Crossing the Atlantic

            As the title might suggest, the MV explorer is making the trek across the pond from Brazil to Ghana, Africa. We have only been on the ship for three days, and it already seems like a week, but there is something calming about looking out at the Sea and seeing no sign of civilization around me.

            I recently got back from Rio De Janeiro, one of the prettiest cities I have ever been too. The days were packed and the group I went with did all the standard tourist things- Chilled on Copacabana beach, took photos by Christ the Redeemer, (which I by accident deleted…wooops) and hiked Sugar Loaf Mountain.  Some less standard tourist things included a night at a Samba Club, and a trip to a Pacified Favela. Favelas are all over Brazil, and the ones, which are not pacified, are extremely dangerous. It felt invasive going into the slums and touring around as if the people living there were nothing but an attraction, but it was a mind-blowing experience. They live in shacks, but the odd time you would see one with a satellite dish, a little out of context, but the people were happy with the little they had.

            I am excited for Ghana, so I am trying to get ahead on work. I better get back to life at sea.

            Xx Jen. 

Rio Rio Rio

Breakfast on the Amazon, Standard.

As the title may suggest, I started my day off today sailing on the MV Explorer (Semester at Sea Boat) eating breakfast on the Amazon River.  We are currently on our way to Brazil, after leaving port in Roseau, Dominica a few days ago. Dominica was an amazing first port. It hardly seems part of the Caribbean because it’s so remote, but the Rasta’s and Red, Yellow, and Green colored buildings made it more in theme.

The highlight of the port in Dominica was an independent trip a couple of other SAS kids and I loosely organized. We hardly knew where we were going, and a two-hour hike was not what I had in mind. However, at the end of the two hours we ended up deep in the Dominican Rainforest at the base of a 250 ft waterfall, the highest on the whole island. It was amazing, we all jumped into the river base while this 250 ft stream of water dropped all around us.  Totally surreal.

 At the 250 ft Waterfall in Dominica

It’s hard to put in words the SAS experience so far. In one word I’d describe it as…Surreal. I don’t think it will hit me until I’m off the ship the experience that is SAS. It hardly seems like school, considering the fact that in between class half the ship is outside tanning on the pool deck-drinking smoothies, and when class is in session, you’re rocking back and forth and no one can focus.

            I don’t mean to boast or make all of you, my friends and family in -10 degree whether…. jealous, but it’s hard to not rave about this trip. Everyday is a new adventure. We’re on the same ship sailing around different parts of the world, but the background is always changing. It’s hard to believe that in three days Manaus, Brazil will surround the ship…and in three weeks time the coast of South Africa will be in the background.   

I’ve got to go to class, but I guess next is lunch on the Amazon River?

Rough life.

Missing you all from at Sea!

Day 3 at Sea: Up and Running, Literally.

Before I start to get into the details that might be of interest to you all, I want to explain the title of my first blog post.  It went for a run today in the ship’s exercise room, which was quite the experience. Most exercise equipment I have been on has all kinds of fun functions; jogging trail, mountain climbs, up hills, ect. Trust me, those settings don’t quite prepare you for the experience of running at sea…I almost fell off several times, and for those of you who now how spastic I am, that’s not surprising.

So for the most part, I am now officially UP AND RUNNING (side note: I cut my toe on the door and almost had to get a stitch today).

Here are some fun facts about my time at sea so far…

Roommate: My roomie at sea is from Wisconsin, and her name is Brit. She’s cool, and of course has the mid western American accent. She doesn’t say “Ya’ll”, but she makes fun of me when I say “Eh.”

All other American’s on board: My goal by the end of this voyage is to make friends with at least one person from every state. So far I can check off; Colorado, Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, Kentucky, and California, so I am well on my way towards my goal.

Class: When the sea is your classroom, it’s hard to focus on school, but Mom and Dad, don’t worry; I have been to all 3/3 of my classes.

            I think I’m going to end my first post because I’m really hungry, and the dude’s pizza beside me looks really good, but I promise I will try and “blog,” (I still can’t believe I’m a “blogger,”) as much as possible.

            To my friends and family at home: I miss and love you all, I wish you could all be here, but I’m glad that it’s me that is.

Ps- my SAS email is jmmccain@semesteratsea.net (Free for you and me!)

            Jen at Sea Signing OUT! Xo.

Staying in Touch at Sea

There are several ways you can contact me while I am away.

As a general rule, look here first to check up on me! I will be in remote places and access to communication will be difficult. If I need to get in contact with you, I will find a way!

If you need to contact me, here are some details:

EMAIL

I will have access to my email jme.mccain@gmail.com, and jmccain@dal.ca on a weekly basis.

The best way to contact me is through my Semester at Sea Email (TBD), it's free and fast!

MAIL

To look up shipping locations and methods visit: 

http://www.semesteratsea.org/current-voyage/overview/staying-in-touch.php

CELL 

I will have limited access to my phone, the best way to stay in touch is my semester at sea email!

ALL OTHER: 

Visit the Spring 2011 Link which gives all the details about Jen at sea:

http://www.semesteratsea.org/current-voyage/overview/