From Nassau to Roseau...

So we set into Dominica today and it was awesome, I woke up as usual, around 6:00am and head up to Deck 7 Forward, the front, to see the sunrise as we enter port. It was slightly overcast as you can see by the pictures but it was worth it to soak in the first destination. As we sailed in it looked smooth as can be. It’s really cool to see the small rain showers from afar as we came closer to land, even passing through a few. The students were excited, staff calm and ready, and we were ready to start the day! The field programs for the morning began lining up at the gangway which they changed to the 5th deck and I got to watch people disembark through my window since the staircase was right in front.

A lot of people decided to do their own day trips and hike up through the botanical gardens, as for me… well, I decided to take it easy the first day but as things happen, I ended up hopping on to the Island Style Hot Baths trip which took me to Screw Hot Mineral Baths. Before we went to dive into the baths, we took a Botanical Garden Tour of Roseau, Dominica which was cool, we saw different trees and plants and some Sisserou Parrots (and some lizards). Prior to the Garden we stopped for an view of the city from the top of a mountain which people can also hike up. We can see the MV Explorer docked and the way the city was built. At the hot springs, we just jumped in an enjoyed the hot sulfur spring pools as well as cooling off in the cold pool. After they gave us a variety of fruit, although they stated in the description that students would also be served Rum Punch, there was not a drop to be found… which was disappointing to the students, but I was more sad that they didn’t have hammocks lined up so we can just chillax and take in the moment. Once done with the excursion it was off to meetings and some dinner, a nice way to end the day and then we went up to the Faculty/Staff Lounge (where students are not allowed) and had an exciting game of Catch Phrase with a few drinks. Nice way to unwind while the faculty and staff get to know each other better – I really like the group that is forming with the student life staff and faculty – everyone’s perspective on building a cohesive community is on the same page and it has been a treat.

After Sunday, it was off to Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool where I get to lead with 2 other staff and faculty a group of 70-some students and staff to this must-see destination. Both places are two of the top 10 things to do while in Dominica! Amazing… the only bad part was that it was raining, a lot. But, like our guide said, what do you expect it’s a RAIN forest… LOL. The waterfalls and pool was really amazing and magnificent, that is pretty much the only way to sum it up.

As for the voyage in total…The food is still great but I am noticing slow changes such as the bananas turning brown (rumor has it that the fruit was still from the last trip)… As for work, I think I am getting the hang of my position and it couldn’t be more well-suited for me. I get to manage all the scheduling for the co-curricular programs… Oh before I forget, we also do something called an Pre-Port Seminar where we have guest speakers and a review of health and safety. Although the presentations by the interport student and lecturer was interesting and helpful the best presentation was by the Medical Team led by Doctor Bill and Laura – they did a skit on protecting yourself from major issues that happen in port… and the message was:


· Don’t get BIT (by rabid dogs, mosquitoes, etc)
· Don’t get HIT (by cars, because traffic is the opposite way of the States)
· Don’t do IT (be sexually active with others, especially strangers)
· Don’t get LIT (drugs and other hallucinogens)
· Don’t get the SHITs (be careful what you eat)


So we head into BRAZIL! First, the Amazon… so we check in and port in Macapa to go through the visa and entry process, I heard all they do is scan all voyagers’ passports and then let us through – this should be awesome and pictures will definitely be taken. I am excited as I get to lead the Amazon and Rio trip which takes up the entire time we are at port. I just found out that I got paired with one of the Faculty members that has really immersed himself with the Living Learning Team and is really fun to be around. We get to take 81 students down the Amazon… a riverboat will be my home for 3 days sleeping in hammocks and we will see the “meeting of the waters” where the Rio Negro meets Rio Solimoes that creates the Amazon River proper.
OH another funny thing.. the TV in the room only has 6 or so channels… and channel one is the guide , showing you where we are at and trip basics, how fast we are going, time, date etc… well… this channel also streams satellite music and today I randomly heard Korean Pop music played in between George Michael and BoyzIIMen… I started laughing and thought about how much influence Korean Pop Music has, intentionally or by accident. Regardless, it was just random and funny….

Update – we also got another grip of Field Programs for us to choose that are more affordable and they look really awesome, so Bianca, another LLC and I were looking or placed to go while we aren’t on duty. Right now… a picnic in Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town and the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam…and the Mountain and Beach Hike in Mauritius.

The students have been amazing, for the most part. There are those that are interesting in the partying more than the other experiences but they will also come around in different parts of the trip as they know this is an experience that goes beyond just the drinking and partying. I understand that it can become that way but I know they all want they can reap from this experience, its just the peer pressure and need to fit in that conflicts with their individual goals and purpose for the voyage. As expected I created a small (actually kinda big) community with the smokers and there is a great bond that is happening that consists of students who are very different but have that one common bound that people think is a nasty habit. I do know that the long term smokers will not be a part of this group – they are letting go and probably smoke to use it as a social tool to interact with others – and hey, cant diss that… right?

Today’s day at sea has been extremely rocky we are going at 24 knots which is pretty fast I think… and the waters are choppy so people are getting tossed around, but what a great way to have another common experience… everyone is going through the process of being seasick and maintaining balance and all you can do is laugh, smile, say hi and keep going. BTW, I dont know if I get seasick since I put the patch on and wont ever know unless I take it off the next time we set sail... but do i really want to take that chance?


Ok, one more thing... YES I do work, actually it's a lot of work but I am not really going to write about it because 1) its boring 2) its a lot 3) would you really want to know what I did on a day to day related to work? and 4) I don't want to write about work.

I promise I will try to get pics up - the internet is HELLLLLLA slow... so having probs... if Picasa doesn't work I will try facebook (I guess).