the prime meridian...

I really wasn't expecting to be so excited to cross the prime meridian
at the 0º'0º mark, but I must admit - it was one of the coolest moments!
Everyone was out on the back decks together and the captain blared the
horn as we crossed. An experience I will likely never get again, but am
extremely happy about.

albatross...

Last night, about 800 miles off the coast of Argentina, I was with a few
people on the back deck and we had the pleasure of seeing about 5 adult
albatross flying around us. We stood out there for nearly 45 minutes
while these huge and magnificent birds sailed in the air right around
the ship. They were checking us out as much as we were checking them out
and they flew within a few feet of the ship. Not once, in the entire
time we watched, did we see a wing flap. These birds are huge and
unreal. Did you know that they can live off land for nearly 10 years at
a time? We tried, without success, to get one to land on the ship.

I think the most fun part of the whole experience was watching Don G.
watch the birds. He is the Global Studies professor on board, a hoot and
a half, and was just giddy about seeing them. It was hard to not be
enthralled watching his excitement about the albatross!

wow...

I know you're surprised that I'm SO FAR BEHIND on this blog. The good
news is that I've got a few days to catch up, a personal goal of
catching up before porting in Buenos Aires and a copious amount of notes
& journal entries that will help me remember everything I want to tell you.

miss and love,
kate

back at sea.

ahhh... it is SO nice to be back at sea - especially when the sun is out, the weather and water are warm and the seas are smooth. There is really nothing as relaxing as this. As much as I love visiting new places and exploring the ports, I am always grateful for the multiple day stretches at sea.

We have had a number of one day crossings on this voyage, which has been difficult on the community. It's been a bit difficult to get to know one another and really build the ties that make this program what it is. During this six day stretch folks really seem to be taking time out to reflect, study and truly enjoy one another. Last night we had our first dance party in the faculty/staff lounge and it was so fun to see the staff/faculty group continue to form and just be in the moment.

One of my favorite things to do on the ship is to stare out at the moon, the night sky and the water. Last night we took advantage of the cloudless night to go outside and embrace the amazing star-filled sky. The dusting of the milky way added to the beauty and it was a chance to really embrace the natural wonders around us.

We have a wonderful astronomy professor on board and on exceptionally clear nights the ship turns off the lights so he can teach and so we can allow ourselves to get swallowed up into the darkness of the water and sky.