Day 86. Students of Service Auction, over $7,000 raised in one night

Hey all

The global studies exam went well, I think I did pretty well on it. We were certainly more prepared than on our first exam... and hopefully my grade will reflect that!

As for the sea, it's been an interesting day. We awoke to all external doors on the ship being locked up so we couldn't go out, which they really only do when the weather is particularly rough. As the day went on, conditions improved slightly (or maybe we just stopped paying attention to the rolling). We seem to be through the worst of it, though, and the noon report said we should hit calmer seas and warmer temperatures today. I must admit, though, while I was taking the Global Studies exam in the main dining room, I looked up from my 100-question exam and caught a glimpse out the massive back window at our wake. We were rolling left and right with waves crashing on all sides, and here I was, taking a test in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. With a very modern ship, it's easy to forget where we are, so I try to make it outside at night, when the lights are switched off, to realize how far from civilization we are, how vast a body of water we traverse...


The main event of the day was the Students-of-Service (SOS) Auction Day. This kicked off SAS's Ship-wide drive, which provides money for equipment, programming, scholarships and grants to future SAS students. It also helps the many charities, orphanages, townships and medical centers we have visited on our voyage around the world. There was a raffle, a silent auction, and a live auction. Here were some of the items

-The 'Flag' of each 'Sea' from Sea Olympics- I was the top bidder on my Sea's flag
-The official nautical chart of our voyage, signed by Captain Jeremy- went for over $200
-The chance to blow the horn while coming in to Fort Lauderdale, FL- over $100
-Read a night-time story by Joe, the Conduct Officer and retired- LAPD undercover officer
-The chance to raise the US Flag in Fort Lauderdale, FL - Over $200
-Pizza Party, Popcorn party, free cookies, etc.
- 1st student off the ship in FLL, Last Student off the ship in FLL
-A week in a lifelong learner's cabin in Springfield, IL... A week in a cabin in Anchorage, Alaska... A week in a timeshare in Grand Cayman... A weekend in a cottage outside of Yellowstone National Park. All of these prizes went for $500-1500, way less than what you would normally pay
-Announce that "The ship has been cleared" (by customs) in Fort Lauderdale, FL
-A lesson in Towel Animals by one of the cabin stewards
-A pair of overalls signed by the crew
-The original signed lyrics of "No Land," Jill and my song in the beginning of the Voyage

And TONS of other items. Like I said in the title, well over $7,000 was raised just tonight, and the ship-wide drive has just begun. it's a great cause.

Tomorrow, we have the day off from classes, and I plan on spending the time sleeping, relaxing and studying for my evolution test in 2 days. We are doing our ship-wide picture tomorrow at 0800, and then each university's students are taking an individual picture throughout the day. Also, the ship offers "Fancy Dinner," a 4-course gourmet meal for only 25 dollars in a private dining room. You have to reserve a table with friends in advance, and you all get dressed up and it's great. Since it was Jill's birthday on the ship a few days back, we are all doing it tomorrow night, which will be a great end-of-passover meal.

Speaking of Jill, she and I are planning another performance, and are busy writing the lyrics. Hopefully we'll finish that up tomorrow as well!

Talk soon, thanks for your emails.


Greg