Hey Guys,I wanted to start by thanking all of you about the well received share. I hope this short post gives you a bit of an idea of just exactly what Semester at Sea is all about. 26,900 miles around the globe, I can confidently say I'm changed by what I've seen in the world and am a firm believer that the true quest for knowledge manifests itself when a person sees, then learns. It isn't in a book though, it's a deeper feeling that can only be sought out by being a traveler, rather than a tourist. Y'all know what I'm talking about.
Left: El Yunque Rain forest-the only US rain forest, protected under national rain forest act.
To the right is Bahia...A state of Brazil, specifically in the city of Salvador. You're viewing the upper city or the pelourino district. Salvador is separated into two parts, the upper and lower cities. Salvador is also where Capoeira originated. It was our second port on the voyage and took 9 days to sail to.
This lion is from South Africa. Specifically the Kariega Game Reserve. What a beauty huh? He's gigantic and even more so in color and up close. Safari was one of the many things I was fortunate enough to do in South Africa. I was also able to hike Table Mountain, travel to Seal Island, which some of you may have seen in the "Planet Earth" series and I was even able to go on a wine tasting tour.What was even better was being in South Africa with The Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was actually on our voyage the whole 100 days and was of particular help in South Africa, being that his presence was monumental in ending apartheid. But I learned valuable lessons in Capetown beyond wine tasting. I was able to meet with a Rastafarian community and help them brainstorm ideas for bringing in revenue. It was astounding to see their living conditions but enlightening to see a group of people free from worldly possessions and very willing to smile. They taught me something deeper about my own life. When you see children dance, it brings a smile to your face. It's indescribable.
11 days, 3,375 miles later, we found ourselves in Capetown, South Africa...I'll definitely find my way back before I die...but alas, its off to Mauritius!
Oh Mauritius...its a paradise for sure albeit a not so educational one. More of a fuel stop for the glorious MV Explorer between South Africa and India. We spent 3 days here and it was absolutely beautiful. Great Weather, awesome reefs, nice...palm trees? It was great though...Off to India!
Of Course I'd pull the generic picture of the Taj Mahal to brag about how amazing India is, but the Taj isn't the only thing !ncredible about !ndia. There is a lot to learn from such a bold country with such an intriguing history. It is in short, a place that is bound to make you very uncomfortable, and that's where the learning really begins to happen. I can't explain it. In fact, if I were....I'd be here all night. But know that for sure, if you haven't been to !ndia, go before you die. you'll learn a great deal from her.okay so I could keep uploading pictures, but that would take too long and I'm experiencing some formatting issues. Let me know if y'all want me to post more about Semester at Sea or my voyage and I might think about it....but for now...you've made it half way around the world.
For the amazing slide show go to http://www.jameslissy.com/
Peace...World Peace,
Traffic Dodger
