Feb 26th Shark Dive
I set my alarm for 5:00am to get up for my shark dive. We took a half hour cab drive to Simons point and we went to the main pier. I did this trip on my own and Ev spent the day cycling in the wine lands (I will try and get him to write something soon).
There were four girls (me included) and one other passenger (besides the crew) was a man named Brandon. Brandon was from Texas and has spent the last 6 months backpacking Europe, India and Africa. We spent a lot of time with him swapping stories. Brandon hung out with us after the shark dive as well.
There were five members that were a part of the crew. The one female crew member, Erin, was from Scotland, studying marine biology. Erin had received a scholarship to travel to South Africa and work for this company.
We rode out for a half hour to a place called Seal Island. There were around 50,000 seals living there. They liked that location because it was all rocks and far from human contact. A lot of seals were sunning themselves on the rocks or the pups were playing in the waves.
The owner of the company, Stefan, was really talkative and gave us a lot of information about shark migration, their hunting habits, how they attack their prey and the best seasons to spot them. Stefan spent a lot of his time helping scientist tag sharks to run tests and track their migration patterns. The farthest they tracked was a shark that went to Australia. Sharks usually travel on their own.
Stefan would help bait the sharks in. They bait the sharks by putting a tuna head buoy in the water as well as a seal shaped decoy. Apparently, sharks are really interested in items that are floating on the surface, more than the yummy fish. They also “chum” where they put like fish guts and blood in the water to attract them to this area. This process was really controversial because people think that they attract the sharks closer to shore and make more shark attacks and it changes what sharks eat and affects the ecosystem. However, Stefan explained that sharks aren’t conditioned to come to where the smell is because they are not like dogs in that way. Also, the sharks hang around Seal Island anyhow which is right where we are.
As soon as we got to our spot that morning, one shark called “white nose” came right up to the boat and then swam under. It was a really exciting start to the morning! Stefan says that one shark always messes with them. He was about 4 meters which is probably around 12 feet! Throughout the day, we saw 5 other sharks; one was about 4.3 meters.
The shark cage could fit 3 people so we took turns going in. We did not have tanks because the bubbles scare the sharks. We have to put our heads under water for as long as we could to look at the sharks. The crew from above would yell “down” and the direction when a shark came by. It was really cool. We got to see them pretty close before they swam out of view.
One of the girls I was in the cage with got really panicky which made things uncomfortable because she would inch away from the side of cage and squish us. She was not really responsive to me telling her move over because she was so frightened. I ended up gently pushing her.
I ate lunch on the top of the boat with Stefan helping him look for sharks. The crew has to pay attention because the sharks start from the bottom and they swim up quickly and the crew has to pull the bait or decoy away before the shark bites it.
It was a long morning because shark sightings were rare and far in between because it was just the start of the season. Later in the season when the baby seals were bigger, the sharks sighting would be more common.
The most intense part of the morning was when we noticed a baby seal away from the island struggling to swim because it was injured. It was really sad to see the thing struggling so much and the other girls wanted to get and put it out of its misery before a shark got it. But nature is nature and the seal pup did not make it. Apparently, a shark spotted the injured pup and was circling underneath and charged up. It missed the first time but hit home on the second. I only saw a little of the action because I did not have a good view from the cage. We later saw that same shark in the water. We knew it was the same shark that ate the seal because of the intestines coming out the shark’s gills. (I apologize for the gross images).
The shark dive took up the whole morning. At noon, and we went to a restaurant with our new friend Brandon to talk, eat and clean up. The ice coffees in S. Africa have ice cream in them and are amazing!
We walked through the town which was lined with beautiful shops to Boulders Beach which is famous as a breeding ground for African penguins. We walked around, took some pictures, stopped at some vendors and stores. I got a really good milkshake too, just as a side note.
Some of the people in our group were getting worn out so they took a cab to the train station and took the train to Cape Town. My friend Gabby and I decided to walk to the train because it was such a beautiful day and she wanted to do some more shopping.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Feb 25 - Cape Town - Safari - Day 2
Ev-Our second day (Feb. 25th) in South Africa was one of our longest. Cass and I woke at dawn to catch a taxi out of the city and deep into the surrounding wine lands. The country was a labyrinth of flat valleys and steep peaks, with bountiful grapes planted in rows as far as the eye could see. It was a beautiful place, but desolate, and we ended up driving for about 3 hours until we reached the Aquila Game Reserve. From there we were given a luxurious lunch (this reserve seemed to be a frequent favorite of rich tourists) and then set out on our safari.
The reserve itself was very large (I would site the actual size, but my conversions from hectares to whatever are pretty fuzzy), but we only needed to traverse a fraction of it to find the animals we were looking for. We came within 15 feet of the hippos, as close as was prudent of the buffalo, and within arm’s reach of the lions and the elephants.
The elephants were perhaps the most interesting of the creatures we saw, as they came right up to the truck and poked around it with their miraculous trunks. They also gave themselves sand baths right in front of us (I believe Cass has it on video) during which they would suck up some saliva from their mouths with their trunks, spray it on their chests and bodies, and then pick up sand and toss it at themselves. By doing this, the sand would stick to them and protect them from both the harsh sunlight and all manner of biting insects.
On our way back, we stopped at an ostrich farm, in which ostriches are raised similar to chickens for their meat, eggs, and feathers.
Our evening was a much different pace from the morning. We set off from the ship and went to a botanical garden partway up the mountain Lion’s Head, which gave us perfect view of the night sky. We spent the night stargazing with several local constellation experts, who were quick to explain the local stories behind the great constellations. Curiously enough, the story for the constellation we often refer to as “Orion’s Belt” is also about a hunter, which seems to be a pattern among cultures all across the world (possible cross-cultural influence?).
What was really striking about the night sky was that it truly was one foreign to us. Most of the constellations we saw were ones not ever visible from the northern hemisphere, and it took a while to get used to seeing the Southern Cross instead of the North Star. In addition to stars, we were able to observe a most interesting phenomenon that Cape Town is famous for. By this I mean the low-lying cloud that drifts down and drapes itself over Table Mountain (the flat-peaked mountain looming directly behind Cape Town) for the entirety of the night, while all the other clouds have since disappeared. The locals call this blanket, in accordance with the mountain’s name, “the Tablecloth”.
The reserve itself was very large (I would site the actual size, but my conversions from hectares to whatever are pretty fuzzy), but we only needed to traverse a fraction of it to find the animals we were looking for. We came within 15 feet of the hippos, as close as was prudent of the buffalo, and within arm’s reach of the lions and the elephants.
The elephants were perhaps the most interesting of the creatures we saw, as they came right up to the truck and poked around it with their miraculous trunks. They also gave themselves sand baths right in front of us (I believe Cass has it on video) during which they would suck up some saliva from their mouths with their trunks, spray it on their chests and bodies, and then pick up sand and toss it at themselves. By doing this, the sand would stick to them and protect them from both the harsh sunlight and all manner of biting insects.
On our way back, we stopped at an ostrich farm, in which ostriches are raised similar to chickens for their meat, eggs, and feathers.
Our evening was a much different pace from the morning. We set off from the ship and went to a botanical garden partway up the mountain Lion’s Head, which gave us perfect view of the night sky. We spent the night stargazing with several local constellation experts, who were quick to explain the local stories behind the great constellations. Curiously enough, the story for the constellation we often refer to as “Orion’s Belt” is also about a hunter, which seems to be a pattern among cultures all across the world (possible cross-cultural influence?).
What was really striking about the night sky was that it truly was one foreign to us. Most of the constellations we saw were ones not ever visible from the northern hemisphere, and it took a while to get used to seeing the Southern Cross instead of the North Star. In addition to stars, we were able to observe a most interesting phenomenon that Cape Town is famous for. By this I mean the low-lying cloud that drifts down and drapes itself over Table Mountain (the flat-peaked mountain looming directly behind Cape Town) for the entirety of the night, while all the other clouds have since disappeared. The locals call this blanket, in accordance with the mountain’s name, “the Tablecloth”.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Feb 24th – Later in the Day Cape Town
Feb 24th – Later in the Day Cape Town
At 4:00, we took a hike up a mountain/ hill called Lion’s head. It is the smallest of three mountains in Cape Town. The other two are Devils Peak and Table Mountain. Surrounding the wine lands (North up Cape Town) are 13 mountains known as the 12 Apostles.
Ev and I did Lion’s Head with a touring group and guides that were mostly college kids from South Africa and two that were studying abroad from the US. It was really nice chatting with them as we climbed; it took about an hour and a half to get to the top. As we ascended, the tour guides would point out the gay beaches, the family beaches and the beaches for college kids.
At the top, we ate dinner provided by the tour group, took a lot of pictures of the sunset and chatted a lot. One of the students is a medical student and was explaining to us that there was not enough medical staff around to meet the need that is there especially because of the high prevalence of HIV. I believe the percentage was 18%.
He explained that the last president completely denied that AIDS was a problem and many people did not get the care that was needed. It is often that people who are positive get ostracized and he considered it modern day leprosy. He also talked about the political system a bit. He explained that personally he votes for whatever party that proved to be a worthy opposition to the party presently in power. He also said that there were hundreds of smaller political parties which is unlike our main 2 party system.
We started to descend after the sunset, the lights of the city next to the mountains was breathtaking. It was difficult getting down at night. All the guides had headlamps but they did not use them efficiently. The guide I was with would walk in front of us but then would get too far ahead so we couldn’t see. At one point when I was walking next to him, he would look at me with the lamp on and kind of blinded me. It was fun though and we made good friends.
A girl and one the guys were singing “Scrubs” songs together all the way down. Most of South Africa watches American TV shows but they are a couple seasons behind because of the government or something.
The guide I was talking to (Karl) started a business to go to foreign universities to recruit college kids to come to South Africa and work in the townships. He said a lot of the psychology majors and people with the talents to work in the townships that are from South Africa have to work and do not have the resources to volunteer their time to go to the townships. He lost his job recently so he has not been able to travel and recruit but I took his card so that I could keep in contact. Also on the way down, we saw 3 scorpions!
At 4:00, we took a hike up a mountain/ hill called Lion’s head. It is the smallest of three mountains in Cape Town. The other two are Devils Peak and Table Mountain. Surrounding the wine lands (North up Cape Town) are 13 mountains known as the 12 Apostles.
Ev and I did Lion’s Head with a touring group and guides that were mostly college kids from South Africa and two that were studying abroad from the US. It was really nice chatting with them as we climbed; it took about an hour and a half to get to the top. As we ascended, the tour guides would point out the gay beaches, the family beaches and the beaches for college kids.
At the top, we ate dinner provided by the tour group, took a lot of pictures of the sunset and chatted a lot. One of the students is a medical student and was explaining to us that there was not enough medical staff around to meet the need that is there especially because of the high prevalence of HIV. I believe the percentage was 18%.
He explained that the last president completely denied that AIDS was a problem and many people did not get the care that was needed. It is often that people who are positive get ostracized and he considered it modern day leprosy. He also talked about the political system a bit. He explained that personally he votes for whatever party that proved to be a worthy opposition to the party presently in power. He also said that there were hundreds of smaller political parties which is unlike our main 2 party system.
We started to descend after the sunset, the lights of the city next to the mountains was breathtaking. It was difficult getting down at night. All the guides had headlamps but they did not use them efficiently. The guide I was with would walk in front of us but then would get too far ahead so we couldn’t see. At one point when I was walking next to him, he would look at me with the lamp on and kind of blinded me. It was fun though and we made good friends.
A girl and one the guys were singing “Scrubs” songs together all the way down. Most of South Africa watches American TV shows but they are a couple seasons behind because of the government or something.
The guide I was talking to (Karl) started a business to go to foreign universities to recruit college kids to come to South Africa and work in the townships. He said a lot of the psychology majors and people with the talents to work in the townships that are from South Africa have to work and do not have the resources to volunteer their time to go to the townships. He lost his job recently so he has not been able to travel and recruit but I took his card so that I could keep in contact. Also on the way down, we saw 3 scorpions!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Update on Mauritius-Will be able to disembark!
Hey Family and Friends: Here is the update from the ship!
Today is the day we were supposed to be in Mauritius and they have planned multiple fun activities to make up for it. Yesterday during pub night, they blasted music and had a dance party for everyone. It got really crowded and it was funny dancing with the boat rocking so much because everybody would move and push into each other. It was really fun though!
Then today they served brunch so that we did not have to wake up at 8 to have breakfast. They also have Karaoke tonight, movies, zumba and some other programs. Tonight they are serving BBQ on the Pool deck!
Everyone is tanning out on the pool deck and drinking smoothies. It is getting significantly hotter since we are getting close to the equator.
The best part today was during the midafternoon announcements; we were told we will be allowed to disembark for 4 hours tomorrow morning. We will arrive at the island at 10 tonight. Everyone is really excited and we will get a couple hours at the beach.
We are losing one of our class break days on the way to India to make up for missing classes tomorrow. I am excited because I had a paper due tomorrow. We are really enjoying this little vacation. I am watching The Producers with Ev and another couple. I am having a great day!
Today is the day we were supposed to be in Mauritius and they have planned multiple fun activities to make up for it. Yesterday during pub night, they blasted music and had a dance party for everyone. It got really crowded and it was funny dancing with the boat rocking so much because everybody would move and push into each other. It was really fun though!
Then today they served brunch so that we did not have to wake up at 8 to have breakfast. They also have Karaoke tonight, movies, zumba and some other programs. Tonight they are serving BBQ on the Pool deck!
Everyone is tanning out on the pool deck and drinking smoothies. It is getting significantly hotter since we are getting close to the equator.
The best part today was during the midafternoon announcements; we were told we will be allowed to disembark for 4 hours tomorrow morning. We will arrive at the island at 10 tonight. Everyone is really excited and we will get a couple hours at the beach.
We are losing one of our class break days on the way to India to make up for missing classes tomorrow. I am excited because I had a paper due tomorrow. We are really enjoying this little vacation. I am watching The Producers with Ev and another couple. I am having a great day!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Student Service at the City of Refuge
Ghana Service Project: The City of Hope Refuge from Semester at Sea on Vimeo.
Semester at Sea students visited the City of Refuge home in Tema, Ghana last week. Since 2007, the home has provided a safe space for children victimized by trafficking and abandonment. Hear from Spring 2012 students about the powerful experience in the video below. Music by Spring 2012 interport lecturer Sheriff Ghale.
Everett is in the video, about 1/2 way through at the 1:23 mark.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Rough Weather, Mauritius cancelled
Hello Everyone!
Because of the bad weather, we are not going to be stopping in Mauritius. If we did stop, we would not arrive in India on time. It was a tough blow on everyone, they are all pretty bummed. We have 7 MORE days (12 in total) on the boat until we reach India! We are all getting a bit of cabin fever and the food is getting progressively worse.
Ev and I love the ship rocking! Towards the front of the boat you feel yourself going up and you hear the boat crashing down. Evs room is near the front and sometimes has trouble falling to sleep it is so loud.
The change in pressure as the boat moves is disorienting but really fun. You learn to expect when it will come down or go up. Also, its fun to see the horizon move and if you look out the windows you can see the boat get closer to the water and then come away.
We had a couple big wave jerks during dinner last night and we had to grab all the stuff off the tables to prevent it from sliding off. Everyone seems to be feeling better!
I have gotten all good grades on my papers though! Will write more later! Gotta study now!
Dear Semester at Sea Spring 2012 Participants:
To avoid inclement weather in the Indian Ocean, the Spring 2012 voyage has proceeded at a significantly reduced speed between the destinations of Cape Town, South Africa and Port Louis, Mauritius. As a result of the delays, the captain of the MV Explorer and ISE senior management have resolved to cancel the voyage's call on March 6 to Port Louis, Mauritius in order to arrive in Cochin, India as scheduled on Monday, March 12. Participants enrolled in SAS field trips in Mauritius will receive full credit on their shipboard accounts for cancelled FDPs and/or field trips.*
The plan is for the ship to stop briefly in Mauritius for a required refueling but not to disembark participants. Once refueling is complete, the ship will continue on its passage to India.
The Captain continues to track weather conditions in the region and is taking all precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance. We will notify you if weather conditions necessitate any further changes. Thank you for your understanding of this important health and safety decision.
Sincerely,
Semester at Sea
*Students with FDPs in Mauritius will receive assistance in making appropriate arrangements to fulfill those academic requirements.
Because of the bad weather, we are not going to be stopping in Mauritius. If we did stop, we would not arrive in India on time. It was a tough blow on everyone, they are all pretty bummed. We have 7 MORE days (12 in total) on the boat until we reach India! We are all getting a bit of cabin fever and the food is getting progressively worse.
Ev and I love the ship rocking! Towards the front of the boat you feel yourself going up and you hear the boat crashing down. Evs room is near the front and sometimes has trouble falling to sleep it is so loud.
The change in pressure as the boat moves is disorienting but really fun. You learn to expect when it will come down or go up. Also, its fun to see the horizon move and if you look out the windows you can see the boat get closer to the water and then come away.
We had a couple big wave jerks during dinner last night and we had to grab all the stuff off the tables to prevent it from sliding off. Everyone seems to be feeling better!
I have gotten all good grades on my papers though! Will write more later! Gotta study now!
Dear Semester at Sea Spring 2012 Participants:
To avoid inclement weather in the Indian Ocean, the Spring 2012 voyage has proceeded at a significantly reduced speed between the destinations of Cape Town, South Africa and Port Louis, Mauritius. As a result of the delays, the captain of the MV Explorer and ISE senior management have resolved to cancel the voyage's call on March 6 to Port Louis, Mauritius in order to arrive in Cochin, India as scheduled on Monday, March 12. Participants enrolled in SAS field trips in Mauritius will receive full credit on their shipboard accounts for cancelled FDPs and/or field trips.*
The plan is for the ship to stop briefly in Mauritius for a required refueling but not to disembark participants. Once refueling is complete, the ship will continue on its passage to India.
The Captain continues to track weather conditions in the region and is taking all precautionary measures to maintain a safe distance. We will notify you if weather conditions necessitate any further changes. Thank you for your understanding of this important health and safety decision.
Sincerely,
Semester at Sea
*Students with FDPs in Mauritius will receive assistance in making appropriate arrangements to fulfill those academic requirements.
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