Friday, May 30, 2008

Why Life On The Sea Sucks Sometimes

30 May 08


When you have to say goodbye to some of your best mates .. not sure when you will see them again (ok fine, I will see them on the 6th and 20th of June!) and not knowing where you might meet up in the future

How sad it was today when I had to say goodbye to Amie this morning .. I miss her a ton already! Who am I going to be silly with in port? Or make fun of her phobia of willies? Or lose in some city in a foreign country? Or dance to Havi Ram with me at the Crew Disco??? :(

And then to have to say goodbye to Cat .. oh my gawd! I am upset now just writing about it. She has been by best mate since I got onboard. She has helped me when I didn't know what to do about something, or where to go, or what rules there were. She was my Mother Hen (though I am almost 8 yrs older than her!) I didn't have to worry, because she worried for me. Who am I supposed to have my meals with on sea days? And go into port for a nice lunch and ice cream? Or make sure to have ready for the crew disco on time, and then make sure she leaves at a decent hour and goes right home??

Yes, I have had to say goodbye to other friends since I have gotten on... but Cat, Amie and Clare have been my closest mates since the first week I was on the ship. Now it is only Claire and me left .. thankfully we both sign off on the same day. Given, we have met other friends .. Gemma, Pierre .. but we will never have another Pierre and His Women port days without Amie.

:sigh:

So we left So'ton a few hours ago and we are on our way north. First port is on Sunday in Bergen. This whole cruise will be in Norway - should be interesting and hopefully some good places for pics.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Bits and Bobs

29 May 08

Ok, where did I leave off .. oh yes the Rock of Gibraltar. So that night was the Leavers Disco .. so sad in a way .. it was Amie and Cat's last one :( We had a great time though and Cat and I had to play Mission Impossible to get back home. Turns out one of the Accom guys had too much to drink and kicked off at some of the security guys outside the crew bar. So as I was going back to my cabin with Cat, Claire warned us and we had to go here, there and everywhere to avoid the area; when a fight breaks out, if SECO is called - he can breathalize anyone he wants, right on the spot. Now I am sure Matthew wouldn't have any reason to do it to me and Cat, but avoiding it altogether was a better plan. So we got home and had no issues. Though we laughed ourselves silly about it afterwards.

Then I sat in the door way of my cabin cause Wilson, one of the Philipinos, likes Alex the nurse and he kept walking by her cabin and had his door open (waiting for her to come back home) So I was like the Neighborhood Watch. He had been drunk at the disco and had been pushy; so I wanted to make sure she was ok. I was just sitting there, reading in the door. Anyone else who came by asked me what I was doing and I said I was the Neighborhood Watch. :)

Leavers Disco:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.ayuqlrw3&x=0&y=30boqi&localeid=en_US


Yesterday, we were in Vigo, Spain. Nothing to get excited over really ~ it was the first port that actually reminded us of other ports. It sort of looked like Sorrento, Nauplia, Cadiz and Marmaris. So we weren't really impressed (am I spoiled or what?!?). Wandered the mall and town looking for food. Settled on Burger King LOL!

On the way back - there was this sign on the quay outside the terminal pointing to the 2 ships. It wasn't like they were far away and both of them had the aft ends closest to the terminal. So the sign was just completely unnecessary! I couldn't stop laughing about it .. so Amie and Gemma let me take their pic! I also was drooling over the NCL Jade .. I want to be on a big ship like that!!! Who knows, maybe .. I am still waiting for my ship list.

Vigo, Spain:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.6rd40jg3&x=0&y=76rqh1&localeid=en_US


Came back and went to my cabin - whenever I have my door open, people always pop their head in and many people say how cool our cabin is b/c of all my "stuff" hanging around it. So I thought I would take a few pics. Also, I had a lovely new sign outside my cabin door, so I had to get a pic of that as well.

Random Cabin Pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.75ihjfjn&x=0&y=-2z7b28&localeid=en_US



Soooooo .........

I have good news and bad news .. BUT, it is the same news. My contract was extended until July 4th. I wasn't sure how I felt about it when I was told last night, but I think it will be good. I know I have to change my plans with Dad, Liz and Darin for those first few days I was going to be home. However, I think staying on till July 4th will help me get a better ship in early Aug. And I will be home for Mom's birthday too (or at least close to it) I will also be signing off in So'ton and flying home from London; so that will be easier than Russia and a 13 hr + flight!

I will make it up to Dad, Liz and Dar .. we will just have to do it on another few days. But it will work out now because I won't go back till at least Aug 1 and now I can go with Mom to take my (great) Aunt up to Maine to see some family. (she has been begging us to take her for a few summers now) Its not what I would call an exciting trip, but I will be able to spend time with Mom and my Aunt .. as well as get to be on a road trip :) Lots of driving will be done when I am home! Philly, Jersey, Chicago, Philly, Maine .. YAY

5 weeks from tomorrow .. I will be on my way home!! :)

BTW, is anyone even reading this thing anymore??? My comment log went from huge when I started to nill now .. am I that boring?!? :(

Monday, May 26, 2008

Get A Piece Of The Rock

26 May 08

Rock of Gilbraltar, Gibraltar Straits


I never thought going past a "rock" would be such a big deal; but then I didn't realize how big said rock was going to be. We were more than 5 miles from it at first and then as close as 3 miles from it before we turned into the straits. (Capt said he made sure it was on the starboard side just for me .. ha ha .. funny guy!) It is huge! People actually live on it!

Anyway, so Amie and I went up to the Prom Deck to take some pictures. She used to actually live there a long time ago, so she was very excited to see it again. I put on the tele-foto lense since I knew we were still going to be far away.

Some of the pics are "over-exposed" as I was messing around with exposure, since it was a bright day and even a little hazy .. so don't mind. Also, the splashing pics of the water next to the ship were from dolphins!!! Not the normal bottlenose, Flipper type .. these are little; more about half the size of Flipper. They were playing in the surf the ship was making, but they were really jumping out, so it was tough to get them. It was really cool to see.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1cr05mpv&x=0&y=-mln9gj&localeid=en_US

Other than that; nothing going on here today. Its a sea day .. booooring!

Tonight is the Leavers Disco .. I am sad because it is Amie and Cat's disco .. they leave on Friday :( Boooooooo!!! Though tonight should be good fun .. tomorrow is a port day so everyone can sleep in. That means everyone can party hard tonight :)

(Oh and Cat passed her CPSC course .. not sure if I mentioned it before; if not, basically it allows her to drive a life boat or tender in the event of an emergency as well as be an IC (person "in charge" of a Muster Station on her next ship; which she will be 2nd IC on Oceana) It is supposed to be a very good course to have; I will look into something like that once I get back to the states (would rather take one from the USCG than from the UK; not sure if the UK one would hold the same merit on a US ship; but what do I know!? LOL)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

When it rains, it pours ..

25 May 08


I am not sure if I should tell the locals to build an ark, or what! Yesterday was a sea day .. and surprise, the weather was crappy with showers all day. Today we were in Alicante, Spain .. and shockingly, it was pouring when I woke up this morning! I got up to the cyber and it was dark, stormy and raining. Ewwww! I mean we are in the Med, right? It was like England weather :(

So needless to say, there was no way in hell I was going out. Being out in the monsoon in Corfu was enough; but at least it wasn't all that cold that day. It was cooler here today. So I worked till 11, then went back to my cabin and read. Went to lunch with Cat around 12 and we had a lingering lunch being chatty with whomever wandered in. We were like the welcoming committee! Around 1, I went back to my cabin .. read a little more and then went down for my nap :) I never want to have a real land job again ~ I mean how can I not have my nap?!?!

Tomorrow is another sea day .. then we have Lisbon on Tuesday. Hopefully I will have my ship list this coming week .. fingers crossed!!!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Well, not what I was expecting ..

23 May 08


but oh-well; you win some, you lose some. Messina Sicily was not really all that nice. There seemed to be a lot of things closed up (and it is a Friday!) and there was a lot of trash and stuff just lying around. Hmmm, it was really odd because it seems like it could have been a pretty neat little town.

Cat and I had a lunch date - she is signing off on the 30th and this was probably the last time we could go ashore together. (We only have 3 ports left this cruise) So we wandered for a little trying to actually find someplace that was open and looked decent enough. We found a cute little place on one of the side streets where we could sit outside and the food looked good. We had a nice lunch just chatting about her leave and my sign off date, etc.

Afterwards we went for a walk around the block on the way back to the ship and came across a beautiful church. It was a shame because the street all around it was so dirty, but this church was so pretty. It reminded me of the Glockenspeil in Munich. It had all these different statues that moved .. we saw it on the half hour, but supposedly (as we heard back on the ship) it is quite the show at the top of the hour. Oh well. It wasn't like we were going to sit there for another half in this filthy square.

We left the square and stopped for ice cream on the way back - for some reason, it is an Italian must for the ice cream and it is soo damn good! Got back onto the ship and both of us went for our naps. I feel like a geriatric, but I love my naps man!

When I came up to work tonight, I was sure to bring my camera as it was a beautiful day out, so I knew we would have a good sunset as we sailed away. I was right! So there are a few sunset pics as well. Not my best work .. its hard to take a pic directly into the sunlight. But still, I think they came out decent enough.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.1dk1bup7&x=0&y=lnong3&localeid=en_US

Tomorrow is a sea day and then we are off to Alicante, Spain. After that, only 2 more ports ~ Lisbon (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain) and back to So'ton we go!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

A Little Rain Never Hurt Anyone

22 May 08


Oh yeah?!?! Well, they weren't out with us today when it was monsooning in Corfu Town! We (again, Pierre and his women) left the ship and it had rained this morning, but was just overcast. Hopped on the shuttle to the town and just as we were getting there, it started to rain. Wasn't happy about it - but we had all brought umbrellas and windbreakers.. so we figured we would find the first decent restaurant and go in.

Ha ha - yeah, that's funny!

First of all - about 2 mins out of the bus and the sky opened up and began dumping buckets of rain on us! My windbreaker, which is normally a little rain resistant, couldn't keep up and it was coming right through. :( It was a warm day and we were all in flip flops .. so needless to say our feet were soaked! We headed for the first restaurant; it was really expensive! So we went to the next one and they only had seating outside .. and most of the areas were getting wet. We moved on .. and on .. and on. One restaurant after another and it was either really high priced (I swear they jacked up the prices - almost 20e for a freaking sandwich?!?) or they only had outdoor seating. Ick! I mean I can't blame them really, the weather has been very unseasonable for the Med this time of year and has been awfully wet. And most of these restaurants have the dining outside and only the kitchen and such are inside.

Anyway, we headed back towards the main square where we were dropped off and headed into McDonalds. It was warm and dry in there. Clare and Gemma wanted to get some take-away to take back to the ship; which was a great idea! So we got a few sandwiches, but then decided to grab a cab back to the port area. We had remembered seeing a really nice Pizza Hut - with covered seating and heaters as well as indoor seating. So we piled into a nice Mercedes Cab with our driver and off we went. Obviously, with the weather being so bad - there was no way I was getting the camera wet, so no pics of the town .. sorry!

We arrived about 15 mins later and we were the only ones there, so the guys were thrilled to have us. I guess with it being such bad weather, they don't get the normal foot traffic they would on a sunny day. So we were brought in, where we were told to hang up our jackets and dry out! :) Ended up having a really enjoyable lunch, all nice and warm and of course yummy pizza! I don't know that I will ever tire of pizza; I wonder if I can make up a pizza diet some how? LOL

Towards the end of lunch, we noticed it had stopped raining and looked like it was going to clear up. Figures, right?!? By the time we actually finished and paid the bill .. the sun was out in full force. So we decided to walk back to the ship; to dry out some more and to walk off our tasty lunch! It was a really nice walk and felt so good to get some sunshine on our webbed feet and get our clothes dried some more.

Got back to the ship at about half 3 .. plenty of time for my nap! Got out of the damp clothes and into my jammies and off to the sleeps I went. Went to work at my normal time of 7pm and throughout the evening the sun was making the sky so pretty, so as it was setting, I went and got my camera and took a few pics before it set completely. They are nice if I do say so myself!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.ce30r83v&x=0&y=-o16ow0&localeid=en_US

Tomorrow is Messina, Sicily and then we have a sea day .. then we will start heading back out of the Med; hitting a few more ports before we get back to So'ton on the 30th. Oh, and on the 30th I am meeting up with the MTN Manager from Ventura (P&O's newest ship) and he is going to get me a pass so I can go onto his ship and get a tour. :) Pretty cool! I, of course, will have the camera (do I ever go anywhere without it?)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Just me, myself and I

21 May 08


Dubrovnik, Croatia


I have to say, I am not sure what I expected from Croatia; but it certainly didn’t strike me that it would be this pretty! The marina alone was gorgeous .. I didn’t get any good pics on the tender ride in, since I was stuck in the back and the window was closed (and filthy!) Once we got to the terminal, there was a shuttle that would take us from the Marina to the Old City.

I was blown away by how amazing the city walls were around the old city – WOW! I walked around outside the walls first, taking some pics of the water and the cliffs. I had offered to take a pic of a couple who looked like they wanted to be in the pic together, in hopes they would return the favor (they did) so that is my first pic. (which came out really cool btw!)

When I went inside the gates of the city, it was like being transported back in time. Everything was so well laid – and of course it was all in stone and marble. Which baffles me, since people pay so much to have marble put in their homes .. and here it is what they used all the time because it was the resource they had.

I had read about a Serbian Orthodox church in the city, so I wanted to find that; but other than looking for it, I had no real purpose when walking around. I was on my own today and to be quite honest, I liked it that way. I didn’t have to compromise on what to do, or wait for Clare to stop in *every* shop along the way :) So it was kind of nice to do what I wanted, when and how I wanted.

Anyway, I found the main cathedral and it was just lovely. I am not sure if I was supposed to take pics, but I turned off the flash and did anyway .. sorry! But it was too pretty not to capture. The statues they had were gorgeous .. and of course surrounded by lots of beautiful marble. I walked along some more and located the Orthodox church; again, it was like coming home to a church that was familiar. It is a very old church and had suffered some serious damage during the war in the early 90’s (when the succeeded from Yugoslavia) and when you see the pic, you will see they still have scaffolding up. The inside was very basic, and it reminded me of the church I went to in Paris with Mom (on the trip in ’06) I went into the Museum of Icons which was attached to the church; everything was so pretty, and I wanted to buy some icons .. but they were a little pricey (if I was converting the Croatian Kuna correctly) and I was low on cash as it was. I wanted to take pics – but I always feel bad doing that since it is someone’s lively-hood. I did however purchase a CD of liturgy and services from the church. It was playing in the store and it sounded so nice. It reminded me of the ones Mom has at home.

The town has a very strong Italian influence, since Italy is so close; so of course, I needed some more of that awesome Italian pizza! Yum!! After lunch, I wandered around some more and headed back towards the entrance, as I wanted to climb the walls! LOL :) It sounds funny, but seriously, you can go up the stairs and walk along the top of the city walls .. and as high and steep as it was .. I was determined to do it dammit! :)

The views were incredible .. really amazing. So of course you know I was snap-happy! Luckily today, the weather cooperated for once and I got some really nice shots .. I wandered around a bit up there and looked at things from different views. I didn’t go too far around them as I didn’t want to be late getting back to the shuttle. It always gets crowded at the end of the day and then I still needed to get the tender back to the ship. Crew were due back by 4.30 and they have been tough on that “curfew” so I couldn’t risk it. Took lots of pictures in a short amount of time!

I headed back to the square, which is next to Pile Gate (said Pee-lay) to get the shuttle. Ended up being back on with the same crew who were on with me going .. ha ha! When we got on the tender, we weren’t that full, so I grabbed the bench on top (reserved for handicapped pax) once they were done loading everyone on. That way I could get some good pics as we left. Got a cute shot of Mizzie, Jack and Colin sitting in the back, as well as Steph and Jenna showing off their treats that they were bringing back to the ship for later.

One of the ships we were in with was Holland America’s Noordam. I think it is one of its newest as she was really big! For some reason, it got me really excited for my next contract; HAL is one of MTN’s lines, so I could very well go on that ship (if she is available when I am due back to work)

Speaking of work – I was confirmed to sign off in St Petersburg!! YAY!! The only thing we are working on now is the timing of the flights. If there is only a morning flight, I asked to stay on till the 28th, so I can have the 27th to see the city. If there is a night flight, they will probably send me home on the 27th. As long as I get to see the highlights of the city, I don’t care. So I have my sign off date .. now I need my list of available ships! And its only 5 weeks from this coming weekend till I come home .. time is flying!

Here are today’s pics of Dubrovnik:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.8iec6q8b&x=0&y=-xn8l0f&localeid=en_US


Tomorrow is Corfu, Greece .. YAY! We get one more stop over there after all; I thought we were done in Greece on the last cruise (and maybe this time I will just steal a man to bring home) We are planning to go to the beach if the weather is good. Fingers crossed!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Sorrento, Italy

19 May 08


What a lovely and charming area!! To me, this is what typical small town Italy looked like ..

Clare, Amie and I went ashore together (Pierre and Gemma were on IPM) and I am glad they dragged me out of bed .. (I am still not feeling great - I guess yesterday's relief was temporary) So anyway, we tendered ashore a little after 12 and there were a few little cafes right there at the marina - but the main part of town is up top. Sorrento is built on top of these huge bluffs and cliffs. We could have walked up - but there was a shuttle and with me coughing they way I am, I would have had a hard time. (and we are glad we did - you saw many people huffing and puffing to get to the top LOL)

We decided to wander a bit, through the little streets and alley ways of shops and cafes. We came across the smallest little alley - with this adorable italian cafe there. We had planned on having lunch and when we saw it, knew it was perfect. It was the epitome of Italy. I had a fabulous gnocchi - omg, I think they only made it that morning .. it was soo fresh. We also had lovely garlic bread and the olive oil was superb!

After stuffing ourselves silly, we went for more of a wander (to walk off lunch - and make room for gelato!!) I went into this shop for my typical postcards and fridge magnet and ended up getting a really nice Italy sweatshirt. It will be perfect for the Norway cruises later this month and next. So while I am standing at the till - I look up and see a security camera screen .. Amie was outside on the phone to her Mum .. so I tell Clare to make Amie somehow look up at it. It was soo funny and the pic I took of the monitor make Amie look like she is on the Most Wanted list. Its hilarious. After that silliness, they then had a hat trying session .. don't they look cute? We walked down the street (notice Amie is still on the phone??) and over to the end of the cliff where we could look down into the marina area. What a view!! The ship looked awfully small out there!

We headed back to the main area - since the road we needed to go down to get back to the marina was not where we were (and who knows where we would have ended up!) On the way back I found a cute park in on of the smaller squares where I took my flowers pics :) The last Bird of Paradise pic is my fave of the lot. As we headed down the road the view was spectacular! It was a shame it was overcast as I am sure it is just gorgeous there on a sunny day. We haven't been so lucky with weather this cruise. And the locals said it is very unusual to have this much rain and cloudy days .. oh well, figures. AS we walked down the hill, we came across this sign sticking out of the hill. I had no idea what it meant .. because it looked to us like it said "no trumpet playing" So of course, we had quite a laugh over that (basically I laughed till I was crying LOL) and then Amie and Clare felt the need to enact the "no trumpet playing" rule. Oh it was hilarious!

Once we were back at the bottom, we stopped for some gelato. Luckily the tenders were right there, so we could sit and watch the queues for when it was less busy. While we were sitting there, I was taking pics of the guys working the tenders and Clare dared me to take a pic of Matthew's butt. You don't have to dare me twice! Matthew is the SECO - Security Officer - he is in charge of all the security operations on the ship. He is a good mate as well .. we have some nice chats up in the Wardie sometimes. (we both have been married and divorced - short lived as well - so we have lots in common in that area) We noticed Bob walking back to the tender with some gelato as well as some other friends sitting across the way from us at the other cafe; Vasil, Charlie, Mizzie and Jack .. and then Igor taking a pic of us (taking a pic of him)

Finally - it was after 4 and time to head back. Vasil, Charlie, Amie, Clare and I got stuck up in the front of the tender .. ugh, I hate it - its so hot up there and there is no ventilation! Anyway, I passed the time by taking pics of them and then the rest of the scenery as viewed from the ship. When we got back on board, we ran into Andy (our crew manager) who for some reason was in the Engine Room, so was wearing a boiler suit .. woo woo, hot! So I had to get a pic.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.86mzfocb&x=0&y=yniy1b&localeid=en_US

Tomorrow we are at sea all day; after that ~ Dubrovnik, Croatia; Corfu, Greece and Messina, Sicily. YAY!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Rome wasn't built in one day ..

18 May 08


.. so its *impossible* to see it all in 5 hours! :(

We were docked in Civitavecchia, Italy; which is about an hour and a half drive to Rome. We had a crew tour taking us into the city and dropping us off .. to roam Rome all day. We got there just before 11am and had to be back on the bus at 4pm.

It dropped us in this underground parking gargage for buses - and when you came out, you were right in St Peter's Square! It was amazing!! Also, we were starved and there was a little cart that was selling these italian pitas with cheese and ham or salami .. then they would toast them up for you. Wow - what a tasty "brunch" Delish!

Since we knew we had to come back the same way to get the bus, we thought we would head out to the other areas and then work our way back. We (it was Pierre and his ladies again) headed away from the square and decided to go on one of those "hop on/hop off" buses. We figured it would be cheaper than trying to take a cab between each destination. (we were also told there was a marathon in town, so the meter might get pretty high just sitting in traffic) We took the bus through town and even that was amazing. Every single building is something pretty to look at. We got off the bus in Piazza Popolo .. and walked around there before heading down the via Corso towards the Trevi Fountain. At one point we lost Amie and Pierre, but luckily re-united with them at the fountain (and they had the bus tickets!!) We originally planned to walk to the next stop to pick up the bus, but the bus guide said the stops were not the same as usual (due to the marathon) and to come back to where we were dropped off. So we started back up via Corso, and luckily came across the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) After that we walked up another side street that lead back to the Piazza Popolo, and we came across a lovely cafe that had mouth-watering pizzas in the window. Since we knew it was going to be a busy day, we decided to take our lunch on the run. Oh boy it was yummy!! It is like sicilian sliced pizza, but thinner and then take two pieces and sandwich them together. We got back to the bus stop .. were we waited for a few mins for the bus line we were with .. we saw it approaching and we all got up. We walked to the curb, and Whoosh! It went right by us without even slowing down!! Oooh, we were soo mad! I got on the phone immediately with the bus company and asked them what the hecks kind of shit show they were running!! She said she was sorry and would find out when the next bus would be. She said about 8 mins. Clare kept us busy by singing some Tina Turner to us. Well apparently 8 mins to us is more like 18 - 25 mins in Rome! :( So now we have wasted over 4o mins waiting for a bus. Dammit!!

We finally get on the bus and get settled upstairs; then Pierre went back down to ask the guide where we have to get off for the Colosseum. She said stop #5 and it was only a 5 min walk. He told her about our time constraint and she said it was going to take us about 40 mins to get to stop 5 - and that would take us up to almost 3.30! Ack! Then she said the next bus wouldn't be there before 3.45 and it would take at least 20-25 mins to get to St Peters Square! Hmmm, now we were in a conundrum! Do we get off at the Colosseum and risk being late? Or do we just pass it by (and wave!) and then stay on the bus to St Peters and at least have enough time to walk around there for a few mins before we had to get on the bus!?!?!?? We decided as much as we *wanted* to go to the Colosseum, we would never have had enough time to go in - so we would skip it. We did see it .. from a distance, from the top of the bus. But it happened so fast I forgot to take a pic. Oh well. You have all seen it! On our way there, they stopped at the first stop and had a driver change. So Pierre and Clare hopped off for a smoke and a soda .. check out the pic of Pierre sandwiched between our bus and a bus that tried to go around us!

** side note: turns out we could have just walked about 8 more blocks from the Trevi Fountain and would have been at bus stop 5! Grrrrrrr But we didn't find that out till it was too late :(

We got back over to St Peters at a little after 3.45 and we walked up the Piazza and into the square to get a better view of the Vatican and Basilica. WOW, just awestruck I was! It was sooo pretty; so I am DEFINITELY coming back here. I want to see inside the Basilica, as well as go into the Vatican (it is closed on Sundays) and see the Papal Blessing (he was out of town, so none today) . Oh I forgot to mention - when we first came to the square (in the morning) they had been broadcasting mass on these huge screens in the square. The Pope was in Genoa, but they still broadcast his mass live back to the square. So we got to see and hear him in the square .. even if he wasn't there in person. :)

After that, we made our way back down the piazza, grabbed another pita thing from the guy and his cart .. and headed to the bus. On the way, I snatched up my fridge magnets and a lovely rosery blessed in the Vatican. Also, got a FAB knock-off Prada bag for 20e. Its gorgeous!! :)

So without further ado, here are the pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.a0qx43y3&x=0&y=ofvlvo&localeid=en_US

And make sure you are sitting down .. I am *actually* in about 5 of them!!

You can also see how crappy the weather was when we first got there, and then how nice it got during the day.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Ahhh, crap ..

17 May 08

.. I finally caught the "bug"; I have been able to avoid it for over 4 months, but it finally got me. Sneezy, headache, sore throat .. etc. The crew passes it around to each other all the time.

I am pissed off because tomorrow is Rome!!! Dammit!

Yes, I have already gone to the Medical Centre. Doc gave me some Sudafed, aspirin to gargle with and some nasal spray to help loosen my sinuses. He said it is "the cold" (that everyone has at one point or another within the crew) but it has settled in my sinuses and tonsils. Yeah, my tonsils have it - now, there's a surprise! :(

Its almost 10pm here .. I am supposed to work till 11 .. but guess what?!? NAH! I am packing up now and getting out of here. I put up my "call 2800 if you need *urgent* assistance" sign but I should be ok at this hour.

We leave tomorrow at 8.45am .. I told the group they better have their arses in bed early tonight! I on the other hand am going straight to me bed right now.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

It's Been Awhile

15 May 08
Straits of Gibraltar


I feel like I haven't written in forever! But looking back, I really didn't have much going on nor did I have too much to "report", but still it seems like it has been weeks. (only 4 days really)

We got back to So'ton on time - I was on IPM that day so I had to stay aboard .. which was fine because I needed to really get the cyber going on this cruise. So I spent most of the morning printing out some new raffle tixx, getting my plasma screens ready and the slides shows changed for the new cruise. I have been working my tail off since!

The first full sea day I was going non-stop. I was on my feet helping and assisting for my whole shift; I didn't even leave at 12 .. I had pax in here that still were unsure, so I didn't want to leave until they were done (or at least knew what they had to do) I worked hard - but it paid off in the end .. I had a great revenue day. I had been shooting for 1000 pounds, but I fell short. However, 1000 might have been out of reach. I did however, do just over 800. Not too shabby :) I worked about 11 1/2 hrs that day .. and I needed to chill out and relax .. so the shoppies and I went to the crew bar for a drink. I wasn't going to be out late .. I was knackered, but I needed to unwind first. I left by 12.30 and was in bed shortly after. (got to love the fact that you don't have to "commute" anywhere LMAO!)

The second day was quieter as far as revenue - but I still hit my daily goal .. so that was a success! I still had to help a lot of people log in; some of these pax are really dense LOL But I don't mind as long as they are appreciative. Last night we had planned to do a "pub crawl" on the ship .. the shoppies wanted to get dressed up for formal night. (They wear slacks and jackets all day no matter what the rig of the day is) So we all finished work at 10pm and met in Tiffany's Lounge for our first drink. Turns out a few of them got held up for one reason or another .. so we didn't get everyone together till almost 10.45pm. We had a drink, a chat .. it was fun. Then we moved on to Horizons (top deck - deck 9 Aft) and had a drink up there as well. The shoppies have to be off decks by 12 midnight .. so at about 10 after 12, we headed out and down to the ... CREW BAR!! They were having the Joiners Disco! :-) And since most of the time, the party really doesn't get going until midnight.. we were right on time! (Though some people couldn't believe we showed up so late .. we are usually the first ones there!) Had a GREAT time .. as I usually do .. but really had a BLAST! Lots of danicing with the silly indians .. but its always so much fun as well.

Here are the pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.61d0k7xn&x=0&y=7nfeyv&localeid=en_US

So I "met" a cool guy last night .. Jack .. he is one of the Engineers. I have known him for a while, but we really never chat (I see him at the mess, we say hi's and that's pretty much it) but last night I was hanging out with a lot of the Engineering guys and we got to talking and kind of hung around each other the rest of the night .. which turned into very early this morning! Eeek! Anyway, after the disco ended, we all hung around for a bit talking, etc and then Nicholas (one of the deckies from the bridge) said he was going to have us back to his cabin .. so a few left first .. and then we left a few minutes later. I went up with Vasil and when we got to the lift, we opened the door and there was about 10 people shoved in there - it was hilarious!! There is a pic .. its the first one (and the album cover) .. the lift is TINY. Look really hard and you can see some of the girls' heads in tiny spaces! Its probably only about 4 or so feet deep and about the same across. Anyway, a few stumbled out since they then realized it was going to go anywhere with all of them in it .. so Charlie, Vasil and I went up to Charlie's cabin for them to have a smoke and by then the lift would be free for us to go up. Charlie is from Croatia, so I got a little history lesson on Dubrovnik too. I remember most of it :-) But I surely remember the pics he showed me and it looks really nice, so I am excited to get there now. (we get there on the 21st)

Anyway, so we all hung out in Nicholas's cabin for a while .. chatting, laughing and of course having a few (more) drinks. I know I asked Jack where he was from originally, but for the life of me, I can't remember today now. :sigh: Not sure what will happen, but it is what it is. Either it was just a cool night to hang out together, or maybe we will see each other again. Who knows. I'm not sweating it. There is a pic of him as well - the last photo. Tanya .. if you are reading this, you would be proud - he is a THREE stripe'er :-) Woo, woo .. go me! Ha ha ha

Today we were in Cadiz, Spain .. since most of us were up till god awful hours last night, no one could be bothered to go ashore today. Especially since it was gloomy out and we had drills and rounds from 10-12 today; so no sleeping! But after lunch .. you can bet your bum all of us were back in bed. Also, since the last time we were here - we all had such a great day, we didn't want to ruin it with crappy weather and things we just saw a week and a half ago.

We are in the Gibraltar straits right now - it mostly dark out, but you can see land on both sides pretty clearly. Its odd to think that on the starboard side is Morocco and on the port side is Spain. Doesn't seem right! Tomorrow is a sea day and the day after we will be in Ajaccio (Corsica) Then Rome is on the 18th!! YAY

Sunday, May 11, 2008

A Day Of Rest

11 May 08
en route to So'ton

Today we were in Zeebrugee, Belgium .. but I just couldn't be assed to go ashore. All of my friends that I normally go with either had other plans (Cat) or were sleeping in (shoppies who worked till 1am last night) So without anyone to convince me .. I decided I was going to have a "veg out day" I miss those!! I used to have them once a weekend .. especially during football season!

So after an early lunch with Cat, I went back to my cabin and there were some decent movies on the crew channels .. (Jerry Maguire, Fools Rush In) So I decided I was having a movie day. Yeah .. it was nice. I of course fell asleep about a half hour into the movie LOL. Apparently I need more sleep than ever .. my poor cabinmate thinks I am a bat or something .. as I am always sleeping on my breaks.

However, in chatting with some seasoned crew members, they say this happens about half way through the contract if you are burning the candle at both ends, which I am. Working all day on sea days .. then sightseeing during the day on port days and then partying at night no matter what. Even if its just a few drinks in the crew bar .. it still ends up being a late night. I try to make an effort to go to bed semi-early lately .. but its hard when everyone else is still up and out. But I guess that's why I need all this sleep!

Anyway .. so we are heading back to Southampton for turnaround again tomorrow. Drop off these crazies from the party cruise and bring on new pax for 18 days in the Med. (Rome is on this itinerary)

Only 7 weeks to go .. and I will be home .. 7 weeks today! (If I am still signing off on the 28th of June - which is what I am using for now, unless MTN tells me otherwise)

Friday, May 9, 2008

Turning Around

9 May 08
almost "home"

Should be pulling into So'ton right at dawn; by the time I wake up .. we will have most of the pax off the ship too (I get to sleep in tomorrow - YAY!)

Last night was the Leavers Disco .. what can I say? Always a good time .. and I love when my friends grab my camera .. it makes for some funny pics!

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.3xr0mlmz&x=0&y=v76ikz&localeid=en_US


Got some sad news today ... my friend Michele's dog Elvis died earlier in the week :( He was simply the best dog ever. When I moved in with them (when I moved out of the house from Scott in Apr 06) Elvis was constantly by my side. It was like he knew how sad and lonely I was. He slept with me every night (and we would have to wrestle the covers from each other and he often took up most of the bed!) And even after I left, he spent weeks waiting for me to come home .. he simply got crazy excited whenever I came to visit too. He was sick; he had cancer. He was diagnosed 2 yrs ago this month. The vet then had only given him about 6 or so months to live, so I know Michele and Tony are grateful for this extra time with him. I know we are "only" talking about a dog, but for those of us without kids .. they *are* our kids. Anyway, so I was very sad today when I got that email .. I actually cried. :sigh: But she said he didn't suffer and she was with him, hugging and kissing him. So I feel better knowing that. He will always have a place in my heart for him.


Turnaround tomorrow for a 2 day "party cruise" .. will be back in So'ton on Monday. We have one stop in Bruges, Belgium on Sunday. Should be a good time!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

4 Ladies and a Pierre

7 May 08
Departing Lisbon, Portugal
En route to Southampton, England


Today was another great day! The weather wasn’t cooperating at first, as it was overcast and drizzly. However, by the end of the day it had warmed up nicely (I was hot in jeans!) and was beautiful out (you will see in the pics)

So Amie, Clare, Gemma, Pierre and I went out and into town around 11.30; Clare and Gemma were on a mission for some work shoes as well as any other shopping :) We wandered around in and out of some shops and were being our usual, silly selves. We came across this guy, playing the accordian with this puppy holding a little bucket in its teeth. It was so cute, but yet so mean and pathetic at the same time. However, I ** had ** to take pics .. and then I felt bad, so I gave him a Euro. Hopefully he will feed the dog with it! Clare found a really pretty dress she was going crazy over .. I liked it as well. It actually made me think of something similar I could get for my brother’s wedding In Nov. While window shopping, we came across these window mannequins for men’s “pants” (underwear) They were so hideous, I couldn’t stop laughing. I could just imagine what a girl would think if she saw her man take off his trousers and was wearing those! I was hysterical with the thought!!

We stopped for a drink and a lite snack; a few of us hadn’t had any breakfast (me included) and then while we were sitting there, another guy was walking around playing the accordian and had his dog on his shoulder. I mean do they have classes for the men and their little dog’s?? LMAO After that we went up the Santa Justa street lift. It actually takes up to the top and there is a little bridge that connects to the mountain, which has a whole other town there! We didn’t go into the other town, since not everyone was with us. Only Pierre, Gemma and I went up to the top. Got some great pics from up there .. and even a few of the rest of the group down below!

After that we went for lunch at a chicken and chips place – was supposed to have awesome chicken .. it was called Bon Jardin. It was really yummy .. so we stuffed ourselves full of chicken and then it was time to head back to the shuttle bus. I of course had to take pics along the way .. and Clare and Pierre were being silly, so don't mind them; and I purposely walked through the arch so I could get pics, but that was where the bus was, so it was all good.

Lisbon:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.99ovgn2j&x=0&y=-hucmwn&localeid=en_US

We are now heading back up the coast of Portugal and back to Southampton for turnaround on Saturday. So 2 final days at sea and then we have a 2 night "party cruise" to Zeebrugee, Belgium and then back to So'ton on the 12th. The 12th we head out for an 18 night Med cruise .. different ports too! :)

A Difficult Decision

I had to step down as a bridesmaid in my brothers wedding. I didn't post about the "dress drama" as I call it, because for the last several days anytime I thought about it, I got all stressed out. Even the girls on board noticed I was not myself. I had been sooo upset about it; I felt like I was letting them down.

Anyway - turns out the dress that Camille had picked doesn't go big enough for me .. They have one that will fit me in the top, but not the waist and hips. Of course I could have had panels put in; as well as trying to have it made from a dress maker. But unfortunately, all of the options required me to be home. Not away for months at a time. My Mom had spoken with one seamstress who said I would need to have fittings regularly - at least monthly, but more like every other week. Obviously, that isn't an option being out here.

Sooo, I had to make the decision. I did think about making this my final contract .. I hated the thought of it though. I love my job and wouldn't trade it for anything. As much as I love my brother and Camille, I couldn't very well quit my job over a dress. They reassured me that as long as I was there, that was all that mattered. And that they will have me participate in the day another way, probably a reading. ( I don't know if they have one for me, or if I should find one - so I am looking anyway )

As much as I don't like it, I do feel better; a LOT better now that it has been decided and is done with for now. I will be able to pick a dress that fits me well and I already have some ideas (amazing what window shopping can do!)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Oh how we love sea days!

6 May 08
en route to Lisbon

Wow, I didn't realize I hadn't posted in a few days. Sorry!

After we left Zakynthos, we headed for Naxos di Giardini, Sicily .. that night we had a Ladies Night disco .. you know those discos .. always a good time!

Ladies Night Disco:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.7nvwjhez&x=0&y=ohv6he&localeid=en_US

As I said, the next day was Naxos, Sicily - it was a half day, as well as a tender port, so I knew there was going to be no chance of going ashore. I wasn't even sure they were going to grant crew shore leave. (they eventually did - at 10.45 and we had to be on the last crew tender for 11.30 - why bother?!?!) However, once I finished work I went up on Deck 9 (and a half LOL) and took some pics. Also, one of the Guest Ents, Linda had said she would get me a fridge magnet and a few postcards .. My magnet wall is filling up nice! So I was satisfied with that.

I took some decent pics. I was playing around with exposure, so you will see how some are bright and seem over-exposed than others. Its a learning curve :)

Naxos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.9wqs1p2z&x=0&y=-tlmcza&localeid=en_US

After we left Naxos .. which was around 1pm .. we then had sea days until today, which was in Cadiz Spain. Not much to report on those sea days .. work, eat, sleep, crew bar .. repeat :) No discos or anything. The wardie (officers bar - called the Wardroom) had a Toga Party. I went up to check it out .. though I didn't get dressed up. Those of you who know me .. know how I hate getting dressed up! But I did go up for a few drinks; I didn't stay late, as I am fighting a cold and wanted to get some rest. I did manage to get some pics though :)

Toga Party:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5drj5d4r&x=0&y=4o06lg&localeid=en_US

Today - 6th of May - we were in Cadiz, Spain. It was a beautiful day, so I was excited about going ashore. I was supposed to work till 11am .. but the spa was running a crew special and Cory (my sr officer) said I could bow out to get a massage before I went ashore. Oh .. it was lovely. I need to get up there more regularly. Emma did this one and she is little, but she is pretty good! I do miss my massuse back in Norristown, Tanya, from La Vita Bella. You can bet that as soon as I go back there to visit, I will be making myself a LOOOOONG appointment with her!

Went ashore with Pierre .. we just wandered around through town, up and down little streets and in and out of the shops. Every once in a while, we would come across a square .. with cute cafes outside .. but we kept on going, not sure where we were headed, but not ready to stop for lunch. I am sooo glad we didn't - we happened upon the Cathedral in the city. (yeah, I normally do my homework on all the ports .. didn't do it for Cadiz .. just felt like "winging it") The square was beautiful and the Cathedral was huge .. we were able to go inside and I think I got some decent shots there as well. After we wandered around inside, there were a lot of women gathered around in the square for dancing .. seems they celebrate today as some sort of day for a pilgrimage that happened a million years ago. So there were TONS of local women dressed in fancy dresses and shoes .. dancing around in alleys and streets. It was really cool!

Once we had finished watching them, we decided to stop for lunch at one of the cafes right across from the catherdral .. not a bad view! Not sure what we ate to be honest, but it was delicious! Some sort of cheese, shrimp thing for me, and a egg and potato pie thingy for Pierre. We shared a jug (yes a JUG) of sangria and oh-boy, it was yummy!! We sat and people watched for quite a while. The weather was perfect .. sunny and warm .. not too hot though. Truly perfect weather!

After lunch, we wandered around some more and headed in the direction we thought the ship was in .. funny thing is, the streets in many of these cities have no rhyme or reason .. not like a grid like NYC is. So you can easily get a little disoriented .. BUT .. not me :) My parents are to thank for my good sense of direction at all times. Once we got back onboard, we headed up to the aft end of Deck 8 to take some more pictures, since the view was so nice! Of course, I still needed to get in my nap ( I actually went 2 days last week without one - OMG, I hated it!) so I headed back to my cabin to put up my feet (all that walking, they were sore and swelling) and rest!

Cadiz:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.9pklypwr&x=0&y=-bgm6i2&localeid=en_US

P.S - Pics are out of order again, sorry!! And Kim, there is a pic in there especially for you!

Tomorrow is Lisbon .. should also be a good port as well .. and from what I hear, the weather should hopefully be just as nice :)

Friday, May 2, 2008

I *heart* Greece

2 May 08
Leaving our last Greek port :(

Yesterday we were in Heraklion, on the island of Crete .. which is still part of Greece. It was a cool little town, but nearly everything was closed for May Day. Amie and I went out in search of Pizza Hut .. as we heard it was basically the only place open other than McDonalds. As good as McD's sounds .. McD's and Burger King kill my tummy anymore .. so none of that for me!

So we took a cab to the Main Square .. and then the driver told us it was only a block or two behind there. It was a real shame everything was closed; it was a cute city and would probably be bustling at lunch time!

So here are the pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.5l2rawt7&x=0&y=-5qgi1&localeid=en_US

Today we were in Zakynthos, Greece. Another Greek island .. but our last port in Greece .. so we went in search for a beach as soon as we heard the weather would be good. The beaches there are much different .. the "sand" is not soft and powdery .. its more like hard and clay like .. almost mud-like when its wet. But hey, we still went to a beach! We were starved when we got there, so we went to a nice outdoor cafe first .. which was right on the beach anyway. Had a lovely lunch (more Greek salad for me!) then walked out to the beach and got sun loungers .. it was a nice day .. a few good laughs with the girls (and Jonathan - Claire's BF of the month) He is such a silly and kept causing trouble .. he is a cool guy though.

I met my future husband today .. LOL .. he was our driver .. "Nick" but his full name is Nikolas. Wow, he was a cutie! Mom, I think you would have liked him :) Anyway, so there are pics at the end of the day of Nick with the girls and Nick and me. Man, I would have liked to take that boy back on board the ship with me!

Pics:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bf232dhz.add2hct7&x=0&y=-jpw1mk&localeid=en_US

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Catching up ...

1 May 08
en route to Zakinthos, Greece

Ok, let's see .. after my stumble in Marmaris . .. that night I got into bed right after work. I was really hurting!! :( Took some pain meds as well as a muscle relaxer. Got into bed and read for a bit, then went to sleep around 1am. Of course, that was after I called my Mom to whine about it .. funny how you get homesick when you don't feel yourself, eh? Slept pretty good except for the morning - since the meds were wearing off and I was moving around and woke up on my right side where I was sore.

Went to the Medical Centre and saw the Doc (Nketchi has left - so I saw Jonathan) and he checked me out, had me do some movements and pushed and poked me till he was satisfied that nothing was broken or fractured. Said I was just banged and bruised in the hip, that I had twisted my knee and the scrapes on my shin were ok. So he said to take my Celebrex daily for a week and double the dose (I only take it when I have pain) and to use the pain meds when needed.

So yesterday (30 Apr) we were in Rhodes, Greece. I was looking forward to it, since it is supposed to have some beautiful beaches. Yeah, well .. it was pouring rain all morning! Eugh .. well, that's not good beach weather! So Cat and I had decided we would just go to lunch .. but by the time lunch time rolled around, it was still raining .. plus it was damp and I was just NOT in the mood to be running around in the rain *again* (Istanbul had me splashing in puddles all day long) So we grabbed some lunch onboard and I went to my bed .. laid down to read for a bit, then of course took a nap :)

Last night was a crew BBQ on the aft deck - so I worked till about 10.30 then got Cat and she and I went up. It was fun, but I still wasn't myself and so many of my friends commented on it. They wanted me to feel better and get back to my normal self .. I had a few glasses of wine but it wasn't a big "piss up" like it would have been if I was feeling ok. Hung out till about 1ish then headed off to bed .. walked out with Amie, Pierre (new shoppie) and a few of the galley and bars guys.

Funny story - we were walking down the M1 (aka I-95, as it is the main highway through the ship on deck 1 - starts all the way Fwd at the Crew bar and goes all the way Aft to the Galley) and we all just stood chatting for a few watching some of the contractors play ping-pong. Well one of the guys goes to dive for the ball and decides to jump across the table .. the whole thing collapes in half!! It sounds bad, but it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo funny! Like it happened in slow motion .. and we all were cracking up .. but then noticed he didn't move. So when a few people went over to him to see if he was ok, it turns out he was laughing so hard, he couldn't get up! LMFAO!!! Good times ..

So today we were in Heraklion Crete (Greece) but unfortunately .. it is May Day here, so everything was closed. There was a rumor that a few restaurants were open in town .. since there were 4 cruise ships in you would think more would have opened ... but then we heard there was a Pizza Hut .. YUM! Yes, I know - I have eaten in Pizza Hut's all over the world! It was like when I went to Europe as a kid .. ate in every McDonalds from the Alps to Berlin :) So Amie and I grabbed a cab up to the main square (it was up a big hill - wouldnt have been able to walk the mile UP hill with me being sore) and then went to lunch. It was nice .. cause the place was set up like all the other outdoor cafes .. just except that it was yummy Pizza Hut! :) After lunch and being little piggies, we decided we should walk it off and walk back to the ship since it was downhill. It wasn't too bad .. it was a shame everything was all closed up though. :shaking head:

So not much going on tonight .. going to take it easy as we have a disco tomorrow night. Its Ladies Night .. we aren't sure what that actually means .. we are getting 2 different answers from the Crew Club. 1) is that the Ladies ask the Guys to go with them - like a date .. and 2) (which I like better) is that the guys buy drinks for the ladies! Yee hawww LOL

Tomorrow - Claire, Amie, Gemma (another new shoppie) and I are planning to go to the beach .. the weather is supposed to be nice and the beaches are supposed to be beautiful. We haven't been to the beach (or even up on deck to lay out) ALL cruise .. I am losing my tan :( Wish us good weather!