Hey everyone,
Well, I can't believe that I'm about to write these words….THIS IS MY SECOND TO LAST CRUISE and MY LAST BLOG WRITTEN ON BOARD THE SILVER SPIRIT!!!! It is really hard for me right now to wrap my mind around the fact that I have spent 9.5 months on this ship and this incredible and crazy experience is coming to an end.
Well, here's what happened…
Friday, May 27th we were in Marseille, France again after a year…it was just weird to actually be thinking that all day. Spent the day with Jodie, Greg, Phedra and Jen…where we walked around to a shopping area that I didn't even know existed…haha. We walked around there for a while trying to decide to go shopping for a little while or get something to eat. I think that our stomachs answered that question for us, so we decided to go get something to eat. We walked into this nice, modern looking restaurant and had an odd meal. We asked for a club sandwich and some of us didn't want stuff on it but they told us…sorry, they can't take it off. Well, when we received the sandwich, we didn't quite understand why they couldn't….it looked like it was just made….didn't quite make sense but whatever….haha. Afterwards, we headed down that street where all the shops were and I kept telling Jodie, "Every time I walk into a Zara with you…I end up buying something…ehhh, why do you do this to me Jodie". Well, I'm proud to say that I didn't buy anything this day…I think the fact that I'm leaving soon and having to pack my suitcase….freaks me out from buying anything extra. After a little while, I had to go back to the ship to do a stupid duty that NO ONE showed up for….shocker. Afterwards, I headed back out to McDonalds where the rest of the guys were (Jodie, Greg and Lesley) to get something to snack on and get some free wifi….all in all, it was a good day in Marseille.
Saturday, May 28th we had an overnight and were in Monte Carlo, Monaco for the Grand Prix Formula One race. We have been looking forward to this day or time for quite some time and it was just strange that we actually were there and ready to experience it…just nuts. We all got off in the morning and were ready for the day, cause we knew that it might be a long one. We headed to a grocery store to get some stuff to eat….to have a little picnic….it was so fun. Once we headed to the area that Jodie and Greg sat last year for free, we find out that they are charging to get in this year….bummer. All of us talked about it and thought…how many times can you say that you got to see the Formula One Grand Prix in Monte Carlo….pay the money for the seats…haha, so thats exactly what we did. Once we got into the area…HOLY CRAP…there were people EVERYWHERE. I have never seen so many people sitting on a hill watching cars drive by…haha. Getting to the area that we spotted was a challenge in itself (a very steep hill that is nothing but dirt and small rocks) ….so needless to say…we were fall everywhere…haha. Finally getting to the area where we were sitting…we had to lay down blankets and stuff….wasn't the most comfortable sitting position that I've been in but it was for the experience….oh well. Once the qualifier began, it was quite exciting to actually be experiencing it. WOW…are those cars loud….MY LORD!!!! Now if you know me…I don't really like loud noises…never have and never will. I had to sit there for a while (30 mins) with my fingers in my ears….wasn't too fun and kinda hurt. The guys were kinda making fun of me but I was thinking….I would like to be able to hear later so…I'll look like a dork. After the races, we had to get back to the ship to rehearsal for the show that night and to rest up for the next day…the FORMULA ONE GRAND PRIX…how exciting.
Sunday, May 29th again we were in Monte Carlo, Monaco for race day…the Historic Formula One Grand Prix….wow. Getting up early, we expected a HUGE crowd…and we weren't wrong. I have never seen so many people in this small of a place in my life…just people EVERYWHERE!!! Unfortunately, we had to buy another ticket to get in the same uncomfortable sitting area but this time it was a little more expensive. We did, however, devise a plan to sneak everyone in…only having to pay for two tickets…..hehehehehehe. Oh well…I wasn't about to pay 70 Euro to watch cars drive by for 3 hours….SORRY..haha. Before the race started, I wanted to get a few souvenirs for myself and other people….so I made sure that I found somewhere that I could. After getting my stuff, I made my way to the area that we were sitting in…this time a little further down the hill and a better view. Unfortunately, the place that we sat was the MOST steep part of the hill…so we had to put our thinking caps on and found some rocks to dig out the dirt, to make butt marks. I sat there for a while trying to make mine big enough for my butt….haha…and eventually hit my hand…enough of that. It was interesting trying to get comfortable but eventually I found a better position to watch the race. Today, the race was a little longer than yesterday…which was fine but that means it was going to be louder for a longer time. Luckily, I had found these REALLY cool head phones that had the Monaco Grand Prix branding on it….so I was in high fashion that day…haha (NOT). During the race, I took a moment to really take in what I was experiencing and look around at all the people that were there, especially those people in the cast that were sitting with me. It got a little bittersweet in thinking that this might be one of the last big things that we do as a cast….just hard to think that this experience is coming to an end…I have mixed emotions about it. After the race had finished…we all decided to head back to the ship and take a nap…we were EXHAUSTED. What an awesome two days in Monte Carlo.
Monday, May 30th we were in St. Tropez, France and I was on IPM so you know the drill…BORING BORING BORING day for me. Something a little different this day was that we had an IPM drill, which sucks because you have to go to your emergency station and stand there for a good 45 mins to an hour…for no reason…just to stand there. While I was standing in my spot, I was thinking that I probably wouldn't do very well in the Navy or military…I just couldn't do it….haha…glad to know that I made that decision right then and there (but I do give a lot of credit to those people that are in the military…they keep me safe…which I'm grateful for).
Tuesday, May 31st we were in Portofino, Italy (one of my favorite Italian ports) where I spent the day by myself and quite enjoyed it. I got off in the morning and walked around the city (it's not that big) and just enjoyed the time being alone. I walked up to an area where I've been before but never walked further and I thought, why not…have an adventure. Walking up these steep hills and wooded path…I made my way to a little park, where I could see the city of Portofino in the distance. Stood there for a while just taking in everything….if you've noticed…I've been trying to comprehend the fact that I've done so much in 9.5 months….just trying to collect my thoughts. I really enjoyed just the silence and peacefulness of it….so I stood there for a while…just 'being' there….my time to reflect. Afterwards, I walked into the city and had a great lunch and just enjoyed people watching….I think that its such a cool thing. After a little longer, I decided to go back to the ship….I was quite tired and really needed to take a nap. Lately, I have been really tired all the time…I think that I'm just emotional drained and ready to leave the ship….but I had a great day in Portofino.
Wednesday, June 1st we were in Portoferraio, Italy and again got off earlier in the day by myself to walk around and get something to eat. I walked down the long street that circles the marina and just kept walking….cause I could..haha. Eventually, I made my way back around the port area and ate at a restaurant that I wanted to last year but didn't get a chance to. Another lunch by myself and I enjoyed people walking….I don't know who I'm becoming…haha. I ordered a pizza and I ate the entire thing (a pizza that has red and green peppers on it…me…really?) Later, met up with Jodie, Greg and Lesley where we found free wifi and FOUND OUT OUR FLIGHT INFORMATION. I can't believe that we are leaving so soon….its finally coming….I can't wait.
Thursday, June 2nd we were back in Civitavecchia for our LAST EMBARKATION DAY….EVER!!!!! Woke up early, to get something to eat…I was very hungry this morning. Then had to stand at the stupid elevators for 2.5 hours….telling people where the reception was…I'll let you know…I won't miss that job…EHHH, so boring and stupid. Then I headed out to the terminal to do check-in for another 2.5 hours….but was greeted by a man that was yelling in Jodie's face about the fact that there wasn't anyone with Silversea out by the terminal gate to direct them. I wasn't about to let her get yelled at, so I stepped in and had quite the nice argument with the gentleman but everyone said that I handled myself very very professionally. I felt really proud of myself that I could talk so calmly but firmly while someone was yelling and saying quite rude things to me….we call that, PROGRESS….haha. After that lovely moment, I spent the last embarkation day…just enjoying checking in the passengers, getting to know them, sharing stories…same old, same old. I can't believe that today marks my LAST cruise of the contract….I'm finally coming home…WOW.
MY LAST CRUISE'S ITINERARY IS: Sorrento, Italy on June 3rd and June 4th / Taormina, Sicily, Italy on June 5th / Valletta, Malta on June 6th / At Sea on June 7th / Livorno, Italy on June 8th / Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 9th / St. Tropez, France on June 10 and the day that I have been waiting for since I can't remember when is BARCELONA, SPAIN….GOING HOME ON JUNE 11TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe that this wonderful experience…one that I'm incredibly grateful for is coming to an end. Very bittersweet and I know that its going to be quite an emotional day for me on June 11th….having to say goodbye to those people that I've lived with for 10 months, laughed with, argued with, cried with but one thing holds us together that no one else has…an odd similarity that we will share…we have circled the globe together. I have found, throughout this contract that life throws opportunities, lessons, reminders to you and its the way you accept, approach and understand it…that makes that experience that much better.
Already starting to cry….
Until the LAST time,
Jason
