This is the story of my summer 2010 Semester at Sea onboard the MV Explorer. This summer, I will be taking graduate classes on a floating university that sails from Halifax, Nova Scotia to eight countries around the Mediterranean on three continents. I am taking this trip with my best friend, one Chrissy Young. If anyone actually reads this blog, please excuse its unoriginality, dryness, or unintended lack of entertainment value; I have written neither academically nor for leisure in almost three years. I hope to inform you of what I am doing this summer, but also hope to inspire you to embrace irresponsibility and travel to some of these destinations in your future.
June 11th- Arriving in Halifax
Met my dad and step-mom, Paula, in Halifax- a port city in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia. We drove into the city over a spectacular suspension bridge to their condo on the waterfront. The bay there was beautiful- lots of wooden sailboats, deep blue water, and green rolling hills. What a place to start the adventure of a lifetime! The first night we grilled up some halibut and veggies, drank some great Portuagese wine, and enjoyed one another’s company.
June 12th- Go to Halifax’s Farmer’s Market!
Dad, Paula, and I started the day at the Halifax farmer’s market in the old brewery. This is by far the best farmer’s market I have ever attended. Delicious breads, fresh fruits and veggies, and homemade meat dishes are around every corner. We bought some locally distilled sparkling cider (alcoholic of course) and some Cornish pasties just like the ones in Butte. We headed to the citadel once we had our fill of local flavor and continued to the public gardens. Why is it that Canadians and Europeans have the best parks? A well-kept park in New Orleans was one where hypodermic needles were not prevalent and trash was only on the ground after weekend events. The day then called for some drinking, so we discovered an authentic Irish bar called the Old Circle- I knew it would be good because its Celtic knot symbol is the same one that I had permanently placed between my shoulders. We went in for a pint, and accidentally spent over six hours listening to live Irish music from three talented groups, drinking Guinness, and eating some great Halifax seafood appetizers. I looked forward to sharing this new found watering hole with Chrissy, as she was expected the next day…..
June 13th Bay of Fundy
If you have never heard of the Bay of Fundy, look it up on google. This bay borders Nova Scotia to the north and Prince Edward Island to the south. It has the largest tides in the world because of its funnel shape- over 54’ in some areas. Entire lands are covered in navy blue water during the first six hours of the day, and are then completely drained of the water during the other six (Yes, I know there are 24 hours in a day, a tide comes in twice a day). We spent the day driving from small village to small town in Northern Nova Scotia exploring this natural wonder. Native tribes explained the phenomenon with a folk story- this story attributed the waves to a giant whale splashing in the ocean. J After exploring the bay, I found Chrissy’s flight delayed until 2:30 in the morning. As I drove the 40 minutes to the airport in oppressively thick fog, I knew her plane would have trouble landing- I talked to a security guard when I got there. He told me that her plane had been sent back to New York after traveling two hours to Halifax…. I was worried she wouldn’t make the ship embarkation.
June 14th The MV Explorer!!!
This ship is ridiculous. Although it pales in comparison to most luxury cruise ships, my non-cruised, sleep in Motel 6 ass couldn’t be happier on this floating resort. On the aft of the ship (that’s the back for you land-lovers) is a pool, pool bar, 4 sun decks, and fitness center. On the for (front) is a lounge area reserved for grad students (me) and faculty, and a large lecture hall. The ship also has a bookstore, spa, two dining halls, 9 classrooms, a library, and basketball court. Not too shabby. Although the room seemed like a tiny pressure cooker that would inevitably destroy a three year old friendship, our lovely cabin on the fifth deck port side seems large and luxurious now. Chrissy finally made it to Halifax this night- where the two of us wined and dined with Dad and Paula on the top deck of the MV Explorer. I was so sad saying goodbye to them; they are so fun- I love them a lot. After exploring the ship, we unpacked and delighted in the reality of our trip, broke out a bottle of cider, and fell asleep to Fantastic Mister Fox. Good Day.
More coming soon!!
No comments:
Post a Comment