Voyage Video: Come Travel With Me!

WHOA. Well, I just realized that I never got to upload my voyage video to this blog! I've posted it on my Facebook, but have neglected this space huhu I'm sorry! But, better late than never, right? Hehehe enjoy!

Semester at Sea 

Fall 2013 Voyage

Atlantic Exploration

It's Been A Year!!!

Let me just take this time to acknowledge that it has been one full year since I left for London to start my Semester at Sea journey! Wow. This time a year ago, I was still all sorts of nervous because my Argentinean visa was yet to be released, and well, I was about to go on the biggest adventure of my life.

Cannot even begin to explain the impact my SAS voyage has had on me. A full year has passed and I can still say going on Semester at Sea was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life! Happy SASiversary to me!!! :)

The day I fell in love with England was the day I stepped foot on England!

That Argentina Visa

Before I post my Argentina adventures, allow me to share the hurdles I went through around this time last year in order for me to even be granted access to enter beautiful Buenos Aires....

---

Visa applications are already stressful enough as it is, especially when you have to apply for six different ones in preparation for SAS. Every application took so much time, but trying to obtain my visa for Argentina pushed me to a breaking point.

As per embassy rules, the Argentinean Embassy here in Manila is only allowed to grant tourist visas with a three-month validity. I had tried applying at the beginning of July, but according to our voyage itinerary, we won't be setting foot in Argentina until mid November. This posed as a huge problem, because that meant I could't get the visa yet at the time of application since it would expire October. By then it would be of no use when we actually go to Argentina on November.

The embassy told me to come back on August to apply, but that clearly couldn't work because I was leaving on August! Now, this wouldn't have been that big of an issue had I not had two other visa applications (Ireland and South Africa) lined up behind my Argentina visa application. Those were already scheduled for the last few weeks of July and the first two weeks of August. I asked the embassy if it was at all possible to just grant me the visa in July, but mark the validity date to begin on August. They said no, that was against embassy rules.

At this point, I really did not know what to do. I literally did not have any other time to file an application within the month. Without the Argentinean visa, I wouldn't just be able to enter Argentina, but I wouldn't be able to sail at all due to SAS regulations. If I didn't get this visa, my whole SAS trip would have to be called off. GASP!!!

Negotiations with the embassy led to a meeting with the Argentinean Embassy Prime Minister himself, so my parents and I could talk about our options with the head. The Prime Minister was very nice and reviewed the circumstances we were stuck in. After much talk and careful consideration, he told us that his secretary would just give us a call regarding the status of my application, as he will further discuss my situation with other Argentinean Embassy leaders.

The waiting game is never fun. But finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting for the embassy to call back, I received THE call. The secretary informed me that the embassy had agreed to expedite the visa processing for my case. It would be a one-day process instead of the usual two-week-process!! Hallelujah! I was leaving on August 22nd, so they told me to come back on August 20th, go through an interview, and then release my visa on the 21st. That way, the validity will start on August 21st, and end on November 21st, which is the perfect window time for me to enter Argentina on the 12th of November and leave Argentina on November 16th without any problem. Phew!

That moment was glorious. I cried tears of joy when I got that call. BUT... little did I know the stress wouldn't end there.

I'm Alive!

Oh my! Has it really been 5 months since I last posted?! Clearly I had one busy semester! In my defense, it was my last undergraduate semester EVER, so I was definitely up to my elbows with all the senior things I had to accomplish before graduation!

Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know (that is, if I still have readers!!!) that since I am now on summer vacation, I will finally have time to update this blog! I have yet to cover my adventures in South America, and then maybe even write a short little snippet about my graduation three weeks ago :)

So check back in a few days (or weeks... lol) and I might just have a new post up!

Love,
L

Sunshine, Safari, & Tree Top Canopy

Safari Sunrise (c) Me!
Garden Route Game Lodge | South Africa

I got the opportunity to go on a three-day safari trip in South Africa as one of the field programs I signed up for with SAS. We flew from Cape Town to a city called Port Elizabeth the day after we docked. It was nice to travel via plane again; a small break from all the sailing!

Waiting to board at the Cape Town airport!

Our safari adventure itinerary was as follows:

3 NTS ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI & TREETOP CANOPY OVERLAND

Day 1:	Sunday, 27 October 2013
07h30 – 08h00	Depart the quayside and transfer to Cape Town International Airport
08h00 – 09h00	Check in for your flight to Port Elizabeth and board the aircraft
09h00 – 10h30	Fly from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth on SA 1805 (including a light snack)
11h00 – 12h30	Transfer from Port Elizabeth towards Addo by coach
12h30 – 14h30	Enjoy lunch on arrival at the Orange Elephant Backpackers Lodge followed by check-in formalities and time to freshen up
14h30 – 14h45	Transfer to Addo Elephant National Park for an afternoon game drive
14h45 – 15h00	Board the safari vehicles
15h00 – 17h00	Game drive within the Addo Elephant National Park
17h00 – 19h00	Transfer back to the lodge and enjoy some leisure time before dinner
19h00	Enjoy dinner at the lodge
	OVERNIGHT ORANGE ADDO BACKPACKERS
Day 2:	Monday, 28 October 2013
07h00 – 07h30	Early breakfast at the backpackers lodge
07h30 – 08h00	Gather belongings and complete check-out  formalities
+/- 08h00 – 12h30	Transfer by road from Addo to Plettenberg Bay including a restroom stop
12h30 – 13h30	Arrive at The Elephant Sanctuary. Bathroom break followed by lunch
+/- 13h30 – 14h45	Embark on a full Elephant Experience at The Elephant Sanctuary: Guided tour by a trained elephant Guide; Full Elephant Introduction in Forest; Touching and interacting with Elephants; Walking hand-in-trunk with Elephants; Feeding (Elephant Food included) & Elephant Back Riding
14h45 – 15h30	Travel to your overnight establishment located in Tsitsikamma
15h30 – 16h00	Arrive Tsitsikamma Lodge and check-in
16h00 – 18h00	Optional (strictly time permitting) visit to Storms River Mouth
19h00	Enjoy dinner at the lodge
	OVERNIGHT TSITSIKAMMA LODGE

Day 3:	Tuesday, 29 October 2013
07h00 – 07h45	Enjoy breakfast
07h45 – 12h00	Check-out and make your way to the starting point for your Canopy Treetop Adventure. After a detailed safety briefing and “kitting up” session, begin your adventure through the Tsitsikamma Forest. Enjoy a light lunch afterwards.
12h00 – 15h30	Travel from the Tsitsikamma Forest to Garden Route Game Lodge
15h30 – 16h30	Check in at the lodge and freshen up prior to your game drive
16h30 – 18h30	Embark on a late afternoon game drive in open 4x4 safari vehicles
18h30	After arriving back at the reserve, freshen up and enjoy dinner at the lodge
	OVERNIGHT GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE

Day 4:	Wednesday, 30 October
07h15 – 09h00	Enjoy an early morning game drive
09h00 – 10h00	Return to the lodge for breakfast
10h00 – 10h30	Join a guided tour of the reserve’s Reptile Centre
10h30 – 11h00	Gather your belongings and complete check-out formalities
11h00 – 16h00	Travel back to Cape Town, including a refreshment stop en route (picnic lunch box included provided by the lodge)

The moment I read our schedule, I knew I was in for an adventure! And the fact that we were going to experience all that in exotic Africa made it even more aca-awesome!

GAME DRIVES
I was really looking forward to these safari game drives when I first found out about it. I'm honestly not an animal lover, but I was excited to ride safari jeeps and see cool animals out in the wild. I was especially wanting to spot Africa's "Big Five"-- lion, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros, and the African elephant. These are the top five animals in Africa that are the most difficult to hunt on foot, making them prized games once they do get hunted down. Thus, the name Big Five. The most exciting drive we went on was the one at the Garden Route Game Lodge. Our safari 4x4 was on its way up a hilly landscape to get a closer look at the lions on the mountain when it started to pour rain! Not only that, but at one point, it began to hail! We got beaten down with bits of ice chunks from the sky while on a safari.. in Africa! If you think Africa is all just sun and heat--think again.

It's hailing men

Our last game drive at Garden Route Game Lodge

By the end of our safari trip, we were able to see 4 out of the 5 Big Five animals, with the leopard successfully managing to hide itself from us. We weren't allowed to step off our safari jeeps, because the animals might attack due to the unfamiliarity we were tempting them with. The animals recognize the safari jeeps, but once you distance yourself away from the vehicle, they will sense it and see you as potential threat so they will come get you. And eat you!!! Ok probably not but you never know.

Simba!

King of the Jungle

A Taste of Cape Town

Table Mountain and the view of the city of Cape Town from Signal Hill

The morning we pulled into the Port of Cape Town, I knew I was already hooked on South Africa. The scenery that welcomed our ship looked like something straight out of a postcard. I could see Table Mountain looking majestic, with a blanket of white puffy clouds hovering over the peak. It's no wonder those clouds are often referred to as Table Mountain's "table cloth"! It was beautiful.

First view I saw of Cape Town from the ship

While we were going through customs immigration at around 6 o'clock in the morning, there were some students who looked rather grumpy, passports in tow, and still in their pajamas. I assumed they were not morning people.

Leave it to Dean Eddie to try and get everyone's morning a little brighter:
"Good morning, guys! Smile! You're in South Africa!!"

I did a tour of the city on my first day in Cape Town. The bus rolled through streets lined with tall palm trees; I felt as if I were in California! The presence of buildings scattered throughout the city provided a breath of modern air. Table Mountain and Lion's Head served as breathtaking backdrops behind the city scene. I absolutely loved that juxtaposition of urban life and nature!

Here are some photos from the first day:

Wachu Ghana Do?

Love from Ghana

 Ghana is extremely poverty-stricken. Let me just say that right off the bat. As a third-world country, there were a lot of areas in the country where development is still absolutely needed. I saw sewage out in the open on the streets, and beggars finding shelter on the concrete of the street pavements. And yet in the midst of all this hardship, I also saw the happiest people in Ghana.

A typical view of what you will see out in the streets

During our time in the cities of Tema and Takoradi, we experienced being in a culture where the people were so happy with what little they have. Ghanaians are very friendly, always giving us smiles as warm as the Ghanaian sun.

A big part of their naturally joyful disposition is their faith. Majority of the people in Ghana follow Christianity. This is made apparent by the number of stores and advertisements I saw that were very Biblical and Christian-like! I'm not even kidding when I say I saw the following signs:

(1) God is Good Laundromat
(2) Prince of Peace Cosmetics

A few other signs are escaping my memory right now, but you get the idea! I have a few Ghanaian friends from UWC, and their personality and their faith are true testaments to how they live in Ghana. I am very glad I got to actually visit the country and see the Ghanaian culture firsthand in their own land.

Another observation I took away from my visit in Ghana was how this country has kept their cultural traditions so embedded in their daily lives--from the way they dress, the way they dance, and the way they keep family ties so closely-knit (just like Philippines families!) I believe this is another reason why the people of Ghana can offer you the most sincere smile despite the evident poverty in their country. The lack of influences from other places in the world makes Ghana a strong culture that can stand on its own, making their people value their own traditions. And when they do get a taste of Western ways, they happily welcome it, too. When a bunch of children saw me taking a photo of them, they got super excited and started posing like crazy! They got so giddy over digital cameras. It was so cute.

Ghanaian children strike a pose upon spotting a camera pointed towards them!

Dance is an integral aspect of the Ghanaian culture. They LOVE to dance, and I thought that was extremely cool! I was fortunate enough to experience a drumming and dance workshop while we were at Takoradi on our first day in Ghana. I learned how to drum certain beats on a Ghanaian drum (similar to a bonggo); the beats that accompany most traditional Ghanaian dancing. After about an hour or so, it was time for the dancing part, wuhoo! The workshop leaders had our group form a circle while they did dance steps that we were supposed to copy. I had a blast! Towards the end of the workshop, they performed for us and then pulled a couple of us in to join them, including yours truly! I had to freestyle Ghanaian style, it was awesome!! The workshop was definitely one of my favorite experiences in the entire voyage.

Where we had our workshop! This was by the beach.

The group with our drums

The Travel Continues: Post SAS Probs, NYC, Manila

Bye bye, SAS Fa13 *sniff*

It's been a week since I disembarked from the MV Explorer for the last time, and here I am, still trying to figure out how to approach "normalcy" again. I didn't expect to be missing ship life this much because my excitement about going home and seeing my family initially overshadowed the idea of experiencing SAS withdrawals. But now it's hitting me like a strong wave against the stern (pardon the sailing reference.. can't help it). Someone from the voyage posted a 4-second video on our SAS Fa13 Facebook page, showing the MV Explorer leaving the port of Fort Lauderdale, getting ready for another voyage for a whole new set of people. I seriously almost teared up. I actually felt my heart tighten a bit, as I swallowed the reality that the ship I have learned to call home will be welcoming new passengers on board, and that I am not one of them. All of this in that 4-second video. Talk about post SAS probs!

I guess it's a good thing that I still have yet to write about the rest of the ports we've visited (Ghana, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Bahamas) so I can relive my favorite moments in those places as I stroll down memory lane with you guys. But before I begin yet another set of backtrack posts, let me recap what I've been up to this week, aside from silently grieving over the end of my SAS adventure..

16 December 2013
Monday

After all the goodbyes were said and done, my friend Liz dropped me off at the Fort Lauderdale airport 10 minutes away from the ship port around 12:30pm, giving me plenty of time to kill before I can board my flight to Pennsylvania at 6:30pm. I was going to meet up with my sister Kai in Philadelphia before going back home to Manila together on the 19th. I was so psyched because this reunion with my sister was something we both were eagerly waiting for ever since this summer! We were literally counting down the days 'til #KaiNenReunion since August. We planned on going around Philly a bit, and then taking a bus to New York City for a day! But what made us look forward to our reunion more was the fact that we would have someone to endure that looooong travel back home with. A travel buddy makes a world of a difference when you're in transit for over 30+ hours!

Yay for my sister-travel-buddy! And yes, we are of very different skin tones  :p

Anyway, I didn't arrive in Philly until midnight, so when Ate Kai picked me up from the airport, we just headed straight to her dorm at UPenn, got our stuff ready for the next day, and passed out. Tomorrow--New York City!

17 December 2013
Tuesday

Taking the Bolt bus out of Philly at 8am, we arrived in NYC two hours later. The freezing weather did not make our walk to the hotel easy, as we trekked under the sleet for at least a good 20 minutes. My ears were starting to hurt and my fingers were getting numb, but heck, we were in New York! When we finally found the Holiday Inn, we dropped our bags off and went back out into the cold again.

I've been craving for Starbucks like crazy, so I definitely needed one of their
holiday drinks for a quick pick-me-up! Mmm Peppermint Mocha...Yum.

Ate Kai and I just walked around the rest of the afternoon, snapping photos and enjoying being in the city that never sleeps. We covered Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the NBC store that sold
awesome Friends stuff!!! We're both obsessed with this TV show, so we couldn't exit the store without buying any Friends paraphernalia!

The End

Well this is it, everyone. 115 days, 16 countries, 4 continents later, the MV Explorer has reached its final port of call: Hello from Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA! I am feeling a mix of emotions right now; definitely bittersweet. It saddens me leaving the ship I have called home for the past four months, but I am also very excited to go back home and back to Westminster next semester. I just can't believe my semester long adventure is now over. It's going to be so weird walking off that gangway for the last time, looking back at the MV Explorer and knowing I won't be able to just go back whenever I want to.. Waaahh I don't know how to feel! Come hug me!

So long, Fall 2013 Voyage! You've been life changing.
Thank you, Semester at Sea, for the experience of a lifetime.

#mixedfeelings
#theendofthevoyage

Of Lifeboat Drills and Final Countdowns

This morning at 9:00, we had our fourth and last lifeboat drill of the semester. I never liked these drills because it's basically 20 minutes to half an hour of standing in complete silence out on the deck armed with our bright orange life vests while trying to keep our balance against the waves. The only time we were allowed to talk or make a sound is when our Resident Director (RD) calls on our cabin number to check attendance and we have to yell out "Here!"

Although today's drill went painfully longer than the previous three (we were standing for at least a good 45 minutes), it was this drill that reminded me how little time we have left on the ship. It was those 45 minutes of standing and staring out into the ocean when it really just hit me that our voyage is coming to an end. On August 24, 2013, during our first lifeboat drill, I remember thinking that our fourth one would be lightyears away. And yet here we are now, three and half months + four completed lifeboat drills later, storing our life vests back into their compartments for the last time. Today is the 2nd of December, and we officially have exactly two weeks left in the voyage. TWO WEEKS! 

Towards the end of each semester, I feel like I always say how fast time has flown by. This particular semester proved to be no exception; it sped by despite the long stretches at sea! Wasn't it just yesterday when I was stressing over the thousand and one visa applications I had to apply for in order to sail with this program? Wasn't it just yesterday when I flew into London with bags in tow and butterflies in my stomach? 

I'm almost scared to get off the ship and resume "normal life", but then again, I am coming back home to my wonderful family and crazy friends whom I am missing so much! And besides, we all know they make my days anything but normal anyway :) 

Here's to enjoying the last 14 days of my Semester at Sea once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Good news is that Seamester Shenanigans will continue to be up and running with more posts even after the voyage ends. As you know, I am really behind in keeping you guys updated, and with finals coming up, I can honestly say I won't be able to write more backtrack posts anytime soon. I am slowly accepting the fact that I probably won't get you caught up until Christmas break, when I am home and have free time.. AND WIFI! ;)

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would like to share how incredibly thankful I am for the gift of life. I know it sounds way too cheesy and overrated, but that's okay. I'm allowed to be cheesy on Thanksgiving Day :)

I am thankful for my wonderful family, my awesome friends, and this amazing semester I am having. I am living my "once in a lifetime", and I couldn't be happier. I am thankful for the love of God, and the grace and mercy He shows me everyday. It still stumps me sometimes trying to grasp just how great His love is for me.

And finally, thank YOU, dear readers, for taking time out of your day to check out this blog :) Hopefully you're not getting too bored with what I write!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Lots of love from the Atlantic Ocean,
Laura

MOROCCO: Casablanca & Marrakech

Backtrack: Morocco

03 October 2013

Thursday

Hello, Casablanca! We arrived in Morocco at around 7 this morning and could hardly believe we have reached a new continent. When I think of Africa, I automatically picture the safari, wild animals, and the desert. And yet the tall buildings that surrounded the ship port we were in destroyed this preconceived image of Africa I'm sure a lot of us had and reminded us that there's SO much more to a place than what you stereotype it to be.

Prior to our arrival in Morocco, we were briefed on the cultural and logistical aspects of the country. We were told early on that because of the religion they follow, Morocco is a very conservative place where shorts and sleeveless tops are not appreciated on women. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times, and in some parts of the country, a hijab (a head wrap) is required. 

I went on a city tour of Casablanca today and had to dress appropriately. That meant that despite the hot and humid weather outside, I had to cover myself up and fight through the heat! Thankfully, the dress I wore was breezy (but long, of course) but I could have lived without the sweater I had to put on. 

We visited the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world, where people gather everyday to pray five times throughout the day. The architecture was really pretty, and the inside was huge! The beauty of the mosque really reflected how much the Moroccans put value in their religion.

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

A stroll through the Habous Quarter was also part of our tour. The Habous Quarter was a medina, or a market place, where sellers had their products displayed out in the open along the streets. These are stuff that do not necessarily have a set price--the value depends on who the customer is. This is where tourists like us had to learn the game of bargaining, lest we get overcharged. It's exactly like trying to haggle in the tiangges back in the Philippines! 

The Royal Palace was located near this medina, but I'm not actually sure if the important royal people of Morocco reside in said palace. We went inside and only got to tour some of the outdoor areas of the palace which were lined with walls that had such gorgeous and intricate carving designs! 

Entering the Royal Palace

Royal Palace outdoor garden gates

Sailing to Salvador

I know I said my next posts would be on my adventures in Africa, buuut.. I haven't quite gotten around to that yet. I've been slacking. GUILTY.

Right now I'm in another cafe (surprise, surprise) with two of my friends in Salvador, Brazil! We left Rio de Janeiro 4 days ago, and was in transit at sea for 2 days on the way here. A lot of students and faculty members did overland from Rio to Salvador, so there were only about 250 out of the 700+ people on the ship during our transit, which was so nice! It was like sailing on a private yacht!

The transit was so much fun because my whole group of friends, except for Jess, stayed on the ship for the sail to Salvador, too. And since it was just a transit between two cities in one country, we didn't have classes those whole two days on the ship! We played sardines, card games, took photos, did girl's night, and basically took advantage of having the MV Explorer to ourselves. 

Here are some photos from our two free days at sea :)

Girls Night at Cabin 3053: Playing M.A.S.H.  (P.S. I ended up "marrying" my Ship Crush hihihi)

Using the ship's elevator bar as my ballet barre

BAHAMAS

About midway into the semester, talks of the possible docking of the MV Explorer in the Bahamas circulated the SAS rumor mill. There were students who were dead set in believing that we will be stopping by the Bahamas once we sail out of Cuba and head towards Florida.

"It doesn't take 4 days to get to Florida from Cuba! There has to be a stop over in the Bahamas."

They said.

Then there were people who insisted that a surprise stopover in the Bahamas was SAS's way of going all out to celebrate this 50th anniversary voyage. We are very special that way, after all. We feel like we deserve such a surprise.

Then during ship bridge tours, where students get to see the inside of the Captain's workplace (and get to sit in his chair and wear his Captain hat), members of the shipboard community caught sight of a Bahamian flag carefully nestled in between the other flags of the countries on our voyage itinerary. (It is maritime law to carry the flags of the countries your ship will be docking in)

"Now why would there be a flag of the Bahamas on board?"

They wondered.

But, there were also those who chose not to get their hopes up. They either refused to believe any part of the rumor, or they simply believed that even though we might be stopping over at the Bahamas, it would only be for technical reasons such as bunkering, and that we won't actually be allowed to get off.

Finally, two nights ago during logistical pre-port, our Executive Dean and Academic Dean silenced the rumors once and for all.

"Yes, we are getting off in the Bahamas!!"

They happily announced.

I will never forget the amount of cheers and the deafening sound of thunderous applause that followed. We were all so excited not just because we get to go to another country (our 16th one!!!), but mostly because by the time we get to Bahamas, we would be done with all things school related on the ship! Meaning we can bask under the sweet Bahamian sun, spending our last few days together worry-free. It would be like spring break!! Perfect way to cap off the voyage.

So yes, ladies and gentlemen: WE ARE GOING TO THE BAHAMAS!! Wuhoo! I guess some rumors turn out to be the truth! YAY SAS FALL VOYAGE 2013!! :) YEAH BAHAMAS SEE YOU SOON