So after 108 days, 13 countries, 34 cities, 14 flights, 9 train rides, 2 ferries and too many bus rides and taxis to count, I have completed the semester of a lifetime. I made friends that I’ll never forget, and together we created memories to always remember. I’m not sure what my favorite country was or what the “coolest thing I have done” is, but I do know that I have seen the world and that will have an impact on me for the rest of my life. I saw things that most people will never have the chance to see, and I hope the images of each and every place I went will stay with me. I learned so much, not from the classes on the ship, or the textbooks I read, but from the people I met and interacted with. I’m certain I will only come to realize the extent of how much I learned later on in life.
Thank you for following me on my journey and I hope to share all of my stories and pictures soon. Until then, I’ll direct your newfound spare time back to perezhilton.com ☺
And to my parents, I’d just like to say: Thank you for giving me the world, but there is no place like home.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Guatemala
We survived all 12 ports! Marisa, 10 of our friends and I got a house in Antigua for our stay in Guatemala. It was an adorable little Central American house and 16 of our other friends were staying in one just down the street. The first day we got a ride to Antigua, which was about an hour and a half from our port and walked around the town for a few hours. We hung out by our pool in the afternoon and grilled out for dinner. We just stayed at our house or went to the other house at night since it really wasn’t safe for us to be out and about that late in Guatemala these days. The second day we spent most of the time in the town shopping. Then somehow Marisa and I had a 5-hour linner.. just the two of us. Yesterday the 12 from our house got up at the break of dawn to hike an active volcano! We actually rode horses up most of the mountain, but hiked once it turned into hardened lava. It literally was spewing neon orange magma from the center of the volcano; it was crazy! We were able to get pretty close to the top, but due to the intense heat radiating from the molten rock, not quite close enough to roast the marshmallows we brought. We made our way back to the ship and are currently homeward bound!
I am very excited to be home in 5 days, however I know it’s going to be incredibly bitter-sweet once I realize it’s all over.
I am very excited to be home in 5 days, however I know it’s going to be incredibly bitter-sweet once I realize it’s all over.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hawaii
Back in America and it feels so nice!! Although, it was a little bit awkward being so familiar with a place. I found myself anxiously pondering how I would be able to get across my desires to cab drivers, still speaking very slowly, loudly, and with accompanying hand gestures… soon to realize they too spoke perfect English. I even found myself trying to mentally compute how many dollars my cab fare actually was. It was already in USD! We finally had Mexican food, I drank tap water just because I COULD, and I was carded for the first time as a real live 21 year old! I even bought my first bottle of alcohol with a legitimate ID. This however, was an issue for all of my underage friends who had a wave of reality hit them when they were denied alcoholic beverages for the first time in 3 months… so many rules in the states. We only had 2 days in Honolulu, and I spent the majority of that time on the beach or by the pool. It was much needed and not long enough!
Now 7 days till Guatemala and I’ll be home in 2 weeks!
Now 7 days till Guatemala and I’ll be home in 2 weeks!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Japan
We had SO much fun in Japan! Marisa and I traveled independently with 4 other girls and definitely enjoyed ourselves. We finally, after a tremendous struggle, obtained Japanese rail passes in China and were able to take the bullet train to the cities we desired to see in Japan. The bullet train is the fastest train in the world, looks particularly like a sideways spaceship, and features reserved seating much like those I pass by in 1st class on your average airplane. The MV docked in Kobe for 2 days, sailed for 2 days, and then docked in Yokohama for 2 days. However, most of us decided to find our own transportation within Japan for the middle 2 days since we didn’t have class on the ship and we were able to see so much more.
We docked in Kobe and spent our first day hanging out in the city and finding our first of many delicious sushi meals. The second morning we took a train to Hiroshima to see the Memorial Peace Museum. We had lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant (sitting on the floor) overlooking a quaint little river and beautiful cherry blossoms. That evening we took the train to Kyoto and went to a “conveyer belt” sushi place where we managed to get ourselves into a little bit of trouble by sending our cameras on video mode along the conveyer belt which led them into the kitchen. After that we rented out a karaoke cubicle and had a fantastic time. That morning we explored Kyoto and witnessed the gorgeous cherry blossom trees that make Kyoto the cultural center of Japan. That night we took the train to Tokyo and experienced a Japanese baseball game. I’d have to say it was similar to American baseball, just fewer people and MUCH more enthusiasm. The next day we had an amazing hamburger lunch at the cutest little bistro, went shopping for a bit, and then headed to the Harajuku district. The fashion in Japan, Tokyo specifically, was incredible. The men all had on business suits, though I always saw them on the streets so I have no idea when they actually went to work, much like the children in school uniforms who never seemed to be in school. But the women dress akin to a cross between Gossip Girl and Barbie. They are all so tiny, they all wear heals though none of them can properly walk in them, and it looks as if they just took ¼ of all the clothes they own and layered it all on at the same time… but manage to look so chic! Our last day we spent the morning in Tokyo, saw Tokyo tower, then traveled to Yokohama to meet our ship.
I must make note of a very pleasing aspect of Japan. While the Chinese deem it necessary and proper to put a porcelain hole in the ground that you have to squat over with no accompanying paper and call it a toilet, the Japanese take things to a whole new level. I’m talking heated, sometimes vibrating seats, soft music, and pleasant air freshener. Definitely an upgrade, they’re doing great things with their technological advancement.
The past 4 countries have been utterly exhausting, with only 2 days between each one, and those 2 days being consumed with class and assignments. We are now in for a 9-day stretch before a short break in Hawaii and while I’m happy to have a chance to rest right now, I’m more than positive that I will be sick of ship life in…. about 36 hours.
Tomorrow is Easter and the next day is… Easter again. I still can’t conceive of the idea of the International Date Line, but for some reason we have two April 12ths. Hope it’s a good day, because I get to live it twice!
We docked in Kobe and spent our first day hanging out in the city and finding our first of many delicious sushi meals. The second morning we took a train to Hiroshima to see the Memorial Peace Museum. We had lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant (sitting on the floor) overlooking a quaint little river and beautiful cherry blossoms. That evening we took the train to Kyoto and went to a “conveyer belt” sushi place where we managed to get ourselves into a little bit of trouble by sending our cameras on video mode along the conveyer belt which led them into the kitchen. After that we rented out a karaoke cubicle and had a fantastic time. That morning we explored Kyoto and witnessed the gorgeous cherry blossom trees that make Kyoto the cultural center of Japan. That night we took the train to Tokyo and experienced a Japanese baseball game. I’d have to say it was similar to American baseball, just fewer people and MUCH more enthusiasm. The next day we had an amazing hamburger lunch at the cutest little bistro, went shopping for a bit, and then headed to the Harajuku district. The fashion in Japan, Tokyo specifically, was incredible. The men all had on business suits, though I always saw them on the streets so I have no idea when they actually went to work, much like the children in school uniforms who never seemed to be in school. But the women dress akin to a cross between Gossip Girl and Barbie. They are all so tiny, they all wear heals though none of them can properly walk in them, and it looks as if they just took ¼ of all the clothes they own and layered it all on at the same time… but manage to look so chic! Our last day we spent the morning in Tokyo, saw Tokyo tower, then traveled to Yokohama to meet our ship.
I must make note of a very pleasing aspect of Japan. While the Chinese deem it necessary and proper to put a porcelain hole in the ground that you have to squat over with no accompanying paper and call it a toilet, the Japanese take things to a whole new level. I’m talking heated, sometimes vibrating seats, soft music, and pleasant air freshener. Definitely an upgrade, they’re doing great things with their technological advancement.
The past 4 countries have been utterly exhausting, with only 2 days between each one, and those 2 days being consumed with class and assignments. We are now in for a 9-day stretch before a short break in Hawaii and while I’m happy to have a chance to rest right now, I’m more than positive that I will be sick of ship life in…. about 36 hours.
Tomorrow is Easter and the next day is… Easter again. I still can’t conceive of the idea of the International Date Line, but for some reason we have two April 12ths. Hope it’s a good day, because I get to live it twice!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
China
I had a fabulous time in China!
We arrived in Hong Kong where Marisa and I darted to the nearest Starbucks. (don’t judge, it’s been awhile) It was nice to see more familiarity in the city. We spent our day exploring the city and wound up, of course, in the markets where we proceeded to purchase much more than we ever needed. I think I’m finally getting the hang of this bartering situation, though I fear culture shock upon return to America. I’ll be trying to negotiate my bills everywhere. I do love to strike a deal. (I got it from my mama) Our only night in Hong Kong, we had a delectable dinner and found ourselves at a local hotspot with live music that our waiter had suggested.
Our second day, we left early for an SAS trip to Beijing and the University of International Business and Economics. That night we met with some students from the university and quickly made new friends! My two favorite, Joanna and Joy (I know you’re reading this and I miss you) joined us for a few drinks at our hotel and took us to a karaoke bar. The next day we visited Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Mao’s Mausoleum, and the Temple of Heaven. That evening we had the great pleasure of seeing a Chinese Acrobat show. This was truly incredible. Tiny men were doing back flips from one man’s shoulders and landing on another man’s shoulders who was in turn standing on another man’s shoulders! (drawing a visual may help that resonate) At one point, I counted 13 little Asian women in a pyramid formation… riding a bike. They were also as flexible as noodles It was crazy, and I loved it! Our third day we hiked the Great Wall of China! The wall was stunning, but I must say that our toboggan ride down the Great Wall was also worthy of mention. My experience was enhanced by a Chinese man ramming into the back of me and shouting “Go! Go! Fast! Weeeee!” around every turn. That night we met up with the University students again for dinner where I met my new pen pal, Ulysses. (Or Simon, depending on his mood) We also met up with Joy and Joanna and they all joined our SAS group to go out that night and we had a great time! The last day in Beijing we visited the Summer Palace and the 2008 Olympic venues. We were able to go inside the bird’s nest and the water cube. While at summer palace, I acquired quite a nose bleed. As it started to drip, Marisa and our friend Jess and I took a seat on some outside stairs to wait it out. Thirty-five minutes later… my nose was still dripping. It was nuts. And in the midst of that adventure, Marisa’s nose started to bleed. Now those are some videos I’m sure you’re all dying to see!
We arrived in Shanghai to meet the ship and had one day to spend in the city. Unfortunately, 4 hours and miles of walking were spent in an attempt to acquire a rail pass for Japan since we cannot buy them in Japan. After many failed attempts and headaches, we finally obtained our passes and are ready for Japan!
I have to say how happy I am to have met Chinese students on our trip! They are already proving to be great friends and we’re all learning so much from each other! Ulysses has also offered to help anyone with Chinese or Cantonese languages if you’re up for a challenge =) I’ll try to post pictures of them soon.
We arrived in Hong Kong where Marisa and I darted to the nearest Starbucks. (don’t judge, it’s been awhile) It was nice to see more familiarity in the city. We spent our day exploring the city and wound up, of course, in the markets where we proceeded to purchase much more than we ever needed. I think I’m finally getting the hang of this bartering situation, though I fear culture shock upon return to America. I’ll be trying to negotiate my bills everywhere. I do love to strike a deal. (I got it from my mama) Our only night in Hong Kong, we had a delectable dinner and found ourselves at a local hotspot with live music that our waiter had suggested.
Our second day, we left early for an SAS trip to Beijing and the University of International Business and Economics. That night we met with some students from the university and quickly made new friends! My two favorite, Joanna and Joy (I know you’re reading this and I miss you) joined us for a few drinks at our hotel and took us to a karaoke bar. The next day we visited Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Mao’s Mausoleum, and the Temple of Heaven. That evening we had the great pleasure of seeing a Chinese Acrobat show. This was truly incredible. Tiny men were doing back flips from one man’s shoulders and landing on another man’s shoulders who was in turn standing on another man’s shoulders! (drawing a visual may help that resonate) At one point, I counted 13 little Asian women in a pyramid formation… riding a bike. They were also as flexible as noodles It was crazy, and I loved it! Our third day we hiked the Great Wall of China! The wall was stunning, but I must say that our toboggan ride down the Great Wall was also worthy of mention. My experience was enhanced by a Chinese man ramming into the back of me and shouting “Go! Go! Fast! Weeeee!” around every turn. That night we met up with the University students again for dinner where I met my new pen pal, Ulysses. (Or Simon, depending on his mood) We also met up with Joy and Joanna and they all joined our SAS group to go out that night and we had a great time! The last day in Beijing we visited the Summer Palace and the 2008 Olympic venues. We were able to go inside the bird’s nest and the water cube. While at summer palace, I acquired quite a nose bleed. As it started to drip, Marisa and our friend Jess and I took a seat on some outside stairs to wait it out. Thirty-five minutes later… my nose was still dripping. It was nuts. And in the midst of that adventure, Marisa’s nose started to bleed. Now those are some videos I’m sure you’re all dying to see!
We arrived in Shanghai to meet the ship and had one day to spend in the city. Unfortunately, 4 hours and miles of walking were spent in an attempt to acquire a rail pass for Japan since we cannot buy them in Japan. After many failed attempts and headaches, we finally obtained our passes and are ready for Japan!
I have to say how happy I am to have met Chinese students on our trip! They are already proving to be great friends and we’re all learning so much from each other! Ulysses has also offered to help anyone with Chinese or Cantonese languages if you’re up for a challenge =) I’ll try to post pictures of them soon.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Vietnam
So, my parents finally arrived! And I can finally enjoy a stiff cocktail legally!
Mom, dad, and dares came to pick us up at the port in Saigon in hopes of checking out our current home away from home, but were turned away by immigration, so that was a minor set-back. Marisa joined our family for the week, and we flew to Hanoi after some celebratory cocktails by the pool of their hotel that morning. The lady at reception of our hotel in Hanoi noticed that it was my birthday when she checked our passports, and was probably more excited than even I was about this fact. She made sure I was presented with a birthday cake at dinner that evening. Then dad wanted to check out the pounding music below us, and we ventured down to “NUTZ” nightclub. It was loud enough for even him to hear!
The second day we had a long drive to Ha Long Bay to catch our overnight “luxury junk”. Dares told me we were staying on a floating wigwam and I was a bit nervous, but our little wooden ship was quite cozy. We enjoyed delicious fresh seafood from the depths of Ha Long Bay and wandered through some caves in the area. We saw the beauty of Ha Long Bay, unfortunately under the cloud cover, but it was a nice, relaxing use of our time.
That night we visited the markets of Hanoi, then had dinner before catching our overnight train ride to Da Nung. I cannot describe the overnight train situation without offending my dad, since this was what he wanted to do. However, let’s just say I will never have a desire to step foot on ANY sort of train in Vietnam ever again. In Da Nung, we stayed at an amazing beach resort on China Beach, and thoroughly enjoyed the little time we had there. I also made use of the free internet, and was able to post the preceding videos, which I hope are working.
Our last day we flew back to Saigon and had a short city tour. We saw the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. The Bakers were finally admitted onboard the MV Explorer, and they toured this ship before saying their farewells.
Thank you for all of my Birthday wishes, it was definitely one to remember!
Mom, dad, and dares came to pick us up at the port in Saigon in hopes of checking out our current home away from home, but were turned away by immigration, so that was a minor set-back. Marisa joined our family for the week, and we flew to Hanoi after some celebratory cocktails by the pool of their hotel that morning. The lady at reception of our hotel in Hanoi noticed that it was my birthday when she checked our passports, and was probably more excited than even I was about this fact. She made sure I was presented with a birthday cake at dinner that evening. Then dad wanted to check out the pounding music below us, and we ventured down to “NUTZ” nightclub. It was loud enough for even him to hear!
The second day we had a long drive to Ha Long Bay to catch our overnight “luxury junk”. Dares told me we were staying on a floating wigwam and I was a bit nervous, but our little wooden ship was quite cozy. We enjoyed delicious fresh seafood from the depths of Ha Long Bay and wandered through some caves in the area. We saw the beauty of Ha Long Bay, unfortunately under the cloud cover, but it was a nice, relaxing use of our time.
That night we visited the markets of Hanoi, then had dinner before catching our overnight train ride to Da Nung. I cannot describe the overnight train situation without offending my dad, since this was what he wanted to do. However, let’s just say I will never have a desire to step foot on ANY sort of train in Vietnam ever again. In Da Nung, we stayed at an amazing beach resort on China Beach, and thoroughly enjoyed the little time we had there. I also made use of the free internet, and was able to post the preceding videos, which I hope are working.
Our last day we flew back to Saigon and had a short city tour. We saw the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. The Bakers were finally admitted onboard the MV Explorer, and they toured this ship before saying their farewells.
Thank you for all of my Birthday wishes, it was definitely one to remember!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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