From Spain to Scotland (July 1-July 4)

Hello from the middle of the Atlantic.  We have spent a couple of days at sea chugging our way to Scotland.  The weather has been chilly, in the 60's and seas are starting to swell.  I'm still hanging in there. We are in the longest sea stretch of the voyage, with four days (though one day we spent at anchor outside Spain).  Its nice to get into a bit of a routine even though no two days are alike on board the ship, here's a bit of what I do:  

• 8:00-Start the morning with a meeting with the ships officers-Captain, Hotel Director, Staff Captain, Chief Engineer and Purser.  We go over business related to the exchange between the program and the crew.  Sometimes serious such as student issues, sometimes fun like planning a reception, or supplying popcorn for the broadcast of the USA world cup soccer game.
• 9:00-I meet with the administrative team - Exec Dean, Academic Dean, Registrar, Field Office Coordinator, Dean of Student Life and and Assistant Dean of Student Life.  We review from my 8:00 meeting plus a wide variety of other topics
• Remainder of morning-run around helping people with whatever they need (My office is grand central station)
• 12:05 I get to broadcast the noon announcements to the entire ship, I'm working on my radio voice.
• Sneak in some lunch-the menu varies little, some version of pasta, meat and salad.  
• 1300-1800 (Ship time)-there are usually a variety of projects, including the Deans Memo (daily announcement newsletter)and on the night before arrival to port, I have to get a logistical preport presentation ready.  The other day I had to fill in as hearing officer on a case.  So, you never know what you're going to get. 
•  1805-I do the evening announcements, I usually through in some music-ie-Safety Dance last night, Jaws theme tonight.  Make sure they're paying attention.  
• 1830-Eat dinner or go to a reception-you are hungry all the time on the ship.  We figure its because its like we're on a big exercise ball all day with the rocking. 
• 1900/2000-there are usually some amazing World Cafe or insight lectures presented by faculty or staff.  I don't have time during the day to sit in on any classes, so it's fun to go to these.  Tonight we had a presentation on sharks (the kinds under the ship) by a renowned oceanographer that is teaching some classes.  He showed all of his pictures swimming with the sharks.  It was followed by a presentation on Irish poetry.  
• 2000-night before port-we do a cultural and logistical preport.  It's mandatory for everyone.  The Academic Dean leads a presentation  with an overview of the country culture, food etc.  I then follow up with the logistics-where's the gangway, how is immigration going to work, safety tips etc.  I have a gig right now going-my perfect game of golf is not about the score but not losing my golf ball before the end of the game, so I told everyone this and held up a golf ball, I said the ball was going to represent their passports and that I didn't want anyone to lose any.  So from port to port I hold up the ball if we still have all the passports.  So far we've made it three hole (ports).  
• 2100-?  Time in the Glaser lounge connecting.  The Glaser lounge is for faculty, staff and the Life Long Learners.  It's an awesome opportunity to spend time reviewing the day, reviewing the countries visited, getting to know people.  (And drink wine).  

Saturday, Shannon, Liam and Andy get to join in, so my days will be altered a bit, can't wait to include them.  I've included a photo of the ship at dock in Spin.  To get an idea of my cabin, see this website for deck 4 cabins:  http://www.semesteratsea.org/our-ship/cabins/  I will post some actual pics of my cabin and office later.  Happy Independence Day!