"Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting holy s*** - what a ride!' So apparently, they edit my posts! O well...you get the point. I really need this whole thing to start already. Sitting at home wondering if I packed right, how I'm going to pay for it all, thinking about how much I'm going to miss everyone, etc... really sucks. I'm about as prepared as I thin...

Today I have to pack! I've spent the past few days hanging out with my family and Andrew. It was barely winter this past weekend and Andrew and I were even able to make a jump at The Ranch on Saturday. It was great to be able to see everyone... and it was my first Cessna jump~ (I know....the 'f' word....I owe beer!) That was pretty cool....although I was a little nervous since I hadn't been in the air since Thanksgiving, plus I had quite the time getting out of t...

I know that this is the opportunity of a lifetime...and a great honor to be selected to serve as a member of the Semester at Sea team. So why is so difficult? Preparing for this SAS trip has been one of the most involved things I've ever done...its been emotionally, physically (moving, several doctors visits, multiple vaccinations, malaria prevention pills etc...) and financially draining. I gave up my apartment and put all of my belongings in a storage unit, l...

So....Today was my last day at Maritime before I leave! Ahhhh....its a little crazy. Very mixed emotions. My office had a nice little bon voyage cake for me which was sweet and tonight I'm meeting up with my work friends at the Harbor which will be fun. We haven't all been together in awhile so this will be nice. So here goes...this is my itinerary for the next 3 1/2 months: January 11-15 - Pack and get myself together! Spend as much time with Andrew and my fa...

Preparations for my trip are continuing and I wanted to make sure to post the list of addresses where mail can be sent! I promise to send postcards from each place we visit! Sending Mail to the Ship Rachel B. Lerner C/O: Explorer Arrival Date Port Agent Address Currently the U.S. Post Office recommends sending international mail at least two weeks in advance. Please keep in mind that mail service in other countries may vary. Letters...