Day 3. Classes + Waves + First Pub Night = Nausea

Good late evening from the MV Explorer.

The Atlantic Ocean must be pissed about something, and she is letting her anger out on us! Even me, who is usually not phased by motion sickness found myself really struggling to keep my dinner down. It’s all part of the fun, and the deans and lifelong learners assure me that it’s only temporary. My Sea-Legs can’t be far away from arriving, now.

Classes started this morning. For me, I had an early morning biomedical ethics class at 0800. What an experience. I never thought I’d be taking college courses 10 meters from a whipping ocean out the window, but here I am. At 0920, me and the entire class took our first “Global Studies” course. This course is the flagship (no pun intended) of the SAS program, a multi-disciplinary course regarding social, political, scientific, economic issues in each region and port we travel to. The entire ship shuts down; all shops, the pool, the dining centers, the gym- they all close to accommodate Global Studies. The ship packs into the Union, or into one of the many satellite classrooms, in which the lecture is piped in via projector. The class is informative and detailed, and I’m both excited and anxious at it’s prospects.

At 1615, later in the afternoon, I had my last class of this ‘A- Day,’ a course called “Media as Message, Massage, Mirage.” I can already tell this will be a fascinating course full of information. As a past-journalism major, my interest in the media is very high, and in each country it is unique and fascinating. The professor seems well-traveled and brilliant. I can’t wait to meet him.

One of the great things about SAS so far is the ability to just sit down, anywhere, with anyone, at any time and have a meaningful conversation. And I mean anyone. It happens with students, with professors, with those double your age. Anyone. Today I had a great conversation with the Academic Dean, Reg Garrett, and a couple students. We talked of views of Americans, expectations of ports, and misconceptions of the world. It was fascinating.

I’ll tell you, at nearly each meal, I get something to eat and walk aft to the outside deck to enjoy my food with friends. We sit just a few meters from the rushing sea by us with nothing but clouds and good company around us. I remarked today that I hope that this never becomes routine. I hope every time I walk out there I realize just how amazing and special that is… it’s unbelievable. I wish every one had this opportunity. We are so lucky- never think that each and every one of us students takes this for granted.

Tonight we had an involvement fair in which I signed up for a few clubs and opportunities. I met with some friends to plan travel for Spain (7 days away), played cards, and went to the first pub night. Pub nights are a mix between a bar and guantanamo bay. For good reason, the ship’s crew monitors alcohol intake. You are allowed four drinks per night, no excessive drinking, etc. It’s just funny though to watch the precautions; crew guards the stairways and doors leading from the top deck to make sure you’re not whording alcohol… It’s all in good taste, but funny nonetheless.

Tomorrow, the first ‘B-Day’ of classes. I plan to work out at 0830 before global studies at 0920.

FYI: the ship moves forward 1 hour again on its trip to Spain tonight. We are now at EST +2 hours. Also, THANKS FOR COMMENTING (And Emailing!)!! Especially you, Chazz’s Mom! Haha. I LOVE to hear from all of you; if there’s something you want to know more about, don’t hesitate!!

Talk tomorrow,

Greg.

P.S: Dad, I know you're chomping at the bit, the toilet flushes are air-induced. It sounds like a rocket takes off every time you press the damn button.