A Profile View

It was a night of celebration as we all dressed up to attend the Ambassadors Ball. It is a dinner and a dance to celebrate the conclusion of this voyage of righteousness and diplomacy. It acknowledges the participants of the voyage as ambassadors of the sea and alumni of the Summer 2009 Voyage, more or less. At its simplest definition it was time to let loose and have some fun.

The evening began with a lovely five-course meal. Chicken and steak laid before us with a glass of champagne by our side. Pictures were of course a main part of our night as there was flash after flash after flash. But the squinty eyes and the endless spots are worth the end result of preserved memories. Everyone cleaned up well, for we dressed in our best attire for the evening as we dined in class. Erika and I rushed for the dessert as we indulged in several pieces of cheesecake before our second half of the evening: dancing.

We gathered round as we boogied down into the midnight hours. It was a glistening night in my eyes as A.B.A. had one last hoorah before the dreaded days of packing and goodbyes were to set in. As much as I attempt to put it all in prospective it becomes overwhelming and quite difficult at times. But one thing I seem to be able to hold grasp of is the friendships that I have accrued in the past months, that will in return last a lifetime. The phrase seems cliché and even forced, but in actuality and in all sincerity it holds so much truth. The amount of bonding and experience we have had as a group is immeasurable and cannot compare to any set of words. 

We have traveled the world together. We have sailed the Atlantic twice together. We have explored foreign countries all on our own, but together. We’ve partied together, drank together, laughed together, argued together, smiled together, slept together, ate together (a lot) and remained together. It is amazing to me how we all stuck it out. We became friends and stayed friends: through this voyage and hopefully beyond.

I know these people and am just beginning to know them a little bit more. It saddens me that just as time is running out, its seems you can go that much longer. But it must come to an end. Not definitively, but just for now. We must return to the normalcy of our lives, go back to our home institutions and continue where we left off. But this time with something to think of: that wonderful time that we sailed the Mediterranean Sea and explored the cultures of eight different countries together. That time we made awesome memories together and promised we’d meet again.

Below is a questionnaire that each A.B.A. member answered. A way to learn a little about them and the moments they remember about this voyage.


BOWEN MCDOUGAL

ROOM #………………4043

NICKNAME…………..Bo

BIRTHDAY……………October 3, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Denver, Colorado

COLLEGE……………..Colorado University

MAJOR………………..Chemistry

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Australia

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Canada

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Turns out the chocolate dolphin statue is made of styrophome

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Portabella Mushroom w/ Mozzarella at the Irish Pub in Greece

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Buying orange syrup instead of orange juice

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….Friends that became family




KEVIN LENZEN

ROOM #………………4043: Bottom Bunk

NICKNAME…………..Princess

BIRTHDAY……………September 29, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Cologne, Minnesota 

COLLEGE……………..University of St. Thomas

MAJOR…………Sarcasm with a minor in Business Administration: Operations Management

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….An impossible question to answer. I do not judge and evaluate things according to ranks.

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………DOLPHINS!!!

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Nino’s in Cadiz: Both times. Delicious pizza and wine. 

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not winning the map of the voyage signed by the captain at the shipboard drive auction.

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….”Good Morning Voyagers”- NOT! I will miss waking up to a new sight outside my window (The ocean, the seas, dolphins, islands, Spain, Italy, etc.) each and every day.

KEVIN QUOTES: “I wonder how long it takes to dust this place” - In regards to the Seville                               Cathedral

                       “Ufta” - a sigh of frustration.




KATE SCHNELKER-PARKS

ROOM #………………3148

NICKNAME………….Cameron (Diaz)

BIRTHDAY……………August 24, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Mcltenny, Illinois

COLLEGE……………..Illinois State University

MAJOR………………..Choral Music Education

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….What kind of question is this? Um. Santorini, Greece but country = Turkey

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………None, but I guess Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Banana Bandit fight with Rachel and running across the street in Seville

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Eel and Shrimp with Becca in Cadiz at Nino’s

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not buying everything I wanted to- you can’t get this stuff in the states!

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST………….Obviously my friends. They have been the best “family” for the past two months.




BECCA NEY (N-Y-E like eye: I’m not a horse, I don’t neigh)

ROOM #………………4015

NICKNAME…………..Dance Machine (I should be caged!)

BIRTHDAY……………January 25, 1989

HOMETOWN…………Plymouth, Minnesota

COLLEGE……………..University of St. Thomas

MAJOR………………..English and Secondary Education

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Spain and Greece (Santorini)

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Too many to count. Train ride to Sevilla gigging with Kate an Kevin about solar panel store, my sore hip, Kevin’s beautiful knees, money belt down my pants and this conversation:

Becca: Kate look! Look at the decorations ! Look at the flegs!

Kate: The what?

Becca: The flegs, the flegs, look at the flegs!

Kate: What flakes? What are you talking about?

Becca: The flegs of all the countries, Greece, Italy, Croatia…

Kate: Ohhhh. The flAgs, I couldn’t understand your Minnesota accent.

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Meal on the terrace at a restaurant in Santorini, the sauce on my pork tenderloin was so good I wanted to bathe in it.

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Getting Traveler’s Diarrhea. It isn’t gone yet!

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….I will miss all the members of A.B.A. We have all become such good friends that we fight like brothers and sisters! I love everyone and I will truly miss the time we’ve spent together.





ERIKA MORRISSETTE

ROOM #………………3148

NICKNAME…………..Food Liaison

BIRTHDAY……………June 26, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Albany, NY

COLLEGE……………..SUNY Oswego

MAJOR………………..Psychology

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Croatia, Spain, and Egypt

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Greece

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Running for the train in Rome 

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Italia’s Margerhita pizza and wine. 

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not participating in Extended family and not going to an island in Greece.

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….A.B.A. Living with and traveling the world with friends of a lifetime. Italy’s pizza and Gelato too!




Nina Zalone


ROOM #………………4015

BIRTHDAY……………September 20, 1989

HOMETOWN…………Salamanca, New York

COLLEGE……………..Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

MAJOR………………..Ultrasound technician

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Spain

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Not sure…

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Trying to learn the cup game in the dining hall and getting yelled at for it. “Drinks are for drinking”

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….of the day? Or…probably in Spain when Shannon and I ordered fried fish by mistake and I ended up eating 2 of the 6. They still had eyes. 

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Would have liked to have gone on an independent trip with A.B.A. Anyone up for more travels?

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST…………………Seeing all of you everyday! =(




MORGAN BROACHA

ROOM #………………3116

NICKNAME…………..Eww…its you. That girl.

BIRTHDAY……………June 27, 1989

HOMETOWN…………Castle Rock, Colorado 

COLLEGE……………..University of Pittsburgh 

MAJOR………………..Chinese, Politics-Philosophy

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Turkey

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Hanging out at the shipyard in Cadiz with Spanish Medical Students.

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Portabella Mushroom with mozzarella cheese at the Irish Pup in Athens.

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Skinny dipping in Bulgaria

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST…………………Waking up in a new country, breakfast by the ocean, getting lost in a foreign city.




SHANNON DEVRIEZE


ROOM #………………3148

BIRTHDAY……………August 14, 1989

HOMETOWN…………Parachute, Colorado 

COLLEGE……………..University of Northern Colorado

MAJOR………………..History and Secondary Education

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Turkey

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Greece

FUNNY MEMORY………………………CODE BLUE. I passed out on the 7th deck which is supposedly code blue to the medical team on the boat.  It was announced through the entire ship. Everyone was surprised to find it was me.

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Hotel Dinner in Troy

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not going to an island in Greece

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST………………My Friends. Only working 2 hours a day, Being away from real life problems and stress. Seeing new countries every week.




ERIK MALIN     

ROOM #………………4030

NICKNAME…………..Gorgeous

BIRTHDAY……………September 5 ,1989

HOMETOWN…………Portage, Michigan

COLLEGE……………..Michigan State

MAJOR………………..”Money can buy you happiness” A.K.A. Finance

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Cuba, Greece, Turkey

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Croatia

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Ben coming back to the ship at 8:30 am

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Savas in Greece 

BIGGEST REGRET………………………No regrets

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST………The people and memories. Crazy nights in Istanbul at Kafe Pi



BEN GOERING

ROOM #………………4030

NICKNAME…………..Cutie

BIRTHDAY……………August 11, 1990

HOMETOWN…………Topeka, Kansas

COLLEGE……………..Kansas City University

MAJOR………………..Computer Science

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Spain

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………..Mexico, Greece

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Anthony and Erik’s cake debacle 

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….The Ship’s Apple Cobbler 

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Varna and Not meeting more people

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….Boat Life




LAUREN ARMSTRONG

ROOM #………………3087

NICKNAME…………..Picture Whore

BIRTHDAY……………January 26, 1990

HOMETOWN…………San Diego, California 

COLLEGE……………..Michigan State 

MAJOR………………..Advertising

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Egypt

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Morocco

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Ben’s reaction when we told him they ran out of Strawberry Ice Cream when they really didn’t!

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Rooftop dinner in Turkey, Kabob extra in Croatia

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not spending more time on a Greek Island like Santorini or Mykonos

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….um Traveling the world with amazing people. Being lost, riding in taxis (not) and of course ship food!




LINDSAY MUNOZ

ROOM #………………3134

NICKNAME…………..Pretty Kitty

BIRTHDAY……………August 16, 1986

HOMETOWN…………Topeka, Kansas

COLLEGE……………..University of Missouri

MAJOR………………..Criminology

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Greece

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Kate and Rachel’s “fight” at the bowling alley

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Gyros

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not buying enough souvenirs

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….My favorite peeps!




NICOLE SALMAN

ROOM #………………3072

BIRTHDAY……………May 6, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Louisville, Kentucky

COLLEGE……………..Xavier University

MAJOR………………..Psychology and Sign Language

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….I cannot say because they all have very special aspects to them. I loved Croatia however very unexpected and amazing!

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Again cannot say because they are all special in a way!

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Night of Ambassador’s ball, staying up all night on deck 7.

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Tapas in Spain

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Nothing involving this experience could be considered a regret. Everything that has occurred has made this experience what it is!

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….Everything!  The people, the amazing countries, but most of all the great opportunity to  step completely outside of ourselves, our comfort zone and our typical repetitive cycles we call life or reality. I will miss the MV Explorer and the people of Summer 2000




NICHOLAS KEER

ROOM #………………2001

NICKNAME…………..NICO

BIRTHDAY……………December 16, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Santa Rose, California 

COLLEGE……………..University of California, Santa Cruz

MAJOR………………..Film and Politics

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Egypt

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………”What is Semester at Sea God or something?” In response to dock time. 

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….chilled banana soup, bread and butter.

BIGGEST REGRET………………………not bungee jumping in Bulgaria 

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….the new experiences, the people, the places, the friends, the knowledge etc.





RACHEL COHEN

ROOM #………………3072

NICKNAME…………..Rachel

BIRTHDAY……………April 25, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Potomac, Maryland

COLLEGE……………..University of Michigan

MAJOR………………..Education

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Greece and Spain

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Bulgaria

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Banana Frenzy at Lunch

FAVORITE MEAL……………………Hotel Sky Rise dinner in Turkey overlooking the city

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not going to a Turkish Bath

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST……………………….You!




ANTHONY SOUZA

ROOM #………………4043 Top Bunk

NICKNAME…………..Michael-Anthony (M.A.)

BIRTHDAY……………February 15, 1988

HOMETOWN…………Albany, NY

COLLEGE……………..New York University

MAJOR………………..Drama; Producing Minor

FAVORITE COUNTRY………………….Egypt

LEAST FAVORITE COUNTRY…………Greece

FUNNY MEMORY………………………Kevin screaming out the window at dolphins!

FAVORITE MEAL……………………….Duner in Turkey 

BIGGEST REGRET………………………Not going to Capri sooner, Not going to a Greek Island and walking alone in Turkey.

THINGS YOU WILL MISS THE MOST………………The ocean, The people, The laughs, The opportunity.

I will miss them.

Less than seven hours until we reach Norfolk, Virginia, USA.

I’m Almost home. Almost.


Explore. Dream. Discover.


~Michael-Anthony


P.S. A.B.A. All The Way!

Putting it in Perspective

**Note: Post Date is August 20, 2009**

I took to the stage once more as I participated in and produced the Semester at Sea Summer 2009 Voyage Talent Show. It was a tiring night but a successful one. Dancers, singers, pianists, guitarists, and comedians all came out last night to show off their amazing talents. And that they truly were.  Of course some acts naturally fall short but the bulk of the night’s talent was exemplary and I was impressed. I had a front row seat as I watched the night unfold. Dan, my fellow NYU colleague, was the MC as he added that special something to the night. He is absolutely hysterical. I sang "Remember when it Rained" by Josh Groban and sadly my performance wasn't to my full potential. In my opinion a comedic duo stole the night with slogan songs poking fun at some premier personalities on the ship such as Executive Dean, Dia Draper and Global Studies teacher, Alex Nalbach. It was funny and included some of the fun we’ve had with them on this voyage.

Taking charge is a large undertaking as I determined the acceptance of acts, the order of the show and any other logistics that follow such as seating, lights and sound. I of course had a helpful team but me being the controlling person I am couldn’t finally relax until the conclusion of the evening. The community, especially the Deans, seem to be appreciative and have even shown their appreciation by rewarding me with some gift certificates that I can use on the ship. I am extremely thankful and humble to receive any sort of reward, but I’m simply doing something I love to do. It comes with a small sacrifice that doesn’t even compare to the reward of seeing a final and successful product.

There were some battles along the way concerning content of some pieces. In particular, their was a student who wanted to perform slam poetry. The content wasn’t flowers and sunshine but it certainly had a topic that could speak to people and relate to the theme of the voyage which is “Human Rights”. However, the Deans conversed and the ultimate verdict was she could not perform in the show due to its content and young audiences. I, as well as others, worked diligently to persuade the board otherwise and highlight this unique and impactful talent. But I regret to say, I’m not superman. My human powers could only stretch so far to try and change the minds of some conservative thinkers. But besides the minimal hiccups I am proud of this year’s talent show.

With classes and finals behind us, we have nothing to do but kick back and relax as we enjoy the concluding days of this two month cruise. And so that’s what we did. Some earlier than others as Erika heads up to the deck at about 8:00am in the brisk morning. I joined the A.B.A. gang later in the day at about 11:00 seeing as tanning isn’t much of a priority for me. But it was nice to relax. Nothing to do, nothing to read, nothing to prepare for, just to simply wait. However its funny, you can only do nothing for so long. It’s like Ellen Degeneres says in her Stand Up Comedy: “Here and Now” that we procrastinate so that we don’t have to do anything, but once we are given that chunk of time to do nothing, we choose to do something! Relaxing isn’t a long past time, for me at least. It soon becomes unproductive, static and the opposite of living. So as we bask in the sun and eat our afternoon away, I itch for something more. Maybe a nice run will do.

Although I must admit laying poolside with the gang is a nice alternative to the headache of homework and studying. We took pictures, had a bunch of laughs and just began to put things into perspective.  And I begin to slowly do that.

Summer by India Arie

Goodbye Summer
I hate to see you go,
I wasn’t ready for autumn wind to blow

My heart is frozen in this place
Waiting for another Summer’s day
To bring you back my way

In actuality no summer day will ever bring this unforgettable two months back my way. But each summer, in the ones to come,  I’m sure I will look back on this one and know how near and dear it is to me and remember the amazing time I had. For now, I look forward to the rest of the summer I do have. My return home will be full of family and friend gatherings, fun events like concerts, visit to the race tracks, and my first visit ever to the Statue of Liberty. It will be quite ironic to finally visit this historic landmark after traveling the distant waters of the Mediterranean. Being on a voyage where the theme is “Human Rights” and experiencing many cultures in which that term holds no value, it will be quite the visit to a symbol that stands for freedom and equality for all.

Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

The storm is coming, but I don’t mind.
People are dying, I close my blinds
All that I know is I’m breathing.

I want to change the world, instead I sleep.
I want to believe in more than you and me.
All that I know is I’m breathing.
All I can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing, now.

It has been hard visiting nations such as Egypt and Morocco and facing their impoverished state first hand. There were many trips offered to visit orphanages, but I couldn’t imagine the amount of heartache and despair that would loom above me after visiting any orphanage let alone ones of such neglect that are in these underdeveloped nations. I’m an extremely small player in the global world, virtually non-exisitent, but I yearn to make a difference and be a force in this unfortunate world of ours. And it isn’t just the state of these certain nations, our very own has always faced a huge poor demographic and it is currently facing times of economic hurt. It is also the number one contributor to our environmental state as a human race. Yet, I can’t help feeling helpless as these facts and figures weigh heavier and heavier upon my conscious. I don’t want to be a contributor to the destruction of this planet, nor the reason a young boy must go hungry, but right now the best thing I can do is be appreciative of what I do have. I have an abundance of food, I have a loving family and amazing friends, I have a bountiful education and a prospective future, I have life.

Meaning by Gavin DeGraw

Mountain the trail
But you got it in sight
Sometimes the only way is jumping
I hope you’re not afraid of heights!

Reach in my pocket, for a bill that isn’t there
And to face of the undoing, still isn’t more than I can bare.

Love has a reason
There’s a meaning to the world
We’re giving love.

It’s always been good to me.

This it harder than it seems, but in lieu of the unfortunate states of life I have witnessed, it makes sense to wake up a little more kind, a little more positive, a little more happier, a little more grateful and bundle that all up into one thing called love. People think we only need water and food to survive, but we need so much more. We need human touch and acceptance; we need to laugh and cry, we need love. And even though I can’t complain, for I’ve always felt loved, I still need to make a conscious effort to be a little more positive and a little more loving in my daily life, because there is a reason.

It all goes by so fast by Ray Charles

Ain’t it funny how the years go by like pages in a book?
If I had another chance, I’d stop and take another look
And I’ll remember, every moment
And treat it like it might just be the last
Cause it all goes by so fast.

I’m not old, by any means, but I am older. Becoming older scares me. It makes me bitter, anxious and helpless. Time is one thing I can’t seem to control. This afternoon as I stood once more looking over the engulfing ocean I felt myself existentially looking at me. Here I am, age 21, traveling the world. I will be graduating a top university in less than a year, I will be living in the city I set to live in and it all seems to have been written. These plans have been inside me for a long time. As far back as my elementary years. And now its coming to fruition and more plans and ideas present themselves, such as this one. Before we left, Erika said, “Hey we should write down everyday all the things we did and all the funny times we had and then write a book.” I laughed but I said ok. Not to make a book of course but to write it all down. It wasn’t until now that I understand how extremely lucky and smart I am to have done this. In our life, let alone this trip, so much happens, so many moments, so many experiences that our memory isn’t capable of capturing it all. By choosing to keep a journal, or a blog, you have the ability to preserve at least some of it. And as I look back on my short 21 years of life I can only pick out a handful of moments that stick out. But how much I wish that I could look back and truly remember a particular moment in my life. It all goes by so fast. And so it hasn’t been decided, but the prospect of continuing this blog and capturing more moments is a possible one.

Dream Like New York by Tyrone Wells

So many dreams come and go.
We blink are eyes time flies by and we don’t know
Whatever happened to those childhood years
When we thought we could fly?
We got to keep those dreams alive.

And dream like New York
As high as the skyline
Aim for the stars above those city lights
I wanna dream like New York
I’m running down Broadway
Got to catch the next train, I’m making my way.

How many times have you tried and failed?
Have you watched your dream slip away?
Well every hero falls and ever soldier crawls
And every dreamer dreams again.
You gotta dream again!

Go on and dream like New York.

Even though I stand here confidently today and am prepared for the roads that lay ahead tomorrow, each step in my life begins with a dream. Dreams are easily categorized as silly or unattainable, but they wouldn’t be called dreams if they were practical and easily accessible. Dreams come with uncertainty and hope at the same time. And they need ambition and faith in order to come true. One dream of mine was to live in New York. And now I am happy to call it my home and can’t wait to be back there again in two weeks time. In New York stems another dream of being an actor. Even though the career aspect isn’t there, I ever much so consider myself a trained actor. And so it may be luck, but it took a dream to get me there. So keep dreaming, no matter what.

Explore. DREAM. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity

A Thought or Too

And then Bo moved out. With only six days left, I sat as I watched him pack his stuff so he could move to a single room. It was about 2 weeks ago when the ship offered us to de-triple. Kevin and I were quick to answer with a giant “no” and even laughed at the prospect of such a thing. Us three have had such an amazing time with each other these last 7 weeks. I couldn’t imagine separating from the spunky spirit of Kevin Lenzen and the sensitive yet equally friendly personality of Bowen Macdougal   However, Bo had alternative motives. Morgan and him have been getting quite close over the course of this voyage and so a single room looked quite appetizing to the romantic pair. I sat on his bed pleading for him not to leave. As Kevin laid on his bed groaning from the ice cream cake he should not have eaten. I was alone in this battle as I persuaded with multiple reasons as to why he should stay. “You can even leave your clothes on the chair,” I yelled with a last plea. But the transition had been made. He had the key to his new room, his bag was packed and he was out the door. Luckily he hasn’t moved out completely. He still has many of his items in this room including his computer. He has promised that he will still be making many trips to this room and we won’t even realize he’s gone. I hope so.

I didn’t anticipate becoming this upset from such a trivial change in my daily activity, but I was seriously distraught with Bo’s decision. It was at this point that I started to realize how drastically my life is going to shift after leaving Semester at Sea. I’m going to miss the people that I’ve grown so close to over these last couple of months. You may not think that you would form such lasting friendships in such a short period of time, but living in such close quarters and seeing each other almost every day, that time grows immensely. And as Bo left the room, in which so many laughs were shared and so many talks were had, it ignited a spark of emotion that I would eventually be feeling in less than a week. An emotion of longing not only for these new formed relationships but also for the experiences I’ve had with these amazing people.

It may seem like I’ve given a thorough account of my daily life during these exciting travels but I can’t possibly capture all the history I have learned and all the moments I have encountered in these last two months. With classes coming to a conclusion I realize how appreciative I am of the educational component of the Semester at Sea experience.  It has truly enriched my traveling experience providing a window of preliminary insight before entering such foreign territories. And with that knowledge it enables you to explore more freely and bravely. Simply being tourists is undeniably fun and still an adventure, but only a two dimensional experience compared to the world of opportunities that come with education. And still I haven’t even grazed the tip of the culture and history that these nations have to offer.

After having such a positive experience, I’m going to try to remain as objective as possibly when I say that, I think studying aboard should be no more mandatory than a college degree when entering professional world. Traveling is such a humanistic experience that cannot be supplemented with anything else. Therefore in the near future, higher institutions of learning need to mandate that all students participate in a study abroad program of some sort. It stimulates growth and maturity within an individual that one won’t find else where. The human experience that I talk about is realizing that the world extends past your own background and isn’t limited to your circle of friends and family. I used to think that I was having a more globalized experience by going to such a world institution like NYU, yet there are still endless cultures and views out there that should be discovered in order to substantially develop your own.

Today Erika, Kevin and I ate lunch with these two lovely Life Long Learners on the boat. A Life Long Learner is someone who participates in a voyage but isn’t necessarily a student. They are continuing their education because they so chose to, not because they are working toward a degree. Well for this particular couple, the Summer 2009 Voyage has been their ninth one with Semester at Sea. All three of our jaws dropped when we heard this detail. Here these two hearty souls sat; they have traveled the world together, brought their grand children along and are still going for they have signed up for next summer voyage already. Of course this opportunity comes with an influx of income, but it also comes with strength, perseverance and something that dies quite often in people’s lives: Curiosity. Lillian, an LLL in our Global Music class always expressed an amazing amount of interest for the topic at hand. She offered life stories, anecdotes as well as challenging questions to open up yet another discussion on the topics of music. In watching this ninety year old woman participate in the same extensive and exhausting journey I have, it makes me vow that I too will hold tight to the vigor and strength that she demonstrates. “I want my parents to do this,” Erika admits to the couple. I immediately think of two people in my life that would absolutely love this opportunity. My grandparents. I think my interest in travel stems from them. It was with them that I first visited New York, and with them that I saw Niagara Falls and Maine. They still itch to travel and I always am interested in what they are planning next. They have many plans yet those plans come with finances that don’t always prove to be in their favor. Still I dream of their lives. I dream that one day they will see the Outback in Australia and the Sistine Chapel in Italy. And I urge them to do so. If Semester at Sea becomes an option it would be a dream come true.

Even though this has been a dream come true for me, a dream must end. With everything behind us now; the countries, getting to know each other, getting accustomed to the boat, and the novelty of such a unique idea, we have nothing else to do but be excited for the familiarity of our own home. We sometimes feel guilty for screaming in excitement for our return, but in reality that in itself is something new to us. For two months we haven’t used our cell phones, we haven’t leisurely browsed the internet, we haven’t indulged in our favorite foods, we haven’t driven a car, we haven’t extensively talked with our friends and families and now we yearn for all those things that we can once again equate with being our home. This summer we were always learning about other cultures, experiencing different ways of lives, listening  o foreign languages and eating exotic foods, and now as we approach the land of the free we can just sit back and relax.

However that isn’t entirely true, for two months can bring a lot of change. And as I make my return home I’m slowly trying to accustom myself to the world events that have happened or are currently taking place. To begin, Hurricane Bill slowly makes its way North toward the MV Explorer’s position. This doesn’t worry me, but it does worry others such as Erika. Speaking of weather, it seems that there has been a huge climate shift in the United States. Many reports have been made of this being the worst summer ever full of nothing but rain and clouds. In good news there is rumor that the recession has found stable ground and the U.S. economy is looking toward a quick recovery. I’m not sure as to how trusting I can be to the government, but that’s the word on the block. With controversy, President Obama is amidst the passing of the Universal Health Care Plan. This may seem utopian and a legislation that is long over due, but after much debate and much conversation amongst professors, colleagues and myself it seems that this socialist attitude is quite dangerous. Universal Health Care is not a strange concept in Europe and yet citizens there detest the system. They say the care is horrible and inefficient and lines are longer at both emergency and primary care offices. The credibility in doctors is scarce and some citizens even move to America for its health packages. Ensuring a health plan to everyone isn’t a bad idea by any means, but equalizing it is NOT the answer. It eliminates competition and growth in the medical fields, it causes crowded facilities and basically rids the need of specialty doctors. This new legislation could not only be hazardous to our health but to our financial stability as well. There needs much reform to this proposed bill before its passed. We need to focus on the unfortunate who don’t have health care not the ones who already have it. U.S. citizens need to become more informed to prevent another wrong move made by our government.

Also experiencing so many impoverished environments in nations such as Italy, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco and then realizing that we are the reason to such conditions made me shriek with shock and mope in sadness. I have always been intrigued by the environment and the effects of global warming. But besides those effects, the planet is currently headed toward destruction and because of human behavior.  Unfortunately, some parts of the globe are feeling it worst than others. The United States has 20% of the world’s population, and yet we have 85% of the world’s wealth, 90% of its resources and the worst of it: we create 70% of world pollution. Again these statistics are horrifying and yet paralyzing at the same time. I just think, “What can I possibly do?”. I continue to feel helpless against such a large global issue. And what’s worst is I shrug it off in thinking it won’t really effect me. But its not about the state of the planet, its about the state of humanity. This world is the only world that the human race has. I hope to have children and grand children and my family will inevitably live on this very same world that is supposedly not in great shape. And so, if these conditions continue, the questions is “will there be a world for them to live on?” We can’t just leave this problem for some elite group to take care of, it will take the cooperation of this entire world to find a solution. As I’ve said before I find it absurd that we place such responsibility in the hands of leaders and are afraid to take these steps on our own. But this problem can’t be addressed by our governments, or our top scientists, it has to be addressed from the bottom up, beginning with us. If not you, who? If not here, where? If not now, when? We don’t have time to answer these questions, so just do it. Start conserving, start buying things locally and start thinking environment friendly or else there won’t be a backyard let alone a world to travel through.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. The World is Our Campus.

A Lasting Imprint

**Note: Post Date is August 15, 2009**

I saw another one. A shooting star that is.

Tonight was a magical night full of A.B.A. fun times. First we celebrated Shannon’s birthday with the ever popular ice cream cake that they offer on the boat. It was chocolate, not my favorite, but I couldn’t resist. After indulging in that dessert, A.B.A moved on to the next, with our Milk and Cookies party. A select 10 of us gathered around the huge platter of cookies gorging our faces with the wonderful chocolate chip creations. We were stuffed. Funny pictures were a must for we were doing fun things with the cookies that you wouldn’t do otherwise, including spelling out SAS 2009. We even engaged in a fun game with our cups after we had gulped down our milk. I can’t wait to teach it to friends and family back home. It was yet another great time and hard to believe that in a week it will all be over.

As we wobbled out of our private room and onto the outside deck we waited for the sun to set. For at dusk the captain was turning off all outside lights on the boat so that we could all enjoy a night of star gazing on the Atlantic Ocean. At about 9pm it all went dark as we looked to the sky for yet another planetarium look at the vast and unknown area of Space. It was even better than the one in the Sahara. One reason being that we were all together. We began our nightly activities by playing basketball in the dark. Being virtually blind and playing a contact sport is quite interesting and equally dangerous so that didn’t last too long. Before long we all settled down on a secluded side-deck to lay down and admired the beautiful twinkling night sky, that I am not privileged with living in New York City.

“There’s something in my eye,” I say as more drops begin to fall from the sky. As a cloud moved across our location it had begun to rain. And boy did we laugh. It was such a rare occurrence that you would actually watch a rain cloud pass you by and as it passes have it rain on you. I began to cry. I cried out of a both overwhelming amount of happiness and uncontrollable sadness. As we lay on a ship, in the middle of the Atlantic, looking up at the sky, in the rain, while rolling in laughter, I realize its rarity. I realize how these times don’t happen on a normal basis and that what we have here is truly precious and a lasting imprint on my life. This night, no matter how much homework and papers we must endure, no matter the amount stress and anxiety that enters our rooms, it made it all vanish. 

One night, during the five day cross to Morocco, I sat on the port side deck: all alone, no one else in sight, the large Semester at Sea high above me and the African coast on the nightly horizon. I had just finished having a good and intense run and had come outside for some fresh air. It was complete darkness as usual. The cloud filled the sky and the breeze strongly grazed my face. Then a break in the clouds reveals the moon, full and vibrant. I look up at this glowing mass, shining on the black water, and smile. This picture of mystic and beauty was an intriguing and beautiful one. It may seem unattainable to me at this given moment, but regardless someone has visited the craters of the moon, and explored the depths of the deep blue sea. And just as these places such as Africa and Italy seemed to be out of grasp something came along and that something for me was Semester at Sea. After the unexplainable experience of this massive trip, I realize that the world isn’t that unreachable. I speak in relative terms of course, but as I watch the nearby waves crash, the distant water shimmer and the ship’s flags wave rapidly in the wind I knew I would remember this moment forever. It may have seemed like this entire time I’ve been appreciative of this experience but it wasn’t until this point, as well as tonight, that I knew this trip was truly worth it.

I wish I may, I wish I might. Goodnight.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. I wonder if there’s life out there.

Unspoken

WARNING: Reader Discretion Advised. Contains Sentimental and graphic content.

I would like to begin in assuring you that everyone, including myself, is safely aboard the MV Explorer and headed home to the United States. But an incident took place that we, as a group, decided would be better to disclose after our loved ones could be assured that everyone was safe and sound. We apologize for our exemption and hope we can be forgiven for trying to protect our friends and families at home.

On July 20, 2009  I was attacked and mugged by three Turkish men in the streets of Istanbul, Turkey. The details are as follows:

 I was stupidly returning to the ship alone at about 12:30am after getting a duner and some tea. Three men approached me and announced themselves as police. They only flashed their wallet and at that point I knew they were lying but before I knew it they had pushed me and dragged me into a dark alley. I was immediately brought to the ground. I tried to get up and run but it was ultimately impossible. It was three against one and they had a strong grip. They started to strangle and choke me. I screamed for help but that just made them do it harder, so I learned my lesson to remain quiet. I told them that I would give them money, but they kept saying, “No Money, No Money,” and at that point I thought I was to never return. My family, my friends and the rest of the trip flashed before me as I continued to struggle, but I had seriously contemplated on giving up considering the overbearing ratio. They then proceeded to strip me of my pants and underwear. (I assure you nothing of a sexual nature was done to me. I think they just wanted to make me feel more vulnerable.) Nonetheless,  I thought my life was going to be over. They were still choking me and now smothering me with my own jeans. Fortunately there was no punching or kicking or any weapon of any sort.  Pain wasn’t their goal but why were they strangling me? Well, at last their grip had loosened a bit as one of the guys was having trouble getting my watch off. Shortly after that they had let me go. I don’t really remember this part but I do remember running naked until they were kind enough to throw me my pants. I couldn’t believe it was over. I was in complete shock and beside myself. Unfortunately they stole 90 dollars, my identification, my shoes and my watch which my grandparents had recently bought for my 21st birthday. (I’m sorry Nana and Barry)

 I ran as fast as I could with no shoes on the cobbled rock to the nearest populated place. I wasn’t far from the boat but I had no ID and I needed the police. I found a police man who brought me to the police station. This was quite unhelpful. The cops were more or less laughing at me as they stood and assessed my situation. I was dirty, bleeding and just wanted to get back to the safety of the boat. I even had to ask for water. The basic things that you think would come in such a situation and they were just non-existent. After about a half an hour I had had enough of the minimal progress and so I demanded that I be brought back to the boat in which I needed to direct them to. The police talked me through ship security and at last I was home.

I am forever indebted to the staff on the boat. Besides being beyond friendly they were outstandingly gracious in everything I needed. Christina was the first to hear at 2:30 and the last to send me off to bed at 4:15. Bo was also by my side for a good chunk of the time. I could see tears in his eyes. But I was fine. I was with the Physician’s Assistant Nancy and cracking jokes the entire time. It was most likely a defense mechanism but I had yet to cry over the incident. When they threw me to the ground, the back of my earring must have made a gash in the back of my ear and it was in need of stitching. Nancy put them in in no time flat! It was painless and I was extremely grateful for that. After an extensive review of my body for any more cuts, bruises or any other problems I was cleared to leave. My blood pressure was lowering and all signs were of a healthy nature. The only problem was this was the one night that the staff was doing testing on the ship’s water. There was no running water on the boat ANYWHERE. I was dirty, bloody, and sweaty, and I couldn’t take a shower until 4:30. It was 4:15 as I stood over the sink just waiting to get the blessed luxury of water.

I was alive though. I was in awe of everything I touched and everything I saw. I still wasn’t sentimental. It was all cerebral. The only time this incident has struck me with tears is now as I confess this to you readers and when I had to tell Erika. Her life is already paralyzed with fear and now I had to be the stupid one to provide yet another reason for her to fear life as we know it. I love life and only want to live it to the maximum. This incident hasn’t deterred me from anything yet. Instead it has made me that more grateful for the things I have and the people I love.

Life is beyond fragile and it cannot be taken for granted. Everyday is a blessing and everyday I try to remember that. I try to love the most, complain the least and live constantly. It is terrifying to think that ten minutes could have changed the course of so many lives, not just mine. For that I apologize. For that I am ashamed. Why did I walk alone? Well, no one was around, and who ever was around was either asleep or had no interest in going out. So I decided to go alone. The decision to go out alone could not have only ruined this trip for all aboard but ruined the lives of my loved ones for the years to come. Living in New York City has made me ignorant to the dangers that can face me daily. I seem to think I’m invincible just because I can walk the streets of Manhattan by myself, but it just isn’t the case, especially considering these foreign countries and I’m not afraid to admit my stupidity. But I, in no way, want to induce fear. I don’t want to scare families and friends from traveling or allowing their loved ones to travel. Instead take this: it is true, bad things can happen. But they can happen in the comfort of your own home. Don’t let this incident or any other for that matter keep you from living your life to the fullest. And I don’t want to be rude in saying that if I can have this outlook so can you.

I would like to take this time to apologize again for not telling you of this incident. I hope you understand the reasoning behind the decision. As a collective we saw it  best for everyone’s mind and safety. The staff strongly suggested that I do call and notify but I knew what I had to do. I’m sorry mom. I’m sorry all.

For the next couple of days I was extremely sore in Turkey. My throat was painful and my movement was very stiff. But I’m glad to say I had much support from my friends and the rest of the community on board. We took things easy: as you can see we saw movies and kept to low key trips. I still had a wonderful time in Turkey and do not and will not let this horrible incident taint my time at Semester at Sea. I still suggest everyone to do it and don’t worry they didn’t make me say that.

Please laugh this off as much as you can muster. I know you must take it with some amount of seriousness but we are already on route to Norfolk and I will be home once more.

Take care, truly.

Explore. Dream. Discover and Live.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. I love you all and thank God.