We are just finishing a day at sea. It’s almost 11:30 PM as I’m writing this. This means in California, it’s in the afternoon. We gain an hour tonight, only to go an hour forward all over again two nights from now.
Things are good! I can’t complain. It was really stressful in the last two months, but now that the movies are mostly inputted correctly, the new TV shows are working fine, and I’m getting used to a new cruise director, things are more relaxed and how they were when I first started on the ship… no stress, no differences of opinions, no 10 hour days anymore. I am content.
My favorite port is still Rhodes. Katrina and I made Rhodes our girl-day this last cruise, which was well needed. Being on a ship with the majority men, sometimes making girl time is just needed. We explored a castle/fort there that was made by knights a long time ago. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. We walked around the place for almost two hours, oo-ing and awe-ing at every room we walked into, and trying to subtly break in to locked doors so we could explore uncharted areas. No luck there unfortunately. But we had a lot of fun. I tried a chicken gyro pita finally and it’s the first food I’ve had in Greece that I actually really enjoyed and felt satisfied after eating. I’m unfortunately such a picky eater, it’s hard for me to appreciate very new food. I stick with the food I know.
We were in Piraeus, Greece the other day and I felt like going out, though I had no one to go out with and felt uncomfortable going out by myself. I bumped into Claudia in the hallways and found out she and her boyfriend were going out within the hour. We went outside thinking we’ll just go to Athens. But when we got there, the Acropolis was literally right across the street from us. So we spent the afternoon at the Acropolis, adoring all the history around us. I wish the U.S. were like that. There’s no history yet. Everything we make now will be the history hundreds and thousands of years from now, but there’s hardly anything for us to enjoy right now. It’s amazing going to these cities, walking outside, and seeing a piece of history right in front of you.
My parents come on a cruise after this next cruise. It makes me excited knowing they’ll be here soon. I think of all sorts of places to visit. The port and shopping guide, Eric, has given me suggestions of places I need to bring my parents to. He’s been a big help. It’s good to be able to talk to him.
Naples tomorrow! Then back to Civitivecchia to pick up new guests! Then on our way back through the Mediterranean all over again.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Istanbul, Turkey
A lot has happened since I last wrote. The ship went through dry dock, meaning it sat out of water on blocks in Freeport, Bahamas for two weeks as people came on the ship to fix things up before the long voyage across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. During that time, Broadcast got 100 DVDs of TV shows to put in the computer for new TV programming. So through the whole 2 weeks, I made it to the beach once. Johnny, Tim, and I got a tradition down of getting on to the noon shuttle into town, where we’d eat Domino’s and chat, then jump on to the 1:30 shuttle back to the ship to continue working. The nice thing about dry dock was that we didn’t have to wear our uniforms everywhere on the ship. The bad thing was there’d be days with no air conditioning and even throughout the night, people would be working on pipes so I’d constantly hear banging on the pipes going through my room. For some, dry dock was paradise because there was no work to be done and they were able to go to the beach every day for hours on end. For others, it was the opposite and we couldn’t wait for the cruises to start back up again.
During the TransAtlantic Cruise, we spent 7 full days out at sea all in a row. I was starting to miss land by the third day and it made me more homesick than ever. It was wonderful getting to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, even though I ended up not able to get off shore. The next day was Lanzarote. Tim, Katrina, and I hopped in a cab for two hours and the driver took us all over the island. We went through the national volcano park, stopping on the side for a few minutes to pet and take pictures of camels waiting for riders. Then it was on to a small church the driver chose to show us. A winery came up next and then he took us to the town center. He happily dropped us off right at the ship before our deadline to climb back onboard. It was only 20 euros for each of us to pay for that two hours of seeing the island, so we thought it was pretty fair.
I had my proud moment when the driver couldn’t understand what Katrina was asking him, so I got enough courage to translate it in to Spanish for him, though with bad grammar. I heard Tim and Katrina gasp in the back seat as I had a small conversation with the man in Spanish and Tim ask “where in the world did that come from??” It felt good to be able to use some of my high school Spanish finally.
Valencia, Spain was next on the list. It was beautiful to see. Abby helped me find the post office, with Johnny, Tim, Oliver, and Katrina following behind us staring at all the amazing buildings surrounding us. Abby and I kept looking at a map I had on where the post office was, trying to figure out which building to go into. Little did we know it was the spectacular huge beautiful building right in front of us. When we walked inside, the ceiling was high up and had the design of a compass in the middle. I paid a little more than one euro to send Marcelo a letter and checks to help pay for my part of storage back home in L.A.
We walked then to the bullring and were able to go inside and take some pictures. The whole city was wonderful. I wish I could visit there on my own some day for a month or so. Drive to Madrid maybe and just see Spain a bit. Maybe in my future if I do well in my career some day.
Next, Cannes, France. The Cannes Film Festival was in the works as we got there. Lights and red carpets were everywhere. Camera crew and reporters were set up all around the area. It made me miss a bit of Hollywood and being around sets. I went out with Shane, Ellia, Ben, Kirsty, and our ship’s new DJ, Johnny. We walked all over the place, got some McDonalds (they laughed when I attempted to save the McDonalds box that came with my meal since it looks different than the ones back in the U.S.), and then walked to a castle-looking building that overlooked Cannes. It was a great sight and a wonderful day. I took lots of good pictures for the once in a lifetime experience.
Agadir, Morocco was an interesting city, but nothing I adored. Fernando, Thad, Tim, Katrina, and I went out to eat, looked at the beach, and then went back to the ship. There wasn’t much to see or do. I took pictures though to remember it.
I didn’t get to go off the ship in Barcelona. I also was unable to go see the Leaning Tower of Pisa when we were docked in Livorno. Shane kept me company as we walked around Livorno for an hour and a half and then we went back to the ship. I was upset about not seeing the Tower of Pisa, but I got over it. Can’t let that one thing keep me down. I’ll just have to make it a goal to visit it someday if I ever have the money to.
It was great to get to Civitevecchia, Italy to grab different guests and start a new cruise. We’re now going to these ports all throughout the last 3 months I am on the ship, so I have time to see them all. I haven’t seen some of them because I still had to input movies in to the computer for the movie channel, but now that that’s done, it will free up my time to go out more often and just enjoy being with friends and seeing new places. My favorite so far on this cruise has been Rhodes. The whole city is in a fort built by knights and is full of history to it. There’s one shop there that I plan on going back next cruise to buy a gift or two for my family.
We’re visiting the Greek Islands and then we’ll be coming to Messina and Naples soon. Can’t wait to taste the pizza in Naples. Apparently though there’s been some kind of garbage strike in Naples for the last year and a half so I hear it’s a very dirty city and not much to see, but everyone I talk to adores the pizza. So we’ve gotten specific directions from Tim’s friend on what pizza place to go to once we dock.
Good time in Mediterranean and there’s just better times ahead! I’ll try to update this more often.
Ciao!!
During the TransAtlantic Cruise, we spent 7 full days out at sea all in a row. I was starting to miss land by the third day and it made me more homesick than ever. It was wonderful getting to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, even though I ended up not able to get off shore. The next day was Lanzarote. Tim, Katrina, and I hopped in a cab for two hours and the driver took us all over the island. We went through the national volcano park, stopping on the side for a few minutes to pet and take pictures of camels waiting for riders. Then it was on to a small church the driver chose to show us. A winery came up next and then he took us to the town center. He happily dropped us off right at the ship before our deadline to climb back onboard. It was only 20 euros for each of us to pay for that two hours of seeing the island, so we thought it was pretty fair.
I had my proud moment when the driver couldn’t understand what Katrina was asking him, so I got enough courage to translate it in to Spanish for him, though with bad grammar. I heard Tim and Katrina gasp in the back seat as I had a small conversation with the man in Spanish and Tim ask “where in the world did that come from??” It felt good to be able to use some of my high school Spanish finally.
Valencia, Spain was next on the list. It was beautiful to see. Abby helped me find the post office, with Johnny, Tim, Oliver, and Katrina following behind us staring at all the amazing buildings surrounding us. Abby and I kept looking at a map I had on where the post office was, trying to figure out which building to go into. Little did we know it was the spectacular huge beautiful building right in front of us. When we walked inside, the ceiling was high up and had the design of a compass in the middle. I paid a little more than one euro to send Marcelo a letter and checks to help pay for my part of storage back home in L.A.
We walked then to the bullring and were able to go inside and take some pictures. The whole city was wonderful. I wish I could visit there on my own some day for a month or so. Drive to Madrid maybe and just see Spain a bit. Maybe in my future if I do well in my career some day.
Next, Cannes, France. The Cannes Film Festival was in the works as we got there. Lights and red carpets were everywhere. Camera crew and reporters were set up all around the area. It made me miss a bit of Hollywood and being around sets. I went out with Shane, Ellia, Ben, Kirsty, and our ship’s new DJ, Johnny. We walked all over the place, got some McDonalds (they laughed when I attempted to save the McDonalds box that came with my meal since it looks different than the ones back in the U.S.), and then walked to a castle-looking building that overlooked Cannes. It was a great sight and a wonderful day. I took lots of good pictures for the once in a lifetime experience.
Agadir, Morocco was an interesting city, but nothing I adored. Fernando, Thad, Tim, Katrina, and I went out to eat, looked at the beach, and then went back to the ship. There wasn’t much to see or do. I took pictures though to remember it.
I didn’t get to go off the ship in Barcelona. I also was unable to go see the Leaning Tower of Pisa when we were docked in Livorno. Shane kept me company as we walked around Livorno for an hour and a half and then we went back to the ship. I was upset about not seeing the Tower of Pisa, but I got over it. Can’t let that one thing keep me down. I’ll just have to make it a goal to visit it someday if I ever have the money to.
It was great to get to Civitevecchia, Italy to grab different guests and start a new cruise. We’re now going to these ports all throughout the last 3 months I am on the ship, so I have time to see them all. I haven’t seen some of them because I still had to input movies in to the computer for the movie channel, but now that that’s done, it will free up my time to go out more often and just enjoy being with friends and seeing new places. My favorite so far on this cruise has been Rhodes. The whole city is in a fort built by knights and is full of history to it. There’s one shop there that I plan on going back next cruise to buy a gift or two for my family.
We’re visiting the Greek Islands and then we’ll be coming to Messina and Naples soon. Can’t wait to taste the pizza in Naples. Apparently though there’s been some kind of garbage strike in Naples for the last year and a half so I hear it’s a very dirty city and not much to see, but everyone I talk to adores the pizza. So we’ve gotten specific directions from Tim’s friend on what pizza place to go to once we dock.
Good time in Mediterranean and there’s just better times ahead! I’ll try to update this more often.
Ciao!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Changes
It’s midnight, a full day at sea has gone by. It seemed longer than one day. I’m thankful it’s over. Tomorrow is Grenada. I’m writing this blog on my laptop since I know there where there’s free wireless tomorrow. This way I can save time and battery. I’ll probably meet Marialysia at Rituals tomorrow for a hot chocolate (I don’t drink coffee) and some internet time. So the time of the blog might be different when I post this since I’m writing it ahead of the post. (if that makes any sense)
Things have changed since the last time I wrote a blog. Of course there would be change. Life never stays the same for me. I should know that by now. I’ve learned a lot about change ever since I graduated from high school. Good and also some painful changes in my past. But each one has lead me to good. So why question any change right now? Even if the change is also another painful one. Only this time, it’s a different painful. Because I literally saw something good walk away. And not because of a death this time, or another rejection and heart break. It was because of a job contract ending. Isn’t life ironic? I pray for something wonderful to come my way and go through mistakes and problems for a few years, and then God gives me a month of exactly what I want, and then dismisses it from my life. It’s amazing what life hands you. I’m learning to take experiences and what life gives you and accept whatever happens with it and move on. Appreciate it and when it leaves, learn and just be thankful for that time with it. My one issue: What if I don’t want to move on quite yet?
Anyway. Enough of the no-sense-rambling.
Life is good. I shouldn’t complain. I’m traveling the world. Meeting new people every day. Making new friends. Saving a little bit of money. And I’m not stuck anywhere that I don’t want to be. Yes, there are things that would be nice if it they could improve. But overall, I have more things to be thankful for right now that help me overlook the things I have issues with. What more could I ask for?
So far I’ve gone zip-lining in St. Lucia. Swam with dolphins in Tortola. Jet skied in Barbados. Went internet searching in St. Lucia. Attempted to do a Regatta race thing in St. Maarten. I got on the regatta and fifteen minutes later got right off because of sea sickness. But thanks to Saul, I at least got a T-Shirt for the fifteen dollars I paid for the experience.
This is our last Caribbean cruise. We’re halfway through it. Grenada is the sixth day of the eleven day cruise. Once that’s finished, we go to Freeport, Bahamas for Dry Dock. That’s when the ship comes out of the water and for two weeks, everyone is working on the ship to improve it for our cross over to the Mediterranean. But, along with those two weeks, half the crew leaves and we get new crew on at the end of the two weeks. Saul has already left on the 7th of this month (very sad day for me). Marilysia leaves in a couple of days. Luckily, Amelia and Lyall don’t leave till June. And Johnny, Katrina, Helen, and Shane stay all the way to August or September with me. So we’ll enjoy Dry Dock together.
My birthday is one of the first days of Dry Dock. I have no idea what I’ll be doing. I’m sure we’ll find something to do to celebrate.
I went outside on Deck 6 for a couple of minutes tonight and just watched the water rush by below me. It was so calm. I’ve had a lot more time alone to think these last few days. I’m still figuring out whether that’s a good thing or bad thing. Sometimes a wave of loneliness rushes over me and I’m trying to keep tears from running down my cheeks. Other times, a rush of creativity wanders in to my mind and I’m happy with ideas and wonderful things to think about and imagine.
I’m looking forward to keeping busy.
Things have changed since the last time I wrote a blog. Of course there would be change. Life never stays the same for me. I should know that by now. I’ve learned a lot about change ever since I graduated from high school. Good and also some painful changes in my past. But each one has lead me to good. So why question any change right now? Even if the change is also another painful one. Only this time, it’s a different painful. Because I literally saw something good walk away. And not because of a death this time, or another rejection and heart break. It was because of a job contract ending. Isn’t life ironic? I pray for something wonderful to come my way and go through mistakes and problems for a few years, and then God gives me a month of exactly what I want, and then dismisses it from my life. It’s amazing what life hands you. I’m learning to take experiences and what life gives you and accept whatever happens with it and move on. Appreciate it and when it leaves, learn and just be thankful for that time with it. My one issue: What if I don’t want to move on quite yet?
Anyway. Enough of the no-sense-rambling.
Life is good. I shouldn’t complain. I’m traveling the world. Meeting new people every day. Making new friends. Saving a little bit of money. And I’m not stuck anywhere that I don’t want to be. Yes, there are things that would be nice if it they could improve. But overall, I have more things to be thankful for right now that help me overlook the things I have issues with. What more could I ask for?
So far I’ve gone zip-lining in St. Lucia. Swam with dolphins in Tortola. Jet skied in Barbados. Went internet searching in St. Lucia. Attempted to do a Regatta race thing in St. Maarten. I got on the regatta and fifteen minutes later got right off because of sea sickness. But thanks to Saul, I at least got a T-Shirt for the fifteen dollars I paid for the experience.
This is our last Caribbean cruise. We’re halfway through it. Grenada is the sixth day of the eleven day cruise. Once that’s finished, we go to Freeport, Bahamas for Dry Dock. That’s when the ship comes out of the water and for two weeks, everyone is working on the ship to improve it for our cross over to the Mediterranean. But, along with those two weeks, half the crew leaves and we get new crew on at the end of the two weeks. Saul has already left on the 7th of this month (very sad day for me). Marilysia leaves in a couple of days. Luckily, Amelia and Lyall don’t leave till June. And Johnny, Katrina, Helen, and Shane stay all the way to August or September with me. So we’ll enjoy Dry Dock together.
My birthday is one of the first days of Dry Dock. I have no idea what I’ll be doing. I’m sure we’ll find something to do to celebrate.
I went outside on Deck 6 for a couple of minutes tonight and just watched the water rush by below me. It was so calm. I’ve had a lot more time alone to think these last few days. I’m still figuring out whether that’s a good thing or bad thing. Sometimes a wave of loneliness rushes over me and I’m trying to keep tears from running down my cheeks. Other times, a rush of creativity wanders in to my mind and I’m happy with ideas and wonderful things to think about and imagine.
I’m looking forward to keeping busy.
Friday, March 21, 2008
At Sea
So it's been a while since I've written anything. Been busy having fun, to be honest. I've gotten used to my job by now so I'm able to enjoy the ports more and meet more people.
We went to St. Maarten the other week and there I met a couple new friends. One in particular is a Canadian named Saul. He's one of the singers on the ship and he's become quite special to me, and I've become special to him, too. Unfortunately, he's leaving April 7, so we've just been enjoying each other's company these last few weeks before he leaves.
A group of us went ziplining in the forests of St. Lucia, and then the next day, Saul and I went jet skiing in Barbados. We're planning on swimming with dolphins in Tortula at the end of this cruise. A group of us went bowling in Aruba the other day also. I keep hearing more and more about Europe though that is making me look forward to May even more.
There's a couple on the ship who are getting married soon and have chosen to possibly use me as a videographer. I'm happy I'm keeping up with random editing jobs like that even while I'm out on a ship.
I have no idea what's going on in movies and TV right now, so I have a feeling I'm going to have to do some research when I get back home in September so I'm not too out of it when I go back to work more in Hollywood.
We went to St. Maarten the other week and there I met a couple new friends. One in particular is a Canadian named Saul. He's one of the singers on the ship and he's become quite special to me, and I've become special to him, too. Unfortunately, he's leaving April 7, so we've just been enjoying each other's company these last few weeks before he leaves.
A group of us went ziplining in the forests of St. Lucia, and then the next day, Saul and I went jet skiing in Barbados. We're planning on swimming with dolphins in Tortula at the end of this cruise. A group of us went bowling in Aruba the other day also. I keep hearing more and more about Europe though that is making me look forward to May even more.
There's a couple on the ship who are getting married soon and have chosen to possibly use me as a videographer. I'm happy I'm keeping up with random editing jobs like that even while I'm out on a ship.
I have no idea what's going on in movies and TV right now, so I have a feeling I'm going to have to do some research when I get back home in September so I'm not too out of it when I go back to work more in Hollywood.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Dominica
So by now, let's see, the last blog was in Aruba... We have visited Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, Curacao, and today we're in Dominica. I don't think I'm going to visit Dominica today and am going to wait till the next cruise. We have to tender across to the shore (take small boats from the cruise ship to port) and I don't feel up to it today. It's good to have the choice of seeing it all the next cruise. We're going to be visiting all these areas at least three times in the next month and a half.
I've gotten a bit more used to the ship now and to my job. Out of nine days, I've only gotten sea sick twice, and the second time was questionable whether it was the sea, or the food I ate in the staff mess. I've since discovered (was told) of a restaurant area on Deck 11 that staff can eat in during certain times in the day. It serves pasta, pizza, and salad, so I've been forcing myself to wait on eating and eat up there when I can every day. It's been much better for my stomach.
We were in St. Lucia yesterday. I tried to see if friends were going out, but they decided to stay in. Some are getting a little ill. So I packed up my things and made the venture out on port by myself. I was dying for some actual good food. I walked through port and found out about a food place across the river. Took a small ferry, and ended up eating at a small restaurant with a nice view of the island and the ship. Of course, being safe with my picky tastes of food, ordered the classic chicken caesar salad. It was worth the money. Plus, I got to see a little of St. Lucia at the same time. I think St. Lucia is a bit of a boring port though. There seemed to be nothing really to do there except shop at the port. I'm not much of a shopper and am saving my money for Europe more or less, so I passed on that. It's a beautiful area though.
I'm still not getting wireless so pictures will have to come later. I've taken a lot so far. I don't want to regret not taking a picture of things, so I go camera happy when I'm on port.
I've written a few letters, but I have yet to find a post office on port (blaming a part of that to my moments of shyness around strangers and unfamiliar areas), but will do so soon. I want to send these letters out before they become too old and my friends think I've forgotten about them!
I've gotten pretty used to my job. I'm not questioning things anymore, or at least, not as much. I know the beta cam camera pretty well now, or at least the basics to get me by. I made my first mistake the other night, but it all went okay. I had shot the cruise director daily show without sound, so we just had to reshoot. Johnny and Luke were very nice about it though and reminded me that I'm new and still learning the camera. Johnny said when he first came on board, he shot something for a whole hour without sound. So there's always flaws in new beginnings.
I've figured out that I really like going alone out to the open deck at nighttime. I find it eery standing there, looking out in to the ocean only to see total black. I hear the water, but there's no way in seeing it. It's very creepy and my imagination usually goes wild, but it's a cool experience at the same time. The night sky is also beautiful to look at. I've gone outside once or twice when the sun is setting also. It's a beautiful sight. I'm trying to take advantage of seeing all of this more. I know in 6 months, I won't be able to see things like this again, or at least for a long while.
I've gotten a bit more used to the ship now and to my job. Out of nine days, I've only gotten sea sick twice, and the second time was questionable whether it was the sea, or the food I ate in the staff mess. I've since discovered (was told) of a restaurant area on Deck 11 that staff can eat in during certain times in the day. It serves pasta, pizza, and salad, so I've been forcing myself to wait on eating and eat up there when I can every day. It's been much better for my stomach.
We were in St. Lucia yesterday. I tried to see if friends were going out, but they decided to stay in. Some are getting a little ill. So I packed up my things and made the venture out on port by myself. I was dying for some actual good food. I walked through port and found out about a food place across the river. Took a small ferry, and ended up eating at a small restaurant with a nice view of the island and the ship. Of course, being safe with my picky tastes of food, ordered the classic chicken caesar salad. It was worth the money. Plus, I got to see a little of St. Lucia at the same time. I think St. Lucia is a bit of a boring port though. There seemed to be nothing really to do there except shop at the port. I'm not much of a shopper and am saving my money for Europe more or less, so I passed on that. It's a beautiful area though.
I'm still not getting wireless so pictures will have to come later. I've taken a lot so far. I don't want to regret not taking a picture of things, so I go camera happy when I'm on port.
I've written a few letters, but I have yet to find a post office on port (blaming a part of that to my moments of shyness around strangers and unfamiliar areas), but will do so soon. I want to send these letters out before they become too old and my friends think I've forgotten about them!
I've gotten pretty used to my job. I'm not questioning things anymore, or at least, not as much. I know the beta cam camera pretty well now, or at least the basics to get me by. I made my first mistake the other night, but it all went okay. I had shot the cruise director daily show without sound, so we just had to reshoot. Johnny and Luke were very nice about it though and reminded me that I'm new and still learning the camera. Johnny said when he first came on board, he shot something for a whole hour without sound. So there's always flaws in new beginnings.
I've figured out that I really like going alone out to the open deck at nighttime. I find it eery standing there, looking out in to the ocean only to see total black. I hear the water, but there's no way in seeing it. It's very creepy and my imagination usually goes wild, but it's a cool experience at the same time. The night sky is also beautiful to look at. I've gone outside once or twice when the sun is setting also. It's a beautiful sight. I'm trying to take advantage of seeing all of this more. I know in 6 months, I won't be able to see things like this again, or at least for a long while.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Aruba
I'm getting used to the ship. I got really seasick yesterday, our first full day at sea. Luckily we weren't working much yesterday so I had time to just lay down in my room and try to forget about the rocking of the ship. By the end of the day, I felt much better.
In my job, it's only a two man crew basically. Me, the Broadcast Operator, and Johnny, the Broadcast Manager/my supervisor. He's very nice and I think I lucked out in getting such a good guy. He's from Texas and has been kind of looking after me since day one. I'm very grateful for the advice and any help he gives. He's been helping me meet people when we're off of work, too. We'll go to one of the bars on the ship and sit down with a few staff members and strike up a conversation.
Unfortunately, I haven't been talking much though. My voice left me when my sore throat really hit. I started out with a rather "sexy" raspy voice, but suddenly one morning, my voice was practically gone. So even though I've met people, I haven't really had a chance to actually talk to them. I made sure they knew I had no voice so they knew that was the reason for my silence. My voice is slowly coming back, so I'll be able to be more lively in conversations soon.
Today we docked at Aruba at 7AM. I went to a training class at 11, ate lunch a little after noon, and then a new friend, Katrina from Australia (saxaphone player for the orchestra), her roommate, and I walked around the shopping areas in Aruba. I'm not very impressed by what I've seen so far. I think it's too americanized for tourists. I can't wait to see Europe. I have a feeling you can even almost just feel the history while walking those streets and seeing all the ancient architecture.
We have dry dock in a month or so in the Bahamas, fully paid. I have a feeling I'll be hitting the beach all those days or taking advantage of the time to sleep a bit more.
We are getting a new Avid soon (the one right now is broken, we've been using Video Store to edit the videos in to the Broadcast system) and Johnny says I'll be able to use the camera any time for anything and practice editing any time I'm not working. I can't wait.
I took picture stoday, but unfortunately haven't been able to get an adapter yet to charge my computer in order to get wireless and post pictures up. But I will be doing that some time this week, I'm sure.
In my job, it's only a two man crew basically. Me, the Broadcast Operator, and Johnny, the Broadcast Manager/my supervisor. He's very nice and I think I lucked out in getting such a good guy. He's from Texas and has been kind of looking after me since day one. I'm very grateful for the advice and any help he gives. He's been helping me meet people when we're off of work, too. We'll go to one of the bars on the ship and sit down with a few staff members and strike up a conversation.
Unfortunately, I haven't been talking much though. My voice left me when my sore throat really hit. I started out with a rather "sexy" raspy voice, but suddenly one morning, my voice was practically gone. So even though I've met people, I haven't really had a chance to actually talk to them. I made sure they knew I had no voice so they knew that was the reason for my silence. My voice is slowly coming back, so I'll be able to be more lively in conversations soon.
Today we docked at Aruba at 7AM. I went to a training class at 11, ate lunch a little after noon, and then a new friend, Katrina from Australia (saxaphone player for the orchestra), her roommate, and I walked around the shopping areas in Aruba. I'm not very impressed by what I've seen so far. I think it's too americanized for tourists. I can't wait to see Europe. I have a feeling you can even almost just feel the history while walking those streets and seeing all the ancient architecture.
We have dry dock in a month or so in the Bahamas, fully paid. I have a feeling I'll be hitting the beach all those days or taking advantage of the time to sleep a bit more.
We are getting a new Avid soon (the one right now is broken, we've been using Video Store to edit the videos in to the Broadcast system) and Johnny says I'll be able to use the camera any time for anything and practice editing any time I'm not working. I can't wait.
I took picture stoday, but unfortunately haven't been able to get an adapter yet to charge my computer in order to get wireless and post pictures up. But I will be doing that some time this week, I'm sure.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
San Juan, Puerto Rico
After a long day of being on the plane, I have finally reached my destination: San Juan, Puerto Rico. The time change is what is throwing me off. It's now midnight here but it feels like eight PM to me. Plus, I slept as much as I could on the airplane (I always hope that sleeping makes the trip go faster), so I'm not very worn out. I'm glad the hotel has free internet access right now. I know once I get on to the ship tomorrow, it'll be harder to email and keep in touch.
My flight left at 6:20 AM this morning. My whole family came with me to see me off at the airport. I tried not to cry. I don't think it has really hit me yet that I won't see my family and friends for 6 months. I'm sure it'll go by quickly.
When I got to Puerto Rico, I just got a taxi for fifteen dollars to the hotel. The hotel service was really nice when I came in. The woman gave me a voucher so I could get some food at a cafe down the street. I did that quickly and came back to lounge around in the hotel room, and to enjoy the internet.
While I sat waiting for my food at the cafe, an older gentleman asked me if I was on vacation. He saw that I had a voucher from the hotel, like he had. I told him I was just hired as a Broadcast Operator for Celebrity Cruises. He's a stage manager on a Royal Carribbean ship and has been for eleven years. It comforted me to just talk to him since he was so nice. He told me a little of what to expect tomorrow morning going to the ship. A shuttle is picking me up at 9AM to get to the ship by 10 AM. I really can't wait to just get started and get to know everyone on board. The man told me that someone will be helping me out the first few weeks and teaching me things, but after that, it's all routine, so it won't be too complicated. I was thankful to hear that from him even though I've heard it from Iris also. It's just comforting to hear that over and over again.
Tomorrow shall be interesting! I hope I get along well with everyone I work with.
My flight left at 6:20 AM this morning. My whole family came with me to see me off at the airport. I tried not to cry. I don't think it has really hit me yet that I won't see my family and friends for 6 months. I'm sure it'll go by quickly.
When I got to Puerto Rico, I just got a taxi for fifteen dollars to the hotel. The hotel service was really nice when I came in. The woman gave me a voucher so I could get some food at a cafe down the street. I did that quickly and came back to lounge around in the hotel room, and to enjoy the internet.
While I sat waiting for my food at the cafe, an older gentleman asked me if I was on vacation. He saw that I had a voucher from the hotel, like he had. I told him I was just hired as a Broadcast Operator for Celebrity Cruises. He's a stage manager on a Royal Carribbean ship and has been for eleven years. It comforted me to just talk to him since he was so nice. He told me a little of what to expect tomorrow morning going to the ship. A shuttle is picking me up at 9AM to get to the ship by 10 AM. I really can't wait to just get started and get to know everyone on board. The man told me that someone will be helping me out the first few weeks and teaching me things, but after that, it's all routine, so it won't be too complicated. I was thankful to hear that from him even though I've heard it from Iris also. It's just comforting to hear that over and over again.
Tomorrow shall be interesting! I hope I get along well with everyone I work with.
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