JUNE II

SHOCKER June 10, 2006
I got on the scale today. It said I weigh 4 kilos more than I did before getting on Peaceboat. Is that even possible? Screw!

BOOKS FOR JAMAICAN CHILDREN June 9th, 2006
Today and tomorrow the GET team is organizing the Jamaican book project, which is an event put on to raise money and books for the Jamaican Boys and Girls Club every time the ship goes to Jamaica.
The way it works is like this :
1. GET teachers and other Peaceboaters collect donated childrens’ books and bring them on the cruise.
2. We sell each book for $10 buck
3. The person who buys the book writes a message in English to the Jamaican children in the book.
4. The book is donated back to the Jamaican Boys and Girls Club. Clever idea, isn’t it? The Club gets both books and funds. So far about 2,500 dollars has been raised and 250 books have been donated. すごい！

THIRD SIGHTING June 8th, 2006
I saw dolphins again! Woo hoo! Still jealous about the girl who saw a shark…

THE BIG APPLE June 6th, 2006
I had forgotten how much the U.S. rocks! Yesterday was a perfect evening - spent watching The Wives of O.C. while eating take out Chinese with my NY friends Leila and Crystal. Today I got to see David Letterman live, something I have ALWAYS wanted to do but never had the chance. David Lettermen was as funny as ever. It was interesting to se how they actually taped the show, and how the crowd was warmed up. Dave came on early and asked the audience if they had any questions. A guy a few seats next to me asked why Dave always wore white socks. When the show started taping Dave actually began with the lines “Welcome to the Tonight Show, what color are your socks?” It was hilarious! After the taping I met up with another NY friend Iwan for a pizza and bagel run before returning to the ship. The night departure from Manhattan was breathtaking. It was the first time for me to see the Statue of Liberty in the evening, all lit up. My time in NY was excellent, special thanks to my friends. One more day of the big apple would have been great, but what can you do? At least I have a big fat package of American goodies from my sister to savor for memories of home. Thanks Jen!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY June 5th, 2006
Today I am in NYC. I have already had my pizza and must now go for some bagels and cream cheese. Took a stroll through Times Square with some of the GET teachers and harrassed some police officer on the street for an answer so I could score some Letterman tix for tomorrow's taping (you need to answer some Dave trivia to get free tix and I personally did not know the answer.) I guess the special guest is Bonnie Bunt and the musical talent is Elvis Costello. yippee! It is also my sister's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jen!!!!

AMERICA DAY June 4, 2006
In celebration of our upcoming approach to New York, we've turned today into America day, f-yeah! The four American teachers held a mini Jeopardy event with American trivia and a special category on NYC. The hardest question for the Japanese passengers seemed to be in the “Begins with a P” category – “Persecuted for their religion, they were the first European settlers in the New England area.” Only one group came up with pilgrims for the right answer. After the game show we headed to the sports bar for American music night for drinks and dancing. Each of the American teachers put on four of their favorite songs (btw. Meribon’s playlist consisted of Summertime/Fresh Prince, Groove is in the Heart/Deee-lite, Boss DJ cover/Jack Johnson and Back of the Bus/G Love,) followed by a set of American rock music put together by Britman Dave. I went to bed soon after my songs were all finished so I could be well-rested for the next day!