Rat's Around-the-World Adventure on Semester at Sea

R.A.T. Your Rodent Around-the-World Traveler (a.k.a. Raz)

Hi, My name is R.A.T., which stands for Rodent Around-the-World Traveler (I like to think it stands for Rodent Adventure Traveler), but everyone here calls me Raz for short. I would love to share my adventures with you. I left my rat family in early January to seek adventure. Everyone said "head west young rat," so that is what I did. I headed west to San Diego, California where I ran out of land and had to hop on a ship to continue my journey. It turns out that the ship I found was going west around the world--a dream come true! The MV Explorer is home to the famous Semester at Sea study abroad program. My shipmates include 629 college students and about 150 faculty, staff, lifelong learners, and family members. Things are really busy here on the ship and even busier when we are in port. Come follow me vicariously as I take this incredible journey. Yours, R.A.T.

P.S. I had such a great time on the voyage that the adventure continues!!!!

Saturday, June 7, 2025

RAT in the World: Malta

Made it to Malta

A stop at the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta. Pseudo Pantheon, anyone?

Main or Vilhena Gate at the Mdina.

Church of Saint Catherine of Italy, Valletta

Saint George Basilica, Victoria

The Citadel on Gozo . . .

. . . with the Cathedral of the Assumption inside.

His master's Voice!

Made a few new friends.

Beauty along the coast!

Thursday, June 5, 2025

RAT in the World: Spain

On to Spain!

Making great progress on Gaudi's Sagrada Família

A visit to St. Caterina Market for some food. Cool canopy!

A visit to the site of the 1929 Barcelona Exposition

A quick stop at Mies's Barcelona Pavilion (rebuilt) from the 1929 Expo.

We also went to the Spanish Village from the 1929 Expo--still in operation!

A couple more pictures of the Spanish Village.

The Water Tower from Expo 2008 in Zaragoza.

A few more expo pavilions.

Zaha Hadid's bridge at the expo. Not in the greatest condition.

City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia by Calatrava.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

RAT in the World: Morocco

The beautiful Hassan II Mosque or Grande Mosquée Hassan II in Casablanca with the tallest religious tower in the world (210m).

And a retractable roof (which was closed when we were there.

We went to several other interesting cities.

Including Fez with its beautiful arch.

Saw leather production in Marrakesh.

A triumphal arch in the ancient Roman city of Volubilis.

Here's one of its wonderful mosaics.

The blue city of Chefchaouen is really blue!

Sunday, May 18, 2025

RAT in the World: 00.00.00

The center of the world, where the Prime (Greenwich) Meridian crosses the Equator!

Hey, there's a buoy to mark the spot!!!

Saturday, May 17, 2025

RAT in the World: Ghana

Busy street in Ghana.

Visited Wli Waterfall, the tallest and highest waterfall in Ghana.

Also visited Afadjato (also known as Mount Afadja), the highest mountain in Ghana.

Hmm, do I need a pop talk to climb it?

I did need the pep talk. It was really steep and slippery!!! Almost there!

Made it!!!

Well worth the effort!

I'm sharing!!!

I tried to share with him.

A little dancing in celebration!

Next adventure. A tree canopy walk at Kakum Conservation Area.

It's a long way down!!!

A sadder chapter of world history. The Slave Castles along the coast of Ghana.

So many left Africa from here never to return.

Feeling free along the coast.

He looks pretty friendly. They--not so much!!!

Time for a bit of R&R.

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