Fueling Up: Puerto Rico Harbor

I think that the seasickness has mostly subsided. The majority of the queasiness was finished yesterday morning after a dose of Dramamine. Getting used to being on the boat is a bit of a struggle between gaining sea legs and meeting new people. I never thought that it would be so daunting. There are so many people from California on the boat. It feels like Californians make up at least 1/3 of the ship’s population.

Last night we deviated from our original chartered course by 75 miles to avoid a tropical storm. I believe that we were going 26 knots. The boat was rocking and rolling everywhere. You all should have seen people walking up the stairs. It was hysterical we all looked like we had too much to drink.

The first day of class was today. They are split up between A days and B days. Since today was an A day I only had one class scheduled. The bulk of my classes are on my B days starting at 8:00 am and finishing around 2:15. I’m only taking 12 units this semester so it’s a nice break from the 18-19 that I usually take.

I’ve been meeting really great people. Every meal that I’ve had since I’ve been onboard has been with a different group. I can’t say that all of their names are sticking quite yet but for the most part I’m on top of it.

We have free e-mail access on the ship so if you can e-mail me at rlmccarroll@semesteratsea.net

Not feeling home sick yet, but I’m defiantly tired. And yes Mom I’m staying out of the sun.

Good-bye Bahamas

I am exhausted to say the least. The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind. I can’t believe that I am on board the ship and already making our way to Brazil. Everything seems surreal at the moment.

My roommate for the night, Shannon, and I decided to go to the club at the hotel. Semester at Sea students over took the entire dance floor and club for that matter. It was a good start to the semester. Lord knows that I love to dance.

It is amazing to see the amount of people on the boat. I’ve met people from Bermuda and Central America already. Everyone has a different style, accent and personality. Several groups seem to already be forming. The only thing that I could really compare it to would be freshman year moving into the dorms, but on a much different playing field.

My roommate on the boat, Beth, is from New Jersey, but goes to the University of San Diego. It is nice to have someone who goes to school in So Cal. She even knew where Torrance was. Pretty exciting stuff, hope that everyone is doing well back at home!!

Only two days left...

Packing is about to be the death of me. I can't even believe how much stuff is necessary for me to take on this trip. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm getting nervous. To be honest, I think that I am more anxious than anything. All I have left to do is pack my bags and get on the plane. Well I'm going to get back to the grind. I hope that all of you had a great first day back at school. I miss my Chico people like crazy! Have a great semester!

Hello To All!!

Taking my cue from a much loved cartoon, Carmen San Diego, I have titled my site appropriately. :) I wanted to have a place where I could share all of my experiences and shenanigans with all of you back home. I will be posting updates, photos and thoughts as often as possible. I leave for the Bahamas August 27th and the ship embarks on the first leg of our voyage August 29th. I miss all of you already and I can't wait to see what these next few months hold.