Day one

We and all our gear made it on board. We did not travel light. This may surprise those who know Peter & I. Normally we are very streamlined in our packing, but this time around, we thought of 104 days in our cabin, four months, 1/4 of a year and decided that we would bring everything to make our lives comfortable. While this did not include the kitchen sink, it did include our tempurpedic bed pad and pillows! Yes, we really did bring them! Now we are very happy after our first night with a great sleep. We also brought large duffle bags 50 lbs each x four. Yes, it was a lot. But, it all fit! So now, on with the show.

This ship is lovely. Reminds me of the World Discoverer on which I worked back in my 20's. This is bigger and newer, but has that intimate quality. There is a BIG ugly Carnival cruise ship next to us and we are so glad not to be on that!
The faculty is dedicated. There are 40 or so in all from all over. And the class choices are impressive, though many are filled with the students and do not have room for us as hoped.we will nonetheless, be busy in the Global Studies course at least, and no doubt lots more as the trip unfolds.

The college kids are enthusiastic. So bright eyed.

There are 66 lifelong learners aboard. Beatrix is one of six 16 year olds. The others are all faculty kids, so she is the only one here with parents like us. So what's new. She is out meeting the college kids and enjoying her notoriety. Many have shared that they wish they had their parents with them. I forget how big and scaring the world is if you are new to it. The shipboard community offers " extended family" where we can sign up to be parents for a group of kids. this will be beneficial for them and us. We can be the stable seasoned adults, and they can remind me to be in awe as I see places through their eyes.
Tomorrow Beatrix meets with her academic coordinator for the morning and we settle in further with more orientations. Are we really going around the world? Wow. Pinch me. It seems like such a huge planet now. We left the dock on time at 8:00pm (20:00) with family on the pier to wave us off. This is real after all.

-Melissa

Location:Bahamas