Months went by, and I never heard anything from Semester at Sea. I figured that they just were not interested in hiring me, and I put it out of my mind.

In fall 2000 I got a job teaching political science at Cypress College, south of Los Angeles. I taught there for three semesters. At the end of 2001, my wife, Beth, had a job opportunity in Modesto, California, over three hundred miles north of Los Angeles. After a great deal of deliberation, we decided that Beth would accept the job, I would resign my position at Cypress, and we would move to Modesto together.

 In January 2002 we packed for our move to northern California. Just a couple of days before we left, the phone rang. It was Dean Peter Koehler from Semester at Sea. What a surprise! Two years had gone by since I had submitted my application. Dean Koehler offered me the opportunity to teach on the spring 2003 voyage. I was delighted.

The timing could not have been better. I had no professional responsibilities, and therefore did not need to apply for a sabbatical. I talked it over with Beth, and she encouraged me to go. That decision set in motion the most fantastic voyage of my life.

During my semester at sea I kept a journal of my experiences. I have included some of the most interesting entries below, as well as some of the commentaries that I wrote for Stanislaus Connections, a Modesto-area newspaper.

Journal entry, January 22, 2003 © 2005 Lee Ryan Miller, LeeRyanMiller.com

I flew to Florida on January 11. I spent several days visiting family before embarking on my voyage. I had a nice visit with my mother, stepfather, brother, and grandfather. Five days ago I boarded the SS Universe Explorer. It was a grueling experience. Mom and Bill drove me down to the port of Miami. But the security wouldn't let them help carry my stuff aboard. I had to make 4 trips on my own. They were long trips (about the length of two ships). Somehow I got all my stuff aboard. My back was very sore afterwards.

Since boarding, I've spent most of my time in meetings. I haven't even had the chance to explore the ship. We sailed to Nassau, where we picked up the students yesterday. We set sail for Havana last night.

Three-fourth of the students are female. The male students must think that they've died and gone to heaven. A group of them held up a homemade sign as the ship sailed away from the dock in Nassau. It read, "Parents, thank you for your daughters!"

I'm really busy trying to prepare for my classes. I usually do that before the semester begins. But I was just too busy with moving into the new house and working on my books before I left California.

This evening I got a few salsa dancing lessons starting at 2130. I danced with four students. Returned to my cabin, showered, and in bed by 2300. I’m looking forward to finally meeting Ransel tomorrow morning.

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