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!