This isn't easy

Last night when we were pulling away from the dock of Bergen I was rushing with lots of different emotions. The most prevalent was sadness. It's funny how a few days could go by so quickly and being the Type A personality that I am, I was freaking out about August 22nd when I get off the ship and head back to NYC. 

After the trip to see Ole Bull's home I had to head back for duty. I had one incident which was really nice because you really need to think creatively about how to support the students when you have limited access to services. So that morning I woke up, had lunch, laid out, and then went and saw more of Bergen. I took John and Marco shopping at the place that I bought my jacket and shirt. It's almost like G Star but way cheaper. During this second visit in which Marco went back and forth with the items he picked, and John being the high roller and buying a cool pair of Jeans and a Sweater both which was not flattering on my growing gut (which I worked so hard to try to maintain/lose during my last few months in NYC). This time we also became friends with the sales person. His name is Ivan whose an international relations student at the University of Oslo. He's interested in studying abroad in the US so we talked about schools. He invited us to watch the Russia vs. Spain game at a local bar and which I had no interest in futbol, it was a really cool sight to see. It's not as intense as US football games, people were excited but not going crazy. We then headed to a bar where Charlotte, Ivan's girlfriend who joined us at this piano bar called "The Scotsman". People were dancing to the music and the piano man knew every song. The music was in English which I found in my conversations with Ivan and Charlotte who also spoke perfect english that Norway residents take English classes after the 3rd grade, so for them English is the second language spoke in classes. We got into conversations about the US politics which really opened my eyes into how the rest of the world may be interested more so in our politics than some of our own people. Nonetheless, there was a lot of eye opening conversations that I had! We ended up going to a club where all our students were also at and only stayed for a little bit. It was great to see a mix and diversity of people in the room. There were no stares that often times happen in the US when you walk in with someone. 

We got home at 3ish, I went to bed at 4ish and woke up the next morning at 10am because I didn't want to waste my last day away in Bergen. Laarni took us to this cafe that was off the city center that was really nice. I ordered a toasted bagel with creme cheese, pepperoni, and mango...talk about a combination!!! you should totally try it out in the states and tell me if it was good!!!

Ivan met up with us again, we walked around, and then we had to head onto the ship. I hope to keep in touch with Ivan and Charlotte and invited the two of them to NYC to visit! I'm not sure if I'll open up all these invitations but the two of them were individuals who I felt an instant connection with! I think it was their open minded welcome that made me feel that this world is full of good people...you just need to find them and sometimes when your shopping.

Check out facebook for updated pictures!!! More in a few days when I arrive in Russia...so nervous but really excited!!!

David

Bergen Norway (Norge)

God Dag (go dahg),

Havordan har du det? (Vordan hahr doo day?) (How are you?) Over the last week we've been introduced to key phrases in Norwegian so that we would be able to communicate with the locals. We are told that they are one of the nicest people you would meet and showing a genuine interest in attempting to speak in Norwegian will allow for new friendships to form. This is very true, it gives you a moment to reflect on the type of people we interact with on a daily basis in the US and in many ways, I'm disappointed that we aren't nicer and in a society where people get along.

So, we arrived into Bergen at 6am on Tuesday 6/23. As a ritual, everyone wakes up super early that morning to watch the "pilot boat" drop of the port pilot that would then help the captain steer us into the dock. So by the time I got up at 5:30am, only having gone to bed at 1am, I was excited to see the students, faculty, and staff get together to experience the arrival together. It was a very special moment that I don't think I've had or ever experience except "check in" morning. So many of the pictures that you see in this "Bergen" album is from the early morning. As we slowly move in you see the shoreside properties. It was interesting that in the starboard side we would see houses that looked like we were in New England and on the port side houses that look like I was in Laguna Beach. So we headed off to breakfast because a diplomat would be giving us a briefing. Norway history is really unique and cool, I would go into detail but just know that they are one of the riches countries in the world. Cost will be another topic of discussion as I sum up my current expenses in Norway.

So we finally got clearance to leave the ship and since I had to lead a trip at 12pm, I only had 2 hours to try to walk around the city. A bunch of us walked off, only to be greeted with rain. Bergen is famous for its fish including (whale meat) which is another discussion about values. I'm not sure where I stand with it, I think I've only recently in the few years become more environmentally conscious, so I'll have to think about it some more and then formulate an opinion. What was interesting about it was that the US doesn't agree with Norway's practice on whaling but then they don't agree with our stance on the War in Iraq, so everyplace will have it's own opinions and values.

I think i'm jumping a bit as I try my best to contain all the info. Laarni and I split up with the large group because people just wanted to walk around and we entered a cafe. As we got the courage to practice our Norwegian, they ended up speaking to us in English which made things all so much easier. We had coffee at this "cafe spelled kafe" and I ordered the best Caramel Macchiato that I've ever tasted before. Starbucks, as much as I love you cannot compare with the authenticity of a nice drip coffee with a layer of foam. As I was sitting in the kafe, I really tried to soak in my environment. The decoration was very modern with colorful paintings. Everyone was mainly by themselves enjoying their cup of coffee. To the right of me, against the wall sat a man in his late 30s who just had an expression of thought. One look or in my case, staring at him, I caught a glimpse of emotion. Sometimes I forget to just take a moment to look and in this case I got that chance to.

I was running late as I was heading back to the ship and was freaked out about missing the tour but I made it with a few minutes to spare after doing a costume change since my clothes were soaked wet. The tour was scenic and beautiful, it gave us a historical perspective of the city which was nice, we ended the tour by going to the top of Mount Floien which is a classic attraction. We rode this cart like we were going up a rollercoaster and from the top had a picture perfect moment of the entire city. It reminded me of my visit to Chiang Mai in2006. I think being able to see the city from that perspective allows for you to appreciate the beauty.

After getting back, the group decided to meet up for dinner. We soon learned that traveling in a large group would be nearly impossible and not the best idea. After having a slight disagreement, the group split and went in separate ways. This wasn't a bad thing and we were all okay with it. We ate a pub and it was really nice, the server was friendly and helped answer questions. I was exhausted by the end of the day and after unwinding from the night, caught some sleep.

I almost slept over my trip today, luckily I wasn't the trip or bus leader so I didn't feel bad that I was running late. We went to the island of Lysoen where we visited the home of Ole Bull who is a famous violinist from the 1800s. He is also popular with the US as he was in Europe. His home was beautiful. It had a mixture of many cultures and countries. The outside of it looked like mix of russia, india, and the US. The inside living room where we had our orientation had carved wood from floor to ceiling that was made of pine from the trees on that island. Read more about it if you're interested.

Sorry my hands are getting tired of type. The last thing I would leave you with is that I need to start a "Norway" consummed my budget fund. Everything is really really expensive. A soda is 6 dollars, coffee is 5-6 dollars, and a meal is about 20-30 dollars for simple things. I think I've spent over 100 dollars just on food.

Okay if my hands are not sore, I will try to type some more later.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=40936232&l=92a19&id=813178

David

Pictures Finally

I finally got it to upload, so click on this link if you don't have facebook to check out my pictures. mainly sunsets as i've been on water for the last 6 days.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2324333&l=240a8&id=813178

So in the last few days the weather has gone from rocky to soothing to rocky. I feel like a baby in a rocking chair or crib going back and forth back and forth causing me to feel nothing but a desire to sleep sleep and sleep. Last night we had our first talent show and first large program after a night of monitoring 400+ students at our "pub night". They are allowed up to 4 drinks per night. So we stand, we mingle, and we make sure they follow the rules. For the most part the students on the trip have been great. This experience has reminded me of why I love doing what I do. It's just interesting to be back in the halls again when NYU's system is so unique in its setup. The talent was hilarious, we have piano playing (without sheet music), guitar, dance, poetry. A wide range of raw talent. I also advise the various student groups and that's really cool, I enjoy these student initiated events.

so enough about work, how's david doing? I'm doing great, while its hard to stay in my room for long periods of time, i'm pretty into a routine, getting 6-7 hours of sleep a night but then the day just goes and this job by no means is easy. I feel challenged to think about how I do things given the limits and resources that I have on the ship since we ain't getting any special deliveries from birds or anything. 

My first stop again is in Bergen, tonight we should be passing the tip of Ireland and England, and we'll be in on Tuesday at 8am. I have some trips planned including hiking, city orientation, and meeting some of the locals. It will be interesting to be in a place that I finally don't speak the language of. It's really expensive in Norway so we'll see how much eating out I do, but if someone could send me some pad thai with no bean sprouts that would be greatly appreciated. While the food is not bad on the ship, David's high taste buds is really itching right now. I can't believe it's only been 2 weeks, if feels so much longer than that!

Still At Sea!

So we're still at sea! we left sunday night and now I believe it's thursday so 5 more days until we see land. So what have I seen in the last few days, the weather has been a hit or miss, yesterday there was about 4 hours of sun time where I was able to splash on the tanning oil and lay on the deck to get some sun but then in the evening we started seeing 20 foot waves, sometimes coming up to the 7th deck which is a bit scary. Remember I can't swim! It's pretty rocky right now, students are running out of class and throwing up left and right...not a pretty sight but needing to be supportive you ask and offer your help. So the water is a mix of grey and blue, it depends where the sun is shining. if you look to the left you see grey but then to the right blue! interesting I think not!!! what else, so there are birds that live in the water before they fly, i did not know that. We thought we were close to land but the ships info says we won't see land for about 1700 more miles and we roughly cover 350 miles a day! There was also lots of dolphins!!! that was a pretty cool sight to see. They were in sync as they traveled together in a pack. The last time I saw dolphin's was my trip with Maya, Sue, Gary to the Bahamas but the dolphin's were part of a show and they weren't really "natures beauty". So that's pretty much all. Other than that, I love my residents, they are some of the coolest people that I've met. Makes me rethink my interactions with my residents when I go back to NYU and how to reshape the interactions to really engage in more meaningful conversations! sorry i'm using exclamation marks alot...okay have to run to class. While a requirement, it's kinda cool to be back in school in a sense. We have to take the "global studies" class that everyone takes but you learn and prep for the trip. Can't wait to see the first place, I feel like it's been sooooooo long since I left but really it's been about 2.5 weeks, odd!

Exhausted But Excited

Today was the big day, the students boarded the ship and we set sail for Bergen, Norway. It was filled with excitement knowing that within every step the students took while wandering the ship or meeting new people, there was a common experience. You look a residence hall and you may not get this type of excitement. Aside from running around, meeting residents, we hit the waves again and as I type the bed is shaking. After finally getting all the students on board and most of the luggage, we set sail at 7pm or 1900 hour. We had our first sea meeting that's how the divide up the deck and I'm in charge of the "caribbean sea". I have about 87 residents in my sea and I feel like an RA all over again at opening day. I think of them I have about 15 names down but I still have lots to do. I'm in charge of running our activities fair, I'm pretty much in charge of an OSA type project. I help to set up clubs, run our large programs, and advise the students. I have a student who is already interested and will be putting on a production of the play "a doll house". We have college bowls, talent shows, and many fun events that I have yet to come up with. I'm going to crash any minute now. They extended the internet into the room, but i'm still going to try to limit the use!

Picture Updates!

So for some reason i can't post my pictures on blogger right now and facebook isn't working either. i may have to wait until i get to an internet cafe in bergen before i can share my pictures. so i attempted at writing a haiku about the serene beauty of the Halifax Hudson today but that didn't really sound that great. It was extremely windy this windy today so walking out in flip flops wasn't the best idea. But another day of training, learning more about my job but also realizing that 1 day translates more to about 3 days here or maybe more. It's already friday, we have to wrap up training, we have a parents reception tomorrow evening and then 7am the students move onto the ship...sounds familiar doesn't it :) well at least to my res life friends. It's really surreal, i think i've said that before, i won't lie to say that the hotel like feeling is definitely going away and i'm thinking about home, my bed, but mostly my comforter. it's fun and all but a sheet over a thermal blanket isn't necessarily my idea of comfort hence the name we call out fluffy blankets. so you all are most likely telling me "wah wah" but seriously, i'm having a great time and i'm sure these are the same emotions my residents will feel when we hit day 2 or 3 on sea. I signed up for a few more trips and the faculty are really amazing. This floating campus is really cool and it puts into perspective another view of faculty in residence. So what am i doing now, i most likely will be doing some work and maybe go out with the other ppl for drinks but i'm not sure. i know you want to hear about my travels but for now you can hear about my day to day on sea!

Dinner in Halifax

I know I know you want pictures...last night when I got back from dinner and watching the Lakers v. Celtics (not really) I did upload my pictures and sorted a few that I'll be posting really soon onto the blog.

So after a long day of training which was really cool to hear the history of semester at sea and where it's been and going...I found out that NYU was an academic sponsor of the a similar program in the early 1920s! so i'm pumped and ready. I have a total of 87 residents in my "sea", I'm in charge of the residents living in the "carribean sea" so last night I was trying to decide to go with the English pronunciation or the American pronuciation of it...what do you all think I should do??? We ate dinner at this restaurant called "little fish" it used to be an old art school where the author of "Anna and the King" used to write so that was a little cool fact of how old the building was. The menu was mainly seafood (fish) and for those that know me, you know that I'm not really a fish fan but it's food and it was different than ship food which I had eaten many many consecutive meals I needed a change. The special of the evening was shark and I had to pass on that one but many of the others got the special and enjoyed the shark meat. I went with a pan seared scallops that was delicious! and a bowl of Grilled Corn and Crab Chowder...that was okay, but combined together it was great! It was the right portion for a good meal. not too little not to much. we have more training and tomorrow they have are doing a parents reception so i have to switch into that mode but i definately want another meal!

Day 2 and 3

It's amazing how you can lose track of time so quickly. It was a rocky night entering Halifax, waves crashing pretty loud and the night was spent rocking, however it was soothing nonetheless. I made it through my first night on water and when we arrived in Halifax we walked around downtown. I found a vietnamese pho restaurant and the group ate there for lunch. It wasn't the best, they used dried noddles rather than fresh ones but knowing that I wasn't going to be having access to my favorite comfort foods and spices I needed one last kick. After doing a bit of shopping, I come across my favorite but addictive past time: a casino. I tried not to but I couldn't resist the temptation so I went but only for about an hour. I lost some money decided that I wasn't going to gamble for the rest of the trip and focus on seeing the city. Oops I need to back track a little. During our walk of downtown Halifax, we stopped by the Halifax Citidale which was really cool. But we didn't go in! After doing what I love to do best, negotiating with the cashier to consider us a group, he kindly offered the group price, but the interest wasn't there. I saw pictures of it and recommend it to others. Moving back, before entering the casino, we stopped by a coffee shop that had a really good raisin scone so I had some afternoon tea to prep me for the gaming that would happen right after that.

We returned to the ship to eat dinner and meet up with the others that didn't go on to the casino. Afterwards, we wandered back into the city, and had drinks at a local bar, listened to some live music, and ate pizza with ranch dressing. The night ended with me moving to my permanent room and unpacking all my belongings.

Today (wednesday) was the night that I had a somewhat decent schedule until the intercom in our room went off at 8am to inform us that we were to not smoke on the deck while they were refuling the ship. But one message was not enough, a second one came about an hour later and no more sleep was to be had by dpe. I decided that I needed to change up my routine given that these next 2.5 months would offer me time to do some reflecting...so the first thing I decided I would do was the run along the harbor. The morning jog was really nice, serene, calming, but cold. Since i haven't run outdoors in a while, it was pretty hard on my lungs, but i hope to do it a few times a week or when i'm in port at the different countries. this way I could say I ran my way through Europe.

Tonight after our orientation meeting and dinner, we decided to take a stroll along the harbor to get ice cream at "COW's" a pretty neat place, but prior to arriving, we saw a bunch of younger kids running on what was a wave, it's hard to decribe, i'll put pictures up. So all of us decided to run up, I barely made it, but I did but getting down was the hardest. I decided I would pretend it was a slide and slide down only to find my face biting the dirt. Again, pictures to follow! Decided to pay one last visit to the casino since others were interested in playing and walked away with being up 40 dollars! go wheel of fortune, I got a spin.

Okay so you're like David thanks for the play by play...really how is it. It's definately been long, I feel like each day is like a week passing by. The RDs and now we've looped the TAs into our social group have been spending time socializing and getting to know each other. I think knowing that our time is physically capped at these next 72 days, we want to cherish the moments and experiences. I'm still me and have been me with them...my humor continues to bring on punches and reminders of what I said later in conversations so I guess they remember what I say!

Anyhoo...we have training all day tomorrow, not sure how much to report. I think we're going to eat at one of the local restaurants (seafood yum) tomorrow night so I will definately post pictures up.

I'm struggling to select my favorite picture so i'll put a few but you gotta have facebook in order to see it :)

dpe

The First 18 Hours

As I type I’m trying to not letting the vibrating monitor get to me too much. So I boarded the ship about 1pm in NY and we officially left the dock at 5:30ish. As I sailed past Chelsea Piers, Downtown NY, the Statue of Liberty, I felt for a moment this isn’t so bad but when that those images started fading away, it finally kicked in that I was really going away on this “journey of a lifetime” as the Semester at Sea website states on its main page. When we sailed pass, Brooklyn then Staten Island and started seeing nothing but water it really kicked, but what really got me was the churning in the stomach and the desire to do nothing but hold onto my chair, close my eyes, and tell myself that I was not getting sick. Since I thought I wouldn’t get sea sick, I decided not to pack any medicine, but luckily, Laarni shared her Dramamine and for the rest of the night I drank club soda and lime. So the people here are fantastic!!! It’s nice to be at a place where when I say I’m the RD they get excited for me. Right now the ship is on an “Alumni Voyage” where past participants could sail from NYC to Halifax and the stories they have to share, their experiences just ignite that fire and thirst to explore and reflect. The ship is beautiful and when you walk up the stair wells, they have these really cool quotes that do make you think about what you’re about to embark on. The food has been good but I’m not sure if that’s the case for all the meals. We get the next few days to just relax and meet people which has been really cool. There are 5 out of the 8 RDs on the ship right now and we’ve been hanging out, (thanks to facebook) allowing for us to make connections prior to the start of this trip so that the ice has already been broken in a sense. So hopefully it will warm up in a bit so that I can lay out and catch some sun.

Ciao for now!