Hello Everyone,
I can't believe that I'm about to type about the last cruise of the world cruise. We started the world cruise 4 months ago….traveled all around the world and now are finally back to where I started…how strange is that. Well, lets not waste any time…
Sunday, May 3rd we are in Athens, Greece with an embarkation day for the last segment of the world cruise. It was a long, emotional day for me…for many different reasons. In this terminal (which was the first place that we worked embarkation day back in August) it is a bit confusing and you have to stand outside and direct people to the ship (which I wanted to be like….you see that big huge white thing that you can't miss…thats the ship…but I couldn't..haha). In the terminal last year, I remember that there were these dogs that walked around…couldn't remember their names but remembered them from a year ago. As I stood there, emotional with a lot of stuff that has been happening lately, the dog came over to me and laid right at my feet and looked up at me….he had to know that I was upset. Made me feel good and at the same time…missed my dog a lot. After that moment, I was feeling a little better and I continued on with my day…working the full day of embarkation….and it has BEGUN!!!!
Monday, May 4th we were at sea on our way to Taormina, Sicily, Italy (going back to one of my favorite places…ITALIA!!!!) Today, I was thinking about the fact that I'm so close to be done with the sea days….I can't believe it. Again, it was a boring day at sea…the normal duties and watching the water go by…haha. After spending so long at sea with so many sea days…you get sick of seeing water go by…haha.
Tuesday, May 5th we are in Taormina, Sicily, Italy (HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!) and I had a wonderful day. Went out into the city of Taormina with Jodie, Greg and Jodie's parents who are traveling with us for 7 days. It was nice to see them again…hadn't seen them since Christmas time. I love the city of Taormina and its everything that I remembered it to be. Walking down the main street of Taormina…the smells, the friendly faces, the beautiful flowers blooming…I just loved being back in Italy…made me really happy. The feeling walking around just felt very homey…even though I know I'm thousands of miles from home….haha. We walked around a little bit and did some shopping that we needed to do, got an Italia shirt that I've wanted for a year….FINALLY. Afterwards, we had a WONDERFUL lunch on the cliffside…had a beautiful view of the sea and Mt. Edna…what a wonderful day. Later, we made it back to the ship and had a wonderful birthday celebration. The cast got me some really great things for my birthday and I'm so blest to have such wonderful friends here on the ship. We played some games that night in the crew lounge to celebrate my birthday and Jodie's. What a GREAT birthday!!!
Wednesday, May 6th we were in Sorrento, Italy (which is one of my favorite ports in Italy) and celebrated Jodie's 21st birthday. Unfortunately, I was on IPM this day and I couldn't get off with Jodie to celebrate the day…which was sad but fine…got some a lone time which was great. Had the normal IPM duties and enjoyed the spring sun….it was great sitting outside and looking at the beautiful Italian coastline…this area of the world is very beautiful…I'm going to miss it. Once the cast came back on board, we had a celebration in Jodie's parents suite and had a great time just talking and being together. Tonight we had to perform Euro 2011 (our favorite show…not…haha) but had a great time. I really can't believe that we are back in this part of the world, just really strange to wrap my mind around.
Thursday, May 7th we were in Civitavecchia, Italy where for the first time…we could actually enjoy the city instead of doing an embarkation day. This day…I got to go into Rome, which is somewhere I've ALWAYS wanted to go to….I'm so excited that I got to go. We (Lesley, Jen and myself) took the fast train into the city, which took 45 mins. It was a beautiful view the entire way in…the Italian country side is absolutely gorgeous. Once we arrived to Rome, I couldn't believe that just in a mile walk…I would be at the Vatican. It was hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that I had a seen the Vatican so many times on the TV and always wanted to go there and see it for myself. Standing in St. Peter's Square was just remarkable and I just stood there for a minute to take it all in…just nuts that I was actually there. Eventually, we made our way into St. Peter's and was just astounded by the massive building that we were in. Around this time, it was the beautification of John Paul II, the late pope. It was cool that his tomb was brought into the church..so it was awesome that I got to see that and be apart of that history. We followed a group of people that were going down into the crypts (we didn't know where they were going at first…but just followed them anyway) and it was so cool to be in this area where all the Popes of the past were buried…it was really cool. After spending our time in the Basilica, we stopped in the gift shop that was run by Nuns…which was funny to see all these Nuns selling things and taking money and being saleswoman…just made me laugh for a little while. Afterwards, I used my awesome map and directional skills (something that I learned from my dad) and we made our way to the Coliseum. Walking from the Vatican to the Coliseum was a good distance but I loved the walk…to just see Rome for what it was….a beautiful city. Walking down the main street to the Coliseum…it was just strange to actually see this awesome landmark that everyone knows…but there it was, actually in front of me. We got in line and stood for a while to get into the Coliseum and see the inside. I will say, I thought that it was going to be a little bigger than it actually was but I really don't know what I was expecting but it was still awesome. Afterwards, we wanted to walk to see the Fontana di Trevi (The Trevi Fountain) and so we made our way over there. Actually being there as well was just awesome…I've seen this area on the movies so many times but there I was…sitting on its edge. Lesley and I threw a coin over our shoulder…which we are told that you are suppose to do there…it was cool. Afterwards, we went down the street and had a wonderful Italian meal….gosh, I love Italian food. Afterwards, we had to hurry back to the Vatican, where we had to get back on the fast train for the 45 min ride back to Civitavecchia. Since it was such a LONG day…all 3 of us fell asleep on the ride back, which made the train ride that much quicker…haha. WHAT A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY IN ROME!!! Another dream come true…
Friday, May 8th we are BACK in Monte Carlo, Monaco…another one of my favorite ports. Lesley and I got off to get lunch at our favorite restaurant called Stars and Bars…they have really great food. When we walked down the marina, we noticed all the signs and displays for the Formula One Grand Prix…which is just strange that we are going to be seeing so soon. I can remember talking about the Grand Prix a year ago…when we were in Monte Carlo…thinking that it was so far away and here I am…about to experience the Grand Prix. Lesley and I had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed the free wifi that is at the restaurant…another reason why its a favorite of ours. Jodie and Greg came and sat with us later on, after she spent the time with her family and we had a great time just talking and enjoying being back in our favorite place, Monte Carlo.
Saturday, May 9th we were in Barcelona, Spain and again we finally got to enjoy the city instead of doing an embarkation day. I got off in the morning and just enjoyed walking around the Las Ramblas and being in Barcelona. I had to go back and do a duty this day in the middle of the day, which was a bummer but c'est la vie (such is life). When I came back, I couldn't get over how tired I was…so I took a nap for a while…I guess I was tired. Later that evening, I didn't want to stay on the ship…we were having an overnight in Barcelona…get out there and enjoy it. I went off with our cruise director Fernando, his cousin, our HR manager Rachel and Iris. We had a lovely meal in a Tapas bar where I am proud to say that I had mussels, crab, octopus and shrimp. Now if you know me…I'm not a seafood person but to tell you the truth…I actually enjoyed the mussels. Now am I going to go home and substitute Taco Bell for mussels….HA…but if its at a cocktail party that I'm at…I'll have one or two…haha. Afterwards, we got some GREAT ice cream and just walked down the Ramblas. While walking, Fernando came over to me and said, "Jason, watch whats going to happen in front of us…someone is about to get robbed". I was like, "uhhhh okay"…and wouldn't you know…there was this girl in front of us getting robbed. The guy that robbed her, used a newspaper to put her pocketbook in and just walked away…I couldn't believe that I witnessed it. Fernando went and told the girls and off they ran…the opposite direction than the guy that Fernando told them he went…stupid girls. It was just strange to witness it and I made sure that I moved my wallet from my back pocket, to the pocket in my shirt…haha….made me look like I had a tumor on my chest…but at least I knew where my wallet was. What a great day in Barcelona….
Sunday, May 10th we were in Barcelona, Spain for a half day. I got off the ship again and met up with Lesley and her best friend, Ross. It was great to finally meet him after hearing so much about him…I felt that I knew him already. We had a good lunch and then made our way down the Ramblas to this fountain area that they found the day before. We sat there for a long time and just enjoyed each others company and just talked. It was a great time…it was a beautiful and warm day and so I enjoyed the sun as well. After a while, we decided to go get some ice cream, so I took them to the place that I went to the night before…it was that good. Unfortunately, I had to leave early to get back to the ship to do a duty…so I said my goodbyes to Lesley and Ross and caught the bus back to the ship. Once on board, I had to do the duty of Bingo…yes thats right…Bingo and to be quite honest, I enjoyed it…guess I found found my new calling…haha. We left Barcelona not too far after and were headed to Malaga.
Monday, May 11th we were at sea on our way to Malaga, Spain. I enjoyed the day…for some reason again, I was so tired and needed the rest. We had our normal duties and socializing events that we have on sea days. I can't believe that we are almost done with the world cruise…its so strange.
Tuesday, May 12th we were back in Malaga, Spain…another city that I have been to before. Jodie and I got off and enjoyed the day together. We first went to McDonalds and had lunch / used the wifi. Afterwards, we went to Jodie's favorite place to shop…Zara. I can't go into that store now without buying something for myself, so I made sure that I didn't….it was hard. When we got there…I wasn't feeling very well and I had to use the restroom so I was trying to find it. I was searching and searching and couldn't find it….not good. Eventually I went to the counter and asked where the restroom was….in English….not successful. I have to give so much credit to Baldwin-Wallace for making us take a foreign language and I'm glad that I took Spanish because if I didn't know how to say, "bathroom" in spanish…it would have been a BAD day…haha….Mom, you know what I'm talking about…HAHAHA. After that lovely experience, Jodie and I made our way to a shopping center where she needed to get some blank DVDs….which was another wonderful feet to complete….LORD!!! At the same time, we found the thing that I was searching for to give Jodie for her birthday, so that made me happy that I finally could give her my gift. We eventually caught up with Greg later on in the day, after he went off and played Football (soccer for us Americans). I was on the search as well this day to buy another suitcase for myself to get home….I can't believe that we are so close to go home. I felt like a typical European this day…I was walking around the city with a suitcase…if you remember my blogs about my first time in Europe…I saw everyone with suitcases…ALL THE TIME…haha. Eventually, it was time to get back on the ship and sail off to Lisbon, Portugal. It was a good day here in Malaga….
Wednesday, May 13th…guess what…we are at sea AGAIN…..EHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I really am getting so sick of these sea days….I just hate them…haha. Normal duties and normal BORED-ness on this day…nothing much to report…haha.
Thursday, May 14th we were in Lisbon, Portugal and unfortunately I had to stay on the ship because I was on IPM again. Yes, another day on the ship and can't get off and enjoy the city…ehhh. Had the normal duties on this IPM day and I enjoyed the time to lay in bed and watch the movies. The only thing that I really enjoy about IPM days is the fact that every 7 port days….I don't have to spend my paycheck…haha. Had the show of Jazz this night and enjoyed performing this show for the last time in the world cruise…can't believe that its coming to the end…wow.
Friday, May 15th…another sea day….when will they END!!! Haha….Later this night, we stayed outside and I couldn't believe how long the sun was up for….until 10:15PM!!! Lesley, Jodie, Greg and I all sat out there…talking about the weather of our countries and how long the sun stays out in the difference seasons. Could you tell that we were bored??? Haha
Saturday, May 16th we were in Bilbao, Spain…which was a new port that we haven't been to before. It was a beautiful place and I enjoyed my time this day. It was a strange day though since we had our last performance for the world cruise (Aquarius) at 4:00pm…strange. Lesley and I got off earlier though, to get something to eat; only problem was that the shuttle bus took 20 mins into the city and we didn't have the much time left, so instead of getting off the shuttle…we drove into the city and then got right on the next bus to go back to the shio….it was a lovely bus ride…haha. We had a great show for the last performance of the world cruise and all of our favorite guests that have supported us the entire world cruise came and saw the show and were quite emotional at the end…made us all feel good and felt rewarded for our job. After the show, Lesley and I got off and enjoyed the free wifi in the terminal….it was a great time.
Sunday, May 17th we were at sea again….wow, I'm really getting sick of these sea days. We were on our way towards England though….we are almost done with the world cruise…I can't believe it….ahhh!!!!
Monday, May 18th we were in Guernsey, UK and had a really nice day. Jodie, Greg, Lesley and myself got off the ship and they were all in seven heaven. They heard people speaking with their accent and that was really strange…just more of them for me to try and understand…haha. We had a GREAT lunch in a pub there…it was incredible…one of the best lunches I've had in a WHILE!!! Afterwards, we walked down the road and did a little shopping…or at least the girls did…haha. Walking a little more down the street…Greg spots a hair salon and decides to get his hair cut. While Greg was getting his haircut, the girls decided to go tanning….whoosh. As the girls were tanning…I sat there and read a magazine…haha…I have never nor will I EVER fake tan…haha. Afterwards, we walked back to get Greg at the hair salon…he didn't like his haircut but we all thought that it looked really nice. As we were heading back to the tender to get back to the ship…the guys were in heaven because there was a little market that had ALL of their favorite snacks…it was literally watching kids in a candy store…haha. As we were going back to the ship via tender (yes, I just put via), it was just strange to realize that the world cruise was coming to an end. As it was the last night, it was really sad to say goodbye to those people that we became close to throughout the entire world cruise, one in particular….Andrew. Lesley and I had become very close with him and we both really appreciated his friendship (and still do). He is one of the most generous people and he really does get the joy of making other people happy…which is just incredible. It was really sad to say goodbye to the others as well…its just strange that you have circled the globe with these people and seen them every single day for 4 months straight….just proved to me that its going to be even harder to say goodbye to the cast in 3 weeks time….as much as I'm looking forward to going home…I'm really not looking forward to having to say goodbye to these people that I've done SO much with…whoosh.
Our next cruises itinerary is: Southampton, UK on May 19th / At Sea on May 20th / La Coruna, Spain on May 21st / Vigo, Spain on May 22nd / Lisbon, Portugal on May 23rd / At Sea on May 24th / Alicante, Spain on May 25th and ending the cruise in Barcelona, Spain on May 26th.
Well, the time is coming to the end….I can't believe that its actually coming to the end of my contract…I don't know how to feel….hmmmm.
Until Next Time,
Jason
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