REUNION VOYAGE 2010 Day 1

From January 9-13, 2010, I am on board the MV Explorer again for the Semester At Sea 2010 Reunion Voyage.

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As I approached the ship, driven by my three SAS friends who weren't attending the reunion voyage, I couldn't help but fall into old routine. It would be the first time I'd see the MV Explorer since disembarking in Fort Lauderdale, FL 8 months and 1 day prior.

My mind floated back to my most recent memory of the ship, that fateful morning in May, 2009, that has played out countless times in my head. There I am, standing at the starboard staircase in Tymitz square, I have my backpack on and my sunglasses on my head. Luke "The Voice" Jones is across, in his office, calling out groups of students to get off of the ship in succession. I have tears in my eyes as I watch my friends, my family walk through the door, down the 5th deck promenade, and off the ship for the final time. As I hear "Carribbean Sea" called, it becomes a reality... I must leave... now. I hug Les, our executive dean goodbye and move my sunglasses from my head to the bridge of my nose as my tears turn to quiet sobs, walking the 200 yards or so from forward to aft along the 5th deck, ready to hop off the ship. My last memory is grabbing the metal rafter, a steel blue I-beam right at the gangway... as if I could somehow refuse to let go of the ship. Then I descended the gangway into the Fort Lauderdale port terminal as I fought to get my bags, get through customs, and begin the rest of my life after SAS.

Since that day, I've wondered when the first complete 24-hour period in which I do not think about my voyage around the world would occur. It has yet to. The memories I have aboard this ship and around the world are by far my most treasured possessions... a quiet escape I can travel to in my mind when the weather in Maryland or the test in genetics begins to wear on me.

Back to yesterday...

Hannah drove Jill, Win and I to the San Diego port where the beautiful MVX was docked. I was all smiles as I hugged my friends goodbye and set out- like I had so many times before- to get back on the ship. A friendly woman in an SAS shirt was waiting at the entrance to the berth to direct us down the walk toward the ship. "Welcome Home" was her greeting... and we couldn't have felt more at home. As early as the check-in line, I was greeted with familiar faces like Marjorie and Aparna and Les. Ascending the gangway, I couldn't contain my excitement... I looked back at San Diego, fortunate that I had such a great week with my friends, and even more fortunate that I was getting "home" once again.

My feelings of happiness were juxtaposed with confusion... who the hell were all these people on my ship!? It was weird! Being the social guy I am, I recognized most of the faces on our voyage last spring, and was half expecting those 730 individuals to be waiting with open arms when I arrived. No such luck. But it's actually for the best... I have met so many great people from other voyages, and I've realized the gravity and depth (ocean pun) of this program. It's not just our voyage, its all 100 of them that has affected over 50,000 people worldwide.

Also great is the fact that friendships that were mediocre or just acquaintances on the ship (there were a lot of people) really get to be re-kindled and grown when back together. Aboard from our voyage is myself, Jill, Win, Heather L., Brian S., Marjorie, Luke "the voice", Emily, Sara, and Erin. Even though these people were not in my immediate circle of friends on the ship, we've all already gotten so much closer! It's great, and a lot of fun.

The ship is exactly as I recall. I guess I expected to wonder where things were, but my mind hasn't skipped a beat. The layout, secrets, shortcuts and passages have been internalized... it's like I never left. We spent a while yesterday just walking around and smiling, remembering the thousands of memories in every corner of the globe that fit in each of the MV's rooms and areas.

We watched the ship depart from the beautiful San Diego skyline, and enjoyed a famous Taco Dinner (a rarity on SAS). After a welcome speech by Les, we headed upstairs to the pool bar and to the faculty/staff lounge (we're allowed in, now), which became known as Club M/V, complete with dance floor, pulsating music and strobe lights. Needless to say, it was a great late night.

We have the day at sea today (Sunday) before arriving in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico tomorrow morning. It's truly a privelage to be back here... and to the many S09ers who may be reading this blog, please know that you're missed by all of us and I can't wait to see you onboard next year.

With love,

Greg