San Juan, Puerto Rico!!!

Since my last entry, we have had one day of class then we ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico! We arrived bright and early Friday morning, and the first thing we all did was turne on our phones (which work because it is considered part of the U.S.) Since it was only 6 a.m. at home, I didn’t call anyone right then. We got off the ship around 10 a.m. and the first person I called was Dad, since I knew he’d be up! We took a bus tour of Old and New San Juan for a mere $10 and the highlight of the trip was visiting the famous San Juan Fortress which we got to explore for a little while before it was time to get back on the bus. The bus driver then took us to a .99 cent store, which he was so proud of. It was comparable to a Dollar General, much smaller and a lot more random; however we got bottles of water for only .50 cents! Next, Tessa, Jess, and some other people on the tour decided to try an authentic Puerto Rican lunch…. Well we ended up eating Cheeseburgers! We know, not very brave, but the other things on the menu just didn’t sound very good. The local beer here is Medalla, which is good according to the people I’m with who actually enjoy beer. After lunch, the three of us wandered around and did some shopping/ visited Senor Frogs! The bartender at Senor Frogs was very friendly and gave us a map marking the nearest grocery store and some good salsa dancing clubs for that night. After finding our way to the grocery store we had walked all over Old San Juan and were ready for a nap, and thought it would be a good idea to walk back to the ship! (which ended up being at least two miles!!) That night Jess and I stayed in because we were pretty tired while Tessa went out with some new friends. Sunday was a low key day. We went to the beach to meet up with some girls we had met earlier. After being there for a few hours another group invited us to the Bacardi Rum Factory, so we went with them. After getting a cab all the way to the ferry that takes you to the factory, we were literally ten seconds too late for the last ferry of the day! We were really mad at the time, but we went the next day and found out that the day we missed the ferry the factory was actually closed for a private function. Anyways, we went out on the town Sunday night, Puerto Rican’s party every opportunity, including Sunday’s I guess, so we experienced their nightlife, but with mostly other SAS students. This town isn’t very big, so pretty much everywhere we go we run into other SAS people. On Monday we got up later than planned, ate some lunch and decided to go to the Bacardi Factory. The factory was neat, and free, so that made it even more fun, and they also give you two free drinks! Later that day Tessa, Jess and I were starving and found a random restaurant which ended up being amazing! We just got back on the ship and we leave in a few hours. We have seven days until we port in Salvador, Brazil then it’s off to Rio de Janeiro. Until next time! XOXO

My 21st Birthday in the Bahamas/ First Day at Sea!!

Our trip to the Bahamas was awesome! We arrived on Sunday to a cloudy day and were a little bummed we couldn't lay out, however the weather didn't put a damper on my birthday celebrations!! :) My first shot as a 21 year old was quite an interesting one, bought by Carmen Evans, Tessa's mom, and I won't repeat the name because I don't think it's appropriate for all to read! ;) Anyways, it was a flaming shot (meaning the waiter lit it on fire) and I wasn't really sure how to take it. Jess sitting next to me told me to put my straw in it, meaning to take it through the straw, which a) didn't occur to me and b) I had never heard of doing so.... what I thought she meant was by sticking the straw in the shot glass the flame would go out, well that wasn't what happened, instead I lit the straw on fire! When I realized this I freaked out and dropped the straw on my place mat, then lighting my whole place mat on fire! Scary! I finally was able to blow it out, while myself and the rest of the table full of people were cracking up, and took the shot. (which wasn't horrible, but not great either!) Anyways, the rest of the birthday was fabulous, ending in a spectacular dining experience at Graycliff restaurant, which was phenomenal! I was very lucky to spend my 21st with family, great friends, Ryan, and his wonderful family!
First Day at Sea:
I boarded the ship with the first group of people bright and early at 8am (yay for being at the beginning of the alphabet!) I got on the ship rather quickly, got my baggage shortly after and was able to almost fully unpack before Jess got to our room. The room size isn't too bad, and there is enough room for all of our stuff! Our family and friends were able to come on the boat to say a final tearful farewell and we were on our own! The ship set sail shortly after and it has been quite a ride already... a little like being in a cradle. You can feel the ship a little more than cruises I have been on in the fast, but I hear you get used to it pretty fast! We have meetings tonight and orientation all day tomorrow, then our first day of class Friday! Saturday we arrive in San Juan, Puerto Rico and as of yet, we have no set plans. We are looking forward to some laying out in the sun by the pool on the ship and meeting new people! Until next time!
xoxo, Marissa