My apologies to any subscribers who got 3+ E-mails this morning! I’ve been trying to link my trip journal on Facebook with this blog and haven’t had much luck. If any of you would like to check out my photos from the trip make sure we’re friends on facebook and click on this link http://apps.facebook.com/tripjournal/ to add the Trip Journal app. I’ve also been taking tons of videos, so hopefully I can upload those to YouTube.
On my last post I was anticipating embarkation, so we’ll start there. The boarding process went of without a hitch since work-study students were able to board a little early. I ran into one of my roommates in line, who coincidentally goes to Colorado College in Colorado Springs. We were lucky enough to score an economy room on third deck outside. The room is oversized and sleeps four, but we only have three, which helps with space. My room is technically a crew cabin, and it’s the farthest room forward on the ship where everything comes to a point. Since the “crew cabins” aren’t on a map, we call our triangle shaped neighborhood the Bermuda Triangle.
After a quick training session and getting acquainted with the ship (which is absolutely gorgeous and far surpassed my expectations), my parents and brother Kevin were able to come aboard for a reception.
The next morning all the workers had to be up at 6:00am to help the other 600 students with the boarding process. After eight hours, everyone had successfully cleared customs and made it to their cabins. The ship’s departure was delayed 3 hours because we were waiting on 12 students, who were hung up in Atlanta with weather delays.
Finally, at 8:00pm we set sail. Parents and families lined the dock and shouted their last words as we pulled away. Everyone’s focus quickly shifted as the boat began to rock, and it really rocked. The crew had conveniently lined the halls with bags for all the students who lost their dinner. At 25,000 tons, this boat rocks more than I would have ever imagined, and it has taken a lot of getting use to. I threw on my Sea Bands and a prescription patch behind the ear. Luckily, I was able to cope, and oddly enough, I’ve never slept so well in my life. Being at the very front of this ship, the effect is magnified twice over. I have to wedge myself in the corner of the shower just to stay on my feet. Walking a strait line is impossible, and every time the boat shifts, everyone leans/stumbles in the same direction at the same time like some sort of dance. Working out is a whole different story. It’s like trying to lift weights in an earthquake.
Nonetheless, after 4 days at sea, I would say I’ve finally found my sea legs. The first day of orientation was awful. The seasick meds made everyone so drowsy that at least 50% of the lecture hall was asleep. I took three naps that day, and decided the patch wasn’t worth it. The next day I went cold turkey, and surprisingly didn’t have any problems.
Shipboard life is incredible. Breakfast ends at 8:30 and missing meals isn’t an option. Waking up in the middle of the ocean is surreal. The ship is full service with stewards to bus tables and clean cabins. Not to mention, the whether keeps getting better as we head further south.
We passed several volcanic islands on our way through the Virgin Islands, and even made a stop in Puerto Rico to refuel. At 8:00am sharp on the 16th we woke up to yet another earthquake, only to find out that we live next door to the anchor. We had arrived in Roseau, Dominica. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the island, it’s roughly 27×15 sq mi with a peak elevation of about 4,700 ft. I only say that to give you an idea of just how jagged and magnificent the lush green mountains are here.
A large group of us convinced three cab drives to load up their vans, and take us to three of the island’s famous waterfalls/hotsprings for $15 a head. At Tatou Gorge, we swam 200 yards through a narrow cavern with 40 ft. rock walls to two waterfalls. We were able to climb the waterfalls, and cliff jump off the top. It was tough to keep my balance because my world was still rocking from the ship. Next was Troughfulgar Falls; two giant waterfalls with sulfur hot spring pools at their base. The final stop was a series of boiling hot springs heated by the volcanic island.
Aside from the sights, the cab drivers added their own twist to the tour. Apparently there aren’t any alcohol regulations in Dominica, because they were drinking Caribbean rum like it was water. My cab driver, Thomas, invited the thirty of us into his home, and even introduced us to his neighbors. The people here are incredibly laid back and welcoming. We capped the day at a local park watching a game of Cricket.
Right now I’m sitting in a little Rasta bar in town. We’re set to embark for the Amazon at 8:00pm, with our next stop in Manus, Brazil. If I get a little work done, I may head up to an Emerald Pool/Waterfall on the North side of the island.
emagdnim613
