I have been on the ship now since the 18th of January and its been quite an experience. The ship is beautiful and always clean. I am taking 4 classes: Global Studies, World Religions, World Dance and U.S. Foreign Policy. My days consist of A days and B days...no dates here...no weekends either. Every day at sea is a school day, no class while on port.

I am also part of the Work-Study program which means that I get grant money towards this trip in return for work. I work 2 hours a day in the Computer Lab and although I was nervous at first because I'm not the technological type, I really like it now and the hours go by fast because everyone needs help with their laptops! ;)

A typical day for me: I wake up and if its early enough I go and have breakfast usually at the 5th deck (there's another dinning room in the 6th). The food is good but can become a bit repetative. I then go to Global Studies, a class everyone is required to take and take at the same time every day: 9:30am. I than go to another class (on A days) and then another class (on A days) then luch and then work and then that's it. On B days I only have Global Studies class and a World Dance class. So I wake up eat breakfast (if I don't over sleep) and then go to GS class and then chill till lunch then go work for 2 hours then class (World Dance) and then that's it!

I also started to teach a dance class. The other night was the first class. I taught a Salsa class along with Eric, a Puerto Rican student on the ship. It was a great success and we had an amazing turn out! We look forward to continuing the classes and will incorporate Merengue and Bachata dance classes! ;)

I am one of only a few Latin people on the ship, so it's quite different for me but its also a new experience...I just hope that everyone can open up and befriend new people...it can truly change your life. The Latin and Black community tend to hang out and relate a bit better, its somewhat comforting. I'm making friends but have yet to truly feel a great connection with anyone...maybe it takes time. I guess I thought it would be like my experience in Guatemala...where I only spend 2 weeks with about 40 people from all parts of the world while helping to build a school for children and completely bonded and still feel super connected to many of them. Here there are 700+ students so I guess if it's going to happen it will take longer.

I am however, experiencing a bit of home sickness. I miss my family, my boyfriend, my friends. I've never been away for this long...and also the lack of connectivity here doesn't help. I'll be fine, connection or no connection I must remember that this trip will be more about personal growth then anything else. I am excited to see the way this journey will shape me, my thoughts, my opinions, my life! I am excited to see the beauty and pain of each face and soul I meet. Excited to see the history up front and personal of these amazing countries. I'm just excited to be blessed with such an opportunity!

I must go for now. I haven't been able to blog, I've been super busy but I'll try to keep in touch as much as possible. You can email me anytime on the ship. The address is: ygonzalez@semesteratsea.net

I hope to hear from you! I miss and love you!

In two days we arrive in Cadiz, Spain!!!!! ;) I'm so excited! Ole!

Peace and Light,

Yai

Packing!!! Ahhhh!!!!lol  

Well, lets just say that I did pretty good considering that I'll be gone for about 4 months and need to take all the essentials that you usually don't need to take on a 2 week trip like 4 packs of maxi pads (sorry fellas), all kinds of meds, scissors, a mini sewing kit, etc.

One bag (purple duffle bag) is filled with only clothes; the other is filled with shoes (and I was good about not taking too many) and toiletries, etc.  The gray bag is filled with all my electronics...laptop, external hard drive, camcorder, etc. along with a few other things like a towel and a water bottle to name a couple. I'm also taking a sleeping bag for my journey on the Sahara Dessert in Morocco where I'll be spending the night in the dessert and taking a camel trek in the morning.  That night we will be spending the night in a nomad tent and I'll need my sleeping bag.  I'll also need it to spend the night out on the ship deck some nights and look at the stars and await the next port! ;) Exciting isn't it???!!! ;)

And then you also see in the picture a large purse that I bought in Guatemala...hand made by the Mayan ladies, beautiful! There I have all my papers and a few other things. ;)

I can only imagine how that cabin will be!!! I'll be rooming with another girl (that I've yet to meet) and I'm sure she's taking just as much as I am.  PS: This is the only amount allowed by the ship so I am not at all over packing! ;)

Peace and Light!

I cannot believe that I will be departing from Miami to the Bahamas this Saturday the 17th of 2009 to embark on the 19th on a life-changing journey!  I have worked really hard and have been planning this trip for the last 6 months or so and here it is, all at the blink of an eye.  How quickly does time pass us by!  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  Excited to visit places I've always dreamed of visiting, such as South Africa, Morocco India and Thailand...and well basically all of the destinations on the itinerary! ;)  I cannot wait to see the way the people live, to interact with them and take in all the beauty, pain and struggle of their lives.  I only wonder how I will be touched by the faces I see, the friends I make, the poverty I experience and the beauty that will be thrust upon me.

I am blessed, no doubt about it!  God has been a best friend, a continuous supporter!  My mother and grandmother have been the solid foundation and have also made this journey a reality for me.  Continue to keep my fellow shipmates and myself in your prayers and try to keep in touch, as I will try to do the same.

Peace and Light,

Yai