All Aboard!!

Hello all!

So today is my second official day on board the Semester at Sea voyage, and it is ABSOLUTELY amazing! I can’t even begin to explain how amazing it is to be able to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner outside in the sun overlooking the crystal clear blue water with the sun glistening down on it!

The ship itself is pretty amazing..The casino room has been turned into a library and there are volumes upon volumes of encyclopedias and travel guides to each country and port we will be visiting there! I can’t say that I’ve been spending much time in the library as of yet…. But I’m sure I will a bit in the near future! There are computer labs and study areas as well as two dining halls and 10 classrooms!

On top of that, there is FULL room service for each cabin! My bed and clothes are all folded for me when I get back to my room, the bathrooms are cleaned each day, and once a week we give our laundry to the crew who cleans and delivers it back to us the following day --- I could definitely get used to this!

Yesterday was the first day I tried using the gym, but it was much more difficult to work out and run when the ship goes back and forth, swaying side to side! It as kind of funny to see everyone falling off machines a little as we swayed back and forth…But I think by far the coolest thing so far is the fact that I get to stretch and lift weights outdoor overlooking the ocean! There’s always a cool breeze and it is really a relaxing work out!

And the next most important thing, which is very near and dear to my heart – FOOD!

The cafeterias are half outdoor, so I get to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner facing the ocean!

There is actually a good amount of vegetarian food as well. We have fresh fruit, toast, bagels, scrambled eggs for breakfast. Pastas, salads, tacos, rice, and more for lunch and dinner..But obviously there is no gajar ka halwa and pyaaz ke parathe..so I have a feeling I will be crazing Mom’s food very, very soon! My trick is pouring tobasco sauce on every single thing I come across!

In terms of sea sickness…It was a little hard the first day, but I think I’m getting used to it! The best part is going to sleep..It literally feels like I’m back in a rocker and someone is slowly rocking me to bed!

I start my first day of classes today! I am currently working in the Admin office assisting professors and staff with their classes, but at 11am I start my full day of classes. I have straight class from 11am-5pm, but I am very excited actually, as all the classes are incredibly unique and hopefully interesting!

Well that’s it for now! Thanks for all of you who are reading! Please leave any comments, questions, and thoughts for me! I will constantly be checking my email and I’ll update my blog as fast as I can!

Miss everyone tons – especially my family!

Love, Neha