Blog 1

It is Day number 2 aboard the MV Explorer. It is already such an amazing experience. Yesterday at 9:00 AM, I departed from San Diego for Ensenada, Mexico. My original SAS bus trip was scheduled for 9:30 but they went ahead and threw me on the 9 o'clock. After a two hour bus ride through the jewel of Mexico - Tijuana, we arrived where our ship was ported, the great town of Ensenada. It reality, the coastal town was very beautiful and we were able to get off the ship for some real chips and salsa and collect some knick-nacks and a lifetime supply of chicklets.

We got back on the boat for a lifeboat drill and then were delayed slightly in taking off for "immigration reasons", or so the nice lady over the intercom told us. Seeing the sun set on the ocean in the 60 degree weather from a boat deck was one of the first of many absolutely stunning experiences. As we pulled away; the crew of students were yelling, clapping, and "wooting" with excitement. It was that feeling of the thrilling unexpected that I have felt many times in my life.

Aboard the ship, I have met so many different types of people so far. Before I even got on, I sat next to Austin on the bus, who along with Kiki and her roommate, later explored Ensenada together. The town was very interesting, and helped to keep me in check when I realize how good I have it in the US. My roommate whose name is Kyoktomo, but prefers to be called Emerson, or "M" is a student enrolled currently at the University of Virginia, but is from Thailand. He does a really good job of pretending that he knows what I'm saying most of the time. He is very nice and I think we will mesh together well, we have a lot to learn from one another. I sit with someone new every time we eat, and really, the food is not bad at all, but that was never my concern. I have met some individuals who I would be very compatible with, and I look forward to exploring the world with these people, including many Pikes.

The ship, which they have made it very clear, is a ship and not a boat; is very cool. It is big and blue with 7 decks, a basketball court, sauna, steam room, pool, workout facility, snack bar, massage parlor, piano bar, etc. After all, it is a converted cruise ship. All the classrooms are converted from cocktail lounges; and as for me, I'm layin' low on deck 2. We have RA's and mine is very nice and seems flexible and kind. Class will begin tomorrow, and its orientation until then.

It is still surreal that I am actually here. Waking up today was a little rough, I missed breakfast because they stop serving it at 8:30, ouch! It's alright though, I never eat breakfast anyway. Instead, I got a cup of coffee and sat on the deck in the cool morning breeze. Six more days until we get to Hawaii, and I'm sure they'll fly by, Until then I'll try to give ya' another update soon.

Best wishes from around the world,

Scotty