And so, the End

The days on the ship between Gdansk and Southampton are a blur of studying, exams, final papers, Alumni dinner, dance party, end-of-voyage video, laughter, and tears. And the students ARE studying!

We also had a scary/amazing moment when a friend had to be evacuated to a hospital in Gdansk. The ship crew is incredible, and the evacuation -- helicopter, lowered cables, stretcher basket, seat basket-- took less then 20 minutes to accomplish. She will be fine.

One of the classes did a drama performance, and another did an art show. I don't have pix of the astonishing former event, but here are some accordian journals and mix media pieces created by the students.

To add to the excitement, the 18th was my birthday, so you can only imagine what it's like to have 700 people wishing you HB all day, singing, leaving little gifts and thoughtful notes, and even (thank you, Amber!) a video production and (thank you, Janna!) cake for faculty, staff, and lifelong learners.

Now on to our real lives. This voyage has been a dream, a privilege, and an adventure that none of us will ever forget.