8 Days Without Land

So I’m here! Right the middle of the ocean, a little more than halfway to Hawaii. It’s really strange to think how far away we are from land, and it takes us 8 days to get to Hawaii, and then about 11 after that to Japan!!

Lots of time on the boat, but it’s been so busy and everything is new so it’s going by quickly. Nothing is normal here…. I don’t even know how to write about it. I still can’t get myself to believe this is where we’re living all semester…. It just feels like summer camp or a week-long cruise. I’ve never met so many people in such a short time and it’s impossible to remember names.. but everyone is so friendly and just as excited as Allyn and I are. It’s funny that the typical conversations we have are like “what do you have planned for Japan?” or “are you going skydiving in Hawaii?”  The only thing I don’t think we were all expecting is the constant, and I mean literally non-stop extreme rocking of the boat since we left Ensenada. Sometimes it feels like the ship is tipping all the way sideways. Everyone was so sea sick the first couple days but I guess we’re getting used to it now. Now it’s just annoying! Everyone looks drunk walking around, everything slides around on the tables, and I don’t think I’ve ever had so much trouble running on the treadmill. Allyn and I woke up twice the other night to our dresser flying off the wall and crashing face down on the floor. And the drawers just open and close non-stop. Luckily my professors say it’s only the Pacific that is rough like this, and it’s temporary. Plus we had to change our route to go around some huge storm so the waves are probably left over from that.

But the weather has been amazing! It’s getting warmer and warmer and everyone’s starting to lay out by the pool now. I got so burnt the other day just sitting outside for a few minutes waiting for class. The water is soo blue and beautiful and we get amazing sunrises and sunsets every day. I finally saw a bird flying by for the first time today… which is kinda weird because I have no idea where it would come from… we’re about 1100 miles from land!

Anywho, everyone is just anxious to get to Hawaii right now.  A lot of people are talking about skydiving, which I’m getting more convinced would be really awesome. We don’t have many other plans though except to go surfing and enjoy the beach... and definitely stock up on food because I don’t know how long I can live off of pb&j.

I really wish I could explain what it’s like on the ship but I just don’t know what to say. Everything is just so crazy and not real! All the professors are really eclectic and energetic and they bring their families with them so little kids are on here too.

Well I’m about to go do some yoga with a group on the top deck…. And then I guess try to get my reading done which is impossible to do because we’re in the middle of the ocean and it’s beautiful outside! I don’t know how I’ll ever get work done. Oh well! It’s been amazing so far and I can’t believe this is my life for the whole semester! I love it =)

-Michele