Monday, February 27, 2006
Mauritius!
Hey Everybody!Well I made it to Mauritius alright! I have no plans really, but I am sure I will have a good time. Most people are renting beach houses and partying it up, but I hope to find other, more cultural, things to do…
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
What do zebras and I have in common?
Day 5: What Zebras and I have common…
I awoke around 5 am to get ready for my safari, just around the time my roommate was getting back from celebrating Fran’s birthday (I had been out but came back around 1:30am). Tara (Dad- remember tara? We drove her to the ship?), Kiley, and I headed over to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Much to our dismay there were about 20 other SASers waiting to go to the same Game Reserve. Luckily, there were only 3 other (cool) girls that were actually staying the night, and the six of us were pretty much kept separate from everyone else. The Aquila game reserve is about 2 hours north of Capetown. I couldn’t really sleep during the ride but made use of my ipod and relaxed. We stopped at a small Afrikaans store that sold wine, dried fruit, and some baked goods. It was charming yet a very different flavor then what is presented in Capetown. I found some “jungle mix” (like trail mix), caramel-sesame peanuts, and a maple sugar nougat thingy. When we arrived we were given a welcome glass of sparkling wine (the only wine I had in SA) and then had breakfast. The Breakfast was glorious because we could actually have thoroughly cooked eggs upon request (I am pretty sure that the eggs are sometimes raw when they serve them to us on the ship). I loved it. What I loved even more was the natural beauty of my surroundings. The dining hall was located next to the crocodile pen and close to the cheetah’s den. The lodge itself is very charming—very savannah Africa J There was a small corral in front with wild ostriches running around trying to peck people’s fingers through the window or just running through the reception area.
Within 2 minutes of starting our open air game drive we spotted the Reserve’s 3 giraffes. There are just amazing and very odd looking creatures. We drove over to the water hole which is apparently the happening place in the animal kingdom. We found hippos swimming, zebra, spring bok, and a water buffalo. All in all we ended up spotting Bontus, Rhinos, the lions,, wiledebeasts and many birds. It was so surreal.
The Reserve is very young (6yrs old) and has been open to the public for 2 yrs. But the staff and scenery make up for the lack of large herds and elephants (which they’re getting in a couple of weeks). Both Margret Thatcher and Tyra Banks have stayed at this lodge within the past year.
Overall, Iwas very impressed by the natural beauty, closness to the animals, accomadations, food, and the professionalism of the staff. Aquila seems to have a bright future ahead- elephants, introduction of the lions and cheetahs into the large reserve soon, and having seemingly happy and healthy herds of animals.
So what do I have in common with a zebra? Cellulite. Gross, huh? Apparently Zebras develop cellulite which they store (and gives them their shape) but can never be used for energy. So a seemingly healthy zebra could be starving but would look perfectly normal at the same time because of the cellulite.
Day 6: Ready to Change the World
I went to the slave logde in Company Gardens. Now called the museum of Slavery, the main focus is on human rights and the future. There is an exhibit called “Hands that Shaped Humanity” which is a Desmond Tutu Peace Center Intiative. It was so moving. It hightlighted numerous people that have helped transform not only South Africa but the world: Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, Carlos Santana, Marion Jones, Lennox Lewis, Phillipe Stark and Richard Lugar- just to name a few. All the people were asked “If there is only one message of wisdom you could eave behind for humanity what would it be?” Everyone’s answers were brilliant, heart-felt and motivating.
After leaving the slave lodge late, my friends (Linda and Nyhm) and I literally ran to the dock (since we had no money for a cab) to board the ferry for Robben Island which was about 2 miles away (and we jogged at least a mile of it). As soon as we boarded the boat took off. Robben Island was an incredible experience. I was almost on overload from hearing about all the horrible things that the Dutch and Europeans did to the slaves at the museum, yet Robben Island now stands for the end to all of that. It was first a lepers colony but then turned into a prison. At first, criminals and political prisoners were put together (with hopes that the criminals would torture or do whatever to the political prisoners) but the prisoners were actually recruiting the criminals for their cause. So then the prisoners were kept in the maximum security, and the criminals in the medium security prisons. The political prisoners were put through so much; hard labor, torture, starvation, inhumane conditions. One of my tour guides was a political prisioner himself and he told us some of his stories. Just absolutely amazing. I don’t know how anyone survived a week let only years or decades of Robben Island.
I awoke around 5 am to get ready for my safari, just around the time my roommate was getting back from celebrating Fran’s birthday (I had been out but came back around 1:30am). Tara (Dad- remember tara? We drove her to the ship?), Kiley, and I headed over to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Much to our dismay there were about 20 other SASers waiting to go to the same Game Reserve. Luckily, there were only 3 other (cool) girls that were actually staying the night, and the six of us were pretty much kept separate from everyone else. The Aquila game reserve is about 2 hours north of Capetown. I couldn’t really sleep during the ride but made use of my ipod and relaxed. We stopped at a small Afrikaans store that sold wine, dried fruit, and some baked goods. It was charming yet a very different flavor then what is presented in Capetown. I found some “jungle mix” (like trail mix), caramel-sesame peanuts, and a maple sugar nougat thingy. When we arrived we were given a welcome glass of sparkling wine (the only wine I had in SA) and then had breakfast. The Breakfast was glorious because we could actually have thoroughly cooked eggs upon request (I am pretty sure that the eggs are sometimes raw when they serve them to us on the ship). I loved it. What I loved even more was the natural beauty of my surroundings. The dining hall was located next to the crocodile pen and close to the cheetah’s den. The lodge itself is very charming—very savannah Africa J There was a small corral in front with wild ostriches running around trying to peck people’s fingers through the window or just running through the reception area.
Within 2 minutes of starting our open air game drive we spotted the Reserve’s 3 giraffes. There are just amazing and very odd looking creatures. We drove over to the water hole which is apparently the happening place in the animal kingdom. We found hippos swimming, zebra, spring bok, and a water buffalo. All in all we ended up spotting Bontus, Rhinos, the lions,, wiledebeasts and many birds. It was so surreal.
The Reserve is very young (6yrs old) and has been open to the public for 2 yrs. But the staff and scenery make up for the lack of large herds and elephants (which they’re getting in a couple of weeks). Both Margret Thatcher and Tyra Banks have stayed at this lodge within the past year.
Overall, Iwas very impressed by the natural beauty, closness to the animals, accomadations, food, and the professionalism of the staff. Aquila seems to have a bright future ahead- elephants, introduction of the lions and cheetahs into the large reserve soon, and having seemingly happy and healthy herds of animals.
So what do I have in common with a zebra? Cellulite. Gross, huh? Apparently Zebras develop cellulite which they store (and gives them their shape) but can never be used for energy. So a seemingly healthy zebra could be starving but would look perfectly normal at the same time because of the cellulite.
Day 6: Ready to Change the World
I went to the slave logde in Company Gardens. Now called the museum of Slavery, the main focus is on human rights and the future. There is an exhibit called “Hands that Shaped Humanity” which is a Desmond Tutu Peace Center Intiative. It was so moving. It hightlighted numerous people that have helped transform not only South Africa but the world: Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, F.W. de Klerk, Carlos Santana, Marion Jones, Lennox Lewis, Phillipe Stark and Richard Lugar- just to name a few. All the people were asked “If there is only one message of wisdom you could eave behind for humanity what would it be?” Everyone’s answers were brilliant, heart-felt and motivating.
After leaving the slave lodge late, my friends (Linda and Nyhm) and I literally ran to the dock (since we had no money for a cab) to board the ferry for Robben Island which was about 2 miles away (and we jogged at least a mile of it). As soon as we boarded the boat took off. Robben Island was an incredible experience. I was almost on overload from hearing about all the horrible things that the Dutch and Europeans did to the slaves at the museum, yet Robben Island now stands for the end to all of that. It was first a lepers colony but then turned into a prison. At first, criminals and political prisoners were put together (with hopes that the criminals would torture or do whatever to the political prisoners) but the prisoners were actually recruiting the criminals for their cause. So then the prisoners were kept in the maximum security, and the criminals in the medium security prisons. The political prisoners were put through so much; hard labor, torture, starvation, inhumane conditions. One of my tour guides was a political prisioner himself and he told us some of his stories. Just absolutely amazing. I don’t know how anyone survived a week let only years or decades of Robben Island.
Loving Capetown...
Day 2: Cape Point
I was required to go on a SAS trip for one (actually my 3 econ) class. I am definitely glad it was required because I wouldn’t have signed up for it, and boy would I have missed out! Our guide was terrific and I learned some many random things about many aspects of South Africa. Our first stop was a seal breeding colony. How cool. It was like being at the zoo but so much better. The seals are full of life. Our next stop was a huge statue park. When I asked a vendor what the statues were made out of the answer I got was “stone” (slightly obvious). I have no idea what kind but the statues were amazing. They had from very small figurines to huge sculptures. The designs and details were amazing! I had fun taking pictures… The next actual stop was Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Everywhere there were signs “Don’t feed the baboons,” “Beware of Baboons,” and the “The Baboons are dangerous.” We didn’t see any of the notorious baboons but we did see wild ostriches. To get to the light house atop of Cape Point, one must either hike or take the cable car. I chose to walk, since its free, and got some excellent views along the way. And mom, I took a picture of it for you. After lunch we headed to Boulder’s beach to see the penguins. Unfortunately there was a boardwalk, so actually mingling with, or being “thigh high in penguins” was impossible. Penguins are odd creatures. And for Kayla I took a picture of two mating. I really enjoyed the tour and I learned a lot about SA (and this is definitely the “I-am-too-lazy-to–type-all-the-details-version”).
Day Three: Company’s Gardens
After a late start, Janelle and Darnel and I headed to the East Dutch Indies Gardens. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous but it was at least 100 degrees outside. Around these gardens are many famous and important buildings, including parliament, St. Georges Cathedral, the National Library, and the Slave Lodge. I say all of them but the only place I visited was the South African Museum. It was soooo interesting. It was a natural history museum. I am pretty sure that I learned about every facet of SA’s natural history. Dinos, fossils, sea creatures/sharks, wildlife, rocks and gems, the indigenous people, the solar system/galaxy, and so much more! I got to touch a 250 million year old dino fossil! I was thoroughly impressed and if flooded me with memories of museum-going with my grandparents and parents.
Day 4: Three mile walk with a wooden giraffe
I headed to the Green Square Market to pick up some local crafts. I spent way too much (since I hadn’t fine-tuned my bargining skills) but I did get some cool items. One of them was this 3 foot wooden giraffe which I then attempted to carry back to the ship three miles away. I made it but not after my arms were ready to fall off.
I was required to go on a SAS trip for one (actually my 3 econ) class. I am definitely glad it was required because I wouldn’t have signed up for it, and boy would I have missed out! Our guide was terrific and I learned some many random things about many aspects of South Africa. Our first stop was a seal breeding colony. How cool. It was like being at the zoo but so much better. The seals are full of life. Our next stop was a huge statue park. When I asked a vendor what the statues were made out of the answer I got was “stone” (slightly obvious). I have no idea what kind but the statues were amazing. They had from very small figurines to huge sculptures. The designs and details were amazing! I had fun taking pictures… The next actual stop was Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Everywhere there were signs “Don’t feed the baboons,” “Beware of Baboons,” and the “The Baboons are dangerous.” We didn’t see any of the notorious baboons but we did see wild ostriches. To get to the light house atop of Cape Point, one must either hike or take the cable car. I chose to walk, since its free, and got some excellent views along the way. And mom, I took a picture of it for you. After lunch we headed to Boulder’s beach to see the penguins. Unfortunately there was a boardwalk, so actually mingling with, or being “thigh high in penguins” was impossible. Penguins are odd creatures. And for Kayla I took a picture of two mating. I really enjoyed the tour and I learned a lot about SA (and this is definitely the “I-am-too-lazy-to–type-all-the-details-version”).
Day Three: Company’s Gardens
After a late start, Janelle and Darnel and I headed to the East Dutch Indies Gardens. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous but it was at least 100 degrees outside. Around these gardens are many famous and important buildings, including parliament, St. Georges Cathedral, the National Library, and the Slave Lodge. I say all of them but the only place I visited was the South African Museum. It was soooo interesting. It was a natural history museum. I am pretty sure that I learned about every facet of SA’s natural history. Dinos, fossils, sea creatures/sharks, wildlife, rocks and gems, the indigenous people, the solar system/galaxy, and so much more! I got to touch a 250 million year old dino fossil! I was thoroughly impressed and if flooded me with memories of museum-going with my grandparents and parents.
Day 4: Three mile walk with a wooden giraffe
I headed to the Green Square Market to pick up some local crafts. I spent way too much (since I hadn’t fine-tuned my bargining skills) but I did get some cool items. One of them was this 3 foot wooden giraffe which I then attempted to carry back to the ship three miles away. I made it but not after my arms were ready to fall off.
Monday, February 20, 2006
DAY ONE in SA
Day One:
I did an SAS trip and went to the District Six Museum and a township named Langa. The Museum was slightly overwhelming for someone who is not familiar with District Six and S.A.’s racist history. I got the jist of it but didn’t feel like I learned as much as I should have. District is an area of town that the government confiscated from the black inhabitants and made into a “white-only area.” They kicked out all of the blacks and then bulldozed all of it down except for a couple of churches. The museum is a tribute to those who lived there and the struggle of the black man versus the white government.
Next, we went to Langa. The housing this area was from the 1920s and 1940s. At first glance it didn’t look that horrible and there were many small, (old and run down) houses but not really the shanties to which the townships are notorious for. We did pass some on the way out, but the tour guide said the new government (instated in around 1994) is making a massive effort to provide housing and eliminate the shanty towns. We went in to a government owned hostel (one form of public housing). Families rent one twin sized bed (regardless of size) and share the room with on e or two other families. There was 6 bedrooms; a nasty no-stove, no refrigerator, no sink kitchen, and a common area (with a picnic table as a dining table and a sink). All together there were 16 families occupying this area big enough for a family of six people in the states. It wasn’t until recently, (I think 1985) that electricity and water was installed. Even more recently was a light in each room installed. After that we went to a new government flat while still very small this one was at least humanely livable. It reminded me of a low rent apartment in the states. I, however, didn’t ask how many people lived in the flat.
The Children were absolutely wonderful. They’d just run up to us in the streets and hug us and hold our hands. They loved touching our hair. They were defiantly the highlight. On the way back to the ship the tour guide thanked us for seeing the township. She said that there were many South Africans that never had and didn’t want to. As odd (and wrong) as it felt “touring” the township I think that the people honestly want others to see—so things can change. If people are ignorant of the problem then how can they help?
I did an SAS trip and went to the District Six Museum and a township named Langa. The Museum was slightly overwhelming for someone who is not familiar with District Six and S.A.’s racist history. I got the jist of it but didn’t feel like I learned as much as I should have. District is an area of town that the government confiscated from the black inhabitants and made into a “white-only area.” They kicked out all of the blacks and then bulldozed all of it down except for a couple of churches. The museum is a tribute to those who lived there and the struggle of the black man versus the white government.
Next, we went to Langa. The housing this area was from the 1920s and 1940s. At first glance it didn’t look that horrible and there were many small, (old and run down) houses but not really the shanties to which the townships are notorious for. We did pass some on the way out, but the tour guide said the new government (instated in around 1994) is making a massive effort to provide housing and eliminate the shanty towns. We went in to a government owned hostel (one form of public housing). Families rent one twin sized bed (regardless of size) and share the room with on e or two other families. There was 6 bedrooms; a nasty no-stove, no refrigerator, no sink kitchen, and a common area (with a picnic table as a dining table and a sink). All together there were 16 families occupying this area big enough for a family of six people in the states. It wasn’t until recently, (I think 1985) that electricity and water was installed. Even more recently was a light in each room installed. After that we went to a new government flat while still very small this one was at least humanely livable. It reminded me of a low rent apartment in the states. I, however, didn’t ask how many people lived in the flat.
The Children were absolutely wonderful. They’d just run up to us in the streets and hug us and hold our hands. They loved touching our hair. They were defiantly the highlight. On the way back to the ship the tour guide thanked us for seeing the township. She said that there were many South Africans that never had and didn’t want to. As odd (and wrong) as it felt “touring” the township I think that the people honestly want others to see—so things can change. If people are ignorant of the problem then how can they help?
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The African Beat...
I absolutely love South Africa!!! Yesterday I went to a township and the district six museum. And today I went to Cape Peninsula and saw penguins, seals, ostriches,and a baboon (all the non-caged variety). It was amazing... I can't wait until I have enough time to write about it all. I am going to go on a day safari on Friday and the wine lands on Saturday. I can't wait! But anyway I just wanted everyone to know that I love Capetown!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
The night before the no-class day was crazy to say the least. That night we had our first ship dance, themed 80s dance party. I have never been that into the 80s or its music but it ended up being the most fun activity on the ship thus far. I actually wasn’t planning on going until after the pub night started. I ripped through my closet to find something to wear… I was definitely going to half to be creative. I came up tube socks I cut into leg warmers, a hot pink bathing suit top, a mutilated wife-beater, and a random mini skirt. And to top it off green eye-shadow and a side ponytail. My friends came to pick me up at my room and we headed to the 7th deck for pub night. Now, if you did not know, SAS strictly monitors alcohol consumption and you are only allowed to have a max of 4 drinks (beer, wine, wine cooler) in a two hour period, and you have to purchase your tickets (for alcohol) before dinner. I also like to note that this is the first time I have drank on the ship (I am trying to save my money for more worth-while ventures). But anyhow, after a quick stop at pubnight we headed to the union to dance. I have no idea how drinks people were actually getting at pubnight, or if perhaps the alcohol tolerance of the entire ship decreased, but there seem to be some very intoxicated people attempting to dance. Very admusing to say the least. The dance party ended at midnight and as soon as the lights came up I was (sweat-drenched and) out of there.
I got to sleep in until 12 the next day (NO CLASS!!) and since my room is pitch dark without any windows I probably could have slept all day. I lounged the entire day. At dinner they had a huge BBQ for us on the pool deck. It was awesome to have a cheese burger and ribs again. Besides have five different deserts, this amazing coconut ice cream was also served. It was defiantly the best two days I have had on the ship so far, but I still can’t wait to get off this boat and to step onto Africa.
I got to sleep in until 12 the next day (NO CLASS!!) and since my room is pitch dark without any windows I probably could have slept all day. I lounged the entire day. At dinner they had a huge BBQ for us on the pool deck. It was awesome to have a cheese burger and ribs again. Besides have five different deserts, this amazing coconut ice cream was also served. It was defiantly the best two days I have had on the ship so far, but I still can’t wait to get off this boat and to step onto Africa.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Update from the middle of the Atlantic!
Hey everybody!
So we are crossing the Atlantic Ocean right now. We are about half way across now. Nothing really new or exciting is going on. I am having my first tests in all of my classes except Global Studies. Our interport lecturer onboard is a South African who spent time on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela. He is a social activist and author. He seems to be very interesting. He spoke today about Africa in general, and all but blamed ever single one of Africa’s problems on corporate globalization (globalization is a conspiracy of the big corporations) and the “Super Powers” (mainly the USA) controlling the IMF and World Bank. I strongly disagree with him on these issues but he seems very knowledgeable in other areas of Africa so I won’t draw any conclusions of his reputability at this time. He talking again tomorrow, so we’ll see… Since I have talked about globalization in all of my classes I am grappling with my own thoughts and opinions on the subject. Just for fun I have started a “predictions for the future” paper in which I am speculating what I think (ideas drawn from my rather uneducated mind) will be happening to the world and economy in the very near future. My goal by the end of the voyage is to finish reading The World is Flat.
I went to another one of Dr. Sherman’s “Change the World” Seminars. I’m telling you this man is soooo interesting. Before will he begin telling us how to change the world he is coaching us on how to change ourselves. Pretty much he is encouraging up to be come more optimistic and “lucky.”
Saturday I get a day off from school. I don’t know if the shipboard community has something planned or not. Hopefully it will just be a chill day!
So we are crossing the Atlantic Ocean right now. We are about half way across now. Nothing really new or exciting is going on. I am having my first tests in all of my classes except Global Studies. Our interport lecturer onboard is a South African who spent time on Robben Island with Nelson Mandela. He is a social activist and author. He seems to be very interesting. He spoke today about Africa in general, and all but blamed ever single one of Africa’s problems on corporate globalization (globalization is a conspiracy of the big corporations) and the “Super Powers” (mainly the USA) controlling the IMF and World Bank. I strongly disagree with him on these issues but he seems very knowledgeable in other areas of Africa so I won’t draw any conclusions of his reputability at this time. He talking again tomorrow, so we’ll see… Since I have talked about globalization in all of my classes I am grappling with my own thoughts and opinions on the subject. Just for fun I have started a “predictions for the future” paper in which I am speculating what I think (ideas drawn from my rather uneducated mind) will be happening to the world and economy in the very near future. My goal by the end of the voyage is to finish reading The World is Flat.
I went to another one of Dr. Sherman’s “Change the World” Seminars. I’m telling you this man is soooo interesting. Before will he begin telling us how to change the world he is coaching us on how to change ourselves. Pretty much he is encouraging up to be come more optimistic and “lucky.”
Saturday I get a day off from school. I don’t know if the shipboard community has something planned or not. Hopefully it will just be a chill day!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Rio, Rio, Rio I can’t believe I was in Rio!
How incredible! Less then 48 hours ago I was in Rio De Janerio. Rio is a crazy beautiful city. The people are gorgeous, the beaches are gorgeous, and the mountains are gorgeous. It definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I will go back for carnival someday…
Day One
I went to a carnival school. It was amazing. It is a kind of like a community center where any one is welcomed to learn and worship (there was a temple of sorts there to- candomble) Their aim is to get kids off the streets and channel there energy into performing in the carnival. I got to do a carnival dancers workout with the kids. The warm-up was like any other dancer’s warm up (stretching and Pilates-like exercises) and then they taught us some carnival-moves. It was so fun! After that, they taught how to drum the samba beats and actually played some pieces. It was absolutely amazing.
That night I went to the welcome reception at the local university. I sampled the local cuisine and beer (which was extremely bitter and gross). Some Capoeiristas (dancer/fighters) performed their fight dances… its absolutely amazing to watch then move with such skill and precision as then punch, kick, flip, and cartwheel over each other without touching.
Day Two
…actually an extension of day one, since I couldn’t go to bed. Jesse (el jefe), Richard (Q), and I headed to the airport at 1:30am. The flight to Rio was departed at 4am and arrived at 7am. I did my best to sleep in the middle seat but I felt absolutely horrible when I woke up in Rio. I wasn’t quite sure what I had gotten my self into when we got off the plane, b/c it was gloomy and overcast, plus we had to find someplace to stay. To make a long story short we got on the bus, priced a couple of different hotels, and choose one so we could go to bed. The Ducasse Rio Hotel was located right next to a street that goes up a hill into a favela (shanty town=ghetto). The upside was that we armed-police stationed on that corner 24 hours a day.
After a nap we walked to sugar loaf (about 3 or 4 miles away), and took the cable car to the top. Amazing. Beautiful. Sugar loaf was formed from a volcanic eruption and then some bad weathering b/c of the chemical composition of the rock. No matter however it got there, it is beautiful. I got my first great view of the city on the first day, plus I saw Jesus.
On our walk to Sugar Loaf we passed a theatre, and randomly decided to buy tickets for that night’s performance. I have no idea what exactly the plot was but it was musical based around a night club. I did catch that the story moved from decade to decade starting in the 1920s with the flappers and ending in the 70s (with all the characters old and gray) with disco. The dancing was amazing and kept me tuned in for the duration of the show.
After that we headed to next beach down, Impanema (ie “The girl from Impanema”) to find out there was a ‘dress code’, so we couldn’t check out the club we had planned on. We still had a great time observing the Brazilians in their element.
Day Three
Nothing too exciting happened since we slept-in. When we awoke we went to breakfast/lunch at a restaurant along the beach. I order chicken-lasguana. I received a thin layer of noodles followed by ground up chicken (had the same consistence of ground beef) mixed with a red sauce, smothered (and I mean smothered) in a white creamy sauce and their ‘salt cheese.’ Interesting? Yes. Good? You bet! Jesse ordered a Portuguese pizza which was mostly cheese but also had many random ingredients including fried egg. When we got back to the hotel we found out that the (Tijuca) national park closed at five and we wouldn’t have time to get there before it closed. We had found out about a tour to a carnival-group practice that evening. We signed up and were taken to the practice arena. It was amazing to watch these people practice their samba dance. They’re so fast and good. I couldn’t believe people could move that fast. It most reminded me of jig-ing when they free-style.
Day Four
Even though we got back really late to the hotel the night before we got up very early to check out everything we had meant to do the day before. So at 9am we headed out to go hang gliding. We were going to a cliff in the Tijuca National Forest (this rainforest is the largest urban forest in the world) . We arrived, we were instructed on how to do it, and then we pretty much ran down a platform until we ran off and the wind caught the wings. Running was the only slightly scary/thrilling part. But oh man the views! Absolutely gorgeous. I had them take pictures while in the air but I have to get the film developed. It was surreal to look down at the rainforest on the mountain sides and seeing these huge houses with swimming pools and tennis courts all within a mile of the beach and the ocean . I saw the statue of Christ and sugar loaf in the distance. Seeing the mansions in the forest was a stark reminder of the income inequality as I looked off into the distance and saw the favelas littering the sides of the distant mountains.
Next we went to the Christ statue. It (he?) was really cool. It was huge! I am glad I got to stand at Jesus’ feet.
And after a quick stop at the Contemporary Arts Museum we head to the airport a few hours early. We had absolutely no money left on us after the cabbie cleaned us out and for some reason my debit card wasn’t working. At the airport, we met up with a lot of other SASers who were on their way back also from Rio. Everyone looked so tired! But the general consensus was “Everyone loved Rio”
Last Day
Back in Salvador: I definitely did not get the same vibe from Salvador as Rio. I felt awkward in Salvador, maybe in part b/c they (deans and security advisors and the doctor) had me convinced that I was going to get mugged or get malaria or dengue fever. I just didn’t like it. I know many people who did and had a great time but it just intimidated the hell out of me. I went to the beach in the morning with my roommate, Sarah, and my other friend Danielle. We took at ferry over to Itaparica Island (which even people in Rio raved about). It was absolutely gorgeous (even prettier then Copacabana). After frying on the beach and observing the locals (Sunday is beach day) we headed back to get ready for the soccer game. The soccer game was cool. It totally reminded me of a football Sunday with die hard football fans. They got so into it. I was extremely disappointed to see men everywhere peeing in the corners on the walls. By the end of the game there were huge puddles everywhere and it reeked. It definitely turned off some the excitement I had felt about Brazil. Plus there was trash everywhere. I felt so angry (not only b/c I had to walk through people’s urine) but b/c Brazilians don’t seem to have a sense of social responsibility to keep their environment clean. Even in Rio, there was trash everywhere and I had seen numerous people throw garbage into the ocean and streets. It was really disappointing.
But on a last note, Brazil was incredible. I only wish I knew Portuguese, so I could have communicated with many more Brazilians.
Day One
I went to a carnival school. It was amazing. It is a kind of like a community center where any one is welcomed to learn and worship (there was a temple of sorts there to- candomble) Their aim is to get kids off the streets and channel there energy into performing in the carnival. I got to do a carnival dancers workout with the kids. The warm-up was like any other dancer’s warm up (stretching and Pilates-like exercises) and then they taught us some carnival-moves. It was so fun! After that, they taught how to drum the samba beats and actually played some pieces. It was absolutely amazing.
That night I went to the welcome reception at the local university. I sampled the local cuisine and beer (which was extremely bitter and gross). Some Capoeiristas (dancer/fighters) performed their fight dances… its absolutely amazing to watch then move with such skill and precision as then punch, kick, flip, and cartwheel over each other without touching.
Day Two
…actually an extension of day one, since I couldn’t go to bed. Jesse (el jefe), Richard (Q), and I headed to the airport at 1:30am. The flight to Rio was departed at 4am and arrived at 7am. I did my best to sleep in the middle seat but I felt absolutely horrible when I woke up in Rio. I wasn’t quite sure what I had gotten my self into when we got off the plane, b/c it was gloomy and overcast, plus we had to find someplace to stay. To make a long story short we got on the bus, priced a couple of different hotels, and choose one so we could go to bed. The Ducasse Rio Hotel was located right next to a street that goes up a hill into a favela (shanty town=ghetto). The upside was that we armed-police stationed on that corner 24 hours a day.
After a nap we walked to sugar loaf (about 3 or 4 miles away), and took the cable car to the top. Amazing. Beautiful. Sugar loaf was formed from a volcanic eruption and then some bad weathering b/c of the chemical composition of the rock. No matter however it got there, it is beautiful. I got my first great view of the city on the first day, plus I saw Jesus.
On our walk to Sugar Loaf we passed a theatre, and randomly decided to buy tickets for that night’s performance. I have no idea what exactly the plot was but it was musical based around a night club. I did catch that the story moved from decade to decade starting in the 1920s with the flappers and ending in the 70s (with all the characters old and gray) with disco. The dancing was amazing and kept me tuned in for the duration of the show.
After that we headed to next beach down, Impanema (ie “The girl from Impanema”) to find out there was a ‘dress code’, so we couldn’t check out the club we had planned on. We still had a great time observing the Brazilians in their element.
Day Three
Nothing too exciting happened since we slept-in. When we awoke we went to breakfast/lunch at a restaurant along the beach. I order chicken-lasguana. I received a thin layer of noodles followed by ground up chicken (had the same consistence of ground beef) mixed with a red sauce, smothered (and I mean smothered) in a white creamy sauce and their ‘salt cheese.’ Interesting? Yes. Good? You bet! Jesse ordered a Portuguese pizza which was mostly cheese but also had many random ingredients including fried egg. When we got back to the hotel we found out that the (Tijuca) national park closed at five and we wouldn’t have time to get there before it closed. We had found out about a tour to a carnival-group practice that evening. We signed up and were taken to the practice arena. It was amazing to watch these people practice their samba dance. They’re so fast and good. I couldn’t believe people could move that fast. It most reminded me of jig-ing when they free-style.
Day Four
Even though we got back really late to the hotel the night before we got up very early to check out everything we had meant to do the day before. So at 9am we headed out to go hang gliding. We were going to a cliff in the Tijuca National Forest (this rainforest is the largest urban forest in the world) . We arrived, we were instructed on how to do it, and then we pretty much ran down a platform until we ran off and the wind caught the wings. Running was the only slightly scary/thrilling part. But oh man the views! Absolutely gorgeous. I had them take pictures while in the air but I have to get the film developed. It was surreal to look down at the rainforest on the mountain sides and seeing these huge houses with swimming pools and tennis courts all within a mile of the beach and the ocean . I saw the statue of Christ and sugar loaf in the distance. Seeing the mansions in the forest was a stark reminder of the income inequality as I looked off into the distance and saw the favelas littering the sides of the distant mountains.
Next we went to the Christ statue. It (he?) was really cool. It was huge! I am glad I got to stand at Jesus’ feet.
And after a quick stop at the Contemporary Arts Museum we head to the airport a few hours early. We had absolutely no money left on us after the cabbie cleaned us out and for some reason my debit card wasn’t working. At the airport, we met up with a lot of other SASers who were on their way back also from Rio. Everyone looked so tired! But the general consensus was “Everyone loved Rio”
Last Day
Back in Salvador: I definitely did not get the same vibe from Salvador as Rio. I felt awkward in Salvador, maybe in part b/c they (deans and security advisors and the doctor) had me convinced that I was going to get mugged or get malaria or dengue fever. I just didn’t like it. I know many people who did and had a great time but it just intimidated the hell out of me. I went to the beach in the morning with my roommate, Sarah, and my other friend Danielle. We took at ferry over to Itaparica Island (which even people in Rio raved about). It was absolutely gorgeous (even prettier then Copacabana). After frying on the beach and observing the locals (Sunday is beach day) we headed back to get ready for the soccer game. The soccer game was cool. It totally reminded me of a football Sunday with die hard football fans. They got so into it. I was extremely disappointed to see men everywhere peeing in the corners on the walls. By the end of the game there were huge puddles everywhere and it reeked. It definitely turned off some the excitement I had felt about Brazil. Plus there was trash everywhere. I felt so angry (not only b/c I had to walk through people’s urine) but b/c Brazilians don’t seem to have a sense of social responsibility to keep their environment clean. Even in Rio, there was trash everywhere and I had seen numerous people throw garbage into the ocean and streets. It was really disappointing.
But on a last note, Brazil was incredible. I only wish I knew Portuguese, so I could have communicated with many more Brazilians.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Mail Call!
I have had numerous emails requesting the addresses for snail mail. I already posted them in Dec but here they are again...
Address like this:
Janine Wilson
Room 4058
C/O: Explorer
"Arrival Date " (either leave blank go to semesteratsea.com)
Port Agent Address
The addresses are as follows....
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
(You already missed your chance, it should have been sent by Jan 31)
MAURITIUS--- SEND BY FEB 11TH
Phone: 230 202 7040
Fax: 230 208 5814
Ireland Blyth, Ltd.1 Queen Street
P.O. 53 Port Louis, MAURITIUS
INDIA--- SEND BY FEB 23
Phone: 91 44 252 12032
Fax: 91 44 252 43813
J.M. Baxi & CO.
3rd Floor, Clive Battery Complex
4 & 4A, Rajaji Salai
Chennai-600 001, INDIA
MYANMAR--- SEND BY MAR 2
Phone: 95 1 256 913
Fax: 95 1 256 321
Myanmar Port Authority Sea Horse Agency
347/1st Floor
Mahabandoola Road
Kyauktada,Yangon, MYANMAR
VIETNAM--- SEND BY MAR 11
Phone: 84 8 823 1052
Fax: 84 8 824 2996
General Forwarding & Agency Co., Inc.5
th Fl. OSIC Bldg.
8 Nguyen Hue Avenue
Dist. 1,Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
Hong Kong-- SEND BY MAR 20
Phone: 852 2746 7312
Fax: 852 2744 3240
Inchcape Shipping Services (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Units 1802-1805,18/FNo.
3 Lockhart RoadWanchai, HONG KONG
-ChinaPRC--- SEND BY MAR 24
Phone: 86 532 2653 332
Fax: 86 532 2655 752
Penavico Qingdao
21 Wuxia Road
Quingdao, 266002, P. R. CHINA
JAPAN--- SEND BY MAR 28
Phone: 34 94 424 2100
Fax: 34 94 424 0123
Inchcape Shipping ServicesKenryu Bldg.
Room 5026, Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku KOBE-shi,
Hyogo-ken 6500024,
JAPAN
And I am not exactly sure why SAS included the port agents phone and fax numbers but I guess I wouldn't use them unless its an emergency...
Address like this:
Janine Wilson
Room 4058
C/O: Explorer
"Arrival Date " (either leave blank go to semesteratsea.com)
Port Agent Address
The addresses are as follows....
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
(You already missed your chance, it should have been sent by Jan 31)
MAURITIUS--- SEND BY FEB 11TH
Phone: 230 202 7040
Fax: 230 208 5814
Ireland Blyth, Ltd.1 Queen Street
P.O. 53 Port Louis, MAURITIUS
INDIA--- SEND BY FEB 23
Phone: 91 44 252 12032
Fax: 91 44 252 43813
J.M. Baxi & CO.
3rd Floor, Clive Battery Complex
4 & 4A, Rajaji Salai
Chennai-600 001, INDIA
MYANMAR--- SEND BY MAR 2
Phone: 95 1 256 913
Fax: 95 1 256 321
Myanmar Port Authority Sea Horse Agency
347/1st Floor
Mahabandoola Road
Kyauktada,Yangon, MYANMAR
VIETNAM--- SEND BY MAR 11
Phone: 84 8 823 1052
Fax: 84 8 824 2996
General Forwarding & Agency Co., Inc.5
th Fl. OSIC Bldg.
8 Nguyen Hue Avenue
Dist. 1,Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
Hong Kong-- SEND BY MAR 20
Phone: 852 2746 7312
Fax: 852 2744 3240
Inchcape Shipping Services (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Units 1802-1805,18/FNo.
3 Lockhart RoadWanchai, HONG KONG
-ChinaPRC--- SEND BY MAR 24
Phone: 86 532 2653 332
Fax: 86 532 2655 752
Penavico Qingdao
21 Wuxia Road
Quingdao, 266002, P. R. CHINA
JAPAN--- SEND BY MAR 28
Phone: 34 94 424 2100
Fax: 34 94 424 0123
Inchcape Shipping ServicesKenryu Bldg.
Room 5026, Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku KOBE-shi,
Hyogo-ken 6500024,
JAPAN
And I am not exactly sure why SAS included the port agents phone and fax numbers but I guess I wouldn't use them unless its an emergency...
I am in Brazil!
Hey everybody! I made to Brazil this morning! I went to a carnival school. It was so much fun. I danced and learned how to play a little bit on the drums. i am super excited to go the welcome reception tonight with all the local college students. And then at 2am I am going to leave for the airport to go to Rio. Woohoo! Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am sorry that I could update and repond to emails as the ship internet was super slow and i have already used over half of my minutes. There is an internet cafe right outship the port so I will do my best to make it back here before I depart from Brazil. Keep it real...
I SHAVED MY HEAD!!!!
Okay, not really. I didn’t shave my head but there were plenty of girls who did as we celebrated King Neptune’s Day today. We crossed the equator this morning at 3am (and lost another hour of sleep). At around 8am the entire ship was awoken to Neptune’s Parade of ship staff, dressed in bed sheets and faces painted, banging drums, pans and jingling bells. After rallying everyone on the 7th deck the transitional pollywog to shellback ceremony began. After being doused with fish guts, I jumped into the pool (by that time it was nasty with other’s salty fish guts). Upon exiting the pool I proceeded to Neptune’s court where I kissed a dead fish on the mouth and then kissed Neptune’s ring… then it was official! I am now a shellback (with my lovely locks intack). Then I got some prime equator-sun today as I shaved my friend, Q’s hair. There was fish guts and hair everywhere when all was said and done! Overall it was a good time, but the best part was having no class!
Jan 29th, 2006
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.
Jan 29th, 2006
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.
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