New answers received from Concordia by 12/04/95
: What is the most exciting port you have stopped at so far...Cassie, Ms. McCann's 6th grade -- 11/20/95
nswered by Jan Peavoy -- 11/24/95
I think that most other Class Afloat students would agree with me when I say that the most exciting port so far has been Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I doubt that we will ever again be treated like we were during that week. From the moment we set foot in Jeddah, they treated us like kings, chauffeuring us around and showering us with gifts.
Who could complain about five nights in a nice hotel with three buffet meals a day, amusement parks and sport complexes opened solely for them, and beautiful beaches with jet skis and speedboats? It was an unbelievable five days that left us all feeling recharged for the rest of the voyage. Although we had a very sheltered view of Saudi Arabian lifestyle, we had an amazing time!
: Did you need to get shots before travelling to different countries? Can you drink the water? ...Jennifer D., Gladwyne, PA -- 11/21/95
nswered by Lauren Katz -- 11/27/95
Yes, I had to get lots of immunizations before I came on this Class Afloat adventure. I already had the polio-tetanus and hepatitis B vaccine when I was younger. I had to get shots for hepatitis A, yellow fever, typhoid, and malaria.
The hepatitis vaccinations consist of three shots over a 6 month period. The malaria pills are taken only when we reach infected areas, such as Tanzania. The most important thing to remember while we are traveling is to be careful about what you eat and drink. I never drink tap water anywhere, and always make sure that the bottled water I buy is properly sealed. I also try to avoid eating meat, especially red meat, when I go out to eat in some countries.
: What does the term "laying aloft" mean? ...5th grade, Martin School -- 11/14/95
nswered by Chantelle Styles -- 11/27/95
Laying aloft is a nautical term for climbing the mast when you want to either furl or unfurl the square sails. For safety reasons, you need to wear a harness to go up.
Once you have climbed up the ratlines and you have reached one of the yards (the royal is my favorite), you clip yourself onto the life line and yell out, "stepping on royal port side!" Then you step onto the skinny foot rope and hold onto the yard for dear life.
Usually you need two to four people on each side of the yard in order to furl the sail, depending on how big it is. Once you've finished furling and the sail is the least visible (cleanly tucked in all around), you can start your descent either to the next sail down or to the main deck.
Personally, I love laying aloft because when you are over 100 feet in the air with nothing but the ocean and the sky all around you, you feel like you're on top of the world. At first, laying aloft can be scary but once you've done it a few times you get past your fear and it all becomes a big thrill.
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