Geographer Smith

Finale

2010-12-11T11:05:00.002-05:00

Well, exams are over, grades have been turned in, the Ambassadors/Alumni ball was held last evening. And, now everyone is finding boxes and packing all those wonderful items and trinkets accumulated over the past 4 months. It has been a very special voyage. Monday morning will have us arriving in San Diego when this 700 person community will part ways.

Joel, Julie, me and Donna

with Andres, who took both my courses

The Archbishop

2010-12-10T12:18:00.000-05:00

With only a few days left on this voyage the ship is a buzz with final exams, grading, packing etc. Archbishop Tutu and his wife Leah hosted a very nice reception for the faculty, staff, and life long learners two nights ago. He really could be a stand up comic as he had the crowd in the palm of his hand with several jokes. It has been a delight having the two of them on board for the entire voyage.

The Archbishop working the crowd

Final exam time

2010-12-09T07:51:00.000-05:00

Our faculty

We are in our final days of the voyage. "A" day finals were held yesterday, "B" day today and the Global seminar on Friday. This will be followed up by Commencement on Saturday and a bunch of packing. Come Sunday evening our boxes and luggage need to be ready as we disembark Monday morning in San Diego. To say that this has been a terrific and amazing journey would be an understatement. Glad you have been along for the ride via this blog.


Final exam time

"Oh Hell" celebration

2010-12-08T13:21:00.001-05:00

My extended family on board ship plays one game of "Oh Hell" every evening at about 1830. Last night I decided to celebrate this occasion by having the chef make us an ice cream cake.

The "Oh Hell" family

Hawaii, Part 2- the Big Island

2010-12-08T13:12:00.001-05:00

After a delightful 2 days on Oahu we sailed overnight to Hilo, for another 2 days, one night. Jeremy Stringer, the Dean of Student Affairs, and I joined forces and headed to the Kona side of the island. Jeremy had a time-share condo awaiting for us in Kona, so I rented the car. Jeremy, my navigator, got us off on a rocky start. About 4 miles from the airport, where we rented the car, he says, "I think the ocean is on the wrong side". Drat, they turned the island around on us...well, one u-turn later we were now headed in the right direction....north. After checking into the condo our first stop was "Snorkel Bob's" to rent our snorkeling gear.


The fish of Hawaii

We snorkeled at the Kahalu'u Beach Park, only about 4 miles south of Kona. While we did not see all the fish shown on the poster we did see over a dozen different species plus huge turtles. The shallow (about 4 to 5 feet) and warm water allowed us to view the fish up close and personal in great comfort.
After a fish taco snack we headed north to view the sunset and enjoy the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort.

Jeremy and his Chi Chi


Sunset in Paradise

On the second day we headed back to Hilo via the southern route stopping at the Black Sand beach which was chock full of turtles. Our much too brief stay was punctuated by our last walk up the gangway back into the MV Explorer for our sail to San Diego.


Black sand beach

A little R & R time in Hawaii

2010-12-05T11:21:00.000-05:00

Classes ended on Thurs and we arrived in Oahu on Friday, for two days. I spent most of my time with my Aunt Gay. We played two rounds of golf-- the first day at Waialae (where the Sony Open PGA tournament is held each Jan) where she has been a member for years. And, yesterday we played at Olamana, over on the north side of the island. We arrive into Hilo in a couple of hours and snorkeling is the game plan over in Kona.

They trimmed the palm trees to form the "W", for Waialea

Aunt Gay

Let's negotiate a maritime boundary treaty

2010-12-04T04:34:00.000-05:00

The culmination of my Geography of the Oceans course was to have the students, who represented either the Kingdom of Kodiak or the Republic of St. Elias, attempt to negotiate a maritime boundary. What normally would take about a decade was compressed into less than 2 hours of time. They did a great job as they took on roles of the Dept. of Defense, Commerce, Interior, and State.

A negotiating round is underway

Discussing retirement with the Archbishop

2010-12-02T03:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, one of the anthropology profs held a panel on retirement issues and asked me to give "my story"-- a pleasant surprise occurred when the Archbishop walked in (it was a 0800 class) and sat down beside me. He had some interesting comments-- during his time as Archbishop of Capetown, during the period of Apartheid, he said it was easier to be mad about something than it was during his second career, post-Apartheid, when he headed the Reconciliation Committee when they had to build up society. The Archbishop had a busy day as in the evening he spoke at two fora: Human Rights and Christianity in modern society.


Archbishop making his point

Groundhog Day

2010-11-27T07:21:00.001-05:00

We have enjoyed Sat. November 27 so much that we on board ship have decided to re-live the day again tomorrow, or I should say today. Tonight the ship crosses the dateline placing us back to the past.

Nov. 27, here we come again

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T07:12:00.000-05:00

Even though classes were held today a full Thanksgiving dinner was served this evening. The 5th deck dining room was set aside for the "extended" families, families that have been created during this voyage. Our "family" of Amy, Kayla, and Tony enjoyed dinner together, followed by a card game of "Oh Hell".

Kayla, Amy, and Tony

Amy getting ready to deal a round of Oh Hell

Back to class

2010-11-25T01:50:00.000-05:00

Between Japan and our arrival to Honolulu on Friday 3 December we have 10 days of classes, including today-- Thanksgiving. Classes conclude after this stretch. We have 2 days each in Honolulu and Hilo before our homestretch to San Diego. Upon leaving Hilo we have 4 days of final exams and that is it. To say this has been a terrific voyage would be an understatement.

Text books used in my classes

Good bye Japan

2010-11-24T18:15:00.000-05:00

Two nights ago we set sail for Honolulu; it was sad to know that we were leaving our final foreign port of our voyage. Like several of the Asian ports we have just visited Yokohama lights itself up at night.

Port of Yokohama from our ship as we departed

Mount Fuji

2010-11-24T17:26:00.004-05:00

On my last day in Japan I headed off with a bus load of colleagues to Mount Fuji, which is located between Tokyo and Osaka. The morning began dreary and raining-- while eating breakfast I announced to our group (I was the tour leader) that we were to hold good thoughts for the day's weather. Well sure enough, as we approached Fuji-san (mountain) the clouds gave way briefly to allow us to see the wonderful mountain in all her glory.
By the time we reach the mountain the clouds had rolled back in. But, it was fun to hike a bit amid the snow and slush at station 5, about 2/3 up the mountain. While at this point I took a photo directly up towards the summit-- the sun was out, but the top remained covered in the clouds-- but the resulting picture has an eerie quality to it.
We then went to the other side of the national park to Lake Ashi to take a ropeway (cable car) up the mountain-- by then the clouds blocked any possible view we may have had of Fuji-- the day finished with brief, but delightful, boat ride across the lake.

Lake Ashi


The Ropeway, as we saw it


The Ropeway, on the best of days

Looking directly up at the summit into the sun and clouds


Mount Fuji

Yokohama

2010-11-22T00:15:00.000-05:00

Me, with the MV Explorer, in Yokohama

This morning we sailed into our final foreign port. Like the other Asian ports we have visited on this trip Yokohama is quite modernized. The port itself where our ship is docked has a very pleasant wooden "park" for walking and underneath the walking area is a concert hall.

Concert hall, with our ship next door

Throughout the trip we have been very fortunate to have wonderful weather in the ports. Today, however, there was a light rain in the morning and more is coming in for tomorrow---the day I am heading to Mt. Fuji and Hakone.


Port of Yokohama

Sayanara to Sandra

2010-11-20T04:02:00.001-05:00

This morning at 0500 I placed Sandy in a taxi for her ride to the Osaka-Itami airport for her 1+ hour flight to Aomori. She will be spending about 4 days with Tesia before flying back to Wash DC the day before Thanksgiving. Laura will arrive into Dulles, from Norway, an hour after Sandy so the two of them will spend about 4 days together.

Sandra's farewell dinner on the ship

Hiroshima

2010-11-20T03:57:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Kobe yesterday morning and by early afternoon Sandy and I were traveling on a bullet train with a group to Hiroshima. Although we spent only 3 hours there we able to see the various memorials and museum remembering August 6, 1945 at 8:15 am when the first atomic bomb was dropped. The building now designated as the atomic bomb memorial is situated about 300 meters from the center of the explosion.

Atomic bomb Memorial

Photo of city following the explosion

A special memorial has been erected for Sesaki Sadako, a girl who was 2 years old and about a mile away from the center of the blast. Before her death at age 12 years old she captivated her friends, and later the world, by making origami cranes. An old Japanese story says that if you make 1000 cranes you may make a wish. She completed only 644 before her death, but her classmates completed the remaining 356 and sought funding for a memorial to be erected in her memory. Daily origami cranes are delivered to this memorial.


Memorial to Sesaki Sadako

Origami cranes brought to the memorial

Shanghai

2010-11-20T03:10:00.001-05:00

After our stay in Beijing the group flew back to Shanghai where the ship was waiting. Shanghai is a coastal city where the Yangzi river flows into the East China Sea. Sandy did not return to the ship until late in the evening. I had a nice walk around an older part of town, viewing the local market place. Then, at night, the river just lights up. A few photos of the scenes I saw.

Night in Shanghai

Woman selling crabs

The Great Wall

2010-11-20T02:56:00.001-05:00

Just a few pictures of this unbelievable feature.

Concluding my descent via toboggan

Beijing

2010-11-20T02:43:00.001-05:00

Most of my time in China was spent traveling for 4 days, 3 nights in the Beijing area. I was a "bus" leader which meant I had to keep track of about 28 people periodically. Immediately after arriving we headed to the Hutong area, an old section of Beijing where low-income people share common space (cooking, toilets, etc)-- we had arrived via rickshaw and enjoyed a wonderful home cook meal in a family home.


Suzanne, a life long learner on the voyage, and me in the Rickshaw on our way to dinner

The next day we were off to the Forbidden city, Tiananmen Square, an orphanage and finally to a restaurant to enjoy Peking duck. From 1407-1924 the Forbidden city served as the imperial palace to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Forbidden city

These hands are now registered as lethal

On the third day we saw a demonstration of martial arts, and then it was off to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, about 45 minutes from Beijing. We took a cable car up to the wall, walked for about an hour before taking a tobaggon (luge) down the mountain.

In my role as bus leader

Hong Kong

2010-11-19T15:30:00.000-05:00

Days ago we arrived in Hong Kong for another too brief stay. Sandy and I spent only one day there before heading off to different trips; me to Beijing and she to Guilin. We spent a fun day traveling across the harbor on the Green Star ferry and took the tram up Mt. Victoria.

On Mount Victoria overlooking Hong Kong and Kowloon

The change in Hong Kong since I was last there, about 20 years ago, is remarkable. Before, there was nothing but walking paths at the top of the mountain; now, there is an entire mall complex. And, the entire waterfront is one modern building next to another.

An afternoon at the movies

2010-11-18T03:25:00.000-05:00

This afternoon in my Oceans class I showed the movie, "Drain the Ocean" which discussed what is on the seabed of the world's oceans. To get the students (and life long learners who attend my class) in the mood I had ordered a bag of popcorn for each person. It added to the ambience.....

Movie and popcorn

Sandy's final lunch with the "family"

2010-11-18T03:21:00.000-05:00

Sandy leaves the ship in two days- she is packed (and has loaded two boxes for me to ship home when I get to the US). Today she had her final lunch with our "family" at poolside, which included a game of "Oh Hell"


Lunch with the "fam": Tony, Kelsey, Kayla and Amy

Amy and Kayla gave Sandy a nice going away gift:

Gift from Amy and Kayla

Oh hum, just a smoking volcano out the window

2010-11-18T03:09:00.000-05:00

This morning, on our last day at sea before arriving in Kobe, I was in the faculty lounge reviewing my day's lectures when off to our starboard side I see an active volcano. It is situated in the northern Ryukyu chain, just south of Kyushu.

Japanese volcano

Angkor Wat

2010-11-17T20:08:00.000-05:00

Angkor Wat at sunrise

Following our brief stay in Phenom Penh our group hopped a plane for our one hour flight to Siem Reap to view the Angkor Wat temple complex. Built in the 12th century to honor the Hindi god Vishnu; later it became a Buddhist temple. We got up at 5am one morning to see the temple at sunrise; unfortunately the clouds kept us from viewing it in all its glory. Later in the day we returned to explore many of the temples in the area, including the one in which the trees seem to have taken over.

monkees at Angkor Wat

In the evening we went to a dinner/show.

Remembering Cambodia

2010-11-15T22:35:00.001-05:00

Survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime, an artist

Our schedule over the past couple of weeks has been crazy; after leaving India we were at sea for only 3 days before arriving in Singapore where we stayed for only 2 days, one night. After setting sail we had no class days and just one "reading day" at sea before arriving in Vietnam. Most people on board traveled away from Saigon to either Cambodia or Hanoi. Then, when we left Vietnam we had only 3 days at sea before reaching Hong Kong. I write this entry as we are now in our last day in Shanghai. Thus, I am a bit behind in my blogs.

In front of the Palace

Sandy and I traveled to Cambodia where we spent a couple of days each in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)-- both were terrific. While in Phnom Penh activities included a boat ride on the Mekong River, visits to the palace, the detention building (formerly an elementary school) for those who were killed during the Khmer Rouge period (1975-79), and the Killing Fields, just outside the city. Most of the students on our trip were quite ignorant of this tragic period in Cambodian history.

On the Palace grounds


Sandra heading out to the boat for our river cruise

Palace water lily

Vietnam: 2nd trip

2010-11-08T04:19:00.003-05:00

The second field trip on which I was a bus leader was to the Mekong River delta. Our first stop was to a Buddha temple. Then we went on to the river and took two boat trips, one on the Mekong River and one in a small canal surrounded by a bamboo forest. Although our day was geared for the tourist we did get a feel for the local life.

In the Buddhist temple

On our way to lunch we had a delightful mile+ ride in a smaller boat through a bamboo forest

Ride through the bamboo forest

Our mascot on the canal ride

Elephant fish, our lunch

Boat we took on the Mekong River

Good morning.....and good bye Vietnam

2010-11-08T04:16:00.000-05:00

This past week has been such a whirlwind with trips to take in Vietnam that I hardly have been on my computer. I was a tour leader for 1 trip and "bus leader" for2 other trips while in country. Primary responsibility for a tour leader is to make sure the local guide on the trip sticks to the itinerary as written up (there have been a few occasions where trips see and do things that were not advertised) and a bus leader's primary responsibility is to be sure the same number of people come back as left for the tour.
My first trip was to the Cu Chi Tunnels, about a 2 hour drive north of Saigon (this name is still used locally with Ho Chi Minh City used primarily by the government). These tunnels were first built in the early 1950s when the French controlled the country but they were made famous during the Vietnam War (or the "American" war, from the Vietnamese perspective) when the Viet Cong used them to fight against US soldiers. There are 3 levels of tunnels; some were fake and booby-trapped with explosives.

Re-enactment of soldier getting into the tunnel

Making shoes from tires left by the US military

A sad day on board the MV Explorer

2010-11-08T03:58:00.001-05:00

Two days ago, on our second to last day in Vietnam, a male student was found dead in his bedroom. Particulars are not known, at least to us who have no need to know. This afternoon, our first day back at sea, a moving memorial service was held in the union. Friends told stories of their new friend and the Archbishop gave a nice eulogy. The service concluded with everyone taking a flower, walking to the stern and throwing the flower into the sea as the ship sounded its horn.

In Memory of Andre

Sights of Singapore

2010-11-01T10:25:00.002-04:00

We have just departed Singapore after a much too short visit. On the first day I met up with Bob Beckman and his family. Bob has been a law professor at the National Univ. of Singapore law school for over 30 years. A few years he and his wife sold their home near the Univ. (which is adjacent to the Botanical Gardens) and bought a condo that overlooks the Singapore River and a wonderful river walk that is populated with shops and restaurants.

View of the Singapore River from the Beckman's balcony

Bob had to catch a flight to Indonesia so his son Jeremy, a recent UC San Diego grad, was gracious enough to show me around part of the city. We headed out to the Marina Barrage, a dam project in the outer harbor that within the next year will serve about 40% of Singapore's fresh water needs. And, in the area adjacent to the dam they have created huge park areas. On this Sunday afternoon there was a kite festival going on [I bought Sandy a bat kite and lights that you can place on the kite).

Kite festival

From this park one can get a nice view of the harbor, including the ferris wheel (where at night you can have dinner) and the new hotel that has an infinity pool on top.

Happy Halloween from Singapore

2010-10-31T12:00:00.001-04:00

We celebrated Halloween a night early as we were still at sea and because of the fact that on Halloween we would be scattered throughout Singapore. As always, Sandy got into the swing of things:

Alias, Betty Boop

Then, on Halloween night itself we, along with a group from the ship we went to the Night Safari, which was quite cool (actually, very humid):

Following a nice buffet dinner we took a tram through the rain forest viewing the animals in their nocturnal habitat. And, being Halloween there were a few additional surprises along the 45 minute excursion.

Pre-dinner activity

2010-10-30T04:56:00.000-04:00

Sandy and friends in the faculty lounge

Every day in the Faculty lounge (no students allowed) from about 1700-1900 the bar opens and faculty, staff and life long learners gather. Every other day there usually is some type of activity or presentation. Last night George McLemore, a faculty member who teaches photo-journalism, gave an excellent talk on how to take better pictures. His specialty is taking photos of people.

George McLemore working the crowd

More scenes from the Chennai area

2010-10-27T04:09:00.001-04:00

The Chennai Rotarians were nice enough to hire a bus to take our group about 40km south of Chennai to view the wonderful temples at Mamallpuram. On our way there we did make a stop to see an alligator/crocodile farm:

Crocodiles at feeding time: I think I ate one of their cousins back in CapeTown

And, of course the sacred cows can be seen just about anywhere you go.

The temples were quite impressive; one was right on the beach. And five of them, the "Five Rathas" or Chariots each were carved out of massive piece of granite.


Two of the Rathas

The Indian cuisine was wonderful. I am not one who enjoys hot spicy food and I was able to eat virtually everything that was served. At breakfast I really enjoyed the chutney and coconut and chutney and tomato dishes. And one dessert was fried ice cream, just like biting into a donut and hitting ice cream in the middle.

One of our lunches

And, to end one our evenings my host family took me to the movies to see "Robot" one of the hottest films being shown in India. It was a sci-fi, one of India's favorite gendres, we went to a 10pm show (and did not get out until 0135). We watched it in the smaller theater, one that perhaps held over 500 people, in chairs which reclined. Ticket prices are capped by the government so even with these delux seats it cost only about $ 2.10 each. Tonight we set sail for Singapore.

Rotary homestay in Chennai

2010-10-26T07:28:00.001-04:00

One of the "field trips" I signed up for while in Chennai was to stay with a Rotarian's family for 3 days and 2 nights. I was matched up with Rajkumar Devarajan and his family. His wife was out of town tending to her ailing mother so it was Raj, Sasha, and me.


Rajkumar and Sasha, in their home in front of portraits of his grandparents

Being a rotarian myself (having joined the Oakland, Md chapter just about 6 months ago) I was quite interested in attending the Chennai Rotary meeting. About 30 of us from the ship were placed with Rotarian families and on the first evening we all gathered for a Rotary meeting. Two chapters organized it and it included representatives from 10 clubs in the Chennai area. For the past 18 years they have been hosting Semester at Sea people each semester. I presented two of the clubs the banner from my Oakland chapter.


The President of the Adyar chapter

The Chennai Rotary chapters are very active; just yesterday was "Polio" day-- India, along with Pakistan and Nigeria still have a significant polio problem. The country does appreciate the role the Rotary plays in trying to eradicate polio:

A huge banner hanging outside a theater in downtown Chennai

Rajkumar gave me a nice white button down Rotary shirt: I gave him a work shirt

Chennai, India

2010-10-26T00:20:00.002-04:00

We arrived in Chennai a few days ago- on the first day I took a general city tour and then went on a 3 day, 2 night home stay, hosted by the local Rotary club. Sandy left a couple days ago at "o'dark" to catch a flight to New Delhi where she is touring, including the Taj Mahal and Varanasi. It is hot and humid and the city is chock full of people (about 7.5 million). I hope they have no-fault car insurance as cars, motorcycles and people all seem to converge to within inches of each other along the roads. The following are some visuals of places and people in the city:

Hindu temple in Chennai

St. Thomas: the apostle Thomas is buried here

Woman frying plantains and hot peppers

A woman at the temple

Sea Olympics

2010-10-25T23:38:00.001-04:00

During each semester the students are divided, according to where on ship they are living, into "seas"- each Sea has a young adult who acts as a "resident adviser"- and, once during the voyage a "sea olympics" is held during an afternoon. The students compete against each other in events such as ping pong, Jeopardy, crab soccer, sustainable art, limbo, ice cube race, etc. And the adults form their own team. For this semester our team was named the "Nomer"Sea:

our banner

While I spent 2+ hours as a ref in the crab soccer event (during which I got slammed with the soccer ball a half dozen times) Sandy was competing in the sustainable art contest and the ice cube event (which they won)-- overall, the Caribbean Sea won the Olympics and the NomerSea came in a respectable 3rd (out of 10 teams). The winning team gets to enjoy a dance in the faculty lounge in a couple of weeks plus they get to be the first group off the ship when we arrive in San Diego at the end of the voyage.

Griffin, our mascot


Sandy with "daughter" Amy, who as you may have guessed, was on the Yellow Sea team

Sandy and teammates competing in the art sustainability event

Half voyage party

2010-10-22T11:23:00.000-04:00

The other night the faculty, staff and life long learners held a party to celebrate that we were half way through our voyage. You were suppose to come appropriately attired....so, Sandy came "half heartedly" and I came supposedly with half my hair back....oh well, we tried to show that. And, on the way to the party my new friend Hieu saw my head and said, "Oh my gosh, let me do mine on the other side." Well, you can see the results. I think together we made a "whole wit".

Me and Hieu

"half-hearted" Sandra and "half lit" Julie

3pm: It must be game time

2010-10-19T23:38:00.000-04:00

Sandy, and up to about 5 other adults and students, are now known to congregate at a given table in the 6th deck dining room (the "Garden" dining room) at this hour each day to play games: Matchability, Bananagram, etc. And, yesterday after their game we taught several people how to play "Oh Hell".

Sandy with Julie, Chris and Maria at the game table

Our extended family

2010-10-19T11:13:00.001-04:00

One of the programs on board ship is the creation of extended families where faculty and life long learners "adopt" students who would like to have "family" while traveling around the world. Sandy and I had a miscommunication early on and did not receive any students. But, in the last couple of days we have learned of "orphans' which we have now adopted. We have three young ladies (Amy, Kayla, Kelsey, and one young man, Anthony). Two nights ago we had a "meet and greet" gathering at dinner. And tomorrow we will again meet by the pool and share some pizza and burgers as we teach them how to play "Oh Hell".


Amy Sinclair (with her shaved hair from Neptune Day)

Anthony Lo

Kayla Malone

Kelsey Brown

Our extended family (the black on my head will be explained in a separate entry)

Marine Park field trip

2010-10-19T01:58:00.000-04:00

We were in Mauritius for only 2 days but on each day I led a FDP (Faculty Directed Practica). On the second day 19 of us first headed to the government's Marine Science Institute where we received an hour briefing on the work they are doing. Probably the most important focus for them is how to assist in managing the booming tourism industry on this relatively small island. Hotels are being constructed near the beaches around the island. Associated with this tourism comes potential pollution, from the construction of the buildings, to waste disposal, to swimming around the reef ecosystem. It seemed that these scientists know what the source of pollution will be, now they need to convince the policy makers to pass and implement the needed regulations.

Following this briefing we headed out to one of the Marine Parks that the government has established. We took a glass-bottom boat out to a privately-owned island (by a hotel chain) where we had a wonderful buffet lunch, followed by about 45 minutes of snorkeling. One could rent this island for $ 4,000/day and I think the female students on this trip began planning their weddings at this location. The coral near the main island was already dead from some sort of pollution; fortunately, about 1/2 mile offshore the coral was alive (although not too colorful) but the fish around it was fun to see (in about 15 feet of water).

Snorkeling, with the private island in the background

Villa's courtyard on the private island

Mauritius: the Jummah Mosque

2010-10-17T08:35:00.000-04:00

On the first day in Mauritius I lead a trip called a Faculty Directed Practica, which means the trip was associated with one or more of my classes. I am having my World Regional Geography students develop the theme of "place" as they journey out in the country side at each stop. This could result in many different topics such as the market place, churches, role of women in society, architecture, etc. Thus, I wanted to have a trip to the largest mosque in Mauritius and to have the Iman (head religious leader of the mosque) give us a lecture on Islam in Mauritius. We had 8 of us journey to the mosque, which was built in 1852 and is now right in the middle of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. They built the mosque around a wonderful Bandamia tree which remains prominently in the courtyard immediately outside the prayer room.

Bandamia tree

Following presentations by the Imam and the mosque's historian we enjoyed a wonderful biryani, or lunch of rice, meat cooked in wonderful spices.

Place to cleanse oneself before entering the prayer room: note the coy

Our lunch

Back at Sea

2010-10-17T00:05:00.000-04:00

Sandy and I are sorely behind in posting our blog entries-- Sandy has promised to write up her experiences for the last few posts soon. We have just been very busy enjoying the wonderful countries we have visited. And, once back on ship I am busy teaching my 3 courses plus internet access is very spotting and slow. And, Sandy has developed her own daily routine.
We just had a brief 2 day, one night stay in Mauritius during which I led two Faculty Directed Practica (FDPs). I will provide a separate entry for those hopefully tomorrow. We are about 1/2 through our voyage and little more than half way thru our course teaching. Once we reach Southeast Asis the teaching days become few and far between as we cease teaching once we reach the ports. We arrive in Chennai, India in about 5 days.

Kariega Game Reserve

2010-10-14T13:49:00.003-04:00

For our last 3 days in South Africa Sandy and I, along with 22 others, flew 1 hour to Port Elizabeth (and then a 2 hour drive) to the Kariega Game Reserve. We shared a chalet, with 3 bedrooms- a kitchen (which we didn't use)- living room- and a deck with a nice view of valley, with another couple. Immediately upon arriving we were treated to a wonderful buffet lunch in the main chalet.

Our first lunch

Later in the afternoon we were off on the first of 4 excursions; 6 of us were in an open jeep with our driver in search of the big 5.

Our chariot

the Rhino

In the course of these 2.5 days we saw all but the elusive cheetah.


One of 4 hippos in this part of the river

Penguins and Baboons

2010-10-09T05:23:00.000-04:00

We just departed South Africa last night after a full week of adventure. Over the next few days I hope to post several blog entries to chronicle what we did. On one day Sandy and I joined the ship's photographer, "Picture/Video Mike" and his family including their two daughters, Rachel and Riley. We rented a van and headed out to Boulder Beach to see the penguins:

Penguins at Boulder Beach

Rachel and Riley viewing the penguins

Then, onto the Cape of Good Hope we went. It is here where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean:

Cape Point

At the Cape of Good Hope park there were many baboons roaming around. One has to lock the doors and keep the windows rolled up as they know how to open them both. Rachel and Riley placed their hands on the back window and the baboons placed their paws on the other side of the window "on top" of the girls' hands; as the girls moved their hands around the window, the baboons followed with theirs. Quite cute!

Baboon by my outside rear-view mirrow

Warthog anyone?

2010-10-04T11:58:00.002-04:00

Last night I and several friends went to a nearby restaurant, the City Grill, for dinner. Debating what to have off the menu the waitress recommended that two of us share in the "Giant grill" which was a large skewer comprising Kudu, ostrich, Springbok (a gazelle-type animal), warthog, and crocodile:

Our platter

Starting from the lower left, it was Kudu; the sausage-looking meat is Springbok (I also had smoked springbok as an appetizer which was thinly sliced). Partially hidden by the springbok is the ostrich, which ranked as our favorite. Just in front of the carrots is the warthog, and finally covered by a cream sauce is the crocodile.

Warthog

Crocodile

Ostrich

Kudu

Springbok

Capetown, South Africa

2010-10-03T12:05:00.001-04:00

We arrived at about 0545 and by 0615 the South African immigration and customs people were on board. For the first time on our voyage each member of the ship (about 700 students, faculty, staff, and life long learners) had to appear before immigration and customs officials, and have our passports stamped. They called us by groups and we headed to the faculty lounge where everything was set up very efficiently. The ship was cleared by about 0730. Every time we come into port the ship closes down one dining room (given all of our field trips) and given that everyone had to get up real early the dining room and outside area was packed. This is what our view was from the back deck as we had our breakfast; being spring time it was a wonderful morning, in the low 60s. If only I had the NY Times or Washington Post to read, it would have been perfect.

Table Mountain in the back ground

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

2010-10-03T11:55:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the day before we arrived in South Africa, the Archbishop talked to the global seminar class (all the students and faculty) for 90 minutes about his life and Apartheid. His talk was very genuine and from the heart. He encouraged the students to dream, to dream and to pray to God to help with their dreams. His talk was both serious and lighthearted, punctuated by a most infectuous (sp?) laugh. He clearly is a favorite among all of us on board.

The Archbishop

Study Hall

2010-10-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

With only one day of classes to go before we arrive at Capetown, and then 5 wonderful days to explore South Africa professors are giving tests and having papers due. Space is tight throughout the ship to find a place to study so I thought I would show you a popular spot where the students head for some serious studying (I never had this type of location during my college days....)

Aarrgh-- my birthday celebration

2010-09-30T09:46:00.002-04:00

Adjacent to the 5th deck dining room is one of the classrooms that is turned into a "special" dining room in the evening. About 6 tables are set up to accommodate tables for 4 to 6 people. One has to reserve several days ahead of time. Well, last night we hosted two other couples for my birthday celebration. Given that I had just given a lecture to the entire ship on the East African piracy problem I was given a patch and hat to cover my newly shaved head...aarrgh

Sandra

Aarrgh

Dave, Julie, Donna, me, Sandra, and George at my birthday dinner

We are sailing along western Africa

2010-09-29T17:48:00.000-04:00

Sandra is never at a loss for her creativity-- this morning she used my newly exposed head as a canvas on which to draw "Africa". This creation was appreciated by all on board.

Africa is on my mind

King Neptune, a few more photos

2010-09-29T17:22:00.002-04:00

Here are a few photos from the morning of King Neptune Day-- not only did the Archbishop and his wife, Leah, sit for over an hour by the pool watching the festivities, he also had what hair he had on his head shaved.

Among royalty

King Neptune Day

2010-09-28T16:58:00.000-04:00

Today we celebrated sailing across the equator and us "polywogs" who had never done that before (most students and faculty) went through certain rituals to achieve the status of "Emerald Shellback". One event was to have your head shaved. I now can pack away my brush and comb for the remainder of the trip.

0-0 Day

2010-09-27T10:08:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we on board ship experienced a geographic moment that we never will experience again in our lives. At my request, the captain agreed to change course very slightly (as we head from Ghana to Capetown, South Africa) in order to cross the equator at the same moment that we cross the Prime Meridian. Thus, for a split second we were on 0 degree latitude and 0 degree longitude (how cool is that)-- I was on the bridge with the captain and a videographer at that moment and I had the captain sound the horn at the precise moment so everyone on the ship would know. We had several hundred students on the back deck with another photographer who was holding a gps receiver. The Captain also agreed to sail down the prime meridian for about 15 minutes so people could straddle the two hemispheres on board the ship. About 10 minutes prior to this wonderful moment I went on the ship's PA system and gave a 4 minute talk on latitudes and longitudes. Everyone on board seemed to get into the moment and I had my Andy Warhol "15 minutes of fame".

"0-0" shown on the library's computer screen

With the Captain on the Bridge as we were crossing the Equator and Prime Meridian at the same time

Adam Seid, the Registrar, and Kathy Poole, the Ass't Dean, enjoying the "0-0" moment.

One last purchase in Ghana

2010-09-26T18:43:00.001-04:00

There are only a handful of cruise ships that come into Takoradi each year, but the merchants try to make it very easy for us to buy their crafts. They set up their little market within 40 yards of the ship. So, on the last day in Ghana Sandy gave me instructions to go buy some "beads"-- and off she went on an excursion to a local village. So, to this little market I went and while I may not have gotten the best deal I certainly got several strings of beads at a price much lower than what the guy first wanted.

Making the bead purchase

Walking on top of the trees

2010-09-25T03:05:00.002-04:00

Sandy and I went walking on the canopy bridge , about 40 meters above the ground, at the Kakum National Park, about 2 hours from Takoradi. The park was only about 25 miles from the coast. We were fortunate to walk the 7 bridges before the heavy rains came.

[Note: I am not sure why all the pictures are remaining active on my blog, but that some of the earlier texts have been placed in "archive" mode. If you want to read about some of our earlier stops click on right hand side of this blog.]

Castles and Dungeons

2010-09-24T19:10:00.003-04:00

While Sandra was off dancing and drumming, I headed to the “Gold Coast”, about a 2 hour drive from Takoradi, to tour two castles (forts) which served as the final staging area for the slaves to be shipped out to the Americas. Prior to gaining its independence from the British in 1957 the Gold Coast was one of 3 provinces that became Ghana. Beginning with the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century, Ghana was occupied by the Swedes, Danes, Spanish, Dutch and finally by the British. By 1720 the slave trade became a more valuable export than gold.

President Obama visited these sites a little over a year ago and the guide we had was the one who showed the President around. I had given my World Regional geography students a lecture on colonialism in West Africa and the slave trade a couple of days before arriving in Ghana. Seeing the cells and caves and the “Door of no return”, an archway leading to the beach and the ships awaiting to take them across the Atlantic brought a sense of reality to the lecture. And when one walked thru the archway one saw a beach full of local fishermen and their colorful boats and nets.

St. Georges Castle

Ghana: drumming and dancing

2010-09-23T16:59:00.003-04:00

This is Sandra's posting: The drumming and dancing workshop rated a "10". I have a bruised palm to prove that I drummed for more than an hour. The drummers and dancers were fantastic. Afterwards, we talked with the troupe. It amazed me that they were so shy in talking about themselves.

Drumming and Dancing

And the Rains came

2010-09-19T10:36:00.002-04:00

Well, we are now approaching the equator (which we will cross after we depart Ghana) and humid, rainy belt. I have already shown my classes the climate maps and the weather forecast for our stay in Ghana is about 85 deg, humid and scattered thunderstorms. At sea today we are getting a constant heavy rain. Several of my students were feeling the ocean swells to their detriment.

On a lighter note, Sandy continues with her intro drawing class-- she is not as enthusiastic in trying to create perspective as she is in just drawing and sketching. I include a few samples of her latest endeavors.

Sandra's "Face" Period


Guess Who?

Table for 4 please

2010-09-18T05:06:00.002-04:00

With about 700 people on board the ship (students, faculty, staff, life long learners, family) it is tough to meet and get to know everyone. Thus, a variety of methods are being used to create small groups. After we set sail from each port, for example, small "reflection" groups have been organized to discuss experiences. I co-lead a group of 18 students who meet in a corner of one of our dining rooms.
Last night another method was used. If you wanted to be placed in a randomly-selected group of 4 for dinner you were to show up near the Purser's desk and throw your ID into a box. There were about 20 people who showed up and 5 tables for 4 were selected. Sandy and I split up and I drew 3 students and we headed to back deck for dinner; I now know Jessie, Tony, and Alexandra.

Jessie, Tony, and Alexandra

Reward for Excellence

2010-09-17T13:58:00.001-04:00

This week I gave back to my three classes map quizzes they had taken during the third class, just before arriving in Spain. Given that the taste of coffee on board ship needs much improvement, I gave those students with the best scores a “packet” of Starbucks instant coffee.

Camel ride in the Palm Groves

2010-09-16T04:27:00.002-04:00

This is Sandra’s description of one of her trips in Morocco:

This was totally a fun experience. We rode the camel for about an hour (much easier than riding a horse). Following the ride we had lunch in a typical Moroccan home—seated on the floor, low tables, rugs, and ate with our hands. We returned using ATVs—can only be describes as wild, dusty, and hot!

Sandra on her ATV

The "end" of this blog

Back at sea

2010-09-15T10:35:00.002-04:00

We departed Casablanca last night at 2000; next port is Takoradi, Ghana, arriving one week from today. We are now in day 4A for the purpose of knowing what class day it is- I just taught one of my World Regional Geography classes. Before we get to Ghana in my World Regional Geography course I hope to discuss West Africa, colonialism, Ghana, and a little bit of South Africa, plus show a movie on Mecca. In my Oceans class I’ll be covering the Third UN Conference on the Law of the Sea and some of the maritime zones (baselines, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone) during the next 3 classes.

With 6 class periods and up to 9 classes each period between 0800 and 1730 it is a busy time on board. Internet access is not very reliable, or fast when you do manage to get on, during day light hours. The best time to get fast service is before 0600.

Computer lab on the 6th deck

Hassan II Mosque

2010-09-14T06:32:00.001-04:00

The third largest mosque in the world, next to Mecca and Medina (in Saudi Arabia) is located in Casablanca. It is named for King Hassan II, the father of the present king, who died in 1999. This magnificent building took only 6 years to build, with about 2500 artisans working 24/7. It is situated right on the ocean and at night emits a laser beam towards Mecca that can be seen for 35 km. About 25,000 people can fit inside the mosque with another 100,000+ outside.

Interior of the mosque

Moroccan orphanage

2010-09-14T06:25:00.004-04:00

This is Sandra writing of her tour of an orphanage near Casablanca:
The orphanage is set up like a village; it is clean and quite lovely, with duplex one-story houses which have one “mother” for up to 8 kids. This “mother” takes a vow not to marry. And, the village has one “dad” figure. Within the village they had goats, chickens, a carpentry shop, blacksmith, and a school. One side of the village was for kids with mental illnesses.

There is great shame in the Moroccan culture to have a child out of wedlock. When it happens, the woman usually leaves her home town and goes to a city to have the baby, then she would leave it at the doorstep of a mosque.

Girl's room at the orphanage

Sandra with one of the orphanage kids

Marrakech experience

2010-09-13T07:50:00.001-04:00

I just returned from a 2 day, one night, trip to Marrakech, one of the old and historic towns in Morocco. We had a large bus load of 39 people which made an intimate look at the narrow and windy alleys of this quaint town quite difficult. And, like many organized tours, the tour company laid on several “touristy” things, like belly dancing after dinner.

But, on the second day we had an interesting journey into the Atlas mts, a mt. chain that runs generally north-south in the interior of Morocco. While the coastal area (Rabat, Casablanca) enjoys a Mediterranean climate, if we were to have had time to crest the Atlas mts and venture further east we would have come to rather arid land and the Sahara. We did have the opportunity to spend a bit of the morning in a Berber village and although “staged” for us, we got inside a “typical” home and were shown the art of making mint tea. On the way to the village we stopped briefly at a road side store where many fossils were being sold. I did bargain for a fossil that had been found in the higher Atlas mts—it will be placed in my library next to the fossil I had purchased near Beirut.

As part of their grade, students are required to do some type of research and writing for their classes while on their field trips. For my two world regional geography classes I have established the theme of “place” and have asked my students to find some sub-theme, such as architecture, churches, the market place, gardens, etc that help define a culture. One of my students was along with me on our journey to the Berber village and was quite enthused with what she saw and she came up to me to say that she knew what her first writing was going to be on. It is an added dimension to teaching to have access to the students, and vice versa, outside the class room.

A fossil from the Atlas mountains, in Morocco

A Berber man and his donkey

Mimi, one of my students, at the mint tea ceremony

Love those Life Long Learners

2010-09-10T14:26:00.002-04:00

At lunch today, prior to the afternoon excursions into Casablanca, one nice woman who was part of the life long learners group on board the voyage said I reminded her of Paul Newman:

me, in the eyes of a life long learner

Field Trips: Spain

2010-09-10T02:20:00.005-04:00

A significant part of the Semester at Sea experience is the field trips in each port. Twenty percent of a student’s grade in each course derives from projects associated with land travel (either independent or structured). Before this voyage began we were given a long list of scheduled excursions, some of which we had to sign up for before leaving (primarily the overnight trips). Sandy and I went thru the offerings and identified the ones we each were interested in taking. Often we will be going separate ways on any given day.

Thus, while in Cadiz we were together on a two day, one night trip to Sevilla and Cordoba. But, on day trips she headed out to Jerez and Hierro del Bocado to see how sherry is produced and to see the Carthusian horses; on another day she took a White town route ending in having lunch in Ronda, the locale where the Moors had an uprising against Ferdinand and Isabella. And, on the last day in Cadiz she took a walking tour of the market place, sampling the food.

Both Sevilla and Cordoba had charming historic sections with beautiful cathedrals. The Sevilla cathedral houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus, suspended in the air by four statutues. Sevilla’s Alcazar was built in 913 as both a palace and fort. The highlight of our Cordoba tour was the massive Mezquita, originally a mosque which had been overbuilt by the Christians. But, Sandy probably would have preferred to stay with stone masons we encountered early in the day placing small vertical stones for pathways. Instead of returning the hotel for the bland buffet lunch several of us stayed in the historic section for a delightful lunch.

I went on a walking tour of Cadiz focusing on its churches. And, on the last day I went to Gibraltar, a trip I had organized specifically for my courses, a Faculty Directed Practica (FDP). Each professor was asked to design and organize about 3 of these FDPs for his/her courses. Clearly the focus of this day trip was the “Rock” which is strategically situated on the northern side of the Strait of Gibraltar, the only entrance/ exit to the Mediterranean, other than the Suez Canal.. The British have occupied this small peninsula since 1704 and on several occasions since then have had to survive sieges. During WWII the tunnel system inside the Rock expanded to 38 miles, more than the road system.


Sandra in Rondo


The "rock" of Gibraltar

Monkees of Gibraltar

About to have lunch in a quaint restaurant in Sevilla

Hola: we have reached land

2010-09-04T11:48:00.003-04:00

Early this morning, about 0730, we arrived at Cadiz, Spain. My promise to my World Regional geography class that this part of Spain enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate (Csa on the Koppen-Geiger map) has been delivered. We have a cloudless, blue sky day, although it is a bit warm (91 deg) and humid. As I was standing along the rail this morning watching the tugs nudge us into port, Archbishop Desmond Tutu came along side me. It provided a nice photo-op and a few minutes of chat time with him. He recently retired and is using our voyage, with his wife, to relax. He has made himself accessible to the students. During the voyage he will be talking to the student body, particularly just before we arrive in South Africa.

After the immigration officers “cleared” the ship (all of our passports have been given to the purser and he handles all the formalities) many headed off the ship to begin independent travels through out Spain (one Semester at Sea rule is that you have to remain in country, with my field trip to Gibraltar, in a few days, being the one exception at this stop). Sandy and I have signed up for many of the formal field trips that have been organized, but we often will be going on different ones, like this morning. I joined a half day walking tour of the churches of Cadiz while Sandy headed a bit out of town to Jerez to see how sherry is produced and then to see the Carthusian horses.

Me and the Archbishop as we arrive in Cadiz

"New" Cathedral in Cadiz; made by shells (on bottom) and sandstone (on top)

The Semester has begun

2010-09-02T02:39:00.002-04:00

The first day out of Halifax (Sat—days of the week become meaningless once classes begin as everyone focuses on which “A” or “B” day it is). There will be a total of 22 class sessions for the A and B day courses, followed at the end by 4 days of final exams before we end our journey in San Diego on 13 December.

Departing Halifax

The first day or two at sea were a bit rough and many students couldn’t quite get to class, or stay in class. It was good that the faculty and staff had the several days at sea between Norfolk and Halifax as I do not believe any ill effects were felt by this component of the ship’s population.

As I write this blog entry I have just completed my “A2” day of teaching. On A days I teach one section of World Regional Geography to a class of 22 (from 1215 to 1330 in a room that is carved out of the rear of the union (auditorium). On B days I teach a second section of World Regional Geography, to 26 students (1045-1200) in a classroom that is at midship. Then, later on B afternoons (1445-1610) I am back in the union teaching Geography of the Oceans to 20 students. In addition to the registered students I also have between 2 and 5 “life long learners” (LLLs) and spouses of faculty who sit in. The LLLs are people who have payed to be a part of the Semester at Sea community and they are allowed to take courses, space permitting.

Sandy has begun attending her intro to drawing class and already has some nice entries into her sketch book.

We will complete A3 and B3 teaching days before reaching Spain. Whenever we are in port we stop our classroom teaching and land field trips, either structured or independent, commence. Each professor was responsible for creating at least 3 field trips, named Faculty Directed Practica (FDPs). My first come occurs while we are in Spain. With the help of a former State Dept colleague, I have organized a day trip to Gibraltar, about a 2 hour bus trip from the ship. In addition to getting a tour of the “rock” we will receive a briefing from a former US Naval officer who had been the US rep there.

In future blog entries I will continue to describe life on board.

One of my classes

Some of Sandra's art work; the "early" period

The Journey Begins: Norfolk to Halifax

2010-08-26T21:46:00.001-04:00

Our 4 month journey began well with no glitches in getting to the ship in Norfolk—flight was on time, all the bags made it (as well as the two boxes and one map tube sent ahead of time). We boarded the MV Explorer early Monday afternoon and immediately check out our room. At first, it seemed a bit small but 1) we were able to stow all of our stuff with room to spare and 2) after talking with a few others who had smaller rooms we felt very happy with our room 4100. I am guessing the dimensions to be about 10 x 16. There are two twin beds each with a night stand; a long credenza with drawers and cabinets and a small refrig. A relatively large closet with adequate hangars and drawers and a small safe is enough for our belongings. And, finally a small but functional bathroom with shower (that delivers nice hot water).

Our room, No. 4100

Every one obtains a pictured “key card” which, along with wearing clothes, is about the most important item to have on your body. It gets you on board, in your room, and pays for any incidentals (that specialty coffee, pizza/burger at the snack bar, or clothes and things from the bookstore).

All faculty and staff were on board by about 1500 (need to speak and understand nautical lingo) and the ship departed at 2300. The next two days we were at sea with windy rainy weather (and moderate seas). We were in “orientation” mode learning all aspects of the ship and the mode of teaching while at sea, and configuring our computers (and now having about 3 more ids and passwords to remember). While at sea we have access to both the internet and the intra-net. For the former students have about 120 minutes of free access while faculty have unlimited time. But, only 50 people can be signed onto the internet at any given time, so a KEY instruction was for people to properly sign off the internet, even briefly, so as to allow others to get on. Suggestions, such as drafting one’s blog (like this one) should be done in Word, offline and then pasted in while on the internet.

I write this first blog on Thurs—we arrived into Halifax at about 0800, creeping in amid fog and rain. Fortunately the rain stopped by early afternoon when Sandy and I, along with Dave the IT guy and Judy the Art prof headed into town to buy art supplies for Sandy and Dave. The two of them are going to audit Judy’s beginning drawing class—among other things, they will be drawing every day.

Sandy getting her art supplies in Halifax with Dave Weitz (the IT guy) and Judy (the art teacher)

The Life Long Learners, 62 of them, are boarding this afternoon. They technically are not students although some have registered for some classes. They range in age from 89 to 8 months (yes, the LLL can bring dependents on board—in fact, there are about 23 dependents on board). The LLLs may sit in on classes, space permitting; and, they participate in virtually all aspects of the voyage—not sure what that all entails, but I will find out.

Tonight, about 435 parents boarded for a great reception during which us faculty gave tours of the ship – followed by presentations by the Deans and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (who boarded today). So, that is about it for this first entry. Do check back frequently as I hope to post something at least after every port, if not a bit more frequently.

Sandra in the Halifax gardens

One week to go

2010-08-15T21:40:00.000-04:00

On 23 August Sandy and I, along with other faculty, staff and spouses, will board the M/V Explorer in Norfolk, Va to begin our 4-month voyage. Today, we both received confirmation of several land field trips that we had requested while in the various ports. Sandy and I agreed that we would go through the wonderful and varied trip offerings deciding separately which land-based adventures appealed to each of us.

There are several trips on which we will be together, such as a two-day trip to Sevilla and Cordoba, while in Spain; a 3-day South African safari in the Kariega park; a trip to Ankgor Wat in Cambodia. But, in other areas we will head in different directions. In Morocco, for example, while Sandy heads off to Marrakech and a camel ride, I also will go to Marrakech, but then go to the Ourika valley. And, when we get to China I will head to Beijing for a few days while Sandy goes to Guilin and Yangshou.

More will be written on these and other adventures once we get underway, with photos, so check back to my blog often, starting on 27 August when we depart from Halifax with all the students on board.

Getting Ready for the Voyage

2010-05-13T16:29:00.000-04:00

Well, the fall semester departure is about 101 days away. The faculty and staff embark on 23 August in Norfolk and then sail north to Halifax where the students board. Sandy and I are busy getting shots (Yellow Fever shot to enter Ghana), visas (for Ghana, India, and China) and filling out endless forms for the Semester at Sea admin people.

I am also finalizing several field trips which are named "Faculty Directed Practica-- FDPs" in which I will assist a local person in leading students to a particular site that will enhance the courses that I am teaching. I will have 4 FDPs: a day trip to Gibraltar to receive a general tour of the "Rock" and to get a briefing from a former US Naval officer who now works for a company that found an old sunken Spanish ship that is located on the seafloor that is disputed between Spain and the UK. Then, in Casablanca I am putting together a tour that had been used in a previous trip, over 10 years ago which will take the students on a cultural tour around the city and region including one of the largest mosques in the area. Then, once we arrive in Mauritius I will help lead my last two FDPs-- first to the Jummah Mosque where we will get a lecture from one of the religious leaders and then the students will have the chance to meet with Mauritian students. And, finally my Oceans students will receive a briefing at one of the country's marine scientific research institutes, followed by several hours of snorkeling in their reef system.

I will be teaching 3 courses-- two sections of World Regional Geography and a course on the Geography of the Oceans. I have just received information on the times and rooms on the ship during which I will be teaching them. We teach only when we are at sea and the teaching days are divided into "A" and "B" days. On the A day I have only one class-- a section of the World Regional Geography from 12:15 to 13:30; on B days I teach the other World Regional Geography class from 10:45 to noon and then in the afternoon, 14:55-16:10 I teach my Oceans class. The land field trips will comprise 20% of the grade for all the classes.

Do check back to this blog, after August 23 as I intend to write as frequently as I can and to include photos.

A New Voyage next fall

2009-09-10T08:34:00.002-04:00

As many of you probably know, literally a day before my wife and I were to fly to Miami to join the ship for the spring '09 semester I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and advised not to delay treatment. It was difficult to inform Dean Reg Garrett that I would not be able to make the trip (I had given him a heads up around Christmas time that this cancellation could occur).

Well, the Semester at Sea folks, and particularly Dean Gies, have been kind enough to invite me to be on the faculty for the fall 2010 voyage. So, I am dusting off my files and preparing to teach 3 courses: two sections of World Regional Geography and a Geography of the Oceans course. The faculty will depart out of Norfolk around Aug. 23 next year. The students will get on board the ship in Halifax several days later. On the side of this blog is the proposed itinerary.