Puerto Rico

Well I'm sitting in an internet cafe that overlooks the dock where many cruise ships are (not my ship though). It's our last day here in the beatiful Puerto Rico, which means we will be in Brazil in like 6 days!! I'm excited to move on but also wish I had another day to explore here. I have a feeling thats how all of the places will be.

So overall Puerto Rico was a blast. My favorite things was definitely the Welcome Reception. I went to Caribbean University and it was fantastic. When we drove up, all the students were clapping and singing and dancing to music played by drums and other instruments. They greeted us like I have never been greeted before. They also had two guys on stilts doing dances. The culture here is so unique and amazing. It totally makes me wish the US, or even myself, had a culture like that. After greeting, and watching a little movie about their university, they held a big "party" outside which was full of their traditional dances, all of us dancing, live music, their traditional food (that was pretty much all fried!) and other entertainment. I don't think I've had that much fun in a long time. It's so great to see their culture, and then become part of their culture. They were so nice and gave us 2 presents and some native candy.

The following night we reciprocated and have the 4 Universities come to the ship. They were able to tour the ship, watch a movie about it, and eat some food, and of course dancing. Because Puerto Ricans LOVE to dance! Afterwards, all of us (US & Puerto Rican students) went out to local Salsa clubs. They were pretty cool. It was WAY crowded because of the 700 SAS students. I'm sure if there wasn't that many it would have been much more fun!.

The day before then I hung out with Danielle, who I roomed with in Bahamas, and other students. We went to the Bacardi factory, which was pretty cool to see how its made. And it was free with free drinks, so you cant say no to that! We ate lunch at this place called SOS. It was a little reggie place that had really good burgers. Definitely really good! Then we went to the beach to watch the sunset! Amazingly beautiful!

The BEST and worst part of the day was the taxi ride back to the ship. I probably should have died about 100 times during that trip. He was going 80 mph on the freeway during some traffic, he was going in and out of cars and its amazing he didnt hit any of them. He squeezed into some spots that I don't think anyone could fit into. He also came about 2 inches away from the cars infront of him. He then said to us, when we got really quiet, what happened? And this guy who was with us said , "You!" Pretty much the funniest thing ever. Oh and he almost ran over like 5 people, no joke. Creepy guy. Danielle got the whole thing on video tape and I think its hilarious.

Today I went to the Rio Camuy Caves. They were actually pretty cool. We walked through all of the caves that had tons of spiders (saw a couple), crabs, and bats. The caves were definitely pretty awesome. It just didnt last very long, which was kinda disappointing. Also, we were supposed to have box lunch provided, but since the boat left the Us, went to Bahamas and then to Puerto Rico, its considered that it left the US and then continued to a foreign contry and back to the US, so no food can be taken off the ship. So we ate at this native Puerto Rican place that probably would have been really good IF there wasn't about 45 of us total.

And now that leads me to now. Sitting in the internet cafe waiting for tonight for when the boat leaves. For all of those who have been leaving me messages about my seasickness, THANKS!! It means a lot. I have stocked up on less drousy dramamine, and plan on using the ear patch, so hopefully (fingers crossed) that I'll be able to get over this seasickness mess!

Well I miss and love you all! Today I realized that I forgot to get address for post cards, so if you would like one, let me know! Oh and if you want to send me read mail, i would LOVE it!!

Love Always,

Katie

Hello All! So it is day 4 on Semester at Sea and we’re in San Juan, PUERTO RICO!! I have an hour or so before I head to my next thing so I thought I would write and let everyone know what’s been going one.

Well, to start with, I have been pretty seasick! I’ve pretty much laid in my bed majority of the time because that’s what’s been helping me. I’ve only thrown up once, so I guess that’s I good sign. But nevertheless, since I’ve been in my room I’ve missed out meeting people and going to some events. I think I’ve found a remedy that will help me, so we’ll see after we leave Costa Rica.

San Juan is BEAUTIFUL!! So tropical & nice. They have some amazing forts/barracks from the Spanish/American war and additions from World War 2. I had the opportunity to go on a walking tour of Old San Juan this morning and it was okay. The lady who was leading went way to fast and just talked about history like no other. I would have much rather gone slower and taken it all in. It still was cool to walk around and see everything. Then I joined a group of girls and we walked around more of San Juan and ended up eating at this cute little restaurant that had Sandwiches, Mexican food and more. It was delicious! (and cheep) $5 for my whole meal including food and a drink. Then we walked around more and went to the beach. Not as beautiful as Bahamas, but it still beats Oregon’s coast by far. The girls that I met were really nice and I hope I get to hang out with them more. Hopefully the seasickness thing will go away (keep your fingers crossed). Its discouraging but I know it’ll get better.

Tonight I’m doing a Welcome Reception. We are going to 1 out of 4 different universities here in Puerto Rico and we’re able to hang out with the students and chat with them and they might put on a little show for us. I think it’ll be amazing to talk to some of the students and see more of their culture.

The sun is out and it is beautiful. Many people burnt today from walking around. I did not, yay for that! Well I miss EVERY single one of you from back home!! Luckly, my cell phone works here, so if you would love to chat (I’ve already called a couple of you, but no answer) then you can call my cell before Wednesday night. Just remember that I am 4 hours ahead of people back home on the West Coast.

Anyways, I miss you all! And send me lots and lots of emails because I barely any from anyone. Even though I’m traveling around the world I would love to hear whats going on at home, even if its boring in your eyes.

Love Always,

Katie