Monte Carlo Grand Prix....2nd to last cruise...wow

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

C'est La Vie - Such is Life

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

The World Cruise comes to an end....

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

Bowling in Dubai to Snorkeling in the Red Sea....

Hello everyone,

I can't believe how close it is coming to the end this contract….I have been having the time of my life and I'm glad that I'm getting to share this experience through this blog with you….I'm glad that I started it and I'm glad that YOU read it!!!

Lets not waste anymore time...

Monday, April 18th we had our Embarkation day of our next cruise in Dubai but luckily I had the morning and early afternoon off. I headed into the city via shuttle bus to be surrounded by this fake and futuristic city. Its so hard to explain because this place doesn't look real…just really strange. Made it to the Dubai Mall (one of the largest in the world) which is next to the largest structure on Earth and wow…what a massive thing that is. From a distance…it really doesn't look that big but once you get next to it….WOW…just incredible. The Dubai Mall was equally jaw dropping…4 levels of this MASSIVE, MASSIVE mall where you could have ANYTHING that you wanted…just incredible. Looking at the directory…I felt like I was reading a novel…chapter one, restaurants…chapter two, mens stores…etc. I made my way up to the food court, which was massive and you would never guess what was there….TACO BELL!!! Yes, I was in heaven for that meal…even though it didn't taste like HOME Taco Bell…it was Taco Bell nonetheless…haha. Afterwards, I had the mission to post some of the pictures for the past 2 months up on Facebook so I really took advantage of the free wifi. Eventually, I had to make it back to work embarkation for the day…only an hour AND we only have 272 guests on the ship…out of the 540 that it can hold. Can we say, ghostship…haha. Afterwards, Lesley, Jodie, Greg, Jen, myself and our new cruise director David headed back to the mall. We had a great meal at TGI Fridays and enjoyed the 'dancing fountains' that were giving a show outside. This city was just incredible….just very weird and futuristic. Afterwards, we all split up and got a few things that we needed to get and then were going to meet up later. Once we got back together, we had decided to go bowling….yes thats right….bowling in Dubai…haha. We finally got a taxi and told him to take us to the Bowling Alley and we had SUCH a great time. The first round…didn't go so well for me…I haven't played in a long time…a little embarrassing cause there were these kids next to us that were incredible and then you look at what I was doing….putting my head down in shame…haha. Don't you find that is always the case in bowling…always these young whipper snappers that can bowl circles around you…cause back in my day…woah, sorry…old moment..haha.  The second round however, I must have TOTALLY switched inside because I bowled the best game….EVER. I have NEVER played that well before ….whoosh, it was a lot of fun though. Afterwards, our taxi guy took us to the famous hotel that is in the shape of a sail and we took a few pictures….it was a really great end to the night in Dubai.

Tuesday, April 19th we were at Dubai again only for the half day so there wasn't really enough time to go out in the city. I woke up not feeling very well so I decided to stay on the ship and get as much rest as I could. The rest of the day was a sea day and we had the normal duties that we normally have….it was a relaxing day.

Wednesday, April 20th we were in Muscat, Oman and I woke up with NO VOICE and we have a show this evening….oh great….not the best time to lose my voice. I went off the ship with everyone because I thought some fresh air would do me well instead of the stupid air on the ship AND because it was the last day at a port before the crossing to Egypt and I wasn't about to stay on the ship for an extra day…haha. Went into the town and there wasn't much to do there except go into the bazaars and shop. It was cool because there was a entire building with little side streets with shops EVERYWHERE….it was nuts. It was INCREDIBLY hot this day…not humid but just dry heat…it sucked. After walking around for a while we couldn't decide on what to do so we walked through the shops again and we got a few things that sparked our interest before. Eventually it was time for me to get back to the ship for a duty that I had which was alright…I was quite bored in the city. Later in the evening, we pushed off the port and began our 5 sea day journey to Egypt. By the way, the show that evening went quite well….which I don't understand. I literally could not speak in the morning and I didn't think that I could do the show…so I made sure that I didn't speak all day long. I have to send a HUGE thank you out to my voice professors at school for teaching me the correct way to sing and what to do when you're ill…I'm lucky I had such great professors. 

Thursday, April 21st to Monday, April 25th we spent our time at sea in the Indian Ocean and eventually making our way to the Red sea traveling to Safaga, Egypt. During our sea days…we were in the Samoan pirate danger zone so all the windows on the ship had to be shut…the lights were all turned off at night and it was just strange and spooky. We felt that we were in a prison because we weren't a loud to go outside on the decks that we normally could use. We all had to go up on the highest decks during the day and at night…you had to take a flashlight with you because it was PITCH BLACK. I went out on one of the decks during the night one time and it scared the crap out of me…imagine night time at sea…with NO light around…a little freaky. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS OUR LAST HUGE CROSSING THAT WE HAVE FOR THE REST OF THE TIME ON THE SHIP….HOOORAH!!!!

Tuesday, April 26th we were FINALLY in Safaga, Egypt where I was on a all-day excursion to see the Temples in Luxor…which was awesome. The day started very early and boy, did the weather confuse the crap out of me. I thought that it was going to be warm…I mean we are in EGYPT…but no, it was quite cool and windy…whoosh, too cold. We had a 2.5 hour drive through the Sahara Desert which was cool because not many people can say that they have driven through the Sahara. Eventually it got a little boring because looking at sand for 2 hours…not much happens or interests the mind…haha. We eventually got to the first Temple (which I can't remember the name of) and it was so cool. The entire day it was really hard for me to believe that it was made SO long ago…it just didn't seem real. It was cool to see all the different things carved into the wall and the stories that our guide told us…it was really interesting. He told us why all the faces of everything Egyptian were gone and it was because the Christians came along years after (when they have gained control of the land and temples) and didn't like that people had prayed to other Gods…so they thought that they would deface all the statues/paintings/carvings that had faces…so you could never see what they looked like…which I found interesting. When we went to the top of this building, we were shown a carving that was in the ceiling that showed the astrological signs (Libra, Taurus, etc.) and that it was a creation from Egyptians that the Greek / Romans took credit for it…stole from the Egyptians…which I thought was VERY interesting. Eventually, it was time to head back to the bus to go to Luxor (another hour away) to get a wonderful buffet lunch at the Sheraton. Our next stop was an even older Temple, which was so cool and was showcased in one of the James Bonds (which I thought was really cool).  Walking around this place it was so remarkable to think that they made everything by hand…and had to build everything with sand and mud…just something that you can't explain unless you see it. Our third and last Temple was the oldest of them all (4500 BC) and I just couldn't understand how well preserved everything was. I said to one of the guests that it was hard to believe that it was as old as it was because it looked brand new. Our tour guide said it is because it doesn't rain here…there is NO humidity, so there is no corrosion of the building / stautes…which is incredible. Afterwards, we had the long 3.5 hour trip back to the ship, driving the the Sahara again in the pitch black. Something that made me laugh at the beginning but later kinda made me nervous was the signs about camels. In Ohio, we have the deer caution signs which is normal because they might run out in front of your car in a treed area but seeing a camel caution sign just made me laugh. Would scare the CRAP out of you if you were driving down the street and almost hit a CAMEL..might hurt you AND the camel…I just kept having that visual in my head…haha. During our drive in the PITCH black desert…it was so cool to be able to sit in the bus and look at ALL the stars…it was just great. Had a LONG but very eventful day…

Wednesday, April 27th we again were in Safaga, Egypt but I was on IPM so I had to stay on the ship. I was actually okay about it because I was still exhausted from my excursion the day before….I needed to catch up on my rest…whoosh, needed that relaxing day.

Thursday, April 28th we were in Aqaba, Jordan where David, Cody, Lesley and I went out on the town. We headed out on into the town to be greeted by something that made me stand there with my mouth open. THERE WAS A BAR/RESTAURANT called 'FRIENDS'….it was a bar that was the themed by the long running TV sitcom, 'Friends' and if you know me…you know how excited I was…haha. I was so bummed because it was closed at the time we were there but you better believe that I took a picture of it…haha. We finally decided where we wanted to go and got a taxi to a beach/snorkel area near to the city. We had a great lunch in a hotel and the decided that we wanted to go snorkeling in the Red Sea…how many times can you say you've done that. It was such a cool experience but WOW…I was freezing my butt off. The sea was SO cold out in the area where the coral was, but I was trying to enjoy looking at the coral and fish and everything but whoosh…freezing…haha. Afterwards, we went back to the hotel and laid out in the sun for a while…to warm up. After staying there for a while, it was time to head back to the ship and head off to our next port. 

Friday, April 29th we had a half day in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt where all of us got off and enjoyed the day together. Taking the shuttle bus into the city, you can defiantly tell that this city was made only due to tourist. It was so English / Americanized…it was ridiculous but I will say, the people that worked there in the shops were EXTREMELY rude. I understand that their tourism is down by A LOT right now because of all the unrest in the area but you would think that they would want to have your business…not piss you off. They would yell at us and tell us to get out of their shop if we didn't buy anything…not a fun time. After a while, we all found everything that we were looking for and Jodie, Jen and myself were hungry..so we went to TGI Fridays….see I told you it was Americanized…haha. While having lunch, we got to watch the Royal Wedding on the TV and I just sat there and had to take everything in…having lunch at an American restaurant in Egypt while watching a Royal English wedding…..wait….what? After lunch, it was time to catch the shuttle bus back to the ship but not after going by an area in the city where the ex-Egyptian president was located…which was really strange to see. Of course I didn't see him but there was SO many police outside the building and the bus driver told us who it was…it was just strange. Once getting back on the ship, we were told that we were going to wait another hour to leave the port because the wind was so strong…the ship wasn't able to leave. During this time, we all got together and David (our new cruise director) taught us a yoga class, which during the class the ship was trying to leave but got pushed by the wind and hit the port…it was that strong. Now, we were suppose to leave at around 3:30 and we didn't get out of the port until 8:00 that night…must have been strong wind…whoosh, what a crazy day.

Saturday, April 30th we traveled through the Suez Canal heading our way back to the Med. I can't believe that we have made it back to the area that I started about 8 months ago…wow. In a way, it has been a short amount of time because I have seen so many things in a year but at the same time…it has been a long time away from the states and I'm looking forward to getting home and being with family and friends again. There wasn't anything special about the Suez Canal…not a cool as the Panama Canal but always fun to say that I've done it. 

Sunday, May 1st (I can't believe that we are in May now…wow) we were in Alexandria, Egypt…heading out on a crew excursion to the Great Pyramids and Sphinx. The ride out there was quite long so I made sure that I caught a nap on the bus ride…I was TIRED. When we arrived, I couldn't believe that I was seeing one of the "7 wonders of the world". The height of these pyramids are a lot higher than I thought and I can't imagine what it was like to build them. When I was there…I kept singing to myself, "Go down, Moses…way down to Egypt land. Tell old, Pharaoh…to let my people go" (thats a little joke for those people that have ever sang in a choir…haha). Later, we went to see the Sphinx and to tell you the truth…I thought that it was going to be a lot bigger than it actually was. Don't get me wrong…it was AWESOME to see it but at the same time, I thought…"really, thats it?" Afterwards, we had a 3 hour drive back to the ship so again…I got to sleep a little on the trip back and also sit there, trying to take in the fact that this was the last place I would visit until I can say…."I've circled the globe".

Saturday, May 2nd we were heading our way to the last port of this voyage, Athens Greece where I could say, "I've circled the globe". Its a lot of overwhelming feelings coming to this moment in the contract because I know that its coming to the end but at the same time…I can't believe of all the different culture, beliefs, cities, people…that I have seen around the world. How in every place that I visited…everyone is so different but at the same time, everyone is just the same. Something that I have seen (that makes me tear up just thinking about it), is how in everywhere I've gone…doesn't matter if it was the San Blas Islands of Panama to the busy town of Hong Kong….from the eery streets of Vietnam to having one night in Bangkok….from the crazy Tuk Tuk ride with Babu in India to bowling in Dubai…one thing has stuck out to me more than anything….the sense of FAMILY. Now the word 'family' can be justified in many different ways…from your real family…or those people that don't have a family but consider their closet friends, THEIR family. Just looking at everywhere I've been…it didn't matter if it was the richest area or the poorest area…you could tell people were happy because they had their family. That's something that I feel that we take advantage of…that we don't look and go, "wow…I'm so blest to have these people in my life that love and support me" but instead take advantage of the fact that they are there and don't really appreciate them, until they're gone. I feel sometimes we get so wrapped up in our beliefs or politics or stuff that really doesn't matter and that breaks up the unity, the bond that we should have as a collective group. Its the constant reassurance that we have the BEST people around us…the loving energy that makes us wake up and go out into the world and think, "I can do anything….because I am loved". Remember, we only have this one life….YOU take advantage of it….live in the PRESENT, enjoy the NOW…don't be tied to a future or past. So today, why don't you call your parents, your kids, your FAMILY and just say I love you and thank you for always being there…..you never know when that opportunity might be taking away from you.

Our next cruises itinerary is: Athens, Greece on May 3rd / At Sea on May 4th / Taormina, Sicily, Italy on May 5th (HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME!!!) / Sorrento, Italy on May 6th (Happy Birthday Jodie) / Civitavecchia (ROME), Italy on May 7th / Monte Carlo, Monaco on May 8th / Barcelona, Spain on May 9th and 10th / At Sea on May 11th / Malaga, Spain on May 12th / At Sea on May 13th / Lisbon, Portugal on May 14th / At Sea on May 15th / Bilbao, Spain on May 16th / At Sea on May 17th / St. Peter's, Guernsey, England on May 18th / Southampton, England on May 19th. 

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful start to their month of May and Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's out there…especially mine :-)

Until Next Time,

Jason

Pretzels, Tuk Tuks and a surreal and grateful experience....

Hello Everyone,

Well, its getting closer and closer to the final days that I'm on the ship. Currently we are on the cruise that will bring me back to the Med. and I can't believe that I'll have circled the globe….thats a little intimidating isn't it? Only 5 more cruises to go….

Well, lets not waste any time…here's what happened during our Singapore to Dubai cruise :

Monday, April 4th we were in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jodie, Greg, Jen and myself had a great day out in the city. We got off the ship early in the morning cause we heard that it took a while to get into town. We couldn't decide if we wanted to take the train in or just a taxi…but we eventually decided to go with the taxi, safer incase the train system was confusing. We were all really tired this day so it was nice to rest our eyes a little bit during our 45 min. journey into the city. Once we got there….these HUGE towers were right in front of us and I knew that I've seen them before (I think that they are in one of the Rush Hour movies….I could be wrong though). They are these twin towers that are connected by the 45th floor….so I thought that it would be cool to go up there. Unfortunately, the observation deck was closed this day, so we couldn't go up there. Instead we went inside this mall that was next to the building and WOW….what a beautiful and clean mall. Now, whenever I go to a mall, it is tradition that I get a pretzel and it has been a while since I've been able to get them…they don't have Aunt Auntie's Pretzels over here, so bummer no pretzel again…but wait…what is this smell….where is it coming from….follow it, follow it….HOLY CRAP, THERE IS AN AUNT AUNTIE'S PRETZEL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say…I got a few…but felt like the biggest dork because the other guys don't understand that tradition…I can't explain it, just something that I remember from my childhood whenever I would go to the mall with my parents….you knew that you were good, if we got a pretzel…haha. ANYWAY…we had a great lunch at Nando's, this chicken place that I don't think that we have in the states…its an English thing but WOW…really really good. Afterwards, I saw on the mall map that there was an aquarium next to the mall…so I suggested that we head over there and just go to the aquarium. We had a great time looking at all the different animals that are on this side of the world and how different they look compared to whats over in America and/or England….very interesting.  Afterwards, the girls went off and did their own thing and Greg and I went up to McDonald's to get some food. While we were waiting, Greg likes to do this thing called, "Death Stroke" to people…where he will touch them and then act as if he didn't just pet their arm or something…haha. Well, he 'death stroked' this one woman that was working at McDonalds and she turned and looked at him with her eyes so big that we both though she was going to run and jump on him…like a loose tiger out of its cage, as we said she looked like. We both got so nervous that we just laughed out loud….SO hard laughing that I started to cry…Whoosh, what a great time. After the death strokes of ALL death strokes, we headed back down to meet the girls to get our taxi back to the ship and enjoy the sail away heading towards our next port.

Tuesday, April 5th we were in Penang, Malaysia where I was on IPM and couldn't get off the ship. Had the normal IPM day of duties and being bored watching the films on the ship. Heard that the guys had a great day out on the beach, where Greg parasailed (ehhh…I wish that I would have been able to been there and done that as well). According to Greg, it was a great experience except the fact that he had to land on the beach…HIMSELF. Instead of bringing him back on the boat..they landed him on the beach. He said that he was nervous of the fact that he would land in the trees and knowing my luck….I would have landed in the trees…maybe it was a good thing that I was on IPM.

Wednesday, April 6th we are in Phuket, Thailand and I was really excited to experience this city…as I was told that it was cool place. Unfortunately, there was a taxi union strike against the ship, even to the point that the Captain was out there trying to reason with the people. Needless to say, we couldn't leave the port. Luckily they had brought vendors inside and we could do some shopping up right there off the ship. I bought a few things that I wanted to get and also bought myself a cool pair of pants that I now use as pajama pants….one of my favorite things I've bought throughout this cruise…haha. The rest of the day, we spent laying out up on the top deck and just enjoying the sun and nice weather. 

Thursday, April 7th and Friday, April 8th we were at sea heading towards Colombo, Sri Lanka. We had a nice crossing since the Indian Ocean is as smooth as bath water….which is really nice. We had our normal duties and actually got to enjoy the pool sometime playing water volley with the guests. It was a totally different age group this cruise and we had some lovely people on the ship, two in particular Harry and Robert who I met during the Transatlantic cross back in October. It had been 5 months since I'd seen them last and it was lovely to have them back on board. Also, got to have a lovely meal with them during the cruise…what great guys…and glad that I've made such a good friendship with them.

Saturday, April 9th we were in Colombo, Sri Lanka and wow, what an eye opening experience that was. Jodie, Greg, Lesley, Cody and myself got off the ship and we asked to be taken to the closest shopping mall…as we wanted to get some food. The drive there was just shocking, as it was REALLY run down. This was the place that got hit by the Tsunami in 2004, even though this city wasn't hit…you could tell that they were still struggling. We asked our driver to take us to a cash exchange…so we could change over our Thai and Malaysian money. He took us to this building that looked a little shady and I felt like I was in Sex and the City 2 (strange reference…I know), when they go in the back room and do that 'special sell'….haha. We walked into this really nice jewelry store and as the girls exchanged some money…the others were acting as if we were interested in stuff…just to make the guys feel better…that we weren't taking advantage of them or the English equivalent "taking the piss"…haha. It just felt really strange to be in this odd, cave like building, just to get our money exchanged…whoosh. We eventually get to the shopping area and were SO disappointed because it was NOTHING that we wanted and also…didn't smell the best. We walked around for about 5 or 10 mins because we were told that there was a McDonalds here….NOPE…so that just pissed us off more. Eventually we left and I thought that I saw a McDonalds down the street when we parked. We walked to the end of the street and I was right….there was one in the distance. Greg, Jodie and Lesley got into a Tuktuk to take them to the McDonalds but Cody and I walked there….it was like a few NY blocks….we could do it…haha. Once we got there…it was so cute because there was a little Malaysian kid birthday party. When we were having our lunch, we all talked about the fact that we all had a McDonald's birthday when we were younger and how cool you were, if you had one….HAHA…hilarious and I actually remember my McDonald's birthday…which I think, is a little sad…haha. After celebrating our coolness…haha…we all said that it was time to go back to the ship and go lay out by the pool…since we have NEVER taken advantage of the benefit that we have…12 - 4 on a port day, we can use the pool. All 5 of us got into one of this Tuktuk and drove back to the ship. HOLY CRAP that was an adventure in itself because those things should only carry 4 people including the driver…so actually we had 6 people on this thing including the driver….haha…what a blast. Once we got on the ship, we had a great time at the pool and really enjoyed our time talking and being with each other.

Sunday, April 10th we had a half sea day and then made it to Cochin, India a day early…which was nice. Greg, Jodie, Lesley, Jen and myself headed out together and we were heading towards a very nice hotel that the ship told us to head to for the day. Getting out of the terminal was so scary and I now know what its like to have paparazzi around you all the time. We had a SWORM of 40 taxi drivers trying to get us to go with them…screaming and tapping us to get our attention. My dad / protector mode kicked in and I told the girls to walk ahead of Greg and I so that they weren't behind us. I made all those guys understand to back off and that we didn't want to go with them. The walk took us about 5 mins to the hotel and all the way there…some of them were following us…did they not get the hint….WOW. When we arrived at the hotel, there was an Elephant there greeting us. Jodie and Lesley had never seen an Elephant before so they were excited and got a picture with it…which was cool. We got into the hotel and what a beautiful place it was, 5 star service and just beautiful lobby…I'm sure that it would be quite expensive to stay there. During our stay, we had a great meal and a wonderful time at the pool, where we had a make shift photo shoot with my camera….I've just found some really cool gadgets on my camera….a little late, no? After a wonderful day at the hotel, we decided to head back to the ship. It was shocking how calm and quite it was walking back. There was trash everywhere and I just couldn't believe that I was in India…just very shocking. Greg had the idea, since we were pretty much harassed earlier that if a Taxi driver asked us if we wanted a ride walking back…he would turn, look at them and scream, "NO!!!" Holy crap, I don't think any of us have laughed so hard….because two taxi drivers got an ear full of NO…HAHA!!! When we returned to the ship, we were all just exhausted and just chilled out of the rest of the evening.

Monday, April 11th we were in Cochin, India again and I spent the day with Greg and Lesley AND marked the two months left we have on the ship. Again, we were harassed coming out of the port and we eventually found a nice Tuktuk driver named, Babu. Babu spent the entire day with us and what a cool, interesting guy he was. First he took us into the city of Cochin…wow, another eye opener. The buildings were EVERYWHERE, old and really close together. This place reminded me of a run down and dry Bali…so it was strange that I can start to see similarities of different places around the world. First he took us to a few markets where Greg and Lesley got a few things. After we drove around to the different markets for a while, we all got hungry and wanted to have the best Indian food that Babu knew of. He took us to this hotel and we sat down where the others ordered Chicken or Prawn Curry (which I tried and it was actually good…a little spicy but good) and I had Honey Chicken and Fried Rice which was great…I enjoyed it. We had a great meal but were distracted at the beginning of the meal because we saw that a little kitten was stuck on the rocks next to the ocean. Greg and I wanted to go help the kitten but by the time we were going to do something about it…someone else had taken care of it…whoosh, made us feel better. After lunch, we told Babu to take us to things around that he thinks that we would like to see and boy did he deliver. First he took us to a Snake Charmer and wow, how scary that was for me…I'm scared to death of snakes but at the same time…it was something I wanted to see and experience….so what a cool but scary moment…haha. This guy had 4 cobras and they bit him a few times…I took a few videos of it…was really cool. Next, we went to this fishing yard where the locals showed us how they fished and they took pictures of us doing it….was a lot of fun. When we were pulling the robes down, they all started chanting these words, which I found so funny, so we all joined in making up our own chants…the fisherman found it to be funny as well. Next, we wanted to see another Elephant so Babu first showed us a Hindu temple…which was really interesting…we couldn't go in but from the outside…it looked so cool. Like I said, this place reminded me of Bali…which I really enjoyed. Finally, we made it to an Elephant…where we met a father and son elephant. We all didn't like the fact that they were tied up on a concrete floor but they said that it was normal. Found out that we could buy one of those Elephants for 16,000 dollars and I thought, "Wow, it was a little bit more than my first car…haha". While we were there with the Elephants, the dad wasn't to happy that we were there and kept throwing Bamboo at us and actually hit me in the arm with a HUGE branch….which really hurt. I have a little battle wound from the damn Elephant…OKAY I GET THE POINT, I'LL LEAVE!!! Next, Babu took us around his neighborhood and we asked him if we could see his house. It was something like you see in the movies in Africa or Slum Dog Millionaire…where the kids were all playing on the dirt paths in the housing district.  They were all playing cricket and we actually played with them during our little time at Babu's house. He invited us in and offered us some of the best tea I have EVER had. We found out that he lives in the house with his wife, who was pregnant with his first child and his mother, who was ill at the time. His brother lived above him with his wife…who we also got to meet. He sat us down and it was just a really surreal time…getting to see what it was like to live in India….get to experience how this guy lives each day…just was really cool to experience…something that I'll never forget. After we had the great time at his home..it was time for us to head back to the ship. While driving back, he told us his dream to go to Switzerland someday and that he knows that he'll make there. It made me tear us a little bit because this was his dream…something that he is determined to do and you could just see in his eyes the longing to go away from India. Just made me look back on this incredible 'dream coming true' for myself traveling the world….something that I always wanted to do but never thought that I would be able to…just strange and surreal. When he dropped us off…we all gave him 20 dollars which is worth SO much in his country and I told him to make sure that he buys something nice for his baby when its born….to which he gave us all a hug and drove off….what a GREAT experience in Cochin, India….one I'll never forget.

Tuesday, April 12th…we were at sea heading to Mumbai, India. We actually needed this sea day because we were all tired. All day long, I was totally out of it and not really responsive because I was just in a funk and thinking about my family. Its a hard time during this time of the year….

Wednesday, April 13th we finally made it to Mumbai, India and I made sure to get out and keep myself (more importantly my mind) busy today….since it was 7 years ago that my father died in a car accident. First, we got off and headed to a tailor shop because Greg wanted to get a suit made and yes, I got talked in to getting a suit made as well…which I'm really happy that I did…what a wonderful job that they did for me and who else can say, they have a tailored made suit from India…haha. We had a great time there and afterwards it was the perfect time to head to get something to eat. We had seen a McDonalds so we asked if we could go there…to find out that they don't serve Hamburgers there…they don't eat cow. It was crazy to think that they didn't serve them..only chicken so I had some chicken nuggets and a coke…was just shock throughout the entire meal. During our lunch these girls were staring at Jodie the entire time and really started to piss the both of us off. At the end of our meal, I looked at them and said, "You stare to much"…the little girls gave me attitude and said something in Indian about me to which Jodie walked over and said, "You know, I know that your mother taught you better than to stare at people….you should know that its rude.  Here is a lesson, from where I'm from…its not acceptable…so stop it". I was like, YEAH JODE!!!! Afterwards, our taxi driver stopped at the side of the road and for 5 mins kept telling us all the places that he wanted to take us and we were like…fine whatever. We asked if there was a shopping place anywhere and would he take us there….to which we kept telling us that we wouldn't like it…he knows what we wanted. We drove around to market after market of the same stuff in all the stores. He scared us a few times with his driving….wow…you think that there are some crazy drivers in America…you haven't seen ANYTHING!!! Eventually we said, we want to go to this mall that he didn't think that we would like. It took us about 45 mins to get there but we show up and its one of the nicest malls that I've ever been to…Jodie was in heaven and I was too…there was a TGI Fridays…haha. We had a great time there and a great meal and then it was time to head back to the ship. The entire day we had heard horns with the cars beeping throughout the street…we swear there is a conversation going on through the horns but this night…it was a joke. Our taxi driver got us back (even though he had NO idea where he was going and it pissed us off) to the ship just in time for our evening stuff that we had to do. When I got back to the ship, I got online and saw the outpouring of support that I had from my friends and family, especially from my mom who said, "Your Dad IS so proud of you" which made me start to cry. I have never felt my Dads presence more in the past 7 years than I have during this contract. Makes me feel so happy to know that both my parents are getting to experience this trip with me…but in two totally different ways. I know that I have an angel watching over me throughout this entire journey…making sure that I'm safe and having the experience of a lifetime. Thanks Dad…

Thursday, April 14th we were in Mumbai, India again but I was on IPM, which I was okay with…I didn't need to go back out into that crazy city. I enjoyed my day on the ship and laid out by the pool again….love taking advantage of my benefits for the last few times that I can.

Friday, April 15th and Saturday, April 16th we were at sea again, heading towards Khasab, Oman. Again, we had a great, smooth crossing and had great weather…nothing to complain about except…there wasn't really anything to do…boring, boring sea days.

Sunday, April 17th we arrived in Khasab, Oman for the day. Lesley and I got the tender into town and eventually made it to city center via shuttle bus. It was so strange to be walking around in this part of the world…Muslim country. Nothing against them but it was a little intimidating…I will admit. Also, the entire place looked like the Moon or Mars….just rock and mountain EVERYWHERE….just really strange. When we were in the city center, Lesley and I walked into this shop and found this cream called, 100% bust enlargement cream…which made us laugh…REALLY HARD…just something you wouldn't think you would see in this part of the world….bust enlargement cream…HAHA. Anyway, in the shop…the owner asked both of us where we were from and Lesley said, "England" and he smile and said "Okay", then he looked at me and I said, "America" and he stopped smiling and said, "OH". WOW…can we say, Awkward….I have now learned that I don't say that I'm American in this part of the world…I don't think that they like us very much. After the awkwardness…Lesley and myself headed back to the pier on the shuttle bus but we thought…lets go see this hotel that the ship suggested we see. When we were on our walk there, I kept singing…On the Road Again…because we felt like we were in the middle of NO WHERE!!! When we turned the corner…I thought, you know what…I want to have an adventure….I want to climb this mountain side and get to the top of that rock. Yes, random but I was in the mood to climb apparently…cause I made it all the way to the top of the mountain. What a beautiful view from the top of this rock…you could see everything. I sat up there for a while and took everything in…needed one of those moments…haven't done that in a while. Made the way back down the mountain and Lesley and myself finally made it to the hotel. We had a great time by the pool, even though these kids were giving the lifeguard in me a heart attack…just walking accidents waiting to happen. After a while, we were hungry and had a great meal at the hotel restaurant. I made the good point of why we haven't taken the advantage of hotels in some places but whatever…thus is life…haha. We made it back to the pier to catch the last tender back to the ship where we had a very smooth and slow journey to our last port of this cruise…Dubai, UAE.

Our next cruises itinerary is: Dubai, UAE on April 18th and 19th / Muscat, Oman on April 20th / At Sea April 21st - 25th..our last long crossing…HOORAY!!! / 

Safaga, Egypt on April 26th and 27th / Aqaba, Jordan on April 28th / Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt on April 29th / Transit the Suez Canal on April 30th / Alexandria, Egypt on May 1st / At Sea on May 2nd and ending our cruise in Athens, Greece on May 3rd….which will mark my circling the globe.

WOW….

Until Next Time,

Jason

Asia and One Night in Bangkok...literally...

Hello everyone,

Well, the 12 days cruise flew by so quickly…which I thought would happen, since we just got done with a 21 day cruise…whoosh…which was too long. 

Here's what happened:

Wednesday, March 23rd….we didn't arrive in Haiphong until late in the evening and couldn't get off the ship because there was nothing to do so it was pretty much a sea day…and a bad one at that. I was SO cold I couldn't believe it. I thought that we were suppose to be in warmer areas now…whats going on? One good thing that happened was I got to see the first lecture of Mr. Dan Rather (previously from CBS News). It was just strange, since I've seen him on TV for so many years, to see him in person was just strange but cool. He is a lot taller than I thought…haha.

Thursday, March 24th we had a good day in Haiphong, Vietnam. It was strange to be there and experience the life in Vietnam…very run down, dirty and congested. When we got off the shuttle bus, the entire gang headed off to find something to eat and/or find a cash machine to be able to buy things. I'll tell you something, figuring out the currency difference during this cruise is for the birds…its very very confusing. We walked around for quite some time before we found somewhere (we thought) was good to eat…KFC. I'm telling you…there wasn't anything else there…haha. I had some great mashed potatoes and roll though…it was really good…the chicken looked a little questionable but I had the popcorn chicken instead. Afterwards, we all decided to go over to the food market and just walk around…to get the feel of Haiphong. I'll tell you something, I have NEVER in my life seen so many motorbikes in one place. They were everywhere and you just had to RUN across the street to get to the other side….felt like we were playing the real life game of Frogger. Anyway, once we got to the market, they were staring at us like we had the plague or something. I guess they have never seen Americans or English before…they would look at us and comment to each other in their language…was a little weird. After we walked around for a while, Jodie and Greg went back to the ship and everyone else went their separate ways. Lesley and I walked around for a while, a little bit of time by the river…which was just sad to see….very interesting and eye opening but sad. When we were walking through one of the markets, Lesley stopped me and said, "Jason, I think that this woman is about to kill this chicken…." We both walked back there and she had put the chicken in SCOLDING hot water and killed it, then threw it on the floor. HOLY CRAP…I couldn't believe that we had just witnessed that. I turned to Lesley after it happened and said, "Makes you feel a lot better eating KFC, huh?"(HAHA). There was a lot of other gross stuff that we saw: cleaning a dead pig with the same washcloth that she wiped the table with, cutting up frogs…you know, the works…YUCK. We decided to leave that market and possibly go shopping for a little while (Lesley was on a shoe hunt this day). Again, crossing the street was a challenge…I made it across but Lesley wasn't so lucky and had to wait for a while. I taped her across the street and I was CRACKING up at her trying to cross the street….just bikes EVERYWHERE…haha…Run Lesley, RUN!!! Eventually we got pretty tired of walking around and decided to head back to the ship. It was a great but strange day in Haiphong.

Friday, March 25th we were in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam where there was a silver sea experience that I went on the tour of. Again, it was so cold…I couldn't feel my toes…what the hell…haha. Had a great time on one of their boats with some of the guests….some really friendly people on the ship right now. Sailing around about 1969 different islands in Ha Long Bay (which means Descending Dragon) I don't know about that…I saw NO descending dragons in the water…haha. It was really cool, with the guide pointing out that the different island / rock formations looked like different things like: A thumb, a sitting dog, a cat in the mountains, kissing chickens, king kong…was just really cool. While on the ship, you could buy these little paintings that at a fair distance glance…looked like someone painted but actually it was stitching which I thought was so cool…so I bought one. Had a great time getting to know some of the guests and talking about the difference experiences that I have gone through during my contract…was a good day. The rest of the day was spent on the ship as a half sea day…oh joy…haha.

Saturday, March 26th we were at sea again…but you know, it was a well deserved sea day…I needed the rest, apparently I was tired. Also, it was great because we just got some new movies on the TV and of course I've watched a few already like…Tangled and Burlesque. All in all, a restful sea day.

Sunday, March 27th and Monday, March 28th we were in Ho Chi Minh City or known to most as Saigon, Vietnam. The first day (the 27th) we headed out into the town…which was BY FAR a lot better than Haiphong. We headed down the street and right away you knew that it was defiantly going to be a day of souvenir shopping….holy crap, they were EVERYWHERE. First, we had to go find an ATM so we could get some money out…that was very important if we were going to shop today. We headed over to the big market that was there and before we could even get into the store we had a tragedy hit us…well not us…Jodie. A quite large bug had landed on her and she let out this HUGE scream (scared the crap out of me) and was scared to pieces and didn't want to be outside anymore for a while so we thought that we should have something to eat first…which was fine by me…I needed something to eat. I thought that everyone was going to go to this little shopping center that we had seen but no…we had Chinese food…oh no. Now, I'm really trying to be more open with my food intake and just enjoy the cuisine from around the world but I don't think that I am a chinese food kinda guy…I don't like the look of the food and I don't know how to use the stupid chopsticks. It took me five minutes to try and pick up a piece of chicken from my chicken fried rice…to where I threw the chopsticks on the table and said, "Ehhhh…I need a fork" (which they had…thank the lord). After lunch, we all headed back to the market…Jodie was better by this time and headed inside….HOLY CRAP…there were so many little vendors and people EVERYWHERE. We all got a few things but made sure that we stayed close together…it was NUTS. On our way outside, Jodie had bought one of the little fans that you see everywhere…to match her dresses. She had bought one from this older lady and started to walk away. This little 7 year old girl came up to her and said, "Why didn't you buy from me?" "Oh, I'm sorry sweetie, I already bought one from her…I didn't see you but thank you" Jodie said. "You have two hands, don't you…you can buy another one". Now, at first I thought, you little shit and wow…you have some guts but at the same time I thought and I said to Jodie, "She does have a point…haha." Needless to say…Jodie now has two fans and a picture with the little girl. As we were walking out past the front of the market, a man hit me in the shoulder REALLY REALLY hard. Just point blank punched me…like…really?  I turned around and just stared at him and he stared back. I thought…why did this random guy hit me but don't start something with someone in this country. Maybe he didn't like me cause I was an American….but man, my shoulder hurt for a few minutes after. On our way back to the shuttle bus, we all got a few things that we saw that we wanted and just enjoyed our time in Saigon…it was a good day. The second day (the 28th) I was on IPM so I wasn't able to go into town again…which was a bummer but I enjoyed the time on the ship….enjoying my bed and watching TV…haha.

Tuesday, March 29th we were again where…..oh yeah…AT SEA!!! I think that this at sea stuff is getting a little old right now….our days seem to go so much slower when you have no where to go or nothing to do…EHHHHH.

Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31st we were in Bangkok, Thailand and what an INCREDIBLE two days there. Lesley and I had been invited by one of the guests on the ship to be his guests in the wonderful hotel "The Oriental Hotel Bangkok" for the overnight (our first time staying off the ship for an overnight in 7 months…..wow, it was lovely). I didn't know just how glitzy this hotel was though but we had a DRIVER pick us up at the dock for the 2 hour drive into Bangkok. Our driver, Sammy…not James as my Mom pointed out…haha…was standing there and we said, "Are you with the Oriental?" And he said, "Are you Mr. Slattery?" I laughed because I'm telling you….he really didn't believe that we were the ones he was picking up…."Yep, I sure am". We get into the back of this beautiful BMW 7 series and enjoyed our 5 star service. Not joking….warm towels, reading papers, water and everything in this car….I just didn't know what to do…I've never been to a place like this…I felt very hill-jackish…haha. The trip in was great…didn't feel like 2 hours but once we got to the hotel…they greeted us in a way that made us feel like royalty. The Thai way to greet someone, was really cool. You put your hands in a prayer position and put it in front of your mouth and bow your head. It was so cool. When we got into the hotel, they had handed us these little flowers and Lesley and I didn't know what they were and we were trying to put them on our wrists (come to find out that they go over your hands for when you bow…whoops). They knew exactly who we were when we got there…by name, which I thought was AWESOME. Our friend was there to greet us as well and he asked us to go up to the room and come back down so that we could go sight seeing. We headed up to this hotel room and WOW…just amazing. Truly felt the 5 star hotel effect with just how nice everything was laid out. The bathtub was HUGE (Lesley loved that) and the beds were so comfortable (which we both loved…haha). I was just walking around, looking at the cool little gadgets that they had all over the room and just looking at the beautiful view that we had from our room. After we freshened up, we headed down and were on our way (via speed boat) to the Grand Palace where the "Emerald Buddha" was. It was so beautiful…the entire area and just amazed at how it was built. I found out that this was the palace to King Rama V, where "The King and I" is set….which I thought was awesome. I'm defiantly doing my research for musicals now…haha. After a wonderful day spent out in the grand palace it was time to walk back through the market (where I hit my head pretty hard on the low ceilings….guess I am just taller than the normal person over here) and get back on our speed boat back to the hotel to get ready for our evening. Before we went up to our room, we had a great time in the lobby of the hotel having proper English Tea Time…I've never had that but enjoyed it though. Once we got to the room, Lesley had a great bath and I spent the time talking to people online which was nice; I didn't have to worry about the time wasted or anything…whoosh. We all met downstairs to go to dinner at a GREAT restaurant called "Bed". I didn't really know what to expect from this place but I was told that it was great. We arrive there and you feel like you are entering a spaceship…just a really odd shaped building. Once you walk in everything there is white…EVERYTHING and your table is placed on this HUGE bed that you have to take your shoes off to sit / lounge back on. It was really odd to sit on a bed and during our AMAZING (and do I mean amazing) dinner….it was even harder to cut my food…when I was laying my plate in my lap….haha. Also during the dinner, they had a contemporary dance performance for you in the middle of the room…it was a VERY COOL experience. Afterwards, we had a GREAT night out in Bangkok….some really great stories to come back and tell…HAHAHAHAHAHA….what an eye opening experience, to say the least…haha. The song, "One Night in Bangkok" has a whole new meaning now…haha. Our second day in Bangkok was welcomed by a WONDERFUL breakfast down with our friend on the river. I had been craving pancakes for about 2 months and boy….did I enjoy them this morning…what a great breakfast (which is a lot coming from me…I'm not a breakfast kinda guy…haha). Afterwards, Lesley and I were treated by a 90 minute full body massage. OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH WOW…..I think I have caught the massage bug. When we first got there…they took us to our separate rooms…where we were shown all the ins and outs of the room and told to take a shower. I got in the shower but I guess that I took a little too long because the lady walked in on me….WHOOPS. After, I dried off and told the woman that it was all clear…haha…it was time for the 90 minutes of pure bliss….HOLY CRAP. I think I fell asleep at one time….which I really can't believe that I could but wow….what an amazing experience…one which I want to do again. After the AMAZING morning, we were off to go to do some souvenir shopping in town. We found some great things to buy and then headed back to the hotel for a great lunch before the 2 hours back to the ship, with Sammy as the driver. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, which we both are totally grateful to have such a great friend that we have made on the ship….what a much needed time away. 

Friday, April 1st (April Fools) we were suppose to go to Ko Samui but we couldn't go because it was under 6 feet of water. Thats not the April Fools joke…it really was….essh. The captain decided to head to our last port, Singapore a day early so that we could have an overnight…we thought it was a good idea. This evening I had a WONDERFUL dinner with 4 people from California who are one of the sweetest people that I've met on the ship….had a great time talking with them and hopefully…will be able to stay in touch with them…so sweet. 

Saturday, April 2nd, half the day was spent at sea and then we got to Singapore and docked at 7:00pm to have an overnight. The cast decided to get off and have an impromptu overnight in Singapore. We headed into town via taxi and asked to be dropped off in Rivertown. Again, we had Chinese food…whoosh…but I was hungry…so I enjoyed my dinner. Maybe I'm getting use to it now…oh lord….haha. Afterwards, we had all seen this slingshot ride on the other side of the river. I had told everyone that I had done it before but no one else had. I KNEW that we had to go ride it….what a crazy thing to say you've done in Singapore. We got over there and decided who was going to ride with who. Jodie, Emily and Lesley were going to ride together and the three boys…Cody, Greg and myself were going to go together. First up were the girls and wow, was it hilarious watching them on the TV (which we bought the DVD of the girls and boys…haha) and hearing them scream. They all got off and just loved it. Greg was a little nervous about going on it because he doesn't do thrill rides very well (I can understand) but we got him on away. It was SO much fun and I had a blast…just really made me miss Cedar Point / Kings Island and all the thrill rides…defiantly going there when I get home…haha. We all had so much fun laughing at each other and talking about the experience. Afterwards, we all headed to get some ice cream and then realized that it was almost 3 in the morning…it was time to head back to the ship…which to find out was going to be interesting because none of the cabs were stopping. Emily worked her girl charm and we all got back to the ship safely to finally end this segment of the cruise the next day on Sunday, April 3rd where we embarked 340 guests onto the ship to continue on to Dubai. 

Our next cruises itinerary is: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on April 4th / Penang, Malaysia on April 5th / Phuket, Thailand on April 6th / At sea on April 7th and 8th / Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 9th / Cochin, India on April 10th and 11th / At Sea on April 12th / Mumbai, India on April 13th and 14th / At Sea on April 15th and 16th / Khasab, Oman on April 17th and ending our cruise in Dubai, UAE on April 18th. 

I hope that everyone is enjoying the beginning of April. I can't believe that I get to see my Mom and Nene in a little more than a month….its been 9 months since I saw them last…I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Until Next Time,

Jason