Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I'm 21!!!
On a COMPLETELY different note, I’M 21! Crazy, huh? The day before my birthday, we arrived in Costa Rica. Ashley and I walked around and shopped. We grabbed lunch on the ship- club sandwiches??? How could they hold out on us this long? Then we went to the beach. A store owner from earlier knew it was my birthday and gave me a butterfly shotglass- how appropriate. When I walked by later he bought me a beer, and a bunch of people sang happy birthday for me on the beach front. Later that day, the ‘girls’ got dolled up to celebrate Ashly’s 22nd and my 21st. We went to the Captain Morenos, the club a local suggested, but their was a car showing. We were a little eager to get out- 7:30 haha, so we pre-partied at a hole in the wall bar nearby on the beach. Wherever we are, or whatever we’re doing, we know how to keep each other entertained. We must have talked there for a couple hours, just drinking beers and girl talking. It was a crew members birthday nearby so half of the staff was there. Later on, we made are way back to the club. It was quite a mess of people- locals, SAS, and a handful of crew members. The girls kind of scattered and we all hung out with random people. We met up with Hallie, Andrea, and Lindsey. Anyways, so we’re drinking, dancing, and having a good time and the store owner from earlier comes up and mentions something about a present. He comes back a huge gift bag with a shirt and magnet inside. I was stunned. Haha….Overall from what I remember it was a great night. Haha, I’m just kidding. The purser did help me home though. That’s a story. So on my actual birthday, I woke up generously late, walked the beach, and did some shopping. Then I met up with the girls at this restaurant I had eyed the previous day, and by coincidence Steph thought would be great for lunch. They treated me to lunch at this adorable little restaurant that’s outside. Afterwards Ali’s local friend took us to get some ice cream. We had ice cream and took some pictures on the beach. It’s crazy to think that this is the last time we’ll be in port, or taking pictures together. We all get off on completely different times in Miami. It’s weird that we are even at the point of thinking things like that. Reality- seems so hard to grasp. Isn’t that so ironic? I can’t think about what it’s like to have to pay attention to gas prices, or not have anything to do all the time. Hell, I feel like this ship has become my family. They are the ones who are there for you when you’re emotional, angry, sad, etc. We’ve bonded over the past few months. I had strangers coming up to me wishing me a happy birthday. It’s a new year for me. A pretty big one too. I have everything to be thankful for, but a whole new start ahead of me. It’s the first birthday in a while that everything seems just right. I just circled the world. I have made some of the greatest friends. I have an amazing boyfriend and family waiting for me. And if all of that isn’t pretty damn awesome, I’m also 21!
How do say goodbye to the best thing that’s ever happened to you?
‘They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.’- Edgar Allen Poe.
Well, finals are over. I’m officially a senior. Weird to think, huh? So here is my problem: I’ve never been one to cry. Graduations? I could care less. Even funerals? It just isn’t something I do. But even now, thinking that a week from now I won’t be here, it hurts really really badly. For the first time in my life, I have found someplace that I belong. Someplace that makes me happy, a level of happiness I didn’t know existed. A place that inspires you to dream and explore; it pushes you to live. You know, I wrote a life checklist a couple years back. The very first thing on it was to travel the world. I had all these images in my head, imaging what it would be like to really go through with this. The only image I could really see was a little kid, from Africa, playing for the camera. Don’t ask me why. A whole 3 and a half months, and the entire world, and that’s the one thing I saw over and over in my head. Well, go figure one of the most amazing moments of my life was playing patty cake with a little girl, in the African townships. It just so happened to be caught by the photographer for the ship, and its now hanging on the wall of his best pictures. In these last three months, I sat around with my friends, reminiscing about our crazy rickshaw rides, getting lost countless times, and then those moments that made everything worth it. The fact that we sit around nonchalantly saying, ‘Vietnam today, China tomorrow, and Japan right after that.’ It’s ridiculous. Life shouldn’t be like that. It just seems so impossible you know? But it is. It’s out there, waiting for you. We just trap ourselves with restraints, making the possible seem impossible. I have been criticized for dreaming ridiculously big, and seen people roll their eyes when I tell them I want to do this or that. I was so focused on making everyone happy, that I forgot to live for myself. Yet, in these past three months, I think everyone on board has ‘lived’ more than so many people we know. That maybe, just maybe, I haven’t been taken seriously because I have the guts to go after my dreams, and achieve them, in the first place. So I have a challenge for you…Think of everything in life you’ve ever wanted to do. It can be anything as simple as eating something new (sushi? Caviar? Hell, anyone want to try pigs tongue?) to your biggest dreams (traveling around the world, starting your own business, etc.). Have a girl you want to ask out? Want to do something absolutely silly like swim in a baby pool full of noodles? What’s holding you back? 101 things. You’re not allowed to think logistics. Just make a list. Then, pick a day to start, mine will be May 9th when we dock, and you will have 1001 days to complete your list. We only have one life to live. Are you brave enough to really live it? Go do everything you’ve ever wanted to do, and find a way to make it happen. The second you start making excuses, you’re only limiting yourself and holding yourself back. This ship has taught me so much, but above all, it’s given me strength to accept that I’m just not going to fit into anybody’s mold. That life doesn’t have to be a set track, especially if you could never adhere to it anyways. I’m going to miss the MV Explorer, these people, and the times I’ve had- probably for the rest of my life. This will be the hardest goodbye- ever. But at least I have so much more ahead of me. Now go start that list. What’s a matter, scared?
“We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.” T.S.. Eliot, Four Quartets
Well, finals are over. I’m officially a senior. Weird to think, huh? So here is my problem: I’ve never been one to cry. Graduations? I could care less. Even funerals? It just isn’t something I do. But even now, thinking that a week from now I won’t be here, it hurts really really badly. For the first time in my life, I have found someplace that I belong. Someplace that makes me happy, a level of happiness I didn’t know existed. A place that inspires you to dream and explore; it pushes you to live. You know, I wrote a life checklist a couple years back. The very first thing on it was to travel the world. I had all these images in my head, imaging what it would be like to really go through with this. The only image I could really see was a little kid, from Africa, playing for the camera. Don’t ask me why. A whole 3 and a half months, and the entire world, and that’s the one thing I saw over and over in my head. Well, go figure one of the most amazing moments of my life was playing patty cake with a little girl, in the African townships. It just so happened to be caught by the photographer for the ship, and its now hanging on the wall of his best pictures. In these last three months, I sat around with my friends, reminiscing about our crazy rickshaw rides, getting lost countless times, and then those moments that made everything worth it. The fact that we sit around nonchalantly saying, ‘Vietnam today, China tomorrow, and Japan right after that.’ It’s ridiculous. Life shouldn’t be like that. It just seems so impossible you know? But it is. It’s out there, waiting for you. We just trap ourselves with restraints, making the possible seem impossible. I have been criticized for dreaming ridiculously big, and seen people roll their eyes when I tell them I want to do this or that. I was so focused on making everyone happy, that I forgot to live for myself. Yet, in these past three months, I think everyone on board has ‘lived’ more than so many people we know. That maybe, just maybe, I haven’t been taken seriously because I have the guts to go after my dreams, and achieve them, in the first place. So I have a challenge for you…Think of everything in life you’ve ever wanted to do. It can be anything as simple as eating something new (sushi? Caviar? Hell, anyone want to try pigs tongue?) to your biggest dreams (traveling around the world, starting your own business, etc.). Have a girl you want to ask out? Want to do something absolutely silly like swim in a baby pool full of noodles? What’s holding you back? 101 things. You’re not allowed to think logistics. Just make a list. Then, pick a day to start, mine will be May 9th when we dock, and you will have 1001 days to complete your list. We only have one life to live. Are you brave enough to really live it? Go do everything you’ve ever wanted to do, and find a way to make it happen. The second you start making excuses, you’re only limiting yourself and holding yourself back. This ship has taught me so much, but above all, it’s given me strength to accept that I’m just not going to fit into anybody’s mold. That life doesn’t have to be a set track, especially if you could never adhere to it anyways. I’m going to miss the MV Explorer, these people, and the times I’ve had- probably for the rest of my life. This will be the hardest goodbye- ever. But at least I have so much more ahead of me. Now go start that list. What’s a matter, scared?
“We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.” T.S.. Eliot, Four Quartets
The Ambassadors Ball
108 days. We’ve seen poverty, we’ve seen determination. We’ve seen sadness, but then we’ve seen hope. But most of all, we’ve seen love. The people we’ve encountered over these last couple of months will last in our memories. Not only within the countries, but in our community.
We have become a family, with sisters and brothers from every state, race, and ethnicity. More than ever we realize that the world isn’t as big as we thought. We are all just people, trying to get by and enjoy the most out of life. Well, tonight I think we can all agree that we are living the dream. Look around us. Friends, food, and an experience of a lifetime to reflect on. We are nearing the end of our voyage. Soak up every last minute and appreciate it for what it’s worth. In the end, we have so much to be thankful for. We officially join the 1 percent that circumnavigates the world. Congratulations. Now for the toast.’
So here it is. After a day of sorting through tickets, then blowing up disgusting amounts balloons- it was time to get dolled up and eat ACTUAL food. Big, I know. I didn’t tell any of my friends that I was doing a little speech, so I surprised them with that. Hence the Hallmark Moment. The entire ship felt like a prom or –worse- a goodbye dinner. Everyone was taking pictures. Dinner was phenomenal, but far too fast. By the time I had finished my filet mignon, I realized it was over. There was live music in the piano lounge. We had palm readers, tarot cards, pictures with the captain, and karaoke. Then after working a bit, and the second seating was finished, there was two dances and dessert buffet lining Tymitz Square. I wish life was like a ball every day. Haha…And they sailed on happily ever after.
We have become a family, with sisters and brothers from every state, race, and ethnicity. More than ever we realize that the world isn’t as big as we thought. We are all just people, trying to get by and enjoy the most out of life. Well, tonight I think we can all agree that we are living the dream. Look around us. Friends, food, and an experience of a lifetime to reflect on. We are nearing the end of our voyage. Soak up every last minute and appreciate it for what it’s worth. In the end, we have so much to be thankful for. We officially join the 1 percent that circumnavigates the world. Congratulations. Now for the toast.’
So here it is. After a day of sorting through tickets, then blowing up disgusting amounts balloons- it was time to get dolled up and eat ACTUAL food. Big, I know. I didn’t tell any of my friends that I was doing a little speech, so I surprised them with that. Hence the Hallmark Moment. The entire ship felt like a prom or –worse- a goodbye dinner. Everyone was taking pictures. Dinner was phenomenal, but far too fast. By the time I had finished my filet mignon, I realized it was over. There was live music in the piano lounge. We had palm readers, tarot cards, pictures with the captain, and karaoke. Then after working a bit, and the second seating was finished, there was two dances and dessert buffet lining Tymitz Square. I wish life was like a ball every day. Haha…And they sailed on happily ever after.
SEE US GOING THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL!!! http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html
Mira Flores locks: arriving 0740, departing 0850
Pedro Miquel Arriving 1000, departing 1040
Passing Gamboa 1330 Gatun locks: Arriving 1450, departing 1710
ETD Cristobal 1840
Mira Flores locks: arriving 0740, departing 0850
Pedro Miquel Arriving 1000, departing 1040
Passing Gamboa 1330 Gatun locks: Arriving 1450, departing 1710
ETD Cristobal 1840
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