, Pray, Love style pizza) and bought some souvenirs before heading back to the ship to get cleaned up and eat dinner.

Since a lot of my friends were going to Rio, we decided to just go down to the pier outdoor bar and hang out before they left for their flight at 11pm. A ton of other SASers were there, all surrounding tables of beer “towers” which were these huge like…fountain type thing? Picture a buffet coffee dispenser, only this was clear and filled with beer with a chilling metal stick in the middle. We had a good time and called it a night when the rest of them went back for their trip, and Anna had had enough of the Brazilian men hitting on her.





By this point, I realize this post is getting excessively long so I hope I still have at least some interest? I started yesterday so I only had to catch up on two days , but then I didn’t finish and now it’s the end of Tuesday/day three. I guess I'll keep going?



This morning started off early at 6:00am. I quick showered and grabbed some breakfast before meeting my group at the pier at 6:45. We hopped on a big river boat and were off to see the meeting of the waters. The Rio Negro and the Amazon flow together in Manaus. However, because of the different sediments, acidity, and water temperature, the two never fully mix. There is a visible line between the black waters of the Rio Negro, and the milky brown waters of the Amazon. It was pretty cool to float over them to say the least.

As we continued on, we stopped at a port to pick up some of the Amazonas University professors and students who would be going with us to do research on our excursion. After a total of two hours on the boat, we pulled up to this tiny village with three guys in the water STILL BUILDING THE DOCK. Literally, they were in the water hammering boards into place on this super sketchy, rickety, three-board wide walkway. And just to make sure we were careful, they reminded us not to go in the water because a little girl was recently bitten by a Camen (otherwise known as the common Alligator/crocodile type thing). Yep, we felt pretty safe on that; at least we weren’t the guys in the water. Obviously, as I’m typing this now, we made it without any trouble. When we got up to the village, we saw how high the water rose during the wet season. It was incredible the amount of water that could come into a village and then out again. I guess that explains why all the houses are built on stilts.

As soon as we set our lunches down, we were told to hurry up because the village was waiting for us at the school. So, we started walking over there. And kept walking. And walked some more. We passed insecure wood slatted houses, the local bar, what was clearly the party house (it had some of the biggest speakers and subs I’ve ever seen, let alone in the middle of the Amazon), and a church. The church was actually the only building aside from the school that was built with concrete blocks and would be able to withstand time. But, we still weren’t at the school. We walked through pasture gates and dodged cow poop as we crossed the pasture, filled mind you, with cows, bulls, goats and horses. I’m pretty sure they didn’t enjoy our intrusion as much as we did—one of the horses had one blue eye and one brown. It was so beautiful. After the pasture we came across more houses and a “soccer field”, and after a bit more walking, we finally came to what we thought was the school. The building, again, on stilts,  was this huge one room place with a projector set up and metal folding chairs for us. The people of the village were so welcoming to all of us. The principal of the school gave a short talk and then presented two girls who were champion singers. While they were beautiful, I’m not sure they’d be winning any American Idols back in the States. They were accompanied by maybe a 13-year-old boy on the keyboard and some other background music. After their show, they sang as a young couple danced for us. They were amazing. The way their feet moved was incredible. And they were so happy while they were doing it! Dressed in a tank top, swimming trunks and flip-flops, I’ve never seen any teenage boy so happy to be dancing with his gorgeous partner in front of a crowd of complete strangers. But, the fun stuff had to be put aside for a more serious (and long) presentation about the village. While they were extremely kind and welcomed us with open arms, the two hour presentation of slides, speakers and clapping all in Portuguese being translated for us got to be a little excessive. They did however, prepare some snacks for us which were all really good. A few people even got dancing lessons during this socializing time.

Oh no. Complete side note, but some guy just sat down at the piano and he really shouldn’t be practicing right now. It’s horrible on the ears and really quite obnoxious.

Back to my unnecessarily long post, after the presentation we toured the actual school, a U-shaped building with one classroom for each grade K-8/9. They didn’t have anything in the rooms except for a white board and chairs that were stacked up every night. I should mention the water system also. They don’t have a pump or anything, so they either have to collect water from the river, or rain water in these huge  baby-pool like devices. They’ve been trying to persuade the government to provide the village with a water supply and treatment system, but so far they haven’t had any luck. So by each house, they have these huge 500 Liter tubs that collect the water to be used. The school had this system in use too. When you flush a toilet, you can’t put anything in there including toilet paper because the systems are so weak it won’t flush. And these are probably going to be some of the better toilets we see on this voyage.

Getting side tracked again, after the school we hung out and took pictures with the students before starting the trek back for lunch. Dee and I stopped for a quick pick-up game of soccer with two of the local boys. I’m happy to say that the score was 1-1 before we were too tired to run anymore. Have I mentioned the heat yet? Before the game I was sweating through my clothes. With the equator heat and borderline unbearable humidity, after running around I was dead. I don’t know how many times I can literally drip sweat on one trip, but I think we’ll find out. It was sooo gross and we still had three more hours of this trip.

We refueled with some lunch, Capri sun and water before our guide was like “oh, we’re just going to go look at the gardens over there and then we’ll go back to the boat.” Turns out the gardens “over there” were another 20-minute walk in the other direction. I had no idea this town could be so spread out. I’m still trying to figure out if it was all one village, or separate communities working together. We got to the gardens and it was pretty much like any other garden. They had some corn and watermelons and rows of two other plants that we never go the name for. While getting an explanation about a plant used for healing tea, and getting bitten by fire ants, the UFAM camera guy pointed out Dolphins in the river. If I haven’t mentioned yet (sorry, this is getting so long I can’t even remember what I’ve been saying), the dolphins here aren’t the cute ones you see at Seaworld. They’re ugly. Pink, fat and they have a really weird nose. After seeing them and finding out what they were, I was glad I didn’t get my Swimming with the Dolphins trip through SAS. No thank you.

By this point in the afternoon we were all drained, sweaty, hot and grumpy. What a delightful bunch of young adults. However, our tour wasn’t done, so we went further back into the forest and got a demonstration on how they make Rubber. They scrapped the tree and let the white sap of the Rubber tree drip into a Spam can. It looked like Elmers glue. Then the lady showed us how she sits in this tiny hut all day rolling rubber balls over a fire on a spit. Not a fun job. We got to feel a cooled one the size and almost weight of a bowling ball. True to rubber, it bounced when you dropped it.

Alas, it was finally time to go back to the boat. We managed to drag ourselves back, plopped down in the chairs on the boat and I fell asleep for the hour and a half journey back to the ship.

I was so dirty, sweaty and tired, I just ate dinner, got some water and went to take a shower. Now my friend Taylor and I are laying low and enjoying a quiet ship. Even though it’s only 8:50, I could easily fall asleep for the night right now. So, I’m going to try. Hope you all made it through this okay, if not, oh well. Tomorrow night we’re going to Samba so I should have a more exciting post coming. I’ve only heard good things about it.

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

South of Dominica

When I first really focused in on the itinerary for the Spring 2011 voyage and "Dominica" was the first port we were supposed to sail into, I thought it was a typo. Surely, that was supposed to mean the Dominican Republic. Nope, Dominica (pronounced Da-ma-NEE-kah), is a tiny well kept secret that only a select few people know about...and the producers of Pirates of the Caribbean. With a population of a little under 70,000 and a land mass that can be covered in an hour and a half, I was pleasantly surprised by Dominica and the welcoming locals (no, I really don't need your taxi).

We woke up Sunday morning to minimal rocking and found ourselves docked in Roseau, the country's capital. Colorful houses decorated the Caribbean coastline as volcanoes and rainforest painted a perfect lush background. To start our time in Dominica, I signed up for an FDP (Faculty Directed Program?) for my Oceanography class titled "Hot springs and beaches of Dominica". Needless to say, it was a really boring field trip. We jumped into basically the bed of a pickup truck with roll bars and benches for the 10 of us as our guide stood in the back chillin' on the back bar. Taking off from the pier, we drove through town on streets so narrow drivers have to learn how to pass with little more than an inch of clearance. Honking filled the streets as cars warn oncoming traffic they're around the corner. As it was Sunday, almost everything was closed except for a few bars still going from the night before. Sunday is the city's time for some R&R and little else. When we asked where we should go eat dinner that night, Kay, our guide, just laughed. Nonetheless, people were out walking or sitting on porches or calling to Kay who must be some kinda of famous around here. The most memorable part of the drive through town was this maybe seven-year-old boy sitting in the back of a rusted out pick-up truck eating this dripping ice cream cone. I'm not sure what it was, but he was so content in that moment that he couldn't have cared less about the three screaming trucks full of cheering students that just went by. 

After driving through town we finally got out into some seasonal forest land passing by lawnmowers, otherwise known as common goats or cows, and a kindergarten school house brightly painted and decorated. Tearing up winding roads and passing cars with my eyes closed, we finally made it to the start of the hike. As we walked up rotting "steps" through thick trees and brush on our way to the boiling lakes, we stopped at thermal venting sites or something like that. Even though the sulfur smell is something terrible, the locals have learned to appreciate the natural pressure release that helps prevent the volcanoes from erupting. Steam spilled from silver dollar sized holes rimmed with sulfuric crystals. Looking around the yellow, acid eaten area, there were smaller trees with reddish tinted leaves. Guess what grows in Dominica? Cashews. All around. Surrounded by my mortal enemy. So, naturally, I stared death in the face and took a picture with the tree and my Epi Pen. Should make for a nice memory someday.

Continuing on we made it to the boiling lakes of Dominica. Heated by the volcanic action under the surface and pressure being released, the water is actually boiling hot. So hot, in fact that it can take off skin. After a nice little lecture we steered clear of any accidental touchage and went down to sit in the hot springs. Yea, the red coated natural stone "pool" was a little sketchy to get into, but hey, we're only here once. It was an experience to say the least.

Our next stop on the Wacky Rollers Tour was to Scott's Head, the southern most point of Dominica. During hurricane season the land bridge connecting the point to the rest of the island is completely covered, as is most of the point itself. This little land peninsula if you will, roughly 40-50 feet wide, separates the turbulent Atlantic from the tranquil Caribbean sea. We had the most random boxed lunch here and took a swim on the black sand beaches before heading over to another beach to collect some samples for class. This is also where we saw the President of Dominica going to his church service like no big deal. Apparently the Prime Minister is who is really important while the President "gets paid to sign papers and do nothing."

After a long morning of hiking and swimming, we were off to the last part of our tour at Champagne Reef for some snorkeling. Appropriately titled, the volcanic pressure creates jets of bubbles in water so clear it's like swimming in a glass of champagne. While the corals weren't really the colors I was hoping to see, the brightly colored fish made up for it. Aside from some foot cramping situations, we had a really nice time followed by our first alcoholic drinks since embarkation. Needless to say, the stand owner was making bank that day. Teaching us the Rum Punch song and Wacky Roller's cheer on the drive back to the ship, we had a great time and actually learned a lot while doing it.

Even though we were all pretty tired from a long and active day outside, we grabbed dinner on the ship before heading out to a local bar. When we first got there the place was pretty empty but not long after, more and more SAS kids kept piling in. That bar didn't know what was coming. Blasting the music and selling Kubuli, Dominica's brewed beer, for $2.00, JR's was the place to be....until we all decided to go to Club 91/Crazy Coconut where fog machines were brought back into style. Like I said before, everything is closed on Sundays but when the owners found out 600 students were looking for a place to go, they opened exclusively for us. Packed into van taxis with drinks in our hands, everyone got over there at some point in the night.

Calling it a night at 11, we made our way back to the pier to go sit on the dock for a while. While that was fun for half an hour, we decided to make the executive decision to go back to JR's, the first local bar we were at. Nearly empty of SAS kids, the locals taught us how to dance on the open air dance floor beneath the stars. Jamming out and dancing to American club music, reggae, some good ol' Michael Jackson and the occasional oldies such as a Grease song (I was in heaven), we had the time of our lives dancing in the pouring rain and warm Caribbean air.

Already soaking wet, a couple of us decided to go back to the pier and jump off like everyone else before. Being so late and on hotel property, the security guard was watching the gate. But, after "risking his job" and taking a total of $8.00 is bribe money, he let us in to jump under the condition that we keep our shoes on. Done. There is something simply amazing about swimming under the stars between the MV Explorer we're calling home and the coast line of an underestimated city that I will never forget. Not realizing until later the potential dangers of sea urchins or jelly fish, we were totally in the moment and carefree, embracing the time for what it was: indescribable. All in all, not a bad way to end the night and start the voyage.

Waking up today however, not such an enjoyable experience. Thank god the rocking was just the boat and not due to other self-induced reasons. Getting an early start, Brittany, Ali, Anna and her roommate and I went out for breakfast at a hole-in-the-wall cafe, literally. There wasn't a door. Just an entrance that would be blocked off with a rope upon close. Remembering what our tour guide Kay said, the crime rate is just about 4%, but the island is so small that if you do anything, everyone will know about it. I guess they're just a trusting people. Can you imagine that working in the US? Ha. Anyway, we ate our omelets and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (grapefruits glow wild in Dominica) and then proceeded to walk around the city for the day. Hitting up the market and then the craft market, we walked through winding roads, narrow streets and in circles for a good part of the morning and early afternoon. On a mission to find Brittney's parent's favorite restaurant, we were sadly informed that it had recently closed. Thankfully the owners were still around and we went with as Britt introduced herself and faced the sad reality that he didn't remember her parents at all. Kind of a bust but we had a nice adventure anyway.

Ready to head back to the ship well in time to make ship time (the time that you MUST be checked back into the ship to ensure you don't receive dock time at the next port), we set out in search of the grocery store to get some snacks for our cabins. Desperate, we asked a lanky kid in a school uniform for directions. Taking us under his wing, C.J. (who hates his full name), walked us to the store. We found out that he was 15 and was on a break from school. Pictures to come, I promise. Grabbing some snickers and pretzels, we were astounded by the prices. Granted, it's posted in Eastern Caribbean Dollars which is roughly 2.67 to $1USD, the import rates must have been pretty high for everything there. It was a fun experience though to see a local grocery store and that they celebrate Valentine's Day too!

By that time we'd had our fill of the city and checked back into the boat for an afternoon of laying out in the sun enjoying the last few hours with the view behind us complete with double rainbows. Even though this has been a far too overused word, it was amazing. Words can't describe how crazy it is to think that we're going to school on this ship, and traveling around the world at the same time...and this was only our first port.

Roseau, Dominica

Dominica is amazing. Look it up on the map and then book your flight. It's seriously the "caribbean's best kept secret." This place is incredible. More to come later I just wanted you guys to get the best flight deals out there! =) Peace, Love, SAS.

Just South of Saba

Sooo, it's Saturday night and the second day of classes is over. We've passed land twice today, the first tiny island being Saba. After a bit of research I found out it is owned by the Netherlands, has a land area of roughly 5 square miles, and a population of a little over 1,000 people of whom live in four towns. It also features as medical school. And that's Saba. Oh! And it's home to the western hemisphere's shortest landing strip. Couldn't forget that! We also just went by another island. Rumor has it that it might be St. Lucia but no one knows for sure.

We'll be porting in Dominica either tonight or early tomorrow morning and I'm excited to get off for our first stop! We'll be there until ship time at 1800 Monday night and all I have planned is an FDP for my Oceanography class tomorrow. Shouldn't be too tough, all we're doing is taking a hike, visiting some bubbling lakes, and then going snorkeling at the Champagne Reef which I'm pretty excited for. I hope I don't get burned again though! The weather is so perfect it's hard not to be out in the sun all the time. We keep laughing that this is our school for the next couple months!

Speaking of, I've had all my classes now and I'm really excited for most of them. Global Cultures will help prepare us for each country and the generalities of the trip. My Food and Culture class is what I'm most excited for--the readings have even been interesting! Oceanography might be kinda of sciency for my taste but it will be interesting to learn about the oceans while traveling across them. Journalism and the Future of Democracy is my fourth class. I think it would be interesting if I was on the reporting side of journalism...too bad I'm not. But those are my classes! Like I said, the readings have been fairly interesting so far and while on a boat there's not much to do other than homework. I think I can handle laying out with a book for an hour or two anyway. =)

That's about it. Seasickness completely gone for now. I'm hoping it doesn't come back when we board after Dominica again! Oh, and the sunset tonight was gorgeous as we were eating dinner! What more can we ask for!?