Days on the Sea

So today we officially docked in Salvador, Brazil!! So exciting to get off the ship and explore because the last 6 days on sea have been long. The good news about the ship from the last 6 days is that I WASN’T SEASICK AT ALL!! Of course to start out I had an ear patch, wrist pressure points, Dramamine and then ginger pills. So I pretty much was on a lot just to make sure I didn’t get sick. The seas weren’t nearly as bad. From Bahamas to Puerto Rico we had like 9-12 feet swells (I think). From Puerto Rico to Brazil we had like 5 feet. So a ton smoother! Since I wasn’t seasick I actually got to know some people. Imagine that, I’m making friends. 

Classes are going okay. I love my Intro to World Music. I can tell that it’s going to be a fun class. My Religion and the Sacred Arts class is going pretty good too. I have the same professor for those two classes and I actually like it that way. My last class is much harder. It’s Travel & Magazine writing. So far we’ve had 2 papers due, tons of reading, and journal entries every single day so far. It makes for a lot of work. We have A days and B days and B days are by far my favorite. Only cause I have 2 classes and then its up to lay out in the sun!!  Hopefully I’ll be tan by the end. But don’t worry, I am using sunscreen every time I’m in the sun.

Two days ago, the 30th of January, was when we crossed the equator. So the reason I haven’t gotten online is because we lost internet reception or it was horribly slow for the previous couple of days. The day that we crossed the equator was called Neptune Day and they put on this big thing for us. Class was cancelled and it was SO much fun. First, the had the two deans of the trip dressed up as Neptune & his wife. We had to do this ritual (well if we wanted to) to insure safe waters and a safe journey. The ritual included getting a pitcher full of fish guts poured on you, then jumping into the pool. Once you climbed out then you had to take an oath and then kiss a fish on the mouth & kiss Neptune’s ring. Then, if you were really intense, you could get your head shaved as part of the ritual. I did all but the head shaving part. It was actually really disgusting and not really sure if I’d ever do it again, but I’m glad I did it because it’s something I will always remember. Two of my good friends (girls) actually shaved their heads, which they are completely brave, unlike myself.

Now we are docked in Brazil. I already walked around Salvador a little bit, but I have a trip to the Afro-Brazilian museum & Candomble (a type of religion) in about 10 minutes, so I thought I would update this since I have some time to waste. In Brazil I walked through the markets. They are insane as far as people coming up to you. I would say similar to Mexico but I think its much worse. I bought these beautiful small paintings. They are GORGEOUS!! And they were very cheap, like 5 bucks total or something. They have so much beautiful jewelry as well and I bought this beautiful bracelet that is handmade with beads and metal. Kristen & Lauren you would LOVE majority of the jewelry here!

Anyways, I must go on my trip now, and tomorrow I leave for Rio!!  Going to be SO much fun. So I will probably write after Brazil!

I love you all and miss you so much!

Love Always,

Katie