Acro-Yoga!

The ship has tons of activities going on while at sea. I've gone to acrobatic yoga, known as "acro-yoga" recently and am having a blast. Definitely taken me outside of my comfort zone.  This is my friend Michael, and Kyle the instructor behind us. Not a bad way to spend a night on the deck under the stars. 

Mauritius

Mauritius was absolutely stunning. The island was a picturesque honeymoon location. We sailed on a 58 foot catamaran through the clear blue waters and enjoyed the sunny day which was in the high 80's.

We first headed to a lagoon where dolphins were swimming by the boat. Then we went snorkeling, check out my underwater picture. The water was clear enough that we could see the bottom 30 feet below.

Next we had a BBQ lunch on board, sailed along, and then went ashore to walk the beach. We enjoyed the beautiful day and didn't want to leave! 

Neptune Day!

Today, in tribute to crossing the equator, we celebrated King Neptune day. A day where we become seasoned sailors, compared to our "polliwog" status of before. 
The tradition includes getting fish guts poured on our heads and kissing a fish! Other people chose to shave their heads, girls and guys included. I decided against that one!

India Recap!

Day 1: Cochin

• ·         We arrived on a hot and humid day where temperatures must have been 95-100 degrees. We took a ferry to Fort Cochin, an area where there are lots of markets to do some shopping. The people are very pushy to sell you their items and lack personal space boundaries.. It is a very interesting experience. A tuc tuc drove us around, check out a picture of this online. It is a small taxi and the driving is a bit crazy.

• ·         We saw the traditional huge Chinese fishing nets that look like a catapult. Then ate lunch and spent the afternoon cooling off on the pool back on the ship.

Day 2: Delhi

• ·         We left at 3 AM and flew to Delhi. We took a tour of the city when we arrived, including..

o   Qutub Minar – a large conical tower

o   Jana Masjid – The largest mosque in India

o   Raj Ghat – A memorial to Gandhi

o   Rashtrapati Bhavan – The Presidential Palace

o   Gurdwaras Bandla – Sikh Temple.

I've never felt so out of place than in the muslim temple where women wear the traditional Sari outfits and men are all outfitted in turbans. We had to cover our heads as well out of respect. It was a very curious feeling.

Day 3: Agra

• ·         We went to the Taj Mahal today! This was beautiful and way better in person than in any picture. We were able to walk right up and onto the white marble. (Check out the picture below!)

• ·         Next we visited the Agra Fort which was an array of buildings used for protection. It also provided a cool view of the Taj from farther away.

• ·         I tend to stick out like a sore thumb here being pale and a red head but I've never had more pictures taken of me than today. SOO many people wanted pictures, men, women, I even had a baby thrust into my arms. In the beginning it was funny and flattering, but it got old very fast. I know how the celebrities feel now!

• ·         Then we boarded a bus for a 5 hour bus ride to Jaipur.

 

Day 4: Jaipur

• ·         We headed to a beautiful fort that had an expansive wall over the mountains. It looked like a mini Great Wall of China. We rode elephants that were painted with decorations up the fort which was exciting. We bought turbans to wear and also mandi (the bead for your forehead) and took some very fun pictures at the top of the fort.

• ·         Next we visited the largest sun dial in the world. It can mark the time down to an incredible 20 seconds. After dinner I tried on the traditional sari outfit and got henna drawn on the back of my hand and forearm. When in India you have to do it!

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• Day 5 & 6: Cochin

·         We spent the morning on two flights from Jaipur to Cochin. Then just relaxed and recovered from our long trip back on the ship.

·         We wandered the markets and shops in Cochin the last day. We were able to do our last minute souvenir shopping and eat our last Indian meal.

·         HOLI! – My favorite part of the two days was celebrating holi by throwing powdered colors on each other. We bought white shirts so the colors would stand out. We were completely dyed from head to toe and had a blast.

 

 

Burma/Myanmar Recap!

Myanmar is referred to as Burma by the US and UK as well as other European countries because we do not recognize the current government. The country has been undergoing political change and conflict for the last few decades where the military oppressive rule is being revolted against. Violent protests have arisen making certain areas of the country unsafe for visitors. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Day 1: Yangon

• ·         The first day I visited the Swedagon Pagoda. It is a huge complex of temples the largest of which has a 76 carat diamond in an orb at the top. I bought and wore a traditional floor length skirt called a longyi. Women must have knees and shoulders covered to be respectful, especially at temples.

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Day 2: In Transit

• ·         We took a 7 hour bus ride where we drove through the rural villages. The dimly lit bumpy dirt roads had small shacks with thatched roofs amidst the trees. It was incredible to see that people still live like this today with no running water, no plumbing, no electricity, etc. etc. It was a stark contrast to the Pagoda from yesterday.

• ·         We visited a local shop making parasols, traditional umbrellas. We saw them being hand crafted and pieced together.

• ·         We arrived at Ngwe Saung beach a beautiful seaside resort. I was blown away by the setting a large pool overlooking the expansive beach with lush sand and the sparkling blue ocean. We couldn't help but jump in the pool as we watched the sunset.

 

Day 3: Ngwe Saung Beach

• ·         We spent the day at the pool and beach just relaxing. We walked to the "downtown," just a few  shacks in a row, to buy some delicious banana chips and have some dinner at a local restaurant. We watched fireworks off the beach when the sun went down. The stars were bright and the half moon was rotated horizontal instead of vertical because of our location. It was a picture perfect vacation day.

 

Day 4: School Visit

• ·         The local trucks drove us to the school as we all sat crammed in the back bumping along with dust from the roads flying past us. This is the normal mode of transportation for the people here. Semester at Sea had previously donated a building and water purification system to the local school we visited. We brought a money donation that would be going to bring solar panels so they could have electricity. We were able to spend our time hanging out with the children. I met a 5 year old little girl who I played with the entire time which was very fun.

• ·       Then​ we spent the rest of the day back at the beach. I swam in the ocean, of course, and there were little stings that you would feel throughout though you could not see anything in the water.. We were told they are fish eggs. There was a bonfire on the beach to end the night.

Day 5: Elephant Camp

·         Our last day we rode elephants which was an absolutely amazing experience. I am so happy that I was able to be so close to these magnificent animals. First we fed them sugar cane. They would reach out with their trunks and take it right from your hand. (See the picture!)

·         Then we went for a 20 minute ride in a basket on their back through the jungle. We were able to see the area where they live and are able to roam free in the afternoons.  I asked if I could sit where the trainer did on the very front of the elephant and then said yes! The elephant knelt down and I climbed on his back. I felt his power as he lifted me up. SO AMAZING!

Singapore Recap!

Happy Chinese New Year! 
 

Singapore Day 1:

• ·         First, we took a cable car that went across the harbor and over the ship. A very unique view from above! Then we went on the Singapore Flyer, the largest observation wheel in the world.

• ·         We toured the city and went to a light show at the Marina Bay Sands waterside overlooking the city skyline. Water was sprayed creating a backdrop for lights and images to be displayed. The song "What a Wonderful World" started playing, which was so fitting for this amazing moment.

• ·         Then we took a river boat decorated in lanterns to a Chinese New Years Carnival which included a concert and tight rope walker. A very eventful way to end the evening! 

 

Day 2:

• ·         Singapore Zoo – We spent the day at the zoo admiring those animals that we cannot see at home. Incredible animals were there including a white tiger, orangutans, huge bats with a foot and a half wingspans and more!

• ·         My favorite moment was when an employee took out a bucket of fruit to feed the bats and lemurs. We were right nearby and actually were able to be right up and close with them. Check out the close encounter with a lemur in the picture!

Vietnam Day 3-6

Vietnam Day 3: Hanoi

 

• ·         Two of my friends and I flew up to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh city, the complete other side of the country leaving the ship at 4am. We had a tour of Ho Chi Minh Complex, which included the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and House on Stilts. We also visited the outdoor flower market which was beautiful.

   

• ·         Next we went to the National Museum of Ethnology where we saw the different housing structures for the different cultures within Vietnam. Traditional Water Puppet Show – This was traditional… and a bit boring to be honest. But still interesting to see because of its cultural history.

   

• ·         We finished off our night with the best dinner I've had on the trip so far. Madame Hien restaurant a French and Vietnamese place. Highly recommended if you are ever in Vietnam!

   

 

 

Vietnam Day 4 & 5: Halong Bay à Valentine's Day

 

• ·         Halong bay was the highlight of the week! We boarded a wooden boat that was much bigger and fancier than we expected. We were given an itinerary for the two day trip and off we went.

   

• ·         The pouring rain had just stopped when we were hiking one of the islands to the top. Here we had a gorgeous view, and there were monkeys walking around us. We swam in Halong bay at the beach, we couldn't resist even though the temperature was now around 70 degrees F. We visited a bat cave and had a traditional ride on a small wooden rowing boat.

   

• ·         Then we went back to our larger boat where we had cocktails on the deck overlooking the other boats lit up with the beautiful scenery in the background. Then we had a 7 course dinner of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

   

--Day 5 –

 

·         We woke up early to do a Tai Chi class on the deck. See the picture below for one of the poses we learned. This was so peaceful and relaxing.

 

·         Then we visited a large cave inside one of the islands that was huge! 


 

Vietnam Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 

·         We visited an orphanage and brought them toothbrushes and snacks. I bonded with a girl around 3 years old, who put sticks on my cheeks and played tag with me. She was adorable and happy despite her situation.