I'm on the embarkation video!

So I know I just posted an update earlier today BUT I was informed by a few of my friends this afternoon that my audio interview was used in the embarkation video so I checked it out and VOILA!  I heard my voice!  I'm the one talking about carrying 150 pounds of luggage and having fun!  I also make an appearance in a few photos throughout the video, so have fun playing a game of "Where's Amanda?"  (Hint: I'm wearing a pink tank top and grey Capri sweatpants).  Fun Fact: notice the huge sweat stain on my shirt.  GROSS!  It was hot!

 

Oh, so you're probably wondering where the video is posted.  Use this link... http://www.ise.virginia.edu/video/F08_1.html

 

I just came back to my cabin after an hour and 45 minute logistical pre-port meeting in the Union.  Everything from safety, to passport info, to diarrhea cures were discussed.  The shipboard doctor, who by the way is an Englishman, approached diarrhea in a very creative way and had his Pepto girls (the two nurses) advertise Pepto throughout his speech.  Think Bob Barker-esque.

 

One group of independent travelers' booked a flight at 11am tomorrow and they just found out tonight that they're most likely not even getting off the ship til 10 am.  And it takes about an hour to get to the airport...do the math real quick.  Why they booked it that early is beyond me, but I do feel sorry for them.  I hope the parents reading this blog don't have kids traveling in that group cause I don't know how or when they'll be able to re-book a flight.  Oh well, I guess that's a lesson learned unfortunately.

 

I'm getting extremely excited for Brazil.  Tomorrow, a group of us are walking around Salvador with Julie, one of our friends, who is Brazilian and is going to act as our interpreter for the day.  Thank god for her!  I would be so lost walking around not knowing the language.  I guess that is half the fun!  I've started packing for my Lencois trip already...I can't believe I leave for it in two days!  I am not exactly looking forward to the 6-hour bus ride that awaits both there and back, but I'm bringing three things to help me get through the journey...earplugs, a crossword puzzle book, and my journal.  That's all I need to keep me happy for 6 hours (hopefully). 

 

Many people are planning to sleep outside on the deck tonight, but I am going to be responsible and sleep in my cabin figuring I'm already sick and it would just impede me from getting better.  Why push my luck since I'm starting to feel normal again.  My sinuses are no longer my enemy and my voice does not sound like an 80-year-old man with emphysema.  I hope that this will be the first and last cold I get for the next three months.  That would be glorious. 

 

I'm going to try to get to an internet cafe tomorrow sometime to upload some pictures I have taken over the past week.  I took some beautiful shots of the sun setting this afternoon that I would love for you all to see.  I hope that I can make that happen.  I do not think I will be able to post any video footage, but if I figure out a way to do that, I most definitely will.

 

Once again, I believe that is it for now.  And by now, you all probably realize I mean the next few hours.  I'm sure I'll have more to report on by tomorrow night, and it's going to be all about SALVADOR!  Woo hoo! 

 

-Amanda