1. Perspective - I am ashamed to say it, but I’ve never really paid much attention to the international section of the news unless there was a major disaster or event affecting the U.S. I mean, who cares what’s going on, on the other side of the world if it doesn’t affect me? After this journey, I can now count myself as one of those people that does care about the rest of the world. I’ve been there, I’ve met the people, I’ve made friends there. I’m connected to them now and I want to go back to each and every single one of these countries to see how they’ve progressed, what changes have been made, and how my (and our) visit has impacted them.
2. Identity - Before, I saw myself as a 2nd generation Korean-American, a citizen of Seattle, Washington and a citizen of the United States of America. Now, I truly understand what it means to be an American and a child of immigrants.
3. Personality - This is a big one for me. Semester at Sea did wonders to boost all the positive aspects of myself. The things I did here are things I never would have imagined myself doing if it weren’t for the trip. Things like hiking a mountain for 6 hours in the Chapada Diamantina in Lencois, Brazil, or bungee jumping from the top of a cave from that same third-world country, or jumping out of a plane at 9,000 meters in Cape Town, South Africa - things that get my adrenaline pumping. Or other things, like dropping myself into the middle of a country where no one speaks English and somehow getting by, armed only with a green sheet and cultural packet. And the people! The students on this voyage are probably going to be the group of people I have gotten along with the best in my entire life. Never have I felt so accepted and so loved by a school community.
I’ll be off the ship in less than 12 hours. I unfortunately did not have time to say goodbye to each and every person on the voyage that contributed to my life-changing experience, so if you’re one of those hundred people, I apologize. And to all of my fellow shipmates: I consider you all to be my brothers and sisters. I hope we all keep in contact, and I hope to see all of you in a summer semester, reunion voyage, or any stateside (or international…that means you, Dave’s Lencois group!) reunion. I hope to see you if you ever pass through Seattle, and also if I ever pass through your neck of the woods. I know I’ll definitely be hooking up with some of you professionally (yeah politicians, lawyers, and law enforcement officials - that means you!) in the future. You’ll all forever be in my heart.
To all of my readers and commentators: Thank you for joining me on a journey of a lifetime. Your thoughts and readership are appreciated. I know I’m missing recaps from Vietnam onwards, and pictures from..everything after South Africa. In the coming weeks I plan to post a final recap of the entire voyage - the same one I’ll be screening for my friends at home.
10 hours and 40 minutes to go until my sea’s scheduled disembarkation from my new home. I’m gonna go spend them with my shipmates - peace out!
Alex,
Thanks for the great, informative, diligent, and funny blog! It has been fun following your travels for the past 3 months, and we have learned a lot, along with you. The photos have been great, despite your stuggles with camera’s internet, etc.
Special thanks for coaching and helping Joyce with her digital education. You were a great help, and it was good to know that you were there for her.
I want to go to Brazil to try that Burger!
Gary
It’s over, already?
You’ve definitely have had quite an experience. I can’t imagine how life changing this trip could be to someone.
Thanks for keeping up the blog and letting us peek a bit into your awesome adventure!
Alex,
Thanks so much for takin me along for the ride. I seriously would not have gotten through my long night at work if it hadn’t been for your blog. Anyway, I hope the hotel stay worked out ok and they didn’t give you any trouble. Take care man, I hope you follow my blog this summer as I travel with SAS to South and Central America.
Mike
Alex…
…
very interesting, but I don’t agree with you
Idetrorce
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