TIA- This is Africa!

AFRICA! Oh my Gosh! I still cannot believe that I have just spent the last 5 days in Namibia and continuing to Cape Town! What am I talking about? I still can’t believe that I am actually on Semester At Sea!

        We arrived in Namibia on Friday the nineteenth, and now we left for our next port to Cape Town.  Again as I have said before, I am sorry that I have not written a lot when I am in port or in general. It is almost as if time speeds up when we arrive in port and the excitement throughout the boat is unbelievable!

In my Global Studies class about the rise of great new powers, we learn a lot about each countries history before we arrive. It is very interesting to hear about the German colonization of Namibia and all of their hardships that they went through to gain their independence. I love learning about the countries and experiencing all that I can when I get to that country. I know that this is just the start but you really don’t realize how much it will impact you until you are there in awe of everything you see and do.

Okay, lets check out what I did in Namibia.
On Friday afternoon of the first day I was in Namibia, I set out in vans to go to the Namib- Desert to camp and stargaze. The van ride was incredible because it was my first encounter with a real desert! We passed the magnificent Dune Seven with all of the ripples in the sand from the wind. The ride took about an hour to the desert and when we arrived I couldn’t believe where we were going to be camping. There were these nice tents with beds in them and showers in the back of the tents! We were literally out in the middle of the desert surrounded by these mountains of rock.  What a view!

        I have wonderful pictures that I wish I could show you. I know the anticipation is probably running wild. We all sat around campfires, ate an awesome meal, and eventually went our stargazing with trained astronomers. I have NEVER seen so many stars as I did that night. The sky was lit up with millions of tiny dots that were beautiful and magical.

        The next day I traveled back to Walvis Bay needing to be refreshed from all the sand and wind. A few friends of mine and I took a trip to a popular town in Namibia called Swakopmund.  In fact that is where I spent a lot of my time. Walvis Bay does not have a lot to offer as far as shopping, bars, and eating goes. We shopped for a little while checking out the different market vendors that were trying to sell us everything. I did buy a few things though!       We ended up deciding that we wanted to stay the night because there was not much to do in Walvis Bay. We found a hostile that a bunch of other Semester At Sea kids were at so we knew that it would be safe. Besides the fact that there was some serious barbed wire and security!

        That night we ended up at a fabulous restaurant where I ate Springbok. It is this deer like animal that I believe is only in Africa. It was tender and very delicious! My Dad would have definitely liked it a lot. I thought of how I wish he could have been there to enjoy it with me! Looks like we will have to come back to Africa Dad! Hehe. I was going to try Zebra last night but we ordered surf and turf instead which was great. I have been told that I will be eating some pretty exotic things on my Safari in Cape Town! Perhaps Zebra will be one.

        On to the next day- we grabbed some breakfast at a café where there was the most amazing cappuccinos! I asked the lady how she makes such great ones and it was some mix she used. This is where I thought of how much my Mom would love one!

        Anyways, some other students on Semester At Sea told us to go to this camel farm a few miles down the road from the main drag of Swakopmund. I actually was able to ride a camel!! Yes, it was somewhat uncomfortable but well worth it!! Because camel riding was not enough, we then wanted to go 4 x 4 Quad Riding on the Dunes! It was such an experience!! I am not too good with the bikes but it was a blast and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It was a real thrill ride ? Our bike guide let us get off on one of the taller Dunes and took a picture of myself and two of my friends with our helmets on- it is cute.

        We did some more strolling around the town and hit up a few bars and dance clubs. They were always a great time with a plethora of students from the ship. Today, Tuesday the twenty-third; I went on a township tour in Walvis Bay. We went to the townships of Kuisebmond where we strolled through the markers and saw small traders, typical Namibian dishes, clothing, and traditional crafts.

        We continued our tour to a kindergarten where the kids sang for us and performed a special show! The kids were absolutely adorable!!! Our tour went on with a visit to a multi-purpose center that focuses on the situation of HIV/AIDS and working with people as far as testing and different issues go. We had a packed day of seeing all kinds of the vibrant atmospheres of the township. These places where I visited are extremely poor but it really made me appreciate all that I have. It is something that I cannot even explain but I am sure that you understand where I am coming from. Seeing these different cultures and the way that people live outside of the bubble of America is extraordinary and something that can only be felt with from the heart.

        As you can tell I had a wonderful and fantastic time in Namibia! From thrilling
4 x4 rides in the desert to the trips to the townships, I did it all! Yeah! Here we go to Cape Town- we are already on our way. I have two days of classes and then we arrive in Cape Town on Friday. I still can’t really wrap my head around that I will be in South Africa for a week and no classes. Although we have a twelve-day hike to India after Cape Town it will be well worth it. I am just trying to take everyday as I can because I know it will fly by as it already as.

I will be writing some more e-mails to some friends and relatives but if you want to send me an e-mail you can send it through my John Carroll Account. I am getting everything forwarded to my Semester At Sea e-mail. ( kmendick10@jcu.edu) Thank you!!!!!

Miss you and Love to you all!!!!

Kristen

In the middle of the Atlantic....

      That is exactly where I am- in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! We have been at sea for around four days now since Brazil. The seas are not too bad but definitely more rough then when we were on our way to South America. Today I was in class and thought that I was on a roller coaster because the front or (bow) of the ship is the rockiest part. I do not feel seasick anymore and am taking a lower dose of the medicine that the doctor gave me.  Yeah! This means that my body is getting used to being on the boat and have finally got my sea legs ? According to the TV in my room it looks as if we are more then halfway to Namibia. I think we are a little a head of schedule; therefore we may slow down on Wednesday or Thursday so that we do not arrive too early.

        Today I have two classes and now I am done until Wednesday because we do not have classes tomorrow! I guess they do not like to give us too many classes in a row? Not sure of the reasoning quite yet. I have my first test on Wednesday though, thus I am happy that I can spend some of tomorrow preparing for that one. Also, another great thing about not having class tomorrow is that we have to set our clocks ahead another hour. We are already three hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. By the time we arrive in Namibia we are going to be six hours ahead of you all!!!

        Lets see what else... umm let me tell you what I am planning on doing in Namibia. Actually I do not have too many things planned but my friends and I are just going to figure out the majority after we go exploring. However, Friday afternoon I will be leaving to go camping and stargazing in the desert! Apparently it is one of the oldest deserts? I am only there for one night, but it should be a lot of fun.

        The last day I am going on a day trip called, Township and Diamond Tour. We will be interacting with people in Namibia and learning about the diamond industry in South Africa. Other than that I will probably be doing some day trips with friends and checking out Namibia. This is the first time that Semester- At- Sea has ever been to Walvis Bay, Namibia! It should most definitely be an experience for them as well.

Okay- I should go do some work so that I can hang out with friends tonight. Yeah!

Love to you All,

Kristen

In the middle of the Atlantic....

      That is exactly where I am- in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! We have been at sea for around four days now since Brazil. The seas are not too bad but definitely more rough then when we were on our way to South America. Today I was in class and thought that I was on a roller coaster because the front or (bow) of the ship is the rockiest part. I do not feel seasick anymore and am taking a lower dose of the medicine that the doctor gave me.  Yeah! This means that my body is getting used to being on the boat and have finally got my sea legs ? According to the TV in my room it looks as if we are more then halfway to Namibia. I think we are a little a head of schedule; therefore we may slow down on Wednesday or Thursday so that we do not arrive too early.

        Today I have two classes and now I am done until Wednesday because we do not have classes tomorrow! I guess they do not like to give us too many classes in a row? Not sure of the reasoning quite yet. I have my first test on Wednesday though, thus I am happy that I can spend some of tomorrow preparing for that one. Also, another great thing about not having class tomorrow is that we have to set our clocks ahead another hour. We are already three hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. By the time we arrive in Namibia we are going to be six hours ahead of you all!!!

        Lets see what else... umm let me tell you what I am planning on doing in Namibia. Actually I do not have too many things planned but my friends and I are just going to figure out the majority after we go exploring. However, Friday afternoon I will be leaving to go camping and stargazing in the desert! Apparently it is one of the oldest deserts? I am only there for one night, but it should be a lot of fun.

        The last day I am going on a day trip called, Township and Diamond Tour. We will be interacting with people in Namibia and learning about the diamond industry in South Africa. Other than that I will probably be doing some day trips with friends and checking out Namibia. This is the first time that Semester- At- Sea has ever been to Walvis Bay, Namibia! It should most definitely be an experience for them as well.

Okay- I should go do some work so that I can hang out with friends tonight. Yeah!

Love to you All,

Kristen

The Best of Rio de Janeiro<3

       Hello! Last night I got back from Rio!! It was an absolute wonderful time. Besides the 5:00 A.M. flight on Monday morning with a 3 hour layover, the trip was well worth it. When we got there on Monday it was rainy so the tour guide decided to post-pone a trip in 4 x 4 jeeps with our trip to the Christ the Redeemer Statue. We had Monday afternoon and night on our own where we did some exploring in Rio. I met a lot of new people from the ship and it was great hanging out with them. Some of the kids went out on Monday night but I decided to get some rest because I had been out late the previous night with some friends and the early flight did me in.

        Tuesday morning I woke up to a beautiful sunshine and it continued while we ate breakfast. Our hotel was magnificent with an awesome view from the fourteenth floor of the famous Cococabana beach!!! However, later on it got rainy again but we still had to move on with our day. The first stop was a social program called “Manguiera” where there is this huge complex working to get kids off the poor areas of the streets of Rio. It reminded me of the YMCA, but they also had a school and lots of other different programs. We were able to interact with the kids and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed that.

        After that we went to lunch that was delicious. We went to a Brazilian barbecue buffet where you go up and get your salads, sides, and appetizers. Then when you are eating the waiters comes along with different types of meats on a skewer or on a plate. I had chicken, lamb, and beef. Don’t worry though because I made sure everything was cooked on the inside!

        As soon as lunch ended we proceeded to Sugar Loaf Mountain where they take you from one mountain to Sugar Loaf on cable cars. It was really really rainy so we didn’t see much on Sugar Loaf but I am sure that the view was breathtaking. I wish that I could put up pictures but I will waste all of my minutes and the data import is too big. Anyways maybe look up Sugar Loaf on google and you will know what I am talking about it was neat. That night we were all still full from an amazing lunch and went out to a Brazilian dance/karaoke club. We were able to dance and sing some Brazilian music, which was hilarious.

        Wednesday we continued our trip thought Rio by taking 4 x 4 jeeps to the “Corcovado” or better known as Christ the Redeemer Statue. This was the highlight of my trip as it was spectacular and out of this world. The view from this statue was without words I can’t even explain how beautiful the city looked from this view. Wednesday was our day without rain -finally! It was a sunny and cloudless day enabling us to see everything from up top. As much as Rio definitely has some issues with their city such as crime and social inequality (like the rest of Brazil) this trip to the mountain was great!

        Now I am back on the boat reminiscing about how much fun Rio was and definitely missing the city. Our boat leaves at 2000 or 8:00 but I have a Faculty Directed Practica that I need to attend on the boat this afternoon. Sometimes I forget that I actually go to school on the boat hehehe? Unfortunately I should go read and do a few things before my lecture and classes tomorrow. But first I want to thank my parents for talking me into Rio- I don’t know if I could have had a better time. I know that you heard it before but you mean everything to me and I thank you for letting me grow through these experiences that I will continue to make for the next few months. Obrigado! (thank you in Portuguese)  Miss you!!! XOXO

With Love,

Kristen

I see land!!!

Last night we spotted land from the ship and it was neat to see all the lights lit up in the dark sky. I am not quite sure what city it was, but definitely a city in Brazil! Tomorrow we arrive in Brazil at about 6:00 AM. Although I have heard it takes a long time for the ship to dock and get arranged in port. We are ahead of schedule so we are going at about 14 knots instead of our normal speed at 20 knots. Oh well I like the slow speed because then I don’t walk in a crooked line going from place to place.  Last night we had a cultural pre-port meeting to learn about the customs and ways of life in Brazil. There were some neat foods that were shown that I cannot wait to eat (also some that I won’t be trying hehe). We also learned about the dance and some lessons in speaking Portuguese. Good thing I am going with a group leader to Rio or else it would be very difficult getting around. Tonight we have another lecture about Brazil but this one is more about theft, transportation, food, and money issues that some of us might run into. It should be very helpful. My classes are still good, challenging but interesting. Yesterday we had a day known as “Neptune Day” on the ship that has been a ritual for many years. It has sometime to do with crossing the border for the first time to the southern hemisphere.  It is tradition for the captain to shave two student’s heads and then other people that want their head shaven can get it done later in the day. Also sometime to do with fish and how we are all polliwogs in the beginning and after the process of kissing a real fish and jumping into the pool with fish parts thrown on you- you become a certain other fish name that I can’t remember. I did not partake in this activity but had a blast watching other people do it!! (Sorry kind of confusing but there is no easy way to explain).  Although it was a little gross it was overall a very enjoyable day.  Today we are all just excited and anticipating what our first port out of the country will be like. Everyone has so many different plans for Brazil and I really want to here stories of different experiences other students had and tell them my encounters in Salvador and then Rio. I really hope that everyone enjoys reading my blog and I will do my very best to update it whenever possible. Also, thank you for being excited for me it means a lot ? 

Love you all,

Kristen

Almost in Brazil!!!

Hey Hey All!

I am sorry that I have not updated you with anything about my trip, but I am doing fabulous! The first day I got sick but now I am taking some medicine that the doctor gave me and I am 110% better. Anyways, I have been meeting some really awesome people on the ship and we have been having game night and watching the sun set- absolutely beautiful from the oceanJ It is crazy that I will be in Brazil on Sunday! I then get to travel to Rio de Janeiro with some students from semester at sea as well. There are a lot of people going on the Amazon trip but the more I think about it the happier I am with not picking that one. Apparently everyone swims in the river but it kind of bothers me that scientists still can't identify 30% of what is in that river. No Thank you! (Thanks Mom and Dad for talking me out of it!) The ship is magnificent with two dining halls, library, computer lab, huge union, campus stores, and classrooms. It looks like it was built last month no joke. I am taking some really interesting classes that are cool and when I get to each country I can actually see what I am learning in each country which is amazing. Tomorrow we cross the equator to continue to Salvador, Brazil and it there is a huge past history of boys shaving their head for "Neptune Day." That should be interesting to say the least hehe. Well I hope everyone is well back at home or wherever you may be! I am super happy that I am on this trip and honestly I could not have hoped for anything better. Miss and Love you!!!

 

Always,

 

Kristen