MONOCOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Location: Monaco
Hi, it's Mali!!!!!!! We started today with a 6:30 wake-up and had French toast (cheffed up by Callie!) for breakfast! After a delicious meal, we went to land and took the train to the yacht capital of the world, MONACO!! Immediately after getting off the train, we were greeted by expensive cars, people in dress coats and loafers, and a lot of closed stores(everything opens at 10; it was 8:30). We then made our way to the Monaco Oceanographic Museum; the walk was only interrupted by a couple of personal stops at Cafes and patisseries. At 10:00 on September 29th, 2026, we became the first guests in the museum(a large feat for a larger group of people). Welcomed by empty halls, Ionic columns, and halls of information, our only instruction was to gather three facts to share in our Oceanography and Marine Biology classes. Other than that, we were able to explore the museum and city until 4:00 pm. The museum was AWESOME, and we walked through halls of aquariums; read about Prince Albert I and his oceanographic endeavors; and saw sea turtles in rehabilitation! After that, we all delved into the crazy city that is Monaco. From the mega yachts to the hairpin turn to the infinite places to eat and shop, we had plenty to fill our day with. Everyone split apart from the group and ate delicious food, shopped, sight-sawed, people-watched, and did more shopping; I personally bought 100 cups' worth of instant espresso. We met at the train station at 4:00 (all of us on time again, surprising!) and headed back to Vela. When we arrived back on the ship, we went straight into an Oceanography class where we learned about ocean floors, underwater trenches, and volcanic activity. Right after class, we had amazing taco bowls for dinner(cooked again by Callie), and we are all going to the ocean shower because we all stink! We make the voyage to Barcelona tomorrow(YAY!!).
You will hear from me again in 32 days, when I am skipper again!
I have included photos of all of your children, so you know they are still alive, and a couple of Monocos!
Enjoy!
Mali