Tuesday, September 17, 2013

The Locks

Going through the locks was hot, muggy, hard work, and tiring! I slept through at least six of them, but the ones I was able to be up on deck for were quite exciting. At first everyone was gun ho for going through the locks but by the end we all cheered to finally being out of them. Now all that stands in our way, from here to the Azores, is salt water. I`m so excited! Check out this video that my friend made of us going through the Welland Canal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N0iS5po6xw

The City Inside the Walls

I have been enjoying the streets of Quebec City for the past three days. Exploring the alleyways, boutiques and taste-testing almost every variation of poutine or crepes that is available.

Apart from Quebec being our last port in North America, it was also the first time many of the students and myself got a perspective on how spectacular the journey ahead is going to be! The architecture and European influences of Quebec City gave insight to what’s coming once the Atlantic crossing is complete, and I can't wait. Until Quebec, many of the ports that the Sorlandet has docked at have been westernized and similar to what most of us would find back home.

Sailing into Quebec City I was wide-eyed and excited. The architecture, as well as the walls which surround old-town, were something out of a movie, literally because Catch Me if You Can was filmed here. Our first night in port a few student,s and myself, took a random bus which ended up at the gates to old town Quebec. We finished the night listening to street music (spoons and a banjo) sitting on the wall looking over all of Quebec.

For a port program Class Afloat took us to Montmorency Falls, Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, and a sugar shack! 554 steps later I was at the top of an amazing waterfall, apparently 94 feet higher then Niagara. The cathedral was also very stunning, surreal even. And, to top off our second night the entire Class Afloat crew danced their dinner off at the sugar shack. It was such a wonderful evening.

On our third and final day in Quebec City I took a walking tour of the town all the way to the Plains of Abraham where my class mates and me enjoyed a picnic and discussed Canada's history. Did you know that there's a monument with both Wolfe and Montcalm in the city? Apparently it is one of the few, if not the only, in all of North America that honors two opponents on the same piece. 

With provisioning complete, a deep clean out of the way, and the purchase of snacks to last us all through our night watches as well as studies, it is now safe to say that this year’s crew is ready to embark on our first Atlantic crossing. Wish us good luck, fair winds and full sails. 

The Sorlandet is My Home

Safety; always look after friends.
Ownership; live up to what you say you will do.
Respect; know how to treat others.
Learn; put yourself out there and inquire new knowledge.
Accuracy; constantly work towards impressing the Bosun.
Neat; Store your things appropriately.
Dream; the reason you are here.
Eat; enjoy food and always stay full.
Time; be cautious of the showers.

Initiative; work with intent and for your own benefit, as well as others.
Share; talk with others about your past experience but also be inclusive about the new ones.

Magic; some things happen and there is no answer for why they do.
Yourself; figure out who you are as a person.

Hope; shoot for the stars but land on the moon.
Optimistic; always see the brighter side of life aboard.
Mesmerize; make sure others remember who you are. Leave a legacy.
Enjoy; have fun and be adventurous.

The Joys of Sanitation

Anyone who has ever lived on a boat, in a bus or under extreme water preservation rules would know what I mean when I say that I truly feel deprived of the luxuries I take for granted back home.
While in Erie, we were given full access to the Presque Isle Yacht Club. This meant we could use their washing machines, dryers, and best of all showers. Although it has only been two weeks I almost died at the words “worm long shower”. I never thought that would actually happen, but a 3 minute shower every few days really does not cut it on a sanitation level. Plus, you can’t exactly sing while in the showers on Class Afloat since chances are the entire crew will hear you.

THANK YOU Presque Isle Yacht Club for your generosity! It was greatly appreciated and the entire crew, my self included, are very apologetic about using all your hot water. Although, please trust me when I say it most certainly went to good use.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

The Flagship City

Erie, Pennsylvania. The American pride showed through from the minute our ship sailed in. We followed the Niagara (Erie's flag ship) in a parade of sails, which brought hundreds of people to the docks.

Not much of Erie, apart from the hospitality, was something to write home about. However, we did take a day trip to Niagara Falls. It was the most beutiful natural phenomenon I have ever seen. The Maid of the Mist, which is in its last year running, took us only meters away from the falls themselves. Although we were given complementary rain ponchos, a few of us decided there was no point in the attempt to stay dry so we striped down to our t-shirts and shorts. By the time the Maid of the Mist had made a full round it looked as if I had taken a twenty-minute shower. That was probobly the most amazing experience that I had in our Erie port.

I have to go, adventure calls. More to come on the crews personal hygeine attempts (showers!) when I blog next. Adios.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

It's the Little Things

As I sit here on the foredeck with hot cocoa in hand listening to my shipmates and rocking back and forth, I’ve realised that it’s the little things which make Class Afloat. You can count on expecting a major event to be that aha moment; the moment that changes everything and makes you appreciate Class Afloat for what it is. You can wait and wait for that moment, but all you’ll be is disappointed. I didn’t realise it until now, but there aren’t any major events that make you smile more than your friends will when playing monopoly or a port program which will pump blood through your veins faster than a raging storm.
I was caught off guard by the glory of Detroit’s Labour Day fireworks tonight. It was the first night I felt any home-sickness. The first night I discovered I have a best friend, and the very first time that it hit me I would be gone for nine months. I forgot what it was like to embrace each moment and live expecting to make the most of what comes your way. In all the hype of Class Afloat and Japan I didn’t stop to take a second breath.  Now that I’ve settled in and am beginning a routine, I understand how special this program is and how grateful I am to truly make each little moment count.

The Most Southern Point of Canada

Windsor, Ontario. The Sorlandet docked in Windsor this Labour Day long weekend. We made the stop as participants in a bi-centennial re-enactment of the war of 1812. Windsor in its self is not the most fascinating of all places, but we still managed to have fun during our visit. First of all, if you ever make plans to stop in Windsor ensure you know what it is you want to see. The first day was mainly taken up by a massive search for internet and followed with a short stop at Timmy’s (Tim Hortons) as well as engagement in the festivities on the waterfront. There were bands playing all throughout the day, different stands selling 1812 memorabilia, a bow and arrow target tent and tall ships docked alongside all of it, with the Sorlandet being the largest by far. To top off the night there was a grand screening of the childhood movie favourite “Hook” at the local theater.
Day two the staff aboard the Sorlandet decided to take us out of Windsor for the day and we made our way to Pelee Island (truly the most southern point of Canada). There we did a thirty kilometer bike ride round trip and enjoyed swimming in the great lakes. This, however, left me green and slimy, but it was still a great bonding opportunity for the crew and me.
Tomorrow is the big day! It’s my time to set sail for battle on Lake Eerie. Spoiler alert: The Sorlandet goes down in flames after it’s bombarded by another boat and bathed in a blood bath when a black bear is set loose. Lot’s more to come on the specifications of war when I post next. So, please stay tuned J and I’ll talk to you in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Bye for now.

Culture Shock

Before coming to Japan I thought I knew a fair bit of the culture, but upon arival I quickly learned how nieve i really am. The washrooms, unless western style, are pit toilets at ground level where you squat facing the wall; people here are so kind and the family I am staying with will do anything to please me (I can`t even wash my own dishes or do my own laundry); I also sleep on bamboo to keep cool at night (quite innovative). I can now say that I am fully adjusted to the time difference and enjoying every moment. The CCIA and Lions Club dressed me in the most beautiful kimono that would usually rent for 5,000+ canadian dollars. I even visited Yokohama, as well as go through a ritiual process at the Tsuruoka Hachimangu Temple which dates back to 1063AD. As for the different and unique food, I have tried snail, salmon eggs, sweet potato ice crem, and even horse. I promise to post photos soon.

First Days Home

It’s official! Class Afloat is my new home and as expected I love every moment of it! The first day we boarded the ship it was a living nightmare. I was terrified of being able to fit in, trying to remember my knots and soon-to-be-friends names, as well as school. It is all a bit overwhelming. These fears do often surface in situations like mine, but I thought it cliché to say such a thing. However, it’s a worry that was very alive and true.
The following couple of days weren't all that better and I found myself, once again, worrying about whom I’m going to sit with, how am I supposed to act and whether or not I was missing out because I decided to visit with family rather than shipmates.
I can honestly say, however, that those worries were foggy dreams and memories. Despite what Alumni had said, we as a group are far from being exclusive and distant with our friend groups. We have more or less formed one large family. It’s a wonderful feeling being only a week in and knowing that regardless of the time you sit down for a meal there is always someone who will pick up a conversation with you, or if you are down in the dumps another floatie is more than happy to give up their chocolate. I believe this is common nature in the most basic of families, and I can hardly wait until a month goes by, at which point one can only wonder where we will stand with one another.
The biggest question I have had so far is personal hygiene. Yes it is true that we have moments on the boat where water is rationed and showers are seldom, but at the moment laundry is done once a week and if you are smart about things you can average a three minute semi-hot shower every two days. I’m happy with it though because to be honest I was expecting much worse, we all were.
Deck work becomes the highlight of my time aboard. It means that there is a chance you will be asked to strap into a harness and climb aloft. Although I have only been up twice to date, it is one of the most exciting moments. There is a sense of freedom and nostalgia when you start climbing the mast. It’s a place on the boat that is rarely visited and holds maximum adventure.
Classes, however, are a different story. I am already dreading the time I need to enter the banjer (sleeping, study, hangout space) for class. Two days in and the Political Science teacher has my class of two working towards our thesis and surveys. I never understood what my parents meant by ‘old-school ways’ but now I do. It’s an extremely different world without the luxuries of google for research. One is only limited to the reading material aboard.
There is so much more to say about Class Afloat, but as I am quickly running out of character space I’ll end on a positive note, there is no other way to go while aboard the Sorlandet, and write about my top 5 pros:
1: Showers are steamy hot when they fluctuate in your favour.
2: Everyone is inclusive and friendly, as well as downright hilarious.
3: We love to share our “healthy” snacks (gummy bears, Swiss chocolate, hot chocolate, chips, etc.)
4: Teachers eat every meal at our tables and enjoy rocking it out to any genre of music at cleaning stations.
5: It’s never a dull moment aboard the SS Sorlandet.

Tokyo Disneyland

One can often forget the magic that Disneyland holds. Back in Canada I could have sworn I would never visit Disneyland again. I was too old and too mature in my on mind to be able to withstand an expensive visit to a simple resort, but after seeing Disneyland Tokyo I realized how silly I sounded. It was like being a kid in a candy store! None of us minded that we were sweating buckets, so long we got the chance to experience every ride possible. We all screamed and waved as characters passed by and jumped at the chance to wait in line, for what could have seemed like infinite, just because there was a slim possibility to get front row seats at the Disney water show. Every moment was a joyful and exciting one. I squealed like a little child more times than anyone could keep count and despite whatever thoughts ran through my head before I can insure you they are only a distant memory. Disneyland Tokyo was and always will be amazing!

Up, Up and Away


6 hours and 18 minutes until I board the first of many planes and set of on an adventure of a lifetime. After months of preparation and a bag originally weighing in at over 50 pounds, I am actually leaving. Before I depart though I just wanted to thank everyone who has been behind me and supported me 100% of the way. I hope you will find joy in following my journey and reading about all the crazy adventures I embark on. Adios for now!

Hello World!

25 days until I leave for Japan and I couldn’t be more excited! Welcome to my blog. I will be using this site to keep friends and family at home updated. Feel free to visit as often as you’d like. I will do my best to keep uploading photos and videos that showcase the various countries I visit, as well as the struggles and joys of sailing the high seas.