Dancing Whales: Alaskan Adventures

Last week, I stepped off of a 7 day Alaskan Cruise. No big deal.

Just kidding. It was a big deal and it was awesome. There were 23 members of my extended family aboard this ship and it was a blast. On this vacation, we saw whales aplenty, a couple glaciers, flipping salmon, adorable seals, fantastic performances, beautiful scenery, ate fine cuisine, and danced our butts off. I don't get to see my extended family often, and this vacation, now that I'm 21, it felt like a lot of doors were opened to that I could get to know them better. And by doors, I mean the doors to the club. I hope that doesn't sound stupid, but you know? When you're under 21, you kinda have a limited time with people. You live on a different sleep schedule then those who have the privilege to go out at night.

Speaking of going out at night, this vacation, I totally got my groove back. I don't know why, but the last couple years, I haven't been myself on the dance floor. I've been self-concious and just trying to be silly instead of seriously dancing. Maybe it was just being around my crazy family that brought it back out, but I danced my heart out almost every night of vacation. One night, I actually was given the fabulous opportunity to compete in Dancing with the Stripes (like dancing with the stars, except you're dancing with the officers of the ship). Based on audience applause as judgement, I believe I got second place! The winner was a cowboy who flipped his dance partner--after that, I knew my chance was probably gone. But for the rest of the cruise, I got compliments from strangers on my performance! It was sweet.

Here are my TIPS from this trip:

Pre-Disillusionment of Frog Legs

• Frog legs do not taste like chicken. Unless that chicken was braised in fishy river water.
• When you go on a cruise or to a resort that charges extra for everything, either buy packages for things like drinks in advance, or have a budget prepared. Those Pina Coladas could add up. I was very grateful for my package!
• Don't bother paying for internet unless absolutely necessary. There will always be time to find an internet cafe or a Starbucks in port. 
• When you travel to someplace new, you have two options:
• Either a) Care and learn about a little bit of history about the destinations before you arrive! It is so much more exciting to see famous landmarks when you know why they are famous.
• Or b) Go on excursions! It's an easy and fun way to learn about the landmarks and quirks of the area, especially if you have a friendly tour guide (so make friends with him/her).
• On a cruise ship, you are going to be around the same people for a week. Get to know the people you are eating lunch by! I met people from all over, and almost all of them could talk about theater (which made a happy Debbi!)
• Bring two sweaters and a waterproof jacket. Your dad will thank you when he doesn't have to give his up because your sweater got soaked with glacier water. 

Mendenhall Glacier

The COOLEST Things I Saw

• The Hubbard and Mendenhall Glaciers. I've heard it said that soon, all of the glaciers will be gone. It was absolutely mind blowing to see something so old and to actually hear the thunderous breakage of it's melt. 
• The Whales. I mean I never saw one full out porpoise (which means jump out of the water like every stereotypical dolphin), but the blast from they're port hole (if you will) and appearance of the back and flip of their tale was an amazing enough sight for me. 
• Leaping Salmon. I couldn't BELIEVE how many salmon I saw and they were all continually shooting feet out of the water! SOmething to do with trying to break their egg sacks... Ketchikan, our third stop, is the salmon capital of the world. It's so funny to me that in the lower 48, salmon makes a fine meal, but in Alaska, of course, its poor man's food. But that doesn't make it any less delicious. 

I'm signing off now from my layover in Montreal. Did I mention that I'm on my way to Athens, Greece right now? To study abroad for three and a half months with my dear friend, Anna? Our first flight left Sioux Falls early this morning (shout out to my WONDERFUL boyfriend Bobby who drove me to the airport before 5 am) and it still hasn't sunk in that I won't be at USF this semester. Keep us in your prayers! And look forward to a blog very soon. <3