Hello Everyone,
I can't believe that this is my last full cruise of the month of may and third to last cruise of my contract. I'm closer and closer to coming home and I can't wait to finally see my family and be back (the Cheers song just came into my head) "where people know my name"…lol. With that dork moment…haha…lets go onto this past cruise from Southampton, UK to Barcelona, Spain.
Thursday, May 19th we were in Southampton, UK where we were embarking guests for the 7 day cruise ahead. Today was suppose to the day where I get to see my Mom and Nene for the first time in 9 months but unfortunately…due to plane problems..my mom and nene weren't able to make it to cruise with me. I was really upset and trying to get as much information as I could…but today was the first time that I got REALLY frustrated with the fact that I had no way of getting ahold of my family or only having a limited time frame where I could. In a situation like this…you really need a phone or some other form of communication and it just made me feel helpless….which is something that I hate. So this day really sucked to be quite honest….except I am happy to report that my Mom and Nene are okay and back in Ohio. Just wasn't meant for them to come see me….which now I just have to move on and look forward to seeing them soon.
Friday, May 20th we were at sea traveling to our first port of the cruise. Today was a lazy day and doing duties….I was still bummed about the fact that I couldn't be with my Mom and Nene. Had a lot of time to think and boy, did I have a lot of happening…the fact that the world cruise is over and all the places that I've visited….my contract coming to an end…and the whole not seeing my Mom and Nene…just a lot of stuff happening.
Saturday, May 21st we were in La Coruna, Spain and Jodie, Lesley, Greg and I got off early to just enjoy the day. We walked by the harbor and found some great cafes which had some free wifi….which is always a plus. It was nice to be able to catch up on things and with people that I haven't talk to in a long time. Today marked the day that I had been on the ship for 9 months…can you believe that? Its been quite a long time that I've been gone and I can't believe that its almost over….what a journey. While I was sitting in the cafe, I just took a moment to really take everything in with the fact of being in another country and how the people live and interact with each other. Its just cool too see a group of older people meet in this cafe and have their weekly time together, while I'm just visiting for the day. It was just a cool way of watching how life in other countries are. I don't know if that makes any sense to you or not but…it does to me and I cherish these kind of moments throughout my contract….they are really fun. Later on in the day, Lesley, Jodie and myself walked over to this mall that we had seen by the port. I had a great time Skyping with my Mom. Let me tell you…that is one thing that has saved me throughout this contract…Skype. To be able to schedule a time to talk with my mom and also video chat….has made this long time apart a little bit easier. I just can't wait for the moment where I can run and give my Mom a huge hug…SO SOON!!!
Sunday, May 22nd we were in Vigo, Spain for half a day and I had a great time by myself walking around the city. When I got off the ship, I was QUITE hungry so I headed around the city trying to find something to eat. Nothing really popped out at me so I kept having to walk around this actually really pretty place…which wasn't a bad thing. I was just enjoying my time off the ship…trying to experience this brand new port that we hadn't been to before. Eventually, I gave up my search to have some great Spanish food and I just made my way to Burger King….don't judge me…haha. Had a good meal and then I decided to go and sit by the harbor and sit in the sun and again, take in my surroundings. Sat there for quite a long time just taking everything in….I have had a lot on my mind lately…just trying to make sense out of this crazy year that I have been through….its very overwhelming to think about. After a nice time by the harbor, I headed back to the ship where we set sail and were heading to our next port of call. We have had a great cruise thus far…performing every night again…it feels great…I've missed that.
Monday, May 23rd we were in Lisbon, Portugal again and of course, I was on IPM and couldn't get off. Had the normal boing IPM day of duties and just laying around the room. Today, I got out of the room and went up on the top deck where I read a book a little bit and enjoyed being in the sun…it was a great time. I can't believe that I only have 2 more IPM days left of my contract….everything is coming to an end…its strange.
Tuesday, May 24th we were at sea and this would be our second to last sea day for the remainder of my contract which I'm TOTALLY fine about…haha. Sea days are really quite boring and I hate the fact that I spend the days wishing time away…thats an awful way of living but thats all I can do on sea days…WHOOSH…so boring.
Wednesday, May 25th we were in Alicante, Spain and Lesley and I had a great day off and going to the beach. We got off early in the morning to catch the shuttle bus and try to figure out the closets beach to us. We got off the bus quite close to the port and walked by the shore just checking out Alicante for the first time. We were both very hungry so we made sure that we got something to eat before we went to the beach. Had a great meal and had a great show happening right next to us the entire meal. We had the guys selling fake sun glasses on the boardwalk and anytime that the police would come they would all scatter like rats…and then they would appear again to display their stuff…was hilarious. Then we had this guy that we thought was on the phone with someone sit next to us…to discover that he was just talking to himself the entire time…hmmm, Alicante…you have some strange people. After lunch, we headed to the beach to lay out and people watched. We played a few games and played some "What do you think their conversation is about" with some people on the beach. Then we had a college exchange group of girls from South Carolina come sit behind us and Lesley found that to be quite interesting. Trying to listen to their conversation and we discussed how in groups there is always the smart, beautiful, friend to everyone girl….the dumb one that all the guys always talk to because of some reason…the party girl that doesn't care what people think about her or what she says….always the tag along girl, that will switch personalities to whomever she is nearest and the quite one…the one that fits in and people like her…but she is always mute…nothing contributing from her. It was just hilarious talking about this stuff with Lesley…what a great girl she is and I'm really not looking forward to saying goodbye to her in two weeks. She is an incredible friend that I have on the ship….she always has my back and I have hers. She is the first person that I have met in a while that is SO outgoing and is game to do anything…very adventurous but the best trait that she has…she is a great listener. She will give you her opinion but she listens and is there for you whenever….I really think she is the best.
Thursday, May 26th is the end of the cruise in Barcelona, Spain. I can't believe how FAST this cruise has gone. Being so use to 14, 16, 21 day cruises…a 7 day cruise just FLEW. We had the normal embarkation duties that we normally have on these days…and I had the opportunity to go out into Barcelona for the last time before I come back in two weeks to fly back home. I like the city of Barcelona…defiantly a favorite of mine. I love walking the Ramblas and getting the feel of the city…its great. I took a nice, slow walk up the Ramblas before I had to head back to the ship and sail off to our next port…embarking on our second to last cruise of my contract…I can't believe that its coming to an end.
Our next cruises itinerary is: Marseille, France on May 27th / Monte Carlo, Monaco for the Formula One Grand Prix on May 28th and 29th / St. Tropez, France on May 30th / Portofino, Italy on May 31st / Portoferraio, Italy on June 1st and ending this cruise in Civitavecchia, Italy on June 2nd to start the LAST cruise of my contract….I can't believe how fast this is going.
Until Next Time,
Jason
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