at sea, and shipboard life

At sea there are sunsets. Perhaps the sunrises are equally spectacular, but I really don't from direct observation except for the mornings when we enter a new port when I do rise early.

Fact (that we all know from school but forget until experiencing it): at the Equator the sun rises and sets at about 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. all year long.

Tugboats

As we enter and leave the ports, there are always tugboats and, of course, the speedy boats that deliver and take back the Pilot from each harbor. I enjoy a great fascination with these harbor craft .... and would perhaps enjoy a ride-along some time in the future.

One morning while crossing the Atlantic we passed by the Azores Islands.

Long ago when I was first aware of my father flying to Europe for meetings he told me of stopping mid-way across the Atlantic to refuel the airplane. At that time, he brought me a hand-crafted doll from the Azores.

Occasionally we view a ship in the distance but generally we simply see ocean, ocean, ocean.

Refueling at Las Palma Island of the Canary Island archipelago took about 6 hours.

The MV Explorer is our vessel for Semester at Sea. On this Fall 2010 voyage there are 610 students, 35 Faculty, 30-40 Staff, 63 LifeLong Learners, 28 dependent children, and almost 200 wonderful Crew! In addition to the many different cabins, we have a Computer Center, a Library, a small medical facility, an outdoor basketball/volleyball court, a swimming and sunbathing deck, several workout facilities, two large dining rooms, 9 classrooms, and of course, the Purser's Desk which is the administrative center of the ship.

Magnolia

Cabin 4075 is called Magnolia. Spatious, with abundant built-in storage, it is bright with a large window overlooking the starboard side. Cheerful Cabin Steward Joel is teaching me greetings in his Phillippino language.

Absentee Ballots and Voting

Fifteen of us got together to witness and sign our respective absentee ballots for Charlottesville City and Albemarle County's fall election.

Teaching Drawing and Collage on the MV Explorer is challenging and interesting. The (not studio art) teaching rooms are packed with students and their art supplies - not to mention the challenge of creating art as the ship rolls and pitches! It's all fun!

Dean David gives a powerpoint lecture on Archbishop Desmond Tutu's award for lifetime achievement in African affairs which he just received in Ghana from King Tutu, King of the Ashanti and 19 other lesser Kings plus the VP of Ghana and numerous elected officials.

Archbishop Tutu and his wife are traveling with Fall 2010 Semester at Sea for the duration of the voyage. This is a vacation and step toward his retirement from world affairs, and he will celebrate his 80th birthday during the voyage. The Archbishop and wife Leah regularly associate and dine with students and faculty and he gives occasional lectures and is a guest in some of the classes on board. What a wonderful person he is!

Explorer Series

Many evenings at 8 p.m. Interport Lecturers, Faculty, or Staff with special knowledge topics speak in The Union for the optional Explorer Series lectures. Here Mary and Jim Davidson, both former career Secret Service Agents, speak of life in the Secret Service guarding the President, investigating counterfeit money, training, and more.

Neptune Day

Jovial ceremonies to initiate all the when crossing the Equator. First the 'polywogs' are doused with yucky fish water, then they jump into the pool. Each must 'kiss a fish', kiss King Neptune's ring, and be approved by the Queen. Many have their head's shaved for this initiation. Note Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs. Tutu happily watch the proceedings.