CAPTAIN'S LOG

Curacao is an awesome port of call for any training ship and it is particularly well suited to be the first stop. Sea Term is all about confidence and Curacao is the place build it. The island people are warm and friendly, and well know for going out of their way to help cadets. The atmosphere of ethnic diversity is wonderful. One sees it while walking the streets, in restaurants, and in all the shops. On each of the past three visits, we enjoyed a great Italian meal, cooked by a Curacao native, and served by a woman of an East Indian descent. Last evening, the pubs along the passenger ship docks were filled with sailors from around the world; Norwegian engineers, Croatian officers, and American entertainers. I chatted with a nurse from Long Island, and a physical therapist from Natick, Massachusetts. Consequently, much of the apprehension that accompanies adventure literally evaporates on the pier.

Although the native language is a beautifully, melodic mix of Spanish, Dutch and a few other languages, called Papiamento - almost everyone speaks English and that also puts wings on the fledglings. The currency is the Florin or Guilder, of the Netherlands Antilles, but American "greenbacks" seem to work just fine. As a result, upper-class cadets who are experienced travelers, feel as if they are truly in a foreign country but with some benefits of home. As an added bonus, inexperienced freshmen away from Massachusetts for the first time, navigate the area with ease. Therefore, without the Captain needlessly worrying about their return.

The island is a land of contrasts. The climate is warm and sunny, with almost no rainfall at this time of year. Yet, pleasant breezes keep temperatures in the comfort range, especially for those of us who know white dirt to be ice and snow rather than sand. The city of Willemstad resembles Amsterdam in miniature, complete with several canals that run through downtown. Stately 17th and 18th century buildings add grace and a touch of antiquity rarely seen in the Caribbean. The city bustles with shoppers, moving among neat little cafes and stores that appeal to every taste. For example, an old firm from the Netherlands sells jewelry next door to a large Brazilian department store. Textile shops sell goods from India and South America, and souvenir shops sport T-shirts from Hard Rock Cafes throughout the world and dolls from China. The floating market place is one of my personal favorites; small boats sail the 35 miles from Venezuela and sell fresh produce, aromatic spices, and the catch of the day, right from the dock.

Just outside of the city, elaborately appointed luxury resorts share beautiful beaches (mostly manmade) and overlook the crystal waters of the Caribbean. What a place to relax.

Then, just a stone throw from opulence, wilderness areas teem with lizards, and desert wildlife prowls in peace among the plentiful cacti. Since the island caters to such diverse interests, Cadets will have to make tough choices about the day's activities. Will it be scuba diving into some of the most beautiful ocean habitat to be found anywhere in the world, horseback riding through rugged, desert-like terrain, lounging comfortably at one of many world class resorts, or a simple safari through the countryside strapped in the saddles of new SUV's? Whether they are shopping till they drop, eating authentic Caribbean food or enjoying the distinct, hometown flavor of the Ole' Kentucky Colonel, all are guaranteed to have a good time. Regardless of choice, all will return home with pockets filled with great souvenirs; Curacao's square coins.

Well folks, it is early and the day holds promise. I am off to enjoy a tasty lunch topped off with distilled water and a cold Amstel, absolutely the only beer in town! (Rain falls so infrequently that all drinking water on Curacao is distilled...just like aboard the ship!) See you tomorrow.

QUESTIONS FOR MONDAY 22 JANUARY

MATH:

Cadets must build workbenches for the MSEP laboratory. The plans call for the bench tops to measure 4 feet X 8 feet. Calculate the length (to nearest inch) of diagonal, (corner to corner) strength members. Use Pythagorean Theorem

SCIENCE:

Name the four major layers of the earth. Begin at the earth's center and work outward.

GEOGRAPHY:

The Empire State is enroute to the country of Costa Rica. Name the bordering countries to the North and South. What is the western border?

HISTORY:

The Panama Canal is of strategic importance to world shipping. The United States built the canal between the years of 1904 and 1914 and operated it with the Government of Panama for many years. When did the United States transfer the Canal to Panama?

ANSWERS FOR FRIDAY 19JANUARY

MATH:

Volume of the container

V = PIr2h

V = 22/7 X 7 X 7 X 15

V = 2,310 cubic inches. 2310 cu in / 231 cu in per gal = 10 gallons

Cadet Dailey had better find a larger container or re-think his plan.

SCIENCE:

Ocean floor. Benthic creatures are near bottom dwellers.

GEOGRAPHY:

The Dutch

HISTORY: The Netherlands was awarded possession of Curacao in 1815.