Teacher Aboard

Welcome "Virtual Travelers!"

I'm Leslie Bridgett and I will be your eyes and ears for this stowaway journey to Asia! Have you peeked at the list of exciting places we will visit? For those kids just coming aboard, let me share with you some thoughts about this upcoming adventure.

Imagine our journey out of the Chesapeake Bay and into the open ocean. We won't see land for several days. We'll meet the crew and watch as they show us how to sail a tall ship across the ocean. It's going to be cold and windy out there in December! Have you thought about what I might need to wear to stand on deck as Pride II plows through the waves?

On the next leg I will be showing you the Pacific Ocean as we set sail for Hawaii. We'll have to find out how the Captain finds the islands in such a large ocean! We're also going to look closely at the wind, weather, and water. These three forces of nature have carried people across the globe to settle new worlds. We'll keep track as they carry us on our long journey across the Pacific. And while we're out in the middle of the ocean, we'll find out who's home.

We may find turtles, whales, and flying fish along the way! Do you suppose fish really can fly? We'll see!

Finally we serve as ambassadors from Maryland to countries in Asia. Our job will be to meet new friends in Asia and deliver your messages of friendship. I have so many questions about these new places! Does everyone use chopsticks? How will their clothes, houses and meals be different? I am very excited about this part of our journey because there is so many new things to learn! I will be sending you lots of pictures.

This is going to a great journey of discoveries. Are you ready? I can hardly wait! Let's stowaway on a tall ship to Asia. Join me as we travel to the other side of the world on Pride of Baltimore II.

YOUR THOUGHTS

1. Imagine you are a passenger on Pride II and are writing your first journal entry as you set across the Atlantic Ocean. Describe your feelings as your leave your friends and family for six months, and your first experience of sailing on a tall ship with no land in sight.
2. Find Bermuda on a map or globe. Sketch a map or describe its location in relation to the United States, Europe, and Cuba.
3. Make a list of items you would take on this journey. Consider changing weather conditions, free time activities, sightseeing needs, and sailing gear.