Remember that time when...

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 stop is at a market in Tarroudant. I cherish my first breakfast here: delectable bread with honey, and a glass of juice so fresh it tastes like it was just picked from a citrus tree. Bliss. By mid-day, we arrive in Talouine... it is here that I experience my first Moroccan tagine. It, like all of its followers, makes me relish this country’s cuisine (side note: I see a trend forming in my worship of food in all ports we’ve been in. Most of my shorts have elastic waistbands: I’m good).

After settling in to our motel, we go on a hike to check out a local kasbah – and yes, we rocked ‘it…. and yes, that song was in my head in entire time we were there. A kind local man gives us a tour of the surroundings, and shows us his saffron and olive plantations. Fancy. In the nearby market town, some students barter for traditional desert garb….and end up looking more like characters out of Star Wars: Episode One than they do the locals. Nevertheless, they are taking in all the sights and sounds, and are learning and appreciating the cultural differences that many of them are being introduced to for the first time.

The next morning, we continue our trek to the desert, where we will ride camels into the Sahara sunset. Incredible. I name my first camel Geraldine…she’s of a dusty tan colour, with long lashes and pretty blue eyes. Riding behind me is Mr. President, Christina’s camel, a rambunctious white-furred giant. Not one for boundaries, Mr. President nudges his face next to me, sticks out his tongue and slobbers all over my left arm about mid-way through our trek to our camping site. I had no idea camels were so forward. Jason, our shipboard director, gets his nipple gnawed at by a different camel, who, it turns out, also has a penchant for Coca-Cola. Seriously. Who knew! Upon learning the eccentricities of camel behaviour, my second humped beauty gets the name “Blanche”, in honour of my favourite Golden Girl… until I find out she’s a male. Based on his white fur, I give him the name Snowball for the remainder of our time together.

We make it to our campsite just in time to run up the sand dunes and watch the sunset. Ahh, sunsets… I don’t think I’ll ever tire of them. Shortly thereafter, the crew makes its way down to our carpeted abode, where we are treated to local music while dining. We spend the night enjoying mint tea, sitting around the bonfire, learning Moroccan dances, admiring the starry night, and the myriad of shooting stars. I haven’t a shred of doubt that I will soon be looking back on this experience, weeks, months, and years from now, blissfully reminiscing about that time I was in the Sahara desert with my tall ship family.

Overall, Morocco had treated us to friendly people, beautiful sights, great memories.. and delicious food, of course. We left port in the afternoon of November 9th, fingers crossed for fairer winds…and.. it worked!

Our 9 day sail to Senegal was nothing short of amazing. Beautiful sunny skies and starry nights, calm seas and great sailing. Why people choose to make a career of sailing is no longer a mystery harder to figure out than that of the Sphinx, or of how they get the caramel into the Caramilk bar. It is BEAUTIFUL… I learn how to helm the ship, and steer our 499-ton vessel for an hour. Though Christina and I veer her off course about 20 degrees for a bit (woops), we quickly figure out how to keep her on track… and it is immensely rewarding….not to mention awesome! I am fairly confident that steering a ship off the coast of Africa will probably be another one of those “Remember that time when…” memories…the first of many, I’m sure.

The stillness of the ocean means I spend some time on my favourite ship spot…the bowsprit! The only thing missing to make this day perfect is a dolphin sighting…. And it happens! Nearly twenty dolphins are swimming about ten feet below me, and I am in awe. Watching them play makes me happy beyond describable measure.

Normal ship movements also mean a social life on the ship! Hooray! Many activities are planned throughout the sail, most with the purpose of raising funds for our initiatives in Senegal. A group of girls have created a restaurant called “Crepes Afloat” on board…they make crepes in the galley (ship talk for kitchen), and garnish them with Nutella and fruit, and sell them for a profit. We also have an auction on board, with students and staff offering services for funds. My offer of taking on a 2-hour night watch, and reading a bedtime story on the bowsprit fetches 22$....in comparison, the cake the cook is offering to bake gets 130$... and the whole evening raises over one thousand dollars…pretty impressive!

Whether it be an fantastic port city, special people we meet along the way, pet animals that can’t be bought at the store, or learning something new on the ship, I will always remember it….these are the stories I’ll be telling my grandkids. These are the memories that I feel so, so lucky to be creating. This is where I should be, this is where I want to be.

(That being said, I miss you guys like crazy! Love hearing from you, and will see some of you in 2 months, and others in May ☺).

Love, Chant.