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!!