a calm study day

Saturday 24th January.
Coordinates for Liam & Katie:
Time: 21.30
Lat. 32 degrees 29.8 N
Long. 033 degrees 35.4 W
Speed. 15.2 knots
Course. 80 degrees

Today has been sunny, calm and very enjoyable. The students are getting more relaxed and the noise level in the dining room tonight had risen many decibels. In fact beside one table a young man had been dared to strip which he started to do to hysterical catcalls until they suddenly realised there were a few other diners around and quietened down ...somewhat! I had my hair cut in the hairdressers and a girl, student, having highlights put in her hair in the next chair was saying she couldn't get down to studying because 'well after all I'm on a cruise ship'!! Glad mummy and daddy didn't hear that one....or her profs!

Went to my Shakespeare class today and was amazed at how traditional the students were in their thinking about the Bard. In discussion about 'modernising' or changing the location of Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet they asked 'Why do it? They only make sense as they were written'......well I listened most of the time but finally suggested that experimentation and change were what kept 'theatre' evolving and exciting.....they looked at me with some surprise...and concern?! Ithink my prof looked relieved! But discussions were lively and fun to listen to.

A faculty staff social tonight was well attended in the faculty lounge. Fantastic decorations of sculptured fruits and colourful finger foods and free drinks meant that it was both well attended and happy! We shared a table at supper with a painfully shy Economics professor; hard work until I asked him his thoughts on the present economic crunch....well he fairly took off and talked non- stop for 3 minutes. So we egged him on with more queries and put the financial world to rights...or it will be he thinks in about a year. There's an optimistic thought! I jest, he was a sweet shy gentle man.

Watched Longitude on our cabin TV tonight...all films seem to have some relevence to this voyage. Saw a South African film with Tim Robbins doing a very passable South African accent last night; all about the freedom fighters of the ANC against apartheid. There is such a huge awareness of educating us all before we visit other cultures with other histories. Excellent leadership.

We are losing another hour tonight and probably tomorrow night as well, This when the sleepiness sets in and we doze during important lectures....George is already sound asleep. So off to bed with my book.