Halifax, Nova Scotia

Well $83.oo later I arrive in Halifax....almost hassle free. Thank God. It was a small plane! I HATE small planes. Sarah...she sat next to me, she too was going to Semester at Sea and she too didn't like small planes. The adventure has begun.

It all started at the Albany train station where the train was coming in a little late. Not by much but I was freaking out! I had Destin, my brother, telling my mom to leave and me stressing about me catching a 2:00 Shuttle to the airport in Manhattan. Finally the train arrives. I still make it to New York on time, only to find out that I left my USB at home.(damnit) I rush to the corner of 33rd St. and 7th Ave. otherwise known as Penn Station, to find the Super Shuttle starting to drive off. The driver opens his car door and looks at me and asks, "Anthony?" I go, "Yea." He continues to tell me that it is 2:01 and he was about to leave, even though my reservation says between 2:00 and 2:15. He replies that it his extra 15 minutes, not mine. Well I make him out to be more rude than he is, he was actually nice and brought me to Newark International Airport rather quickly, notice I didn't say safely. (Damn those New York drivers.) I mean I arrived in one piece, but with high blood pressure.

THE AIRPORT: I go to check my luggage. (Do You know they have a neat system that you can scan your passport with! Love it!) My luggage weighed 67 pounds! What the F**K!? I was pisst. $65.00 later my luggage was checked. Ok it is now 3:00pm, what do I do for 3 hours? First: buy a USB....which was another $20.00 expense not expected. (lesson learned: you will ALWAYS forget something) Well 3 hours go by, and 85 pages of the European Union and a bag of chocolate chip cookies later, I'm ready to board my flight to Halifax. Of course a thunder storm doesn't help the nerves of an anxious traveler but that didn't seem to stop mother nature. It was POURING! But by the time I was on the plane the rain had stopped and the sun was shining. And to be honest the flight was mostly harmless. It was an hour and 40 minute ride. With an hour difference it was 9:40pm in Halifax and 8:40pm at home, when we landed. (Speaking of home...we flew right over New York City and I was able to have a final goodbye to my Mecca.) By the time we were off the plane and through customs it was almost 10:00pm and I had 15 minutes to catch another shuttle to my hotel (well hostel but what's it matter?) Phew! I made it and with time to spare. After chatting with Sarah some more it was time to leave. I met Bo who is also staying at the Halifax Heritage Hostel. He said I seemed very prepared which made me happy to hear! =)

After about a 20 minute ride we arrived in Downtown Halifax. And let me tell you, it is pretty, clean and quite a nice city. I approve. The hostel is nice as well. Except Bo and I almost didn't make it! We just arrived as the office was closing. I worked my magic and the guy at the desk agreed to check us in, even though his shift was over, the office was closed and we were late (by no fault of our own mind you) but lucky us....we are here, comfortable and ready for tomorrow. Also here is Tyler and Robert who are also going to Semester at Sea. (Notice a trend?) We are all here for the same reason which is a great feeling! Tyler and Robert are also taking Global Music with me. Also check out Tyler's website....it is so cool and I'm kinda jealous =(

I was in the room for about 10 minutes, chatting with the mother on Facebook (awkward) and then we headed out to explore the night life of Halifax. We went to this packed bar called "Bitter End," where they were having "Martini Mondays"(...interesting/cool) I didn't drink but we talked to a couple of people there (none of them SASers). It was an awakening that even in Canada there was lingo and language that was unfamiliar to me. (And I've taken French)....Looks like I need to prepare myself for the worlds to come and their foreign languages. We just got back about a half an hour ago. Bo is a chill kid. We talked about how excited we are on our walk back and seem to get along quite well. Before we went our separate ways we checked out the bathrooms...I have to say they are in GREAT condition. I will not mind using them tomorrow morning at all. I give this hostel 4 stars * * * *!

Tomorrow morning! AHH! I still can't believe a year has went by and here I am, sitting in Halifax ready to take part in a one of a kind experience, all starting tomorrow! I had to say goodbye quickly to my mom and siblings, otherwise I would have burst into tears in the middle of the train station. (I just remembered I forgot a picture of Stimpy, my cat and one of my best friends) Traveling alone is a weird feeling. I called my mom at least 5 times just to talk to her. I hate not being able to pick up the phone and call, but I guess I'm purchasing a calling card with her consent. Of course I'm not alone anymore, but I still miss them and am sad that I won't be spending this summer with them. My brother said that I was lucky to do this. I hope they get the opportunity someday.

My alarm is set for 8:30...the morning awaits. Goodnight.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

-Michael-Anthony

P.S. Erika is already on the boat! =)