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!!!!



Tuesday, April 29, 2025

RAT in the World: South Africa


 
Made it to Cape Town! Don't I make a pretty picture.
 
 
Kirstenbosch National Botanical with Table Mountain in the background.
 
 
The cool Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa built in an old grain silo.
 

 The kept parts of the machinery.
 
 
Really cool design!
 
 
And cool art . . .
 
 
Made up of gum wrappers.
 
 
Time for a picnic.
 
 
Bye-bye Mr. Rhodes.
 
 
Time to find some animals. 

 
Roadblock!!!

 

An elephant friend.

Mr. Giraffe Friend.

 
Sleepy kitty.
 
 
A few friends in tuxedos on my way to the end of the continent.
 
 
The Cape of Good Hope!

Monday, April 28, 2025

RAT in the World: Botswana

 
Beautiful view!
 
 
Flight entertainment!
 
 
Chobe River!
 
 
Why did the elephants cross the road?
 

Why did the elephants cross the river?

 
I tried to ask them.
 
 
And them (including the young ones).
 
 
They didn't tell me either.
 
 
Finally, he did--to get to the other side--Duh!!!
 
 
Zebras & Springboks.
 
 
Sleeping kitties.

 
Oh no! I think he sees me!
 
 
Hope he doesn't see me!
 
 
Now I understand why these guys are all up in the trees.
 
 
Busy day of looking at animals. Camping time!
 
 
Back to civilization.
 

Saturday, April 26, 2025

RAT in the World: Zambia

 
Across the Bridge to Zambia!
 
They made me feel really welcomed (just watch out for malaria!).
 
Met a couple of new friends!
 
 
But watch out for Yeti!
 

And these furry guys!
 
 
Mr. Livingston I presume, again. 
 

Victoria Falls, from the other side.

 

Thursday, April 24, 2025

RAT in the World: Zimbabwe



 
Wow! It's Victoria Falls!!! Not much water this time of year.
 
 
Made it to Zimbabwe!

 
Found a nice place to stay!

 
Except for these critters. Those are sharp teeth!
 
 
 This guy seems friendlier. Haven't I seen you before, like on Zimbabwe's flag?

Dr. Livingston, I presume?
 
 
Mr. Monkey, I also presume?

Beautiful Victoria Falls from the ground. I wonder if there is a pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.

 
Didn't find one More water here.
 
 
But not so much here.