So, I received my flight info a couple of days ago. I have 8 days left on board! 7 weeks has gone by amazingly quickly. My posts haven't involved my work life since things have pretty much become routine.
I'm realizing now that the monday question day lasted...a single day. So, while I'm still blogging about this, I'll try to spend my next couple of days answering any remaining questions.
I went out to Malta the other day. I got to give my mom a call through Skype and also talk to my Fav on her way to work. I think she was a little jealous that she was driving to work while I was sipping wine overlooking the Mediterranean in Malta.
The new incoming cast came this week. This means that in addition to shows at night with the current cast, there are rehearsals during the day with the new cast. I'm not sure how much time I'll get off the boat this cruise which is sad.
I miss Cincinnati a lot. Once I get over my jet lag (6 hr difference), I think I'm going to get some Wild Mike's wings and maybe even some skyline Chili.
And, finally, my hero for the week is Kelly because she's going to pick me up from the airport! My hero for the month is of course, Brieghan, for driving my car while I'm gone.
And, post-finally, a room service update. Tonight I needed a snack to eat while cleaning my room. So, I ordered a turkey sandwich with chips and a fruit plate. It was rather good. You hear that, breighan? Turkey sandwich, chips, and fruit plate. I expect that to be on hand in case I call you for room service.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Cairo
The day started with one mission: see the pyamids.
Step 1: getting there.
We knew haggling was the name of the game. You walk off the ship and there is a parking lot filled with blue taxi cabs. The cabbies are standing in a big bunch chatting. We had decided ahead of time that we were aiming to pay $150 US roundtrip. Negotiatons started at $200. We started at about $120. The guitar player did most of the talking and we ended up at exaCtly $150.
If you've never driven in Egypt, now is not the time to start. Many of you will try to picture being in a cab in Manhatten. That is not a helpful image. There were traffic lights at intersections...sometimes. But it didn't matter. People ignored them anyway. There were lines on the road showing where lanes were, but it didn't matter because people didn't really stay within them anyway. At some intersections it wwas just a mass of cars trying to all go in contrasting directions as they could manage. Some cars coming across the intersection from the left ended up on the shoulder of the road facing us, trying to turn their trip straight across the intersection into a right turn from the wrong direction. Pedestrians were on their own to cross the street in between moving cars.
Once on the open highway, our driver's technique was as follows: drive fast in the left lane. If you're about to pass cars, honk and flash your lights in case they might decide to switch lanes. If there's someone in front of you, honk and flash your lights to get them to move over. Honking was more to anounce his presence than anything else. The driver, William, spoke English quite well. He was about 25-30 years old and had spent a year in the Egyptian army, which is mandatory if you're educated. If not, you are required to be in the army for 3 years. After 3 hours, we (somehow) arrived in Cairo.
Step 2: seeing the pyramids
Just as we were arriving, William informed us that he had a friend there that gave camel tours. For $40 (plus tip) we would be taken to see all the pyramids, a panoramic view of the entire area, and the sphynx. Another $12 bought us tickets inside a building right next to the Sphynx.
When you see pictures of the pyramids, it looks like there's desert for miles. In reality, there's a parking lot with shops and a sand-colored Hard Rock cafe right at the edge of the desert. We paid the guide ahead of time and before I knew it, I was on a camel with a white sheet covering my head from the sun. My two friends began the day on horses.
As we hit the sand, the tour guide reminded us that we were on the very edge of the Sahara Desert.
Although the tour took almost 2 hours, it's hard to describe it in detail. Keep in mind that for the majority of the trip, there was a 10 year old boy leading the camel on foot. At one point, we slowly rode up to the biggest of the three big pyramids. We dismounted our transportation and walked up to the pyramid. The 5,000 year old pyramid built by 100,000 slaves in 30 years. The guide had us climb up about 3 steps. At the base, steps are about chest high or so. After climbing 3 steps, the tour guide took pictures of us. I saw a loose piece of the pyramid that had fallen down and was sitting on the ledge. This soon became my souvenir for my dad. A small piece of a 5000 year old pyramid.
Top 3 surprising things about the pyramids that you doni't see in pictures:
1. Next to the 3 giant pyramids there are smaller pyramids about 1/3 the size.
2. There is a parking lot and Hard Rock Cafe no more than 200 yds from the pyramids.
3. The Sphynx is considerably smaller than you might think. It does not tower over the desert but is only maybe 1 or 2 stories high.
Step 3: Getting home
After 3 hours on the way up, William's driving had become uneventful. It was getting dark and we were tired. I slept a little of the way, but mostly watching the desert scenery (including Ali Baba's palace of "and the 40 thieves" fame.
We arrived back on the ship and I had an amzing hot shower. One of the top 5 best hot showers I've ever had, not that I can name the other 4.
So, in the span of 6 days, I saw the Collosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, and the pyramids in Cairo. The three of us, who had gone on all of these trips, agreed that this might be the most incredible week any of us will ever have. And my trip to the pyramids was the most amazing day I've ever had.
Step 1: getting there.
We knew haggling was the name of the game. You walk off the ship and there is a parking lot filled with blue taxi cabs. The cabbies are standing in a big bunch chatting. We had decided ahead of time that we were aiming to pay $150 US roundtrip. Negotiatons started at $200. We started at about $120. The guitar player did most of the talking and we ended up at exaCtly $150.
If you've never driven in Egypt, now is not the time to start. Many of you will try to picture being in a cab in Manhatten. That is not a helpful image. There were traffic lights at intersections...sometimes. But it didn't matter. People ignored them anyway. There were lines on the road showing where lanes were, but it didn't matter because people didn't really stay within them anyway. At some intersections it wwas just a mass of cars trying to all go in contrasting directions as they could manage. Some cars coming across the intersection from the left ended up on the shoulder of the road facing us, trying to turn their trip straight across the intersection into a right turn from the wrong direction. Pedestrians were on their own to cross the street in between moving cars.
Once on the open highway, our driver's technique was as follows: drive fast in the left lane. If you're about to pass cars, honk and flash your lights in case they might decide to switch lanes. If there's someone in front of you, honk and flash your lights to get them to move over. Honking was more to anounce his presence than anything else. The driver, William, spoke English quite well. He was about 25-30 years old and had spent a year in the Egyptian army, which is mandatory if you're educated. If not, you are required to be in the army for 3 years. After 3 hours, we (somehow) arrived in Cairo.
Step 2: seeing the pyramids
Just as we were arriving, William informed us that he had a friend there that gave camel tours. For $40 (plus tip) we would be taken to see all the pyramids, a panoramic view of the entire area, and the sphynx. Another $12 bought us tickets inside a building right next to the Sphynx.
When you see pictures of the pyramids, it looks like there's desert for miles. In reality, there's a parking lot with shops and a sand-colored Hard Rock cafe right at the edge of the desert. We paid the guide ahead of time and before I knew it, I was on a camel with a white sheet covering my head from the sun. My two friends began the day on horses.
As we hit the sand, the tour guide reminded us that we were on the very edge of the Sahara Desert.
Although the tour took almost 2 hours, it's hard to describe it in detail. Keep in mind that for the majority of the trip, there was a 10 year old boy leading the camel on foot. At one point, we slowly rode up to the biggest of the three big pyramids. We dismounted our transportation and walked up to the pyramid. The 5,000 year old pyramid built by 100,000 slaves in 30 years. The guide had us climb up about 3 steps. At the base, steps are about chest high or so. After climbing 3 steps, the tour guide took pictures of us. I saw a loose piece of the pyramid that had fallen down and was sitting on the ledge. This soon became my souvenir for my dad. A small piece of a 5000 year old pyramid.
Top 3 surprising things about the pyramids that you doni't see in pictures:
1. Next to the 3 giant pyramids there are smaller pyramids about 1/3 the size.
2. There is a parking lot and Hard Rock Cafe no more than 200 yds from the pyramids.
3. The Sphynx is considerably smaller than you might think. It does not tower over the desert but is only maybe 1 or 2 stories high.
Step 3: Getting home
After 3 hours on the way up, William's driving had become uneventful. It was getting dark and we were tired. I slept a little of the way, but mostly watching the desert scenery (including Ali Baba's palace of "and the 40 thieves" fame.
We arrived back on the ship and I had an amzing hot shower. One of the top 5 best hot showers I've ever had, not that I can name the other 4.
So, in the span of 6 days, I saw the Collosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, and the pyramids in Cairo. The three of us, who had gone on all of these trips, agreed that this might be the most incredible week any of us will ever have. And my trip to the pyramids was the most amazing day I've ever had.
Cairo - the short version
For those that aren't interested in reading a whole blog about my trip to the pyramids, here is the Cliff's Notes version:
We hired a cab to drive us 3 hours from Alexandria to Cairo. Once there, we hired a guide and rode a camel and two horses into the sahara desert to see the pyramids. Apart from the amazing sights, we rode right up to a 5000 year old pyramid and climbed up 3 steps on it. A small piece that had broken off was on the ledge and I took it as a souvenir for my dad. it was possibly the most amazing thing I've ever done. And, with Rome, Athens, and Cairo in one week, possibly the most amazing week I will ever have.
We hired a cab to drive us 3 hours from Alexandria to Cairo. Once there, we hired a guide and rode a camel and two horses into the sahara desert to see the pyramids. Apart from the amazing sights, we rode right up to a 5000 year old pyramid and climbed up 3 steps on it. A small piece that had broken off was on the ledge and I took it as a souvenir for my dad. it was possibly the most amazing thing I've ever done. And, with Rome, Athens, and Cairo in one week, possibly the most amazing week I will ever have.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
missing Zinzinnati
Missing Zinzinnati
So, with a high concentration of Germans on board, food and beverage decided to have a beerfest on board with our band playing polka/oom pah pah music. It made me miss Cincinnati a bit, reminding me of good nights at the Hofbrauhaus.
This brings up an interesting debate the musicians have been having. Let's say you're from Germany. You decide to fly to Barcelona so you can get on an American cruise line. Do you want the food/music/atmosphere to remind you of home or do you want to experience something different? You can go to a Biergarten and hear live polka music regularly at home. Is that what you want on the ship?
What about me? If I went on a cruise, would I want burgers, pizza, steak, and rock and jazz or do I want to eat and hear new things?
Hard to say. But I do know that when they have baby back ribs on board, it's not like home. I can't imagine what the schnitzel on board tastes like to the Germans.
1 - 2 -3, 2 - 2- 3, Oom Pah Pah, Ooh Pah Pah
So, with a high concentration of Germans on board, food and beverage decided to have a beerfest on board with our band playing polka/oom pah pah music. It made me miss Cincinnati a bit, reminding me of good nights at the Hofbrauhaus.
This brings up an interesting debate the musicians have been having. Let's say you're from Germany. You decide to fly to Barcelona so you can get on an American cruise line. Do you want the food/music/atmosphere to remind you of home or do you want to experience something different? You can go to a Biergarten and hear live polka music regularly at home. Is that what you want on the ship?
What about me? If I went on a cruise, would I want burgers, pizza, steak, and rock and jazz or do I want to eat and hear new things?
Hard to say. But I do know that when they have baby back ribs on board, it's not like home. I can't imagine what the schnitzel on board tastes like to the Germans.
1 - 2 -3, 2 - 2- 3, Oom Pah Pah, Ooh Pah Pah
class
Class
One of the best things about doing something completely out of your normal realm of comfort is that you learn a lot about things you never would have had the chance to before. For the past few weeks I've been making friends with a phillipino girl that works in the Cafe on deck 12.
A quick primer on the divisions on the ship. There are crew, staff, and officers. There are multiple things that distinguish the people that hold these positions. Most notable is working hours and living conditions. My position is somewhere between staff and officer. I'm basically an officer, but more by default of where I fall in the food chain (my boss is the cruise director and the people under me are staff). I have not only a private cabin, but one on deck 4, where many of the managers and department heads live. The only people who have nicer digs are the guest performers who have passenger cabins (and I'm sure the captain, etc).
There are no restrictions on where I'm allowed on the ship. If I want to go watch a show in the theatre (the one in which I perform), I can just go. If I want to go up to deck 13 and buy a drink, I'm more than welcome. If I want to go to the cafe on deck 12 for lunch, not a problem.
In terms of my working hours, in some ways I'm always working in that I'm on call any time anything comes up. However, apart from scheduled rehearsals and performances, I'm free to do the work when I want.
If I'm a waitress in the cafe, things are different. I live on deck 2 (no window) with 3 other people in bunk beds. My room is about the size of the officer cabins on deck 4, except with 4 people in it. I have to be at work as early as 8 am some days. Although I'm allowed several breaks throughout the day, I basically stay at work until 12:30am or so. They're careful to make sure I'm not working more than 11 hrs a day, but sometimes that's not possible. When I'm not at work, I can't go above deck 4. Thus, entertainment occurs in my room or the crew bar and meals occur in the crew mess exclusively.
In talking and flirting with this girl, I realize how different our lives are on the ship. I'll come for lunch and she's working. I'll come for dinner between shows and she's working. I'll stop by after work and she's working. If I were hitting on a girl that works in reception, I'd ask if she wanted to go to dinner or if I could buy her a drink in one of the passenger's bars. With this girl, there's the crew bar or...the hallway....I asked if she wanted to watch a movie, but the only place we could do so would be in my room to which she informed me she was a good girl. I assured her I didn't mean it like that, but still. When I told her where I lived, she used a Phillipino word that she told me meant "fancy." She also told me there'd be a lot of guys upset that I was talking to her.
I know this was a long way to go, but it really hit home tonight. We talked for about 20 minutes tonight after she got off work (she asked me to call after 1:30). I find myself embarrassed at how nice my cabin is and how little I work (even though I work very hard). It puts it in perspective that I get frustrated when a rehearsal comes up and I can't visit Rome. There are a thousand people on the ship that can't visit deck 7...which they don't have the time to do anyway.
PS - in Spain, Nestle, not Kellogs makes cheerios. And although they're clearly Honeynut Cheerios, the box just says cheerios. Same Bee on the front though. And the taste is roughly the same. Well, it's 2:30 am, I'm taking my spoiled ass to bed...with no free pizza!
One of the best things about doing something completely out of your normal realm of comfort is that you learn a lot about things you never would have had the chance to before. For the past few weeks I've been making friends with a phillipino girl that works in the Cafe on deck 12.
A quick primer on the divisions on the ship. There are crew, staff, and officers. There are multiple things that distinguish the people that hold these positions. Most notable is working hours and living conditions. My position is somewhere between staff and officer. I'm basically an officer, but more by default of where I fall in the food chain (my boss is the cruise director and the people under me are staff). I have not only a private cabin, but one on deck 4, where many of the managers and department heads live. The only people who have nicer digs are the guest performers who have passenger cabins (and I'm sure the captain, etc).
There are no restrictions on where I'm allowed on the ship. If I want to go watch a show in the theatre (the one in which I perform), I can just go. If I want to go up to deck 13 and buy a drink, I'm more than welcome. If I want to go to the cafe on deck 12 for lunch, not a problem.
In terms of my working hours, in some ways I'm always working in that I'm on call any time anything comes up. However, apart from scheduled rehearsals and performances, I'm free to do the work when I want.
If I'm a waitress in the cafe, things are different. I live on deck 2 (no window) with 3 other people in bunk beds. My room is about the size of the officer cabins on deck 4, except with 4 people in it. I have to be at work as early as 8 am some days. Although I'm allowed several breaks throughout the day, I basically stay at work until 12:30am or so. They're careful to make sure I'm not working more than 11 hrs a day, but sometimes that's not possible. When I'm not at work, I can't go above deck 4. Thus, entertainment occurs in my room or the crew bar and meals occur in the crew mess exclusively.
In talking and flirting with this girl, I realize how different our lives are on the ship. I'll come for lunch and she's working. I'll come for dinner between shows and she's working. I'll stop by after work and she's working. If I were hitting on a girl that works in reception, I'd ask if she wanted to go to dinner or if I could buy her a drink in one of the passenger's bars. With this girl, there's the crew bar or...the hallway....I asked if she wanted to watch a movie, but the only place we could do so would be in my room to which she informed me she was a good girl. I assured her I didn't mean it like that, but still. When I told her where I lived, she used a Phillipino word that she told me meant "fancy." She also told me there'd be a lot of guys upset that I was talking to her.
I know this was a long way to go, but it really hit home tonight. We talked for about 20 minutes tonight after she got off work (she asked me to call after 1:30). I find myself embarrassed at how nice my cabin is and how little I work (even though I work very hard). It puts it in perspective that I get frustrated when a rehearsal comes up and I can't visit Rome. There are a thousand people on the ship that can't visit deck 7...which they don't have the time to do anyway.
PS - in Spain, Nestle, not Kellogs makes cheerios. And although they're clearly Honeynut Cheerios, the box just says cheerios. Same Bee on the front though. And the taste is roughly the same. Well, it's 2:30 am, I'm taking my spoiled ass to bed...with no free pizza!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A funny thing happened on the way FROM the FOrum
So, I finally got to Rome today! We had a safety drill this morning, so by the time we got into the city, it was almost 1. We had to be back on board by 6 which meant that we needed to take either the 3:45 or 4:09 train back.This gave us a little less than 3 hrs to see as much of Rome as possible. We decided to head to the Collosseum first and then see what we had time for from there.
The Collosseum was amazing. We talked about who or what might have walked exactly where we were. Lions, gladiators, Caeser maybe? We wanted to go in and walk around but there was a 40 minute line and time was scarce. We walked past and headed towards the Roman Forum. On the way we stopped at a little stand for something to eat.
Food. One of the things I was most excited about when I came here was to eat all sorts of native food. The problem is, when you're in touristy areas, what do you trust? The fanciness of a restaurant is not a good measure of food authenticity. The best seafood can be found in little shacks and the best barbeque is found in places that you're not sure you want to eat in. So, whether to order pizza in Rome from a cart becomes a tough decision. I think of Michael from the OFfice getting "a real NY slice" at Sbbarro in Times Square. My pizza was good nonetheless.
After food, we walked past the Forum and then went the the Fountain di Trevi. At this point I tried to get gelato but ended up being repeatedly cut in line by small Japanese women. I wanted to sick Sun on them.
So, we arrive back at the train station in plenty of time to catch the 3:45 train. On the departure board, next to our train, said "suppresso." We weren't sure what this meant so I pulled out the little Italian/English dictionary I inherited from my predecessor and looked it up. The definition I found was "abolish." This was not only not promising, but somewhat overdramatic. We learned that "suppresso" did indeed mean the train was cancelled. Not a problem. There's a 4:09 train that will get us in with a half hour to spare.
I fell asleep soon after the train left the station. When I woke up, we were stopped. Not at a station. Just stopped. It seems we had been that way for about 25 minutes. By the time we got back to the port, the train had been delayed about 45 minutes.
We were on board 30 minutes past when crew is supposed to be back. I'm not sure what happens now. There were a lot of crew and passengers late becuase of the train problems. It could be that nothing happens. We could get a slap on the wrist warning. Or...I don't know.
But I went to Rome for 2 and a half hours. And it was great!
The Collosseum was amazing. We talked about who or what might have walked exactly where we were. Lions, gladiators, Caeser maybe? We wanted to go in and walk around but there was a 40 minute line and time was scarce. We walked past and headed towards the Roman Forum. On the way we stopped at a little stand for something to eat.
Food. One of the things I was most excited about when I came here was to eat all sorts of native food. The problem is, when you're in touristy areas, what do you trust? The fanciness of a restaurant is not a good measure of food authenticity. The best seafood can be found in little shacks and the best barbeque is found in places that you're not sure you want to eat in. So, whether to order pizza in Rome from a cart becomes a tough decision. I think of Michael from the OFfice getting "a real NY slice" at Sbbarro in Times Square. My pizza was good nonetheless.
After food, we walked past the Forum and then went the the Fountain di Trevi. At this point I tried to get gelato but ended up being repeatedly cut in line by small Japanese women. I wanted to sick Sun on them.
So, we arrive back at the train station in plenty of time to catch the 3:45 train. On the departure board, next to our train, said "suppresso." We weren't sure what this meant so I pulled out the little Italian/English dictionary I inherited from my predecessor and looked it up. The definition I found was "abolish." This was not only not promising, but somewhat overdramatic. We learned that "suppresso" did indeed mean the train was cancelled. Not a problem. There's a 4:09 train that will get us in with a half hour to spare.
I fell asleep soon after the train left the station. When I woke up, we were stopped. Not at a station. Just stopped. It seems we had been that way for about 25 minutes. By the time we got back to the port, the train had been delayed about 45 minutes.
We were on board 30 minutes past when crew is supposed to be back. I'm not sure what happens now. There were a lot of crew and passengers late becuase of the train problems. It could be that nothing happens. We could get a slap on the wrist warning. Or...I don't know.
But I went to Rome for 2 and a half hours. And it was great!
Friday, February 13, 2009
free pizza and beer
So, last night they had a Valentine's Day party for the crew. The captain was nice enough to pay for drinks at the party, so I was able to have a few free Heinekens. So, when I came home at 1:30am and was hungry, I decided to test out this room service thing. So, I called 6500 and told them who I was and ordered a pepperoni pizza. Sure enough, 20 minutes later (better than Dominos) a FREE pepperoni pizza showed up at my door. I tipped the waiter a couple bucks and I had the perfect night cap to a night of drinking. I could get used to this if I'm not careful. When I get back to Cincinnati I might try to train Breighan to bring me free pizza late at night. "Breighan, yeah, it's Brian...I need a pizza. No, I'm not going to pay for it...and I'll need it 20 minutes. You're the best! Sorry to wake you"
Sunday, February 8, 2009
You Must Remember This...
Despite what you may think, the actual city of Casablanca is nothing like the movie. First of all, I was very surprised to learn that the whole place is in color. In general, the city is 30% run down buildings, 30% brand new hotels, 30% bazaars and marketplaces, and 10% beggars. The first place I decided to go was a bazaar. At the beginning of the bazaar, there was not the smoke and eyes hiding behind dark curtains that you may think of. Actually, it was closer to Walmart, but outside. Mostly name brand sneakers, purses, et cetera. Close to the entrance, I met a short Morroccan man wearing a grey suit who spoke very decent English. He introduced himself and took my friend and I through the bazaar to his shop. He had me sit down and began to show me different garments. I thought that some of them were nice so I decided to look for a night gown for my mom. I found a beautiful green gown with embroidery on the front. I only had a very small amount of cash on me, so when the trader asked for the equivalent of 45 Euro, I didn't have anything close. I told him I don't have anything close to that much. He said "forget 45." I told him, again, that I had nothing close to that. He came down to 25 (which I honestly didn't have with me). I broke it down for him. I said, I have 5 Euro and $8. He didn't believe me so I pulled out my wallet, took out the 5 Euro and $8 and showed him that the rest was empty. He agreed and I had made my first purchase ever from an Arab trader. My grandma always says that she's never met a car salesman that has made any money on any car he's ever sold. It's hard to tell if the $16 or so I paid was over paying or if I got a decent deal. I imagine, in bulk, the trader buys these for less than $16. But the same could be said about tv's at Best Buy. Regardless, I have a lovely gift for my mother from Casablanca.
Friday, February 6, 2009
I'll the rabbit and a beer
A couple of days ago, I visited the most beautiful city I've been to so far on this trip: Valetta, Malta. I can't wait to post some of the pictures I took. I needed a day off the ship, so I spent a couple of hours walking around. t was amazingly hilly. Sometimes, I'd see something interesting on the other side of the hill, but I had to decide whether it was worth walking all the way down and all the way up again.
As part of my quest to eat something everywhere I go (I think I forgot to mention that I had gyros and fries in Greece...i thought of Breighan), I found a place that served Maltese food. I had a great dish with potatos and rabbit cooked in some type of oil and garlic. It was amazingly tender and moist, like it had been marinating all day. Along with it I asked for a local beer and they served me an ale called "Cisk." It tasted like the Bud light of Malta. I was going to have another, darker beer, but I needed to walk home.
As part of my quest to eat something everywhere I go (I think I forgot to mention that I had gyros and fries in Greece...i thought of Breighan), I found a place that served Maltese food. I had a great dish with potatos and rabbit cooked in some type of oil and garlic. It was amazingly tender and moist, like it had been marinating all day. Along with it I asked for a local beer and they served me an ale called "Cisk." It tasted like the Bud light of Malta. I was going to have another, darker beer, but I needed to walk home.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Long Week
Long week
Sorry I've been out of communication for a few days. I hope I didn't worry anyone. After I used my my 2nd $20 internet card, I'm trying to be a little less liberal with how I use it. The sad news is that I did not go to Athens OR Egypt. I had last minute things come upthat required me to cancel both trips. I was not happy about either of these things. Today I am in Valetta, Malta. I'm hoping to go ashore to get some free internet and see some of the city. Tonight is a repeat of last night's show which went pretty well and the crew show, which is light work for us.
Other than that, things are settling in ok. I've had my eyes opened as to how things work in this department. I'm a little dissapointed in all the behind-the-back talking that goes on in lieu of direct communication. But, my direct boss is really doing a great job which makes things a lot easier. Tomorrow's the last sea day for the cruise and then we start again in Barcelona. With 9 and 12 day cruises, the days of the week are less important than the port of the day, so 12 days start to feel like a week. I can't believe I've been away almost 3 weeks already. I come home a month from Sunday.
I miss everyone a lot. I'm not used to going this long without talking to my Fav or my parents. I did get to watch the Superbowl while docked on the coast of Africa...at 1 am. I only made it to the end of the half time show and then went to bed. I've also faithfully watched every episode of Lost. I'm very excited to go home and rewatch them without A. being in a random European cafe and B. without waiting 1 minute to buffer for every minute and a half of show I watch.
I love reading your comments, so keep them coming.
Sorry I've been out of communication for a few days. I hope I didn't worry anyone. After I used my my 2nd $20 internet card, I'm trying to be a little less liberal with how I use it. The sad news is that I did not go to Athens OR Egypt. I had last minute things come upthat required me to cancel both trips. I was not happy about either of these things. Today I am in Valetta, Malta. I'm hoping to go ashore to get some free internet and see some of the city. Tonight is a repeat of last night's show which went pretty well and the crew show, which is light work for us.
Other than that, things are settling in ok. I've had my eyes opened as to how things work in this department. I'm a little dissapointed in all the behind-the-back talking that goes on in lieu of direct communication. But, my direct boss is really doing a great job which makes things a lot easier. Tomorrow's the last sea day for the cruise and then we start again in Barcelona. With 9 and 12 day cruises, the days of the week are less important than the port of the day, so 12 days start to feel like a week. I can't believe I've been away almost 3 weeks already. I come home a month from Sunday.
I miss everyone a lot. I'm not used to going this long without talking to my Fav or my parents. I did get to watch the Superbowl while docked on the coast of Africa...at 1 am. I only made it to the end of the half time show and then went to bed. I've also faithfully watched every episode of Lost. I'm very excited to go home and rewatch them without A. being in a random European cafe and B. without waiting 1 minute to buffer for every minute and a half of show I watch.
I love reading your comments, so keep them coming.
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