I had high hopes for Vietnam (sometimes spelt Viet Nam...) It was one of the ports that truly made me choose SAS and after spending just 5 days here, I can tell you it met and surpassed every expectation I had. I spent the first day wandering the city of Ho Chi Minh, formerly Siagon, getting measured for handmade dresses, finding wonderful souvenirs for my family and friends and dodging the intense markets whenever possible. With everything being just one or two US dollars, it was easy to support the Vietnam economy.
Day two Abby and I set out for our history lesson. We left the ship at 7:00am and drove two hours to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels. The area had mock up tool making, cooking, housing and other various sites that resembled what it looked like during the war. We saw the now over grown locations of where bombs had exploded and destroyed both the land and people. It was hard to believe it wasn’t that long ago that soldiers were crawling in and out of the tunnels trying to save themselves. They were so clever; they stole American soldier soap so that their smell wouldn’t appear foreign and only cooked in the morning when the fog was low so that smoke wouldn’t linger over the tunnels. We had the chance to crawl through one of the tunnels- the first level because as you got lower they were so small that not even our legs could fit. We were crawling and hunched over just to make it through the winding, narrow path. After we left the tunnels, Abby and I took a motorcycle ride to the War Remnants Museum on the other side of Ho Chi Minh. It was blazing, boiling hot, the humidity reached far beyond anything I have ever experience but as I walked through the museum and read disappointing quotes and viewed the horrifying images, my body got the chills. To be honest, I never knew much about the Vietnam War it was interesting to learn about it from the other side. I can’t imagine the protests that took place back in the states or the people that came to Vietnam to fight. It left me feeling out of place and worried about what the future generations will do about the current situation the US is in.
On our third day, Abby and I left around 6:30am for our SAS trip to Cat Tien National Park, just a 5 hour bus ride away. We took a small boat across the Dong Nai River and into the park headquarters. Our accommodations were a lot like camping and reminded me of being up at the shack in Montana. There was no warm water, our mattresses were concrete, the electricity only turned on during certain portions of the day and the bugs and animals were not shy to pop out at any given time. On our first day, we took a ride through the park looking at the lush vegetation from our open roofed truck. We took a small boat back along the river and saw various birds and learned about the flora and fauna in the area. Riding in the boat brought me instantly to memories of summertime out on Lexi’s boat with her family. Just cruising in the open water, the air so hot you can’t breathe but really getting away from it all. A few of us lay in wicker hammocks and listened to the obnoxiously loud yet calming noises of the wildlife close by. By dusk, we were fortunate to experience a few rain showers and we all danced in the paths celebrating the cool off we were dying for. After dinner, we took another ride out into the park to view the wild deer, boar and nocturnal animals. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the stars- it was so clear and it seemed every star in the galaxy was just popping out. Not even the feasting mosquitoes could ruin the perfect atmosphere.
We spent the next day hiking throughout the rain forest and into Crocodile Lake. Since it had rained a little, we were worried about the leaches so we had to wear these big, sock-like protectors over our legs and rub sticky ointment over them. On our hike, our guide Trong showed us the various species that rest inside and we were surrounded by the insect noises and fluttering of butterflies. The 10K hike seemed to go by fast since it was so hot- my mind just went into a daze and I couldn’t even feel my legs moving. By the time we reached the lake, our clothes were drenched in sweat but we were greeted with a freshly-cooked Vietnamese meal that served the best pineapple I’ve ever had. We sat on the floor of the wooden deck that over looked the lake and enjoyed veggies, noodles, lots of tofu and hot tea. Our hike back seemed quicker yet hotter- the humidity reached 86% and the temperature was over 100*F. I just lost myself in memories of hiking in Montana or the smells of a humid night on Noni and Papa’s deck in Tapatio. I just pictured myself there and in my heated daze it actually felt like I was. We returned to the headquarters and chugged water to replenish ourselves.
On our last day, we started the morning off with a hike into the bamboo thickets to Ben Cu rapids. Again memories of Montana filled my mind- just sitting by the river listening to the rustling sound and losing yourself in complete peace. On our hike back, we stopped beneath the trees where locals were cutting and working with the bamboo. I stood in awe just admiring their hand work; they worked like machines and their hands had such a consistent, constant flow. It was beautiful and reminded me how much we can do just with our hands. Before lunch, we had free time to roam the park. I stumbled upon a bear rehabilitation area- there were 19 bears that had been rescued and were being training to be put back into the wild. Some of the bears had been so thrown out of nature that they were afraid of fish. I met a Scottish woman who had just moved there in January to volunteer and help assist the bears. She was honored the park had asked her to stay longer as the bears worked towards being released. I hope that when I’m older I have that drive and that passion for something. That I can just pick up my life, move, volunteer and do something for the good of the world. Whether it’s with bears, humans, nature or what- I just hope I’m open for all that comes my way.
We arrived back into Ho Chi Minh City by dusk and had a BBQ dinner on the ship (yes hotdogs!) We had the night free and didn’t set sail until early this morning. Sailing through the Siagon River is unlike anything I’ve seen; it is extremely narrow and there are rice mounds, small boats, big boats and just people paddling though. They waved as our huge MV Explorer made wakes and pushed through to head back out into the South China Sea.
Vietnam was definitely one of my favorite ports that we have visited- I loved being out in the wild even though it was deathly hot and I didn’t shower for 3 days… I ate the best food, traveled lightly and experienced everything that came my way. Although it was dangerous, driving through the city on the back of a motorcycle flying through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh was a blast- my hair flew in the wind and I felt like I was absorbing it all in. It was emotional visiting the war cites and important to keep in mind how both American and Vietnamese were being portrayed but it has struck my curiosity to keep learning- similar to Thailand.
Someone told me recently that they can tell I’m growing up. It was the best compliment I’ve gotten in a long time and I actually agree with him. Somewhere between this voyage once described as a cruise and the academics once considered minimal- I’m actually growing up and changing more than I ever thought.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Take Me Away Thailand
This is definitely a country I want to return to- Thailand, at first, was not what I expected. Just coming from India, I was shocked at how developed and modern it is. I spent the first day in Pattaya at an elephant village. We rode bareback and that was another shocking experience- we sat on their heads and held on to whatever spare skin we could. They have stubbly hair on the heads, their trucks are sticky like honey but are the sweetest animals. I felt bad stepping and pulling on their ears as I climbed on top but tried to just go along with it and enjoy the awkward experience.
Courtney and I went on a SAS trip to visit the River Kwai, Ayuthaya and Bangkok for 4 days. With Billy Idol’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” stuck in my head, we ventured by an old fashioned train into central Thailand. Filled with crops, green grass, straw huts and flowing rivers- this was the Thailand I had pictured. The rivers, both the large and small Kwai, were gorgeous. We rode in canoes down an unreal setting with calm waters, small, straw house boats, the mountains in the foreground and clear blue skies above us. During the 4 days, I had never been as hot in my life. It was 100* and 68% humidity. I didn’t even know that was possible- the air was still and drenched our clothes in sweat but regardless it was phenomenal.
We visited WWII sites like the Cemetery of the Allied Prisoners, JEATH Museum and all along the Death Railway. Realizing how little I actually know about our historical past was disappointing but I was fascinated by everything we saw and definitely want to keep learning. We went to Thai temples where past Queens have stayed or where live peace offerings were occurring. We climbed to the tops of brick remains from temples and stood next to a variety of Buddhas including the “Reclining Buddha.” The religion is extremely prominent and so much respect is constantly paid to the Buddha.
Bangkok was busting with traffic, markets, people and life. Supposedly it’s the city with the worse traffic in the world and I could not agree more. We walked through the streets with vendors selling food that looked absolutely delicious but promised an upset stomach so we passed. We had two massages during our visit: the first was a traditional Thai that basically kneaded out every muscle in my body and left me sore and unable to walk for the rest of the night. The next night I tried a more relaxed massage with oil and it just happened to be the best thing I’ve ever done (and was so cheap I felt bad.) Maybe it’s because my bruises from the previous massage were forming or my body was tired from the heat, the massage was like dying for an hour and being in complete Thailand heaven. It’s something you must do when venturing to this amazing country.
On our last day in Bangkok, we met up with Abby and Anna who had been in Phuket for the past few days. The four of us stayed in an unbelievably nice hotel that overlooked the river that runs through Bangkok. We met up with Kelly later that evening because her mom and sister had flown in for part of the parent’s visit. Kelly’s mom was extremely kind and took us to a fabulous meal at Bennihana where I think we ate the most we have since leaving the US. I had wonderful tofu, miso soup, fresh salad, veggies, spinach and I even took a bite of Anna’s shrimp. We took a small boat down the river after dinner back to our hotel. From there we had an interesting taste of Thailand nightlife- very different from anything I’ve seen and the best way to describe it might be what I imagine Vegas to be like…
Overall Thailand was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of if; I love seeing the country side and getting a historical sense but also venturing to the city and seeing the booming culture. The food reminded me of our favorite restaurant Anita’s Kitchen in San Rafael where we used to celebrate every birthday or family gathering. The people are so kind and caring- they love their country. I felt so safe here and that I didn’t have to worry about anything. I can’t wait to come back and visit more parts of the country- I’d love to see Northern Thailand and Phuket. And next time I come back I can only hope my family will be with me to enjoy it all.
Courtney and I went on a SAS trip to visit the River Kwai, Ayuthaya and Bangkok for 4 days. With Billy Idol’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” stuck in my head, we ventured by an old fashioned train into central Thailand. Filled with crops, green grass, straw huts and flowing rivers- this was the Thailand I had pictured. The rivers, both the large and small Kwai, were gorgeous. We rode in canoes down an unreal setting with calm waters, small, straw house boats, the mountains in the foreground and clear blue skies above us. During the 4 days, I had never been as hot in my life. It was 100* and 68% humidity. I didn’t even know that was possible- the air was still and drenched our clothes in sweat but regardless it was phenomenal.
We visited WWII sites like the Cemetery of the Allied Prisoners, JEATH Museum and all along the Death Railway. Realizing how little I actually know about our historical past was disappointing but I was fascinated by everything we saw and definitely want to keep learning. We went to Thai temples where past Queens have stayed or where live peace offerings were occurring. We climbed to the tops of brick remains from temples and stood next to a variety of Buddhas including the “Reclining Buddha.” The religion is extremely prominent and so much respect is constantly paid to the Buddha.
Bangkok was busting with traffic, markets, people and life. Supposedly it’s the city with the worse traffic in the world and I could not agree more. We walked through the streets with vendors selling food that looked absolutely delicious but promised an upset stomach so we passed. We had two massages during our visit: the first was a traditional Thai that basically kneaded out every muscle in my body and left me sore and unable to walk for the rest of the night. The next night I tried a more relaxed massage with oil and it just happened to be the best thing I’ve ever done (and was so cheap I felt bad.) Maybe it’s because my bruises from the previous massage were forming or my body was tired from the heat, the massage was like dying for an hour and being in complete Thailand heaven. It’s something you must do when venturing to this amazing country.
On our last day in Bangkok, we met up with Abby and Anna who had been in Phuket for the past few days. The four of us stayed in an unbelievably nice hotel that overlooked the river that runs through Bangkok. We met up with Kelly later that evening because her mom and sister had flown in for part of the parent’s visit. Kelly’s mom was extremely kind and took us to a fabulous meal at Bennihana where I think we ate the most we have since leaving the US. I had wonderful tofu, miso soup, fresh salad, veggies, spinach and I even took a bite of Anna’s shrimp. We took a small boat down the river after dinner back to our hotel. From there we had an interesting taste of Thailand nightlife- very different from anything I’ve seen and the best way to describe it might be what I imagine Vegas to be like…
Overall Thailand was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of if; I love seeing the country side and getting a historical sense but also venturing to the city and seeing the booming culture. The food reminded me of our favorite restaurant Anita’s Kitchen in San Rafael where we used to celebrate every birthday or family gathering. The people are so kind and caring- they love their country. I felt so safe here and that I didn’t have to worry about anything. I can’t wait to come back and visit more parts of the country- I’d love to see Northern Thailand and Phuket. And next time I come back I can only hope my family will be with me to enjoy it all.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Incredible India
Where to begin writing about a country that has flipped my life upside down? Are there even words? Probably- but these days words aren’t doing these experiences and emotions any justice. Yet that’s the challenge of a writer- to find the words we thought were impossible to describe the feelings we thought were unexplainable.
India came at the point in the voyage where I’m yearning for some family love. Where I’m desperately missing the Valentinos and my extended family that stretches from a book company in San Francisco to the land of Boulder to deep in the heart of Texas. I know they never said it would be easy to go without communication but they also never said it would feel like I was suffocating without them.
So I entered India with my heart on the rocks; gave myself the “I’m traveling the world, being independent, obtaining self confidence through my growth (i.e. read the last blog…)” speech. I got off the ship in Chennai and went on an independent trip with 80 other students; thought we would save money and experience the magical land of India on our own. You have no idea how hard it is to travel in a group of 80 and not know anyone and be in a country where you can’t read 50% of the signs and are constantly in fear of being robbed, eaten by malaria, dying from traveler’s diarrhea or simply being run over by a rickshaw taxi. But somewhere in the chaos, somewhere in making new friends and somewhere in traveling across and throughout the country India overtook me.
In 5 days, we traveled to Dehli, Agra, Jaipur and back to Chennia. From 6 hour plane rides to 7 hour bus rides we got to see the insides and outs. We toured forts, ate straight up authentic Indian cuisine, stayed in run-down probably highly dangerous hotels, fought off street vendors, bought ravishing jewelry and scarves from others, sat abroad an elephant as we climbed a mountain, rode in a rickshaw taxi for 45 minutes just to find a Pizza Hut, experienced the cities prepare for the Elephant Festival so we danced and had multi colored dust paint thrown everywhere, and of course stood in awe as we watched the sunrise in front of the Taj Mahal. Chaos is the best way to describe it all; no sleep, dangerous food, constant honking of car horns and wondering how people drive and don’t cause multiple accidents, dodging taxis, bicycles, motorcycles, cattle and busses just to cross the street and just trying to soak it all in- soak in the foreign smells, tastes and lifestyles.
Clearly the Taj deserves an explanation and praise because I honestly feel like its lacking some. I researched the Taj before going- discovered the eternal love Jahan felt for Mumtaz Mahal and seriously wished someone loved me enough to create a perfectly symmetrical, detailed, smooth painting like shrine for me. You can’t help but feel closer to eternal love as you walk through the gates that read “O Soul, thou art at rest returning to the Lord at Peace with him, and He at peace with you.” The photographs of the Taj look phenomenal but wait till you see it with your own eyes and not some Kodak lens. Every piece, every structure, every line was created carefully with Mumtaz in mind. I said the Taj deserves praise because the saddest part of the day was watching how disrespectful some visitors were. It clearly says no photography yet some people were flashing away at the tombs and marble- why do we need pictures of everything? In every mosque we visited, out of respect we took our shoes off but at the Taj we just covered them with thin linen. Something so beautiful and powerful and such a wonder and people were overlooking the historical magic that was created. It deserves a ‘7 wonder of the world’ title and I hope that when you go to see it, you embrace it like I did and respect its value and virtue.
Have you seen Slumdog Millionaire? See it. Now. And then continue reading. The movie does an amazing depiction of India. The slums are heartbreaking; the streets are covered with everything from bacteria infested feces to cattle to plastic to children begging for food and rupee. We saw children that had tumors on the backs of the heads, adults that were crawling or rolling on the ground because they didn’t have legs/arms/ anything. Babies crying out for food, mother are holding their hands for donations and everything inside me began to break. How does this world exist simultaneously as the rest of the world is bumping and booming? How are the other ‘third world countries’ (not sure what the politically correct way of saying that is these days) viewed as being hopeful and on the rise out of poverty but India seems to be staying the same? We were overwhelmed- do you give as much rupee as you can to everyone you see? Do you not eat so the woman and her baby on the street can? I still don’t have the answers.
Before arriving in India, my heart was on the verge of crashing. Showing signs of homesickness, I was fearing going off on this independent trip and being able to enjoy it all while secretly my mind was elsewhere. My heart broke all together at first- how could it not? But I just had to let myself go and let it all happen otherwise I think you would go insane. Being back on the ship and reflecting with everyone else is making a lot more sense and it’s nice to see we are not alone. Everyone is asking the same questions and feeling the same overwhelming emotions but I guess that’s what happens as you travel to unknown areas.
We are onto Singapore for refueling and Thailand on Sunday morning. I’m now going places I’ve only dreamed of and the voyage seems to be taking a new turn and I like it. I still miss you all at home and if you’re ever feeling adventurous… we can receive cards and packages (I thought it was too risky so I never gave out the info but now that everyone keeps getting mail at ports I regret spreading that information…) If you go to semesteratsea.org and under the “this voyage” tab there’s a section on keeping in touch and says where and when to send a note. Not that I’m expecting anything just thought I’d throw that information out :)
India came at the point in the voyage where I’m yearning for some family love. Where I’m desperately missing the Valentinos and my extended family that stretches from a book company in San Francisco to the land of Boulder to deep in the heart of Texas. I know they never said it would be easy to go without communication but they also never said it would feel like I was suffocating without them.
So I entered India with my heart on the rocks; gave myself the “I’m traveling the world, being independent, obtaining self confidence through my growth (i.e. read the last blog…)” speech. I got off the ship in Chennai and went on an independent trip with 80 other students; thought we would save money and experience the magical land of India on our own. You have no idea how hard it is to travel in a group of 80 and not know anyone and be in a country where you can’t read 50% of the signs and are constantly in fear of being robbed, eaten by malaria, dying from traveler’s diarrhea or simply being run over by a rickshaw taxi. But somewhere in the chaos, somewhere in making new friends and somewhere in traveling across and throughout the country India overtook me.
In 5 days, we traveled to Dehli, Agra, Jaipur and back to Chennia. From 6 hour plane rides to 7 hour bus rides we got to see the insides and outs. We toured forts, ate straight up authentic Indian cuisine, stayed in run-down probably highly dangerous hotels, fought off street vendors, bought ravishing jewelry and scarves from others, sat abroad an elephant as we climbed a mountain, rode in a rickshaw taxi for 45 minutes just to find a Pizza Hut, experienced the cities prepare for the Elephant Festival so we danced and had multi colored dust paint thrown everywhere, and of course stood in awe as we watched the sunrise in front of the Taj Mahal. Chaos is the best way to describe it all; no sleep, dangerous food, constant honking of car horns and wondering how people drive and don’t cause multiple accidents, dodging taxis, bicycles, motorcycles, cattle and busses just to cross the street and just trying to soak it all in- soak in the foreign smells, tastes and lifestyles.
Clearly the Taj deserves an explanation and praise because I honestly feel like its lacking some. I researched the Taj before going- discovered the eternal love Jahan felt for Mumtaz Mahal and seriously wished someone loved me enough to create a perfectly symmetrical, detailed, smooth painting like shrine for me. You can’t help but feel closer to eternal love as you walk through the gates that read “O Soul, thou art at rest returning to the Lord at Peace with him, and He at peace with you.” The photographs of the Taj look phenomenal but wait till you see it with your own eyes and not some Kodak lens. Every piece, every structure, every line was created carefully with Mumtaz in mind. I said the Taj deserves praise because the saddest part of the day was watching how disrespectful some visitors were. It clearly says no photography yet some people were flashing away at the tombs and marble- why do we need pictures of everything? In every mosque we visited, out of respect we took our shoes off but at the Taj we just covered them with thin linen. Something so beautiful and powerful and such a wonder and people were overlooking the historical magic that was created. It deserves a ‘7 wonder of the world’ title and I hope that when you go to see it, you embrace it like I did and respect its value and virtue.
Have you seen Slumdog Millionaire? See it. Now. And then continue reading. The movie does an amazing depiction of India. The slums are heartbreaking; the streets are covered with everything from bacteria infested feces to cattle to plastic to children begging for food and rupee. We saw children that had tumors on the backs of the heads, adults that were crawling or rolling on the ground because they didn’t have legs/arms/ anything. Babies crying out for food, mother are holding their hands for donations and everything inside me began to break. How does this world exist simultaneously as the rest of the world is bumping and booming? How are the other ‘third world countries’ (not sure what the politically correct way of saying that is these days) viewed as being hopeful and on the rise out of poverty but India seems to be staying the same? We were overwhelmed- do you give as much rupee as you can to everyone you see? Do you not eat so the woman and her baby on the street can? I still don’t have the answers.
Before arriving in India, my heart was on the verge of crashing. Showing signs of homesickness, I was fearing going off on this independent trip and being able to enjoy it all while secretly my mind was elsewhere. My heart broke all together at first- how could it not? But I just had to let myself go and let it all happen otherwise I think you would go insane. Being back on the ship and reflecting with everyone else is making a lot more sense and it’s nice to see we are not alone. Everyone is asking the same questions and feeling the same overwhelming emotions but I guess that’s what happens as you travel to unknown areas.
We are onto Singapore for refueling and Thailand on Sunday morning. I’m now going places I’ve only dreamed of and the voyage seems to be taking a new turn and I like it. I still miss you all at home and if you’re ever feeling adventurous… we can receive cards and packages (I thought it was too risky so I never gave out the info but now that everyone keeps getting mail at ports I regret spreading that information…) If you go to semesteratsea.org and under the “this voyage” tab there’s a section on keeping in touch and says where and when to send a note. Not that I’m expecting anything just thought I’d throw that information out :)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Mauritius- French for Reflections
We only spent 12 hours on the island of Mauritius and I think rather than blog about my ‘Spring Break in February,’ I thought I’d take the time to write about all the changes I’m experiencing.
Semester At Sea is often described as a big party, people call it kindergarten at sea or a cruise but they always say it will change your life. It will change everything you know and even yourself. We are only a month and a half deep and I can already feel my life alternating.
I used to pass on lot of opportunities; I’m very good at making excuses even if it’s something I kind of want to do. I often say I’m too tired, too busy with school or that I have something better to do with my time. But as I travel the world, I am clearly seeing the possibilities are beyond endless. We find ourselves saying “you’re only in Namibia once!” or “When in South Africa…” or other clichés that serve as excuses to do something. But why don’t those apply in my normal life back on land? Why do I constantly feel like I’ll always have another chance to try something when the opportunity is knocking?
Boulder used to feel far away from home. I thought I had made a big jump by going out of state to college; I was becoming an individual and really independent. But I could still call home anytime I wanted and if anything ever happened, there were hundreds of people to help or assist me. Now, being currently 13.5 hours (yes we moved ½ of an hour during a time change…) I have never felt more independent and free in my life. Sometime it’s scary; sometimes I want nothing more than to call my parents, siblings, family and friends and just hear their voices. I want to tell them everything that is going on in my life- but I can’t. One of my New Year resolutions was to grow more by myself- not to call Keeley every time my world crashed or my dad every time I hit a bump in the road. Fortunately there haven’t been any crises but in a weak moment or strong, I can’t rely on anyone but myself and the passengers of the MV Explorer. I finally feel like a big girl and that maybe, just maybe I’m becoming a real adult.
We had the Sea Olympics yesterday- each deck is divided into 10 seas and we had an all day competition of relays, races, games and tournaments. I’m in the Red Sea- we were decked out in our color, chanted our home made cheers and even wore war paint during opening ceremonies. Each sea played hard and worked a team- I’ve never seen so much spirit, energy, passion and fun- and that’s saying a lot since I’m in the Greek System at school. Somehow I signed up for the synchronized swimming team- I don’t even know how to swim. I taught myself in our Bakersfield backyard and I’m beyond nervous to become lifeguard certified this summer. But I did it- I even helped choreograph our routine and in the final competition of the day, I danced, swam and cheered (and in a bathing suit) for my team. We won 3rd place and that score brought us to win 2nd place in the Sea Olympics. Of course I was scared and nervous but I didn’t let that stop me. I just did it and I will remember that, my team and the courage I found for the rest of my life. It was one of those “why not?” moments- I didn’t let my other friends, who were too scared/embarrassed to stand out, hold me back.
That’s been another big growing step- I came abroad knowing over 20 students from CU and with some of my closest friends. I’ve become closer to them but I’ve also branched out and taken different paths. I’ve taken chances in meeting new people and even finding a boy that is completely different from anyone I’ve ever been interested in. He inspires me to be adventurous and to not hold back, to just be myself and live spontaneously. It’s nice to find someone who proves the rest wrong.
As Keeley knows, I used to think the world was flat. Beyond America, I thought everywhere was so foreign and different. I thought the grass was a different shade of green, the language used obscure syntax, and that the people moved on their own biological clock. How naïve. I’m really starting to see that essentially we are all the same and I mean that in a good way. I love seeing how we are all just humans living here on Earth but have created and adapted to our own ways of living. It’s amazing that you cross an ocean and you’re expected to be in a new world but really it’s just a different style of living. We come into ports and leave- we just get our feet wet and a small taste of what life is like on land. This is cheesy to say but really it makes me wonder why we just can’t all live peacefully? Rather than looking at the differences as something negative or as one being more advantageous why can’t we see that really we are all same? I really can’t describe it and there are no words that give this realization enough credit.
These epiphanies are occurring rapidly. I find them stargazing at night, having conversations with locals, meeting students from all America who saw something special in the SAS program, and in the few quiet moments I have with myself. They may seem small and minimal but they are changing me in more ways than I ever imagined. I can’t remember a time in my life where my feet have been so free- a time where my soul is so open to everything and anything, where I can do so many things and not have to worry, where I can take care of myself and where I can just truly be me.
I was always told Semester At Sea would change me. I already feel like I’ve made life changing transformations and I’m anxious to keep learning, to keep traveling, and to keep smiling as I continue this once in a lifetime journey.
Semester At Sea is often described as a big party, people call it kindergarten at sea or a cruise but they always say it will change your life. It will change everything you know and even yourself. We are only a month and a half deep and I can already feel my life alternating.
I used to pass on lot of opportunities; I’m very good at making excuses even if it’s something I kind of want to do. I often say I’m too tired, too busy with school or that I have something better to do with my time. But as I travel the world, I am clearly seeing the possibilities are beyond endless. We find ourselves saying “you’re only in Namibia once!” or “When in South Africa…” or other clichés that serve as excuses to do something. But why don’t those apply in my normal life back on land? Why do I constantly feel like I’ll always have another chance to try something when the opportunity is knocking?
Boulder used to feel far away from home. I thought I had made a big jump by going out of state to college; I was becoming an individual and really independent. But I could still call home anytime I wanted and if anything ever happened, there were hundreds of people to help or assist me. Now, being currently 13.5 hours (yes we moved ½ of an hour during a time change…) I have never felt more independent and free in my life. Sometime it’s scary; sometimes I want nothing more than to call my parents, siblings, family and friends and just hear their voices. I want to tell them everything that is going on in my life- but I can’t. One of my New Year resolutions was to grow more by myself- not to call Keeley every time my world crashed or my dad every time I hit a bump in the road. Fortunately there haven’t been any crises but in a weak moment or strong, I can’t rely on anyone but myself and the passengers of the MV Explorer. I finally feel like a big girl and that maybe, just maybe I’m becoming a real adult.
We had the Sea Olympics yesterday- each deck is divided into 10 seas and we had an all day competition of relays, races, games and tournaments. I’m in the Red Sea- we were decked out in our color, chanted our home made cheers and even wore war paint during opening ceremonies. Each sea played hard and worked a team- I’ve never seen so much spirit, energy, passion and fun- and that’s saying a lot since I’m in the Greek System at school. Somehow I signed up for the synchronized swimming team- I don’t even know how to swim. I taught myself in our Bakersfield backyard and I’m beyond nervous to become lifeguard certified this summer. But I did it- I even helped choreograph our routine and in the final competition of the day, I danced, swam and cheered (and in a bathing suit) for my team. We won 3rd place and that score brought us to win 2nd place in the Sea Olympics. Of course I was scared and nervous but I didn’t let that stop me. I just did it and I will remember that, my team and the courage I found for the rest of my life. It was one of those “why not?” moments- I didn’t let my other friends, who were too scared/embarrassed to stand out, hold me back.
That’s been another big growing step- I came abroad knowing over 20 students from CU and with some of my closest friends. I’ve become closer to them but I’ve also branched out and taken different paths. I’ve taken chances in meeting new people and even finding a boy that is completely different from anyone I’ve ever been interested in. He inspires me to be adventurous and to not hold back, to just be myself and live spontaneously. It’s nice to find someone who proves the rest wrong.
As Keeley knows, I used to think the world was flat. Beyond America, I thought everywhere was so foreign and different. I thought the grass was a different shade of green, the language used obscure syntax, and that the people moved on their own biological clock. How naïve. I’m really starting to see that essentially we are all the same and I mean that in a good way. I love seeing how we are all just humans living here on Earth but have created and adapted to our own ways of living. It’s amazing that you cross an ocean and you’re expected to be in a new world but really it’s just a different style of living. We come into ports and leave- we just get our feet wet and a small taste of what life is like on land. This is cheesy to say but really it makes me wonder why we just can’t all live peacefully? Rather than looking at the differences as something negative or as one being more advantageous why can’t we see that really we are all same? I really can’t describe it and there are no words that give this realization enough credit.
These epiphanies are occurring rapidly. I find them stargazing at night, having conversations with locals, meeting students from all America who saw something special in the SAS program, and in the few quiet moments I have with myself. They may seem small and minimal but they are changing me in more ways than I ever imagined. I can’t remember a time in my life where my feet have been so free- a time where my soul is so open to everything and anything, where I can do so many things and not have to worry, where I can take care of myself and where I can just truly be me.
I was always told Semester At Sea would change me. I already feel like I’ve made life changing transformations and I’m anxious to keep learning, to keep traveling, and to keep smiling as I continue this once in a lifetime journey.
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