First Day

Check in was a slow and tedious process that involved more slow moving lines than I ever care to spend time in again.  It seemed to take everyone by surprise, including the SAS staff but when I finally received my room key I found my bags were delivered as promised.  While my accommodations are not the same as the wonderful cabin pictures shared on the FaceBook page, I do have a room to myself with plenty of space for me and my things.  I have unpacked and settled in. 

Our ship left port at 5:00PM London time; three hours earlier than originally planned. There is a storm the captain is hoping to keep ahead of.  As I am writing this at 10:40PM the ship is rocking back and forth and, while I don't find it to be unmanageable, we are expected to have rougher seas tomorrow.  There are a few students who are suffering from seasickness.  Anti-nausea medication is being freely distributed as are barf bags.

After we set sail dinner was served.  I could easily gain weight on this trip. All of the food we have been offered has been quite delicious.   I do look forward to being in port and finding better coffee though. 

I have been asked many times today by younger students if I am a professor.  There are no other students my age on the ship.  The lifelong learners so far seem to be far older than I but I am sure that in the coming days I will find common ground with some folks here.  I've met a lot of people and while I don't recall many of their names all do seem personable and friendly. 

I am about to head to my cabin to bed.  I've never slept aboard a rocking and rolling ship before, though right now it does not feel that dissimilar to a slow moving train.  I hope I continue to avoid sea sickness. 

Thank you again to all who have wished me well and who have supported me in this journey.   I do hope to hear from many of you by email.  I admit that though it has been a scant 48 hours I am feeling some homesickness. 

Good night.