Kyoto

Arrived at the Kyoto Station at 10:30pm on the 28th. What a massive and gorgeous station it was! It was as if we where let out in the middle of Phipps Plaza! For over 1000 years, Kyoto was the capital of Japan while Tokyo was only a small fisherman's village. It is immediately evident that wealth and pride still exists in this city, which welcomes over 500,000 visitors a year. A planned city, it mimics those designed during The Han Dynasty of China. A shining example of Feng Shui in planning the city, it is fittingly surrounded by mountains on all sides but the southern region.

We were told that Heikanbo Ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel much like our B&Bs at home) was a short walk from the station. True, it is, unless you get lost like we did. But we have learned to ask for directions before we wander too far off the path. We stopped two young guys as they were crossing the street. They spoke very little English but seemed to make out the hand written note our hospitality BFF gave us in Yokohama. They called the phone number and motioned for us to follow. As we walked down the street, it became obvious that they had thrown back at least a few before we found them. They talked between themselves, tried to engage us in conversation and then would break out in laughter. I started to get suspicious.

We took a right turn down a dark narrow alley. Of course! Isn't that where all the foreigners get attacked by drunk locals just looking for a victim?! I fell back with the boys and Chris took my position next to them. They just kept laughing. Holy crap. Are we really going to just walk right into this ambush? Then out of nowhere...really... the inn keeper peeks her head out of a dark building, "Ahh! Arigato!" Basically saying, "There are my Americans showing up late for their reservation! Thanks for bringing them to me!" The two "gentlemen" (how I now refer to them) had gone out of there way to deliver us to our hotel.

Once inside, we were instructed to remove our shoes and use the house slippers they provided. Our room was appointed with a simple coffee table, seat cushions, mattresses (similar to futon mats), linens, a tiny bathroom, tiny shower and a tv with 4 Japanese stations. Very comfortable clean and welcoming.

In the morning we had 2 temples, 1 martial arts bodo and 1 tea ceremony on the agenda.
Ambitious, considering our sense of direction and the slight case of ADD that I believe we all suffer from when it comes to food and shopping. 1 pair of shoes, 3 pairs of gloves, 2 scarves, a bagful of snacks and a camera later, we finally got underway.

We visited Higashi Hongonji Buddhist Temple, one of the 1,600 in the city. As per tradition, we removed our shoes and walked up the stairs of the temple. At the top of the stairs, the main door was open to all visitors. The interior was extremely ornate and contrasted dramatically with the simplicity of the exterior. Inside seemed very expansive because it is void of any furniture. Those who come to worship sit on the floor. Jeremy and I commented that it was interesting that although we are not of their religion, there is something very moving about seeing people in prayer and being respectful of their faith.

We took a subway to the Kyoto City Budo Centre, built in 1899, it houses Japan's oldest martial arts training center. Unfortunately, our lack of preparation again, got us there too early for the exhibition. In asking directions to the tea ceremony, we enjoyed the company of Yurika, who just finished her judo lesson and offered to drive us to the tea ceremony. Again, the kindness of strangers took us by surprise. She dropped us at a location which she thought was close to our destination. As we walked down the street we heard her calling to us and directing us another way. I think she returned to us 3 different times. Each time outwardly embarrassed that she was not completing her task. She drove us another 3 or 4 blocks and decided that it was the best she could do. With no tea ceremony in sight, she apologetically but in perfect english said, "I hope I was helpful to you today. " We were more than thankful to just have gotten a ride. I wish she stayed the 2 more minutes it took us to find our destination just around the corner.

The tea ceremony was definitely for me. I think the boys enjoyed learning about the tradition and it probably helped them to know that it originated with the samurai. No women permitted. It is a very tedious experience. Every single motion has meaning of respect for life, others, nature and of course...the tea. Thankfully, the ceremony came with a snack which the boys enjoyed fully!

So, headed back home we decided by unanimous decision to have dinner at McDonald's : ) Not really out of home sickness and not because we dislike the Japanese cuisine but mainly to give our palates a break with something familiar... an old friend.

To Kobe!

Tokyo

We headed out to Tokyo today. We packed our backpacks for 2 nights because the ship left Yokohama today for Kobe. We will travel by land and join the ship on Jan. 30.

Surprisingly, free wifi is virtually nonexistent in Japan. And when you do find it, the signal is finicky. Maddening! So as soon as we walked from ship to port (where there, allegedly, is free wifi) we sat down and had a go at it. Fortunately, we had some success this time and were able to email and FaceBook! I'm embarrassed to say how relieved I was. This technology things seems to have a grip on my lifestyle.

We also obtained the help of the poor unsuspecting lady at the hospitality desk. Fortunately for all involved, her English was excellent. We made plans, changed plans, asked for directions, asked for recommendations, and changed plans again. By the end of the conversation, we were such good friends that she used her personal phone to make hotel reservations for us. Then I asked for directions again! I think the Japanese should all adopt the nickname "Accomodating-San".

We made good use of the subway system and got around Tokyo pretty well. Our first stop was to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Unfortunately, we spent too much time with our BFF-San at the hospitality desk that we missed the excitement of the seafood auction among top Tokyo restaurants. Defeated and hungry, we succumbed to finding a quick lunch and getting back on the subway. But as we shuffled down the street we took a left turn down a narrow street which led to a huge outdoor market! Vendors selling everything culinary from steam baskets to live octopus, kitchen knives, dried squid, tea, nori and even savory or sweet omelets on a stick! The Smith family was happy again!

A subway and taxi ride away, we arrived at Tokyo's own Sega Joypolis. A 3 story mega entertainment venue dedicated to virtual reality games. The boys drove racecars, hang gliders, jeeps, rafts and tore up the half pipe on skateboards. It was definitely a jolt to the senses!

Now, we are on the Bullet Train, Shinkansen. It is a high speed train which travels up to 200 km/hr. We are making our way to Kyoto and should be there in 2 hr. 15 mins. By standard train, it is a 5 hour journey!

Special shout out to my brother, Ruben! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! ; )

Yokohama

Arrived Yokohama yesterday morning after a horrific night at sea.

I actually woke up (from the little sleep I got) in pain! It was as though I'd been beaten up! The stormy weather agitated the sea so much that I found myself trying to hang on in bed. The ship would list starboard side and I would slide to the foot of the bed. It would list port side and I would hit the headboard! I finally quit trying to shut all the drawers as they slid open because they would just open and close themselves. It was very frightening how much punishment the ship took. I found myself praying for safety during most of the night. I braved it in the middle of the night and went across the hall to check on the boys who I assumed were as freaked out as I was. I opened the door of their small man cave and was bombarded with silence. They were sound asleep!! In the morning, I asked Ben how he slept, "Great! Jeremy and I fell asleep as soon as we laid down."

We finally left the ship around noon. Immigration and the SAS rules regarding departure seem to take about 3 hours to clear the ship at each port. But no surprise raid on our cabins this time! ; )

Yokohama is a big city very much like Atlanta. So getting around was fairly easy. We opted to stay near the port area because we only allotted a half day in our itinerary. We made a stop at the Cup of Noodles Museum (who knew?!) and went straight to their restaurant. They are big on Ramen noodles here so they built a 4 story museum in honor of the instant noodle in a cup!

There is an amusement park in the middle of the city as well as a waterfront ice rink for the winter. Yokohama is a busy city which sits on Tokyo bay, a beautiful sight itself.

There is shopping, restaurants and clubs of all sorts. The boys enjoyed walking around and not feeling too out of place. Everyone we asked for help was more than accommodating and most spoke enough English to answer our questions.

Dinner was at a sushi bar. As you sit at the bar, all types of freshly made sushi pass by you on a conveyor belt.
So the process is:
1. Grab what looks appetizing
2. Eat and enjoy!
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 until you are fully satisfied.
As you clean off your plate, you stack them to the side. Once you are done, they count up your plates and hand you a bill. So efficient! Something, I'm sure we will be doing again before we leave Japan!

We are headed for Tokyo this morning. More later!

Survived The Storm!

We are in port I Yokohama as of 9am!

What a storm! Said prayers all night long ; ) now I'm sleepy! But headed out to explore!

Batten Down The Hatches!

We just got the announcement from the bridge to secure all belongings and all children need to be in their cabins with their parents. Headed for a severe storm and expecting greater than the 30 ft swells we have been experiencing all day. Looking at hours of more of this roller coaster ride!!

Fitting In

The other night we attended a seminar about the Asian culture. We got to the student union in plenty of time to have our choice of seats but Chris, Jeremy and I were drawn to the middle back section of the room. We found 4 in a row and plopped down. Ben shuffled around a little and said, "I can't see from here. I'll be down there." He found a comfortable seat between to college students in the very front row.

I watched him throughout the seminar that, I have to admit, earned a few yawns from me, but Ben was attentive. One speaker, asking for audience participation rewarded a correct answer with candy. Ben was in! She showed slides of familiar Asian people, places and things and Ben kept his eyes focused on the screen. Finally, his hand went up, "Those are the Shaolin Monks!" Give the kid a Butterfinger! He sat there for the entirety of the seminar in full conversation with the kids around him.

This morning we were at breakfast. Ben was quietly eating then stood up and called across the dining hall, "Brenna! Brenna!" I looked up and saw a tall blonde walking our way, "Hi, Ben! Are we playing soccer today?" He shrugged his shoulders and pointed at me. I introduced myself and Brenna continued talking to Ben. He shot me a look which jogged my memory...Ahh! Ben had told me he met a girl from Marquette playing soccer! We exchanged a few tidbits of info proving that WE ARE MARQUETTE and Ben was noncommittal about her request for another soccer game. Jeremy, on the other hand, started asking me questions about my alma mater ; )

And just now, Ben says to me, "This guy I met the other, night...he is David Robinsons' son. Who is David Robinson?"

Getting To Know You ...

Rough seas yesterday. Probably the worst since we've been on this ship. Often crashing into large waves that would jar the entire ship. Some of the littler kids thought we were colliding with whales ; )

The dining hall, where the boys have school, is the worst! Everything rattles in there and the vibrations feel as though we are sitting right on top of an engine. Chris and I had lunch on deck 6 just below the weight room. We finally figured out that all the commotion above us was from the free weights falling off the racks.

Feels as though the captain is slamming on the breaks! Woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of things crashing to the floor in our cabin...glasses, phones, books, iPads. I got up and secured everything in drawers and closets and thought all was well until the drawers started sliding open. It's like a fun house! The ship lists left and right. It rolls front and back. I've gotten to know so many people just catching each other as we pass in the hallways ; )

It's a Boy!...AND a Girl!

Chris and I signed up for a program called "Extended Family". We were matched up with a couple of students onboard to connect with. It's just a way to make sure that everyone gets the full experience of the shipboard community and opens themselves to all the different types of people who are taking this voyage. I also think there is an underlying plan to put in the kids' heads that "someone who knows you is watching you!"

So, the other night we sat down as a family and had dinner. Mom, Dad, Jeremy, Ben, Cody and Gemma.

Cody is a junior from Western KY majoring in International Business and is in Chris' marketing class. He just stumbled on the SAS program a couple of months before departure. He rushed to get his applications, visas and vaccinations in order and also managed to win the coveted C. Y. Tung (SAS Founder) scholarship! I'm so proud to be his mom! ; )

Gemma is a sophomore from Taos, goes to New Mexico State and is majoring in animation. She is completely stepping out of her comfort zone in taking this trip having never been out of the country. She doesn't even have a return ticket home from Barcelona! I love her sense of adventure! We have done such a great job raising these kids!

As for Jeremy and Ben, they are very interested in the college students and hang on their every word. I was in the weight room with Jeremy one day and watched him as he listened to our friend, Gordie (who calls J & B his "little bros"), recount the details of the party in Hawaii that got 200 students kicked out of their hotel and a student wide reprimand from the dean the next day. Jeremy's eyes were as big as I've ever seen them and his smile couldn't have been more envious. Fortunately, Gordie noticed and said, "Dont do as I do!"

3 more days to Japan!

A Head Scratcher

I woke up at 4am, which was really 3am because we gained another hour, trying to figure this out...

We flew to San Diego gained 3 hours:
12:00pm PST; 3:00 EST
Jan. 6, 2013

Gained an hour at sea between CA and HI
12:00pm; 4:00pm EST
Jan. 13, 2013

Gained an hour once we arrived HI
12:00pm; 5:00pm EST
Jan. 15, 2013

Gained an hour at sea
12:00pm; 6:00pm EST
Jan. 19, 2013

Gained an hour at sea
12:00pm; 7:00pm EST
Jan. 20, 2013

Total of 7 hours gained so far. Lots of extra sleeping! But now here it is, 9:30pm and we're about to cross the International Date Line sometime tonight. Once we do, it will be Tuesday, Jan. 22nd! We lose the 21st. Not sure why but I've been obsessed with this idea for the whole day! I guess we'll find that lost day somewhere as we float down the waterway ; )

Sounds like too much time on my hands, doesn't it? ; )

6 more days to Japan.

Headed To Japan

We left Honolulu earlier than expect - just around noon. We watched from the top deck hoping to see the whales from yesterday. Chris saw dolphins instead ; )

The announcement from the bridge was to secure all belongings as soon as possible as the storm we avoided last night had created some rough waters. Take motion sickness medicine now and as needed but most of all, "Be happy and don't vomit."

Berched in Honolulu

Yesterday was interesting...

It seems the plan was to meet a barge just outside the Port of Honolulu and refuel there. We pulled in and docked instead. Because we were only to be there a short time to refuel, the passengers were not allowed off the boat.

We went about our day...school, workouts, meals, etc. It was a beautiful day and the boys played no less than 3 hours of basketball.

Then we got the news that we would be staying in Honolulu to avert a severe storm just north of our path to Japan. Good call, Captain!

So here we still sit. 24 hours later. The weather is perfect and Honolulu looks inviting but we must remain on board for when the captain decides to depart...

Our Approach to Honolulu

Refueling before our trek to Japan

Turning off cellular now...

: (
11 days to Japan.

The Puna Side of Hilo

Aloha y'all!

We toured Uncle Russell's neck of the woods today. The Puna side...board shorts, rubber slippers and whatever makes you truly happy ; )

There is no hustle and bustle here. The only stress might be the one that challenges your belt buckle ; ) Life is good everyday. Your time is yours alone and you can double your plate lunch without turning heads.

Shaka!

Hilo, Hawaii

Jan 15

We woke up bright and early for the docking of the ship in Hilo, Hawaii. I actually woke up an hour earlier than when I'd set the alarm. Probably just from the excitement of reaching our first port or the thought of Mother Earth finally beneath my feet.

The ship slowly pulled into port and was met by the Pilot from Hilo who boarded and advised our captain on maneuvering his home waters as well as the frolicking whales!

We ate a quick breakfast and headed to our cabin for our bags. We were suddenly detained due to a random cabin inspection by the US Customs Police! I blame Jeremy as he always seems to be the one to get pulled aside for that "little extra" pat down. They separated Chris and I and questioned us each about the purpose of our trip. Then we got some of the regular questions you'd get from the TSA at Hartsfield. They "rummaged" through both cabins and as passengers walked by, I felt the need to explain that we were RANDOMLY selected! We are not bad people! Fortunately, we got the "all clear" : )

SAS has the immigration thing down to a science and herded the 900+ people going ashore through an assembly line. All was looking bright until they got to my husband...The Real Chris Smith. It's seems there are quite a few others of the same name and several have a rap sheet that mine had to explain did not belong to him. Detained once again for something we didn't do.

Onward! Arrived ashore and Russell, Chris' brother who lives on the Big Island, took us on the whirlwind tour of Hilo including Akaka Falls and Waipiʻo Valley. Amazing sights, both of them, despite the drizzle and fog. But the weather didn't stop us! We even hit a local fruit stand for a sampling of fresh coconut and sugar cane.

We are off to dinner soon in Pāhoa, where Russell lives and rented a house for us tonight. It has a view of the pacific and sits amid a bed of 50 year old lava.

Our Itinerary

For those of you who are asking, you can find us here:
http://www.semesteratsea.org/voyages/spring-2013/calendar/

Still making our way...

It's our 6th day on the ship and things are going smoothly. The boys are settling into their routine and are finding time to make new friends. It seems both have opted to hang out with the college kids rather than the handful who are around their own age. Some sort of peer weirdness, I'm sure. Ben told me that he made a new friend yesterday...
"Oh yeah? What's his name?"
"HER name is Kirstin. "
"You know you have a 9:00 curfew!"

Chris and I attended a cocktail party for the LLLs and met a very interesting couple, Donna and Jim. They are probability in their early 70's, retired and have been traveling the country in an RV for the past 20 years! They hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and when I thought I could contribute to the conversation, I was shut down unable to answer some simple questions. Their memory of the trail and the names of all the routes is amazing! I could not even tell them which trailhead I started on. I don't think I convinced them that I'd actually hiked 30 miles. I had "imposter/dunce" plastered onto forehead...

Jeremy and I caught our first glimpse of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who is on board with us. A very intriguing figure who probably hasn't had a moment to himself since he got on board. What do you even say to such a man? I am completely humbled to just be in his presence.

The sun has finally come out today and the air is warm. Chris and I are sitting by the pool which they are getting ready to fill. We port in Hawaii tomorrow for 2 days. Looking forward to putting my feet on solid ground ; )

The Boys Get Schooled

It was the first day of school yesterday and all of my boys were present! Chris was a little nervous being back in the classroom but he seemed to fit right in. His age only showed when he fell asleep doing his homework ; )

Jeremy and Ben attended the school hours for the "dependent" kids. They all meet in the main dining room each day we are at sea and do their school work. They are using a program that is self taught and they both seem eager to get the work done. So hopefully they will finish up their work for the semester in no time!

We ate breakfast with one of the professors, Marissa Ferrara and her family. They are from Charleston where she teaches at the university and her husband owns a "beach food" restaurant. They have 2 kids...3 yr old twins...Sidney, who believes she is a princess and dresses like one and Dante, who believes he is a shark...and dresses like one ; ) Best thing about them...Marissa was once the Golden Eagle mascot at MARQUETTE!

Water, water, EVERYWHERE! We are somewhere in the middle of the Pacific headed for Hawaii. The sea was brutal on me yesterday and kept me horizontal for most of the day. Lucky me, the lady at the gift store said that the Asian seas are the WORST! And it's an 11 day voyage...great.

I did make it to the library with the thought that if I don't pick up any classes on the drop/add day, then I will do a lot of reading. Something I can't seem to fit in my regular routine at home. I thought I'd start ambitiously and searched for a copy of Moby Dick. I left empty handed. My head and stomach opting for a good pillow rather than a good book.

Crossing The Pacific - Day 2

A full day of orientation meetings...
No days of the week at sea, A & B days only and they alternate, 24 hr clock so no am or pm, health and safety, drink responsibly, don't take food out of the cafeteria, see the counselor if you are feeling lonely, be to class on time, condoms are available, zero tolerance for drug abuse, dock time for 10 points of bad behavior...etc.
Oh, to be in college again ; )

We did have a few meetings directed toward the Life Long Learners which were informative. Not only, was today to familiarize ourselves with ship policies, it was also the first day of sea leg practice.

It's pretty rough going. The sea is truly alive. They have barf bags strategically placed throughout the ship. I saw about 5 "incidences" so far and everyone is walking around like they are drunk. Swaying and falling from side to side. Glasses and dishes are crashing to the floor in the lounge and dining halls.

I tried out the elliptical in the morning and found I had to stare at the horizon to stay on my feet. If anything, I should have much improved balance after this voyage which should then help my split step in tennis! ; )

The activity fair was later in the day. Chris and I signed up to volunteer with One Earth (Catlin's company) to help promote their solar product at each port. More later on that. Very exciting!

We sat with Chrissy, another LLL who sailed with SAS a semester after Chris. She has 7 siblings, 3 of which also did SAS including their mother when she turned 75 years! She and Chris had so much to talk about and shared stories of their voyages. What impressed me most was the vivid memories they both had of their semesters with SAS. When I look back at my semesters in college I remember them being fun but have trouble sometimes distinguishing one from another. And my memories are far less detailed than theirs. Makes me hope all the more that our boys will choose to do something extraordinary as often as they can.

Embarkation Pt. 2 - Puerta de Ensenada

The 2 hour bus ride went by fast as we entertained ourselves by meeting the other passengers around us.

As we boarded the MV Explorer, it was the first real moment that I realized exactly what we were about to do and the fear was substituted with excitement.

We had a special orientation meeting for "Life Long Learners". That's what they call the adult passengers who are not full time students collecting credits to graduate. Among us was a mother of five, who are all on board with her! I'm not sure if the ages but i think her oldest is 15. Brave woman! Her husband will join them intermittently while he continues to work back home. We ran into Amy again briefly at the spa, probably booking her first escape appointment ; )

Dinner was as I expected. College quality food served buffet style. And I'm not complaining! As long as I know we have clean, healthy food to eat as we travel to all of these countries, I am AOK!

We had our first lifeboat drill. It was a rather lengthy one and took a toll on a couple of people as we stood on the rocking vessel. Fortunately for me, the wave of nausea started just as the drill ended. I forgot to pack my sea legs.

We returned our life jackets to the rooms and head up and out to the bow of the ship for our departure. It was dark and Puerta de Ensenada was glowing. Three short (but startling) blasts from the ship's horn and we were off! The start of our voyage.

When we returned, our luggage had been delivered. Surprisingly, all of our belongings fit into our compact quarters with room to spare! But moving around the cabin made my queasiness a little more apparent. I popped 2 Pepto Bismol tabs and slipped on my Sea Bands. The ship listed all night and I slept like a baby! This morning I feel like a new person ; )

Embarkation Pt. 1.a. - The Bus Ride...again

Met some very interesting people on the bus ride : )

Gordon: a junior at the University of Wisconsin. A nice kid. Very personable. Has a 3 handicap and considering becoming a professional golfer when he grows up! Turns out, he is related to royalty in England and stays at his uncle's castle whenever he visits!

Catlin: I could have sworn she was a student. Very accomplished 27 year old. Graduate of Wesleyan and Harvard. A scientist by trade but on the cruise participating in an entrepreneur incubator. She is co-founder of One Earth - a green company which developed a product to provide rural China with clean energy. Has traveled extensively with her studies including a 6 month stint with the nomads of china as they migrated via the silk route. She suffered some scratches on her hands in which bugs laid their eggs. Hospitalized for feeling ill, the eggs hatched and exited her body from every orafice!

That's only 2 people out of 900+! I think we are in for a real treat on this adventure!

Embarkation Pt. 1 - The Bus Ride

On the bus headed to Ensenada where the ship is in port.

Surrounded by college students, I can't help but feel that I am in the middle of an episode of MTV's Real World!

Time for breakfast

Picking oranges at BeBe's house ; )

On our way

We are mid flight on our way to San Diego with a connecting flight in Phoenix.

This past week has been an absolute whirlwind of events. We tried to pack in as much fun for the boys as we could so that missing their friends might come later in the journey rather than sooner ; ) Skyzone, sleepovers, movies, bowling, flag football, to name a few...all culminating at our surprise Bon voyage party at our favorite gin joint. We were so taken aback by the number of friends who came out to wish us well. Chris commented that he didn't realize how many people wanted us to leave town! ; ) Thank you all who were in attendance. I hope we got to speak to each of you even for a little bit. We certainly stayed long enough to try as we were the last car to roll out of the parking lot!

The next day I woke up in a panic knowing that it was our last day to pack and get all the loose ends tied up. I think we did pretty well although I won't be surprised to learn of an unturned stone somewhere down the road. Fortunately for us, we have a trustworthy band of friends lined up and some waiting in the wings to take care of whatever may happen to our affairs back home. And to all of you, big hugs and huge thanks! I would not feel as comfortable taking this journey if we did not have you!

So now we are on our way. I hope you stay with us through our blogs. We will try our best to relate our experiences back to you wishing all the while you were here with us instead ; )