Oh, the Places I Will Go!

So I thought I would post some further detail about the places I will be visiting. I don't have many concrete plans, but I did register for eight Semester at Sea directed field programs. Some of the ones I signed up for will also fulfill a requirement for different assignments in my classes. The first stop on the itinerary is Nassau, Bahamas where I will be staying at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort with three other girls going on the voyage. I can't wait to be relaxing on the beach! Unfortunately, I will be missing the momentous 20th birthday of M.Chinn on June 15th, but I have already promised that I will make it up to her with amazing souvenirs and gifts upon my return. 

Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

La Sagrada Familia- Gaudi's Cathedral

We will then board the MV Explorer on June 17th, and embark to Barcelona, Spain. I plan on exploring the city and especially the works of famous architect Antoni Gaudi. I also have a day trip through SAS to Montserrat Monastery, a beautiful Benedictine monk retreat in the mountains. In Italy, I plan on traveling to the island of Capri, the city of Rome of course, and to Florence and Cinque Terre. My only scheduled trip is to the ruins of Pompeii. The day after we depart from Italy, one of my best friends will be getting married back home. The date of July 9th was chosen just recently, and even though I won't be there for the actual day of the wedding, I am so very excited for Kelsey. I know that they have a lifetime of happiness ahead of them and so much more. I do get to attend her bridal shower this weekend, and hopefully we will be able to skype on the day before her most special of days. I am extremely excited for Croatia and plan on touring the city walls in the old city, perhaps kayaking around the island of Lokrum,  and hopefully traveling to either Montenegro or Mostar. I also have a trip to the Osojnik village which includes a traditional meal from a host family and a folk show. 

Cinque Terre, Italy

Dubrovnik, Croatia

For Greece, I hope to tour Athens and the ancient Acropolis, and I would love to visit Santorini and perhaps another island. I'm not exactly sure what to expect in Varna, Bulgaria (still really bummed they had to replace the Alexandria, Egypt port), but I do have two SAS trips scheduled: one is a service visit to an orphanage and the other a visit to a Bulgarian village. Istanbul, Turkey is sure to be amazing. I will see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. I also want to experience a traditional Turkish bath. And I have a two day trip scheduled to Cappadocia!  So excited. 

Santorini, Greece

Cappadocia, Turkey

Camel Trek in Morocco 

In Morocco, I am participating in the three day trip to Marrakech, with a camel trek in the Palm Groves. I have also read that the market places and the Jardin Majorelle are must-sees. I still have to book my flight home from Boston, and I hope to stay overnight to explore a little. This summer is sure to be unbelievable! Only two weeks away!