First Day at Sea!

So today was our first full day at sea! Yesterday morning my shuttle left for Mexico at 7:30 in the morning and we took a two hour bus ride to Ensenada. We were stopped at the Mexican border and a drug-dog came on to sniff through everyone's bags and people's names were called for random drug tests (one of the many rumors) - no one called was on my bus and everyone made it through as far as I know! And finally we made it to MEXICO! Everyone piled onto one side of the bus as we pulled into the port - seeing our new home for the next 4 months. It suddenly became real at that moment.

We all went through a long screening process and patted down (good security) and a huge check-in line and then we were sent to find our rooms which is a task in itself! I can't count the number of times I've gotten lost in last 24 hours.... The boat is GORGEOUS! I guess it used to be a cruise-liner that went around the Greek Islands so all of the 7 decks are named after a Greek god or goddess.

It took a little longer than thought to depart from the port, I guess there were problems with immigration but at around 7 last night we all waved goodbye to Mexico! Everyone was screaming and clapping - quite the experience.

We all lounged around the deck and the different places around the boat, getting to know people. Everyone seems great! Then we got the announcement that we were heading into some storms on the way to Hawaii and were going to have rough seas. Needless to say there was a scramble for the sea-sickness medicine and it was all we could do not to fall while walking around the ship. But it wasn't too bad, just something we're going to have to get used to.

Today we had a full day orientation, everything we need to know for classes, health and safety, and anything in between. It has been a long day and it's time for dinner and meetings about involvement. But I miss and love all of you at home and in Rhode Island! I hope everyone is doing great and I'll talk to you all soon! In the mean time Bon Voyage!

Peace & Pura Vida