We received an email from Laura tonight. She said that the interport lecturer for the South Africa stop was very interesting. She is South African with Indian roots, and has been discriminated against a lot, from both blacks and whites in S.A. There is a large Indian popul. in Dunbar. (Eastern S.A.)
She also said that yesterday she watched the Super Bowl. It was painful to watch, but she wore her silver and black tee shirt, and ignored the jeers and cheers from the Bucs fans. They also had picture day yesterday. All the students together, and then students by universities. There is one other student and one prof. from her school, Chico State.
She also was selected (by lottery) to be in the extended family program. There are 5 other girls who share a family (2 parents and 17 yr. old son). They had dinner tonight together. This is the family's second trip!A talent show is being planned and she is on the committee. There will be dancing, musical acts, stand up and a "street smarts" video type thing. Sounds fun.
She is also babysitting a 5 year old passenger on her B days. I have never known her to be quite such a joiner! She is also reading more. I had recommended the book, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, to her about a year ago. Of course she never read it, but picked it up in the library, and says she loves it.
She sounds sooo good; happy, content, calm.
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South Africa
We heard from Laura tonight - 10pm our time, 8 am her time. She was already up and out. She said she loves to rise early in port, there's too much to do to sleep late.
She loved the Kagga Kamma trip. It is a nature preserve and they saw many animals. They had a star walk and she said she saw more stars than ever in her life. The rings of Saturn were amazing. The group was about 30 which she enjoyed, and on the way back they stopped to do wine tasting.
Yesterday she hiked Table Mtn, said it was 2 hours straight up, but well worth it. She was planning to visit the prison where Mandela was incarcerated and go to a township on the last day. She was practically gushing, Cape Town is beautiful, (she said it reminded her of Jack London Sq. in Oakland, only bigger), and the food is wonderful!
She got some mail, but not the package we sent. (so far)
It was great to hear from her!
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South Africa
Hi Dad and Mom!
How�s it going? I am good- sad to leave Cape Town. It was really a great place. It was kinda nice that most people spoke English- that made things a lot easier. I am trying to watch Amistad right now- but there is no sound- oh now there is. they show pretty good movies- the other night was my fav- Top Gun, and one night was another good one- 16 candles. Tonight was �Express Yourself south Africa� It�s like an open mic where people can go up and say things as they please. I facilitated it. It was cool- I just introduced it, keep things going smooth by talking when no one came up and closed it. The Sea Olympics are coming up- I am excited they should be fun. We made cool posters- we are the pirates a good theme compared to most. Our color is black so that is easiest enough. A couple of my friends are pink- the guys don�t like that. There are a lot of fun activities and the winning sea gets off the ship fist in Seattle. I�m thinking I can win the Simon Says competition with all my practice.
N/E ways�I really liked S.A. We docked in a very tourist rich place- the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. As I said it looked like Jack London- but more beautiful. There was a mall and a craft shed right across the way and I wish I had more time to shop. But I am so glad I went to Kagga Kamma. It was one of the most beautiful natural places I have ever seen. It was about a 4 hour drive - but we stopped in a little town called Prince Alfred. There wasn�t much to it just a place to grab some food� Then we continued on and drove on a dirt road for about an hour. It was a very steep windy road. Along the way we saw ostriches and zebras. We drove up to the lodges and the little lobby/welcome house. They had a great buffet. The scenery was amazing with lodges built right into the huge red rocks and just forever beautiful lands of nothing. After lunch we had time to go swimming and relax. We also went to out chalets. They were amazing. I had 3 roommates who were all really cool. We had a great time together. I was lucky enough to win rock, paper, scissors, and get my own room and queen size bed. We then went on a 2 mile hike to a huge gorge. It looked like the Grand Canyon in some ways. It was so nice and we all were silent for a long time- it was the most peaceful silence I have ever heard. I really have never heard anything so quiet. I loved it- total silence. We then went back to eat a wonderful dinner. There were 2 fires to eat around- and great food. Greek salads, crackers and cheese, fruit, milk!(I haven�t had milk in so long- it�s nasty powered here) , lamb, and the best thing- ostrich. It was delicious- kinda like steak, very tender and juicy. The night sky was the most amazing I have ever ever seen. The most, brightest stars, it was beautiful. I could see a complete milky way, a bunch of constellations, and Saturn. We then went on a game drive. We didn�t see too much- some springbok, ostriches, zebras, wildebeest, rabbits, and a bunch of deer like animals- well I guess we saw a good amount. But it was fun anyway because the safari vehicles are cool to ride in and the sky was great. The night was great- about 12 of us sat around the fire and talked. I didn�t know any of them so it was cool. Then the safari cars drove us back about 1 mile to the chalets. It was nice b/c they would go whenever we wanted to. On the way back we stopped at a wine tasting place. It was good wine and very fun. Then we all slept on the way back. That night I had wonderful calamari on the waterfront and went out to a dance club with Callee (she is from Pitt) and some other people and we had so much fun! There were a lot of English people in Cape Town b/c it is the Cricket World Cup right now.
The next morning a couple of us walked around shopping and then walked to Long street- it is downtown where there is a market and some more shops. That afternoon I hiked table mountain. It was so tough- but absolutely amazing views. I felt so great when we reached the top. It was a serious accomplishment. I loved it. We watched the sunset behind the fog and clouds that quickly rolled in. We then took the cable car down witch was neat b/c it rotates in circles as you go down. That night I ate a great meal w/ some other people- there was 9 of us and we got so much- it was delicious and less than 55 US dollars.
The next morning I went to a township. On the way we stopped at District Six museum. It was a very interesting place. District 6 was an all black wonderful neighborhood and the whites decided to demolish it and move the blacks into townships. The museum had photos of the town, stories from people who lived there and much more. Then the townships were so sad. People lived in houses that were made of cardboard, tin, anything. Some were too small to stand in and others were barely big enough for a person to lay in. but the kids were so adorable. We went to a school like place. There was probably about 50 kids. They were seriously so cute. They loved our digital cameras and got a kick out of seeing themselves. They all wanted to take picture too- I was nervous but let them use it- but it just made them so happy. We were not there nearly long enough. I got back at I:30 and went straight to Robben Island. I liked that a lot too. They gave a great tour, it was very informative. We saw most of the island, which is pretty big- it is now a community of the former prisoners, wardens�and more who choose to live there. There is even a school w/ 40 students. We then toured the cells w/ a former inmate. We saw Nelson Mandela�s tiny cell of 27 years. Then we got to walk the grounds a little. We saw hundreds of penguins. They were cute. The whole trip was very moving. I kinda want to go see Alcatraz when I get home.
By the time we got back we only had a few hour b/4 on-ship time. I wrote about 10 postcards and ate a great last meal in Cape Town. I really liked my time there- definitely could have used another day. I liked how I got to see Kagga Kamma- a place that is more like what I used to only think of when I thought of Africa. I also liked to place we docked. I think this is definitely a place you guys would like. We should come back. Then on the ship an African township choir sang for us- they were great.
Well back on the ship- it was kinda disappointing- but I am excited for my safari. I have 3 exams coming up- 2 in the next 2 day and 1 in a week. So I�ve gotta lot of studying to do. . Ok�I love you so much and miss you. Take care.
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Ship Life
Hi Mom and Dad,
How is everything? Tomorrow I will be in Tanzania. I am really excited to go on a safari. I am also excited to go camping. I can�t believe I will be camping in Africa! Sounds pretty crazy and cool huh?
We had the sea Un-olympics 2 days ago- it was such a fun day! Very busy, but everything was great. First the night before there were opening ceremonies. There was a lip sync contest. It was pretty funny. Then there was a dance. It was so fun. I danced all night! First there was only about 7 of us dancing- while everyone was lining in huge lines around the cafeteria to get beer. We had the whole floor and it was great. Soon it got really crowded- but it was still fun.
Our hall was the Ionian Sea Pirates. Our color was black. All seas were so into it. Everyone had cheers and were decked out in their colors. Bali deck- the bottom- won the Spirit Award. They had some great cheers like �We don�t need no portholes!� and �I�m a bali-ver� all to good tunes and a cheer to �Under the Sea� They definitely deserved the spirit stick. We were a close second- really pumped and into it but not as creative. Everyone was scared of us too-it was great. The teachers and faculty were pretty funny too. Their favorite cheer was �We lose, you fail�, it was entertaining. But they had no chance. The night before, my sea dressed up and marched around chanting and ate dinner together. It was a good surprise attack and a good way to start it off for everyone.
Then we woke up early the day of the Un-Olympics. We had breakfast together too. We were all decked out in black, with black strips under our eyes(like baseball) and had some skull and cross bones tattoos. The day was full of events. I really wanted to win and thought we were going to. I was in the orange pass- 15 people line up and pass an orange with our necks. We dominated and won that one. We got 2nd in Name that Tune. My roommate Stef is a Rock and Roll minor so she did well. There was world trivia, guess the number, suck and blow, spin and strip- it was supposed to be swim and strip- but it was too rocky. So people spun on a bat and then traded layers of clothes. It was too bad that a it was really rocky that day (a Force 7 of 11) so a couple pool events and soccer had to be cancelled. There was also improv, chocolate pour, tug-of-war, mash potato sculpting and eating, make-me-laugh, obstacle course, and my favorite Simon Says. It was Road Rules style. It was so fun�and I won! My partner was my neighbor and we rocked it! It was so awesome! It felt great to win. There was 2 teams from each sea- it was kinda nerve racking but I knew we would win I had complete confidence the whole time. So our team was winning at lunch time and I think we got too cocky. The last 2 events were great. Male-Bikini contest and synchronized swimming (in the union). The male-bikini guys got soooo into it. They loved it and so did the audience. Our sea should have won- which would have put us in an overall tie for first, but Logan, the 2 yr Old got a perfect score! It was lame- of course he got all tens and we got one 9. If that didn�t count- it would have been a tie for first! But oh well- we get a special dinner. I guess I won�t really want to get off the ship first anyway.
The lip-synch was great. Some seas really got into it . Everyone had choreographed danced, the guys were in bikinis and it was just overall hilarious. Then that night was the talent show. Everyone was so tired but it was a great show. I was the MC. We introduced the acts and filled time. It was really fun. The show was a total success. We had amazing singers and musicians, hilarious stand-up, great dancing, and some cool poetry.
The whole day was really great. School has been ok. . I am going to Yoga every B day. I really like it, it is relaxing tho a little too early- 7am . I am already improving. I am also going to meditation- the Chico prof. Teaches it. We do about 30 min. of med., which is hard b/c I think too much when you are supposed to clear your mind and I tend to doze off-oops! Then we do about 30 min of learning and receiving healing message. That is really great. Running kinda sucks on the ship b/c the course is so short and it is very easy to bump into people at the corners. But the exercise classes are fun.
I am so excited to be in Tanzania tomorrow. This trip is absolutely flying by. Its amazing that I am already in Tanzania and have been to Cuba, Brazil and South Africa. Every port has been so wonderful. I can�t believe everything I am seeing and learning. I really never knew there was so much to the world- I mean I knew but I guess I didn�t understand it. I really feel so lucky and I still barely believe I am doing this. This is the best thing ever. The world is amazing. There is so much to it. The sights, natural and man made are beautiful and people everywhere are so interesting. Life styles are so different, but people are people everywhere. I swear we live a fairy tale life. And I haven�t even seen the harshest countries yet.
Well N/E ways�mom I may have found the best thing for passing the time on the ship. My friend has Simpson�s season 1 and 2 on DVD. It is really great to watch. Tonight is a Black History Month special. It should be good. Alright�I�m gonna go eat dinner! I love you both so much- miss you a lot. Take care. Hey- did you ever get my letter from Brazil? I hope b/c it is like 4 pages. Ok love you! Bye!!!
XOXOXOXXO - Laura
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Tanzania
I heard from my daughter, Laura (yet another Laura) via IM yesterday. She said it was not very exciting in Dar Es Salaam because it was Sunday and there wasn�t much open. She was leaving for a Safaari this morning at 5:45and would be gone for 4 days. She must bet getting back in time to get on the ship so won�t have opportunity to see Tanzania. I don�t know if she is a part of the safari you are talking about. Told me she would e-mail me after she was back on the ship. Said she was having the time of her life, sees the world from a new perspective and can�t thank her dad and me enough for giving her this opportunity.
Before we left to take her to Nassau, she left a package on the kitchen table with a note to not open until we came back. Talk about crying! It was a picture of her and her younger sister with our two dogs � this would have been enough. NO, she took it further. It was a talking frame that said in her voice �Mom and Dad, thanks for giving me the world. I love you�. It still makes me cry A LOT!
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Tanzania
Hi Mom and Dad,
How is everything? I am great. I am sailing to india right now. Tanzania was excellent. I wrote you a letter on the bus on the way home from my safari. I hope you get it. I will tell you about it now in case you don�t. Basically it was so so awesome. We drove for 12 hrs total to get to Tarangire. The bus ride was cool b/c I looked out the window almost the whole time and saw stuff that was so cool and new to me. People were working on the side of the rode, cutting grass with machettes, maasai people were herding cattle, all types of animals were running around, women were walking around balancing huge buckets and plows on their heads with babies in sacks on their backs, children in all types of school uniforms all over. the homes/huts on the side of the rode were awesome. Made out of mud and cow dung, with straw roofs. It was cool.
Our camp site was wonderful- tents set up in a circle, with grass and a bond fire in the middle. I shared a small tent with my neighbor, Jamie. She is really nice, from Minnesota(where she lives) and North Dakota(where she goes to school). The weather was very warm with a nice breeze. The food was very good. the bathrooms were holes in the ground and the showers were run by maasai who poured water into buckets and hoisted them up with a rope. It was neat. A lot of work for them. The workers had a Swahili sing-along with us. We all talked a lot, sang songs, and told riddles around the fire at night. And looked at the amazing stars. I went on hikes everyday. It was so nice.
The game drives were excellent. 6 girls were in car #1. Our driver was john. He was so nice, he was smart, informative, talkative, and cared about how we were. He was a good driver too, we cheered him on as he speed past other vans and got us in the best viewing position- though we all felt a little tortured by the repeating Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers tape- which we eventually knew all the songs. We were all so excited we were the first to leave for the park in the morning. Right inside the park buffalo ran in front of us. Then I stopped the first elephants. I was so excited and happy. John promised we would see more closer. But we were so excited we were snapping pictures like crazy. Over the next 2 days we saw hundreds of elephants, giraffe, buffalo, warthogs, baboons, all types of birds, eagles, impalas�and more. Unfortunately we only saw 2 lions, the grass was too high. It is not really safari seasonal- but I was still so happy. I hope I got some good pictures but I was just staring at all the animals it was so cool. it was awesome to see animals in their natural habitat. Elephants are def. My favorite. I took soooo many pictures. All the animals were amazing but I loved the elephants. They are so cool. They often threatened to charge to protect their babies-who were so cute-some were only a week old- they would growl and trumpet at the car- thrashing their trunks. Then they would make a circle around the babies- it was really neat. The safari cars were neat b/c you could stand on the seats so the roof would be about at your waist, or you could even sit on the roof at times. I stood up about 95% of the time. I had dirt all over my face but didn�t even care. I wanted to look around the whole time. The scenery was beautiful. More green than I expected. Basically we drove around from 8 am to 4 pm every day- it was awesome. I want to go on a safari in the season some time, I think I would see a lot more. But this was excellent even out of season. The first day we ate lunch at this picinic area- everything was very nice and calm until we were bombarded by baboons. It was crazy. About 50 of them were all around us. They would run up to us and steal food out of our lunch boxes. They were completely fearless- it was kinda scary- but really cool too. The guides told us they are afraid of black people but not whites b/c they know they are tourists. It was funny. So the next day we all ate on top of our cars. The whole safari was awesome.
The first day I hung out in Dar. I was a little nervous b/c they told us of all the dangers- but I actually liked it. I walked around w/ 5 girls. We were trying to find the tourist market where they sell all kinds of crafts- well we were asking for directions and got all types of answers- our map wasn�t too adequate. Then somebody offered to accompany us and said it wouldn�t be the best idea to go alone- we didn�t know why b/c they interport people said it is fine. Well it ended up that we went to an all locals market. Not the one we were originally looking for. It was mostly food-with some clothing and jewelry. But it was the neatest thing ever. I felt fine b/c we were with this guy- but we did get some weird looks- we were def. Outsiders. It was a good experience. We then went to the Village Museum- it has replicas of huts that Tanzanians live in. It was neat. There was also a drum circle and a dance for us- we were the only ones watching. Then we talked to some kids our age who were setting up for an AIDS fundraiser. They were cool- we talked about music, school, the US, Tanzania, our trip�they were just like us- we laughed and joked for an hour. It was fun.
Throughout this trip I have realized the wonderfulness (I know it�s not a real word) of it all. But when I was camping in the wonderful outdoors I think it kinda hit me that I am half way around the world in Africa! I feel so lucky and fortunate for being able to do this. I am so thankful to you both for helping me out so much, for allowing me to do this, supporting me in everything and for teaching me all you have. I am learning so much and experiencing more than I have ever imagined. I feel like a new person- well the same- but improved, much wise, more aware, happier and more grateful for what I have, but a little sadder about how the world really is. What I am experiencing is the real world and I am glad to know what is out there. I love seeing the world. It is all amazing and incredible.
. I got a note that this boys mom was bringing me a package- but he does not have it- what a bummer. I wonder what happened? Tonight was open mic/ Express yourself. It was really good. I like announcing it and all that- everyone has been talking to me after in the halls and stuff- it was kinda cool. People had a wide range of experiences in Tanzania. Some terrible things happened- 4 crew members were mugged and beat up the guy in retaliation. The next night 2 Filipino men from another ship- I think a cargo ship with a few passengers were murdered, by the cab driver thinking they were from our ship. That is really horrible and sad. Total unnecessary violence and loss of life. Sorry to end on that sad note- but I loved my stay in Tanzania. Everything I saw was so interesting and eye opening. Next I will be in India seeing the Taj Mahal, then I get to see dad. I know it will be here sooner than I think- this whole trip had been the fastest thing in my life. Oh man- guess what.. I already used my entire picture card!! I love having a digital camera- it is the coolest. My friend Callee, she is my closest friend- and I want to visit in PA sometime- also has a cannon- a different one tho. But n/e way she was able to download my pix. So I can use the card again- that is great. Well- I�d better go. I loved you so much. Miss you a lot. Look for my letter- it will probably take a couple weeks. Take care. Love you.
Love, Laura
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India
Hi Mom and Dad,
how�s it going? Today was a nice day. I am watching my 4th movie, they have been showing them all day long. It was a TBA day- a day to rest and recover. They said most people might be sick. I did get good old Delhi belly. It only lasted a little while. I felt terrible on the flight home and threw up the minute I got in my room. But I felt better. I didn�t really mind because I ate all of the food, I�d rather eat the food and not worry than be paranoid. And it was funny b/c on the plane ride there I was reading the paper and noticed an article about a bottled water that recently had been recalled, and I looked down and was drinking it. That is what they gave us and sold all over- so there was no escaping it- but I�m alive and well now.
N/E ways�India was indescribable. It was the most foreign country I have ever been to. I got off the ship and left for my trip straight away. We took a bus to the train station. It was an interesting first view. It was very hot and humid. People were all over the place. A lot of poverty. But I couldn�t see too much from the bus. The airport was not very crowded and we quickly boarded. The flight was ok- I don�t know why I really don�t like flying. It was quite turbulent and bumpy at times with some huge drops. But we made it safely. Then we got to our hotel. This place was amazing. It was a 5+ star hotel. My roommate was Lisa, a really great girl. We talked for hours every night and had a lot of fun. I ate dinner with some friends at Chinatown restaurant. It was wonderful food. There was a hilarious band playing US songs, like Shaggy, Guns N� Roses�so funny. My friend Melody and I started a dance party and soon all joined in, it was fun. We later danced in a club that is 25 and over, but special free entry for us all night. It was a lot of fun. They played mostly rap and hip hop, but I liked dancing to the Indian music the best.
We woke up at 5 am and left for the train station. This place was mayhem. It was about 6:30am and so packed. People everywhere. All over the place. People begging, dirty children pointing to their stomachs and their mouths, holding their hands out, just begging begging. It was so sad. We all got box breakfasts on the ride to the station, I wasn�t hungry so early so I planned on saving it�but I just had to give it away. I eat everyday multiple times a day and I just couldn�t keep this food in my bag for later, while all these people were so hungry now and always. The second I reached to open my bag I was surrounded, hands grabbed at me faster than anything the second I pulled the food out it was gone. It was crazy. The train station was filled with beggars and poor people. Unlike anything I have ever ever seen. There were some business people dressed in suits and beautiful sarees.
The train ride took us to Agra. Here we went to another hotel. Also nice but not as nice. In Agra we saw the Taj. It was beautiful. There were a lot of Indian tourists there, more than I expected. They all wanted to take our pictures with them. The grounds were beautiful with a long water pool down the middle, and beautiful plants all over. Inside were the tombs of Shan Jihan and his wife who he built the Taj for. We also saw the Red Fort which was neat too. We got to watch the sun nearly set at the Taj. It turned the white marble red. People all over try to take you to the best place for a picture and then ask for money. There were hustlers all over the place. They walked with you trying to sell things. It didn�t bother me too much b/c I know they need money.
Then the next day we got a city tour and went to Mother Teresa�s Ashram. It was the 4th orphanage/house of the dead and dying built in India. It was such a tough but touching experience. When we walked in, it was so overwhelming. We walked down two big open hallways. One was for men and the other for women. At first I was very nervous to touch them. It is sad to say, but I was. Many were crippled, lying there unable to move, many were blind, and mentally and physically disabled. I felt so uncomfortable b/c we just walked down the halls looking at these people like they were a spectacle. I felt rude. After walking through the halls and looking at some of their living quarters, where a few people lay unable to move, we went to the orphanage. I stayed back with Karen and Jamie. Jamie had pennies and we were playing with the pennies with the women. They loved it. We shook them in our hands, flipped them�I never knew pennies could bring so many smiles.
We then went to the orphanage. It was so sad. But it was really crowded with all the SASers so I went back to the women�s hallway. At first I was kinda nervous being there alone, but then it was fine. I just sat there with them, held their hands, communicated somehow, and tried to do anything to make them smile, like put my sunglasses on and pose. They like that. They all just wanted to hold my hands and have me sit there. A nun said the bus was leaving so I got up to go, one woman started crying. It was so sad. I felt like I did nothing by just being there, but they liked it. But only the first bus was leaving so I was able to go to the orphanage. Only about 10 of us were left. We were out playing with the kids who could run around and play. And they were adorable, but they always get the attention. I looked around the corner in an outside courtyard, there was this adorable baby prob about 10 months sitting there so contently playing with a piece of popped balloon. It was so sad. He was happy and occupying himself with a shred of balloon. After a while a nun (1 of the 7 who work there for all the kids and adults) took him to the front to play.
I went inside and it was so so sad. Tiny babies, smaller than Jack and Makenna were when they were born, laid under lights in little cribs, and babies only a few months old just laid there, not crying and barely moving. I went to the other room where about 12 kids laid in cribs that were bunched together in 4. These kids were the most severely disabled. I rubbed one blind boys arm and he smiled and started making noises. He tried to lift himself up, but he was too weak. He was probably about 3 yrs. old. I lifted him into the air over and over. He loved it. He had the strongest grip of any child ever. He would not let me put him down. And cried when I tried to pry away and lay him back down. It was so sad. All they wanted was someone to hold them and touch them. They were all like this. I tried to give all of them attention and touch. They were so frail and sad to look at, but I knew they needed it. I didn�t want to leave, I could have stayed there all day. But we had to go too soon. I cry now just thinking about it. I was really glad we had the opportunity to do that b/c it was not scheduled.
Agra and Delhi were both amazing. It was unreal how one block had huge beautiful houses, and then a block later there were tarp homes with people scrimmaging for food and living on the street. The spectrum from rich to poor was incredible. Agra�s streets were filled with trash and animals who ate it, while Delhi was filled with beautiful flowers.
The last day I went on a rural India trip. I didn�t want to but it was great. We saw rural villages and got to interact with the people. A dog almost attacked me. I guess I was too close to his owners. We also saw a farm and a museum with replica homes from Indian�s past. And crafts people, the glass blower was cool. Then I went to the mall w/ Karli- she is a pirate also and her mom is always on the message board- I bet you know her�and another girl. We took a rickshaw. What a crazy experience. There are no rules on the roads. People drive all over, fast, slow, pass each other, almost hit pedestrians and cows, play chicken on the wrong side of the road. It is pretty crazy. The rickshaws reminded me of the haunted house chairs at Santa Cruz, with a drivers seat added. We told the driver the mall, but they try to take you to all these other stores b/c they get paid off for bringing people there. We argued and argued with ours, he wanted to take us to 4 other shops, I told him 2 and we would pay less�it was funny going back and forth. He was a nice guy- he said I seemed angry but I was just playing along. I didn�t really mind stopping at other stops- we watched him get paid off tho he tried to do it slyly. It was funny.
India was def an interesting place. The poverty was worse than I have ever seen. People peed all over the place and then slept in the same place on the streets. I never knew there could be so many smells outside. Humid hotness smells, rotting food, sweaty people, urine, sewage, and so much more that I can�t describe. The begging people were everywhere. One night we got personal pizzas from Pizza Hut- man have I been craving pizza. But I couldn�t eat much. I knew we were going to the train station so I saved it for someone there. I was hungry for it but I wasn�t when I thought about all the people who needed it so much more than I did. I felt much better giving it away than I would have eating it. All the emotions I felt and went through are tough to describe. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced. We are billionaires to them. Seeing the begging people and the children in the streets made me not want to go shopping and not spend my money on worthless material items. Then I was even disappointed w/ myself when I came back to the ship and wished I had bought things that others got. India was incredible.
Well�I am so excited to see Dad. It is coming so quickly. The plans you have made sound wonderful, those are all of the things I would love to do. Dad, have a safe trip. I am looking forward to seeing you. I would like to go out to dinner with you and 2 of my best friends if you want? That would be nice. Well�this is an extremely long e-mail I hope you liked it, it is almost 2 am but I slept a lot today. I love you both so much and miss you a lot. Take care. Love you!!!!
Love, Laura
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Ship Life
Dear Dad and Mom, 3/23/03
Hello. How is everything? I am doing better. I still cannot believe we are not going to Vietnam. This morning when I woke up I was wondering if it was real, it just seems so untrue. I wish it was. Dad, were you able to figure things out w/ the flight tix, the hotel�and everything else? I hope so. I also hope that you are still going to take that time off and relax because I know you deserve that. Don�t worry about sending me any off the stuff you were going to bring, I wouldn�t want to risk it not getting to me, I will just be more excited to get it when I come home. I feel terrible about this whole ordeal, but hopefully everything will work out. It is just really hard. I have been learning a lot about Vietnam lately and we will definitely have to go there sometime soon.
Our inter-port lecturer is a real interesting woman. She is very smart and experienced in many ways in life. She can barely speak about the Vietnam War (which they call American War) without crying. Her mother was put in prison for 6 yrs. of her life because she was a peace activist. Today in Core Jim and Shelia Barry spoke about their experiences. They too had a great deal of difficulty. Jim served in the war and this was one of the first times he has spoke about it. He read us some stories that he has written, he is an amazing person. He is funny too; he is from Boston and said that only those from Boston speak the correct form of English. He made us repeat wata, not water, and Shelier, not Shelia (tho he couldn�t even say Shelia), ideaer, and winta for winter. It was funny.
The first hand perspectives I have been hearing about the war really makes me think that the same thing may be happening today. Lives are still deeply deeply affected by the war 25 yrs later and it is so unfortunate and sad that the US in entering another seemingly pointless war. I feel there is a much better option to solving the US problems, which does not include ruining so many peoples� lives. It is a little hard for me to fully understand what is going on b/c we are quite disconnected. But I hope everyone we love is safe. And I hope this will all end quickly, though I doubt it will.
Right now we still have not been told where we are going (but I might send this to you tomorrow and we should know by then). I guess it is kinda exciting to hear all the speculations- I am just trying to look at the bright side of things, though it doesn�t really seem like there is one right now. We are passing through the Malacca straight right now. There are many ships around us and today we saw skyscrapers. It was cool. One crazy thing is that there are pirating ships around us. Some were coming awfully close, and the massive hoses were brought out to keep them back. It was def some excitement. But of course we are safe. Well I will add more tomorrow. I�m sure you are keeping up with the message board and that probably has better info than I have. Everything will be fine for us. I love you so much.
3/24/03
Well we still do not know where we are going�but it�s exciting to speculate. I can�t believe I am going to be 21 in a few days. I haven�t really been thinking about it. I hope we are somewhere great. Who knows? I hope it won�t be a bummer b-day b/c it is a big one, but I might just have to wait to really celebrate when I get home. We are anchored right now getting fuel. It is like a tease; we can see the coast but cannot get off. I just finished reading all of you e-mails. I enjoy all the questions�I will try to answer as many as I can. Did you ever get my e-mail where I talked about the stewards? It doesn�t seem like it. This is part off what I wrote, I just pasted it one here�Mom- what is Gretchen�s last name? Dr. J thinks he knows her but he was wondering her last name is. My steward is Efhrin (could that be the same as Ephram?) maybe�he is very nice, I really like him- my friend�s steward told me to call him Lola- that is grandma in Filipino, I told Efhrin and he laughed, he says it�s because he has been doing this for so long. He is a really nice man. Our neighbors have Danny and they like him a lot, everyone I know loves their stewards. I don�t know the names of the crew members who were involved in the ordeal in Tanzania.
Did you ever get that? N/E ways. I am glad to hear that you are talking to a lot of nice parents. Let�s see�I know there are so many Laura�s on here, more than I�ve even known. I know who Krissy is, I was roommates with her roommate Lisa in India. They are both very nice. I don�t know the San Leandro girl. Maybe I�ll still meet her. Rosco (Ryan) is Melinda's and my friend. I know Brady too, he is a very nice guy, really religious and kind. I asked Jeff Nelson if his mom goes on-line but he doesn�t really know. The two friends who I wanted to go out to dinner with Dad were Callee Suvak and Melody Harris. Both are from PA, tho they don�t know each other. I used Callee�s credit card to call home. She is my closest friend, she reminds me of my friends at home. There are also a lot of Chrissy, Christinas, Kristins�.all that. Chrissy- form Chicago but goes to school in Oregon, is a good friend of mine, and Diana. It is funny b/c Jen Daughtery (who I went to HS w/) is studying in Australia right now and she randomly hangs out w/ Diana�s friends who are also studying there. Small world, huh? I am also good friends with Karen Nelson, Leisel and Mo (who I met in Berkeley). I hang out a lot with Lora, from San Ramon, Chris, Ryan and Amy. Kristen is in my family and we are also good friends. I know Erin too, is she the one who Dad was gonna bring a package for? She is a nice girl too. �
Life on the ship is good. Sometimes I like to be really lazy- it is easy to do. Like today is a TBA day and they play good movies all day long. I haven�t missed any classes, well except for CORE which doesn�t matter because it is everyday and everyone goes, it is in the union. Everyone goes in their PJ�s and I often fall asleep. There are so many people that we sit on the ground�then I lie down�then it�s over. It�s kinda funny to look around and see so many sleeping people. But tomorrow is a test, so we�ll see how I do- it will be fine. I also try to read a lot, good books are good but hard to find. I go to a lot of the work out classes and play v-ball and b-ball. On A19, whenever that is�the schedule is all messed up now b/c of this TBA day- but on A19 I am in a V-ball tourney. It is me, Callee, Leisel, Grant, Will, Jeff, and someone else. We are also gonna enter the soccer tourney. I played in the Ping Pong tourney and was knocked out in the first round- but it was close.
The food was pretty good- but now we are all sick of it. Tho I am def not going hungry. There is always plenty to eat. There is always a good variety and if nothing at all is good, PB&J is always an option. You�re right, it is pretty fun to get drinks legally. Bar night is fun but I rarely drink�really. I like to just go and play cards or other games. I don�t drink b/c first of all the lines are usually out of control and it�s not worth the wait b/c bar night is only 2 hours, and you know me- I�d rather spend my money on better things. Apparently some kids did get out of control on their safari trips, but I have heard mixed stories, like always.
I try to spend a lot of time outside b/c it is usually so nice. I like to sleep outside too, I wake up very refreshed. It is pretty cool to sleep under the stars on the ocean. I love just looking at the water. It is usually a beautiful blue. We rarely see land, tho we have been lately while going thru the Malaca Straights. There have been a lot of lightening storms lately- it is real neat. My typical day is just classes and hanging around. And I babysit on B days. I�m kinda over that but gotta keep doing it. It is not too stressful. But then again I don�t get stressed by too many things�I laugh at people who are stressed out; there really is no reason to be on this ship.
Thanks for the Road Rules update. I will be excited to watch the re-runs when I get home. Ann is from the first RR. A way long time ago.
It is becoming harder and harder to talk with people in diff. countries b/c of the language barrier. But English really is a universal language and everywhere we go some people speak English. So I haven�t had any real problems ay all.
My friend Lisa�s Mom, Dad, and bro were all going to Hong Kong. She is hoping to maybe still meet up with them. Also my friend Caroline had family meeting her. And a few others. So it is real tough for a lot of us. Mom�don�t worry about sending me anything, like I said I will be real excited to get it when I get home. Hope this makes sense b/c I�m not taking the time to read over it. I love you both and miss you a lot. Take care!
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Ship Life
Hi dad and mom
Just a quick note. It is so so rocky. The waves around about 30 feet. We are not allowed to go outside. It is crazy to look out the window. We are really moving- a lot of people are sick. It is impossible to be in the computer lab and library- those are too rocky b/c they are in the front of the ship. Dad, the websites are very informative, I think as of now I will just wing it- I don't think I want any reservations b/c things always change. Well gotta go- it is so rocky- it's crazy!! And it's snowing and freezing outside!!! Love you. Glad Easter was fun!
Love, Laura
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Ship Life
I have been babysitting a lot. The past few days we have been reading a book. It is a good book- it�s a book a 4th grader would read, called �My Father�s Dragon.� He is only 5 and he sits there and listens as I read for 2 hours. I couldn�t believe it. A lot has been going on lately. Yesterday the Jam Band played during Happy Hour. They are really good. Then the theater class did skits. Also very good. Today is PJ day, which is pretty funny b/c we wear PJ�s almost everyday. But we get breakfast for dinner which is great. Right now we are passing by the Alaskan and the Aleutian islands. It is really beautiful; they are huge and covered w/ snow. We had a boat drill today and it was freezing outside. Today is another study day. It is really nice b/c we basically just chill. Everyone hangs out.
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