Day 2: Journey
I awoke early and had a breakfast of 2 Croissants with Strawberry Preserves, some hash browns, and an overflowing cup of fruit. I found out on Day 1 that I was missing my Yellow Fever vaccination. I wouldn’t be able to travel to Brazil or South Africa. Luckily they had some aboard the ship, priced $120.00 a shot. I met a few more people in line for this later in the day. Earlier, we had numerous meetings about safety and rules and do’s and don’t’s. I moved from the Satellite classroom to the Union because the screen and audio were both impossible to understand with all the people who eventually gave up on paying attention. I felt uncomfortable with so many people talking and not quite wanting to myself. (The Satellite classrooms are where they broadcast what goes on in the Union. Not everyone can fit there.) Apparently, this is the 95th Voyage and the one with the most students ever. Ever! (They emphasized.) 700-some students. And this voyage would be the most extraordinary voyage ever! Ever! (They emphasized again.) The academic dean was hit by a car, and so this man Max Grant, who has the kindness of Santa Claus (and the beard) is taking over until Cape Town. The reg. dean has only a broken arm and some bruises. Sometimes I wonder if I will be able to create meaningful connections with any of the people here, but I assure myself that it is only the second day and that the port landings will definitely help. So far, despite all the people I have met, I’ve yet to make any friends, as I define them. A few potentials, though, definitely. At a meeting, they really began to emphasize how lucky we are to be here… and tears came to my eyes as I realized how true it was. Less than 1% of all people just studying abroad circumnavigate the Earth. I wished Christine were near me more than ever. I knew it would be hard here without her, but I hadn’t realized just how hard it would be for her as well. I wish more than anything else that she could be here, by my side. Seeing the things I see, meeting people. It’s only Day 2… I just really can’t believe she’s not here. Without Jade either, it’s just… I’m a bit lost. It’s 2000 here, and a little more to the day. But I’ll be heading to the Field Program meeting, the last before classes start tomorrow. I’ll find a way to post pictures sooner or later. Thank you, friends. I love you all. (Especially, you, Christine Stezar. I miss you always.)