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Showing posts from November, 2010

Remember that time when...

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Arriving in Agadir, Morocco on November 3rd was nothing short of invigorating. Spending over a week in less-than-perfect seas was trying on my enthusiasm, as I think I’ve described accurately in my previous posting. Besides: knowing what lay ahead during our stay in our first African port was enough to make even the most enthused sailor anxious to get to land. A detailed itinerary of our Moroccan adventure, precise to the point of referencing our freshly squeezed orange juice pit stops, had made me highly anticipate our arrival here. Not only that, but this particular port-of-call and program is also a Class Afloat tradition. Its reputation of awesome camel-ride into the Sahara desert, mouth-watering tagines, glorious mint tea, a camping and bonfire adventure under the stars, and local live-music appreciation had already sold me on how special the next few days would be. The morning after our arrival, we embark on a bus, which will become the vessel of our Moroccan adventure. Our first

The highs and lows of life at sea.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Mark Twain I came across this quote, looking through my English resources, preparing for mid-term exams, on what was one of the most difficult days spent at sea thus far. Though I’ve dreamed and hoped for this experience for years now, the reward of this opportunity does not come without its challenges. On this specific occasion, the test at hand presents itself as another squall at sea. On most of our sails, we have encountered fairly severe storms, with winds sometimes nearing hurricane strength. The rolling of the ship, and the general lethargic-ness that it induces can be a morale downer for those of us who dislike the motion of the ocean. Rough weather makes up most of our 11-day sail – and when seas are rough, life on the ship comes to a standsti