Life in the Fast (Shipping) Lane?

The M/V Explorer is the fastest ship of its kind in the world. Just so you know. Figured it be worth mentioning.

That said, we’re well over half way to Cadiz. Right now (to give you some perspective on how I spend my free time) I am sitting in my cabin watching the epic 1950s adventure “Abandon Ship.” It’s about an “around the world cruise” that ends up sinking after being struck by a sea mine and goes down somewhere in the Atlantic (Hmmm….. interesting thought). Only a few survive, and a man is required to take charge of the remaining group. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Actually it’s not.

You might be asking: why the hell is he watching this? Well, I’m required to watch it for my Making Business Work class.  The course is taught by a named Steven Dickstein. He is self-proclaimed capitalist who apparently managed a Fortune 100 company sometime in his life. Sound familiar? Professor Dickstein wanted the class to watch the movie because there are apparently some elements of business within the story.  The only real thing I can get from it is “survival of the fittest” and that only the strongest (companies) survive. It’s natural selection.  There is also a major leadership component to the movie, but who’s counting. There was also "abandonment" of weak individuals for the sake of the strong. It was father "f-ed up." I take it that this was analogous to laying someone off? I guess you can think of it that way. 

It is such a nice movie.  Especially in the middle of the Atlantic.

Different professors require students to watch movies, so they work with the Institute for Shipbaord Education (ISE) to play movies at certain times on the TVs in all of the cabins. It’s actually very cool. Abandon Ship was on at  1700 (5:00) and 1900 (7:00) tonight. Babel is on next. Professors pick movies depending on the course material they may be presenting in class.

In lighter news, WE PASSED THE AZORES TODAY!!!!! At approximately 0830, the beautiful islands of the Azores came and went. Many of us swore we were looking at the big island of Hawaii. We were amazingly close too.; just a couple miles away. It was the first bit of land we have seen in 5 days. It was nice sight to see.

Everything else is awesome. Father Des is still kickin it, my roommate and I are still holding strong, and I continue to progress in meeting new people. Classes are also going well. I have faith I’ll do OK. It’s such a stressful environment here on the ship it’s hard to think sometimes   ;-)

We have put final plans together for Spain: Cadiz to Granada. Granada to Seville. Seville to Cadiz. This is all in a period of three days.

Any issues? Please let me know.  We arrive September 4th. TWO DAYS.

There are about six of us going. I’m stoked!! The only thing now is hostel reservations and we’re set.  That happens tonight. Get some.

I’d love to hear from you. My official email address is jsbagliere@semesteratsea.net.

Miss you all. God bless. Peace, love, and happiness.

Will talk to you guys soon.




*This was written last night, but am just posting it now. Cheers!