Water, Water Everywhere!

Hurray the fog has finally cleared! It's been two days of nothing else, but last night at dinner, the fog cleared and gave way to a fabulous sunset.  We were enjoying dinner on the aft deck and many were taking advantage of the beautiful sky and warm temperature.

I have taken three courses so far: Global Studies, which is mandatory for the entire ship, Women's Literature of the World (male-bashing?!) and Language & Culture, taught by our friend George Thomas.
All have been really great and I feel like a first year student living in a dormitory. (I now know how you must have felt Laura). Such experiences and meeting of new people.

The best part of the day is the 5pm "Happy Hour" in the lounge.  Only the faculty and Life Long Learners are able to congregate here.  From this advantage point, you can look out over the ocean and see where we are going.  Of course, it's all water right now, but every now and again, you get a sighting of dolphins.

Since most of my days consist of eating, drinking, reading and listening to lectures, I decided to get up 1/2 hour early this morning and go work out on the treadmill.  I was joined by a few diehards.  I figure if I don't do something soon, I won't fit into my few pieces of clothing that I brought.

There is to be a welcome reception tonight for the facutly, their families and Life Long Learners.  I have never been more welcomed and oriented before in my life!  It's really quite nice.  I have met several people whom I know will remain friends long after this voyage.

I miss you all, but I am having a great experience.  My days can be as restful or as busy as I choose, which is quite a luxury.

We are just crossing the Gulf Stream and are halfway across the Atlantic, landing in Morocco on Saturday.  Can't wait to post some pictures so you can all have a chance to experience it with me.

Hopefully the Internet connection will continue to function; there have been a few problems recently and all passwords had to be reset.  It reminds me of work Patrick & Kathryn!

The clocks go ahead one more hour tonight.  Lunch is calling so I will talk to you all soon!

Ghosting Again

The link for ship tracking no longer works.  I have a hunch that once the ship is closer to Morocco we'll be able to see it again. 

I just received an email and Brenda is a little homesick but having a great time with her courses and meeting new people.  She is out of the fog and watched a beautiful sunset after dinner.

If you have time please feel free to comment on the blog or send her an email.  She would love to hear from home.

Frank

All Aboard!

Hi Everyone!  I made it! I had no trouble getting to the ship from the train station. Getting on board was a breeze and everyone is very helpful and friendly. The only issue I have had so far is that my cabin is 3 decks below and the internet connection does not work there.  Of course it would work when I went to the IT lab for help, but the moment I stepped 20 feet away, it had a connection error. ( I needed you Patrick!!!) I am on a first name basis with the IT guy and the last time I showed up for help, I'm sure he wanted to jump ship to avoid my questions!  No matter, I am now up and running smoothly. As a matter of fact, I found a wonderful, quiet lounge to get away and compose my blog. It's on the bow of the ship and I can look at the scenery all around me.  I saw a school of dolphins and some belugula whales today before breakfast.

The first evening (Thursday),  I went out to dinner at a wonderful Portuguese restaurant in Montreal with Maggie and George and some of the other faculty and their wives.  The food was delicious and since we were the only ones there, the service was fabulous. 

The next morning after breakfast, Maggie, George and I ventured in to the Old Towne again to get some "supplies" for the ship.  You are allowed 2 bottles of alcohol per port.  The students arrived (447 in all) and were led on tours.  They all look so excited.  They all say hello when you pass by them; so friendly.  We had a lifeboat drill at 4pm and it went very well.  Everyone seemed to take it very seriously, even the small children travelling with their parents. The ship is very safety conscious.

We sailed on the dot of 5pm and I watched all the parents lined up on shore waving to their kids on the aft and forward decks. There were a few tears shed, I'm sure.

Today (Saturday) is orientation for the students.  I have lots of free time until 4pm when there is a meeting for the Life Long Learners.  They really make you feel inclusive; like you are all one big family; lots of support for everyone. I will be starting my own courses tomorrow.  I met a lovely Indian professor who will be teaching Women's Literature of the World.  She has graciously said that Maggie & I can audit her course whenever we choose.  I will be alternating the days between this one and George's "Language & Culture" course.

Sorry this is so long, but a lot has happened in two days and this is just the beginning.

I have set up my shipboard email, so if you email me at my usual address, it will automatically forward to my shipboard one.  I figured it out all by myself!!!  Are you impressed??  Yes!!

Ghost Writing for Brenda

I've had a few people ask how Brenda is doing and if things are going well.  With the exception of some computer connectivity issues all has gone flawlessly. 

The VIA Rail trip to Montreal was on time.  (I had half expected a very frantic wife calling and saying, "We're stuck in Kingston and they won't say when we will get underway.  Get me off this freakin' train and drive me to Montreal!)  Fred Eisenburger made a cameo appearance on the platform at Aldersot just to add a little gravitas to the moment.

She is at this moment having dinner with Maggie and George as the ship sails toward Sorel.  You can track the ship at this website  http://marinetraffic.com/ais/datasheet.aspx?SHIPNAME=explorer&TYPE_SUMMARY=Passenger&menuid=&datasource=SHIPS_CURRENT&app=&mode=&B1=Search

Very cool!

I'm sure that Brenda will be back in internet land shortly and will fill you in with more details.

Frank

Packing Day

I had a helper while packing. I think I will have to check my backpack for stowaways!  I'm going to miss my little Griffin.

I DID IT!!  Five weeks worth of clothing and provisions have been packed.  Thanks to my daughter Laura's duffle bag and my trusty well travelled backpack, it's done.  I'm packed.  The stress is leaving my body.  Ahhhhh.

I have had all my vaccinations and taken all my medicine; have all my visas; booked the train to Montreal and flight from Cape Town.  I could leave today.  I am ready.....except for saying a special goodbye to some special people.

I don't know what to say.  Blogging is so new to me.  But I will try to keep it interesting for you.

Please post comments, or news from home, or jokes, or anything you want. 

See you in 5 weeks.