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| me, in the eyes of a life long learner |
Friday, September 10, 2010
Love those Life Long Learners
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:
Field Trips: Spain
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.
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.
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| Sandra in Rondo |
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| The "rock" of Gibraltar |
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| Monkees of Gibraltar |
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| About to have lunch in a quaint restaurant in Sevilla |
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Hola: we have reached land
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.
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.
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| Me and the Archbishop as we arrive in Cadiz |
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| "New" Cathedral in Cadiz; made by shells (on bottom) and sandstone (on top) |
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Semester has begun
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.
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.
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| Departing Halifax |
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.
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| One of my classes |
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| Some of Sandra's art work; the "early" period |
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Journey Begins: Norfolk to Halifax
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).
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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Sandra in the Halifax gardens |
Sunday, August 15, 2010
One week to go
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.
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.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Getting Ready for the Voyage
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.
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.
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