For all of you who dont know what Semester at Sea is, heres a little bit of info about it. Basically its a circumnavigation around the world by ship to 11 different countries (at least my trip is) while taking college courses for credit. In shorter words, a college on a cruise ship. I will be setting sail on January 12th, 2011 and words cannot describe how happy i am to be able to do this. Here is my itinerary for the big trip
Nassau, Bahamas
Rosseau, Dominica
Manaus, Brazil
Takoradi, Ghana
Cape Town, South Africa
Port Louis, Mauritius
Chennai, India
Singapore
Ho Chi Minh, City, Viet Nam
Hong Kong/Shanghai, China
Kobe/Yokohama, Japan
Hilo, Hawaii
San Diego, CA USA
Sounds great right? Basically what you do is you take 12-15 credits while on the ship. Im looking at the marine biology course since that is my dream job but also being practical and taking a lot of business courses. I am really curious in one psych course though so we will see how that goes! But an awesome thing about it is that you only take classes while your on the ship. So when your in port, which can be like 7 days at some places, you dont have ANY class for that entire time. Except there is a couple where you have classes for 7 days straight, i think there is even one where i'll have class for 10 days straight. YIKES! But it will be totally worth it.
While in port, you can do trips with Semester at Sea or do your own exploring, which im sure my mom doesnt want me doing since i could get stolen and become some sex slave in africa or something. But basically SAS gives field programs that you can sign up for (which are also pretty pricey for most) but you can go with the people on the trip and have a legit tour and such. For example, in India i really want to do the welcome ceremony. This is what the SAS website says about this program...
WELCOME RECEPTION
This is an excellent opportunity to meet Indian students, experience a traditional dance
performance, and enjoy Indian snacks. You will travel by motorcoach to the
reception area where you will be given a traditional welcome with sari-clad ladies
offering flower-buds, applying kum-kum (red dot or sandalwood paste on the
forehead), and sprinkling rose water. Enjoy mingling with the invited guests from
local colleges in the outdoor atmosphere of a local fair. Along with sampling the
tempting snacks, you may learn how to tie a sari, have a design painted on your hand
with henna paste, and observe a Bharata Natyam dance demonstration. Bharata
Natyam is the subtle and sophisticated dance-art of Tamil Nadu. It is a dynamic and
very precise style of dance. The dancer presents a story at several levels of meaning
using a variety of complex body postures and movements, hand and arm gestures, and
facial expressions. A dancer needs substantial knowledge and appreciation of the
thematic and philosophical content of Indian myth and legend as well as a thorough
grounding in technical skill. The meaning of a portion of the dance will be interpreted
for you and some of the movements, gestures, and facial expressions will be
explained. You will also have the opportunity to buy Indian clothing and costume
jewelry. (PRICE: $34)
Pretty decently price. But then there is the Taj Mahal which i HAVE to see when i go there except through SAS is a pretty penny....
DELHI/AGRA - TAJ MAHAL TRIPS (THREE DAYS/TWO NIGHTS)
For many years, travelers from around the world have visited the
historical city of Agra to visit one of the world’s most
breathtaking sights – the Taj Mahal. The Moghul Emperor
Shahjahan married Mumtaz Mahal, who bore him fourteen
children. She died in childbirth while Shahjahan was waging a
battle campaign. Grief stricken, he vowed to build her a memorial
surpassing in beauty anything the world had ever seen. It was this
love that built the splendid Taj Mahal. You will also visit Agra
Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Agra Fort was the flourishing center of
the Moghul dynasty created by four successive emperors, a
perfectly preserved Moghul City at the height of the empire's
splendor. Fatehpur Sikri is a silent and petrified sandstone city
where time has stood still for the last four hundred years.
According to legend, Emperor Akbar built this new and splendid city after saint Shaikh Salim Chisti foretold the birth of Akbar's son and heir. Fatehpur Sikri was later abandoned, probably due to difficulties with the water supply.
Its red sandstone palaces are still in a remarkable state of preservation. In addition to visiting the Taj Mahal and the sites of Agra, you will have an orientation tour of New and Old Delhi. Some of the following sites will be included:
(1) Humayun's Tomb, a forerunner of the ornate Mughal style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal; (2) Qutub Minar, a 234-foot-high fluted minaret of the 13th century; (3) a drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past India Gate (the War Memorial), Parliament House, the Secretariat Buildings and the official residence of the President of India; (4) the Red Fort in Old Delhi, once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire; (5) Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, built by Emperor Shahjahan in the 17th century; (6) Birla Temple; (7) a Sikh Gurdwara; (8) a Baha'i House of Worship; (9) Chadni Chowk, the colorful market; (10) Gandhi Museum and Memorial Hall (11) Palika Bazaar. (PRICE: $1,144)
Tough decision right? This is basically what my whole summer has been is reading up on every country, figuring out what exactly it is that i want to do and when. Ah! Oh and trying to make enough money to be able to freaking go!! It's not cheap to say the least but i know it will be the best experience of my life. And not to mention, im going with one of my best friends Kristen Desimoneeee!!!! We will be on Deck 3 inside which is the third cheapest room. Just like a typical cruise ship. tiny. but at least we can share clothes and save a little bit of space! AHhh im sooooooo exciteddd!!!
Heres the website in case you want to browse!!
Semester at SEAAAAA!!
Be letting you know what i start to plan out for my trip soon.
Peace and Blessingggss!
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