Life on the ship

There is so much to do while we are on the ship and I’m trying to get involved in as much as possible.  On Thursday I taught my first yoga class and had 10 people!  Then I had so many people asking me about the class that I decided to do it again yesterday (even though I’m only scheduled to do it every other day) and I had 19 people!  Both days I had a good mix—a few guys in each class, a couple of professors, and even one of the kids on the ship.  Since there are so many children, I’m going to do a separate kids class tomorrow.  I can’t wait!

Doing yoga outside on the deck while looking out at the ocean is one of the most beautiful and relaxing experiences.  The only challenge is the rocky waves and the wind.   It is difficult to do basic poses, let alone teach them, when the ship is rocking back and forth.  And the ship has been moving so much.  The water is even starting to splash up onto my window!  Supposedly it is nothing to worry about but I’ve never experienced such rough seas.  Our dresser drawers fall out in the middle of the night and plates fly off the tables at dinner.  When we lie out on the deck, all the chairs shift from one side and then to the other.

Not only do the rough seas make doing yoga interesting, but trying to run on the treadmill is quite an experience.  The ship rocks so far back and forth that you have to hold on with both hands to stop yourself from sliding off of one side. Some people make it look effortless and don’t even hold on, but I’m not taking any chances; I fasten the safety device to my shirt with pride.  With all the risks involved in traveling—catching  malaria, getting lost in a foreign city, or getting attacked by a wild animal in the Amazon—there is no way I’m going down because of a treadmill!

Aside from yoga and working out, I have also been going to a morning meditation class and I’m planning on taking a spiritual dance class tonight.  I love being able to try all these new things!  I’m also signed up for “Vicarious Voyage,” a program that pairs up SAS students with an elementary school from the United States and we become pen pals and send them packages.  I’m excited to do this since I remember how much I loved having a pen pal when I was younger.

I also signed up to get an “Extended Family,” which is an assigned group of about 5 students and an adult (professor, lifelong learner, etc.) who will meet on a weekly basis and serve as your family away from home.  I really like this idea, even though I know it won’t replace the wonderful family I have at home.

I also introduced myself to a few of the families and offered to babysit, so hopefully I’ll be doing that soon.  Maybe I’ll meet a few more in my yoga class tomorrow.  The kids on the ship are all so adorable.  I can’t wait to get to know them.

Well that is all for now… just a few more days until Hawaii! I can’t wait!