Atlantic Crossing

After a lot of last minute rushing and adjustment, I finally got on board and became a part of ship life--  and what an outstanding experience!  We are just beyond the Eastern Coast of the US beginning an Atlantic crossing to Morocco. In total, it should take 9 days. Sailing in the North Atlantic Sea we are now heading south down from 49 degrees latitude where we sailed quickly to skirt hurricane Irene. Finally away from the storms, it is getting warmer. The sun is finally out but the seas are still disturbed. The ship’s rock and roll makes it seem like you’re drunk when you walk. Everyone keeps one hand free to reach for a nearby railing.

Very academic, the SAS program is far more exciting than I ever expected. Wow! I am going to college again......the ship is filled with students from all over the world - but mostly the US -- and faculty from the University of Virginia and elsewhere.  Everyone is authentic, accessible and enthusiastic. The older people on board are faculty and staff and a few so called life long learners. These people have access through audit to the courses the students are taking --- all of which are upper division material. Everyone here is fascinated by this opportunity for multiple learning experiences, is very intentional about their various duties and totally committed to this four month program. And all are exciting individuals just here ready to befriend.

The emphasis of this 4 month full semester program is to teach all of us to be global citizens. Ubuntu is the word for  the philosophy behind the teachings of the trip- my humanity is wrapped in yours.

And the end of a long day, I fall asleep to the sound of the ship’s motor and feel its vibration. I dream I am in the belly of a whale who is lurching up from the sea and then diving back down into the foam. It is nice living with the sea.