Stuck in Paradise

For the second time in my life I am stuck aboard the MV Explorer gazing off at the beautiful city of Honolulu. When I sailed the last time in 2006 we bunkered (fuel stop) here for an evening.  This time we have been here for almost 24 hours now and will likely be here until the noon today.

Bunkering in progress

We are stuck here because there is a bad storm off in the Pacific Ocean and we are trying to avoid getting caught in 25 foot waves.  I’m perfectly okay with anything that avoids making the ship violently rock back and forth.  We aren’t able to get off the ship since it would cause a nightmare of paperwork and fees from US Customs and Immigration.  In the meantime, it’s very interesting to see how different the shipboard community would be if the students had access to their phones 24/7.  I think it’s a lot better when we aren’t so connected with the outside word, though I do enjoy being able to easily post pictures to Facebook.

The excitement of today is that I am currently writing this blog while sitting a few feet from Archbishop Tutu.  My heart does begin to beat a little faster anytime I get to have an interaction with him and it always makes my day.  He is so friendly and approchable.  He was kind enough to take a picture with me and with Nicole.  This job is just the best I've ever had!

Now off to Japan!