Merry Xmas Blog / How tight can your face get....

Merry Xmas everyone,

I hope that everyone's holiday season has been going well. I'm not going to lie…its been a little hard being away from home during this time but I just have to understand that its just a different xmas experience for me….no one likes change but change happens..can't control it. 

Here is what happened on the last cruise:

Sunday, December 12th in St. George, Grenada and I am of course on IPM where I can't get off the ship. I have to do duties all day long and just watch movies…its a quite boring day..oh well. Nothing more to say about IPM days…nothing really happens haha.

Monday, December 13th we are in Bequia, Grenandine Island where again I didn't get off the ship because of two reasons…there isn't really anything there and we have a xmas show rehearsal. I rehearsed my song (which I'm not saying what it is…its a surprise for my mom) and I'm really excited to sing it for the xmas show…I can't believe that xmas is just around the corner…doesn't feel like xmas because its hot and no snow is on the ground…hopefully that will help me get through the holidays. Tonight we had a good show of Rocketman…for some reason though every time that we do that show…the ship is ROCKING…haha, oh well. 

Tuesday, December 14th we are in Castries, St. Lucia (our first time to the island since coming to the caribbean. We haven't been able to come here because of Hurricane Tomas…so it was nice to come somewhere new). Lesley, Phedra, Jen and I got off the ship and headed into town. It was funny…the taxi drivers there are persistent in getting you in their cab. What made me laugh though were the people that stopped when we were half way down the street where ALL the cabs were lined up…asking us if we wanted a ride. I wanted to be like, "You think that we would have a cab by now if we wanted a cab…right…so why would we go in your cab….is is special?" We got asked about 7 times by 7 different people…just annoying. After we got into the city…it was NUTS!!! There were a lot of people and it was kinda run down. It was funny…one of the drunks walking around the town spotted us and said, "MAN YOU HAVE 3 GIRLS…YOU SHOULD SHARE THEM WITH ME…COME ON". It made me laugh…really hard actually. After the drunk man, we found a nice cafe that had internet; had a wonderful meal and I got to talk to some people…always nice to have free wifi. After lunch, Lesley and I walked into a homemade idea shop in the middle of the town…they are SO pushy with stuff…really wanting you to buy stuff…its crazy. Didn't buy anything there so we headed back to the ship. We sat in the back of the ship for quite sometime enjoying each others company and paying "paper toss" on the Itouch…yes, we are that bored sometimes…haha. Had a GREAT show of Jazz tonight…I love singing these songs….I'm enjoying it. 

Wednesday, December 15th we are back in St. Marteen….THANK GOD!!!! Lesley and I got off really early to go shopping for xmas…and I got some stuff that I wanted :-) It was raining all day off and on, so that kinda sucked. After we went shopping, we headed to the place that we ate the last time, Pirate Paradise…where they have free wifi….or they did. It wasn't working this day…that really blew. Had a good meal and then we decided to go on jet skis again…it was a BLAST!!! I love that…Lesley and I just SCREAM and LAUGH the entire time….its a great time…haha. Afterwards, Lesley, Greg and I went down shopping for some stuff and then we got ice cream…it was AWESOME. What a great day!!! I love St. Marteen a lot…too bad that its the last time we are there…thanks for some great memories St. Marteen!!!! 

Thursday, December 16th we are in St. Thomas, USVI (a place that reminds me of my childhood and many different vacations that I have taken throughout the years). Was all alone this day…which was nice to have some alone time and enjoy the day. Did some last minute shopping for xmas…I'm DONE!!! Went to lunch at a cafe and had the BEST lunch and actually couldn't finish it…believe me though, I did try…haha. It was also nice this day…I had phone service…so it was nice to talk to my mom and some other people. I decided to take the 3 mile walk back to the ship and just enjoy the day and being outside getting sun again. The walk back just reminded me of the time that I spent here with my dad, mom and brother on our first cruise that we did about 14 years ago…it was a great time to reminisce about those times. 

Friday and Saturday (December 17th / 18th) we were at sea on our way to Key West, Florida for the first time. Of course we spent the time doing duties and we had Spirito on the Friday night…which I always love doing that show…its a great show. Too bad that Lesley wasn't feeling well though…FEEL BETTER LES!!! Saturday night we had the show of Aquarius which is always a fun show…our favorite. I'm really enjoying performing with this cast…we have really got close during these past 5 months. We just have so much fun on stage with each other….I love it. Speaking of 5 months…I CAN NOT believe that I have already been on the ship for 5 months…that makes no sense AT all. I look back and think that I've already been to the Med and seen all of that stuff; gone to places that I never thought that I would EVER go…just crazy to wrap your mind around it.

Sunday, December 19th we are back in America in Key West, Florida…where I find out that my Grandma was in the hospital….ehhhh. She had broke her pelvic bone (which I was told can not be operated on…just a long recovery time). I got off the ship this day by myself…which was nice but wish I could be with someone and share this with someone…ehhh. Walked around the city all day, just talking to my mom on the phone…just trying to enjoy the day. It was FREEZING out this day….I had to go put on a long sleeve shirt and jeans….sorry those people that have snow on the ground…hehe. After I changed my clothes I went back and had a lunch at Hard Rock. It reminded me of the time that I spent in Cleveland at school (for some reason…thats odd). I'm really missing my friends from college…ehh, the holiday season is sucking being away. Oh well….afterwards I just walked around and got some Starbucks hot chocolate and a donut and sat in from to the ship. I started laughing during this because you could of swore I was Dr. Doolittle…the birds were EVERYWHERE. I was just cracking up…it was funny. 

Monday, December 20th we are done with the cruise and back for another BUSY embarkation day in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Today, I had the JOYOUS job of being Santa. WAIT WAIT WAIT A MINUTE…did I just say Santa? Me…Jason? A skinny, tanned Santa…oh yes everyone…I was santa. I was LAUGHING my ass off the entire 2 hours that I was dressed as Santa. Everyone kept coming up to me and taking pictures….I just felt like the biggest Hilljack Santa…EVER! The pillow that I had as my stomach…was square and it made me look like I had boobs. A woman santa? It wasn't a pretty sight…haha. After playing Santa I got off the ship VERY quickly to go get some essentials for the LAST CARIBBEAN CRUISE!!!! I can't believe that this cruise has finally arrived. So strange looking at the paper that I tick off each day that passes and seeing everywhere that I have been to thus far…just nuts!!! That night, as we sailed away…we do a show called, "Taste of things to come" where we do 2 dances for the passengers. Well, this is defiantly the cruise where we will play the game…how tight can your face get before its had enough face lifting. We have many Latoya Jacksons on this ship…its kinda nuts. During our one song that I sing, "Celebration" I couldn't tell if they were enjoying it or not…they were just sitting there looking at me…oh boy. 

December 20th….LATE LATE night….

The Lunar Eclipse was something else tonight. I think one of my new favorite things will be going on the top deck in the middle of the night and just looking at the stars. HOLY CRAP…I have never seen something so beautiful…ahh. I got those random tears again sitting there…just enjoying the view. I felt so overwhelmed with emotion….happiness and sadness. One of those moments where you can't explain what you feel. Overwhelmed  / in awe / happiness / sadness / loneliness / togetherness….again, doesn't make sense but it will defiantly be one of those moments that I wont forget…how I felt, what I saw…everything. What an incredible experience that I am having…even though its hard to be away from home for the holidays…this will never happen to me again…so I'm going to live every moment, being present in the NOW!!!

Like I said, I have finally made it to the last Caribbean cruise…I can't believe it. This currents cruise itinerary is: At Sea on Tuesday (Rocketman) / Grand Turk on Wednesday / At Sea on Thursday (Jazz) / St. John's, Antigua on Friday (Xmas Show) / At Sea on Saturday (XMAS) / Bequia, Grenadine Island on Sunday (Euro) / Bridgetown, Barbados on Monday / Castries, St. Lucia on Tuesday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Wednesday (IPM) / Spanish Town, BVI on Thursday / At Sea on Friday and Saturday (HAPPY NEW YEAR) / Key West on Sunday and then my last time in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, January 3rd. After the 3rd of January…I will be going to a new place everyday for 4 months until May 3rd…which will be the day that I have circled the globe…wow.

Until Next Time,

Jason

Crazy cruise with some great stories....

Hello everyone,

Another cruise down…another blog to write. I hope that everyone is falling head first in the holiday spirit….this is one of my most favorite times of year (besides my birthday / spring). Well…here's what has happened….

Friday, December 3rd…we were at sea all day long on our way to Grand Turk. Sea days can get a bit boring sometime but normally they go quite quickly. Just a busy day of normal duties…nothing too exciting happened. 

Saturday, December 4th…was a great but VERY short day in Grand Turk. Lesley and I woke up and went to Margaritaville (which is just an amazing place..I've always liked this port). The strange thing was that if felt like we were the only 2 people on the island…there was NO ONE there…granted, we had to be back on board for sail away at 2:00 but still…no one was enjoying the day. We sat with our feet in the pool and enjoyed talking to each other and FINALLY being done with rehearsals and enjoying the sun again. After we were back on the ship…we sat in the back of the ship and watched our sail away and talked for a while. That night we had a wonderful dinner (haha, not) and then watched a movie…was a fun night.

Sunday, December 5th, we were in San Juan, Puerto Rico ( a place that holds a special place in my heart because of the many family vacations that we took there with my dad….and walking the marina and getting a painting from a local artist who would use spray paint and tin cans to make his painting…its cool). Lelsey and I got off the ship because we wanted to go to the mall (which I NEVER knew was there but is HUGE!!!). We waited for the stupid bus for about an hour…sitting in the sun, being able to talk on my phone to my mom and grandparents (which was nice). Lesley and I got pissed and decided to walk away to enjoy our day because the stupid bus wasn't coming. The moment that we started to walk away…the bus came…haha, of course. We ran back to the bus to be the only people on it to the mall…which was fun. When we arrived…the place was HUGE!! I haven't been to a mall that big in a LONG time….but it was refreshing…felt like I was back home a little…which I strange for me to say cause I don't enjoy shopping haha. Walked around a little bit and finally found the store that I shouldn't have ever seen…American Eagle. Oh lord…I'm in trouble. I took Lesley in there cause I thought that she would enjoy the clothes (which she did….mission completed). I gave myself an early xmas present and bought a few things for myself….MERRY CHRISTMAS ME!!! Afterwards, I wanted to go find an Auntie Annie's pretzel place…that would have been just like home…but no, wait…I'm in Puerto Rico…whoops. So, catching the bus back to the ship…Lesley, Greg, Jodie and I went to have a GREAT dinner at Senor Frogs…another great memory with family and even friends (Hi Danielle and Cathy!!!) After dinner, went back to the ship and had a performance of Euro 2010 this night…what a great day.

Monday, December 6th, we were in Road Town / Tortola and I was on IPM…ehhhh. So another day of duties and talking to random people on the ship…haven't found anyone that interesting yet…I hope that there is someone…haha. That sounds a little rude and snobbish of me…but sometimes, when you have to socialize with people ALL the time…you want to have someone or them tell you a story, that is interesting…haha. OH well…hopefully soon.

Tuesday, December 7th, we were in Gustavia, St. Barts…a place that we have been a few times. Lesley and I got off to go find someplace to eat a good meal. We went to a little cafe that actually had really good food (great find, Les)!! After lunch, Lesley and I walked around the city, finding that the shops were SO expensive…I couldn't believe the prices. I picked up a shirt that I actually was thinking about getting…until I realized it was 80 EUROS…which means it was over 100 dollars…um, it wasn't THAT nice..haha. After the non-shopping…we walked to a beach called "Shell Beach" and you guessed it…it was full of shells. Lesley made a good point…do you think that these shells are real and were washed up by the sea OR did the locals just want to have the beach LITERALLY be a beach of shells…odd. Afterwards, we walked back to the tender and got on the ship and enjoyed the rest of our day on board. 

Wednesday, December 8th, we were in Basseterre, St. Kitts….another place that we have been too many times. We decided to use the free internet as we can…so we went to a casino / restaurant called "Sweet Lime" that was right off the port. We sat there, ate a really really good chicken sandwich and I uploaded some pictures that I haven't in a while. I had a great day talking to some friends and enjoying Lesley's company. It has kinda been crappy weather…a lot of rain, lately in the Caribbean so I am ready for that to end…haha. During our lunch, I think that it rained about 4 times…which was nice because it cooled things down but what if we wanted to go to the beach…that would have been an awful day. Now…while I write this..I know that the people that normally read this blog…have a lot of snow on the ground and they are probably thinking…really Jason…stop typing about the "rain" in the "CARIBBEAN"..haha…sorry guys, I'll stop complaining.

Thursday, December 9th, we were in St. John's, Antigua where once again…I sat in a cafe and had a great lunch and uploaded more pictures…it needed to be done. Had a great time just sitting there, enjoying the weather and the free wifi. Sat and talked with Mickki Brown, our Stars Lounge singer…she is a funny woman, I love talking to her. After watching Mickki, fall on her butt after making fun of me (which by the way, was one of the funniest things I have seen in a while…she didn't hurt herself..its okay) I went to Subway to get another meal before heading back to the ship. What caught me off guard was when I arrived to subway…they had NO bread. Now, wait a minute….you are called SUBway…and you have no SUBS? haha…so I got a wrap. Thanks wrapway…haha. After getting back on the ship, had another great night just talking with the cast…they are a great group of people. We had the Aquarius Dawning show this night and I had quite the interesting meet and greet afterwards. In the show, I sing the song Lady Madonna during the Beatles section and its a great time on stage. Well apparently the guest swore I sang, "Lady Vagina"….WHAT? Anyway, during the meet and greet he came up to me and said, "Vagina?" (mum…how do you respond to that question / statement?) "I'm sorry?" I said. "You sang, Lady Vagina and I laughed and I thought that you did it on purpose and no one caught it…but I DID…IT WAS FUNNY." I played it off like, "Yeah, well…I did it just for you sir…so you could have a great laugh…hahaha." WHAT? Afterwards, I told the cast and they laughed and said…no jason, you didn't say that…we have been doing the show for 5 months…we MIGHT have caught you say lady vagina…haha…wow.

Friday, December 10th, we were in Roseau, Dominica for the LAST TIME….wow. Lelsey and I headed to the cafe that has the BEST quasadilla's and of course, free wifi. Sat there and had a great conversation with people from home that I am missing A LOT right now and uploaded the last of the pictures that I needed to. We didn't have very long to be there but it was a well worth trip. Thanks Roseau…you were…strange…haha.  Later that night while socializing…Lesley and I met a very interesting family. We had met early in the trip, the older man…who was 101 years old….which that right there was crazy. You would have NEVER guessed that he was that old. He had great hearing and sight and was very quick to respond and hold a conversation. Talking with his daughter and finding all about his life. WOW…what an incredible life that he has had. Living everywhere around the world…he hasn't stopped and I think THATS why he is in such good shape. Spent about an hour with the family and what great people. His daughter had a music degree and we had talked about music and school and everything…it was great talking about that stuff again. Overall it was a great night…a really great night.

Saturday, December 11th…LONG embarkation day….ehh. Having to wake up in the morning (7am-10am) to pass out passports to the entire ship of passengers. Having to explain to them that the two papers in the passport; the blue form to pick up their luggage in the ship terminal and the white for immigration at the airport. I swear….some people. This man (about in his early 50s) from America was the best that day though…haha. I explained what the papers were and he responded, "I'm not going to a terminal" "Yes you are sir" I said. "No, I'm not…I'm not going to a terminal" "Okay, well….when you get to the building outside…you use the blue paper to get your luggage and the white paper when you get to the airport for immigration". "I'm not going to the airport" "okay, well when you…" "I'm not going to the airport…I'm going to the Hilton" (ehhhhhhhh)…"Well sir, after you have a great time in Barbados at the Hilton and you go to the airport to go back to America…you'll need the white form". I'm a TOTALLY not joking…that was the conversation…boy, I was tired by the end of it. Later that day, I had to stand by the elevators (2:45 - 5:15) greeting people as the come on board…my favorite duty (not). I will say, I get to meet all the crazies on this day and study up on people watching for acting…haha. This one man, from a european country was FREAKING out about where deck 5 reception was and was very frantic after he came off the elevator…"oh, well its right over there sir." Later, he came back over to me and got a little to close. You know, closing the personal bubble space and asked me, "What can I do?" (with a european accent) "I'm sorry…say it again" I said. "What can I do?" (what the hell do you say to that question?) "Um….uhhhh….whatever you would like, sir" I said. "Where can I go open?" "I'm sorry?" "Where can I go open…uhhhh…open area" "OH, the open deck…that would be deck 9" and by the time I finished the sentence…he was GONE. For the next 20 mins…I was CRYING in laughter and couldn't control it…was one of those "had to be there moment". 

What a crazy past cruise….haha but some great stories. This next cruise…we are going to some places we haven't been to yet. We only have 2 more cruises left (including the one that I'm on) left in the caribbean…I can't believe that we are about to move on to our next place…NUTS!!! This currents cruise itinerary is as follows: St. George's, Grenada on Sunday (today) / Bequia, Grenadine Island on Monday (Rocketman) / Castries, St. Lucia on Tuesday (Jazz) / Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Wednesday / St. Thomas, USVI on Thursday / At Sea on Friday and Saturday (Spirito / Aquarius)  / Key West, FL on Sunday and ending the cruise in Fort Lauderdale Florida on Monday, December 20th.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the end of the year….I can't believe that it's almost 2011…wow, thats nuts. Yesterday, was the mark of me having 6 months left and that I have already spent 4 months on the ship….crazy. This experience is going fast…I can't believe it and to think, on my 24th birthday…I will have circled the globe…I can't comprehend that quite yet….whoosh.

Until Next Time,

Jason

Thanksgiving Day / Story Time

Hello everyone,

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving and that everyone is getting ready for the holiday season.

Not too much happened on the last cruise that I was on. I was in rehearsal almost everyday of the cruise…so I didn't get to go off the ship and do anything (except go get a nice meal). Here are the highlights of the cruise…

FIRST…on November 31st during our spirito show (the deck show) at the beginning of the show…this old man came up on the dance floor, stood next to me and started dancing with me and his plate of food. Talk about being on your toes as a performer….I was just shocked. So I danced with him a little bit hoping that my boss would come over and be like, "this way sir". Finally someone did and I laughed it off on stage and the audience just loved it. It was a great great time. 

Grand Turk on Wednesday was an awesome lunch break that we had. We had morning rehearsals and then our stager, Leslie, let us get off to go eat some good food for lunch. We went to Margaritaville and had an awesome lunch. I have been to Grand Turk before, so it was nice to see places that I have been to before. We go to Grand Turk tomorrow for the current cruise that I am on…and I can't wait. After we had a great lunch, we stopped in the duty free shop to get some candies and other stuff that we needed for the ship and then headed back on board for another LONG day of rehearsal.  

Thanksgiving Day….wow, was that a hard hard day. I knew that it would be rough because thats a holiday that is a big "family" day and also, the food…haha. I tried not to think about it all day and I was doing fine until about dinner time when my meal was pathetic…not even mashed potatoes. That depressed me a tiny bit because I knew that I would have had a GREAT thanksgiving lunch at my Aunt Julie and Uncle Jeff's house (Hi guys!!!) and then drove over to my Aunt Kyle and Uncle Jim's house for thanksgiving dinner (miss you guys!!!). It was a rough day but at least one of the three big "family" days (at least in my family) is past me. I did appreciate all the love and support from those people that I love and care about. This time on the ship has made me appreciate those people in my life A LOT more. I know thats a horrible statement but I hope that you understand what I'm saying. In NO WAY did I NOT appreciate them before but its moments like this (that I'm going through) that make you understand and take a step back and see how lucky you are and appreciate them. So sending love to my family and close friends that have been here for me during this adventure…you mean the WORLD to me.

Fort Lauderdale (on December 2nd) was a great day. For some odd reason, my body decided that it couldn't stay asleep any longer after 7am…so I was up. I talked to a few people that morning and that was SO nice to be able to do that. After decorating a tree for christmas (see mom, I got to decorate a tree this year too) Lesley and I headed off the ship to where…..TACO BELL!!!!!!! I was SO happy to get there and have my mexican kick….it was GREAT!!! Afterwards we walked down a BUSY avenue to the Publix and had a great time in the process. She is a great girl…one of those friendships for life sort of things….ANYWAY….we went to the store and bought some food…the essentials. Afterwards, I felt like my Mom and the other mothers from the Sound of Music walking down the busy street with a shopping cart full of food. Now to explain the sound of music story….When I was 12, I was on the Sound of Music national tour and our first city that we played was Fort Myers, Florida. My mom went with me on the tour and this was the time that you could have a  hot plate in your luggage (gosh, I feel like an old person…"in my day, you could travel on an airplane…WITH A HOTPLATE in your luggage"…haha, essh). Well, the sound of music mom's all went to the store that was across from our hotel. Afterwards, they had to get all the food back to the hotel but of course they had no cars….so what happened? One by one the mothers crossed the busy 6 lane avenue (can we say Frogger anyone?) with the shopping carts to finally make it to the hotel. Sorry, I had to explain the story so that you understood how it was funny to me yesterday…haha.

This is quite the short blog for me but nothing has really happened in the past cruise because I really didn't do anything else but rehearse ALL DAY LONG. This coming cruise (the one I started yesterday) is as follows: At Sea on Friday (today) / Grand Turk on Saturday / San Juan, Puerto Rico on Sunday / Road Town, Tortola BVI on Monday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Tuesday / Basseterre, St. Kitts on Wednesday / St. John's, Antigua on Thursday / Roseau, Dominica on Friday and ending our cruise in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday. I can not believe that I have been in the Caribbean for a month already and in another month…I'll start the journey down to South America for a day then to the Panama Canal over to the coast of Mexico and ending our cruise in Los Angeles to get ready for the WORLD CRUISE!!! I can't believe that its about to start…wow!!!

Until Next Time,

Jason

Is there a Michael Jackson or Billy Joel show??? Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Hello everyone,

Sorry that this blog is a bit late but I have been quite busy lately. I hope that everyone has been having a great week thus far.

Sunday, the 14th…we were in Fort De France, Martinque and it was quite the day. Keeva, Johannah, Lesley and I all went off together and it was quite the ghost town. We asked to go to a ATM where we could get some money to be able to pay the taxi and to get some food later on in the day. The first ATM we went to didn't work but thankfully the second one did. Once we arrived in the hotel (which was quite pretty) we went down to a beach hut and had an okay meal…it was a strange burger but the fries were quite nice. Afterwards, we sat on the rocks that were out in the middle of the beach and looked at the beautiful view…we didn't have enough time this time to swim…so we didn't have our swim trunks. Afterwards, we went upstairs to get some free wifi and sat there for quite sometime. After my ipod touch died…I walked around the hotel and took some pictures of the beautiful view of the sunset…wow, just beautiful. After that we took a taxi back to the ship and that was just so funny. Our taxi driver had some issue possibly with his nose or something but every 2 seconds…not joking…he would sniff like he was about to spit that stuff in the back of your throat out (nice visual, I know but…sorry, haha). It was a 15 min taxi drive and I thought that I was just going to burst with laughter. You know those, you're in a serious moment and you need to not laugh but can't help it…whoosh, such a hard time. Had a great time that night with the show, Rocketman…I'm enjoying doing these shows.

Monday, the 15th…we were in Roseau, Dominica again for the 4th time. This time, I got off the ship early to go with Keeva and Jodie to go visit the Silver Cloud (one of the other ships of the fleet). The Cloud is SO small compared to the Spirit…and I am VERY happy to be on the ship that I am on. Went and watched one of the rehearsals for the cast on the ship…they did a nice job. Saw CC again (the woman that taught 3 of the 5 shows to me) and it was a nice time chatting and catching up. Afterwards, went to the cafe that is in the town and got some AWESOME food that I enjoy there and some free wifi for a while. Afterwards Jodie, Keeva, Emily, Cody and I all went to the Cloud vs. Spirit soccer match…what a fun time that was. Next time they do something like that…I want to play…I found myself going right back to the way I was watching my brother play soccer…yelling and getting all nervous for our team…haha but the only difference between watching the Spirit play and my brother is that there was a rainforest behind the soccer field there in Dominica (not to say, Ryan, that the place you played in college was kinda like a rainforest…more mountain, wooded area…haha). Afterwards, we headed back to the ship and I feel, had one of the best Jazz shows since being on the ship.

Tuesday, the 16th...we were in St. John's, Antigua again and of course…had to be on IPM. I had IPM days…they are SO incredibly boring and just depressing a bit. Normally IPM days for me, I catch up on my sleep…which is always a great thing to do. One funny thing did happen this day during one of my duties. During the day, I had to do Table Tennis and so I stand there hoping that no one comes to play and of course…I have this short, foreign man, who didn't speak very good english comes up and asks if he can play…."of course" I say. Then for the 20 mins that we played…I'm not joking…I got asked the same question…THE ENTIRE TIME. "Are you in the Elton John show?" "Yes, I am" I would say…"Is there a Michael Jackson or Billy Joel show?" "Umm…nope, just Elton John" (haha) and I am not joking..that was the extent of our conversation for 20 mins…and yes, he would continue to ask me if there was a Michael Jackson show….or oh wait….a Billy Joel show. I was cracking up inside. What a great story (but possibly one of those, have to be there kinda moments…haha, oh well). That night we had the show of Euro 2010…and thats enough about that…haha. (I don't really enjoy that show very much..but oh well)

Wednesday, the 17th…we were Gustavia, St. Barts where a lot happened this day…or at least I felt it did. Woke up early in the morning because Lesley and I had to go as escorts on an excursion, the Yellow Submarine tour…fun no? Anyway, we get there to find out that only one of us could do the tour…so Lesley said that I should do it and just take lots of pictures…that was very very sweet of her. We got out into the sea and let me tell you, this semi submerge submarine scared the crap out of me. We would go down into the bottom of this ship and sit on these chairs like you are on a horse…and have the water SO close to you on either side…thank the lord that I'm not afraid of close spaces…whoosh. It was cool that we got to see this fish / stingrays / turtles and such but I did wish that it was a bit better visibility underneath the water…oh well. After the short hour excursion, we all decided to go out to the beach and enjoy the day. We headed off to Kniki beach and had a great day. Keeva and I went to a cafe and had this HUGE sandwiches and whoosh, was I stuffed. Afterwards Lesley, Emily and I all made a sand castle and I was so proud of us…it was a GREAT day. Lesley, Cody and I got into the ocean at the time when a huge gust of wind and clouds came by so we got a little cold. I was CRACKING myself up though…because way out in the distance, there was a group of kids that were trying to learn how to sail and there was one kid that couldn't get his sail to work and was just sitting there…all by his lonesome (if you know the movie Tommy Boy, with Chris Farley….where he gets stuck in the middle of the lake with no wind…you'll understand why its funny…Ryan, I'm sure that you do…haha). Afterwards, we got a taxi back to the ship and all had a restful evening just watching movies and enjoying each others company.

Thursday, the 18th…we were in the WONDERFUL port of Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. I ABSOLUTELY love this place. It was the first port that I remember going there with my family when I was younger….so that was a very comforting feeling. In the morning time, we went shopping…where I am proud to say that I didn't buy anything…because I kept saying to myself…I don't need it, I don't need it….haha. After a few hours..we headed to the beach front where we had lunch at a place called Pirates Paradise…it was so great. After a WONDERFUL lunch, we headed to the beach where we all had a great time in the water…I love this place. Lesley and I decided to go rent a jet ski and oh my lord…it was the first time since being on this contract, where I felt that I was on a vacation…just enjoying and not worry about having to be back on the ship at a certain time. I drove for most of the time and I have never laughed so hard in my life…ahh, it was a great time. After a little while, Lesley wanted to have a go at it and that just cracked me up even more…she kept hitting waves at strange times and hitting there SO hard, then making a noise and then kept going…it was funny. During her time driving, we hit this way and all of a sudden a HUGE turtle came up to get some air…she slams on the break, screams and yells…"what the hell was that?" Oh lord…I think that I almost peed my pants…it was SO funny. Afterwards, she wanted me to take the reigns of that jet ski again and we just FLEW for another 10 mins…boy, we have to do that again when we come back…so much fun. After a LONG day on the beach, we headed back to the ship, where we had an early night in bed…everyone was so tired.

Friday, the 19th…we were in Tortola, BVI where the group of us all headed off to the beach which was on the other side of the island…from where we docked. The drive there was so scary and so pretty at the same time. I have NEVER seen a road that, legit…does a 90 degree incline…but we did going up and down the mountain. I was sure that our taxi wasn't going to make it up and down the mountain but we did…how did we..haha. Once we got to the beach, we were all starving so we headed into one of the restaurants to find out that their card machine wasn't working anymore. Oh wonderful…I have no cash on me. Luckily, Dad came to the rescue and there was a Diebold ATM randomly in the middle of the tiny tiny city…thanks Dad. Had a wonderful (kinda tasted like the Jug, Nene) cheeseburger and fries…mmmmhmmmm…so good. Afterwards, Lesley and I walked the beach and got in for a little bit. This place was quite boring, I will say that. After a while, we began to draw in the sand and do another mini photo shoot…haha, I love Lesley…she is great. The funniest part was when these stray dogs came to visit after a little while and I began narrating for them…their thoughts…whoosh, I don't think that Lesley and I have laughed so hard. What a great time. After wards, we headed back to the ship (over the mountain again…oh, lord…will we make it…haha) and then took off for FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA!!!! I can't wait!!!!!!

Saturday and Sunday, the 20th and 21st….we were at sea and enjoyed our time just talking and spending the last time that we could with Johannah and Keeva, since they both were going to be leaving us on the 22nd. I'm really going to miss both of them since I have grown so close to them. Keeva - I don't think that I have met someone with ADD quite like you but I love you for it. I'm going to miss you always screaming backstage and almost everywhere "oh for F*@K sake"…haha. And Johannah - I'm going to miss our special times on stage where we would sing together and have a tickle fight. I have never met someone that is so jumpy and afraid of horse flies like you…haha. You are an incredibly talented girl and I know that great things are going to happen in your future. I can't wait to see you in NYC when I get off this ship, so BE READY TO GO EAT!!! Be smart….be safe…and don't think so much…you are a wonderful person :-)

Our next cruise starts in the WONDERFUL town of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday / Grand Turk on Wednesday / At Sea on Thursday (Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!) / St. John's, Antigua on Friday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Saturday / Basseterre, St. Kitts on Sunday / Spanish Town, BVI on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday and Wednesday / Ending our cruise back in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday on the 2nd. 

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week and a GREAT Thanksgiving. Please appreciate that time with your families and be thankful for the lives that you have and the blessings that you experiences throughout your life.

Until Next Time,

Jason

First Caribbean Cruise...remember sharks come in at 5:00!!!

Hello everyone, 

Hope that you have a wonderful week…

Here is what has happened since last time:

Sunday, we were in Barbados again for another wonderful day. We went to the boatyard again to find that they weren't opened and probably wouldn't open for the rest of the day…(boo…no good food). We stayed around and had a lot of on the beach until we all got really hungry and decided to go back to TGI Fridays for a good meal. Heading to the restaurant was harder said than done…b/c there were no taxis ANYWHERE, but when one finally showed up…we were excited. However, the taxi driver really, REALLY pissed me off and I wasn't having any of it. He kept touching me on my legs and my butt to see if I was wet (I was wearing my swimsuit). The first time that he touched me, I was like…okay, did that really happen. The second time, I had a "dad moment" as my family likes to say, where I told this guy that instead of touching me, that he could use his words and ask me if I was wet and he if touched me again…there would be a problem and so on. After I got another taxi and they dropped us off and the rude taxi driver was saying all these things to me…(haha whatever buddy…I wont continue on to say what I was actually saying…I need to keep this PG) we went on to have a lovely lunch at TGI Fridays. 

Monday, we were back in Roseau, Dominica and I was scheduled to be an escort on one of the tours. I was on the Volcanic Adventure tour where we were taken to a BEAUTIFUL rainforest, where I was reminded of my childhood…growing up playing behind my house in the woods. The smells, the trees, the paths..all reminded me of home. Its funny that anywhere I am around the world so far….little things remind me of home and people of home…I find that to be the most comforting thing that we don't take advantage of in this world. Everyone is always so wrapped up in getting to a meeting on time (or an audition) or having to complete a task, etc. or when someone has a bad day and think that it can't get better…there is always something around you…however far away from home you may be…that is there to remind you of how blest we all truly are. After I walked around the rainforest for a little while by myself, we headed to a spa where some of the guests got into a hot tub that didn't look the best…it looked like rusted water but they all seemed to enjoy it…whatever. I really enjoyed that tour…made me feel better about my day. Later that night, I watched our sail away and it was beautiful…I will miss that experience when this contract is done…its just so peaceful.

Tuesday, instead of going to Gustavia (due to the swells in the water…we couldn't go to St. Barts) we went to Basseterre, St. Kitts instead…a day early. Lesley and I were on a tour that day as well…the Catamaran Sail and Sunset excursion and it was SO much fun. We headed off to the pier where we met the rest of the guests that were going on the excursion. Once we boarded the boat, they told us that we could go to the front and lay on top of the trampoline style netting, if we wanted to. Lesley and I didn't waste ANY time getting up there and spent the first half hour (as we got to the snorkeling place) sitting out there enjoy each others company and the view. Once we got to the site…they told us that it had poor visibility due to the hurricane and they weren't joking…I could barely see anything…but it was nice to be snorkeling and enjoying the sea. What always surprises me with the guests and these excursions are when they begin the activity and then maybe 15 - 20 mins later…they quit and are ready to do the next thing. Everyone got in the water and snorkeled or swam and the next thing I knew…it was Lesley and I left in the water. She hit me and said, "we are last…again" and I said, "okay…we are still going to snorkel…they told us we had an hour". So we continued to snorkel and enjoy our time in the sea. One of the guys on the boat, said "you guys have fun but just know that the sharks come into to shore around 5:00". You could have sworn it was a movie…with the camera pan to both of our faces with the noise "bum bum" playing behind. So, needless to say, we got back on the boat and enjoyed the SLOW sail back to the ship. I had to change my clothes in the bottom of the ship, in the toilet that is smaller than mine on the spirit (which says a lot) and I got a tiny bit sea sick…wasn't a good time…but overall the excursion was a great time.

Wednesday, we thought that we were going to be in Gustavia, St. Barts again but due to the swells again, the ship had to be diverted to St. Maarten (not the Phillipsburg side…some other side..haha) but I was on IPM all day, so that I didn't get to get off the ship. What a boring day IPM days are…but I am able to catch myself up on my blog…which I enjoy.

Thursday we are at sea for the first time since the cross and it wasn't half bad. Again, we headed up to the top deck and did some sun bathing. Headed down to the pool deck around 3:00 for water volleyball and it was a COMPLETELY different water volleyball than what we were used to the following week. The cruise with the cross…we had the guests cheering and playing and talking and everything…it was a fun time. This particular game…all we heard was Lesley go, "3 to 5…their serve" THE ENTIRE TIME…haha..it was great.

Friday, we arrived in Bequia, St. Vincent and had a lovely day on the beach. We tried to order some food at a beach hut but that wasn't a successful adventure…the hamburger…I swear…was still mooing…gross. Afterwards Lesley, Jodie and I decided to have a make shift photo shoot on the beach…haha, it was a great time. I have said this for a few time in the past couple of weeks to my friends on the ship but I don't remember saying it here….when my contract is completed…I am NEVER going to say, I'm bored again. I will find something to do with my time and make sure I'm doing something. I would hate to just get home and sit there like a bump on a log and say, "I'm bored"…when I spent 9 months on a ship…where on the ship…there is NOTHING to do, but off the ship…we can always find something to do, to have fun. So after our AWESOME photo shoot (haha) we made it back to the ship, where we had to socialize that night with the guests and say our goodbyes.

Saturday, we were in Bridgetown, Barbados doing embarkation again..with the end of this cruise heading to Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. It will be the first time that I'm back in the states in 3 months…thats strange to say…but these 3 months have gone quite quickly…its crazy. A few things happened that night after embarkation…I was on the duty of "table escorting" where I get to take the people to the tables and seat them and tell them, "I hope you enjoy your meal". So instead of them just assuming that I'm a waiter…I said, "Hello, my name is Jason…one of the male singers on board" which instantly sparked their interest and we had more people to the next night show than we normally do. One of the guests were quite rude to me saying, I don't want to sit with other people, I said that…to which I replied, "I'm sorry sir….I'm one of the singers on board…I don't work for the restaurant….I'm sorry?"…it was quite awkward…haha. One funny thing that happened that night, after we had socialized for a little while…we met these older twin english women…who had me crying laughing…and they weren't trying to. They were quite drunk and explaining to me that they hadn't cruised before but "one time I was on a ship and I thought that I would enjoy my time…until I slipped on some seaweed going down a ramp and broke my wrist"…now if you can imagine like the "proper british accent"…that is how they talked (go watch Bringing Down the House and the older lady at the end…that is the accent…haha. LORD…I was just laughing so hard and they loved it and talked and talked and talked….I hope that I run into them again..haha.

Well, this coming weeks cruise (which I'm already on…whoops) is as follows : Fort De France, Martinque on Sunday (Rocketman show) / Roseau, Dominica on Monday (Jazz show)  / St. John's, Antigua on Tuesday (Euro 2010 show and IPM day)  / Gustavia, St. Barts on Wednesday / Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Thursday / Tortola, BVI on Friday / At Sea on Saturday and Sunday and finally on Monday, I'll be back in Ft. Lauderdale for the day…whooo hooo…AMERICA!!! (We also perform Aquarius and Spirito during this cruise as well…just don't know what days)

Hope that everyones week has been going well thus far and please, continue to have a great and positive week…thats the best way to be…negativity = BLAH!!!

Until Next Time,

Jason

Orange Hair Lady, Tug of War and Finally in the Caribbean

Hello everyone,

I hope that you have had a wonderful week. 

I'm finally in the CARIBBEAN!!!! I can't believe that I'm SO close to my neck of the woods.

Here's what has happened this past week (kinda a long post….sorry):

Sunday through Wednesday, we were at sea the entire time. Each day the cast had a ritual of doing our morning duties that we were scheduled to do…ring toss…really?? I had to wake up every morning and go to Greg and Jodie's dance class and dance with the single ladies…that Orange haired lady was staring at me the entire time. Speaking of that crazy woman…I have a funny story of something that happened during one of the sea days. Every night that we didn't have a show, we were all schedule to do early socializing…just to get out there and make friends with the guests. One night, when I was going to have dinner with two lovely woman from Atlanta, the orange haired lady (named Naomi) came up to me…no, no…sneaked up behind me and tugged on my jacket in the middle of talking to guests that were asking me about where I was from, etc. So I turned around to her and she said, "I'll be sitting over there, waiting for you to dance with me". Now, I'm all fine with me having to dance with some of the older ladies…if they are nice about it and blah blah…but this woman all week had been giving us trouble. She wanted to do dances that I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DO. She thought that since I was a performer, I would know how to the tango or lindy hop…WELL I DONT!!! Apparently (according to Greg) she had to be held tight on her back anytime she danced…because she has a bad back. WELL STOP DANCING CRAZY LADY!!! Also, I heard that she carried around little bags of cow brain because of her back pain and she had to have the bar staff mix it into her drinks every night. CAN WE SAY….CRAZY?????? So back to my story…after she rudely interrupted me, I said to her ever so politely, "Well, I'm talking to these lovely people right now and I also have a dinner reservation with other guests in 5 minutes but if I do have a chance, I'll come dance with you." That was the professional way of handling it..don't you think? Anyway, she complained to everyone else in the cast about me and I was like…oh get off it…why come on the cruise, just to dance…GO DO SOMETHING ELSE!!! HOW ABOUT BINGO OR SOMETHING, BETTER FOR YOUR BACK…ehhh. Also, later in the week, we did our show, Spirito out on the pool deck. Afterwards, we are ALWAYS suppose to stand there and get people out on the dance floor.  Needless to say, everywhere Naomi was on the dance floor, I was on the polar opposite side…haha. I wouldn't have mind to dance with her, if she was nicer to me…but I'm sorry, I'm not having that…haha.

Anyway, back to our daily schedule…about 12:00 or 1:00 in the afternoon, we would all go up to the top front deck and just lay out in the sun. I found it to be very important that on these 6 days across the ocean, that I get some fresh air, so being outside as much as possible was the best idea. During the week…we would stand outside and talk about stuff…Jodie, Emily and I had a dance class up on top deck (that was funny), we saw flying fish and would narrate for them (also funny). We would talk about how, when we are old we are going to be able to tell our children or grandchildren of the crazy adventure that we had when we were in our twenties…nuts, isn't it? During the week, we ALL went down to the pool around 3:00pm to play water volleyball (but mostly, we were hot from being in the sun all day and we wanted to get in the water). The guests really warmed up to us and I actually started to know guests by name…which was very scary. I had some lovely dinners throughout the cross and got to know so really wonderful people. The 6 day cross actually went A LOT quicker than I thought. The captain also said, I heard, that it was the smoothest crossing that he has done in a while..that made me very happy and I had to agree…we really didn't hit rough waters the entire time. Our last sea day, however, we had a tug of war competition and you guessed it….yours truly was apart of the production cast's team…OH…LORD. So, we are ready to LOSE right away because these guys are all…big engine room people or chefs in the kitchen against the little singers and dancers. Our first match was against the gallery team (the chefs) and I thought that we were going to lose…right away. They had 2 guys on their team that were HUGE, but I said…we have to have fun…just do it. So guess what….WE BEAT THEM!!!! I have NEVER jumped so high in excitement EVER!!! I ran around the pool deck and looked like a total @$$…but it was just for fun. Our second match was the semi-finals against the dreaded…HEAD WAITERS (audience reaction…"OOOOO"). So, us being the under dogs…were going to lose again…or NOT!!!! We totally won again…and the guests were getting involved and cheering for us…it was awesome…I can't believe that we won again and now are in the finals….against the ENGINE ROOM (yeah…one of the guys legs on the team, was the size of me…haha). Needless to say, we lost but we got second in the tournament, when everyone thought that we would lose first. HEY…don't judge dancers…we may look small but we have some strong legs…haha.

Thursday, we had finally made it to St. John's, Antigua….HOORAY, LAND!!! Hurricane Tomas was still around, so all day long we had little rain showers. Lesley and I got off the ship, first thing in the morning to go find something to eat and get some free internet. We ended up in a Subway and I dared to get the same sandwich that I got in Barcelona…lets see if they know what Ranch truly is…..SUCCESS!!! It was the best sandwich I have had in a long time…THANK THE LORD. Afterwards, we headed over to a bar called "Big Banana" where they had free wi-fi and I FINALLY got to upload all my October pictures…if you haven't seen them yet…check them out on my Facebook. We stayed there for about 2 hours and then finally got kicked out…so we decided to go put our computers back on board and walk around and see what we could find. Well, there wasn't really anything to see in St. John's….and it kinda smelled like…crap. I was so excited for Lesley to get to the Caribbean, since she had never been there in her life but this wasn't a good first impression. We walked around to a lot of expensive shops…good lord. I was on a mission that day to find some beach sandals / nicer sandals to go out in and sunglasses…cause I REALLY need them. We stopped at a store that had some beach sandals and I got 2 pairs for 6 dollars…thats not bad and one thing checked off my list. We didn't find any nice sandals or sunglasses but I have some spare time…I'll find them. We ended up going to an AMAZING ice cream shop called, "Australian" and HOLY CRAP…it was the best ice cream I ever have had…not joking. The make the waffle cone…fresh, right in front of you!!!!! I got cookie dough and chocolate and holy crap…it was SO good. It was a great first day back on land. That night I watched us sail away from the port….it took us about an hour but it was so cool. I was up there all alone and everything was so quite…just me and my thoughts. I have come to enjoy those moments….when I can really take the time to reflect and really "understand" what I'm doing this year….its mind blowing sometimes. 

Friday, we had to change our course to Roseau, Dominica instead of St. Lucia because of Hurricane Tomas. I was so excited this day because Lesley and I were suppose to go on an awesome Dolphin and Whale tour…just awesome. I wake up that morning and we had a crew drill…BORING. Afterwards, Lesley and I decided to take the shuttle bus into town to get a quick bite to eat before our tour at 1:00. Well, that was easier said than done….it took us 30 mins to get into the city…when I probably could have thrown a rock and it would have gotten there quicker. By the time we got into the city, we had to just stay on the bus to take us back…we were bummed, cause we were kinda starving. We get back to the port to find out that our tour had been canceled due to the excursions boat propeller being broken…no Dolphin/Whale tour for us….BUMMER!!! So we changed our clothes, got our computers and headed back into town. We ended up going to KFC and having some strange meals. Caught up with the rest of the gang and headed to a local coffee shop to have something to drink and get free internet. That night we had to get back on board early because we had to go full steam ahead to Bridgetown, Barbados. That evening again, I watched the sail away and sunsets….I have to admit…this might be my favorite thing that I can do on board…just so peaceful. 

Saturday, we arrived in Barbados and GOSH, was it hot….WOOOO. I had terminal duty in the morning and I nearly passed out. Lesley looked at me and said, "are you alright" and when I looked at her to say yea…I got the biggest head rush…I sat down afterwards….whoosh. A little later, Jodie and Greg were very very sweet and said, take the day off and go to "The Boatyard" and have fun….so I got embarkation off…THANKS JODIE AND GREG!!!! Lesley, Johannah, Emily, Keeva and I all headed off to "The Boatyard". This place is like a 20-somethings playground (had the best BBQ chicken sandwich by the way…haha) and had a rope swing, jet ski's, trampoline in the ocean…just AWESOMENESS. We spent a lot of time in the ocean and I turned to Lesley while swimming with her and said, "FINALLY….Welcome to the Caribbean!!!!" Later that day we had to go back for the pumpkin drill and taste of things to come…BORING!!! Later that night however, we had THE best time going to a REAL dinner at….TGI Fridays. We all got a drink (Long Island Ice Tea…yeah, NYC) and then we got our meals (Skins and Quesadillas)…YES YES YES!!! Afterwards, we all headed back to "The Boatyard" where they were celebrating Halloween and having a HUGE party…$30 for admission where you get free drinks from 10 - 3am…uh, awesome…party on the beach….YES!!! First though, to enter the party, you had to go through a haunted house. Now if you know me, you know that I don't do scary things well…ESPECIALLY haunted houses, so needless to say, Jodie and I were screaming and holding on to each other like it was our jobs…haha, she is a hoot.

What an awesome week I have had and I can't believe that I am finally in the Caribbean. This next cruise is as follows: STILL IN BARBADOS on Sunday / Roseau, Dominica on Monday / Basseterre, St. Kitts on Tuesday / Gustavia, St. Barts on Wednesday / At Sea on Thursday / Bequia, St. Vincent on Friday and back in Bridgetown, Barbados for embarkation on Saturday.

The next cruise we do a Bridgetown, Barbados to FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA…I'll be back in the states since Aug. 20th…WHOO HOO…and finally able to use my phone again!!!!

I hope that you have a wonderful week and can't wait to see you back here again….thanks for reading about my journeyn (this one is quite long…sorry)…means a lot to know that I have people out there that love me enough to read about this crazy adventure that I'm on. WHOOO HOOO!!! 

Until Next Time,

Jason

There is an Orange Haired, Old lady on the Loose....WATCH OUT

Hello everyone,

Well, I've finally made it…to the first 2 week cruise to take us to the Caribbean…HOOORAY!!! This is what has happened this crazy week:

On Sunday, we made the first of 2 stops in Morocco (which is in the continent of Africa…weird) in the city of Tangier. I went on a tour because I was told that you shouldn't go out in Morocco by yourself…do it on a tour. So Lesley and I got up early in the morning and made our way to our bus, packed the guests in there and headed off. That morning before we left, we asked our guide how to say a few words in Arabic but I already forget…haha, whoops. We had a lovely 30 min. drive to the top of the mountain right where the Atlantic ocean meets the Med…that was so pretty sights. Met two donkeys up there…a mom and her baby and the baby was 26 days old…so cute. Something that I notice up on that mountain (and in my whole time in Morocco) is how pushy they are with you to try and buy something…you pretty much have to threaten to (excuse my language) "kick their ass" to get them away from you. Once we stayed up there for a little bit, we made our way to this strange cave thing that was interesting. The thing that I didn't quite understand were the guests that took this tour when it clearly stated how it was a walking tour. We had people with canes and blind people coming on the tour….I didn't understand that. Anyway, after the cave we headed into the main part of the city. It was SO strange walking down the street in this city…just very "Slumdog Millionaire"…it was strange, but cool to experience. Walking down the side streets there was music playing and people just dancing in the street…it was SO cool to be apart of. Then we headed to a cafe, where I swear I had the BEST tea that I have ever had in my life…it was GREAT!!! I played the drums with a little band that was in there and video taped it…it was fun. We continued to walk the town and pretty much get molested by the street vendors…gosh, they were annoying. You would say NO THANKS…or I DONT HAVE ANY MONEY…and they wouldn't listen and bring down the price or point out that I had a nametag on and say, "You from America? You from America? OBAMA! OBAMA!!" I didn't know what to do, so I kept walking…haha. After the tour, we were all EXHAUSTED so we had a quite night in our cabins.

On Monday, we made our second stop in Morocco in the city of Casablanca. Again, Lesley and I were on a tour together and we had to wake up VERY early for this tour. We got on the bus, made sure everyone was ready and we were off. Our tour guides name made me and Lesley laugh so hard that we knew that the day was good…his name was, "AHH" (when I wrote it down, I didn't know how to write it, so I wrote A-H-H-choke…because he made that noise after the second H…whoops haha) and afterwards Lesley and I discussed how he reminded us of Jafar from Aladdin due to the way he spoke…very very funny morning. We headed off to the 3 biggest Mosques in the world and it was actually very pretty. When we walked into the mosque we were asked to take off our shoes and so we carried our shoes in this shopping bags, the rest of the tour in the mosque…that was something else…haha. Then we headed to the "baths" there were under the mosque and he showed us how they wash themselves before prayer and then explained how sacred the mosque was while literally lighting up a cigarette…Lesley and I were stunned. Then we headed off to see some of Casablanca, which I'm happy to say that I was there and experienced but it is defiantly one of those places that you only want to experience once. Headed to some food markets where I saw more fish hanging around than I care to think about and then went to a hotel to have a few drinks and snacks and then we headed back to the ship. It was kinda a pointless tour because our tour guide wasn't very good but again, we were told not to go to the city unless on a tour, so I guess if I wanted to experience Casablanca…I needed to be on the tour.

Tuesday was our first sea day of the cruise where we had our normal duties and just enjoying the nicer weather for the first time…it was nice to feel heat again..haha. 

Wednesday was spent in Arrecife, Spain (the canary island off the coast of Africa) where I again, was on tour this time with Keeva. We had a LOVELY bus ride to Fire Mountains where we heard some of the history of the island and the Fire Mountains. I would say by far, this was one of the coolest excursions for the past 2 months…I really enjoyed myself. We started by going through the national park and just seeing a few of the mountains…they were absolutely beautiful. While driving we saw walls that were blocking little holes…I found this to be strange. One of the guests asked what they were and our tour guide explained that because during most of the year it is EXTREMELY windy on the island and they need to be able to grow crops…they have learned how to dig deeper holes in the ground a build walls where the winds blow…but still be able to grow their crops…I found this to be very very smart. Then we headed to our first stop….camel rides. OH MY GOSH, it was the funniest and strangest thing that I have ever done. I laughed almost the entire time because I found it to be so strange to be riding a camel first off but mostly because the camel behind me (who I named Raymond) would not leave me alone. The ENTIRE time, he was next to my left arm (like a little too close) and I was like, "uhhhh okay Raymond…haha…you can go away now…haha…uhhhh Raymond…". It was so much fun. The best part is when the camels set you down and our camel (John) had to problem giving us the best experience. When they bring you to the ground…they DROP to the floor and quick. I thought I was on the Demon Drop from Cedar Point…I'm not joking it was that fast. I LAUGHED so hard and thank gosh I taped the entire thing. WHOOSH. After wards we went up to this restaurant that was on the top of a volcano. It was so cool as they were showing us how it was still an active volcano by digging into the sand and putting the HOT rocks in our hand and then you would pick others up that were on the top for a while and they weren't hot…so strange. They by putting wood on the top of an opening of the volcano and showing you how quickly it would set fire. But what I think that coolest thing was that in the restaurant, instead of them using stoves for cooking the food…they use this huge opening in the earth to cook the food…I thought that it was so cool. The rest of the tour was spent going through the first mountains, getting to know some of the guests and ending our tour in a winery in the middle of the national park. It was an awesome day.

Thursday, we were in Tenerrife, Spain where I was on IPM all day long. It was nice and warm that day so it was beautiful to sit outside and enjoy the sun. It was crazy to think that this was the last stop on this side of the world until my birthday next year (May 5th) because that night we started our sail to the Caribbean. I made sure to watch the sail away and I sat there thinking about the wonderful experiences that I have had in the past 2 months and I can't believe what all I have seen and the places that I have been to….this experience is just too cool.

Friday and Saturday were the first 2 sea days out of 6 that we have. Something that I have found (as well as the rest of the company) is that some of the guests on this cruise are quite strange, especially this one woman who came on the ship to do nothing but DANCE!!! She is a rude, older lady with Orange hair that I avoid at all costs. I see her in one of the lounges or bars and I head for the nearest exit because I don't want to dance with her…haha. She has come up to me in the dance classes (that I have to attend…there are no Gentleman Hosts aboard this cruise…ehh) and said to me, "when you see me in the bar, you need to ask me to dance." To which I respond, "alright, if I see you, I'll try to remember to ask you to dance" "NO…you need to dance with me, thats why I'm hear". "Ehhhhh…okay" is what I say…I didn't know what else to say. This cruise has been something else and I have actually been having a great time. These sea days have been going quite fast and I have been enjoying getting a tan. I have tanned so quickly that people can't believe how dark I have gotten, so fast. I love that we are getting to warm weather again…YAY!!! We have some great guests on the cruise and they enjoy playing the games that we have during the day…especially water volleyball. Its crazy to say, that after these 6 days at sea…I'll have cross the Atlantic by sea and sky…strange and the next time I cross the Atlantic will be next year when I come home from my contract. This is a crazy experience but I've loving every minute of it but of course missing people from back home.

Well, tonight (which is Saturday night) I have to go socialize / avoid the Orange haired lady and then I have been invited to dinner (which in a way makes me feel pimped out to the guests but at least I get a good meal…haha).

I hope that everyone's week has been great and make sure that you take every moment in….no matter how small or large the moment is….

Until Next Time,

Jason

Am I on a Floating Funeral Home???? Haha

Hello everyone,

I hope that you had a wonderful week and I hope that it wasn't such a stressful week for you. 

Here's what happened for me this week:

Sunday we spent our day in Ibiza, Spain. Now I'm told that this is the party capital of the world…but not that day. It was quite dead (granted it was a Sunday and its the off season) and quite COLD. Thank you Mom for freaking out in my hotel room in Ft. Lauderdale before I left of the cruise by saying that I needed to bring some warm clothes…I thank you. (haha) We walked around the "dead" city for a little while and to be truthful…that place would be a lot of fun in the summer…I might have to go back. We walked around trying to get Jodie's ATM card to work to find out that its damaged….how that happen, I have NO idea. Finally we found a place that gave me hope (that I might eat something good)…KFC. I HAD SUCH A GOOD MEAL…IT WAS RIDICULOUS. Its sad when you start craving some "home" foods and about freak out when you see a McDonalds or KFC around in Spain…random??? After our WONDERFUL 6 star lunch at KFC (lol) we walked around a little bit more and then got bored. Waiting for the shuttle bus to come pick us up…Jodie, Lesley, Johannah and myself were rocking out to Jodie's new favorite song…"In Miami, Girl". I have so much fun with these girls…just jumping around, dancing like a fool and then CRACKING up when we found out the guests on the bus were video taping us and then all laughed and talked to us when we got on the bus…whoops. It was fun…I love those girls.

Monday was spent in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. That morning, I spent my time on a tour around the city of Mallorca. I have never been more cold in my entire life….it was SO windy but I had a nice group of people with me, so it was an enjoyable time. Went to this castle on the top of a mountain and took some great pictures…but I was about to freeze to death, so I didn't stay up there long. Then we traveled to this beautiful church that had the largest "rose window" in the world and man, that was very pretty. I tried to take a good picture of it but it wasn't coming out very well. It made the coolest reflection throughout the entire church…that was amazing to see. Afterwards, the tour guide gave us some free time and during that time, I spent it in the Dunkin' Donuts where I had a few things to eat and a hot chocolate. Now…I don't think that people in Spain understand what hot chocolate is. I am not joking when I say, it had to be the thickest hot chocolate I have ever drank in my life. Its like I was drinking hot chocolate syrup…NOT even kidding. I couldn't even finish it, it was just too much. After we got done with the tour, I was ready to go have some lunch with the girls. We have been to this port before and we found a great restaurant the last time but never got to eat there, so we went straight to the American Tex-Mex Restaurant that we found. We got to the restaurant and I had for an appetizer…Potato skins (AHHHHHHHHHH…for those of you that know me, I almost cried) and then I had Quesadillas…I was in heaven. I was hoping that this restaurant had free re-fills….it didn't (also, those who know me…this has been the hardest 2 1/2 months with no free re-fills). The lunch was quite nice and I felt full for the first time on this ship. Afterwards, we found a supermarket but I didn't buy anything, just walked around with the girls. Afterwards…we all were a little cold, so we got back on the ship and spent the rest of the night just relaxing. 

Tuesday was our At Sea day, where I got to play ping pong with a guest for 1.5 hours….BORING!!!! Interestingly enough though, his uncle was Paul Newman (the composer - Toy Story) so maybe the 1.5 hours was well worth it…haha. The rest of the day was quite boring and I just slept and watch TV most of the day…just one step closer to the Atlantic Cross. That night however, I had the duty of Table Escorting…where I have to take the rich people to their seats cause apparently they can't do it themselves. Anyway, afterwards the man in charge of the restaurant offered me dinner (thank the lord) and let me look at the menu. I thought to myself, "this is a 6 star restaurant…I just should try something new and eat something that I would never think about eating before in my life", so I let the manager choose my dinner. That night I had 2 racks of Lamb and Risotto and let me say, I quite enjoyed it. I never thought that I would like lamb, but it wasn't that bad (Mom…can you believe that I ate that…I'm a big boy, haha).

Wednesday was spent in Malaga, Spain where Johannah and I got off the ship and went to McDonalds to get a quick bite to eat. I will say, I'm getting quite sick of McDonalds…ehhh. Then we walked around the city and started recognizing places and even remembered where the supermarket was. Thats a problem I feel about these past 2 months of going back to the same cities over and over again…when you start remembering where the McDonalds and supermarkets are…you might need a change of scenery. It was nice just taking a walk around the city and breathing in the fresh air and thank the lord that it was warmer that day…I can't take much more of the cold. Had a great night though with a beautiful sunset with another moment of that random cry. I sometimes think that I can't believe that this experience is happening to me and that I get to witness the world in this strange way. These sunsets are what are so beautiful and just make me think about…life…it looks like a postcard is in front of me and it can't be real…but it is. That night while out on the top deck, I just thought of what crazy stories I'll have to tell my family and friends when I'm done with my contract and my children some day. I'm really REALLY grateful for this opportunity and want to thank everyone that has helped me get to this place in my life. THANK YOU!!!

Thursday was spent in Cadiz, Spain where there is free wifi and OF COURSE…I had to be on IPM…just my luck. Had a full day of duties and just being bored off my mind…then found out that there was some free wifi on the top deck so I got to load a few new pictures but not too many. Had a show of Aquarius tonight and it felt really good…I enjoy that show. 

Friday was spent in Portimao, Portugal where again…there was NOTHING to do. Took the longest tender into the port…EVER! I have never seen the sea so rocky before…I was very lucky that I didn't get sick. Once we got to the port, we had to get on a shuttle bus and head into the very boring city of Portimao, Portugal. It looked like the city was very old and dead. Went to the grocery store and got a few things (Oreos…hooorah). Then headed over to a little cafe where I had the cheapest and best European food…it was very very good. After lunch, it was time to head back to the ship. Going back on the bus, we went by the beautiful beaches that are in Portimao…it was very pretty. Came back to the ship and had a night off of shows…I can't believe it…haha. 

Saturday was embark day in Lisbon, Portugal and I'm very glad that it was a short day of embarkation. This is the start of the cruise that we end in BARBADOS!!!!!!!! I have NEVER in my life seen so many old people. Holy crap…I just couldn't get over how many old people were getting on the ship AND what I really couldn't get over was the fact that many of the officers said that some of them might die on the ship…while we are doing the crossing. ARE YOU FRICKIN KIDDING ME???? They said that its a very common thing that the people come on these types of cruises (the Atlantic cross)…TO DIE and if they do die, the family has the option to fly a helicopter to the ship and get the body for $15,000. AM I ON A FLOATING FUNERAL HOME OR SOMETHING? Lets try to make the 6 day cross even worse by making me think that there are dead bodies underneath my cabin….ehh. HOLY CRAP.

Well, this next cruise is a 14 day cruise that I can't wait to get to the end of. The next week we are in: Tangier, Morocco on Sunday / Casablanca, Morocco on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday / Arrecife, Spain on Wednesday / Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Thursday (and after this port is when we start the 6 day cross) / At Sea Friday / At Sea Saturday. 

I'll keep doing the blogs Saturdays to Saturdays, even when the cruises get to be longer…I don't think that I'll be able to remember more than 7 days of stuff. I can't wait to get to the Caribbean and feel like I'm closer to home and just be somewhere that I have vacationed before. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

Until Next Time,

Jason

Wait...thats a GUY?!?!?

Hello everyone,

Another adventurous week on the Silver Sprit…at the end of this cruise week (ending in Barcelona, Spain) we have 13 days until we do the cross to the Caribbean…I can't wait.

So what happened this week….

Sunday was spent in Livorno, Italy where FINALLY the internet began working again after 2.5 days. Now I know this doesn't sound like a big deal but please understand that when you have nothing to do and its a crappy day outside…you want to either a.) watch a movie or b.) get on the internet. Now for those 2.5 days we had NEITHER, so it was like a floating prison…not a good time. The weather here that day was quite nasty and was VERY VERY cold. That morning we had a crew drill and had to off the ship and watch one of the life rafts (for the crew) be blown up and you could step in it if you wanted…granted it was SO cold, no one wanted to. Wasn't a nice day.

Monday we went back to one of my favorite ports…Portofino, Italy. Lesley and I went on a cruise around Portofino and the other cities that are around it. Again, not the best weather but it was nice to spend the time with Lesley. On the cruise ship that took us to the different cities…there was a dog on it that looked just like my Grandmothers dog…(Hi Nikki…haha) and it really really made me miss my dog. It was funny that I didn't realize this but after we left that port…that will be the last time I'm in Italy until my birthday (May 5th) next year. I'm going to see a lot of stuff by that time, I wonder if Italy will look different to me then.

Tuesday and Wednesday was spent in the great city of Monte Carlo, Monaco. The first day we had a wonderful lunch at a place called "Stars and Bars" where they had WONDERFUL food and free internet. Then we all decided to walk around the city to see more of it than we did last time. It was extremely windy that day so thank the lord I had my jacket with me. It was so much fun actually walking the road that they do the Grand Prix…very exciting to think the next time I'm in Monte Carlo, the grand prix will be happening and I'll almost be done with my contract. Tuesday night we had Spirito indoors which we don't like having indoors…not an indoors show. But we all were laughing about the last time that we did Spirito and just trying to make it though the show without laughing (love you, Johannah). After the show we all got dressed up and went out to a bar called "Budda Bar" and WOW, it was expensive. I think that he said 15 euro for a mixed drink and I was like…WHAT? (I didn't drink that night…I don't have that kind of money) After that we all came back and had a great night just eating fries and onion rings and just enjoying each others company. Wednesday (after we slept in for a while) we went back to "Stars and Bars" to have another great lunch…it was great food…I really enjoyed it. Afterwards we just came back to the ship and enjoyed the time being together on the ship.

Thursday was spent in a new city we haven't been to (and of course I have to be on IPM) which was Ajaccio, France. From the ship, it looked quite nice and possibly expensive…so maybe it was a blessing that I didn't get off the ship. Thursday for some reason, I slept all day long (on top of doing my normal duties) and I don't know why. I think I haven't been sleeping well lately but I know that I need to stop that and soon. 

Friday was spent in Marseille, France…where Lesley, Johannah and I got off and just walked around the city for a while. We went to the cafe that they ate before (the last time we were here…I was on IPM) and it was great food. Then we walked to a Mall because the girls needed to get stuff so I just came along. When we were in one of the stores, there was this random talent show thing going on but we couldn't see who was performing. Alica Keys came on and this started singing and we were all like, "haha, oh you're not Alica Keys…please stop singing". So when we walked around the corner and saw who it was…A MAN…I was stunned. He was singing SO high, that we thought it was a woman…good for him, I guess haha. It was just really confusing….haha. Went back to the ship and had a great night just hanging out with the cast.

Saturday we ended the cruise in Barcelona, Spain…where we have been 3 times prior. It's okay cause I couldn't get off the ship anyway, it was Embark day…ehhh. I'm really getting sick of the rude people that get on this ship and thinking that we aren't intelligent people or capable of doing the jobs that we are assigned. Its hard to just sit there and smile and be like, "haha…okay"….oh well.

This coming cruise we will be in: Ibiza, Spain on Sunday / Palma de Mallorca, Spain on Monday / At Sea on Tuesday / Malaga, Spain on Wednesday / Cadiz, Spain on Thursday (IPM day for me) / Portimao, Portugal on Friday and we end our cruise in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday and THATS where we board the ship with the people that are doing the Atlantic cross….WOOOOHOOO!!!! I can't wait to get to the Caribbean cause I'll be closer to home.

OH…just wanted to tell everyone…I have a lot of pictures that will be posting on my Facebook soon but I'm just waiting for free wifi…it takes too long on the ship and I waste money.

Okay, Until Next Time,

Jason