Finally!

     I seriously CAN’T wait for the morning! We should get in to Barcelona about 8 AM and start the infamously long process of going through customs and debarking. Last night we had our first Pre-Port meeting, an hour-long session in the Union where they tell us everything we need to know before we dock. Among the topics of discussion in last night’s “cultural” meeting were what to do when (not if) you get pick pocketed, the top sights both tourists and natives love to visit, and where to get the worlds BEST warm, fresh, delicious croissants if you happen to be up at 6 AM. We have the “logistical” half of the information tonight, so after that we’ll hopefully know more about getting off and on the ship, meeting up for SAS sponsored trips and all that stuff.  The pick pocketing issue isn’t the best feeling in the world, but as long as we’re smart I’m sure we’ll be fine. Apparently the ship’s overall goal is to do a little better than the first day last year when 10% of the students were robbed. Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve got my money belt ready :)
     Today was our last day of classes until July 9th since we don’t have class in port and we only have one day onboard between Spain and Italy. We’ll have a joint Global Studies class they call “Italy Day” and then that afternoon will be Sea Olympics! A couple hours of games like tug-of-war, limbo, volleyball, “The Dean Says” and (of course) synchronized swimming pits each hall of cabins against each other to battle for the right to be the first ones off the boat in Boston. My hall is the Aegean Sea, and I’ll be competing for us in the Jeopardy competition. I mean, come on. It was that, musical chairs or pull ups (and we all know I’m not exactly famous for my upper body strength). Our team color is orange so I’m not sure what exactly I’ll wear (clearly the most important part of the whole thing, right?) Candice said I could borrow her Philadelphia Flyers shirt but Katie, Alex and I quickly informed her there’s no way I could be that desperate.
        Even though none of us will admit it, it does seem like we’re learning something in these classes. The Global Studies test was fine (don’t worry Dad, I’m not forgetting the grades/credits/money aspect of this trip) but the coolest thing was when we were really able to appreciate where we were and what we were seeing when crossing through the Straight of Gibraltar. Besides the excitement of seeing land and various other signs of actual human life, it was awesome to sail between the “Pillars of Hercules” and see Spain on one side and Morocco on the other. See that Professor Butler? Its definitely possible to absorb information while, uh, shall we say- resting our eyes? I have assignments to do while in ports like visiting UNESCO world heritage sites, observing the effects of the crazy high European unemployment and recession, visting the World bank headquarters and looking at water conditions in the different orphanages in which I’m volunteering. I’m kind of excited to tie some stuff in the classroom to real life issues (in the least nerdy way possible, of course).
        I know once we get to Barcelona and start the whirlwind of ports, countries and other things are going to fly by, and I’m already dreading the end of the summer! Not sure how often I’ll be able to blog (especially in Italy when I’ll be leaving my computer on the boat when we travel for the week) but I’ll try to keep you posted as things happen. Off to dinner, check out bible study, finish the movie we started last night (The Holiday with Jude Law and Cameron Diaz) and get to bed. When we wake up we’ll be in Spain!