Massachusetts Maritime Academy - Muster Yearbook (Buzzards Bay, MA)

Page 16 text:

Our last cruise on the BAY STATE represented not only privileges like liberty in civilian clothes and no in-port maintenance, but opportunity to exercise professional knowledge and responsibility over underclassmen during watch. This would be our last chance to test our abilities as watch standing officers. One third of our class (was given the chance to) accomplished this by shipping commercially. As the Pillars of Hercules loomed before us, a sense of History engulfed us. We were entering the waters of Columbus, Magellan and Nelson, and the same spirit of adventure and discovery that moved them, was with us. Due to the unfortunate illness of a cadet, we were forced to make a short stop in Gibraltar. We were captured by it. Barcelona presented our first chance to releas e energy accumulated during our 17-day Atlantic passage. The language problems were somewhat lessened by the Spanish classes held during the crossing. The beaches, the sidewalk cafes, the excitement of the bullfights and the senoritas walking along las Ramblas , created an enhancing atmosphere. On our way to Naples, Italy, we went through the Strait of Bonifacio, between Sardinia and Corsica, birth place of Napoleon. Naples, besides giving some cadets the opportunity to make excellent business deals with the local con- artists, gave us a view of the famous Cameo Factories and a taste of Italian food. From Naples, we could go to nearby Capri, ancient and dreamlike Pompeii, with the Vesuvius in the background, and take a train to glorious Rome and the breathtaking Vatican. 12 I

Page 18 text:

The next leg of our voyage was characterized by the persistant dry heat which seemed to increase as we approached Greece. Pireas, our destination, greeted us with a view of an ancient civilization. From here it was very easy to venture into Athens with its magnificent Acropolis and historic sights. By now we had become accustomed to the problems with the water and the spontaneous running accompanied by it. Nothing was more colorful and exciting then the trips by hydrofoil to the beautiful white sand beaches on the many islands of the Aegean. With the taste of ouzo and shish kebab still in our mouths, we departed the Lands of the Gods and headed towards our last port: Palma de Maiorca. This island paradise astounded us with its picturesque setting, cosmopolitan beaches and night life. By the end of the first day, the island swarmed with cadets on mo-peds, enjoying themselves thoroughly. After 4 short days, we waved adios to Palma and the Mediterranena.