Who Travels Around the World? I Do! I DO!

Who travels around the world?  I do! I do!

I have been fortunate to work for a nonprofit organization holding a mission I believe in and a community that holds some of my closest friends for the past 8 years and 5 months as of January 7^th 2010.  This organization is know as the Institute for Shipboard Education | Semester at Sea.

Flashback

The Summer of 2000 I set out on an adventure.  It was the summer before my senior year and I was going to spend it on the Odysseus, a Greek run cruise ship turned college campus.  Crazy huh?!?  I would take 9 college credits awarded by the University of Pittsburgh, travel to 9 counties including Greece, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Russia, Belgium, Italy, Egypt and Israel spending 5 days in each with a groups of strangers who quickly turned into friends.  Two months later upon my return to Duquesne University, my Senior year, an unpaid Internship, and no one to understand the experience I had.  I never thought I would reunite with the organization that helped shape who I am today.  Summer of 2001 I was planning on moving to Maine when I was offered a job at the Institute for Shipboard Education | Semester at Sea – could it be a dream come true?

Now, don’t get me wrong, every business, company, friends, family, etc have their ups and downs but let me share with you what Semester at Sea is and you will see how at then end of the day, when you play a part in changing the lives of students from across the country and around the world all the frustrations fade away.

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea has been around since 1965 although it’s history goes back even further rooting in visionaries from China and the US wanting global education and world perspectives to be accessible for all college students.  Academic sponsorship began at Chapman College in CA, followed CU Boulder.  After 25 year at the University of Pittsburgh, in 2006, Semester at Sea moved to the University of Virginia bringing their ‘academical village’ aboard the MV Explorer. 

What does it mean to spend a Semester at Sea?

Basically, 600+ college students, faculty and staff along with a full shipboard crew make up a Community of over 1000.  Students take 12-15 credits during a semester or 9-12 credits in the summer everyday at sea and then spend 4-6 days in 9-12 countries.  While you are in each country you do not have class and can travel independently, participating in service projects, home stays, or faculty-led field trips and truly immersing yourself in a culture.  Not a bad gig is it?

Flash Forward

On January 13^th 2010 I will board the MV Explorer along with other faculty and staff.  My position is: Living Learning Coordinator – Service Learning where I will be a part of the Residence Life Community and playing a role similar to a land-base campus’s RD.

What will I be doing?  Where and I going? Just you wait and see!        

Feb 13th

Japanese Tea Ceremony

I was really looking forward to the Japanese Tea Ceremony on out last day in Japan and was delighted as after participating in the SAS Trip to Kyoto.  There is such an art and balance of form and function.  We all sit in a U shape and the ceremony begins with a woman in kimono walking into the room, at the top of our U.  She prepares the mancha green tea which is bitter and frothy while another woman explains each of her actions.  Mancha is a strong tea made out of pulverized green tea leaves.  Every movement holds significance.  Before the tea is passed around we are provided with two cookies to cut the bitter taste of the tea and then the homemade tea is passed around.  The method of which you present, accept and finish the tea is also important.  The tea bowls have patterns on them and when you drink the pattern is facing you but when you are finished you turn the bowl so that the pattern is facing outward, showing off the beauty of the bowl.  All aspects of this process are beautiful, peacefull and thoughtfull

Once the tea is passed the person holding the ceremony will clean each of the utensils and put everything in its place before leaving the tea house, bringing the ceremony to a close.  Although our group was large, about 40 people, most tea ceremonies are ¼ that size and in a much smaller room where you enter through a crawl space.  This very low doorway makes it so that everyone who entered had to bend, not only showing respect but revealing any weapons.  This was especially relevant during the Imperial Period of Shoguns and Samurai.

This ceremony took place at a Buddhist Monastery that was rather large holding dozens of temples and apparently SAS has visited this Tea House for the past 40 years.  An elderly women joined us for the ceremony as a spectator and we learned that she use to host SAS herself but now is 'too old' to perform the ceremony.  It was very emotional for her to watch and not be a participant.  She was so thank for us and the many years we continue to return to this Monastery and learn about Tea Ceremonies and traditions. 

I was moved by this older lady and her commitment to this practice, particularly because it reminded me of having tea at my Grandma’s House.  Pretty much every time I visit my Gram we have tea.  Sometimes just tea but others tea and snacks.  Being here and listening to this woman speak had me longing for tea with my Gram and although we do not have a ceremony per se our practice is special and connects us. 

I will miss you Jopan and each of your many traditions. 

Gram, I will see you for tea very soon...   

Feb 7th 2010

Want to know one more thing on time? Currently it is Sunday Feb. 7^th 2010 in the Pacific Ocean (with rough seas) it is 11am HOWEVER back home in Pittsburgh PA it is Saturday Feb 6^th 2010 (on land in snowy weather) it is 8pm.  Why is this time issue standing out to me a little more today?  On Feb 7^th I lost my dad to Leukemia and when I woke up today I was wishing I was home with my mom and sister (and new niece).  I miss my dad everyday and think back to when I was on Semester at Sea in the Summer of 2000 and I would send postcard to my mom and dad.  Now I like to think my dad is here with me and looking over me as I write home to mom and all who are reading this blog. 

(now the funny part…at home it is really the 6^th not the 7^th so as I reflect today in the eastern hemisphere I know that tomorrow the 8^th is really they day I lost my father – time is a funny thing and each day should be embraced.  Mom and Beth, I miss you both and I hope you can feel my hugs from afar today, tomorrow and whenever you need one). 

I would like to end today with a quote our Doctor made a few days back.

Are you going to live down to the preconceived expectations of your friends and family back home that you are on a glorified cruise OR are you going to live up to the premise that global sustainability begins with each of us as individuals making changes as we voyage around the world.

Be here now!  Live in the moment and take nothing for granted…       

Feb 6th 2010

In the last 8 days so much has happened.  I had a movie night with my Sea, 71 students plus Nate and I.  Cookies and milk with a side of popcorn were served while watching the Hangover in the Union.  I think it was a big success as they are looking forward to our next event.  Two nights ago we did had a Sea Social with Faculty and Staff in the Faculty/Staff Lounge.  The Faculty/Staff lounge is much like a teachers lounge where students are not allow, however, we have a bar and music in the evening.  It is a quite place to go and hide.  During our social, however, students were welcomed to the lounge to mingle and get to know their professors.  I did find that the students were more eager to interact then the faculty as not all faculty showed up.  This made me sad for the students who were looking to spend a little non-class time with their professors.  The highlight was having the students, and a few faculty, all doing the electric slide together – only on Semester at Sea will you do the electric slide with your professors.

Another event that occurred during the last 8 days was the creation of our Extended Family.  Basically, this is a program where faculty and staff can sign up to offer a family to the students.  Students sign up and are placed with faculty and staff and then we have a kick-off dinner where we meet our families and have dinner together.  It is a lot of fun and you get to know some more students, hear from rumors and have family dinners.  The students are able to gain experience and advice from older passengers and have a family dynamic that they may be missing.  I am not sure if Nate and I have wise words of wisdom, but we can have fun.

Nate and I have a family of 4 girls (Neha, Mary, Sarah and Anne), but we may have adopted 2 boys (Torrey and Art).  I think Nate was feeling out numbered.  Tonight we will be meeting for a study break and introductions of our newly adopted children on Deck 7 over smoothies.  They funny part is we will be walking throughout the ship and our children will pass us saying, Hi Mom, Hi Dad.  We have a tentatively planned game night where we will battle another family in a game of family feud.  Woohoo!

Jan 28, 2010

Hawai’i makes me HAPPY

We have just had 4 wonderful days in Hawai’i.  Nate and I have been here 3 years ago on our Honeymoon but this visit was completely different in a whole new way.

The students, faculty and staff all find Hawai’i a welcome familiar face after 7 rough days at sea.  Hilo on the Island of Hawai’i is our first stop. 

When we arrive Nate is off to secure a rental car and Cindy and I are hosting an Open Ship event for the University of HI Hilo.  It went well and it was work as usual reminding me of what I would be doing if I was home.  Talk to student about this wonderful adventure where living and learning are an integrated community traveling around the world.

Our first day on the Big Island was awesome!  Nate, Laura, Janelle and I set out on what would be the best first day ever.  We took the main road that heads north from Hilo and continues west and then south reaching Kona.  Our first stop was the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens where we pulled off onto the side of the road and meandered down toward the gardens and rocky coastline.  We were in the middle of lush surroundings and beautiful flowers with the gentle crash of waves in the near distance.  When we got to the shoreline there were pieces of drift wood with rocks stacked on them as if there were an offering of respect of the ocean waters.  I made my own stack. 

Our first meal in Hawaii was my favorite meal so far.  We stopped at this smoothie bar that we heard some others speaking about and took advantage.  This little shack combined the best fruit making many mixtures tasty to all.  The surprise was found in their lunch special.  Nate and I shared a Spicy Taro burger that came with a side of papaya and banana and a salad who’s dressing reminded me of a coffee vinaigrette (if such a thing existed).  It was awesome!!!!

Now back to our journey, after refueling we drove through many different areas.  We had green lushness, cow pastures, hills and valleys and then volcanic stretches where noting seemed to grow.  We pulled off to enjoy the beach and cool off in the water before arriving to Kona.

Nate and I traveled to Kona on our Honeymoon but it seemed to have been even more developed then it was 3 years prior.  We stopped at the Kona Mountain Coffee Café and the Kona Brewery where we enjoy yummy pizza and beer.  Our last stop was Target before our drive back to Hilo.  We had great company, laughs, and fun.  It was a perfect day even with a late start. 

Day two was taking a trip to Volcano National Park with Chris and Courtney.  The ‘vog’ volcanic fog was pretty thick that day so we were unable to drive the who way around the great crater but we manages to experience steam vents and visit the Jagger Museum that provided some history and a great view.  It was a nice day to walk with great friends.

Our second stop was quite a highlight.  Courtney is writing about the concept of soaking in different parts of the world and what did you know…we found ourselves at a hot spring south of Hilo.  It was more of a hot pond and the ocean waters would spill cool the bathlike spring.  I had never been if a hot spring before and wow what have I been missing!

It was a great day and we got to see another part of the island.  There is never enough time but we made the most of our time on the Big Island of Hawai’i and look forward to our return.

We got back to the port just in time, after refueling and a quick stop at Subway.

Jan 24, 2010

Hawai’i Eve – Land Hoooo

It has been 7 days since we have seen land…pretty wild huh???  The rumor is that at some point today we may be able to see the peak of Mauna Kea (EL. 13,796ft). I am so excited!!!

Last night we had our Cultural Pre-port with an overview of History, Cultural, Politics, Music and Dance.  I am decided that I am going to try hard to pick a CD from ever country and truly have a sampling of music from around the world.  There is one other LLC, Jenny, that has a mic for her iPhone and is recording sounds from all the places she goes – too cool!

Although Nate and I have been to Kona, the Big Island, before we are hoping to make the drive the whole way around with some stops at the Kona Brewery, Scenic Overlooks and lava fields.  But, we are flexible.  We head to O’ahu next were tattoos may be in our future.

My work load seems to be getting more under control.  Last night I got to knit a little more and enjoyed working ‘Pizza Night’.  ‘Pizza Night’ is LLC lingo for Alcohol Service on Deck 7.  The students seem to be pretty well behaved and I am getting to learn more names of students each day.  The seas have calmed down too so I think this has raised everyone’s spirits.

Tonight we have our Logistical Pre-port where we get the nuts and bolts of where we are, how to get around, what time we have to get up and how we can clear the ship quickly and start our adventure on Terra Ferma.  This will be where they also remind the students that there is to be no skydiving…and if they get caught dock time will be had.

My belly is growling and lunch is quickly approaching so I am signing off.

I will have my phone on in HI so feel free to call, it will be very strange to hear the phone ring…it has been so nice to be disconnect but I miss you all!

Jan 20, 2010

To Sleep or to write, that is the questions…

Today is actually the 22^nd seeing that I have not found time to write and the days goes by so quickly.  As a part of my LLC role I am working two groups, Students of Service and Vicarious Voyage (on top of my regular LLC duties of roommate contract, cabin changes, student concerns, alcohol service, supervising my Student Assistant, etc). which have occupied a lot of my time over the last few days.  Honestly, I am looking forward to empowering these students so that they take the lead and I and get into a better routine.

A cool thing did happen, my sister is a high school teacher and I met a student who told me that she learned about Semester at Sea from a presentation that I did in her class and now I am her LLC.  She was going to go to the air force but chose college instead and look where she is today – pretty cool!

Back to sleeping, last night was very interesting.  We have diverted from our regular course to avoid a storm that is hitting the West Coast and we are feeling the after shock.  The sky has been sunny and it is getting warmer, I think the air temp as of yesterday was 72 degrees, but the ship is a rockin’.  As Nate and I were trying to fall asleep things are flying all over the place.  Chairs tipping over, drawers opening and closing, porthole cover banging, among other things made it hard to get quality sleep but yesterday I did get up early to exercise, the elliptical is a challenge and the treadmill is out of the question.  

Nate and I have been trying to have breakfast together but is seems like there is always something to do or prepare for.  I think we will need to be better at scheduling quality time, play card or watch a movie.  We are both having blast and still cannot believe we are traveling around the world with such great people.

Today, I have another Vicarious Voyage meeting where the groups can meet and start planning what they want to send to there classroom.  I hope it goes well as this whole process has taken too much time as I have had to work with spreadsheets that made more work then actually helped, but it will work out.

There is also two other programs, Success at Sea and Speed Friending – it should be fun!

I also wanted to share that I have begun knitting a scarf as a part of a group who will be sending the scarves to orphanages along with an attached prayer – very cool!!!!

Personally, my emotions have been rocking with this ship as one minute I am up and another I am overwhelmed and down.  I am truly looking forward to Hawaii and getting into a routine, spending more time with Nate, getting a battery for my computer so I can be more efficient (I have been hating computers and email since day one) and mostly time for myself to decompress each day.  I am so lucky to have this opportunity and I want to live up every moment, which means I need to break out of my sleepiness and be here now!

Jan 16, 2010

Final Day of Training

We have been in training now for 3 days and by today’s end I assume we should know everything, or just be flexible as many say.  We have such a great group of people.  Both Nate and I are trying to get to know everyone but it has been a challenger with over 100 faculty and staff.  Here is a typical day for a Living Learning Coordinator during training:

7am:                            Alarm

7:20am:                      Get  up and shower

8am:                            Breakfast

10am:                          Ship is moving to anchor off the coast of Ensenada Mexico

9am-11:15am:             Group Meetings

11:15am:                     LLC – Lifeboat training

12pm:                          Living Learning Team Lunch

4pm:                            Living Learning Team Meeting

6pm                             Dinner with Jason – Auction update

7:15pm                        Living Learning Team Meeting

10pm:                          Back Alongside in Ensenada Mexico

Today we will be out at anchor, the seas are a bit rocky leaving port and a few people felt a little off, Nate and I have been doing well and the weather has been beautiful, feels like fall, not that I have been outside except for Breakfast and Lunch – boo!

Last night we, the Living Learning Team and our guests, were able to get off the ship for a nice dinner.  I was a little skeptical as our group totaled at 27 and no one really spoke Spanish, but we all ordered our food and drinks without a problem.  We ate at El Charro, which was big enough to hold us and had rotisserie chickens and homemade tortillas being made in the front window – I can speak for the tortillas as they we yummy with some guacamole.  I had the enchiladas queso and Nate had the Mexican Combination (taco, enchilada and tostada) I love Mexican food!

It was a lot of fun!  After dinner we all disbursed going our separate ways.  A group went to the movies (I believe they saw Sherlock Holmes) and others went back to the ship.  Nate, Janelle and I went to this bar known for inventing the first margarita –it was an experience.  We were the only non-Mexicans but there was live music, lots of laughter, and felt like a very local place, we did not stay long just enough time to enjoy the atmosphere and a drink.  Afterwards we went to the hotel club that we could see from the street to see what it was all about.  It was playing 70s and 80s in Spanish and we were the only ones in the bar – they told us that it gets busy later but we left.

It has been hard to balance, personal time, training and site seeing but imagine it will get better.  The students arrive tomorrow!

Well, tomorrow will be a bit crazy and I hope I can share the events with you as soon as possible.  We set sail for Hawaii in less then 24 hours.

Sorry that there has not been much reflection here but the days are so jammed packed that I do not think I have had much time to reflect.  I know that I have a great team, that I wish Nate and I could spend a little more time together, that I am getting closer to getting more organized and that everything will fall into place. 

TTFN

Jan 12th 2010

Tomorrow is the big day, stepping foot onto the MV Explorer, me, Nate, 4 bags, 2 backpacks, 2 laptops, and 1 pillow – PRICELESS!  Packing for 4 months with varying climates OVERWHELMING!

Today we not only got to sleep in a bit but enjoy the wonderful weather in San Diego, mid 60s-70s and it is JANUARY OMG!  Today, in a nutshell, Muffins and Seagulls on Broadway Pier, the USS Midway, Seaport Village with it’s own Skateboarding Chicken, Gaslamp District and lunch at Bondi an Aussie Restaurant, and after the 5 hour walk we took a 45min nap back at the hotel.  Needless to say we needed a little R&R before the floodgates open tomorrow.

Coming to San Diego early was perfect as we transition into time zones and catch our breath.  With a stop at Super Target yesterday thanks to Brian & Jenn, our packing is complete but the major highlight was visiting family.  They providing an awesome send-off with homemade dinner (thanks Aunt Patty and Uncle Tom), seeing Hayden is getting so tall and walking, meeting Carson as he is so active after celebrated his 1 week birthday, Dave and Jodi look tired as they adjust to their newly expanded family, Brain and Jenn are great and we thank them for their hospitality. 

I will be trying super hard to post something as often as possible.  At 11am we begin our journey.  Buckle up and hold on for the ride. 

Jan 7, 2010

One week until we board the MV Explorer!  Guess we should start packing...or at least work on the laundry!  More to come...