It was 3:30 when the rain started. We had just finished provisioning the ship and were finally called to docking stations for our departure from Las Palmas. The stay had been restful and easy after the culture shock of Morocco. Once again, we were met by Western amenities and businesses, with no storekeepers to swindle our wallets. The beaches were warm and sandy with plenty of good waves, much to the surfers' delights. The food, of course, was not as distinct and inexpensive as it was in Morocco but still a pleasure nonetheless. A few students even had the chance to visit parents in the port, with one visit being a surprise to the student. This port also saw the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Cleland, two teachers from the Lunenburg Academy who organized the Senegal project and were on board to prepare us mentally and emotionally for the humanitarian projects.

Las Palmas was much different in architectural appearance than the other Spanish ports we had visited. Among a few 18th century buildings, 20th century high rises, hotels and busy streets wound around the mountains and along the coastline. Miles and miles of beautiful beaches bordered the island, with plenty of malls, restaurants, and western amenities on every block. An excellent port program also allowed Class Afloat students to meet other local scholars from a high school, with tons of fun games and sports played between the two groups.

The rain started in a light trickle, with a few students running down to their cabins to grab their rain gear. Soon enough, one couldn't stand thirty seconds outside without getting completely soaked. It was like buckets falling from the sky, soaking through our rain gear and into our shoes. Many students took to sliding around on the wet deck, while others simply synched up their hoods and took it. The water was heavy and warm, unlike the freezing cold rain many of us were accustomed to from living in the northern climate.

Finally, after an hour of coiling lines and deflating fenders, docking stations were done and we could all return to stowing away provisions. After spending three days in such a westernized environment, we were ready to get going and explore West Africa on our Senegal humanitarian project.