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