A Bunch of 20 Something’s Time Traveling

Since I can remember, my mom and I have always had really similar tastes in movies. We’re the ones that watch every cheesy Hallmark movie during the Holiday Season even though when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen all of them. We get it, you’re fated to marry the wrong guy and you end up falling for the boy everyone’s rooting for anyway. Surprise, surprise. There’s so many titles that start with “The Christmas… you fill in the blank,” I can’t keep track of which one’s I’ve watched and which ones I haven’t. Even though I can predict every ending and know the acting will be less than mediocre, the two of us still plant ourselves by the fire place, put a tea kettle on the stove and popcorn in the microwave, and watch them every Christmas season.

Our similarities in taste don’t stop there. I have my mom to thank for introducing me to the best movie genre to ever exist: classic 80’s movies. I grew up to the sound of my dad quoting movies like “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day off” while my mom laughed in amusement the whole time. My dad saying “Spicoli” in a surfer-dude accent is burned into my brain forever. “The Breakfast Club,” “16 Candles,” “Dirty Dancing,” the list goes on of the most iconic movies to ever hit a cinema. These movies have taught me some valuable life lessons. Take “16 Candles” for example – having confidence in yourself is key to survival, your next bold move could be the difference between ending up with Jake Ryan or the Geek with braces. The Breakfast club taught me that under the facades and stereotypes, people are ornately similar and have the potential to become friends in unlikely circumstances. Dirty Dancing taught me to take a leap of faith even if it scares you.

One movie in particular I have personally identified with on this ship is the 1985 classic, “Back to the Future.” Ya’ll I literally feel like Michael J. Fox, but instead of going back three decades, I’ve gone back a literal century.

When I was born, camera phones were not a thing, instant film made me feel like a professional photographer, and I stunted on everyone with my pink Walkman. So before you say “Oh no, a Millennial with no internet connection, boo hoo,” let me paint a picture for you.

When I signed up for Semester at Sea, I was told you would have absolutely no internet and would be entirely disconnected to the outside world, so that is what I was fully expecting. I guess I just didn’t realize all the things I take for granted in the 21stcentury would suddenly vanish. So here’s some examples of how I, Brooke Ortmayer, have officially time traveled.

You’re telling me…

I can’t search things on Google or Quizlet, so I actually have to read the text book to find the answer like my parents in high school?? Ugh.

I have to leave sticky notes on my door that tell my friends where I am on the ship because I can’t text them my location?

We have to look through old-fashioned travel books and maps in the library because the computers block most travel websites?

Laundry costs $7 a load so I have to hand wash my clothes in the sink and dry them on a clothing line like I’m in the 1800’s??

Side note, this has been hilarious. Before I left, Semester at Sea alumni told me how expensive laundry was, so it would be smart to bring sink detergent packets. Well by now, we all know I am an expert level procrastinator, so naturally I forgot to order them on Amazon. Resulting in me having to improvise. Thanks to the help of my best friend, Kylie, we made 30+ Ziploc bags of powder laundry detergent. I have NO idea how my suitcase got through security because it looked like I was smuggling illegal drugs across the country. It somehow made it on the ship and has proved to be very valuable other than wrecking my hands to a point even heavy-duty lotion cannot fix. I literally feel like a colonial woman churning and wringing out my clothes in the sink. Aly and Aleah even have a miniature washboard. WHAT is happening?

After two weeks, my roommate and I have figured out an effective drying system. Because our room is the size of a walk-in closet, anywhere we hang the clothing line would result in the clothes dripping on our beds. So, we hang them all over our tiny bathroom until their damp, then hang them on the clothing line. It takes at least 48 hours for the whole process because there is no air flow. Crossing my fingers life-threatening mold doesn’t grow by the end of the semester !! Truly feel like I’m living on the show “Little House on the Prairie.”

I realize I’m being dramatic and honestly being disconnected from the outside world back home has had its benefits. Not having access to any social media or texting has forced everyone to actually talk at the dinner table. It has forced us to learn new card games like “Egyptian Rat Screw” and perfect old ones like “Speed.” It has allowed me to get to know people on a much deeper level because what else do you do than talk about your home life, your beliefs, and your passions for 12 days at sea. I have also been way less stressed because there is never anything truly pressing I have to do, and I’ve just been able to be in the moment. It’s been so refreshing compared to the usual hustle and bustle back home.

This entire experience and the past three weeks on this ship have put so many things in perspective for me. I think a blast from the past and time traveling back a few decades – or centuries – has been healthy for me. Capturing moments in my head and just being present are practices I hope to take into ports. Instead of being the classic tourist snapping random photos of everything around me, I want to just take it in. Not through a lens, no filters – just be present.

I finally get off in my first real port: Japan!! I’m so excited to start why I came on Semester at Sea – to see the world. My mouth is already salivating for all the sushi I’m going to eat, and noodles I’m going to slurp. Stay tuned for updates on my adventures in Kobe, Tokyo, and Kyoto!

こんにちは

Kon'nichiwa, Japan.