All Aboard!!

8-29-08
We got on the ship today!! The line to get on was super long but we got here pretty early around 9 am. It was so hot and humid we were all dripping sweat while we dragged our enormous bags through the line until we reached checkout. We started talking to 3 girls in front of us and it turns out two out of the three are on our hall on the ship! So we all exchanged room numbers so we could call each other to meet up for the events of the day. We had tacos for lunch. We walked all around the ship and it is absolutely gorgeous! As we walked we not only met other students but one of the life-long learners. He was darling. We did a safety drill where we had to wear our life jackets and go to our assigned lifeboats while they did roll call. It was a long process, but was yet another chance to meet new people!

When we took off from the dock there were so many parents out there waving and holding up signs to send us off. There was also an outdoor bar near the dock and they were all chearing and waving as well! It was so exciting and was just a chance to look at the beautiful view and take it all in. I couldn’t believe all my planning and anticipation was finally turning into a reality! I got a little teary eyed just thinking about how privileged and grateful I am to be able to go on this trip!