I wish I had more to post, but I don’t want to bore everyone with the trivial details of ship life. It’s not too exciting, quite frankly. However, the ship will be passing the equator at 3am tomorrow, and consequently, we’ll be in a satellite shadow for anywhere from 6 hours to 2 days. I already tried to check my email (right after the announcement) and was unable to get on the internet. So most like when I post this it will be after the ‘blackout,’ whenever that maybe.
Last night I learned some Portuguese. While it was similar in written form to Spanish, there are many different dialects (even in Brazil) that absolutely slaughter the pronunciation. So pretty much I learned that no matter where I am, I won’t be able to understand nor speak any understandable Portuguese. Oh well! At least I tried…
The shipboard community has an environmentalist professor from Berkley who is absolutely amazing! He is advising the “Change the World” club on the ship. He is leading seminars on literally how to change the world through social change. He has study many social movements, although relating to environment, and believes he has developed a model of effective social action. I can’t get over how fascinated I am with this man’s charisma. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I am not really an activist of any type. But I figured it would hurt to learn how to lead a social movement, just in case the need every be. J There is another seminar tonight on how to discover your passions and dreams that I am looking forward to attending.
Also, before I get off the ship I am told that I need to see the movie, “City of God.” I know little about the movie other then it takes place in Brazil and it will make me scared to go to Rio. I guess we’ll see… Tomorrow is King Neptune’s Day.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
The Wristbands are Off!
The ship is moving about twice as fast as it was on the way to San Juan, so the rocking and pitching is minimal (or at least feels that way). I have been wristband/medication free today and am doing okay.
Tonight was the activities fair. I signed up for a lot of different things: kickboxing, Pilates, volleyball, the fashion show, vicarious voyage (corresponding with elementary students), the extended family (meeting with the adult passengers), the ambassador club, and the dance club. Yeah, I know that is a lot of things but life on the ship is so boring, and I have been very unproductive. I am looking forward to have things to do other then reading and playing board games.
The food on the ship has been less then satisfactory lately. Everything seems to be tasteless. Everyday I have pasta and potatoes and a salad, and maybe the main meat dish if it looks edible. I am always hunger (I think b/c of all the carbs I eat), but I don’t want to eat at the snack bar and waste my money. It is definitely hit or miss in the dining room.
I booked my ticket for Rio de Janeiro in San Juan. So I have been reading up on it. I am super excited. Plus it is much cheaper then the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Good thing, because I don’t want to run out of money before the end of the trip!
We are crossing the equator in two days, and with that comes King Neptune’s Day. No one really knows what to expect except for head shavings and fish guts… I guess we’ll see!
Tonight was the activities fair. I signed up for a lot of different things: kickboxing, Pilates, volleyball, the fashion show, vicarious voyage (corresponding with elementary students), the extended family (meeting with the adult passengers), the ambassador club, and the dance club. Yeah, I know that is a lot of things but life on the ship is so boring, and I have been very unproductive. I am looking forward to have things to do other then reading and playing board games.
The food on the ship has been less then satisfactory lately. Everything seems to be tasteless. Everyday I have pasta and potatoes and a salad, and maybe the main meat dish if it looks edible. I am always hunger (I think b/c of all the carbs I eat), but I don’t want to eat at the snack bar and waste my money. It is definitely hit or miss in the dining room.
I booked my ticket for Rio de Janeiro in San Juan. So I have been reading up on it. I am super excited. Plus it is much cheaper then the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Good thing, because I don’t want to run out of money before the end of the trip!
We are crossing the equator in two days, and with that comes King Neptune’s Day. No one really knows what to expect except for head shavings and fish guts… I guess we’ll see!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
My last days as a rica chica...
The original plan was to go to the rainforest and the bioluminescent bay yesterday. But after finding out that it would be a $200 taxi ride, we were all a little turned off by the idea. So then we decided to search out the local Costco, but again it was really far away. So we just head the opposite way of the tourist Old San Juan and went into “New” San Juan. It is a cute city, with the same latin flavor similar to Costa Rica, but definitely not as poor. We just walked the streets for good part of the afternoon, not really seeing anything in particular other then just “seeing real puertorriquenos” in their elements. We took the beach back to the ship. Although I did absolutely nothing, I didn’t feel like I wasted the day in anyway. I just experienced the daily hustle and bustle of the people of PR.
I was dragged to a very expensive Latin Asian fusion restaurant and spent way too much money (One of the guys I was dining with likes the whole ‘dining experience’ and is willing to pay like 4 times more then I am to dine… this could definitely be a problem in the future but we will see…) It was good by all means but far too above my taste buds: duck-something nachos and sushi (lobster and salmon). Ohh well! You only live once!
The girls and I went back to Senor Frogs for a bit, while the boys went and gambled at the Casino across the street. I met a guy from the Coast Guard who I ended up to talking to for quite awhile, while my friends “got friendly” with the natives. I was totally unaware of any military presence on the island since we were staying on the Navy Pier and there was no Navy present. When the boys came back, we headed to the Salsa bar we didn’t actually go into on my bday. The alley was like a house party. There were so many people hanging out in the alley! The bar was okay. I had fun, and I actually ended up salsa-ing with one of guys that worked on the ship in the dining room. It was kinda random but whatever.
My last day in PR was spent at la Isla Verde, which I guess it a famous beach. I was not impressed at all. It was just a hotel strip with planes flying overhead constantly, and dried algae-plant stuff all over the sand. I liked PR a lot better before I visited the beach, but at least now I know where not stay if I ever return to PR.
Finally thoughts: PR is very charming but after the first day of exploring I ran out of things to do. This would be a great vacation spot, but Old San Juan is catered to tourist, so in my opinion it voiding its own culture.
PS my room number 4058, so put that on the envelope when sending mail, which you all are required to do.
I was dragged to a very expensive Latin Asian fusion restaurant and spent way too much money (One of the guys I was dining with likes the whole ‘dining experience’ and is willing to pay like 4 times more then I am to dine… this could definitely be a problem in the future but we will see…) It was good by all means but far too above my taste buds: duck-something nachos and sushi (lobster and salmon). Ohh well! You only live once!
The girls and I went back to Senor Frogs for a bit, while the boys went and gambled at the Casino across the street. I met a guy from the Coast Guard who I ended up to talking to for quite awhile, while my friends “got friendly” with the natives. I was totally unaware of any military presence on the island since we were staying on the Navy Pier and there was no Navy present. When the boys came back, we headed to the Salsa bar we didn’t actually go into on my bday. The alley was like a house party. There were so many people hanging out in the alley! The bar was okay. I had fun, and I actually ended up salsa-ing with one of guys that worked on the ship in the dining room. It was kinda random but whatever.
My last day in PR was spent at la Isla Verde, which I guess it a famous beach. I was not impressed at all. It was just a hotel strip with planes flying overhead constantly, and dried algae-plant stuff all over the sand. I liked PR a lot better before I visited the beach, but at least now I know where not stay if I ever return to PR.
Finally thoughts: PR is very charming but after the first day of exploring I ran out of things to do. This would be a great vacation spot, but Old San Juan is catered to tourist, so in my opinion it voiding its own culture.
PS my room number 4058, so put that on the envelope when sending mail, which you all are required to do.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Cumpleanos en Puerto Rico!
As many of you know, it was my birthday yesterday. Luckily I found some cool people to travel with and go out with that night, so it didn’t suck as much as I thought it would… it was actually better then some of my last few bdays in the states… So what exactly did I do yesterday?
The port docked kinda late. Customs officials insisted on meeting with us face to face and no one could get off until everyone did. After waiting and waiting we were allowed to disembark around 11 am. During all this, the Secretary of State (of Puerto Rico) came and made a speech. I met him afterwards and he was a very nice man.
I am beginning to think that SAS is a super cheap-wad. Because first of all, it should have only taken us about a day and a half to get to PR (but I am guessing that in order to save fuel and docking fees it took us 4). Then when we got here, they announced that instead of staying at the beautiful, nice ports, we’re going to be docking at the Navy Frontier Pier. This Pier is about a mile and a half from Old San Juan and in the seedy part of town. It is all but impossible to walk at night, so a taxi ride is a must.
Anyway, after we disembarked, I met up with my new friends; Danielle, Janelle, Jessy, and Richard. We walked into Old San Juan which was about 25 minutes away and stopped a bank. The bank didn’t charge me anything for withdrawing cash which I found amazing! We found this little shop selling fried Puerto Rican “delicacies.” I bought a fried chicken burrito. It was good but greasy. We adventured on, with no plan, and came a crossed “Castillo de San Cristobal,” which is this huge fortification. It was super cool. From there we could see the famed “El Morro,” the even bigger, older fortification. We headed over there to find an even more incredible fort.
Since we’re on the tip on the peninsula, we headed back to Old San Juan. We passed Casa Blanca, but it was closed (b/c it was Monday) along with some other museums and art galleries, I had wanted to check out. We asked a police officer where he eats and he directed us to this small restaurant. I order some phenomenal cube steak with yellow rice and black beans (arroz congri) and some homemade sangria. It was so good.
After fueling our bellies we did some shopping. I didn’t buy anything because all of this ”stuff” didn’t really seem very Puerto Rican (it just said “PR” on it). I have seen all of these nic-nacks in Mexico, Costa Rica and even in the Bahamas.
Fast-Forwarding to the “la noche,” Jessy, Rich, Sarah and I head out for dinner to this very posh looking restaurant. I had an amazing meal of red chicken curry on a bed of spaghetti. We then walked around looking for a bar to frequent, but apparently there was a huge festival in the streets for the last four days (it ended Sunday), so most everything was closed. Some Puerto Rican students (that knew we were coming) had organized live salsa, bomba, and plena music for us at a bar. But when we went by, the band was not there yet and there was a cover. We headed to Senor Frogs (yuck!) to fill in the time. It was fun but really crowded, so we left after an hour and headed back to the salsa music. By then, the bar was over capacity full, so we just hung out outside in this ally. It sounds really creepy but it was cool. We met some nice PR students and salsa danced in the alley. We’ll probably head there tonite…
PS I will post lots of pictures when I get to the boat!
The port docked kinda late. Customs officials insisted on meeting with us face to face and no one could get off until everyone did. After waiting and waiting we were allowed to disembark around 11 am. During all this, the Secretary of State (of Puerto Rico) came and made a speech. I met him afterwards and he was a very nice man.
I am beginning to think that SAS is a super cheap-wad. Because first of all, it should have only taken us about a day and a half to get to PR (but I am guessing that in order to save fuel and docking fees it took us 4). Then when we got here, they announced that instead of staying at the beautiful, nice ports, we’re going to be docking at the Navy Frontier Pier. This Pier is about a mile and a half from Old San Juan and in the seedy part of town. It is all but impossible to walk at night, so a taxi ride is a must.
Anyway, after we disembarked, I met up with my new friends; Danielle, Janelle, Jessy, and Richard. We walked into Old San Juan which was about 25 minutes away and stopped a bank. The bank didn’t charge me anything for withdrawing cash which I found amazing! We found this little shop selling fried Puerto Rican “delicacies.” I bought a fried chicken burrito. It was good but greasy. We adventured on, with no plan, and came a crossed “Castillo de San Cristobal,” which is this huge fortification. It was super cool. From there we could see the famed “El Morro,” the even bigger, older fortification. We headed over there to find an even more incredible fort.
Since we’re on the tip on the peninsula, we headed back to Old San Juan. We passed Casa Blanca, but it was closed (b/c it was Monday) along with some other museums and art galleries, I had wanted to check out. We asked a police officer where he eats and he directed us to this small restaurant. I order some phenomenal cube steak with yellow rice and black beans (arroz congri) and some homemade sangria. It was so good.
After fueling our bellies we did some shopping. I didn’t buy anything because all of this ”stuff” didn’t really seem very Puerto Rican (it just said “PR” on it). I have seen all of these nic-nacks in Mexico, Costa Rica and even in the Bahamas.
Fast-Forwarding to the “la noche,” Jessy, Rich, Sarah and I head out for dinner to this very posh looking restaurant. I had an amazing meal of red chicken curry on a bed of spaghetti. We then walked around looking for a bar to frequent, but apparently there was a huge festival in the streets for the last four days (it ended Sunday), so most everything was closed. Some Puerto Rican students (that knew we were coming) had organized live salsa, bomba, and plena music for us at a bar. But when we went by, the band was not there yet and there was a cover. We headed to Senor Frogs (yuck!) to fill in the time. It was fun but really crowded, so we left after an hour and headed back to the salsa music. By then, the bar was over capacity full, so we just hung out outside in this ally. It sounds really creepy but it was cool. We met some nice PR students and salsa danced in the alley. We’ll probably head there tonite…
PS I will post lots of pictures when I get to the boat!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
First day of classes...
The waves were so rough last night and this morning. I skipped breakfast to see if there really was a need for me to get up and go. I now know there is. I was getting so sea sick this morning even with my wrist bands that I have been sporting. So I don’t think I will be making that mistake again…
I had a good night last night and met so really cool people. I even had my first date on the ship with two gentlemen. Now before Mario freaks out, this was purely a plutonic date which involved going to the 7th deck’s exercise room at 11:30pm (it was the earliest time there was an elipitical machine available) and then proceeding to the weight deck. Let me tell you it is quite a nauseating challenge to peddle on a rocking ship. It’s even harder trying to keep your balance while lifting and stretching. I have another date schedule for tonite at 9pm…
I had my first day of class. The global studies class is everyday and the other 4 that I have are split between two each day. Today I had International Trade Theory and History of Economic Thought in addition to GS. I already have reading homework L but we were asked to work on a purchasing power parity project when were in port. (In this PPP project we will see how much the same items cost in each country. We’ll collect info on McDonald’s big Macs and other items, and compare the differences.)
It was 77degrees out today so I just had to lay out while attempting to read my econ book. It was so nice although a little windy.
I found some people to hangout with in PR and there going to take me out for my bday on Monday. In PR I am thinking about exploring San Juan and el Morro, and possibly going to the rainforest, and for sure go to the bioluminescent bay.
I will definitely try to find an internet café in port so I won’t be posting anything tomorrow. Feel free to email me, b/c I am more likely to answer you in port then with the $.40 a minute onship internet.
I had a good night last night and met so really cool people. I even had my first date on the ship with two gentlemen. Now before Mario freaks out, this was purely a plutonic date which involved going to the 7th deck’s exercise room at 11:30pm (it was the earliest time there was an elipitical machine available) and then proceeding to the weight deck. Let me tell you it is quite a nauseating challenge to peddle on a rocking ship. It’s even harder trying to keep your balance while lifting and stretching. I have another date schedule for tonite at 9pm…
I had my first day of class. The global studies class is everyday and the other 4 that I have are split between two each day. Today I had International Trade Theory and History of Economic Thought in addition to GS. I already have reading homework L but we were asked to work on a purchasing power parity project when were in port. (In this PPP project we will see how much the same items cost in each country. We’ll collect info on McDonald’s big Macs and other items, and compare the differences.)
It was 77degrees out today so I just had to lay out while attempting to read my econ book. It was so nice although a little windy.
I found some people to hangout with in PR and there going to take me out for my bday on Monday. In PR I am thinking about exploring San Juan and el Morro, and possibly going to the rainforest, and for sure go to the bioluminescent bay.
I will definitely try to find an internet café in port so I won’t be posting anything tomorrow. Feel free to email me, b/c I am more likely to answer you in port then with the $.40 a minute onship internet.
Friday, January 20, 2006
The ship...
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” –Marcel Proust
Morning:
Its’ kinda hard to describe how I feel right now other then just blah… I don’t really feel like meeting people or learning anyone’s name. This ship is huge and I am always getting turned around and lost. I don’t know where anything is… I can’t wait to get out of this funk…
I met my roommate yesterday. Her name is Sarah and is super nice. I think I am going to like living with her and won’t have any problems. She didn’t prepare much to come on the ship and when she saw me unpack all my “just in case” things she said she was glad that I was her roommate.
Yesterday, I arrived at the port at 10:30 with a girl that I had met the night before. Somehow we managed to put 4 large filled-to-capacity suitcases, a rolling carry-on, a duffel bag, and a large duffel bag in the back of tiny Suzuki that I had rented. I was so tired from my late night out which included my first apple martini. I definitely drank too much but I am glad I got that out of my system in a rather safe country. Being on the ship now, not being able to stand or walk straight, reminds me exactly of what I will now refer to as the “martini” night.
But anyway, we ended up standing in line for 3 hours! It was so ridiculous! I made a Starbucks run after awhile for some frappacinos and food once my stomach settled down from the night before. The only good thing about yesterday was that I did get some sun on my shoulders… but I am pretty sure I was darker before I came to the Bahamas then I am now!
Today after waking up at 8:30, Sarah and I went to breakfast and then to the faculty introductions meeting. I did get a chance to meet the Econ professor and he said it was fine to sign up for his third class, which is the only one that I will count towards my degree back home, asides from the ones that I am already taking. So that worked out well!
I have more meetings this afternoon and tonight. Hopefully I will be in better and more adventurous mood. Guess we’ll see!
Dinner Time:
I met some more people and am feeling a little more comfortable. We are going to have dinner together later. I even found some traveling partners for Puerto Rico. I am beginning to feel better about all of this…
Morning:
Its’ kinda hard to describe how I feel right now other then just blah… I don’t really feel like meeting people or learning anyone’s name. This ship is huge and I am always getting turned around and lost. I don’t know where anything is… I can’t wait to get out of this funk…
I met my roommate yesterday. Her name is Sarah and is super nice. I think I am going to like living with her and won’t have any problems. She didn’t prepare much to come on the ship and when she saw me unpack all my “just in case” things she said she was glad that I was her roommate.
Yesterday, I arrived at the port at 10:30 with a girl that I had met the night before. Somehow we managed to put 4 large filled-to-capacity suitcases, a rolling carry-on, a duffel bag, and a large duffel bag in the back of tiny Suzuki that I had rented. I was so tired from my late night out which included my first apple martini. I definitely drank too much but I am glad I got that out of my system in a rather safe country. Being on the ship now, not being able to stand or walk straight, reminds me exactly of what I will now refer to as the “martini” night.
But anyway, we ended up standing in line for 3 hours! It was so ridiculous! I made a Starbucks run after awhile for some frappacinos and food once my stomach settled down from the night before. The only good thing about yesterday was that I did get some sun on my shoulders… but I am pretty sure I was darker before I came to the Bahamas then I am now!
Today after waking up at 8:30, Sarah and I went to breakfast and then to the faculty introductions meeting. I did get a chance to meet the Econ professor and he said it was fine to sign up for his third class, which is the only one that I will count towards my degree back home, asides from the ones that I am already taking. So that worked out well!
I have more meetings this afternoon and tonight. Hopefully I will be in better and more adventurous mood. Guess we’ll see!
Dinner Time:
I met some more people and am feeling a little more comfortable. We are going to have dinner together later. I even found some traveling partners for Puerto Rico. I am beginning to feel better about all of this…
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Last night as a Bahama Mama...
To make a long story short I did absolutely nothing exciting today. When I put my suit on this morning to bask in the Bahamas sun, there was an instant down pour. I was able to go out later for an hour in the overcast, windy, and humid weather. Ohh well...
Before I had to drop my dad off at the parent's reception he wanted to go the fish market. The market is located underneath the bridge to get off Paradise Island. It smelled absolutely horrible! It was cool but smelly. I forgot my camera so I couldn't take any pictures of the little shacks and stands. We found "The burning spot" still open and ready to serve us dinner. We order up so conch fritter, fried conch and peas-n-rice (which are actually beans and rice). For less the $10 we ate to the breaking point and had the best sea food on island! It was way better then the poop deck! Only time will tell if I get food poisoning from the possible unsanitary conditions that probably prevailed behind the counter.
Tonight my computer will be getting packed so this is where I say good bye to the Bahamas and my "vacation". When I get all settled in on the ship I will post again but I can't really say when that will be... Everyone take care and I'll talk to you soon!
Before I had to drop my dad off at the parent's reception he wanted to go the fish market. The market is located underneath the bridge to get off Paradise Island. It smelled absolutely horrible! It was cool but smelly. I forgot my camera so I couldn't take any pictures of the little shacks and stands. We found "The burning spot" still open and ready to serve us dinner. We order up so conch fritter, fried conch and peas-n-rice (which are actually beans and rice). For less the $10 we ate to the breaking point and had the best sea food on island! It was way better then the poop deck! Only time will tell if I get food poisoning from the possible unsanitary conditions that probably prevailed behind the counter.
Tonight my computer will be getting packed so this is where I say good bye to the Bahamas and my "vacation". When I get all settled in on the ship I will post again but I can't really say when that will be... Everyone take care and I'll talk to you soon!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
"Flying Cloud"
One of my biggest accomplishments today was finding the pool and beach. Around 10am I went to investigate the pool for a possible lay-out area. The wind was really whipping around by the pool so I headed to the beach to find a "more calm" wind. I choose a beach chair and oiled up for the next hour while listening to my ipod for one of the first times on this entire trip. I didn't want to stay out too long in the sun b/c my dad had booked us a 2pm Catamaran ride on the "flying cloud." A bus came and picked us up around 12:30 and we headed over to Paradise Island to catch the boat. We were really early so we had a lot of time to do some shopping and people watching. My dad brought along my binoculars that I got for Christmas from Ryan and Lauren and spyed on people on their boats... it was kinda funny.
But anyway, we hopped on the boat at two and basked in the sun although once again it was windy. The boat headed out to the unhabitated Rose Island about 8 miles off the coast of Providence Island (the main island where I am staying). There were actually alot of other tours going on around the area and on the island so it was by no means seculded. Since no one wanted to get off at the island, the boat anchored just off a coral reef and everyone went snorkeling. I saw some fish and a sting ray but over all I wasn't very impressed. And the water was cold :-(
I cut my snorkel time short and got back on the boat, only to meet a girl who is going on SAS. Yeah! I now know 2 people! Its a start I guess.. She was really cool and I hope to meet more people like her on the ship!
Once my dad and I got back to the hotel, we headed to dinner at the "Poop Deck." My dad had had it recomended so he thought he would splurge and take me there. I ordered the Conch Chowder, my dad ordered the Conch Fritters and the Sea Food Platter (conch, shrimp, peas and rice, slaw, and grouper) to share. The seafood was much better the seafood we had a few days ago. Overall it was very good.
Tomorrow is my last day in the Nassau, and I am really looking foward to getting on the ship. I don't have anything planned, although my dad is going to go diving. I just want to lounge around and meet some people. Maybe I'll take the car for one last joy ride...
PS Leave me comments on this page if you want (they get sent directly to my email) or just email me... plus it will let me know who is reading my blog. I'd love to hear from you all!
But anyway, we hopped on the boat at two and basked in the sun although once again it was windy. The boat headed out to the unhabitated Rose Island about 8 miles off the coast of Providence Island (the main island where I am staying). There were actually alot of other tours going on around the area and on the island so it was by no means seculded. Since no one wanted to get off at the island, the boat anchored just off a coral reef and everyone went snorkeling. I saw some fish and a sting ray but over all I wasn't very impressed. And the water was cold :-(
I cut my snorkel time short and got back on the boat, only to meet a girl who is going on SAS. Yeah! I now know 2 people! Its a start I guess.. She was really cool and I hope to meet more people like her on the ship!
Once my dad and I got back to the hotel, we headed to dinner at the "Poop Deck." My dad had had it recomended so he thought he would splurge and take me there. I ordered the Conch Chowder, my dad ordered the Conch Fritters and the Sea Food Platter (conch, shrimp, peas and rice, slaw, and grouper) to share. The seafood was much better the seafood we had a few days ago. Overall it was very good.
Tomorrow is my last day in the Nassau, and I am really looking foward to getting on the ship. I don't have anything planned, although my dad is going to go diving. I just want to lounge around and meet some people. Maybe I'll take the car for one last joy ride...
PS Leave me comments on this page if you want (they get sent directly to my email) or just email me... plus it will let me know who is reading my blog. I'd love to hear from you all!
Monday, January 16, 2006
My dad woke me up early this morning b/c we're suppose to rent bikes and bike to the south island (which is on the opposite side of the island). I was actually enthuased about this idea becuase we were also going to stop at the Bacardi Distillary. But once we went across the street to rent the bikes we discovered thatm they didn't rent bicycles, they only rented scooters. Now had we been in the states I may have actually considered this option. But they drive crazy in the Bahamas (think Mexico...) and on the left side. I figured that I already beat the odds just by getting to the Bahamas and I really did want to get on the boat... alive. So then we thought of renting a car, so after a few calls we found an "economy" car priced right for 3 days. What we got was a tiny, tiny Suszuki whatever (reminds me of Mario's old civic). But anyway, they actually rented it to me(your suppose to be 25), since I have the AMEX (shout out to my cash-back costco-amex card w/ free accident insurance) and I therefore became the chauffer for the day. Driving on left is actually a lot easier then I ever imagined. I don't know if its b/c I normally don't drive on my side of the road back home or if I just adapted quickly... but turns still freak me out and the "give way" signs (I don't know which way to give way) but I think I am getting the hang of it.
The Barcardi Distillary was so cool. We took a tour with a young couple from Australia and an older couple from NY who all evidently stay at our hotel...?... I learned so many interesting facts i wish I would have taken notes. For instances, all the rum ages at least two years in "used" barrels that are bought from other spirit makers like Jack Daniels. The dark color comes from the barrels (because they are orginally charred inside). Before entering the storage warehouse we were warned to enter at our own risks, becuase you can get contact buzz from inhaling the alcohol fumes in the air... the rum in the barrels is either 191 or 178 proof (they add water and flavors later on).
After the tour we were invited to their bar where we're able to try any and all of the products that we wished. I only had a daquier because I was driving (and had gone into the warehouse). Then we were able to go into the gift store and buy barcardi at "Factory" prices. But sadly I can't bring any on the ship so I couldn't really buy anything to bring home :-( Good thing I don't like rum...
And finally, my dad and I found a small public beach called "Jaw's Beach" and went snorkeling. We didn't see anything terrible exciting b/c my dad was experience techincal difficulties and had to cut our trip to the reef short. Ohh well... I hear Puerto Rico has phenomial coral reefs.
The Barcardi Distillary was so cool. We took a tour with a young couple from Australia and an older couple from NY who all evidently stay at our hotel...?... I learned so many interesting facts i wish I would have taken notes. For instances, all the rum ages at least two years in "used" barrels that are bought from other spirit makers like Jack Daniels. The dark color comes from the barrels (because they are orginally charred inside). Before entering the storage warehouse we were warned to enter at our own risks, becuase you can get contact buzz from inhaling the alcohol fumes in the air... the rum in the barrels is either 191 or 178 proof (they add water and flavors later on).
After the tour we were invited to their bar where we're able to try any and all of the products that we wished. I only had a daquier because I was driving (and had gone into the warehouse). Then we were able to go into the gift store and buy barcardi at "Factory" prices. But sadly I can't bring any on the ship so I couldn't really buy anything to bring home :-( Good thing I don't like rum...
And finally, my dad and I found a small public beach called "Jaw's Beach" and went snorkeling. We didn't see anything terrible exciting b/c my dad was experience techincal difficulties and had to cut our trip to the reef short. Ohh well... I hear Puerto Rico has phenomial coral reefs.
Getting to the Bahamas...
This is what my computer wouldn't let me post yesterday or the first day I was here....
Well I made it to the Bahamas! I checked in to the Nassau Beach Hotel room 302. I am glad that my dad and I made it because the trip here was interesting. Not only did we get into many wrong lines, had “weapons” confiscated from us, every flight was delayed, but I also managed to turn a suitcase into a fly projectile that nearly took out my dad. I was so exhausted when I got in the car at 4:30 this morning but had a very uncomfortable sleep/ride in the Jetta. I managed to pass out on the plane to DC without laying on either of the two gentleman sitting next to me (or maybe I did and didn’t realize it while I was asleep). When we finally arrived to DC, we realized that our tickets for the Bahamas had no gate number on them, and we had less then a half hour before departure. But we obviously found the gate, and I don’t remember any of the flight, because once again I passed out. But anyway I am here now, and the internet is super expensive, so I am going to buy a three day unlimited pass, so I may be able to do a little more email and/or posting then I will in the future.
Well I made it to the Bahamas! I checked in to the Nassau Beach Hotel room 302. I am glad that my dad and I made it because the trip here was interesting. Not only did we get into many wrong lines, had “weapons” confiscated from us, every flight was delayed, but I also managed to turn a suitcase into a fly projectile that nearly took out my dad. I was so exhausted when I got in the car at 4:30 this morning but had a very uncomfortable sleep/ride in the Jetta. I managed to pass out on the plane to DC without laying on either of the two gentleman sitting next to me (or maybe I did and didn’t realize it while I was asleep). When we finally arrived to DC, we realized that our tickets for the Bahamas had no gate number on them, and we had less then a half hour before departure. But we obviously found the gate, and I don’t remember any of the flight, because once again I passed out. But anyway I am here now, and the internet is super expensive, so I am going to buy a three day unlimited pass, so I may be able to do a little more email and/or posting then I will in the future.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Bahamas!!!
My computer is acting totally crazy and I think it may have a break down soon. Pray for it please! I had something already written from yesterday but the internet was down in my room. The Bahamas is really cute... the people in general are really nice, polite, and beautiful. I ran into some "problems" on the way down here, and hopefully when my computer starts acting right I will be able to post some of what happened!
Anyway, my dad and I went to church today and it was really nice. The "MV Explorer" is in the habour. I missed the deadline to sign my dad up for the onboard reception...opps... I am trying to get ahold of someone to put him on "the list". So far it has been really relaxed and I feel like I have done absolutely nothing. I haven't even been to the pool yet! It was only 70 degrees and really windy today. I vow to make it to the beach tomorrow.
I have only taken two pictures, one of the ship in port and another of our bus driver's ID, who's first name is Prince and try to guess what his middle name is...Albert. I about rolled on the floor with laughter when I saw it hanging from the visor! Peace out!
Anyway, my dad and I went to church today and it was really nice. The "MV Explorer" is in the habour. I missed the deadline to sign my dad up for the onboard reception...opps... I am trying to get ahold of someone to put him on "the list". So far it has been really relaxed and I feel like I have done absolutely nothing. I haven't even been to the pool yet! It was only 70 degrees and really windy today. I vow to make it to the beach tomorrow.
I have only taken two pictures, one of the ship in port and another of our bus driver's ID, who's first name is Prince and try to guess what his middle name is...Albert. I about rolled on the floor with laughter when I saw it hanging from the visor! Peace out!
Friday, January 13, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
One more day in Michigan....
Ohh my goodness!!! My last day of work was on Tuesday and I so wish it would have been last week because I am freakin' out! I have so many odds and ends to do plus pack what will sustain me for the next four months... its a little bit of pressure! I cannot even comprehend that in thirty hours from now I will be on way to the airport. It seems so unreal.
Yesterday I starting getting these waves of anixiety and panic and at other times I get emotional and almost tear up at the thought of leaving. I never thought I would feel this way... I know that I will be missing a lot while I am gone like the people from work, my sister and her senior year (and volleyball season), my parents and grandmas, but mainly my boyfriend. He is not doing so well, he is totally bummed. I feel absolutely horrible that I am putting him through this, but then again if he didn't "let" me go and do my own thing, I don't think I would be with him anyway. He is the greatest boyfriend of all time... I just wanted to throw that out there!
Today my bestest friends Caroline and Russel took me out for Lunch at Applebees and then desert at Fridays. We headed to the mall and did some last minute "necessary" shopping at Victoria's secret, the Sunglass hut and Aeropostale. Whatever- it was fun. Tonight I am at Mario's downloading the 2000+ songs he has on his computer to my IPod, so I am pretty sure I will be here untill the wee hours of the morning!
So tomorrow should be even busier then today, but at least once I get it over with I am done and outta here.
Peace out for now!
Yesterday I starting getting these waves of anixiety and panic and at other times I get emotional and almost tear up at the thought of leaving. I never thought I would feel this way... I know that I will be missing a lot while I am gone like the people from work, my sister and her senior year (and volleyball season), my parents and grandmas, but mainly my boyfriend. He is not doing so well, he is totally bummed. I feel absolutely horrible that I am putting him through this, but then again if he didn't "let" me go and do my own thing, I don't think I would be with him anyway. He is the greatest boyfriend of all time... I just wanted to throw that out there!
Today my bestest friends Caroline and Russel took me out for Lunch at Applebees and then desert at Fridays. We headed to the mall and did some last minute "necessary" shopping at Victoria's secret, the Sunglass hut and Aeropostale. Whatever- it was fun. Tonight I am at Mario's downloading the 2000+ songs he has on his computer to my IPod, so I am pretty sure I will be here untill the wee hours of the morning!
So tomorrow should be even busier then today, but at least once I get it over with I am done and outta here.
Peace out for now!
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