KEEPING UP WITH ANN IV –
Ann's Ship for World "Yute" Cruise
Oct. 18 - Dec. 4

Hello All,
I just wanted to send you information about my latest adventure... as there is always a latest adventure. This one though, is in the very imminent future and the details of my experience will follow - KUWA Part III?!!
I am happy and proud to be part of a 12-person American delegation for the Ship For World Youth (www.swyamerica.net) that departs on Monday, Oct. 21 from SFO to (Tokyo) Japan, Singapore, (Cairns) Australia, (Honolulu) Hawaii and to (Vancouver) Canada and back to Hawaii. There will be 250 youth from ages 20-30 (half being Japanese) on the Ship Nippon Maru, and the purpose of this ship - I'm sure you're all curious - will be the promotion of cultural understanding, peace and the discussion of many internationally-minded political and social issues that are important to all of us, as hopeful future leaders. On Oct. 24, I will be the US delegate that will speak at a conference on Gender Equality to a Japanese audience. Other highlights will be an audience with the Crown Prince and Princess, participation in a World Youth Day in Singapore, and numerous scheduled activities in the ports of call listed above. The other countries invited to participate this year with the invitation of 12 delegates each are: Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Fiji, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tonga, USA and Venezuela. With such an amazing mix of countries (esp. Spanish-speaking ones), I really can't wait to see what an amazing adventure this will be!
I have attached an information sheet for your curiosity and contact information, in the case that you might need or want to call me and where I am. The number on the ship is +011-872-1201762 (proposals, engagements, new jobs). How many of you have ever called a ship at sea?! :) But please don't call when you think I might be salsa dancing or eating sushi! Also, feel free to send me emails, as hopefully I'll be able to check email from time to time.
For all those I could see recently, I am thankful for your friendship and being part of my life - as itinerant as it often is. I love you all very much, and laugh and smile at the memory of all the places and experiences I've shared with all of you! I will be back approximately the 4th of December and hope to ring in the holiday season with you!
Un beso y un fuerte abrazo,
Ann