Ship Life Part II

Chris and I cannot fathom how students are able to study and actually pass classes during the summer voyages on Semester at Sea.  Not only do we understand that little studying is going to happen while in port, but there are just so few days at sea and the number of activities that occur each day is astounding.  We are wiped out ourselves!  Between Norway and Russia, we had three days at sea, two of which are class days.  A typical student will be in class four hours a day, plus they may have a work study position for two hours a day, in addition to two hours a day to eat meals and some type of event at least one hour a day.  This leaves a typical student roughly three hours a day to study and socialize!  Meanwhile, they are catching up on sleep from their wild and crazy nights in port.  I have no idea how they do it.  Well, and I do think many aren’t doing “it,” if “it” is studying. 

Today, the non-class day, is a special, hyped-up event that happens on all Semester at Sea voyages:  Sea Olympics!  In fall 2010, the union classroom was packed for opening and closing ceremonies and the ship was completely frenetic all day long.   It felt a bit pathetic today due to the lack of participation.  There were certainly students participating and watching various activities, but nothing in comparison to our last voyage.  In fact, at 10:00 am, a cabin cleaner told me he wasn’t able to clean one room in his area because the students were all sleeping!  And, I really don’t blame the students.  It is just too much.  I attended opening ceremonies with a cheering competition, competed in volleyball and a version of rock-paper-scissors, watched the lip sync competition and closing ceremonies, and then watched the prequel to the Tedx Talks that will be happening on the ship (another huge undertaking for many working this voyage).  Meanwhile, Chris competed in a wet suit rely competition, had a meeting about an upcoming field excursion he is leading in Russia, and attended a faculty meeting at 9 PM (technically, 10 PM because the clocks advanced).  But most of Chris’ day was spent writing an exam for his 8:00 am class tomorrow.  Thank goodness we have five days in Russia to relax (somewhat, as traveling is also exhausting).

Meanwhile, Quinn is thriving with endless attention each day. Her favorite waiter is Peter by far!  She looks for him and holds out her hand to initiate a high five.  He plays various games with her; such as hiding behind a pole, and dances around her so she just loves him.  Peter has a bright, contagious smile, which probably makes her gravitate towards him as well.  She often points to another waiter, Perry, and makes her grunting noise until you say, “Yes, that’s Perry.”  A lifelong learner on the ship, Carol, bought her a book that has fun, buggy eyes.  She still spends time with Mary, who lets her explore the entire ship at her will.  And on top of all these wonderful individuals, I could name about 20+ more who stop to tickle and play with her in the hallways.  In the picture to the left, Quinn is giving another kiddo on the ship a hug because she will now hug people upon my request.  In the picture below, Quinn is hanging out with Jessica, a student on the ship, who dresses similarly to Quinn. :)

One of our favorite days during this voyage was our in transit day from Bergen to Oslo, Norway, where about half the ship’s passengers were traveling on their own over land and the rest of us were on the ship.  There were no classes and no activities.  There was no running around a country trying to see everything you can.  It was a weekend day!  The weather was perfect despite being more north.  I got a massage, played banangrams, and read outside.  Quinn went into the kiddy pool.  And we all got a special meal served by the wait staff.  Chris said to me, “Oh, so this is what it is like to travel as a lifelong learner.”  It was glorious!  I would love to come back on Semester at Sea and travel as a lifelong learner. 

  I hadn’t really thought about this.  Quinn is certainly thriving here too.  And so many students, staff and faculty clearly love being around children and the “wiser” older adults on the ship.  It really would be fantastic to replicate this atmosphere as a common living option as it certainly has a lot of benefits.  Anyone want to write a business plan with me???  Speaking of, a lifelong learner was chatting with me at breakfast and mentioned how much she enjoys this multi-generational community living, but the US just doesn’t offer this option (for the most part).

P.S. In the above left picture, this is Quinn posing with her favorite ramp on the ship, on deck 6 dining.  We often bring a ball to this ramp during the day and she will run up and down it for what feels like hours.  It is one of her favorite play areas on the ship.