I Have Seen the World, What a Beautiful Place

Here it goes, my last blog entry on the MV explorer. I have literally traveled around the world and have gone through so many experiences. I don't know if I am ready to go back to the States, I have been gone for so long and have learned so many things. I am not the same person as I was before this voyage. I have grown and have become much more open. The world became that much smaller in my eyes.

How do I respond to "How was your trip?" "It was great" does not even begin to describe how my trip was. I can't just say one story, I probably won't even remember all of them at the time you ask me the question. I need to sit down and think about everything that has happened to me and how I have grown as a person. Give me some time and be patient with me because I may talk too much about my experiences but they are interesting, I promise.

Like I said before, this trip was never about the places we went, but rather the people we met. This trip was extremely successful for me. I want to work for the Global Community and help people live better lives. I learned that I can't assume what people need, rather we need to get to meet people and ask them "How can I help you live a healthy life?" We need to ask the people and help them. You will get good answers, I promise. You will not simply get an answer that "I need food, I need money" Rather, people will tell you, "We need education, we need irrigation, we need to get a supply of food." The statement holds true, "Give a man a fish and you feed them for a day, teach them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime." People want to learn, some people cannot afford education. I will never take advantage of my education. I will always be thankful that I can afford education.

I can't wait to see everyone, but I will miss everyone on the ship. I know I will see everyone again, keep in contact.

Last Few Days

Now that I am done with exams, had our alumni ball, and finished packing I have had some time to reminisce about my voyage. I quickly came to realize that this voyage has nothing to do with the places that we go, but rather it is about the people we meet at the countries. This voyage has been extremely successful when it comes to those standards. I look back at the countries I have been to and the first thing that comes to my head are not the monuments that I have been to, it is the people I have interacted with. I decided to write some of my most memorable times in each of our ports in this entry.

Hawaii

Theresa, our drive in Hilo, showed us the craziest night of our lives. She was one of the funniest characters I have met. She taught me to come out of my shell and live a little. She showed us the lava flows and the hot springs at night.

Japan

Our monk in Mt. Koya temple. He hung out with us for a long period of time and taught us that it is ok to have fun in life, as long as everything is in moderation, it is the Buddhist way. This was one of our most relaxing nights of the trip. Also, Kazu, my cousins study abroad friend, who welcomed us with her hospitality and showed us around in Kyoto and Osaka.

China

Our incredible guides from the China guide, Vincent and Linda. They were incredible guides who showed us an amazing time. Vincent even came out to the clubs with us in the night! They brought us to the Great Wall of China and we got to sleep on it, which was one of the best things I have ever done. Then we got to zip line down the wall. Absolutely amazing!

Vietnam/ Cambodia

Our guide who lost his entire family in the Cambodia genocide and made me realize how ignorant I could be of world events. He really encouraged me to do something with my life where I give back to the global society.

India

Our rickshaw driver in Cochin who just wanted to show us a good time. He taught me that not everyone in India is trying to rip you off for your money. We had a bad first impression of India with the rickshaw drivers trying to rip us off, but this rickshaw driver did not want to do that, when we asked him how much we owe him he just said told us to pay him how much we thought he deserved. Also, the Taj Mahal was incredible!

Mauritius

Our scuba master who showed us the pristine waters of Mauritius and showed us the best scuba diving I have ever done in my entire life.

South Africa

The people from Operation Hunger. They further established that I should give back to the global community. Working in the townships was one of the best experiences I have ever had! Also, Allison our cage diving master who taught us the importance of shark conservation. She also showed us Great White Sharks.

Ghana

Our driver Nathan who just wanted to hang out with us. We had some deep conversations with him about everything, to racism, politics, and life in America. He was truly an amazing guy who showed us such a great time. He has been emailing me ever since we left Ghana. He just wanted to know Americans and know about the American dream.

Brazil

Our capoeira master who gave us lessons in capoeira, the Brazilian martial arts. After our lessons, he wanted to protect us. He walked us to places only he trusted, took us to a restaurant that he trusted, and hung out with us at the bars. He would walk us everywhere and even got us a taxi of his friend and made sure the taxi would take us safely back. Apparently, Brazil was very dangerous when it came to muggings but I never felt that way with Jonatan walking us around everywhere.

I have had an amazing time and I really do not want this to end. I have met amazing people and have made some really close friends, friends that I know I will keep for the rest of my life. I recommend everyone to do Semester at Sea, it will be the best decision of your life.