Smooth sailing - for the most part!

We’ve been on the water now for eight days, four to go to Shanghai. Does it seem like a long time? Some days for sure, yet much has happened to keep us occupied, challenged, learning, laughing and sane. A few highlights:

Star Wars – a “fun” battle between the resident communities (e.g. relays, basketball, mask making, skits, hall decorating, tug-of-war and so on) and a good diversion from the “stresses” of assignments and the long voyage.

Classes – are winding down (class numbers 16-19) with assignments coming in, student presenting their work and final exam preparations – so much to do in so little time – we’ll see how we meet the challenge

One act play night – a 24-hour event where small teams wrote, produced and performed a one-act play – a great night showcasing, once again, the many talents onboard the ship including Davis cast as Sam in a very “moving” and entertaining story (ask him about it)

Barbecue – an excellent event (in the wind and rain) outside on the Lido deck with plenty of barbecue meats (chicken, hamburgers and ribs), Caesar salad and other fixings – a great diversion from our “regular” meals in the Coral dining room

The Crew Talent Show – another wonderful night of entertainment put on by the crew of the ship – plenty of singing, dancing, comedy and fun! Definitely a well-timed highlight of our voyage as it is great to see the crew in a different role! Lots of cheering, hooting and hollering!

Dana – a good friend of ours (faculty member) was evacuated in Papua New Guinea due to some medical problems. He received a “royal” navy send off with ship whistles and songs playing as he disembarked on a waiting coast guard boat. He is currently in Australia receiving treatment – our thoughts and prayers are with him!

Classical music night – it’s amazing to see the talent of our students as they sang and played instruments for a very enjoyable and relaxing evening of classical music

Meetings and other sessions – whether it’s a faculty meeting, student voice gathering, United Nations conference, language class, next voyage orientation planning meeting, self-defence class, boot camp workout and so on, there is plenty to keep us occupied, challenged, learning, laughing and sane.

Still to come is the Masquerade Ball, community meeting, marking of papers, session #19, preparation for China and . . .

And of course we still have our amazing sunrises, sunsets, expansive ocean view, collegial conversations over cappuccino, beer or meals and . . .

So as you can see, life is full (and smooth sailing) onboard Oceanic II!

Bring on China!

Ken