Having removed the cucumber slices from my eyes having had "a bad night's sleep" (I didn't want to put our fellow passengers off their breakfast at the sight of the large bags under my eyes) we both had a good day. Gus gave 2 lectures - I did my daily yoga workout. Met another Canadian faculty member for lunch and have just finished reading a good book ahead of going off to the Faculty Lounge for a pre-dinner drink.
Well we have sailed over 3000 nautical miles with just over 300 to go until we get to Spain tomorrow. We go to the Global Studies Course every morning and certainly know more about Spain having had so many lectures/slide shows on the country now - great to get recommendations on where to eat plus we have a list of useful Spanish words. We arrive in Cadiz tomorrow having re-fuelled in Gibraltar (hope it's a clear day so that we can see the Rock and on the Moroccan side, Jebel Musa which are the original Pillars of Hercules).
A representative from the US Consulate in Madrid is coming on board to give us a talk once we have docked in Cadiz. After that we're doing a tour/orientation of the old city of Cadiz followed by a 2-day trip to Sevilla and Cordoba. So this will be the last blog for a few days.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nassau Again
We spent the day at “Atlantis”yesterday. It’s a resort and casino located on Paradise Island in Nassau. The resort was created by South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and it was interesting to compare it with Sun City (just outside Johanensburg, SA)
It’s enormous – wonderful gardens full of flowering bougainvillea and oleanders. There’s also a huge aquarium which houses over 50,000 marine animals .One can walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, moon jellies and piranhas. There are 11 swimming pools, various waterslides, dolphins, boating, a beach, casino and several restaurants. It’s an amazing place to visit but certainly not our scene – maybe we’re just a little old for all the crowds and noise! It’s a bit too much like Las Vegas to us – very glitzy!
Today we explored Nassau - visited the Queens Staircase which is a set of 65 steps carved out of the natural limestone wall. The Queens Staircase is 102 feet tall, and was named in honor of Queen Victoria. They were built to provide British troops a protected route to Fort Fincastle, and the slaves used were local peoples from the island. Fort Fincastle was built on the highest point of the island as a lookout by the British captain Lord Dunmore in 1793. The Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle were apparently inspired by a desire to watch for encroaching marauders and pirates, however, none ever attacked and the fort is now a lighthouse that tourists can view. Very interesting. We’ve just come back to the boat and watched the remainder of the students board. (65% females and 35% males). The noise level aboard has certainly risen but we’re looking forward to meeting to them all.
We leave Nassau tonight to sail across the Atlantic to Spain. Glorious weather – temps in the upper 70;s
(A piece of interesting/useless (?) info is that the Bahamas is about the same size as Connecticut with a population of 305 655!) See what I’m learning from Semester at Sea already!
It’s enormous – wonderful gardens full of flowering bougainvillea and oleanders. There’s also a huge aquarium which houses over 50,000 marine animals .One can walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, moon jellies and piranhas. There are 11 swimming pools, various waterslides, dolphins, boating, a beach, casino and several restaurants. It’s an amazing place to visit but certainly not our scene – maybe we’re just a little old for all the crowds and noise! It’s a bit too much like Las Vegas to us – very glitzy!
Today we explored Nassau - visited the Queens Staircase which is a set of 65 steps carved out of the natural limestone wall. The Queens Staircase is 102 feet tall, and was named in honor of Queen Victoria. They were built to provide British troops a protected route to Fort Fincastle, and the slaves used were local peoples from the island. Fort Fincastle was built on the highest point of the island as a lookout by the British captain Lord Dunmore in 1793. The Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle were apparently inspired by a desire to watch for encroaching marauders and pirates, however, none ever attacked and the fort is now a lighthouse that tourists can view. Very interesting. We’ve just come back to the boat and watched the remainder of the students board. (65% females and 35% males). The noise level aboard has certainly risen but we’re looking forward to meeting to them all.
We leave Nassau tonight to sail across the Atlantic to Spain. Glorious weather – temps in the upper 70;s
(A piece of interesting/useless (?) info is that the Bahamas is about the same size as Connecticut with a population of 305 655!) See what I’m learning from Semester at Sea already!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
NASSAU
Just arrived in Nassau and about to go through to Paradise Island. Glorious weather. Life on board is fabulous - food is excellent - "Weight-Watchers" will definitely be receiving a new client on our return! I did manage a half-hour session at the gym yesterday having consumed a large hot breakfast followed by 2 - yes 2 - delicious chocolate croissants! We have met such interesting people from all over the world and everyone is so friendly. We're all enjoying the last day ahead of the arrival/onslaught of 650 students tomorrow. Gus starts teaching on Tuesday morning having been very thoroughly "orientated" (faculty had another 3 orientations yesterday which seem to cover everything possible eventuality) We're both still overwhelmed at the luxurious suite we have here - sitting out on our deck at night under a spectacular star-lit sky last night - luxuriating in a large tub in a beautifully equipped bathroom - sipping a cold glass of wine from our fridge - turning on the TV to bring us back to reality - having our room cleaned and replenished with fluffy white towels twice a day are just a few of things we have to put up with each day - home was never like this !!!! Have a great day.
2 commen
Monday, January 26, 2009
Update
We’ve now been at sea for just over a week and for those interested we have now covered 2561 nautical miles with 1162 nautical miles to go. We lose one hour every other night with Spain being 6 hours difference from the US and as we are travelling north it’s getting colder – we down in the 60’s now.
Gus & I are thoroughly enjoying the Global Studies Course and definitely now know more about Spain and the places we will be visiting later this week. These courses study not only the history and architecture of Spain but also useful things like “Dining in Spain” – useful phases and restaurant recommendations. We also had a “salsa” lesson the other night which was fun! When we arrive in Cadiz on Wednesday we will be doing a tour/orientation of the old city after which we’re off to Sevilla and Cordoba. We will spend one night in Cordoba.
Life on board is as hectic as you’d like it. We went to an interesting “digital photography” talk the other day. We watched a “Mobile Interactive Computer Ensemble” who presented an Atlantic Ocean Wind Performance of “Anemoi” for wind, voices, computers and instruments – this was part of the Drama Group’s homework. It was held on the top deck and the wind certainly co-operated! There are Acapella Groups, several bands, language groups – in fact if there’s anything else one wants to do one can start one’s own group. I continue to go to yoga every morning – I drag myself out of bed some mornings but certainly do feel better having a half an hour session. I am also going to a Marketing for Non-Profit course which is very interesting.
We went to a cocktail party last night where we met the Captain (a delightful Englishman with a great sense of humor) . Tonight we’re going to a Cultural Pre-Port Presentation which should be interesting.
It’s almost lunchtime so I better come to a close but if anyone is worried about us I can assure you we are having the “time of our lives” – everyone is incredibly friendly, met some really fascinating people, eating a little too well and just loving every moment of our trip.
Gus & I are thoroughly enjoying the Global Studies Course and definitely now know more about Spain and the places we will be visiting later this week. These courses study not only the history and architecture of Spain but also useful things like “Dining in Spain” – useful phases and restaurant recommendations. We also had a “salsa” lesson the other night which was fun! When we arrive in Cadiz on Wednesday we will be doing a tour/orientation of the old city after which we’re off to Sevilla and Cordoba. We will spend one night in Cordoba.
Life on board is as hectic as you’d like it. We went to an interesting “digital photography” talk the other day. We watched a “Mobile Interactive Computer Ensemble” who presented an Atlantic Ocean Wind Performance of “Anemoi” for wind, voices, computers and instruments – this was part of the Drama Group’s homework. It was held on the top deck and the wind certainly co-operated! There are Acapella Groups, several bands, language groups – in fact if there’s anything else one wants to do one can start one’s own group. I continue to go to yoga every morning – I drag myself out of bed some mornings but certainly do feel better having a half an hour session. I am also going to a Marketing for Non-Profit course which is very interesting.
We went to a cocktail party last night where we met the Captain (a delightful Englishman with a great sense of humor) . Tonight we’re going to a Cultural Pre-Port Presentation which should be interesting.
It’s almost lunchtime so I better come to a close but if anyone is worried about us I can assure you we are having the “time of our lives” – everyone is incredibly friendly, met some really fascinating people, eating a little too well and just loving every moment of our trip.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Hello from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
Phew – I’ve just had my very first yoga session – it was at 6.45 am but was really 5.45 am having lost an hour overnight (we lose an hour for the next 5 days until we reach Spain) I wasn’t exactly swinging a leg over my shoulder yet but may eventually get to that level (I will see how stiff I am tomorrow morning!)
Yesterday was certainly a memorable day with Barack Obama’s inauguration. All 700 students/staff & faculty watched it on widescreen TV screens on board - it was wonderful to be among young people feeling their excitement and enthusiasm. The whole of the one deck was decorated with flags, balloons and streamers and last night there was an inauguration party on board.
As of today we are 2700 nautical miles from Spain. We have a day in Cadiz and then go to Sevilla (2-hours from Cadiz) then onto Cordoba where we spend the night.
One my “blog” responder asked about the food and general life on board. Well breakfast consists of a large selection of fresh fruits, cereals, (hot & cold) a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages & then a large selection of muffins, croissants, bagels. There’s also several juices, coffee and tea. Lunch consists of a great variety of fresh salads, soups, cold and hot meats plus some sort of pasta dish. As well as a basket of fresh fruits, there’s always a selection of 2 desserts. Dinner again there’s salad, soups, at least 2 different roasted meats, fish and a vegetarian dish. There’s always 2 different desserts and since the arrival of the students there’s a huge tub of peanut butter and jello for students to make sandwiches which they take away with them (I suppose some of them enjoy a midnight snack!) Everything is displayed buffet-style but there’s always a waiter at the end of the line to carry one’s plate and cutlery to the table. We’ve made a point of eating with the students for at least one meal and have met some great people.
The faculty we are with are the most fascinating people from all different parts of the world. Gus has been given books from two of the faculty authors - we have such interesting conversations with them over a meal or over drinks in the faculty lounge at night. They’re all so well traveled and led such interesting careers.I went to my first class this morning – Global Studies – which is absolutely fascinating. The lecturer this morning was an Ecologist from California who was so interesting. Gus has been asked to sit on a Global Studies panel next week. Must close now – time to top up my tan on the top deck!
Yesterday was certainly a memorable day with Barack Obama’s inauguration. All 700 students/staff & faculty watched it on widescreen TV screens on board - it was wonderful to be among young people feeling their excitement and enthusiasm. The whole of the one deck was decorated with flags, balloons and streamers and last night there was an inauguration party on board.
As of today we are 2700 nautical miles from Spain. We have a day in Cadiz and then go to Sevilla (2-hours from Cadiz) then onto Cordoba where we spend the night.
One my “blog” responder asked about the food and general life on board. Well breakfast consists of a large selection of fresh fruits, cereals, (hot & cold) a variety of eggs, bacon, sausages & then a large selection of muffins, croissants, bagels. There’s also several juices, coffee and tea. Lunch consists of a great variety of fresh salads, soups, cold and hot meats plus some sort of pasta dish. As well as a basket of fresh fruits, there’s always a selection of 2 desserts. Dinner again there’s salad, soups, at least 2 different roasted meats, fish and a vegetarian dish. There’s always 2 different desserts and since the arrival of the students there’s a huge tub of peanut butter and jello for students to make sandwiches which they take away with them (I suppose some of them enjoy a midnight snack!) Everything is displayed buffet-style but there’s always a waiter at the end of the line to carry one’s plate and cutlery to the table. We’ve made a point of eating with the students for at least one meal and have met some great people.
The faculty we are with are the most fascinating people from all different parts of the world. Gus has been given books from two of the faculty authors - we have such interesting conversations with them over a meal or over drinks in the faculty lounge at night. They’re all so well traveled and led such interesting careers.I went to my first class this morning – Global Studies – which is absolutely fascinating. The lecturer this morning was an Ecologist from California who was so interesting. Gus has been asked to sit on a Global Studies panel next week. Must close now – time to top up my tan on the top deck!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Nassau Again
We spent the day at “Atlantis”yesterday. It’s a resort and casino located on Paradise Island in Nassau. The resort was created by South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and it was interesting to compare it with Sun City (just outside Johanensburg, SA)
It’s enormous – wonderful gardens full of flowering bougainvillea and oleanders. There’s also a huge aquarium which houses over 50,000 marine animals .One can walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, moon jellies and piranhas. There are 11 swimming pools, various waterslides, dolphins, boating, a beach, casino and several restaurants. It’s an amazing place to visit but certainly not our scene – maybe we’re just a little old for all the crowds and noise! It’s a bit too much like Las Vegas to us – very glitzy!
Today we explored Nassau - visited the Queens Staircase which is a set of 65 steps carved out of the natural limestone wall. The Queens Staircase is 102 feet tall, and was named in honor of Queen Victoria. They were built to provide British troops a protected route to Fort Fincastle, and the slaves used were local peoples from the island. Fort Fincastle was built on the highest point of the island as a lookout by the British captain Lord Dunmore in 1793. The Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle were apparently inspired by a desire to watch for encroaching marauders and pirates, however, none ever attacked and the fort is now a lighthouse that tourists can view. Very interesting. We’ve just come back to the boat and watched the remainder of the students board. (65% females and 35% males). The noise level aboard has certainly risen but we’re looking forward to meeting to them all.
We leave Nassau tonight to sail across the Atlantic to Spain. Glorious weather – temps in the upper 70;s
(A piece of interesting/useless (?) info is that the Bahamas is about the same size as Connecticut with a population of 305 655!) See what I’m learning from Semester at Sea already!
It’s enormous – wonderful gardens full of flowering bougainvillea and oleanders. There’s also a huge aquarium which houses over 50,000 marine animals .One can walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, moon jellies and piranhas. There are 11 swimming pools, various waterslides, dolphins, boating, a beach, casino and several restaurants. It’s an amazing place to visit but certainly not our scene – maybe we’re just a little old for all the crowds and noise! It’s a bit too much like Las Vegas to us – very glitzy!
Today we explored Nassau - visited the Queens Staircase which is a set of 65 steps carved out of the natural limestone wall. The Queens Staircase is 102 feet tall, and was named in honor of Queen Victoria. They were built to provide British troops a protected route to Fort Fincastle, and the slaves used were local peoples from the island. Fort Fincastle was built on the highest point of the island as a lookout by the British captain Lord Dunmore in 1793. The Queens Staircase and Fort Fincastle were apparently inspired by a desire to watch for encroaching marauders and pirates, however, none ever attacked and the fort is now a lighthouse that tourists can view. Very interesting. We’ve just come back to the boat and watched the remainder of the students board. (65% females and 35% males). The noise level aboard has certainly risen but we’re looking forward to meeting to them all.
We leave Nassau tonight to sail across the Atlantic to Spain. Glorious weather – temps in the upper 70;s
(A piece of interesting/useless (?) info is that the Bahamas is about the same size as Connecticut with a population of 305 655!) See what I’m learning from Semester at Sea already!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
NASSAU
Just arrived in Nassau and about to go through to Paradise Island. Glorious weather. Life on board is fabulous - food is excellent - "Weight-Watchers" will definitely be receiving a new client on our return! I did manage a half-hour session at the gym yesterday having consumed a large hot breakfast followed by 2 - yes 2 - delicious chocolate croissants! We have met such interesting people from all over the world and everyone is so friendly. We're all enjoying the last day ahead of the arrival/onslaught of 650 students tomorrow. Gus starts teaching on Tuesday morning having been very thoroughly "orientated" (faculty had another 3 orientations yesterday which seem to cover everything possible eventuality) We're both still overwhelmed at the luxurious suite we have here - sitting out on our deck at night under a spectacular star-lit sky last night - luxuriating in a large tub in a beautifully equipped bathroom - sipping a cold glass of wine from our fridge - turning on the TV to bring us back to reality - having our room cleaned and replenished with fluffy white towels twice a day are just a few of things we have to put up with each day - home was never like this !!!! Have a great day.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Our First Day Aboard!
Wow - this is FANTASTIC ! Taxi collected us at 5 am yesterday (we weren't exactly bright-eyed and bushy tailed, but very excited) Going through Customs at C'Ville Airport they confiscated 4 large tubes of toothpaste in our hand luggage. Gus enquired as to what they do with the "impounded" toothpaste to which he was told we just toss it into the garbage. Gus's comment that had the toothpaste been explosives, the C'Ville Airport would have been blown to pieces wasn't really appreciated by the customs man!!! However, the rest of your trip down to Miami was great. Our cabin is on the 7th floor - the executive suites and is absolutely gorgeous - huge - with an enormous private deck complete with lounging chairs, big fluffy white duvet/comforter, large lounge area and a relatively big bathroom. The private deck is great and at present we overlook the sky-scrapers of Miami which look fabulous at night with all the lights. There were all sorts of orientations yesterday and then in the evening we had a cocktail party with a wonderful spread of food. Everyone is so friendly and incredibly interesting to talk to. We've just had breakfast with a couple from Cape Town - the wife is the Admin. Assistant to Desmond Tutu. We are now anchored out at sea but still with a view of the Miami skyline. We sail off to Nassau on Sunday but life is great and we both confirmed that this is an incredibly wonderful opportunity for us to see the world and interact with such interesting people. Must close now as I have to attend a health & safety orientation. I will try to "blog" later but just felt this was a safer bet for the moment. I have taken some pics of our cabin .... sorry "suite" which I will attach in my blog. Hope you're all doing well. Love,
Sue
Sue Gerrans
225 Harvest Drive
Huntington Village
Charlottesville
VA 22903
Tel: (434) 923-0695E-Mail : suegerrans@hotmail.com
Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. See how it works.
Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. Check it out.
Sue
Sue Gerrans
225 Harvest Drive
Huntington Village
Charlottesville
VA 22903
Tel: (434) 923-0695E-Mail : suegerrans@hotmail.com
Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. See how it works.
Windows Live™ Hotmail®: Chat. Store. Share. Do more with mail. Check it out.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Nassau, BahamasCadiz, Spain
Casablanca, Morocco
Walvis Bay, Namibia
Cape Town, South Africa
Port Louis, Mauritius
Chennai, India
Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand
Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Hong Kong / Shanghai, China
Kobe / Yokohama, Japan
Honolulu, Hawaii
Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala (Antigua, Guatemala City)
Transiting of Panama Canal
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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