I’m going on an adventure. Some may call it a “once in a lifetime experience,” but I’ve always shied away from that phrase. “Once in a lifetime” implies a climax, a one-time peak of excitement, and the phrase suggests everything that takes place afterwards is falling action. I refuse to believe we get only one shot at adventure in life. In fact, this will be my second “once in a lifetime experience” so let’s just call it an adventure.
In fall 2004, I spent 107 days as a wide-eyed Semester At Sea student. Along with 700 fellow college students, I circumnavigated the globe on the MV Explorer. In the process, I gained a deep appreciation for the tremendous variety of cultural expression in the world and promised myself it would not be the last time I saw the world. After 10 years of reflection I can confidently say that the experience was a defining moment in my life and it continues to shape my worldview to this day.
Today I set sail on another adventure. I will again be traveling with Semester at Sea, not as a student, but as the ship’s photographer. I’ll join a new batch of wide-eyed undergraduates as we journey throughout Europe, Africa, and South America.
Throughout the four-month journey, I will miss my family dearly. But personal growth and exploration does not come without sacrifice. Fortunately, Sara is joining me for part of the voyage, meeting me in France and flying home from Morocco. During that time, our little girl Ava will be at Nanna and Pappa’s. It won’t be easy leaving her home, but I imagine she’ll be joining us on a similar adventure soon enough.
I’ll be blogging photos along the way and will stay in touch via email and the occasional phone call. It may take a day or two for me to respond to emails: Wi-Fi is hard to come by in the Sahara Desert, Patagonia, and Amazon Jungle. But do not fret, I will get back to you. Whether you’re a current client or are interested in my wedding photography services, I’ve got you covered. I’ll return to the United States on December 16, and will continue booking 2014 weddings while abroad.
In the past 10 years I’ve traversed 29 countries on 6 continents and have always come back with a fresh perspective, renewed appreciation for photography, and a fantastic tan. It’s never easy but it’s always worth it.
Be sure to check out the itinerary below and stop back often to read about the adventures and misadventures that lie ahead.
Semester at Sea – Fall 2013
Ports of Call Southampton, England – August 24 Saint Petersburg, Russia – August 29 Hamburg, Germany – September 5 Antwerp, Belgium – September 12 Le Havre, France – September 15 Dublin, Ireland – September Lisbon, Portugal – September 27 Cadiz, Spain – September 30 Casablanca, Morocco – October 3 Takoradi, Ghana – October 15 Tema, Ghana – October 17 Cape Town, South Africa – October 26 Buenos Aires, Argentina – November 12 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 20 Salvador, Brazil – November 25 Havana, Cuba – December 9 Fort Lauderdale, USA – December 16