Ship Life!

I am in love with the MV Explorer! I got used to the rocking motion and the sounds of the engine in our room really quickly and know I absolutely love being on the ship. The endless ocean view surrounding us is indescribable. I wish I could post a photo, but even then it wouldn't be able to capture it. There are large windows in all the classrooms, so it's really easy to stare out into the distance (while fully paying attention of course). It's also amazing to be able to walk out of any door to stand on a deck overlooking nothing but ocean as far as you can see. I found a quiet study area right on the back of the ship on the outside area of deck 5. The back of the ship is the calmest so it's very peaceful. My Religions of the Modern Mediterranean and Intro to Cultural Anthropology courses are really interesting. And the Global Studies course that everyone takes is nice because it incorporates elements of the history of all the countries we will be visiting. As of right now, I am 6 hours ahead of California time and I believe we'll be 9 hours ahead by the time we reach Spain. Which is only 5 days away! I can't believe it. We lose yet another hour of sleep tonight, which will be the third night in a row... Zombie mode activate! It's really difficult to complete all of the required readings for the classes each night, participate in any social aspect of the ship, and get enough sleep. So far, sleep has been the main priority for me. We go to all three classes every day so it's really easy to fall behind. And our midterms are right before we get into Spain, so study groups come highly recommended by the faculty. I went to a presentation on dining out in Spain last night. It made me more excited to hear about all of the foods to eat and what to stay away from.. Spaniards enjoy eating bull testicles and barnacles apparently. The most exciting news about recent food on the ship: brie cheese was served with lunch the other day (so good on the dinner rolls) and pineapple upside down cake squares for dessert! I had 2 at lunch and 2 at snack haha. I signed up for the dependent child care program (babysitting for the faculty's kids) and the extended family program where you are matched up with a lifelong learner and a few other students to have several "family dinners" on the voyage and have a support system. I also signed up for yoga club (my friend Ashley is instructing), ASL club (Meghan is instructing), Argentine tango lessons, and Harry Potter Club! I'm hoping I'll be able to fit most of them into my schedule..