The day is here!

As I sit in my hotel room this morning waiting to board the ship, I am reflecting on my previous international experiences, my studies at SIT Graduate Institute and my time working at Semester at Sea in Virginia this fall. Although I feel like I've been planning for this big adventure for several months I can’t believe today is actually the day when I’ll step onto the MV Explorer and begin my voyage around the world.

I am feeling excited, nervous and anxious all at the same time, more so than with my previous experiences abroad. I think the reason is that this time I’ll be working instead of just being a student along for the ride! I know I’ll figure everything out with my work but right now, my stomach is turning. This will probably not be a good combination with the rocking ship, so these feelings better subside before the seasickness that’s bound to happen sets in.

I've received a few requests from readers about sharing this blog with others and the answer is YES! Please share with friends, family, co-workers, etc.-anyone who’s interested in travel or in this particular adventure! I plan to update this blog as much as possible throughout the voyage. However, I must mention that internet on the ship can be dicey so updates may have some lag time but if you ever want to know where I happen to be sailing, you can view the SAS voyage calendar.

Since the ship’s internet is not the best, communications between the ship and the U.S. can be challenging. If you would like to contact me, the best ways are by commenting on this blog, on facebook, or through my work email address: whitney.longnecker.sp14@semesteratsea.org.

Adios from dry land! My next post will be when I’m out to sea!