I am really excited, I was able to make a few changes to my schedule in Ghana, so I can spend three days at the orphanage that Emma and I are collecting the shoes for. I will also be taking some of the items everyone from home donated. The only small problem is, Emma and I will be ridding bikes to the orphanage, that is the only mode of transportation to get there. So, 75 pairs of shoes, kids underwear, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and drawing supplies, along with my overnight bag, all on a bicycle, should be an interesting feat!
While we are there we will be painting the building, cleaning, teaching English and/or just playing with the children.
The other day we had a guest speaker in our Global Studies class and her goal is to get a tree planted for every person that listens to her lecture. She has contacted someone in South Africa and made plans for us to plant 1000 trees to represent the Fall 2010 voyage. There will be a sign put up saying Fall 2010. The really exciting part is, we will be able to watch the trees grow over the years with the help of Google earth. Isn't that so cool?!
These are the experiences I am here to be a part of, hopefully to make a difference in someones life, as well as my own.
Until next time.....Mackenzie
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
SHIP LIFE ON THE WAY TO GHANA
Not a lot to report, I just thought I would update everyone on a few things. First, I have joined an extended family. It is an adult couple and 2 guys from SAS and myself. It is sponsored through SAS and it gives us someone to do things with and be able to talk to if we need it. We will be doing a few things together in ports also.
My roommate and I are raising money to buy 75 pairs of shoes for an orphanage. My roommate will be going and spending 3 days at the orphanage, I will not be able to go because I will be working on another project at that time. We have been going door to door on the ship getting donations and we are putting a write-up in the Deans Memo for everyone in the shipboard community to read. These are the things I am excited to be doing while I am gone.
After I returned from Morocco I got a mani and pedi that my mom got me for my birthday. It was so needed. I also was able to get a facial, again, thanks to my parents. Those were great birthday gifts! I still have 2 more cakes to have delivered that my nanny and auntie sent me on my birthday. Yum, it is the best food you can find on this ship.
Other then that I have been trying to stay on top of my homework. Even though it looks like all I am doing is "playing" it is not so. There is a ton of homework and I am trying hard to keep my grades up. Today I am getting ready to go to an inter-port lecture from a person from Ghana. I will learn more about Ghana from their perspective. I am excited to hear what they have to say.
Love to everyone and I will post again soon!
My roommate and I are raising money to buy 75 pairs of shoes for an orphanage. My roommate will be going and spending 3 days at the orphanage, I will not be able to go because I will be working on another project at that time. We have been going door to door on the ship getting donations and we are putting a write-up in the Deans Memo for everyone in the shipboard community to read. These are the things I am excited to be doing while I am gone.
After I returned from Morocco I got a mani and pedi that my mom got me for my birthday. It was so needed. I also was able to get a facial, again, thanks to my parents. Those were great birthday gifts! I still have 2 more cakes to have delivered that my nanny and auntie sent me on my birthday. Yum, it is the best food you can find on this ship.
Other then that I have been trying to stay on top of my homework. Even though it looks like all I am doing is "playing" it is not so. There is a ton of homework and I am trying hard to keep my grades up. Today I am getting ready to go to an inter-port lecture from a person from Ghana. I will learn more about Ghana from their perspective. I am excited to hear what they have to say.
Love to everyone and I will post again soon!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ADVENTURES IN MOROCCO
Well, to say the least I am happy to be alive! Seriously! It started off with the warnings from University of Virginia and Semester at Sea about the security level of being in a Muslim country being raised. With that putting me on edge and my mother sending 7 million emails about being safe, it was time to head for the Casa Voyagers train depot in Casablanca, Morocco. We were aiming for the 8:50 am train to Marrakech. Once we arrived at the train station we realized we had forgotten to bring our passports. We had to get a taxi back to the ship, have him wait for us, and return to the train depot. Amazingly, the train was 10 minutes late, when we boarded we had some trouble finding seats, but eventually did. The train ride was fine. At least we did not break down like the group the day before us did. The stops were not announced and we were very confused as to where to get off. We knew it was about a 4 hour ride. The train finally reached the end and we got off. Luckily, this was the right stop. We got another taxi, since all my moms emails said not to walk by ourselves, and he took us within 100 feet of our hostel. Problem was that we still would not have been able to find it without the help of this boy who was right there when we got out of the taxi. It was seriously about 100 feet so we gave him 5 derm, which he said to us that was nothing, do you see what you gave me. So we gave him another 5 derm, and he said no 20 derm. In the situation we were in, we gave him the 20 derm.. Once inside the Riad Massin, the owner and staff treated us wonderfully, we felt at home. They made us mint tea and told us where to go shopping, what to see, and where to exchange some money.
So we decided to venture out to the souk and find some lunch. Yes, we were in Morocco but ate at an Italian cafe. LOL After we ate it was time for some shopping, we bought some traditional Moroccan outfits for our camel trek the next day. I kind of felt like we were replaying a scene from Sex in the City 2! LOL There were snake charmers, and monkeys running loose.
My friend had the snake on her and it kissed her between the eyes, so now she had been blessed. I passed on that! We were chased by monkeys, which I got a picture of, and all that I could think of was OMG I did not get my rabies shot! By now it was getting very dark and we decided to head back to the hostel. We relaxed and smoked some Hookah while we watched some other SAS students cook with the owners. It was very interesting.
A little later we were hungry so the owners took us out to get some ice cream and bread. This gave us a whole new perspective on the Souks, because at night there are not tourists, it is just the locals. It was interesting to watch them in there normal life. When we returned to the hostel we headed for bed since we had to be up and ready to leave at 6:45 am for our Camel Trek. We had a 6 hour drive ahead of us through the Atlas Mountains. We saw a lot of interesting sites and historical places. Some of the views were breathtaking. There were people riding donkeys along the roadways.
However, this is where the trip got a little interesting. There are lanes drawn on the roadways, however, I do not think they know what they are for. No one stays in them and they pass whenever they want. We video tapped some of our ride because no matter what I say you will never understand the experience. The bus in front of us got in an accident so we stayed with them and it put us behind schedule. My culture shock had only just begun. As we continued our journey, we passed by mud huts that people actually lived in. They do not even have running water and if they do it is usually not hot water. Toilet paper is scarce, so luckily my mom sent me with toilet paper and seat covers. :) I have also learned that the left hand here is a dirty hand. Meaning they use it to wipe and that means without toilet paper. We finally arrived at 6:30 pm to start our camel trek of the Sahara Desert.
It was beginning to get dark and our guide was like get your stuff lets go. Nothing was explained to us, I was so confused but off we went. We rode for about an hour and a half, but my butt was done after about 20 min. LOL We had arrived at the Nomad tents.
I was sitting in the pitch dark, outside my tent and I just started crying. I am not sure why I broke down, I think not knowing what we were doing, I had not eaten much, I was exhausted and overwhelmed by everything, I just fell apart. Kayla and Amy were right there for me and told me everything would be fine and I was able to calm down. They brought two small tables inside our tent and the nomads served us soup and tea. It was so hot in the tent and I was dressed for it to be cold. I started to feel like I was going to get sick so Kayla gave me her short sleeved shirt so I could undress a bit and I drank two protein shakes and stood outside my tent and I started to feel better. The pringles and M & M's for breakfast did not hold me over. Hahaha We decided to sleep outside our tents so we could see the stars. It was beautiful. I slept with my phone in my money belt and my camera in my hand, I was so worried I would be robbed. LOL They woke us up at 6:00 am to watch the sunrise. It was gorgeous! Something I am so glad I didn't miss.We packed up and got on our camels and headed back.
Once we were back in the bus for another thrill ride, they were going to drop us off at the train station in Marrakech but everyone on the bus asked if they could take us straight to the ship. So for 90 derm each they said they would. It was supposed to take 2 1/2 hours instead of the 4 hours on the train but it took 6 extra hours. We were all starving by this point and uncomfortable and just wanted to be at the ship to get food, showers and sleep. By the time we got to the ship there was not any food available so showers and bed was the only choice. I slept in this morning and did not get off the ship. I needed a recovery day before class tomorrow. I am working on homework and took time to workout, so I am feeling much better.
One of the ships rules was we could not bring livestock back onto the ship. I was thinking when I was told this, seriously?? Where and why would I want to bring livestock on the ship, well when you can buy a baby camel for $600.00 who would not want to get one??
Anyways, I have several days at sea so that means my nose will be in my books. I will be in Ghana on September 22nd. So that is when my next crazy adventure will begin.
I love all of you and will post again soon!
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| THE BATHROOM |
So we decided to venture out to the souk and find some lunch. Yes, we were in Morocco but ate at an Italian cafe. LOL After we ate it was time for some shopping, we bought some traditional Moroccan outfits for our camel trek the next day. I kind of felt like we were replaying a scene from Sex in the City 2! LOL There were snake charmers, and monkeys running loose.
My friend had the snake on her and it kissed her between the eyes, so now she had been blessed. I passed on that! We were chased by monkeys, which I got a picture of, and all that I could think of was OMG I did not get my rabies shot! By now it was getting very dark and we decided to head back to the hostel. We relaxed and smoked some Hookah while we watched some other SAS students cook with the owners. It was very interesting.
A little later we were hungry so the owners took us out to get some ice cream and bread. This gave us a whole new perspective on the Souks, because at night there are not tourists, it is just the locals. It was interesting to watch them in there normal life. When we returned to the hostel we headed for bed since we had to be up and ready to leave at 6:45 am for our Camel Trek. We had a 6 hour drive ahead of us through the Atlas Mountains. We saw a lot of interesting sites and historical places. Some of the views were breathtaking. There were people riding donkeys along the roadways.
However, this is where the trip got a little interesting. There are lanes drawn on the roadways, however, I do not think they know what they are for. No one stays in them and they pass whenever they want. We video tapped some of our ride because no matter what I say you will never understand the experience. The bus in front of us got in an accident so we stayed with them and it put us behind schedule. My culture shock had only just begun. As we continued our journey, we passed by mud huts that people actually lived in. They do not even have running water and if they do it is usually not hot water. Toilet paper is scarce, so luckily my mom sent me with toilet paper and seat covers. :) I have also learned that the left hand here is a dirty hand. Meaning they use it to wipe and that means without toilet paper. We finally arrived at 6:30 pm to start our camel trek of the Sahara Desert.
It was beginning to get dark and our guide was like get your stuff lets go. Nothing was explained to us, I was so confused but off we went. We rode for about an hour and a half, but my butt was done after about 20 min. LOL We had arrived at the Nomad tents.
I was sitting in the pitch dark, outside my tent and I just started crying. I am not sure why I broke down, I think not knowing what we were doing, I had not eaten much, I was exhausted and overwhelmed by everything, I just fell apart. Kayla and Amy were right there for me and told me everything would be fine and I was able to calm down. They brought two small tables inside our tent and the nomads served us soup and tea. It was so hot in the tent and I was dressed for it to be cold. I started to feel like I was going to get sick so Kayla gave me her short sleeved shirt so I could undress a bit and I drank two protein shakes and stood outside my tent and I started to feel better. The pringles and M & M's for breakfast did not hold me over. Hahaha We decided to sleep outside our tents so we could see the stars. It was beautiful. I slept with my phone in my money belt and my camera in my hand, I was so worried I would be robbed. LOL They woke us up at 6:00 am to watch the sunrise. It was gorgeous! Something I am so glad I didn't miss.We packed up and got on our camels and headed back.
Once we were back in the bus for another thrill ride, they were going to drop us off at the train station in Marrakech but everyone on the bus asked if they could take us straight to the ship. So for 90 derm each they said they would. It was supposed to take 2 1/2 hours instead of the 4 hours on the train but it took 6 extra hours. We were all starving by this point and uncomfortable and just wanted to be at the ship to get food, showers and sleep. By the time we got to the ship there was not any food available so showers and bed was the only choice. I slept in this morning and did not get off the ship. I needed a recovery day before class tomorrow. I am working on homework and took time to workout, so I am feeling much better.
One of the ships rules was we could not bring livestock back onto the ship. I was thinking when I was told this, seriously?? Where and why would I want to bring livestock on the ship, well when you can buy a baby camel for $600.00 who would not want to get one??
Anyways, I have several days at sea so that means my nose will be in my books. I will be in Ghana on September 22nd. So that is when my next crazy adventure will begin.
I love all of you and will post again soon!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Casablanca, Morocco
I am not sure where to start on this country. Nothing like Spain, that's for sure. When we got off the ship we took a bus into the city. We exchanged some money for derm and headed to find food. We found a true Moroccan restaurant. They even had Hookah to smoke while we ate. The food was fabulous. Our total bill in the end was 1,028 derm which is 117.02 USD. Kind of an expensive meal. After we finished we headed to a marketplace. People had dyed baby chicks blue, pink, green and were selling them.
I am still not sure what I would need a dyed chick for?? Amy and I thought her bag was being stolen by this woman that grab it and when I pushed her away she grabbed mine. I was a bit scared to say the least, but her English speaking husband approached and said she was trying to tell Amy to wear it in the front. Hmmmmm, nice cover or truly a nice couple?
From there I was just in amazement at the women sitting around and breastfeeding their children, children of all ages. Many, many children approaching us for money. There was lots of food for sale, breads, meat, fruit and flies were everywhere on it. There was lots of name brand clothes, like Ed Hardy, Burberry, and hats, purses, jewelry, shoes and henna tattoos. A lady grabbed my hand and started doing a henna tattoo, so needless to say I am out 30 derm. However, I felt like a bargainer, she wanted 40 derm and I said no 30 derm and she agreed but as I was trying to my money out of my "safe place" in my pants, she started grabbing it. LOL Oh well, it was worth the experience. Taking pictures here is difficult. A lot of the time it is not acceptable. I have to make sure to ask the mans permission and even then they do not want it. People will come up to you and tell you not to take any picture. I am still in amazement at what a different lifestyle it is here.
We are just happy we have survived our shopping experience no thanks to the motor scooters going 25mph straight through the marketplace, that is crowded with people.
Anyways, hopefully I will get some pictures. As for tomorrow, we are not sure but on the 11th I am heading to Marrakesh to stay in a hostel then on the 12th I am going on a Camel trek through the Sahara Desert and camping with the Nomads. I am sure I will get some pics of that.
Love you all and I will check back soon!
I am still not sure what I would need a dyed chick for?? Amy and I thought her bag was being stolen by this woman that grab it and when I pushed her away she grabbed mine. I was a bit scared to say the least, but her English speaking husband approached and said she was trying to tell Amy to wear it in the front. Hmmmmm, nice cover or truly a nice couple?
From there I was just in amazement at the women sitting around and breastfeeding their children, children of all ages. Many, many children approaching us for money. There was lots of food for sale, breads, meat, fruit and flies were everywhere on it. There was lots of name brand clothes, like Ed Hardy, Burberry, and hats, purses, jewelry, shoes and henna tattoos. A lady grabbed my hand and started doing a henna tattoo, so needless to say I am out 30 derm. However, I felt like a bargainer, she wanted 40 derm and I said no 30 derm and she agreed but as I was trying to my money out of my "safe place" in my pants, she started grabbing it. LOL Oh well, it was worth the experience. Taking pictures here is difficult. A lot of the time it is not acceptable. I have to make sure to ask the mans permission and even then they do not want it. People will come up to you and tell you not to take any picture. I am still in amazement at what a different lifestyle it is here.
We are just happy we have survived our shopping experience no thanks to the motor scooters going 25mph straight through the marketplace, that is crowded with people.
Anyways, hopefully I will get some pictures. As for tomorrow, we are not sure but on the 11th I am heading to Marrakesh to stay in a hostel then on the 12th I am going on a Camel trek through the Sahara Desert and camping with the Nomads. I am sure I will get some pics of that.
Love you all and I will check back soon!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
España!!
Well to say the least, this country was amazing! After we docked in Cadiz and the ship cleared customs, we headed straight to the train station. We were headed to Seville. It was 100 degrees and we had no idea where we were heading after we got off the train. So after walking for what seemed like hours we found our hostile. My mom had me scared to death of what I may be staying in, however, I was pleasantly surprised. It was clean and actually quite cute. The fun part was seven of us staying in a room designed for 4. It made it fun and for 40 euros for the three nights it was the best deal in town.
So my next big adventure was the Bullfight! First off, I know this is a big Spanish cultural event, however I will never attend one again! With that being said, it was something I am glad I experienced in the way of learning more about the Spanish culture. I am still not sure how I feel that I paid to watch 6 bulls be killed. One bullfight consists of 6 bulls dieing. HORRIBLE!!!!Needless to say, we left after 3. Honestly, 1 would have been enough. During the bullfight you are not allowed to get up for any reason.....Yes, even the restroom. I did find out that the meat is sold. At least it is not a wasteful death, but they make money on us paying to watch them be killed and then again on the meat.....I am not so sure about how "Cultural" this all is. LOL I won't post the gruesome picture.
The nightlife in Spain proved to be as lively as the rumors I had heard. We spent most nights in the bars. One key it of information is credit cards are not accepted at almost ALL places, nor do all banks exchange the American dollar for Euros. (Very different then Europe) So between all of us borrowing money back and forth and trying to make sure we had enough for the train ride back to Cadiz, we made it with no Euros to spare!
The next day we headed to Cordoba, and spent the day walking around and exploring the city. A lot of religious artifacts.
We head back to Cadiz for a night out for my birthday! Before we headed out in the evening we went to the beach. Surprise to us it was a nude beach! Even the children were walking around in thongs and no tops. My friends and I have decided we need to write a book, we have so many crazy stories already. Now for my birthday, which, any of you that know me, know that this is always an annual event that is not to be forgotten! LOL Well, needless to say I think I am the one that may have forgotten the nights events. Thanks to Ed and Kayla for seeing me back to the ship and putting me to bed. :) I did return to the ship and managed to stay out of trouble....so that was a good thing.
We are off to Morocco tonight and we will be arriving tomorrow so we have an extra day there! Very excited for my Camel trek and camping with the nomads. So, until I get better wi-fi there will not be many pictures. My mom is trying to deal with this but is having a hard time :)
Here is one last picture of some of the group I was traveling with!
I love everyone at home and will talk to you after Morocco!
The next day we headed to Cordoba, and spent the day walking around and exploring the city. A lot of religious artifacts.
We head back to Cadiz for a night out for my birthday! Before we headed out in the evening we went to the beach. Surprise to us it was a nude beach! Even the children were walking around in thongs and no tops. My friends and I have decided we need to write a book, we have so many crazy stories already. Now for my birthday, which, any of you that know me, know that this is always an annual event that is not to be forgotten! LOL Well, needless to say I think I am the one that may have forgotten the nights events. Thanks to Ed and Kayla for seeing me back to the ship and putting me to bed. :) I did return to the ship and managed to stay out of trouble....so that was a good thing.
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| MY BIRTHDAY SHIRT FROM MY FAMILY |
We are off to Morocco tonight and we will be arriving tomorrow so we have an extra day there! Very excited for my Camel trek and camping with the nomads. So, until I get better wi-fi there will not be many pictures. My mom is trying to deal with this but is having a hard time :)
Here is one last picture of some of the group I was traveling with!
I love everyone at home and will talk to you after Morocco!
Birthday Dinner
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| SPA GIFT CERTIFICATE |
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| BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM MOM & DAD |
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