EQUATOR SUN

is no joke....OUCH!

in other news, for the past few days we have been traveling up the
Amazon river! The water looks like the chocolate river from Charlie And
The Chocolate Factory. Learning about all of the deadly species that
live here has been quite the experience as well! For example, the
"kissing bug" lands on your lips and injects it's poison. 5 years later,
your brain swells and you die. Bug spray and malaria pills are my new
bestfriend!
Tomorrow, I leave on a flight headed for RIO! I am very excited to
"hopefully" (fingers crossed) be able to upload some pictures! I will
post again soon!
Lots of Love from South America!!

My Suite Life on Deck!

    Ever thought about what it would be like to live in an enclosed area, with the same 700 people, for 4 months, in the middle of the ocean? Me either. Coming on this voyage, my worries were about being in country and what I would see around the world that would change my life. What I didn't realize was that there would be just as many challenges in my everyday life while at sea. As of today, I have been at sea for 4 days. Non stop motion and rocking, for 4 days, and I still have 2 days to go before we arrive to Manaus, Brazil. Between classes and work, the rocking starts to become the norm, as everyone fights to stay on their feet. Lucky for us, we have had calm waters thus far. I have heard that the time between Ghana and South Africa, and parts of Asia, is when to expect chairs flying and people falling. I am happy to say that I am no longer getting sea sickness, nor am I taking any medication for the motion!
    FOOD. I have never been in the situation that I had to eat cafeteria food for an extended period of time. Well, that time has come, and it is hard. No one understands what I would do right now for some of mommy's rice and beans..Our menu on board consists of the same breakfast everyday, and different variations of pasta and potatoes for lunch and dinner. Also the cafeteria is only open limited hours, 3 times a day. Oh, and there are no Hot Cheetos for purchase, and a diet coke is $2.
    How about a day in the life of Maya at sea. Maya W. that is, there is also Maya A. and Maya T. They are both my friends, and we have fun introducing ourselves at the same time. Also, I work with Maya A, so they always mess up our schedules. OK. Our classes are broken down by “A day and B day classes” instead of “MWF, TTH”. For example, today, Saturday, is an A day and tomorrow a B day. Then, we will have Monday through Saturday off in Brazil. Also, between each set of classes is a “reading day”. Now why can't regular school be like this? This morning I woke up at 7am. My roommate came back from the gym and turned on all the lights and started throwing pillows at me. Better than an alarm clock? I'm not sure.. we are on the same morning schedule, so we always wake up at the same time. We got ready and headed to breakfast. For breakfast I had eggs, POTATOES, pancakes, and fruit. I usually have cereal or oatmeal, but was hungry this morning. After breakfast, I headed to my class called Rhetoric of Equality and Social Justice. Doesn't this class just scream “Maya”!!?? I love it. After class I went to the “Field Office” to make sure that I am signed up for all of the trips in all of the countries that I want, and that I need for my classes. After an hour of questions and teeth pulling, I am good to go! I headed back to my room for nap time. My ROOMMATE was already sleeping and ahead of the game. I have too much reading to do, so I headed to the Piano Lounge instead of napping today. I am getting much reading done as I write this blog..can't you tell? After this, I have class again at 1, and then work right after. Oh lunch is somewhere in there. After work, I will have more time to study, and then dinner. After dinner, we usually have meetings or just time to do whatever. I personally am a fan of the 7th deck, observation deck with friends and card games. CARD GAMES. We have no facebook, no youtube, not texting, no tv. We have quality time with people, and we all give 100% of our attention without any distractions. There is a different kind of friendship that is formed on this trip because of the amount of time we spend together, and the experiences we share together.
    For once after the age of 5, I was told that NAPPING is normal and understandable for everyone on the ship. Dr. Bill told us that we don't understand how many calories and how much energy we are using just so that we can stand and walk on this ship. It is a constant balance that we must maintain in order that we don't fall to the floor. He said that it is normal to always be sleepy, and to always be hungry. That, and that there are 7 flights of stairs between the bottom of the ship and the top.
    STUDY TIME is hard on the ship because I have to be in complete silence to get anything done. The only place to do this is in my room, but because I am on a lower deck, there is too much rocking and I just want to sleep, or I start feeling bad. SLEEP time is amazing though. I cannot complain about being rocked to sleep every night to the sound of waves crashing on my wall.
    PROFESSORS are amazing. I love them. I saw my Language and Globalization professor and his family on a hike in Dominica, and I see my other professors all the time at meals, and just walking around with their families. It's pretty neat. Some of the best classes I have ever taken!
    TOILETS are especially fun. So far on the voyage we have had 2 hand towels flushed down the toilet. This in return backed up a whole floor of toilets, and caused the whole half of the ship to smell like sulfur. What a joy that was!
    Intranet on the ship will make anyone want to jump overboard. The only real times it works is early in the morning, or late at night. But, on the rare occasion that it connects, everything is delayed. Maybe it has something to do with our 1 satellite, and that we are in the MIDDLE of the ocean. Today I overheard someone say, “after dinner I am going to party, and by party I mean check my e-mail”. I could not say it any better! I do enjoy getting e-mails, it makes me happy :)
    On Tuesday, I will be headed to RIO for the whole 3 days in Brazil, which I am pretty excited for! PICTUERS PICTUER PICTURES. I know, I am working on it! Hopefully in Brazil :)

Dominica Loveeee

Dominica has stolen my heart! Early yesterday (1/23) morning 570 anxious college students, professors, life long learners, and everyone else on the MV Explorer woke up around 8am to the sight of land. Not like the day before when we passed Puerto Rico, this was our stop! In the required Global Studies class, we had learned everything about the nation from culture, food, history and health and safety. However, no amount of lectures could prepare us for what was in store for the next two days.

Dominica is not the same as the Dominican Republic. Dominica is a small island located along side both the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean ocean. Dominica gained it's independence shortly before the 1976 Hurricane David that nearly wiped the island flat, killing many people and devastating the new nation. After much hard work and community strength, the people rebuilt and are now a fully functioning independent place for many people to call home. The primary language spoken is english, and many older generations speak creole. The country is built on a sleeping volcano that hasn't been active for an estimated 10,000 years. 70% of the peoples in Dominica are Catholic and strictly enforcing in many areas. It was reported that a man was killed after having been suspected of being homosexual. On the same note, the police on the streets do not carry guns because it is said to be so safe, and there is no need. Dominica has one of the worlds most advanced economic systems which is a real wake up call when we see the amount of poverty and underdevelopment, and try and compare it to our home. There are to this day a small number of indigenous people called the Carib Tribe. They live and survive in the rainforest. Some students were fortunate enough to visit the tribe on what was described as a “reservation”. The average year-long temperature in Dominica is 86 degrees F. One local described the 2 seasons as “wet, and wetter.”

Throughout my stay in Dominica, my most valuable lesson that I learned was that when in a vehicle, the best thing is just to close my eyes and pray! There are no real street laws, they drive on the left (not wrong) side of the road, and the driver is on the right side of the car. Taxis will honk and chase you down to give you a ride. I personally have mixed feelings about the taxis. On one hand, they are ripping us off SO bad. It does seem a bit wrong when everyone is getting charged different, from $2 USD-$25 USD for the same 5 minute ride. On the other hand, I do fully realize that we are walking dollar signs. These people have been counting down the days until over 700 Americans would flood their town and drop money like we are millionaires. Everything from transportation, food, and souvenirs add up pretty fast! While most of the students here come from very wealthy families, and can afford to spend over $100 dollars on alcohol in one night, there are a good number of us who are treating this AMAZING opportunity as more than a booze cruise. It was in this port that I truly realized who the people are that I want to make memories with sober, and those who are going try and get drunk in every country. I can in no way justify wasting this learning adventure on being one of those “stupid American tourists” that terrorize a modest country with alcohol and partying.

On a much lighter note, the things I did and saw in Dominica are still blowing my mind! The people I have talked to is still processing. Every conversation is on repeat in my brain. Those “God is good!” moments when we saw the most beautiful things are flashing through my eyes. I started yesterday by having a local lunch and then going on an Aerial Tram through the Rainforest. For lunch, we went to a small restaurant (shack with no “A health notice” hanging in the window.) I ordered the curry chicken dish that came with rice, potato salad, coleslaw, and a coke (not made with high fructose corn syrup) It was so good and didn't get sick!! THE RAINFOREST. The air was the freshest air that has ever touched my lungs. The cool breeze was the most refreshing breeze as it dropped 15 degrees at the top. There are not many species of animals here, except for birds. There are over 120 species of birds, 4 species of snakes and frogs, and millions of plants and trees. One tree had berries that have been proven to kill the HIV virus, but also kill the person. The guide said that it is good because then person then “becomes a science rat”. After making it to the very top, our group took a hike down to the base. I wasn't brave enough to zip-line down...maybe in Brazil! Next I met with a group of friends to go snorkeling in the Caribbean ocean. I am not a very good swimmer, but was so intrigued by Sponge Bob's home, that I found myself FAR away from the shore. I saw a swordfish, all the sea plants, a squid, and many kinds of fish. This was my first time in a warm water ocean, and I don't think I can ever go back to the Pacific ocean! When we were done snorkeling, we headed back up to the entry way of the Champagne Reefs. To our surprise, everything was closed, no one was there, and for once, there was not a single taxi or car on the road. Stranded 6 miles from town, up in a forest region, by ourselves, us 4 girls started walking. The sun was already down and it would be dark soon. 2 cars zoomed by us almost taking us out. Finally, a big white van drove by and we waved them down. They stopped, we jumped in and they took off. THEN, we decided it was a good time to ask if they could take us back to the ship, and how much it would be. So yes, those big white vans that we were always worried about as kids, that went out the window, and I hitchhiked back to town. They never really said anything to us over their blasting reggae music, but finally we got about a mile from the ship and they told us the rest of the way would be another $15 USD. SO, being the poor college students that we are, we walked the rest of the way, in the now dark, cutting through ally ways, and passing by whistling men hanging out in cars and porches. Because we eventually made it back, it is not a thrilling story to tell the grand kids. But at the moment, I wanted to take out my camera so bad, but did not feel safe to do so. Also, when we were out, there was not a SASer in sight, nor was there any officials, or taxi drivers. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! Talk about bonding time. :)

After all the exciting things that day, my friends and I went out to dinner at a local restaurant. We didn't even order anything and the women came out with 4 big plates of food. It was delicious. Then, we headed back to the ship and met up with some more friends. We talked and laughed the night away out on the pool deck, getting to know each other, and the worker who is from India.

The next day, today, I woke up early and started with the same breakfast that we have everyday. We walked into town to get local currency, and go to the market. My bartering is getting better already! My group then found a cab driver who was willing to take us to the waterfalls, the place where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, and anywhere else we wanted for $10 USD round trip. This man grew to be my favorite Dominican. His name is Israel and he is 63 years old. He stayed with us all day, showing us where everything was and making sure that we were safe. We first drove back to the rainforest and did a 3 mile hike high up in the nature. It was rough, but totally worth the soreness that I am feeling right now. After this, Israel took us to the waterfalls. They were huge and called the Ma and Pa waterfalls. The Ma was shorter and wider, and the Pa was taller and slimmer. We took pictures and headed down some more trails until we got to hot springs at the bottom. They felt just like a spa, and we relaxed for a bit. To end the day in Dominica, we went to a local grocery store and bought some snacks to take back with us for the next 5 day stretch before we arrive in Brazil. I found a pack of candy strawberry rings that were packaged in Santa Monica CA. And they would usually be $1 USD, they were $6 EC which is about $3 USD.

Dominica is definitely my favorite port so far!!! I need to come back here asap. It has left me with nothing more than a thirst for more, and I told some new friends that I would be back soon, so I will hold myself to that. The houses and buildings lining the hills, the naturally fresh air filled with smog, to the 1 well paved road that gave way to the gradually rougher roads, eventually leading to the run down houses and stray dogs roaming the streets, this place is a blessing from above who needs a hand out of poverty. I pray that this SAS visit has left a good impression on the country, and that we will be reunited one day. I need to stop promising pictures soon, it is really impossible at this point, but I do promise that I have already taken over 500 pictures and you will be the first who I share the beauty of the world with! Lots of Love, Pray hard
-Maya

Day 3&4

1/20

And we're off!!! The ship left Nassau a few hours ago at 1200 hours. (this military time stuff is hard) Some of the students who were supposed to be on the ship were stuck in Florida because they didn't get their visas on time, so we are going back for them! We will return to Nassau at about 1730 and leave for good at 2030. Today was our orientation and we were sitting in meetings all day. I believe we will be arriving to our first port on Monday or Tuesday.

This place is so unreal. Right now I am sitting in the Piano bar with a bunch of people, listening to Destiny, a deaf student, rock out on the piano. She is amazing!! Dinner is in 30 minutes, and then we will have the opportunity to sign up for clubs and groups that we want to get involved in.

1/21

My day has been pretty crazy so far. I woke up before 6 and met a friend in the gym. She is hard core military and joining the marines after this trip! So I told her to get me into shape! haha The ship is moving VERY fast to make up for the lost time, but it's moving A LOT. So after the gym, I had an 8am (Rhetoric of Equality and Social Justice). I went back to the room to shower and when I got out, I felt soooo sick. So I managed to get to breakfast and could barely touch my food. I went straight to class and was about to throw up the whole time. I had my eyes closed, sitting super still. I couldn't participate, take notes, or  anything. So when I was at work my professor came in and I apologized and explained that I was sick. She is a very nice "big black momma" and was very understanding. After that class, I went back to my room with a ginger ale and took a nap. I woke up feeling much better and went to my next class. This next class was Language and Globalization. The professor is from UCI, and he seems sooo amazing! I am very interested and excited for this class! Straight from there, I went to work. It was a lot of fun, I know Carla would say I work to slow, and I could see it in one of my supervisors eyes...how am I supposed to know how to fold clothes all perfectly?! But the other supervisor is very nice and friendly. After work, I bought some things. I bought a blanket, itinerary shirt, and a water bottle. I told her I was done shopping for the week. She said "yeah right! if you don't shop for the rest of the week, I will cut my hair short!!" haha The adventures continue. I went back to my room only to realize that I forgot my key Luckily, my cabin steward was walking by and let me in for free Now, I am in the piano study lounge. My personal favorite hangout. We have some very talented musicians on board. After dinner, I have a meeting for Vicarious Voyage (partnership with my mom's classroom) and then the pre-port meeting. We are loosing another hour again tonight, putting me 4 hours ahead of Cali time. We will arrive to Dominica tomorrow sometime.

I am feeling a million times better and I think I just got sick because I took my wristbands off to workout. I am going to have to find something else to do, maybe join the Zumba club! Oh, last night I signed up for a Diversity and Social Justice club, Lutheran Service Club, and Extended Family group, which matches life long learners, faculty, staff, and students into families that we will have a dinner with, keep in contact with and so on.

Hopefully, or not, I will have the opportunity in Dominica to upload some pictures to the blog. Talk to every one soon! Lots of Love!!

maya.wandsberg.s12@semesteratsea.org

DAY 1 & 2

WOW! I don't even know where to begin. This is been so amazing so far! I
boarded the ship yesterday for my work study assignment. I met my
roommate Becca in our "whole in the wall" that they call a cabin! It is
the smallest room in the world. As soon as you walk through the door
there is my suitcase blocking the entry because there is absolutely no
other floor space and we haven't unpacked yet! My roommate is super nice
and I think we are going to get along just fine. She is from Florida but
goes to school in North Carolina. California is the most represented
state on the voyage pf 570 students. I have been meeting people from all
over the US, Mexico, China, and so many other places. The staff and
life-long learners are some of the most amazing people I have ever met!
Okay, back to what I have been up to..
Yesterday after getting situated, we had dinner, (which was
AMAZING. Lamb curry) and then had a meeting for all work study students.
We met with our supervisors and got an introduction to our job. Working
in the campus store, I get paid $30 an hour for 2 hours a day, to fold
clothes. How's that for my first real job! We get to choose our own
hours, we can split the 2 hours during the day, and we can decorate the
store how ever we want, we can play our own music, and come up with
specials and promotions. Easiest and most fun job on the ship.
After that, it was time to prepare for the bon voyage parent
reception. One of the perks of being work study was that we would be on
the ship with our parents and show them around. My mom and cliff boarded
the ship, (you go through more pat downs and screenings than the airport
at every entry and exit) and went to a meeting, ate DELICIOUS food, and
I got to show them around a bit. I also was able to show them my room
and introduced them to my roommate which was definitely neat. THEN, it
was time for "good-bye". It was hard. For both of us, but I know that
these 4 months will fly, and everything will be good. After, I headed
back to my room and hung out with Becca and another friend. We both went
to bed early because we had an early wake up call this morning.
6am!!!! Breakfast and in the Union (which is the main meeting
place) by 7am. phewwww!! Today is a big day! It is embarkation and time
to help check in 500 more students to the MV Explorer. I helped at the
Finances table, telling people that they still owe ISE $27,000..hahah. I
worked with my friend Allison and a man named Tom. We were a good team
and got through everyone by lunch time. For lunch we had lo-mein, pork
chops, 2 kinds of salad, bread, ...the list goes on of our choices!
After lunch I went to the computer lab to get my e-mail working and
everything set up on my computer. Good to go!
Now, I am back in my room with my roommate this time for real,
GOING TO UNPACK!! This room is a mess. Just like at home :) By the way,
my shower is a corner in the bathroom. I can't turn around or move
without hitting the shower curtain or wall. I will blog as much as
possible! We leave the Bahamas this evening at 11pm, headed to Dominica,
pronounced (Dom-in-neeka). Bring it motion sickness!!!! Love you all!
Proverbs 3:5-6

BAHAMAS!

I am busy getting all of the last minute things in order for tonight! Tonight I leave LAX, and will arrive to the Bahamas at 3pm tomorrow! (2 layovers). It is real now! I will send you guys an update when I get to the resort. Prayers are appreciated :) Lots of Love!!

1 WEEK!

One week from today, the Spring 2012 voyage will be pulling away from Nassau. On our way to the WORLD! Even though it is so soon, I still have no real emotions. I'm excited to leave, to meet all the people from the Facebook group! I am scared to be away from my family for so long. This will definitely be the hardest. Yesterday my 4 year old cousin said "Prima, when you leave, I might cry or something". Broke my heart. So today, my grandma bought her a globe so that she can track me for the next 4 months. I am most excited to fly to the Bahamas! I love flying! Today is packing day, I really should start soon! There are still many things that I need to buy, but my family has been so supportive, and everyone is pitching in. I am truly blessed. This opportunity is a blessing sent straight from my Heavenly Father. I still need to figure out how to update this thing straight from my e-mail so that I don't use any of my internet minutes. I also still need to call Wells Fargo, Sprint, and set up my SAS free e-mail! WOW! So much to do and I leave on Monday! Thank you all for your continued prayers, it's the only reliable thing that I can have for the duration of my trip. He won't leave me for a minute, He won't leave you either! Put your trust in the Lord, He is too great!
I will update this as much as possible, at least once per country. Lots of Love! See you in the BAHAMAS!