I will admit I went into Guatemala with some trepidation. Travel Wiki kept saying how there were 40 murders every week, and all of the armed crime was going on, and the violence. I was almost tempted not to get off the ship but I am glad that I did.
On our first day we went to the volcanic sand beach but we were horribly ripped off by the cab, so that did not help my impression of Guatemala. But the second day helped revise my opinion. We went to Antigua which is a beautiful village and the colors were very spiffy. But the coolest part was that we hiked Pacaya Volcano to see lava. It was far harder than the Great Wall and I am suprised that I made it. There were these boys with horses who kept trying to tempt me but I did not have any money since my credit card did not work. But when we got to the lava at the top, there was a whole river and we could see it flowing. I got to stand less than a foot away from it and it was very hot and it was glowing. Then we had to rush back to get to the ship before it got dark.
Then our third day was very relaxed we hung out at the restaurant that we kept going to and my friends had helped bartend. So the manager made us a free four course lunch with lobster and it was delicious! We also got free drinks.
I really liked Guatemala and I would not mind coming back, it was the people, who really made the place for me (the one's who were not trying to rip me off).
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
HAWAII
Hawaii was a very refreshing port. It was very nice to have a break from sailing and to get some real food! All I did was pretty much hang out on Waikiki and talked on my cell phone. It was very nice talking to people from home and I am looking forward to seeing them.
We ran into these two guys who were holding parrots and my friend Ashley and I got to hold them! They even cuddled with you, they were very cute. Then we had our portraits done that look very cool. Besides eating those are the highlights. I didn't really want to leave, but the show must go on and getting closer to going home.
We ran into these two guys who were holding parrots and my friend Ashley and I got to hold them! They even cuddled with you, they were very cute. Then we had our portraits done that look very cool. Besides eating those are the highlights. I didn't really want to leave, but the show must go on and getting closer to going home.
JAPAN
I am really sorry that it has taken me so long to update my blog but I had a really hard time finding an internet cafe or free wifi. But at least I am catching up before my trip is over!
So Japan was amazing and by far one of of my favorite countries that I have visited. It was extremely beautiful and clean. There were cherry blossoms everywhere and tulips as well! Everybody was so nice, and they tried very hard to help you even if they couldn't understand you, I would have gotten way more lost with out them. But I spoke a little which was helpful.
Our first day we stayed in Kobe which was the quietest city that I have ever been too. We ate amazing food, all of the food that I ate in Japan was fantastic and I would have eaten more but everything was very pricey and my money seemed to disapear very quickly.
Then my friends Sarah and Becky and I did an epic journey. We left a little late but we made it to Kyoto which was the prettiest city we went to. Then after we saw the castle and temples which were wonderful. We went over to Nara, however we got there pretty late and there was no place to stay.
However a woman named Yoko, who worked at the travel agency invited us to her home. So we got to have a spontaneous homestay! It was amazing Yoko and her husband Hiroshi were so nice and we got to spend time with her friend Reiko. Yoko cooked us a feast of amazing food, and it was like being home again with home cooked food at a table and it reminded me of my home.
Then we continued our journey and wandered Nara and fed the deer, which were very funny because they were always trying to steal food. I could have watched them all day. Then we went to Osaka to catch the overnight bus to Tokyo, and it was a cool city I wish I had more than a couple of hours there.
We did not get much sleep and we wandered a little around Tokyo but we were too tired. Also there was not enough time for Mt. Fuji. I will have to do those areas the next time I come to Japan. Then we went to Yokohama and met the ship and sailed our 9 day stretch.
So Japan was amazing and by far one of of my favorite countries that I have visited. It was extremely beautiful and clean. There were cherry blossoms everywhere and tulips as well! Everybody was so nice, and they tried very hard to help you even if they couldn't understand you, I would have gotten way more lost with out them. But I spoke a little which was helpful.
Our first day we stayed in Kobe which was the quietest city that I have ever been too. We ate amazing food, all of the food that I ate in Japan was fantastic and I would have eaten more but everything was very pricey and my money seemed to disapear very quickly.
Then my friends Sarah and Becky and I did an epic journey. We left a little late but we made it to Kyoto which was the prettiest city we went to. Then after we saw the castle and temples which were wonderful. We went over to Nara, however we got there pretty late and there was no place to stay.
However a woman named Yoko, who worked at the travel agency invited us to her home. So we got to have a spontaneous homestay! It was amazing Yoko and her husband Hiroshi were so nice and we got to spend time with her friend Reiko. Yoko cooked us a feast of amazing food, and it was like being home again with home cooked food at a table and it reminded me of my home.
Then we continued our journey and wandered Nara and fed the deer, which were very funny because they were always trying to steal food. I could have watched them all day. Then we went to Osaka to catch the overnight bus to Tokyo, and it was a cool city I wish I had more than a couple of hours there.
We did not get much sleep and we wandered a little around Tokyo but we were too tired. Also there was not enough time for Mt. Fuji. I will have to do those areas the next time I come to Japan. Then we went to Yokohama and met the ship and sailed our 9 day stretch.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
China
So I had a really good time China and I had a really good time. Hong Kong was nice it was very western and lots of flashing lights. Then I went on my university trip to Peiking university and it was very good. We walked around the city with them and had a fun party where we played lots of games. I even went to a karaoke bar where we rented it for 3 hours and got free food and drinks.
But we saw everything in Beijing. I went to the Bird's nest and the cube, then we went to the Ming Tombs. Our entire bus bought these panda hats and we were bus panda. Then we climbed the great wall and it was different than I expected. First of all I did not realize that there were so many stairs I nearly died trying to climb it since some steps were tiny and others were huge but I made it the top and escaped death.
After that we went to the Forbidden City and it was huge, we had little tape cassetes which were nice because it could tell where we were. But there were sooo many tourists. Then we saw the summer palace which was very pretty
Also the food was...interesting....I didn't really know what I was eating and some things were pretty spicey. But the funny thing was that they always served french fries. Also it was very funny because everyone wanted to take pictures of me because I was so tall they all found it very funny. Also the shopping was insanely cheap and I bought a lot stuff. I will write about Japan later but so far it is really fun.
But we saw everything in Beijing. I went to the Bird's nest and the cube, then we went to the Ming Tombs. Our entire bus bought these panda hats and we were bus panda. Then we climbed the great wall and it was different than I expected. First of all I did not realize that there were so many stairs I nearly died trying to climb it since some steps were tiny and others were huge but I made it the top and escaped death.
After that we went to the Forbidden City and it was huge, we had little tape cassetes which were nice because it could tell where we were. But there were sooo many tourists. Then we saw the summer palace which was very pretty
Also the food was...interesting....I didn't really know what I was eating and some things were pretty spicey. But the funny thing was that they always served french fries. Also it was very funny because everyone wanted to take pictures of me because I was so tall they all found it very funny. Also the shopping was insanely cheap and I bought a lot stuff. I will write about Japan later but so far it is really fun.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Vietnam
So I had two days in Vietnam and I thought it wasn't too bad. It was extremly hot and some people were very rude but I met a lot of nice people as well, so I thought it was a pretty good place. I didn't do a whole lot.
I went to the Mekong Delta independently and our guide was very nice, he kept calling us his beautiful ladies or his tourists. We sailed the river and sampled food. I even bought some honey because it was very good. Then we had the best coconut carmael and peanuts and I don't even like coconut. It was a lot of fun.
Then today I did some serious DVD shopping. I bought alot and all under 5o dollars. I got a cartoon pack of disney movies that had around 100 movies on 12 disks for 17 dollars. Then I got Dexter, The Tudors, 30 Rock, Supernatural, Torchwood, and Weeds . Then I got 12 different movies so I am very excited to watch them all. I need to get a new DVD case now. But it was very nice and I had a good time.
I went to the Mekong Delta independently and our guide was very nice, he kept calling us his beautiful ladies or his tourists. We sailed the river and sampled food. I even bought some honey because it was very good. Then we had the best coconut carmael and peanuts and I don't even like coconut. It was a lot of fun.
Then today I did some serious DVD shopping. I bought alot and all under 5o dollars. I got a cartoon pack of disney movies that had around 100 movies on 12 disks for 17 dollars. Then I got Dexter, The Tudors, 30 Rock, Supernatural, Torchwood, and Weeds . Then I got 12 different movies so I am very excited to watch them all. I need to get a new DVD case now. But it was very nice and I had a good time.
Cambodia
While I was in Vietnam I took a trip to Cambodia and it was a lot of fun although it was very intense. First all I was there for three days and everyday we had a flight. I saw the national museum and we played soccer with the local kids. Then we checked into our very nice hotel that had excellent food.
Then the next day I went to the genocide museum which was a highschool that the Kmer Rouge used to torture the intellectuals. It was very sad you could see the graves of the last 13 victims in the front and then there were rooms with a bed, then they would show a huge graphic photograph of the aftermatho of the victims in the beds. Then we went to the killing fields were the majority of the victims died. There was a shrine that had a ton of skulls and it wasn't even a fraction of the victims, then near the back were the mass graves were you could still fragments of bones on the surface of the ground we even found a tooth. It was very intense and then they showed the tree where children were beaten. Since it was their mission to eradicate the intellectuals they killed all of the children as well and they would throw babies in the air and spear them on their bayonets. Our tour guide was 4 years old when this was happening and his father was a professor, so they had to migrate to the country and his little sister died of fever as well as his grandparents and aunt and uncle. Then he was forced to live in camp of only children and he said they were treated like animals. I am glad that I went to the Killing Fields even if it was hard we have to learn how to face our past.
Then we went to the royal palace which was pretty it was just like the Grand Palace in Bangkok. But it was soooooooooo hot in Cambodia it was dreadfull. Then we flew to Angkor Wat and watched the sunset. It was very cool, we had to have a temple pass which they regularly checked. But the temple was so intricate and it must have been crazy when it was first made. Then we went back and I made sure I went to bed early cause we had to leave by 5 to go the sunrise at Angkor Wat. But first we went to a very good dinner where we watched Cambodian Dancing and it was very cute we even took pictures with dancers, after the Japanese tourists swarmed the dancers.
I managed to drag myself out of bed and we went over there. It was dark when we got there and there was a suprising number of tourists but the sunrise was very nice and relaxing we even saw the water lillies open as well. Then for the rest of the day we went to see the rest of the temples. But let me tell you it was over a 100 degrees and humid and I have never sweated so much in my life. I drank a ton of water but never went to the bathroom. We saw all of the buddah face statues and all of the temples with the tree roots wrapped around them. It was very neat and it was fun to pretend that you discovered them and we kept singing the Indiana Jones theme song. Overall I really liked Cambodia and I thought it was a lot of fun and I hope that they will be able to recover again.
Then the next day I went to the genocide museum which was a highschool that the Kmer Rouge used to torture the intellectuals. It was very sad you could see the graves of the last 13 victims in the front and then there were rooms with a bed, then they would show a huge graphic photograph of the aftermatho of the victims in the beds. Then we went to the killing fields were the majority of the victims died. There was a shrine that had a ton of skulls and it wasn't even a fraction of the victims, then near the back were the mass graves were you could still fragments of bones on the surface of the ground we even found a tooth. It was very intense and then they showed the tree where children were beaten. Since it was their mission to eradicate the intellectuals they killed all of the children as well and they would throw babies in the air and spear them on their bayonets. Our tour guide was 4 years old when this was happening and his father was a professor, so they had to migrate to the country and his little sister died of fever as well as his grandparents and aunt and uncle. Then he was forced to live in camp of only children and he said they were treated like animals. I am glad that I went to the Killing Fields even if it was hard we have to learn how to face our past.
Then we went to the royal palace which was pretty it was just like the Grand Palace in Bangkok. But it was soooooooooo hot in Cambodia it was dreadfull. Then we flew to Angkor Wat and watched the sunset. It was very cool, we had to have a temple pass which they regularly checked. But the temple was so intricate and it must have been crazy when it was first made. Then we went back and I made sure I went to bed early cause we had to leave by 5 to go the sunrise at Angkor Wat. But first we went to a very good dinner where we watched Cambodian Dancing and it was very cute we even took pictures with dancers, after the Japanese tourists swarmed the dancers.
I managed to drag myself out of bed and we went over there. It was dark when we got there and there was a suprising number of tourists but the sunrise was very nice and relaxing we even saw the water lillies open as well. Then for the rest of the day we went to see the rest of the temples. But let me tell you it was over a 100 degrees and humid and I have never sweated so much in my life. I drank a ton of water but never went to the bathroom. We saw all of the buddah face statues and all of the temples with the tree roots wrapped around them. It was very neat and it was fun to pretend that you discovered them and we kept singing the Indiana Jones theme song. Overall I really liked Cambodia and I thought it was a lot of fun and I hope that they will be able to recover again.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
THAILAND
I was going to do a post earlier but I accidentally switched the computer so it wrote everything in Chinese so I decided to do it later. So far Thailand has been a lot of fun and it is a very cool place. On my first day I went to a Elephant village where retired elephant workers go to. I got to ride them twice once by myself with the elephant master bareback! I was afraid that I was going to slide off! Then I rode it again on a seat with my friend Kirsten and our elephant master made us grass grasshoppers. It was a lot of fun, but very warm.
Then the next day I went to the Tiger zoo which was more depressing. They were not very nice to their animals and used a lot of uneccesary force. The tigers were afraid of their trainers and were forced to jump through rings of fire and the crocodiles were sedated and were dragged by their tales and their eyes were poked. The only highlight was that I got to hold a baby tiger and to feed him milk! It was very sweet and the cub was very soft, I didn't want to let go of it, and the time holding them was way too short.
Then the rest of the time I have been in Bangkok, I went to my first hostel and I think that it is very nice. There is a very pretty courtyard with a koi pond and is surrouned by plumeria trees. And it is only 300 bot a night so it less than 10 dollars and it is very cool and the showers have only cold water but it is very refreshing. Also it is right next to Khoi San Road which is the backbackers place in Bangkok, so it is very international and very trendy. It has been extremly hot in Bangkok and I am pretty sure that I have never sweated so much in my entire life, it is 97 degrees plus humidity, I had to buy tank tops.
Besides hanging out at Khoi San I have been doing some culturual things. I went to Grand Palace which was very interesting. It was 350 bot for non thais and I thought it was pretty over priced for 5o more I could have gotten a guide but me and Kirsten were trying to save money. The buildings were extremly beautiful and ornate, the details were crazy, but I didn't really know anything about the buildings. But it was good even though I think it was overpriced. What I thought was way cooler was the reclining buddha and it was only 50 bot. It was the biggest statue of Buddah or anything that I have ever seen. To do a decent comparasion for everyone to picture the scale of the statue is the Statue of Liberty reclining on the ground in a temple. That is what it was like, it was crazy.
But besides those things all Kirsten and I have been shopping the streets because there are a lot of cool things to see, but we have been eating a ton of street food! It is all so good and its very cheap and knock on wood I have not gotten sick yet. But it is all deliscious I have gotten pad tai, fried noodles, bbq sticks, corn on the cob, mango and sticky rice, and these very good pancake things that I get with sugar and condensed milk. I have been resiting the DVDs because I am trying to hold out for Vietnam. Those are the highlights so far and I will try to update soon!
Then the next day I went to the Tiger zoo which was more depressing. They were not very nice to their animals and used a lot of uneccesary force. The tigers were afraid of their trainers and were forced to jump through rings of fire and the crocodiles were sedated and were dragged by their tales and their eyes were poked. The only highlight was that I got to hold a baby tiger and to feed him milk! It was very sweet and the cub was very soft, I didn't want to let go of it, and the time holding them was way too short.
Then the rest of the time I have been in Bangkok, I went to my first hostel and I think that it is very nice. There is a very pretty courtyard with a koi pond and is surrouned by plumeria trees. And it is only 300 bot a night so it less than 10 dollars and it is very cool and the showers have only cold water but it is very refreshing. Also it is right next to Khoi San Road which is the backbackers place in Bangkok, so it is very international and very trendy. It has been extremly hot in Bangkok and I am pretty sure that I have never sweated so much in my entire life, it is 97 degrees plus humidity, I had to buy tank tops.
Besides hanging out at Khoi San I have been doing some culturual things. I went to Grand Palace which was very interesting. It was 350 bot for non thais and I thought it was pretty over priced for 5o more I could have gotten a guide but me and Kirsten were trying to save money. The buildings were extremly beautiful and ornate, the details were crazy, but I didn't really know anything about the buildings. But it was good even though I think it was overpriced. What I thought was way cooler was the reclining buddha and it was only 50 bot. It was the biggest statue of Buddah or anything that I have ever seen. To do a decent comparasion for everyone to picture the scale of the statue is the Statue of Liberty reclining on the ground in a temple. That is what it was like, it was crazy.
But besides those things all Kirsten and I have been shopping the streets because there are a lot of cool things to see, but we have been eating a ton of street food! It is all so good and its very cheap and knock on wood I have not gotten sick yet. But it is all deliscious I have gotten pad tai, fried noodles, bbq sticks, corn on the cob, mango and sticky rice, and these very good pancake things that I get with sugar and condensed milk. I have been resiting the DVDs because I am trying to hold out for Vietnam. Those are the highlights so far and I will try to update soon!
Monday, March 16, 2009
INDIA
India was a very interesting experience in both a bad and good way. It was very in your face and dirty but it was not as bad as I was led to believe. I took a SAS trip to the Taj Mahal. The Taj was spectacular and I am very glad that I got to see it because it was amazing. But the trip was so frustrating because the tour company kept trying to rip us off all of the time. They would rush us through the forts, try to tell us that there would be long lines or that it was closed and try to take us to over priced stores, it was very aggravating. Then they skimped on the transportation so we had a layover instead of a direct flight and the train was not express so it took over 5 hours to get to Agra when it could have taken 2 and half hours. Also some people sat in cars where there were cockroaches thankfully that didn't happen to me.
There were a ton of begger and people trying to sell you stuff and were highly aggressive. It was much worse than it was in Morocco because they would follow you and refused to give up. It was just anoying how everyone was trying to constantly rip you off. But not everything about India was bad, they have the most beautiful trucks ever with detailed paintings. Also the saris and the colors everywhere were extremly beautiful. Their culture in general was just fascenating to look at and observe, it was very good for people watching.
But I think I bought far too much in India but everything was so neat looking and cheap! I got a super cool comforter with pillows and a zipper, I am excited to put it in my room. Then I got a cool garnet necklace that I nearly got mobbed over when I didn't have enough but I made a quick escape. The funniest thing I noticed in India was how people wanted to take our pictures! We were the second biggest attraction beside the Taj, people were taking family portraits with us in the background. So I am not sure how many people have my picture in India...
Overall I don't think India was that bad, but the Tour company almost ruined everything but I am refusing to let them influence my opinion of India.
There were a ton of begger and people trying to sell you stuff and were highly aggressive. It was much worse than it was in Morocco because they would follow you and refused to give up. It was just anoying how everyone was trying to constantly rip you off. But not everything about India was bad, they have the most beautiful trucks ever with detailed paintings. Also the saris and the colors everywhere were extremly beautiful. Their culture in general was just fascenating to look at and observe, it was very good for people watching.
But I think I bought far too much in India but everything was so neat looking and cheap! I got a super cool comforter with pillows and a zipper, I am excited to put it in my room. Then I got a cool garnet necklace that I nearly got mobbed over when I didn't have enough but I made a quick escape. The funniest thing I noticed in India was how people wanted to take our pictures! We were the second biggest attraction beside the Taj, people were taking family portraits with us in the background. So I am not sure how many people have my picture in India...
Overall I don't think India was that bad, but the Tour company almost ruined everything but I am refusing to let them influence my opinion of India.
MAURITIUS
After several days of sailing it was very nice to stop at Mauritius. I went to a little island resort and the water was spectacular, it was crystal clear and was like bath water it was perfect. I went snorkling and the coral was very old and intricate but it seemed like it was dying and there were a lot of fish. It was a lot of fun. They also had the best tuna ever.
Then it was the beginning of the sea olympics and it was very fun, everyone was extra spirited because they had rather a lot to drink...But overall the olympics were super fun. I judged the paper boat competition and I particpated in the mashed potatoe sculpture contest. Overall my sea placed in a three way tie, so it was exciting because we were not expecting to place anything. Also you didn't get anything if you didn't get first. The first place winners the Adriatic sea get to get off first from the ship in Florida and rest is lottery.
Then it was the beginning of the sea olympics and it was very fun, everyone was extra spirited because they had rather a lot to drink...But overall the olympics were super fun. I judged the paper boat competition and I particpated in the mashed potatoe sculpture contest. Overall my sea placed in a three way tie, so it was exciting because we were not expecting to place anything. Also you didn't get anything if you didn't get first. The first place winners the Adriatic sea get to get off first from the ship in Florida and rest is lottery.
SOUTH AFRICA
Sorry everyone for taking so long to update!!! But I have been trying my best to find free wi-fi but I have been very busy and unable to do it, so I caved and I am now in an Internet Cafe in Thailand next to my hostel.
So South Africa was amazing. I didn't really have any expectations because I know nothing about it, but I am glad that I got to see it so there is a silver lining for me not going to Egypt (beside the bombing in the Egypt mosque that would have happened on our last day there) So the main highlights of South Africa for me besides how beatiful it was was the FOOD! It was amazing everywhere and I am still missing it now and become hungry whenever I think about it.
But I only got to stay in Cape Town for the first day and the last day because I went to Kagga Kama Lodge which is a eco resort. It was very cool, it was in the middle of no where surrounded by cool rock structures and the rooms were built into the rocks so I stayed in a cave room. There were very nice bush art on the rocks, we went hiking and a guy fell off a 20 foot cliff but he is alright, he just got a couple of stiches. Then we watched the stars and we could see different galaxies and it was the most stars that I have ever seen, it was beautiful.
Overall South Africa was awesome, and I would not mind living there since it had a nice vibe, wonderful food, and was very cool.
So South Africa was amazing. I didn't really have any expectations because I know nothing about it, but I am glad that I got to see it so there is a silver lining for me not going to Egypt (beside the bombing in the Egypt mosque that would have happened on our last day there) So the main highlights of South Africa for me besides how beatiful it was was the FOOD! It was amazing everywhere and I am still missing it now and become hungry whenever I think about it.
But I only got to stay in Cape Town for the first day and the last day because I went to Kagga Kama Lodge which is a eco resort. It was very cool, it was in the middle of no where surrounded by cool rock structures and the rooms were built into the rocks so I stayed in a cave room. There were very nice bush art on the rocks, we went hiking and a guy fell off a 20 foot cliff but he is alright, he just got a couple of stiches. Then we watched the stars and we could see different galaxies and it was the most stars that I have ever seen, it was beautiful.
Overall South Africa was awesome, and I would not mind living there since it had a nice vibe, wonderful food, and was very cool.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Random
A note about any spelling mistakes, I may make some because I am typing pretty fast because I don't have a steady source of internet. But just in case you guys didn't get my my ship email it is fmliddell@semesteratsea.com So you can send me a note and I will respond!
Also I have a ship family and they are very nice my "parents" Are Kevin and Amy and their little toddler Elly who is very cute. Also Andrew, Taylor, Emily, and Kelly are my siblings. So far it has been very pleasant we have just had dinner and smoothies so far.
I have a little obitiurary for my digital watch that I got for Christmas from Nora. I really liked a lot and it talked in japanese and had a good alarm, but in a moment of blanking out I wore it in the shower and it is no more, it was a very reliable watch so I just wanted to commerate it service. Now I have to find a new one since I am having withdrawel from not knowing what the time is...
Also I have a ship family and they are very nice my "parents" Are Kevin and Amy and their little toddler Elly who is very cute. Also Andrew, Taylor, Emily, and Kelly are my siblings. So far it has been very pleasant we have just had dinner and smoothies so far.
I have a little obitiurary for my digital watch that I got for Christmas from Nora. I really liked a lot and it talked in japanese and had a good alarm, but in a moment of blanking out I wore it in the shower and it is no more, it was a very reliable watch so I just wanted to commerate it service. Now I have to find a new one since I am having withdrawel from not knowing what the time is...
NAMIBIA
So I got into NAmibia on Valentine's day which was pretty fun. At first had nothing planned but I got onto the SAS trip of the Desert 4x4 natural treasures in the Namib. And it was very cool, first we saw dunes, then the rest was moonscape which was very intersting looking since their were random black stripes. So we drove and then would stop to look at random plants. The first was !Nara a bushman food staple, then we saw aloe, and then we saw the Welwhichia Mirablis plants were were very interesting. At first they just look droopy and unimpressive but most of those plants were over six hundred years the oldest has been dated as being two thousands years old. They are very rare and only grow in that part of the Namib desert. After that we had lunch and we had oysters in the middle of the Namib. The oysters were very good and I ate several and we had soda. Then we drove to Dune 7 one of the tallest dunes in the world and I climbed half way and sat in the sand which was very warm and soft I could have sat there all day. Everyone else killed themselves getting to the top since it was very steep. Then I went out to dinner and ate Kudu and Orynx! I am trying to eat all of the game that I can! The restaurant even gave all of the girls roses.
Yesterday I went of my Seal and Dolphin encounter and it was my favorite part of Namibia so far. Since the seals got right on the little boat with you and you could pet them and feeling their flippers was very cool. And we had numerous seals come on our boat to get the fish. We also saw some dolphins which apparently are not seen too much this time of year. I mainly got flipper and ripple shots but I got a good shot of one. Then there were pelicans and even flamingos! It was really fun and we saw baby seals! Then we had a picnic where we ate more oysters, game meatballs, salami, and other good food. Topped with champagne, then I jumped into Walvis bay with two other girls! It was very cold but refreshing. Then I went to Swakomund which is a very charming german beach resort town, it was very cute, but almost everything was closed because it was sunday. But I bought an ostrich and raisen necklace, a little tank top, and some wooden salad tossers for my mom.
Today I am just going to cafe and getting some food an then going back to ship so that I won't get dock time! Can't guarantee when I will update next but I will try!
Yesterday I went of my Seal and Dolphin encounter and it was my favorite part of Namibia so far. Since the seals got right on the little boat with you and you could pet them and feeling their flippers was very cool. And we had numerous seals come on our boat to get the fish. We also saw some dolphins which apparently are not seen too much this time of year. I mainly got flipper and ripple shots but I got a good shot of one. Then there were pelicans and even flamingos! It was really fun and we saw baby seals! Then we had a picnic where we ate more oysters, game meatballs, salami, and other good food. Topped with champagne, then I jumped into Walvis bay with two other girls! It was very cold but refreshing. Then I went to Swakomund which is a very charming german beach resort town, it was very cute, but almost everything was closed because it was sunday. But I bought an ostrich and raisen necklace, a little tank top, and some wooden salad tossers for my mom.
Today I am just going to cafe and getting some food an then going back to ship so that I won't get dock time! Can't guarantee when I will update next but I will try!
NEPTUNE DAY
So our trek between Morocco and Namibia was very long, it was 9 days and during that time we crossed the equator and celebrated it with Neptune day. First we were waken up by the crew banging on drums then we went up to the pool. First everyone had some fish juice poured on them, then they had to kiss the fish, then they had to kiss King Neptune's ring, and bow to his Lady and then jump in the pool. I meant to do this but I was distracted by taking pictures of all of friends shave their heads! I actually knew a lot of them both boys and girls. Most girls had it cut really short although some went all of the way. It was funny to see all of those pale bald heads and tan bodies. Then everyone sunned at the equator and got horrible burns. Then we had a bbq for dinner which was the best meal yet!
MOROCCO
So Morocco was a lot fun, since I had a SAS trip so I was not wandering around randomly! But since the Straights of Gibraltar were so rocky we missed the gas so we had to dock into Casablanca a day late so it almost messed up my trip. Since my trip was supposed to last the entire time we lost a day so my Camel trek was canceled. I was very disapointed but now I am over it. First had a really fun bus and we all bonded and became friends, and the driver drove very...intersting...we all saw our lives flash a little while we were driving through the Atlas.
The Atlas were very beautiful, and I hadn't realized that, we even got to drive through the snow, which looked very striking on the red sandstone. Then after going off road, through a river, we made it to the nomad camp. Which was very nice and we had a dance party and it was a lot of fun. One of them even made me a grass camel, a ring, and taught me how to make one (his was better than mine) Then I made it through the night with my skimpy sleeping bag.
We then went down to Marrakech and it was interesting, I almost liked the mountains better, but I liked all of the merchandise had a very neat feel to it. Although everyone was trying to make me buy stuff. But I thought I did very well for myself I got a pretty scarf, a t-shirt, a silver bracelet, a little teapot and chocolate covered oreos, my new favorite food.
Then we went to this tourist trap, that was like Disney Morocco but I found it depressing because the people didn't look very happy, and the animals didn't look like they were well taken care of. All of the animals in Morocco looked very neglected especially the dogs. Although the cats looked well fed. That is pretty much my trip very slimmed down since I have limited internet right now.
The Atlas were very beautiful, and I hadn't realized that, we even got to drive through the snow, which looked very striking on the red sandstone. Then after going off road, through a river, we made it to the nomad camp. Which was very nice and we had a dance party and it was a lot of fun. One of them even made me a grass camel, a ring, and taught me how to make one (his was better than mine) Then I made it through the night with my skimpy sleeping bag.
We then went down to Marrakech and it was interesting, I almost liked the mountains better, but I liked all of the merchandise had a very neat feel to it. Although everyone was trying to make me buy stuff. But I thought I did very well for myself I got a pretty scarf, a t-shirt, a silver bracelet, a little teapot and chocolate covered oreos, my new favorite food.
Then we went to this tourist trap, that was like Disney Morocco but I found it depressing because the people didn't look very happy, and the animals didn't look like they were well taken care of. All of the animals in Morocco looked very neglected especially the dogs. Although the cats looked well fed. That is pretty much my trip very slimmed down since I have limited internet right now.
GIBRALTAR
ok I am really sorry about not updating my blog as frequently as I would like but I haven't had any internet since I left Spain so I will recap some key stories, and I might start to use my limited free minutes on the ship to keep this blog updated.
So I did not go to Seville but instead I went to Gibraltar and it was A LOT of fun!! It was a three hour bus ride to Gibraltar from Cadiz and I went with Julia and Ashley. Since it is a part of Britain we had to bring our passports and they barely checked it. Then we went on a tour of the mountain and it was a very very pretty because it was the perfect sunny clear day. Although Africa had some fog over it. But our tour guide was very good and we went to the caves which were very cool because they built a stadium inside where they play concerts and we heard some music, it was amazing.
Then we got to see the monkeys! I even held one on my shoulders and they were extremly cute and their were babies everywhere. They were very nice although they jumped on some random tourists shoulders and almost gave them a heart attack! Plus they like to steal food, and sometimes go to town to raid for food. The we saw the WWII tunnels and it was neat to see how they carved out tunnels from that rock and the cannons that were in their. It would have been a creepy place to live in. Then after the tour we went to town and I ate a steak and kidney pie which was very good. Then we left to go back to the ship and I would love to come to Gibraltar again because it was my favorite place that I went to while in Spain.
So I did not go to Seville but instead I went to Gibraltar and it was A LOT of fun!! It was a three hour bus ride to Gibraltar from Cadiz and I went with Julia and Ashley. Since it is a part of Britain we had to bring our passports and they barely checked it. Then we went on a tour of the mountain and it was a very very pretty because it was the perfect sunny clear day. Although Africa had some fog over it. But our tour guide was very good and we went to the caves which were very cool because they built a stadium inside where they play concerts and we heard some music, it was amazing.
Then we got to see the monkeys! I even held one on my shoulders and they were extremly cute and their were babies everywhere. They were very nice although they jumped on some random tourists shoulders and almost gave them a heart attack! Plus they like to steal food, and sometimes go to town to raid for food. The we saw the WWII tunnels and it was neat to see how they carved out tunnels from that rock and the cannons that were in their. It would have been a creepy place to live in. Then after the tour we went to town and I ate a steak and kidney pie which was very good. Then we left to go back to the ship and I would love to come to Gibraltar again because it was my favorite place that I went to while in Spain.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Spain
So right now I am in Spain and it has been pretty awesome considering the fact I had to scrap Barcelona because they cut a day out of Spain so it would have too risky. So I have been in Cadiz for two days. The first day I hung out with various groups of people and it was really fun I saw the cathedral walked around the entire city.
I also ate A LOT of food. First I had churros con chocolate and it was amazing I had some sangria too and it was very nice. Then I had some cheese and salami which was very nice and bread. I also tried some paella and garlic shrimp. Then I had a chicherrone sandwich which was very nice.
Then I slept in the next morning and I walked around by my self during bright daylight. It was very nice people kept speaking Spanish to me which was flattering. Also a note about the Spanish people have been nice and patient with our broken Spanish except for one waiter who was a total jerk but I am going to give benefit of doubt to him since I am sure my fellows have been quite obnoxious.
Tommorow I am going to Sevilla for the day so that should be fun!
I also ate A LOT of food. First I had churros con chocolate and it was amazing I had some sangria too and it was very nice. Then I had some cheese and salami which was very nice and bread. I also tried some paella and garlic shrimp. Then I had a chicherrone sandwich which was very nice.
Then I slept in the next morning and I walked around by my self during bright daylight. It was very nice people kept speaking Spanish to me which was flattering. Also a note about the Spanish people have been nice and patient with our broken Spanish except for one waiter who was a total jerk but I am going to give benefit of doubt to him since I am sure my fellows have been quite obnoxious.
Tommorow I am going to Sevilla for the day so that should be fun!
The Ship
So the ship is pretty cool, they clean our rooms :D But it has been fun I have made some friends and we play pretty crazy cards. Also all of the orientations and classes everyday have been pretty rough but the classes have been interesting.
Global Studies is an experience the teacher is an aging teacher but we had an AWESOME guest lecturer his name was David Guisse and he was the Spanish teacher at the University of Virginia and he was even nighted by the King of Spain! But he was hilarious and I learned a lot from him, I think he might be one of my favorite professors but unfortunately he is only with us till Spain.
Also the food was alright at first but it gets pretty tiresome all carbs and questionable protein, but it's better than what I eat at college. Also they have some really good dishes like mac and cheese and french fries and the desserts!
So those are the most interesting points while I was sea!
Global Studies is an experience the teacher is an aging teacher but we had an AWESOME guest lecturer his name was David Guisse and he was the Spanish teacher at the University of Virginia and he was even nighted by the King of Spain! But he was hilarious and I learned a lot from him, I think he might be one of my favorite professors but unfortunately he is only with us till Spain.
Also the food was alright at first but it gets pretty tiresome all carbs and questionable protein, but it's better than what I eat at college. Also they have some really good dishes like mac and cheese and french fries and the desserts!
So those are the most interesting points while I was sea!
Short Note about the Bahamas
I had written a wonderful post but it refuses to copy so a boiled down version, Bahamas was a lot of fun and the beaches were BEAUTIFUL and the rest was nice in a run down way and we went to really good restaurants and it was fun.
MY EMAIL
fmliddell@semsteratsea.com
sorry i haven't been updating but i am trying to save my internet but i will try to do better!
sorry i haven't been updating but i am trying to save my internet but i will try to do better!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bahama Mama
For everybody who is following my blog I will give you a quick update...So I arrived in the Bahamas yesterday since my family is making a mini vacation of the Bahamas until I leave. You would think that since it is the Bahamas that it would sunny and warm and perfect.
However we manage to get like the one rainy week in the sunny season ironically enough so it has been gray and muggy but at least it is warm. A travel note for whoever is interested: There is not a whole lot to do in the Bahamas beside the beach but when is gray you have to be more creative, but the people have been nice and the food good.
So tomorrow my sister is coming, so that should be fun or interesting...only 4 more days!
However we manage to get like the one rainy week in the sunny season ironically enough so it has been gray and muggy but at least it is warm. A travel note for whoever is interested: There is not a whole lot to do in the Bahamas beside the beach but when is gray you have to be more creative, but the people have been nice and the food good.
So tomorrow my sister is coming, so that should be fun or interesting...only 4 more days!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Some Trip Notes
I just thought that it would be interesting to write down my thoughts about
the voyage before and after and to see how I changed.
the voyage before and after and to see how I changed.
But first, let me explain the new itinerary. My original voyage was Spain,
Italy, Turkey, Egypt, India, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hawaii, and
Guatemala. I was very excited because we would go through both the Suez and
Panama Canal. But also because it included my ultimate country: Egypt.
However as you can now see we had to do an overhaul on my journey because of
the threat of pirates. It may sound funny that I had to change course
because of Pirates but I was not amused. But I came to terms with the
changes and now I am going to go with the flow and plus it probably wouldn't
be good for me to achieve my entire life goal at once. I have to have
something to look forward too.
But here are some of my pre-thoughts about the countries that I am visiting.
Spain: I am very excited because I am going to Barcelona with a group of
other SAS kids. So I'm pretty stoked. I am looking forward the most to the
architecture of Gaudi which I have always wanted to seen and the food!
Especially after watching Anthony Bourdain's take on it.
Morocco: I don't know very much about Morocco but I am going to try to do
the camel ride trip which sounds pretty cool. Pretty much no expectations or
ideas except for idealized Saharan life style? Tiles? Arabian nights?
Namibia: I will admit that my parents and me have made fun of Namimbia, but
reading previous voyage's blogs it sounds nice...as well as
random..birthplace of Brangelina baby...
South Africa: I heard its pretty and also I think the Lion King was kind of
set there with the table mountain. I was just planning to poke around cape
town, safari maybe? Great White Shark diving sounds very interesting...like
living in Shark Week.
Mauritius: My dad told me that the island is known for being the last place
a live Dodo bird was seen which is exciting. Otherwise just an island in the
Indian Ocean.
India: Alright I will admit to freaking out a bit (or more) about India
because I have heard such horror stories. But I am doing a trip through the
boat to the Taj Mahal so I should be fine, hopefully I won't die of food
poisoning...or malaria..
Thailand: I am very excited about Thailand because it always looked very
beautiful on the travel channel and Top Model. I am going to try to snorkel,
see the elephants, and hopefully hold baby tigers!
Vietnam: It looks very pretty and I am very excited about how cheap the DVDS
are apparently, also I think it would be fun to make a dress there. But the
majority of the time I am going to be in Cambodia seeing Angkor Wat!! My
history channel fanatsy coming alive...
China: I am very excited about China because I am going to see everything
that I have wanted to see since I was very young and China sparked my
interest in history and Asian art and culture. I am doing a college
sponsered trip so I will see the Great Wall, Forbidden Palace, Summer
Palace, Tiannonmen Square, and an acrobat show! (I would have tried to do
China Indy but my parents were convinced I would get lead or mercury
poisoning by myself)
Japan: SUPER STOKED I have too many things I want to do in Japan and not
enough time! I am going to buy a railpass so I can go wherever I want in
Japan and I am going to eat so much food and buy so much stuff! YAY!
Hawaii: I have been there before on the Big Island, and I was stranded in
Oahu when my airplane was delayed. I think I just might chill on Waikiki and
go to the Bishop Museum.
Guatemala: I don't know a lot about it but it looks very interesting it
would be a lot of fun to see some ruins, lets see how much money I have
left..
So those are my thoughts about my trip and destinations, we will see what
happens on my adventures (or misadventures)
First Post!
I am just testing my blog right now but Happy New Year to everyone! I usually don't like to make resolutions for myself since I don't like to add the unnecessary guilt to my life since I already have enough.
BUT I will try to update my blog as much as can chronically my adventures on Semester at Sea so that everyone can live vicariously through me. So if this is my only post or I only do like 2 throughout my entire voyage I will allow you to berate me, since that is one of my biggest peeves. However I do procrastinate so forgive my tardiness in advance.
I hope everyone will enjoy my blog! (or what i bring myself to post...)
BUT I will try to update my blog as much as can chronically my adventures on Semester at Sea so that everyone can live vicariously through me. So if this is my only post or I only do like 2 throughout my entire voyage I will allow you to berate me, since that is one of my biggest peeves. However I do procrastinate so forgive my tardiness in advance.
I hope everyone will enjoy my blog! (or what i bring myself to post...)
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