Turkey, Bulgaria. Egypt and more

Friday July 17^th,

Happy Birthday to my roomie Megan and to Gian.

Today has been a chill day all three classes were good, nothing exciting.  Anyways tomorrow we will be in Turkey, an at today’s preport they tried to scare the living crap out of us as always.  Basically they just told us about the many terrorists attacks on the city of Istanbul, and how exactly a year ago before the MV Explorer was suppose to pull into port there was huge bombing which directed SAS from turkey.  They also informed us on the major human trafficking and pick pocketers in the city. Then when they actually compared it to Times Square and to Harlem, I felt it was something I could defiantly handle. But I was not too sure on how I felt about them comparing it to both times Square and Harlem, New York those are two separate areas.

Saturday July 18th

I LOVE Istanbul. The Grand Bazarr was amazing I want to definitely come back here.  They have an outside portion that is basically the “cheap area” and inside was the more expensive area with tons of gold and pearls, and rugs and lots of other house items. I did let my friends leave me and I was alone for about an hour and it was very relaxing I did not feel rushed at all, and it was so much easier to barter (convince owners to bring the prices down).  Eventually I left because I could not take the heat and the smells which were horrible, and in the process I found a chicken place which I decided to stop at because I wanted to try something the locals eat.  It kind of bothers me that they are nowhere near sanitary here so touching the food is not uncommon one bit.  The chicken wrap to me was not good at all so instead I just ate the chicken pieces out of it. This is when I decided to go on my search for corn.  When I finally found it, oooh my goodness it was HORRIBLE! (I bet you all thought I was going to say it was GREAT). I eventually made my way back to the boat and took a nap even though I know I should not be sleeping in Turkey out of all places. Later on that night about 10 of us wanted to party but I couldn’t find a place so we ended up at a hookah bar/lounge. I did smoke a little bit but didn’t feel any effects so I felt it was a waste of my time so I stopped.  After hookah a few of us went to the restaurant next door which had American music an w just danced and played with the locals until we were beyond exhausted.

Sunday July 19^th

Today I had my first overnight yay!  We got on the bus and basically rode for six hours stopping to see the Horse of Troy about two museums and of course the rest stops.  These cities of Canakkle and Troy were both really beautiful, and from the shops I finally got my elephant for my mom. Candice, Elisha and I took a horse and carriage ride around the city of Canakkle for only 20 lira which equals about 15 American dollars, in Central Park it starts out at $75.

Monday July 20^th

Today we got back on our bus at 8am and went to see a World War 1 site named Gallopoli. The grave yard was beautiful, preserved and well maintained, we then moved onto the Agean Sea and the water was Crystal clear, I was standing waist deep and could still see my toes.  We soon enough took our six hour bus drive back to the city of Istanbul.  I really felt like I spent majority of my time on the bus, but hey that is what I should expect for such a cheap overnight. When I got back my roomies and I went to an internet restaurant and that didn’t work so then a few of my other friends and I just went out to a hookah bar again, this time I did not participate in the festivities.  

Tuesday July 21^st

This is literally how my day went.  I go on a tram to get on a ferry to get on a horse and carriage ride to walk around for 30minues to get back on a ferry to get back on a tram to walk back to the boat.  Today I saw the princes isles, the scenery was quite nice even though the ferry ride was 90 minutes long. But overall no complaints because not many can say they spent a leisure day around turkey.  Well no one besides the Turks that is! (ßhaha I made a funny )

Wednesday July 22^nd

Today is our last day hereL I really did have a nice time and would more than love to come back. I decided that the last day would just be my day to get everything together. I woke up at my leisure and took the tram over to the grand Bazarr, after that I walked to the Blue Mosque and just took in the culture, then I walked to the spice market and finished up my shopping and to really just spend up the rest of my lira.  When I think back, the mosque to me are interesting because men and women are not allowed to even pray together, they have complete separate sections, men pray out in the open and women are put to the back of the mosque in a sectioned off porportion.  Anyways, after all of the “sightseeing” I just walked backto the boat.  I took my time so I was able to get my thought together.  I felt great being alone, not being rushed by anyone just a peaceful day.

Thursday July 23^rd

Happy Birthday Triana, but today was just another day at sea…

Friday July 24^th

Today I learned that semester at sea summer 09 is the first group to ever come to Bulgaria. I feel so privileged. My first day here was kind of blah not too much went on, I had an FDP is the Bulgaria Hydrodynamics center.  This was the worst trip I have EVER been on.  It was very dull and I honestly did not see what learning about waves had to do with international business.  We had to tender for a proportion of the day and boy was that rough.  The waters were not on our side, the tenders would should normally take about 20 minutes took about 45to get to the boat, we had people throwing up on the side of the boat, babies were crying it was all together very hectic.  Even though we got back at 3pm I decided I was not taking any more chances with that tender and I stayed on the boat until it finally decided to dock against the pier. Around 11pm a group of us decided to go out clubbing being that we heard it was a party scene.  Bulgaria had great clubs, it was surely a sight to see, it was club after club after club surrounding us.  We ended up going to Copacabana and we truly enjoyed it.

Saturday July 25^th

Balchik and Kalkara was the trip I had today.  The trip was very scenic but also very hot.  We got to see old fortress’, and beautiful gardens along the picturesque oceanfront. It was nothing spectacular but it was something I wouldn’t trade in to see, that night I decided hey imam stay on the boat and just watch movies and for the first time in a long time I was able to relax and catch up on work (not saying I finished it).

Sunday July 25^th

 

Happy Birthday Grace

Today Tia, Courntey and I decided to go to Sands Resort, which is basically a nice Americanized resort in the forms of Bulgaria.  Tia and I went Jet-Skiing as soon as we got there.  This was amazing because riding them throughout the ocean was just amazing, I felt free like I had no boundaries well until the wind got a hold of us and I had to turn back around to head back to shore.  After that we just laid on the beach and as they tanned I for the most part hid from the sun and just wrote postcards and slept.  It is amazing how I guess I would call it American music is all the way over here.  I have a new feeling that singers from the US make the majority of their money oversea. It was completely idolized in these countries.  Anyways we then decided to get massages done on the beach. Oh my goodness what an experience.     They basically lay you down take off your top and roll down you bottoms so that your crack is exposed and they massage you like no other.  I felt like I had died and gone to heaven, ive gotten a lot of massages in my day but this one I will remember.  I laid on the beach, heard the ocean hitting the sand right at my head, and just was taken to another world by the women in bikinis.  The rest of the day was good as well we once again went clubbing, this time we went to out $1 kuna tequila shots which was fun because I had at least 8 and then we went on to try different mixed drinks then we went off to the Copacabana.  Some of the crew happened to be there as well and we partied until 5am.  Life on this boat can be stressful with all the many papers while still trying to live life off the boat but days like this just make me smile and realize I am beyond blessed.

Sunday July 26^th

Today is our last day in Bulgaria and today I had a trip to the orphanage, it was really nice and I enjoyed the children. It amazed me that there were about 20 babies ages 6 weeks until 6 months and they laid there and did not cry to be picked up or tampered with.  When I asked why they did not fussed my answer was beyond obvious but I dint realize how obvious it really was. The lady said that the babies there are trained because there are so many of them they do not have the privileged to be picked up constantly, and because they are on such a tight schedule, they are changed and fed at the same time everyday so that they do not have many needs.  So a schedule is all it takes, so maybe these babies deep down know they are lucky to have be taken in so they don’t give too much trouble.  

After this we were bought back to the boat and I decided to venture out alone again to in hopes find shot glasses for Maquia and my magnets that I am collecting. I ended up finding a post office and was able to complete my postcards, I then went to the shopping areas found a cute little market and I was able to buy everything I had originally came to find.  I went into mango to hopefully find a nice outfit and I ran into Courtney, we ended up spending the rest of the day together.  We even found a grocery store and we bought a few items to last us in case we didn’t find any stores in Egypt.  

Monday July 27^th & Tuesday July 28^th

These two days are at sea days and being that we have been on one day and off one day we really hit the books this time so not too much excitement went on but tomorrow I will be in AFRICA the freakin’ MOTHERLAND I am just too excited so ill def write more then… 

Wednesday July 29^th

I am in EGYPT!!!! Out of all the ports I have actually learned about this port.  I have some connection where I can look at the word and a tear actually comes to my eyes.  Today Shani, Shanae, two other girls we met along the way and I went to the catacombs, pompay’s pillar and the library.  The day was quite cheap and the library offered an hour of internet, so we all got on the internet and I saw some really distributing news.  I realized that people who you really think are there for you really do not have your best at interest.  But I realized that on this trip, people are going through so much more in the world then I am, and that all that I stress over is not worth the stress, and I am on a trip of a lifetime that millions of people hope for, and I need to take that into mind every time I have any type of petty issue an realize that I am beyond blessed.

Thursday July 30^th

Today I had my jeep safari and camel ride it was amazing…Basically the bus took us to Cairo, we went and saw the pyramids, and the sphinx then we were had our jeep safari within the sand dunes and that was amazing, bumpy but amazing. Finally the jeep safari took us to my camel ride. My camel leader was Muhammad Ahan. He was 25 and was not married because he could not afford to give the father any land or money.  He was really nice and the whole time we talked and he even let me run with the camel by myself.  The day was followed by the step pyramid and lots of other tombs.

Friday July 31^st

Alexandria is a really nice city.  I spent July 31^st around the main town   Not too much excitement if I may say. I had my own “personal” cab driver.  He was a life saver; he took us to the train station, took us all the way inside and helped us get our tickets.  It was very chaotic and without him I feel as if it would not have been possible, actually it would have been possible, it would have just taken a lot more effort and time than it did with him helping us.

Saturday August 1^st

Today a group of us took the train at 8am to Cairo, we went to the museum in which King Tut’s caskets and belongings were in, we went on a fluka around the Nile and we went to the bazzar of Ciaro.  We even found a McDonald that was VERY GOOD! The group of us were beyond happy to have found it because we were all hungry but were scared of the local food in fear of getting TD (Traveler’s diarrhea).  We eventually finished what we had come to Cairo to explore and we met some other SAS’ers at the train station but when we arrived back in Alexandria our cab driver came an picked us up and we basically just chilled on theboat.

Sunday August 2^nd

Today was a very relaxing day I slept in until about noon, About three of us caught a cab to a WalMart/Costco type grocery store called Carrefour, and we basically racked up for the 10 day trip back to the United States.  After that we came back to the ship and I shopped for some more for gifts around the port and this was my time in Egypt.  I felt really nice knowing that I have finally made it to Africa; it was something I am really privileged to have experienced at such a young age. Seeing the pyramids was actually something I learned about at such a young age, and to actually be able to see it for my own eyes opened up a real realization for me.  This is one of the only countries that I did not see as “Americanized” and from an African-Americans point of view I really appreciate it. Kyla has finally been to Africa…

August 3^rd & 4^th

These two days have been quite dull class days and nothing to exciting. On the 4^th at night we had the crew talent show The show was amazing! The crew is really talented and my favorite performance was when one of the crew from the cleaning department decided to be Beyonce and did single ladies! Later on that night we had casino night.  It was really fun I played bingo and black jack.  I ended with 22 tickets and I thought that was a lot but when I cashed in people had 100’s of tickets.  Way to shoot my hopes down.

Wednesday August 5^th

Today was the auction day. There was a silent auction in the day time and basically you went around to the tables and wrote what you wanted and how much you wanted to bid on it, sort of like Ebay.  At 8am there was the Live auction, SAS raised over 25,000 with the silent auction alone.  The most expensive trip sold was two trips to Pakistan for a week and when you get there all expenses paid for.  The person who gave that item’s name is Sha’zan he basically is rich because his family owns multiple businesses.

August 6^th & 7^th

These two days once again were just on ship days today the 7^th we stopped in gibiltar once again to stop and bunker or get fuel. Other than that today was our LAST PREPORT! A very exciting but sad realization for all of us but tomorrow we will be in our final country of the voyage Morocco. This will be bittersweet but until next time, sorry it took me so long to post these but shit life can get very hectic.

Rome

I was so sick i didnt get a pic with it :-( but i have plenty of it....:-) Someone else may have a pic of me wit it tho.

Plaza de Espana

Alleyway of my 1st hostel

a bee hive i sat behind for about 20mins b4 i noticed it.

Ruins in spain

A catherderal in cadiz

my 1st sun rise into spain

Jordan an i we pulled an all nighter

Some who watched the sunrise for spain

Me, nana phyllis, tia an nexus

A few of us at club eastwest in croatia

a very pretty view of croatia

Gian an me no idea where we were headed....

Greece!!!

Croatia, the best by far....

 

July 6^th & 7^th

On the 6^th we had a day at sea, so besides classes not much was accomplished. I do not understand why I get so extra sleepy in Global studies it is so extra weird. I go to breakfast and am wide awake then in global studies comes an I CAN NOT keep my eyes open.  I had dinner with my extended family as well. An extended family is the “family” you have on board.  You are chosen by a family and basically they comfort you and are there for you to speak with whenever you may need them.  Shaun who is an assistant student dean is my “daddy” his wife Kelly is my “mommy” and her mom phyllis is my “grannie” or nana as she prefers and I have two “sisters” Amiah and Aubrey.  This family is actually African American so I am happy to be a part of it. Shaun actually sailed on a previous voyage so he understands the struggles a as well.

On the 7^th we got of the boat for Croatia. This is the BEST country we have been at by far.  This country is FULL of beautiful beaches and I hardly saw any pollution. I had a Semester At Sea Trip called City Orientation, Churches, Maritime Museum and Aquarium.  This trip was nice we basically took the coach bus to the city walls, which was put into place to protect the city when it was at war.  If you stand at the top of the walls you can literally see the whole city and even more.  All of the houses in the city have the same beautiful red roof so the view is spectacular. After the tour we all came back to the boat and walked around the city trying to get a feel for it.  At about 9pm half of the entire city went to a club called EASTWEST.  I can honestly say this may have been the most beautiful club I have been too.  It surpassed what I felt about LOVE In DC. When you walked in it was completely white and you walked into a restaurant lounge area but everything was basically hoisted to be outside then when you walked through they had a red/orange theme room and a bluish/purple room, it was just something you have to see for yourself, as you continued to walk through you came to the private beach with cabanas.  We all had a great time on the beach and it was just amazing on how much these countries pride their appearance.  A few of us decided to go jump in the water just for the fun of it and it was beyond warm. Further down on the rock a few people also went topless because it was a nude private beach :-)…..

That night was just a perfect first night because we were all together having fun and it just proved that as my mom always points out times have changed.  The music was diverse the people partying together was diverse and everyone was happy being together in a foreign country I am so willing and ready to experience the next 40+ days that we have left.

July 8^th

Today I finally slept in, oh how good that felt!!!!  When ii say my body is drained I am drained especially since we had not got in from the night before until 4am and I did not go to bed till 7am.  A big group of us decided to go to the island of Lopud.  Never ever did I imagine that I would be island hopping.  When we arrived to the island we saw plenty of familiar faces and they told us of a beautiful beach on the opposite side of the island.  We trekked and trekked and trekked and about 45 minutes and we were finally there, never was I so happier to see a beach!  This beach was EXTRA salty and the waves were extremely strong it definitely pushed me over multiple times.  We chilled on the beach until it was basically time to just leave to make a quick stop for some Croatian food even though we only ended up getting pizza and to make the last shuttle back to the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.  I do not know how the rest of you feel but after swallowing so much salt it made me beyond sleepy.  The group of about 40 SAS’ers were on the shuttle back and we made it back around 9pm and the majority of my group wanted to party but I decided to stay behind and do my homework so that in Greece I will not have to do any homework and I can keep up on my blog! Hehehe

July 9^th

Today at 8am (another reason I decided to skip the party last night) I had a SAS trip to the children’s orphanage of Dubrovnik and hospital.  This trip was nice but the orphanage only had 13 children which was a bittersweet thing. Bitter because the trip had about 30 students so for a good majority of time most of us just sat around and talked and drew because we did not want to overwhelm the children by having 5 adults towering over them especially when we had complete language barriers.  The sweet part of the deal, was that this was an orphanage for children who are not treated correctly by their parents, so this shows that the number of reported abused children in the city was extra low because last year at this time is was an approximate 70 children.  After the orphanage we went to the hospital and it was the same deal except there were only 9 children.  Once again a bittersweet trip.

When we got back to the boat I decided to take a nap but that idea was ruined because NONE of my friends believe in taking naps while in port so Courtney and I decided to go to old town to go shopping.  She and I had never hung out one on one, so this was really nice to hang out with someone new. We just got lost in the markets and even found a bar with free internet connection if you bought anything!  The markets in old city are so relaxing, they way of life in these countries is all together relaxed.  It is amazing how one in these countries I am just relaxed and feel as If I have no worries in the world.  I hardly see anyone on their blackberries, I hardly see anyone arguing in the streets.  People here are just so into the moment.    When we got tired we eventually just went back to the boat and because majority of everyone was on the beach I got my nap until dinner. Yay!!!

Later on that night a group of about 20 of us decided to party it up again but only 8 of us went and got dinner.  This was the best dinner I got from all of the restaurants I have been to.  Everyone had something different I got a caprese salad (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and a basil sauce.) This was literally the best caprese salad I have had even better then papa razzi.   For my dinner I had a quarto formagi  (I know I spelled that wrong) pizza.  If you know me you know I love my cheese.  After dinner there was a festival show in the town center of the old city and even though it wasn’t in our language we still enkoyed the opera and action scenes.  When that got old to us we went to SkyBar and I had some liquor that was 140 proof, but it take like licorice so it was weird but even an hour left with only an amaretto sour I didn’t feel anything so maybe that was a good thing.  As we had decided to leave we ran into a guy named Dahani Jones, hopefully I spelled his name correctly.  We met him at EASTWEST the first day and did not think we would ever happen to see him again in a country like Croatia He was an NFL player and now he has his own television show on the travel channel, and he bought a bottle of Jagermeister for us to enjoy.  We had multiple shots then decided to go because we were all beyond tired. I can say this was one of the best nights so far. 

July 10^th

I slept in today but not for much because by 11am I was off to SkyBar to get on the free internet, so if you have facebook make sure to check out my pictures.  I took care of bank business and school things, having no internet lets me know how much I appreciate having it at my leisure at home and at school.  After about three hours too many on the internet Tia and I decided to do the ONE thing Semester At Sea said don’t do.  CLIFF JUMP!  It was the greatest. I hate roller coasters especially how they feel when going down.  But I was the first to go and TIa actually got me on video I will post it in Greece.  It was so exhilarating. After Tia and I jumped we waited for nexus to jump and to our surprise Dhani was there and he winded up jumping too with the travel channel camera following him.  They got Tia and Nexus not too sure if they got me as well.  The water felt marvelous after I hit it from the 35 foot cliff.  I would definitely do it again under the right circumstances.  After that we came back to the ship so we would not be a part of the late comer running like the “dickens” to the ship.  We made it back only 30mins before 6 which to me was actually pushing it.  At 5:58 I went to the deck and a bunch of us yelled and screamed for the late comers to run and make it before they got dock time.  This was a nearly perfect trip and I will definitely come back to Croatia, it is a must to do on my list.

July 11^th

It is a sea day, nothing too exciting.  Today I didn’t do much but tomorrow is another sea day BUT it is also Sea Olympics.  I am beyond ready for it too.  Nothing starts until 12pm and no classes all day oh the life! I love it love it love it   

P.S. tomorrow i will tell you what events im doing. Im ooh sooo excited!!!!

Italy......

I am sorry I may not be able to post as often as I was before, but I have been extra busy with everything. Other than that I have been well.  I had midterms I think I did well, hopefully I did. 

On june 30^th I got terribly sick, it was the worst. I could hardly breath, my throat basically closed up and nose running and was very weak.  This was crazy being that the next day we were getting off to Italy.   

On July 1^st Nexus, Grace and I went off to Rome, the train station was beyond crowded.   I literally slept the whole entire way as I sat on the train floor because it was packed to the tee.   When we arrived we headed directly for the coliseum and that was more than beautiful, I wish I had understood a little more about roman times, because if so I think I would of really appreciated it a lot more.  We saw plenty of ruins, had our first taste of Italian pizza, which I felt was good but could have been better.  Then afterwards we met up with Tia an all of us along with Dustin went and looked for a hotel.  The hotel was called Hotel Michigan, we had a room and it was very weird, one queen size bed, or shall I say box spring and blanket, then two twin beds. There was a big open window with no curtain or screen but it closed like it was a door.  The door had no lock from the inside.  The bathroom was very weird as well.  They was a butt cleaner (I forgot the correct name), sink, toilet and shower all in one room with no separator.  Even though it was very confusing it was still very enjoyable. After we were settled and felt clean enough to go out, Tia, Nexus, Grace and I went to this cute little restaurant where I got my gnocchi and they all got past and I found a great new wine.  I thought Justin had put me on before but now this one was better it is called Frangolino.

The 2^nd Tia and I went to see the Pantheon, and walked around Rome, finished buying our souvenirs’ and doing the “touristy” things.  We took the train back to the port and I do not like how neither of the two times did anyone check our tickets.  I feel as if it was a waste of time buying them but just to be safe we did anyways.   Tia and I decided to walk around and see what we could find just by exploring the city, and we came upon a stage play in its dress rehearsal.  They were doing select scenes from the hit musical CATS and they had other little things as well. They danced to Nelly, Akon and even Beyonce. It was just strictly amazing      When we got back we basically just chilled walked along the shore looked at the stars and I got the best gelato I have ever had ARMERTTO, everyone knows how much in love with armertto sour I am and this just made me fall in love even more.  It was about a group of 12 of us and we got stares like crazy.  I finally saw another African decent person and she was eager to smile, so I am assuming that not too many African Americans or straight white people are seen in this area.

On the third it was a good day, I I went to the market saw all of the fresh foods, meats and fish being chopped and taken apart these people do not waste a single thing from these animals.  I purchased a lot of different gifts and items for different people. It feels good to buy things for other people.  Then a group of us were going to go see Pisa but it was 22 each way, so we decided to let that go.  We eventually just walked around and we enjoyed the city.  I am really happy we stayed we talked to locals and just learned the meaning of bring an Italian. They are sooo chill here, not in a rush like Americans.  They even have siesta here where everything is closed from 2 untll 4pm, where they can rest and eat with their family.  America needs to adopt this! J Other that that my days are beyond great. 

July 4^th!

I woke up in ITALY! How many Americans can say that. Naples is a quite interesting city.  I expected  our voyage further in to be what I saw in Naples.  When we stepped off the boat it had a slight order but nothing out of the ordinary being that we are directly on water.  When Tia and i got to the end of the gate two fellow SAS’ers were kind of shook up and told us firmly stay on the boat or go on SAS trips because it was not safe and they were only out if the boat for 30minutes.  Now I am not from the worse neighborhood but I think I know how to handle myself in a city, so i was not scared. The moment we stepped away from the boat area we learned that there were no crosswalks so everyone is literally own their own with crossing the streets.  Tia and I were stared down by literally everyman we passed by.  It seems acceptable here for men to talk to the women as they please.  We found a little hole in the wall type place and had real Italian pasta.  I am sad to say to, that the places I have been to NY have better tasting pasta, maybe it is the spices but I was not thoroughly impressed.  I later on went out with Jordan Geon and Merritt and I bought these MEAN  Italian leather shoes, it was a splurge but it was worth it 100%!  That night we attempted to go out but the traffic is way too crazy to just walk around and everything happens so quickly as well. 

July 5^th

Capri and Anacapri is BEAUTIFUL! I had an SAS trip today and it was to these islands.  The ferry was an hour long and besides a guided tour we got to have some free time.  I even bought and tasted lemonchello.  It is a drink specifically made in Italy.  These islands are known as where the rich and famous come for retreat in Italy. We saw pictures of Mariah Carey, Neyo, Diddy, Jay Z and even Beyonce.  Of course they had the common LV, Gucci, Prada stores available but also plenty more boutiques to choose from.  I took a single person chair lift up to the top of the mountain and this maybe the prettiest thing I have ever seen, we were so high up we were among the clouds and pictures cannot do justice it was just something you had to experience.  We went to the beach as well, I did not get into the water but it was a rock beach, this is the first time I have ever been to one. At first I felt annoyed because it was hard to lay on the rock but then I thought its better than having sand all through your stuff.  And the water was CLEAR you can see straight to the rocks without a problem……

When we got back to the boat they had a “Fourth of July” party.  The food was great, hot dogs, burgers, ribs, corn on the cob, baked beans, macaroni and potato salad and more! A big cake too.  The decorations were really nice too, I kind of felt like I was back home celebrating with friends.  Otherwise it was nice.  Tomorrow we are back on the boat for a day and then off to Croatia, not much planned there but we will figure it out…  

Italy

June 24^th

This trip began a little over a week ago.  Today is only day eight but I feel as if I have been with these people for months.  Last night Tim, Jordan, Cherisse, Nexus, Grace, Tia and I met up around Midnight and sat and talked about subjects from parental relationship, social relationship, school, beliefs religion and so much more.  It was a very interesting conversation, and it made me feel so proud that a group of intellectual young majority African American young adults can have so many differences but still come to a medium. This conversation lasted until a little before 6am, and Jordan and I went to his room, to get a book and we looked out of his window and saw LAND!!!  It was so amazing to see land after seven days at sea. 

We as a group went outside and my professor Angela Davis was up there as well ahead of us looking at the land.  I feel like it is so crazy how even though she is our professor, she was just as excited as we were being that it was her 1^st time at sea.  We stayed up there until 7am, then sat and ate breakfast on the dock.  It is truly amazing watching a sunset overseas.  I realized once again how blessed I am along with all of these other students to see such a sight.

After breakfast I showered and took a much needed nap, for my long day ahead of me. At 10am I had a Activity called History and the Role of Women in Cadiz, Spain with my Professor Angela Davis. The rest of the day was basically leisure, I walked around the city and basically got a feel for it all.

June 25

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEXUS!!!

Ever wonder why America does not enforce students to learn a second language??? Well I did this weekend, the language barrier is very interesting and it really doesn’t help when 12 year olds are speaking three or more languages. Today multiple plans were made but for the majority plans went through. Tia, Shanae, Jordan and I went looking for a bank and post office and of course got lost because these streets are worst then the village. They twist and turn and they have random dead ends. Finally we went looking for a electronic store because my camera broke L…  I have been in love with my Nikon S60 and now I had to downgrade to a Nikon S210.

A group of us too many to name took a ferry to another beach on a different island of Cadiz and this was one of the windiest beaches I have ever been to, two people in our group went topless as well, I am not that brave!  Towards the end of the night Tia and I finally found a restaurant of food we really enjoy.  We thought we would NEVER find one! Wine here is usually only about 1.25euros a glass which makes it maybe 3 American dollars so that is a really god thing about Spain.  Later on some of the crew went to a club but I was so drained that I just decided to Spain in and take a nap.  That nap ended up being a full blown sleep and at 4am Tia called me hysterically crying because she heard the nerve of Michael Jackson’s death. I was up until about 7am and then it was off for Sevilla.

June 26^th

Last night well this morning was a blur, I watched Kill Bill about three times in a row because it was on loop on the ship’s channel.  When I finally awoke I got dressed an ready or the trip to Sevilla, we took the bus which was a smooth ride and finally I was in a city I could say I would LOVE to come back to. We went and saw the outside of the Cathedral in which Christopher Coloumbus’ grave is.  We went and saw the Garden and played in the park like big kids with locals.  We basically just saw pretty touristy things until night time when we went to the club I can honestly say I had a blast. Some man basically took us in so we did not have to stand on line and he gave us all two shots to start. We partied until 4am, and when we decided to leave the people thought we were crazy for leaving so early being that usually clubs don’t shut down until 7 or 8am. 

June 27th

Around 6:30am Tia, Sherese and I walked the 35minute walk back to the bus station, and saw all of the party goers in the streets heading home.  When we got back to the port I basically just finished contacting my family, uploading and sending pictures, and just the little random things I love to do with my spare time. As of right now I am sitting in Nexus room about to complete this assignment for Global Studies, this class is definitely getting the best of me.

 

ALMOST OFF

Hey all, hope all is well, well today is the 22^nd technically the 23^rd because its 1am here at Sea time.  Today I heard some disturbing news but I realized that I am on a trip of a lifetime, and for those who try to bring me down it really isn’t worth it. Thanks for all of those who have been keeping in contact with me.  It is the greatest when you check email and you see that not only has someone from the school emailed you but someone from America.  Until I am off the boat I will not believe that I am on a trip like this. 

Well, yesterday, June 21^st it was not much but I class day, During class day not much happens it is just like being on a regular campus except you can not leave you are confined to the ship!  My Maquia always contacts me I am so happy to have made friends with her, and her family, it is amazing! My mom of course and I cannot forget my Candice, all the others have yet to email me but then again it has only been a week so we shall see.

Today June 22^nd  has been a very hectic day.  After classes I took a much needed nap, currently it is only 7pm in New York but here it is 1am and I am so tired because we keep losing hours.  I went to my first meeting at 7pm and that was for good will and we will basically just do good things for crew, the children and lifelong learners on the boat.  At 8pmihad a meeting but I could watch it from my room, and that meeting was on what to eat and what to not eat when we get to Spain. Lastly I went to my blog email.  For example if you go to semesteratsea.org click current voyage then hit voyage blog and look at the post or pictures I am I the diversity Pic and I will be interviewing someone and that interview will be on the blog as well!  I feel like I am really getting involved with the ship (because it’s not a boat).  Anyways I will have soo much more to talk about when I am off the boat because I feel as of right now I am repeating this over and over, once again do not forget  to EMAIL MEEEEE!  

Coming Along....

June 19th

Oh my goodness, these days are blending together…  Friday was a great day.  I am known as the one who loves to eat at all. So to keep a track of everyone’s room numbers I put it in my phone. Finding people on this boat is like being in times square, every corner you turn you kind of see a look alike but everyone points you in the wrong direction.  But none the less you eventually find them.  Being on the boat there isn’t much excitement but we always find things to do.  Yesterday classes went smoothly and I left my key in my room about 3 times (typical me). We have an interport student from Spain who comes on the boat to talk with us and tell us about Spain and she spoke yesterday and was quite interesting.  She basically gave us great advice on what to do in the country. 

I had to read a book and basically it was the entire thing in a matter of two days, I can say besides harry potter I have never read so much in such a little amount of time but at least the book was worth reading..  (Their eye’s were watching god). Nexus, Tia and I studied on the deck but didn’t get too far.  Every time someone would get serious, our attention would lean towards something completely different.   But on to today

June 20^th

Today I went to breakfast ALL ALONE but then again it is ok because I met more people that were from New York.  After breakfast I studied for global studies, this class is actually a little harder than I expected,  today I was finally able to be awake in my international business class without being sick we had a test today I did better than I expected.   Afterwards dinner was served we went outside because there was LAND!!!!!!!  This may not seem to exciting to many people but when you do not see land for four days straight it is like oh my goodness there is civilization out there.  I met a boy who is a Sping 2009 iota, he is oh so proud and wears his nalia everyday, I think this is oooh so funny, anyways today they had a meeting for the people of color being that we represent only 10%. Today I also so dolphins!!!!!!!!! This is the first time I have seen them in their natural element, usually it is at sea world, or something of that sort.  As of right now I am sitting in Nexus room with her, Tia and her roomie Grace, we all listening to music and once again trying to attempt to do homework, I do not think we are actually getting too far.  Today our clocks are pushed forward again, so even though it is pushing 8pm in NYC it is 1am here, but I gotta go to bed you all.

4 days to SPAIN!!!

Ky J

June 16 2009 (Tuesday)

Embarkment day

It is only 10am, but I feel as if I have accomplished so much in the last three hours.  Here in Halifax the time change is ahead by one hour, so I am losing one hour is sleep. So I stayed at the Halliburton Inn, it was at BEAUTIFUL hotel but it had NO steps. But fournately they had someone to carry up my bags.  Shanae and I stayed there and in the morning we had our breakfast an on to the boat it was.

I got online at 7:45am and I still had to stand on an extremely long line. But, I was absolutely too excited to care, I met quite a few people one in particular named Courtney.  The rest I will remember and meet eventually.  Overall the check-in process was actually fairly smooth.

After check-in I got to apply for more presales which was actually really exciting because I am going on the flamingo and bloodless bull fight.(Thanks mom for the suggestion)  Eventually all was settled and we were allowed to get off the boat before departure and  I went to Walmart with Candice and her family and I was able to get water!  We eventually had to get back on the boat and had a lifeboat drill before taking off, I felt our lifeboat drill was silly because it was inside, isn’t it the point to be outside to  know where our lifeboat would be?

Soon enough the boat was off, to see what the world has in store for us.  We watched Canadians played bagpipes for us as we slowly sailed away, parents waved goodbye to their children as well.  I finally stepped back took in a deep breath and knew it was finally all official my Summer 2009 Semester At Sea Voyage had begun.

 

 

June 17^th 2009 (Wednesday)

Today has been a quite confusing day.  Much has gone on, everyone has been sick these sea waters are crazy.  I know people have been confined to their beds.  We had plenty of orientations.  Nothing too exciting.  Food is ok, I have made sure I eat at EVERY meal and I make sure everyone knows thisJ.  My roomies are sweet!  We are really from all parts of the world Alex is from Ohio and Megan is from California.  We are going to plan activities together eventually.

 

 

June 18^th 2009 (Thursday)

Today was C1 aka first day of classes, this morning I did go to breakfast which was actually a task, because those of you know I do not get up before 8am. I went door to door with my friends and I knocked on everyone door who had said they wanted to go to breakfast the night before, but the only one who was a trooper was Tia and eventually Shanae appeared a well. 

My first class was not until 9:20am, this class was global studies, in which everyone is a part of. Sitting in class is hard as ever, I can never complain while sitting in a class on my home campus, at least I am not rocking back and forth in those classes.  It takes a lot to concentrate but all of the professors are in the same boat as us, so I believe they understand a little more.  Directly after that class I had African American Women Writers. I have already read two of the books and right now we are reading Their Eyes Were Watching God.  It does seem interesting. I had a break for lunch and then my last class was International Business.  Now I have not felt sea sick until now. The front of the boat was rocking so severely that I felt as if I would pass out and I actually went to sleep in this class (Sorry Mommy).  Tomorrow I will for sure take a non drowsy Drammine, and I pray it works.   Tonight I am meeting up with a group for Uno and Taboo and I must read up on my global studies chap 1 for business and maybe 8 chapters of the AA book, so I must go.  I do write everyday but sorry of I donot post it everyday.

 

DON’T FORGET TO EMAIL ME

My email from k.b.bryant@nsu.edu gets forwarded but to go the easy way email me on kbbryant@semesteratsea.net

Its almost HERE

Time is a ticking.
It is amazing on how fast time ways flying a month ago and now, it is ticking sooooo slowly! I am more then ready to leave, with less then a week to go excitement is unmeasureable! I am so grateful for my parents who have given me this awesome opportunity.

On June 15th I am flying out of Laguardia airport at 1:05pm and landing in Halifax at 3:55pm. Shanae and I are staying at the Haliburton, only about 10mins walking distance to the port but we will still proably take the cab to the port in the morning. Now on to packing. I do not even know what to pack this process is really nerve racking. They said lay out all you will need an put half back. This is impossible. I plan on enjoying nightlife in at least 5 of the countries so does that mean pack 6 party outfits and put 3 back! I could never imagine having to wear the same outfit to the club twice. I sound awful right now but as I loose focus for the most part I have figured out what I want to do with majority of the ports I will be in.

Spain,
Orginally I wanted to go to portugal, but I am thinking of going to barcelona! One of the main reasons I want to go there is for a club called the icebar. The first day in port I have an activity with semester at sea I am going to learn about the history of women in the city of cadiz (CAD03) and we will be given a tour of many churchs so we will learn in depth how women are portrayed. During this time I hope to travel to madrid as well. I also want to see a bullfight and a flamingo show.

In italy
Of course I want to go to rome, venice is somewhere I really wanted to go but I do not want to spend all my time on the trains when we dock in naples I will be goin on an sas trip to capri and anacapri (NAP06) other then that I'm wingin it as I go along.

In croatia.
I believe I am going kayaking but other then that NO IDEA!
I am going on two SAS trips (DUB04) which is a city orientation of synagogue, museum and aquarium. And I'm sooo excited I get to do a service visit (DUB15) an I am going to an orphanage and childrens hospital.

In greece
Besides the ruins I wanna go to an island or two, other then that no idea again.

In bugaria
I have no trips planned and I am going to wing it.

In turkey
I want to go to the bazarr, and the only overnight that I know as of now is (IST10) gallipoli, canakkale and troy

In egypt
This one Is kind of obvious the pyraminds are a MUST otherwise just gunna figure it out as I go

In morocco
I want to go to marrachech if that's how u spell it but that's all I can think of as of right now.

If you guys have any suggestions please do email me
Kysweet112@aol.com
And once I get on the boat I will update you with the semester at sea email..
P.S. Don't 4get to log on into my blog
Luv ya Ky :-)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Reality sets in!

As the reality sets in I come to realize that in about less than 50 days, I
will be starting an adventure of a lifetime. I have a favorite quote by
Thomas Jefferson and he said "Tell me and I will forget, teach me an I will
remember and involve me and I will learn!" I am living by this quote as we
speak. Just thinking, that a year ago I felt as if going on Semester At
Sea was something that would never happen because of my financial issues. I
applied for every scholarship that I could possibly qualify for and receive
and lucky me I received the diversity abroad scholarship. This scholarship
made this dream a true reality. On June 15 it will finally all be something
of my presence. No one I know and only a handful of people in my generation
can say in less then 70 days they went to at least 8 counties. All I can say
is WOW its actually coming true.

Facebook is a lifesaver, I had the fear of being alone and not knowing anyone
when I went on semester at sea, but while researching I came across the group
that was posted for summer 09. So far I have had the chance to meet two
wonderful people. Shanae and Candice, Shanae and I met in grand central in
new York city, and we went to a restaurant we both call our favorite. It is
called SPICE it is a Thai restaurant and it is located in the New York
University district, Shanae even taught me some things about New York I never
knew from tours she went on and just to think I was born and raised in the
city. Candice and I were at her house and were trying to figure out our FDP's
and our individual trips without SAS, being on a budget makes it harder then
one could imagine. it makes me so much more at ease that I was able to meet
these ladies so when I board the ship I do not feel 100% alone.

The classes that I will be taking are Global Studies, African American Women
Writers and International Business. Lucky me all of these classes are going
to transfer over to my home university. I am thinking about taking another
class but I also really want to enjoy my time to the fullest and as far as
people are saying these classes are not a piece of cake. Otherwise I am
looking forward to seeing things from what I've only read about in American
schools.

Lately this field trip stuff is hard as EVER! I never thought it would be so
hard to plan a trip, and this is exactly what I use to want to do, work at a
travel agency as a career. Looking on the cheapest way to get from city to
city and which ports are most important to me are much harder then one would
imagine. But it will ALL be worth it in less then the two months ill have to
wait. Tomorrow my presales are due. I am in complete distress but I will
somehow someway get through this.

Already I am worried about this packing issue, thank god I have an air Canada
flight so I do not have to pay for my bags only if anything is overweight. I
was told we get a very small bag to wash our clothes once every three weeks,
and that makes it only two times to wash during the entire voyage, so it
makes me think I can only re-wear clothes up to three times so I am going to
need everything in multiples of 20! oh how this packing is going to be the
death of me!!! Anyways I just can't believe this is all coming true, but I
will post as more comes available to me!! I'm just oooh sooo excited!!!

STAY TUNED!!!!!
Love you all <3 Ky

It all begins.

So, this all really seems like it will never come true. It is like dreaming of Christmas and its only July. I feel like I have a slight obsession with the SAS websites lol, i look at it every freakin day.
I am almost finished with the basic process but I am doing the worst thing possible. I am procrastiniating. I have not went to process my passport papers, I know crazy right, and I keep saying, "oh I live in NYC it only takes two weeks" (thats how long it took my aunt when she rushed hers.)

I have been wrking my booty off lately, no clubbing, no drinkin, no partying unless someone else is buying, I try not to buy metrocards to get around the city but beg ppl to keep everything local. I havent gone shopping in so long but my birthday is before the ship so ill get to that them.

Oh my goodness its only a little over 100 days away! When i say this can not come soon enough I lean it, well I only wanted to try this blog thingy out an I will post when my dream trip is sooo much closer

Love ya al Kyla <3