Ok folks! I know that it has been such a long time since I have updated this blog and the fact that I haven't put up some new photos since the beginning of time has some you wondering is it worth me going on line to read my blog at all, and to that I say yes stankins because despite these minor offenses, you haven't seen me in almost two months or for some of you longer, so bare with me. I'm in Vietnam now and I know I haven't recapped on Mauritius, India or Malaysia, so I will do that now. First I must shout out (I know) to Lynda who has written me some great letters and I have yet to write her a letter but I have sent a postcard to you, I hope you get it, and a letter for all my old friends at the ARC. Thank you to all those who have sent me letters, cards, or postcards I really needed them and they came right on time. Ok, here's the nitty gritty thus far:
Chennai, Inida:
This was the first port on the trip where I felt like I was actually traveling the world. I say this because in all the other ports I could find things that reminded me of home or had things that were familiar to me. I could relate some of the neighborhoods and restaurants to things I would see back on Market St. or in around town in Oakland. In Chennai the familiar disappeared. It was the city where I felt all of me was required. I should say it was more like a demand. I had to be completely aware of my surrounding, not because it was unsafe, but because there was an assault on my senses. There was so much to take in at one time. While you are dealing with the colors, smells, and beautiful saris on the women walking by, you are also checking out the cows (which are sacred) roaming around on the streets, the honking of about 200 motor scooters, and cars, naked children on the streets with their mothers waiting for someone to give them enough to eat for the day, and the heat beating down on you while you are bargaining for a taxi or ricksaw. What I'm writing to you isn't even a 10th of what I saw or experienced. I didn't go to the Taj which I thought was going to make my trip a little less than what I expected but that was not the case. I had an amazing time and it is hard to understand the level of poverty and beauty you see in one place. I kept struggling within myself because I was operating from a place of privilege which isn't an all together familiar feeling and seeing so many with so little. I didn't know whether to be angry, sad, or to feel guilty. Here comes a ship load of people from the USA with buying power galore to come and experience a country in less than 7 days. What was I going to take home with me aside from the purchases. It got to a point before I got on this ship that I my heart had taken a beating from losing someone and being heartbroken and I didn't have much left. I wanted to cry, moan, or shout but at who. So when I mentioned I was still processing everything, I mean that the life changing moments don't always happen the moment you are experiencing the life changing (if that makes sense). I'm going to stop for now and I know I need to give you some more of my experiences in Mauritius, Chennai, Malaysia, and now Vietnam. I miss you all and I can't wait to see your faces.
Love,
Shayla
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
I'm BACK!
Ahoy!
I know that it has been awhile since I have written in my blog. My last one indicated I would give you the low down on Brazil and South Africa. We just left Cape Town and what I have to update you on from that city alone could take some time in and of itself! The one thing that I will not have in this entry is pictures. The reason for a photo less blog this time around is because of the internet minutes. I don't have enough time to download my pics and give you an entry. I will be working with a friend on the ship who will has helped me set up a "Flicker" account which is a website where friends, family, and ner'do wells can view your posted pics. OK, now on to the juicy bits:
Bahia, Brazil: I must give you fair warning that I spent two of my days in port catching up on some much needed rest. Many of you will be dropped jawed that I would waste anytime while in port to sleep but none of you can fully contemplate being onboard a ship working like crazy for 7 to 8 days straight and no weekends with college aged students all . . . day. . . long, so don't judge me, I was sleepy. Besides the must needed rest the ship community must have diplomatic briefings before we disembark as well as pre-port logistical and cultural meetings. During this time the faculty, interport lecture (a guest from that country which is usually a student), and the Field Office (wonderful staff members who coordinate all the trips while we're in port) give us much needed information. We find out about the political and social climate of the country, how to be around of our surroundings, and respectful of the culture and the people. Well the one for Brazil scared the crap outta me! It seems as if everyone had a horror story when they got up to the mic and I felt like I had to have CIA covert training before I got of the ship! I realize that this is done because most of the students needed to understand and be aware of their behaviors, which may be ok in the US, doesn't always work in other countries.
Now, keep in mind we are in Bahia during Carnivale, which is like nothing I've ever seen. The weather was hot and all you saw whereever you went were people who looked like me everywhere. My first venture out was Itaparica Island where I frolicked on the beach and had a wonderful lunch. Side note Brazilian food is the bomb! It was the type of food that makes your eyes roll back into head, unbutton your pants, and let it all hang out, kind of food! All . . . hang . . . out! Speaking of all hang out, another thing I noticed is that whatever body type you had, the people of Brazil celebrates you doin' you! Meaning if you have a belly then a half shirt is in order, if you have a little celly, then where those shorts, if your arms had the wing flaps we so desperately try to hide on any given Sunday, then in Brazil it meant going and getting all your sleeveless tees you owned. Bottom line, they don't care. I LOVE IT! And you are still fine! You had some women who were in good shape, one who I saw completely naked dancing on top of one of the buses, but then you had women with all kinds of shapes, and no one had time to criticize who shouldn't be wearing what, the agenda had only one item, Partay! Now, you know me. I started a little slow but then got into the swing of things. I will tell you the night I went dancing out in the streets with 2 good friends and it was AMAZING. The music was pounding and there were so many bodies out on the street we were all pressed against each other trying to breath, dance, move! I can't tell you how good it felt to be so free. I highly recommend you getting to a place in life, wherever you are where self-consciousness doesn't weigh you down and you can be you. If you want more details, I have none. You'll have to speak with me in person because a mere blog cannot say.
Cape Town, South Africa: I'M GOING BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA! I'm going, I'm going, I'm going. If I thought I was beautiful in Brazil, darlings, I'm drop dead gorgeous in South Africa. Khy and Wendy you were so right! Gold star for Marcus! Hercules, Hercules, Hercules! I'm still processing from South Africa so forgive me if I'm a little loopy in me recounting the 7 "not enough" days in Cape Town. Here are the highlights:
Robben Island - I went there at sunset and it was such an emotional place to be (I didn't cry) but I have Nelson Mandela's autobiography A Long Walk Home and to actually see what he was writing about, there isn't enough in my soul to spare.
Table Mountain/Lion's Head - There is nothing like it. It just made me in awe of God's amazing artistry. Only He could create something so beautiful. I didn't get a chance to climb it but everyday I got to look at the clouds laying across it like a table cloth and then spilling over it.
Skydiving: THAT'S RIGHT BABY! I jumped my scary tail out of a plane with nothing but my tandem partner and a parachute! Now, I had to make up for not being able to go on a safari and how! I saw all of Cape Town and some other towns too while I was up there. Let me just tell you I knew I was meant to do it because there was not a nervous bone in my body, I was meant to touch the sky!
Langa Township Visit: There is nothing like it. Nothing that I have seen in my life. To see poverty on that kind of level and babies who aren't old enough to understand smiling amidst what civilized people do to one another is nothing short of astonishing. I met some really beautiful people there but I still need time on this one.
Long St: Long St. is where all the clubs, shops, and restaurants are in the city. So I went to Marvel, which is a club, yes folks, that’s right, a club. I didn’t get home until nearly 5 a.m. No, I’m not getting buck wild, yes – I’m having a good time. I had this guy who went to Stanford breathin’ all on my neck for half of the night and when I wasn’t being entertained by him, I was out on the dance floor shakin’ it up. I’m old(er) so um . . . yeah that was my first and last night staying up that long. I LOVE MY BED and as most of you know, my plans are usually ways I can make my way back to it.
Dinner at Archbishop Desmond Tutu & his Wife's House: They are the most loving and kind family. There house is a home, I felt welcomed and laughed the whole night. Miriam, I found a laughing partner at this party too, it never fails! I'm trying to be a sophisticated lady and it was going well until a piece of my carrot rolled underneath a chair, nice. Don't worry I got it, in my own special, save face way.
There is so much more but I will leave it at this. I miss all of you, my family and my friends. If I haven't written you yet, please don't hate me, your letter/postcard is on its way!
Love,
Shayla
I know that it has been awhile since I have written in my blog. My last one indicated I would give you the low down on Brazil and South Africa. We just left Cape Town and what I have to update you on from that city alone could take some time in and of itself! The one thing that I will not have in this entry is pictures. The reason for a photo less blog this time around is because of the internet minutes. I don't have enough time to download my pics and give you an entry. I will be working with a friend on the ship who will has helped me set up a "Flicker" account which is a website where friends, family, and ner'do wells can view your posted pics. OK, now on to the juicy bits:
Bahia, Brazil: I must give you fair warning that I spent two of my days in port catching up on some much needed rest. Many of you will be dropped jawed that I would waste anytime while in port to sleep but none of you can fully contemplate being onboard a ship working like crazy for 7 to 8 days straight and no weekends with college aged students all . . . day. . . long, so don't judge me, I was sleepy. Besides the must needed rest the ship community must have diplomatic briefings before we disembark as well as pre-port logistical and cultural meetings. During this time the faculty, interport lecture (a guest from that country which is usually a student), and the Field Office (wonderful staff members who coordinate all the trips while we're in port) give us much needed information. We find out about the political and social climate of the country, how to be around of our surroundings, and respectful of the culture and the people. Well the one for Brazil scared the crap outta me! It seems as if everyone had a horror story when they got up to the mic and I felt like I had to have CIA covert training before I got of the ship! I realize that this is done because most of the students needed to understand and be aware of their behaviors, which may be ok in the US, doesn't always work in other countries.
Now, keep in mind we are in Bahia during Carnivale, which is like nothing I've ever seen. The weather was hot and all you saw whereever you went were people who looked like me everywhere. My first venture out was Itaparica Island where I frolicked on the beach and had a wonderful lunch. Side note Brazilian food is the bomb! It was the type of food that makes your eyes roll back into head, unbutton your pants, and let it all hang out, kind of food! All . . . hang . . . out! Speaking of all hang out, another thing I noticed is that whatever body type you had, the people of Brazil celebrates you doin' you! Meaning if you have a belly then a half shirt is in order, if you have a little celly, then where those shorts, if your arms had the wing flaps we so desperately try to hide on any given Sunday, then in Brazil it meant going and getting all your sleeveless tees you owned. Bottom line, they don't care. I LOVE IT! And you are still fine! You had some women who were in good shape, one who I saw completely naked dancing on top of one of the buses, but then you had women with all kinds of shapes, and no one had time to criticize who shouldn't be wearing what, the agenda had only one item, Partay! Now, you know me. I started a little slow but then got into the swing of things. I will tell you the night I went dancing out in the streets with 2 good friends and it was AMAZING. The music was pounding and there were so many bodies out on the street we were all pressed against each other trying to breath, dance, move! I can't tell you how good it felt to be so free. I highly recommend you getting to a place in life, wherever you are where self-consciousness doesn't weigh you down and you can be you. If you want more details, I have none. You'll have to speak with me in person because a mere blog cannot say.
Cape Town, South Africa: I'M GOING BACK TO SOUTH AFRICA! I'm going, I'm going, I'm going. If I thought I was beautiful in Brazil, darlings, I'm drop dead gorgeous in South Africa. Khy and Wendy you were so right! Gold star for Marcus! Hercules, Hercules, Hercules! I'm still processing from South Africa so forgive me if I'm a little loopy in me recounting the 7 "not enough" days in Cape Town. Here are the highlights:
Robben Island - I went there at sunset and it was such an emotional place to be (I didn't cry) but I have Nelson Mandela's autobiography A Long Walk Home and to actually see what he was writing about, there isn't enough in my soul to spare.
Table Mountain/Lion's Head - There is nothing like it. It just made me in awe of God's amazing artistry. Only He could create something so beautiful. I didn't get a chance to climb it but everyday I got to look at the clouds laying across it like a table cloth and then spilling over it.
Skydiving: THAT'S RIGHT BABY! I jumped my scary tail out of a plane with nothing but my tandem partner and a parachute! Now, I had to make up for not being able to go on a safari and how! I saw all of Cape Town and some other towns too while I was up there. Let me just tell you I knew I was meant to do it because there was not a nervous bone in my body, I was meant to touch the sky!
Langa Township Visit: There is nothing like it. Nothing that I have seen in my life. To see poverty on that kind of level and babies who aren't old enough to understand smiling amidst what civilized people do to one another is nothing short of astonishing. I met some really beautiful people there but I still need time on this one.
Long St: Long St. is where all the clubs, shops, and restaurants are in the city. So I went to Marvel, which is a club, yes folks, that’s right, a club. I didn’t get home until nearly 5 a.m. No, I’m not getting buck wild, yes – I’m having a good time. I had this guy who went to Stanford breathin’ all on my neck for half of the night and when I wasn’t being entertained by him, I was out on the dance floor shakin’ it up. I’m old(er) so um . . . yeah that was my first and last night staying up that long. I LOVE MY BED and as most of you know, my plans are usually ways I can make my way back to it.
Dinner at Archbishop Desmond Tutu & his Wife's House: They are the most loving and kind family. There house is a home, I felt welcomed and laughed the whole night. Miriam, I found a laughing partner at this party too, it never fails! I'm trying to be a sophisticated lady and it was going well until a piece of my carrot rolled underneath a chair, nice. Don't worry I got it, in my own special, save face way.
There is so much more but I will leave it at this. I miss all of you, my family and my friends. If I haven't written you yet, please don't hate me, your letter/postcard is on its way!
Love,
Shayla
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Old San Juan and Me
Hi Everyone,
I know it has been a while since I have posted anything, it's been so busy while I'm on the ship that I haven't had time. So far I have been to Puerto Rico which I highly recommend for a vacation spot or even to up root and live there, believe me I thought about it. It would be difficult for me to relay all the emotions I felt when I first saw the sun rising over this beautiful city. It had been a long time since I have woke up or stayed up to watch the sun rise and it was the most beautiful thing to see. During my stay in P.R. I hung out in Old San Juan where you find most of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There were all these buildings each in a unique color of mango, yellow, green, blue, and color you could think of. I ate at this small cafe called Cafe Puerto Rico, the food was amazing! I went to El Morro which is one of the forts that were used to protect the city and it was as equally beautiful. It faced the vast ocean which no matter how many times I look at it gets more and more beautiful to me each day. You will find that I will tend to use the same adjectives over and over because I am truly at a loss for the right words to describe all my experiences.
So far, I have made some good friends. You will find that in certain situations, such as this one, you tend to build friendships much more quickly. There is this student on this voyage who I love to pieces, her name is Lydia and she attends Humbolt State in Nor. Cali. She reminds me of the MTV character Daria because she ends everything on a somber note but it's hilarious, she doesn't realize she's doing it. I have had several encounters with the Archbishop, we have bumped into each other a few times. I was invited to a Euchrist he conducted in one of the Dean's cabins. I didn't know what a Euchrist was but I found out that it is similar to what I know as communion. I TOOK COMMUNION WITH ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU! So crazy! Right now I'm in Brazil, Bahia and I have a few things lined up my sleeve. Since I have limited internet minutes I will be doing a country combo. So my next entry will be about my experiences in Bahia and South Africa. I hope all of you are well and I miss you all. I feel like the world is changing so quickly and I'm in this bubble separated from it all. I just may come back to find some of you married (Lynda), pregnant, moved, I don't know what! I guess it's good to be disconnected but the feeling is a little uncomfortable. But I signed up for this and I don't regret it one bit. Again, I miss all of you and please write. Camie, Calvin, and Dad if you are reading this, I miss you and love you very much!
-Shayla
Monday, February 5, 2007
Workin' Day & Night/Social Faux Pas . . . .?
I want to thank all of you who have posted messages to my blog. Reading them offers some much needed relief because these last few days have been HECTIC! The students (all 702) have boarded the ship and let's say it has gotten lively ever since they been on board. I have adapted to my new job responsibilities well I must say, especially since I only got 4 days of training to head a office, on a ships, helping a total of 1,004 people. Right now I am making copies crossing the vast ocean and loving every minute of it but Ms. Two is tired! I had a really interesting moment today. As I was waiting in line at the Purser's (reception) desk of the ship guess who I should run into but Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He smiled and said "hello" in the most quiet and gentle way. He asked how I was doing and then put his hand up, palm facing me. Mind you I didn't bring a cultural etiquette book with me, so, I wasn't sure what I should do. I then raised my hand up, my palm facing him, and slowly brought it to his hand. He smiled and then walked away. I was afraid after he left I had done something inappropriate, was I suppose to touch him? I thought the Deans were going to call me into their office and dump me in the next country we port (Puerto Rico). Later on I found out he was giving me a high 5! I will have pictures I promise. I just have been too busy to think straight. Besides you will have pictures from Puerto Rico too. I miss all of you! Don't forget to write. If you need the address of the ports I will be visiting. Just go to www.semesteratsea.com, click on "Voyages" link, Spring 07, and then "Communication." If I'm wrong then don't be lazy, search for it a little. I think I'm worth that much. Oh Lynda, we have these close circuit TVs on the ship and they play all the 80s music . . . SAS and me were meant, the 80s music proves it!
-Shayla
-Shayla
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Bahama Mama
Hi Everyone -
I can't begin to sum up the last 24 hours but here is my small attempt at it. I was sleep deprived when taking the flight into Nassau. The airport was mad! There were so many people travelling that I almost got lost in the check-in line and there was a barking dog in the airport to boot. I was trying to get some shut eye on the flight to Nassau but it was only 4o mins. long. Remember that excitement I was taking about, how I wasn't sure I would be . . . well when I opened my eyes to see the crystal blue water, it flooded over me! I got in a taxi whose driver drove like a bat outta hell (reminded me of you Lisa) and I got to my hotel. It was perfect. I slept in watched Magnum P.I., took some pictures, ate McDonald's (I know, I know), and just took it all in. I'm now on the ship and I have checked into my cabin, it's small, but like everything else perfect. I cried once. My dad, brother, and sister prayed I would have a great trip and be safe and it hit me I was saying good-bye again. I miss my mom so much. She would be so proud to see her baby live her dream. I'm off to bed but the I just wanted you to get the low down so far. Oh Khy and Wendy -- you were right . . . I am quite the looker here on the island and let's just say I have had a few offers come my way. AAAAHHHHHH girl!
I can't begin to sum up the last 24 hours but here is my small attempt at it. I was sleep deprived when taking the flight into Nassau. The airport was mad! There were so many people travelling that I almost got lost in the check-in line and there was a barking dog in the airport to boot. I was trying to get some shut eye on the flight to Nassau but it was only 4o mins. long. Remember that excitement I was taking about, how I wasn't sure I would be . . . well when I opened my eyes to see the crystal blue water, it flooded over me! I got in a taxi whose driver drove like a bat outta hell (reminded me of you Lisa) and I got to my hotel. It was perfect. I slept in watched Magnum P.I., took some pictures, ate McDonald's (I know, I know), and just took it all in. I'm now on the ship and I have checked into my cabin, it's small, but like everything else perfect. I cried once. My dad, brother, and sister prayed I would have a great trip and be safe and it hit me I was saying good-bye again. I miss my mom so much. She would be so proud to see her baby live her dream. I'm off to bed but the I just wanted you to get the low down so far. Oh Khy and Wendy -- you were right . . . I am quite the looker here on the island and let's just say I have had a few offers come my way. AAAAHHHHHH girl!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Nassau . . . Here I Come!
| All right folks - Tommorrow morning I make my way to the Bahamas and as I'm writing this next entry I still have to pack and tie up some loose ends. My brother is kindly looking over my shoulder and making harassing remarks about how I need to hurry up, he's right (unfortunately). I apologize for not getting in touch with everyone but I hope you keep checking in to hear about the crazy stuff I get myself into during my travels! I promise my next entry will be a good one! Shayla |
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Time is Winding Down
Hi All-
I have 2 days before I fly into Nassau to begin my voyage with Semester at Sea. I'm still running around trying to get everything done before I go. Am I excited? Yes and no. I have no idea what to expect or who I will meet or even how this will change my life . . . if it will change my life! How could it not. My friends already know how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time. I look forward to rolling my luggage up to that massive ship which I will call my home for the next 4 months and taking one deep, full breath and Go! I just got my camera today and once I figure out all of the fun little do dads on it, I will upload some pictures to this wonderful site of mine. Mind you I'm just getting use to all the hip new technology out there -- this is coming from someone who doesn't even own a cell phone (what for). All right, I just wanted to write my first blog entry while downloading music to my ipod (thank you again to all of my lovely, wonderful, generous, awesome friends from AAU -- special thanks to my ARC family to whom I owe the best 2 yrs. of my "career").
I have 2 days before I fly into Nassau to begin my voyage with Semester at Sea. I'm still running around trying to get everything done before I go. Am I excited? Yes and no. I have no idea what to expect or who I will meet or even how this will change my life . . . if it will change my life! How could it not. My friends already know how much my life has changed in such a short amount of time. I look forward to rolling my luggage up to that massive ship which I will call my home for the next 4 months and taking one deep, full breath and Go! I just got my camera today and once I figure out all of the fun little do dads on it, I will upload some pictures to this wonderful site of mine. Mind you I'm just getting use to all the hip new technology out there -- this is coming from someone who doesn't even own a cell phone (what for). All right, I just wanted to write my first blog entry while downloading music to my ipod (thank you again to all of my lovely, wonderful, generous, awesome friends from AAU -- special thanks to my ARC family to whom I owe the best 2 yrs. of my "career").
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)