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