Location: Flores - Labuan Bajo
Hello all,
This is my last blog for the trip, so we all must cry as the world will no longer be blessed by my all-around superior sense of humor (humble, too, am I right).
Now that we are done crying and have pulled ourselves together, it’s time I walk you through the day because it was pretty epic.
First and foremost, we got class out of the way, crushing some marine bio and leadership (both satisfactory). Then, the truly fun stuff began, and we were released to shore. We had not three, not four, but five hours to wander around Labuan Bajo (Flindonesia’s finest town)!!!!! There we had what I think everyone would describe as the best shore day yet – the town was just so cute and had everything we could dream of. I even chose to set fire to the wind as I consumed all the things I miss the most (ice and iced water………update for those curious: my travels diarrhea meds are still unopened #constitutionofagoat).
Furthermore, there are very few words that actually describe just how nice the day was, so in three words – food, food, and food! I do believe everyone consumed as many meals, treats, and cold non-alcoholic beverages as we could get our hands on.
Next, while we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we shortly discovered that the nightlife (after 5 pm on the boat) was about to get wild. As we were all shuttled back to the boat via dinghy, stomachs the most full they had been in 66 days, we heard the spectacular news that we would be having a pizza party. You heard that right: more land food is every girl’s true dream 🙂 Here, despite our practically exploding stomachs we ate pizza and rolled around on the ground in pain with how much we had eaten.
At this point, you might think the day had climaxed, but the best was yet to come. A surprise awaited us in the saloon (dun dun dun). TRIVIA!!!!!!
We ran downstairs like Christmas morning to see ice cream, popcorn, Oreos, chips, fish cakes, and cold juice/soda awaiting us (yes, everyone’s dessert stomachs presented themselves just in time for this mind-blowing event).
Then, broken up into watch teams. We threw down over the competition of who knows this trip better. There were four categories: extremely close-up fish ID, funny quotes, strangers we have met, and Gabe’s very weird music taste. Here, we engaged in absolute battle as the winners would earn ultimate bragging rights. After hours of a battle well fought watch team two came out the superior team!!!! Yes, that is my watch team, no I am not lying, not even embelishing (which I am known to do) – we went out there and took no survivors! Right now, after this win, I would like to take a moment to thank my mum and my dad for teaching me to remember everything ever (yes, grudge-holding is a fault, mum, I get it). My fellow watch team members Anabelle, Iain, Beck, Anna, and Kackie for fully dedicating themselves to this effort tonight! And on that note… I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN, I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN, I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!
Before I set down my pen, I would like to give a few acknowledgments to this boat and the things I have learned (IF YOU ARE A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT READ THIS)
– go to the travel doctor, guys (get prescription diarrhea pills – you might need them)
– come in having not had hummus in years (you will be eating it at least three times a week for MEALS – not as casual snacks – sometimes even as soup)
– bring real sick sickness meds – not just the anti-drowsy ones and hide them from the adults and take them as necessary (anti-drowsy doesn’t work)
– savor juice and cold water before you leave home
– only bring synthetic materials (cotton is for those who want to smell bad)
– invest in other people doing your laundry – you will smell worse than before if you do your laundry in the buckets (might as well just keep wearing the dirty clothes at that point)
– the packing list is wrong – you need more than two pairs of shorts – only two will leave you pants-less
– you will never use moisturizer unless in severe burn situations because you will sweat literally everything off
– now is not the time for aluminum-free deodorant – please bring chemicals
– you will get to shower in privacy despite the impression that you will only shower in the ocean ever (don’t fear)
– you really do need to empty the toilet (that step isn’t optional – flushing four times is not enough)
– bring baby powder for your feet; otherwise, they will be so wet all the time they will look diseased
– bring towels that are distinct so that they aren’t accidentally used as deck towels (kiss your towel goodbye otherwise)
– lastly, it’s okay to wear your underwear multiple days in a row, and even inside out, we all do it. Don’t lie to me
Goodbye from me, and a big thumbs up,
Sidney
xoxo gossip girl