Maroc

Morocco - 1

We had an engrossing 4 day guided trek in the Atlas Mountains through a couple of Berber villages with 60 of our closest friends from the ship. We were skeptical about traveling on an SAS sponsored trip with so many people. Luckily, the guides handled the group so well that it turned out to be a stunning success.

The first hike was hot and dusty until we reached the shade of an olive tree grove where we were served tea on mats. I now understand why olive trees and fig trees have such biblical importance. They are truly miraculous life-savers in this pink dusty desert

Espana!

Espana!

Chris has developed quite a reputation with his pre-port medical briefings for the entire ship. Here is a pic of him getting his point across by demonstrating the delicate art of flamenco.

Cadiz is a wonderful old city with Catholic churches built on remains of Moorish mosques built on top of remains of tributes to Ceasar. Great food (tapas) and wine. Wonderful people. A bullfight.

We spent one night in Ronda, the last strong-hold before the pushing out of the Moors. You can see from the cliff side photo why it was one of the last to go. The “new bridge” was built in 1761.

Now we’re back on the ship, getting set to leave for Morocco.

Sleepy At Sea

We have to advance the clock by an hour every night these days. So we are very sleepy at sea. The seas have been rough from the hurricane down south, so we wear the sea sickness patches. The side-effect is drowsiness. The constant rocking and rolling during the night interrupts sleep. So we are even more sleepy!

Life on the ship is intense, really. There are many classes, pre-port lectures, kid activities to attend. It’s funny to be way out in the middle of the ocean and yet feel so busy. Up at 6 am to get time on the elliptical machine (feels like 5 am because we crossed another time zone). 8 pm special lecture on Spain. 9 pm social hour with the faculty and staff and Archbishop Tutu and Leah. Then set the clocks forward again tonight.
Spain on Saturday!

Halifax

Yesterday was foggy and rainy as we pulled into Halifax, the port famous for participating in the rescue of Titanic victims. Halifax has seen its share of history as a strategic location in the world wars I and II. The maritime museum describes the tragedy that occurred when a burning munitions ship drifted ashore and devastated the city during World War I.

Today is more clear and hundreds of students are in line with luggage to begin their voyage. The final count will be 602 students, about 100 faculty/staff, family members and "life-long learners", and 200 crew members. So a total of about 1000 people.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah boarded the ship yesterday. He is truly a delight. He spoke last night to the parents of the college students and inspired a standing ovation of course. I shook his hand yesterday and I'm sure he felt a special bond with me right away.

Day 2 at Sea

Moved in on the ship on Monday. Chris and I have a nice little cabin with a deck over the ocean. The kids are across the hall in the Man Cave. It's an appropriate name because there are no windows. Each cabin has it's own bathroom. I feel quite spoiled.

We've started with a couple of days of rough seas. We're already using our sea sickness patches. Even the regulars are feeling sick,

We'll get to Halifax tomorrow to pick up the students.

Thanks for your comments! (and Tal, get back to work!)

Last Minute Visits

Mary and Isabelle Tanner visited from LA. They helped me with my first ever pedicure. Essential for any educational voyage!

Good-byes

Even though we're only leaving for four months, we're getting lot's of attention from friends and family. We're feelin the love. The Tonozzi family gave us a lovely pot-luck send off.