Wait, Where Are the Pews?

So what did I do with my day today?

Well, I went into St. Petersburg, Russia and was the videographer of a Russian Orthodox wedding in a classic cathedral. Yea...

So I had my buddy Dany with me and we had a game plan. He would set up in the back behind the pews for a straight on shot of the couple at the altar and I would roam around getting different angles. Simple, right?

Imagine our surprise when we walked in and there were no pews... Just one long walkway. Well, here's how they do it in Russia. The couple stood at the beginning of this walkway in this elaborately ornate cathedral. Golds and blues among these antiks of saints and Jesus. Dany and I had to scrub the initial game plan and go with the flow. Bigger problem? As I'm not Russian and neither is my Canadian friend, we can't step on the carpet - leaving me stuck on my side and him on the other. Communication was not possible. Luckily, he and I work so well together a few minutes in he could see what I was doing (straight on, steady shot) so he knew what to do (close ups). I kept a close eye on my little foot as to not step on the sacred carpet. I was so careful, as I was also the only woman in the room with no head cover. Those of you who know me know I am extremely spiritual and very cautious of respecting other religions. Not having a head cover was so embarrassing for me.

The ceremony involves a choir (that I could never spot) and Russian priests who sing the whole service. It's all in Russian so I haven't a clue what I was listening to. The best man and maid of honor (I suppose that's what you call them) stand behind the bride and groom and follow them down the aisle, which they cover in installments. First there's a candle lighting. The priests sing, read from the Bible and everyone crosses themselves. Then they move down the aisle and go over this little stage thing and the best man and maid of honor stay on the stage above the couple. Then another priest in the prettiest green robes brings these crowns out to be held over the heads of the couple by the best man and maid of honor. They continue singing and then the couples moves up onto the altar where the priest gives them each antik icons to hold. That's when they come to the end, stand holding their icons and the guests are meant to approach them, wish the best of luck, and kiss their icons.

It was certainly not something I ever thought I would see.

After the ceremony we waited outside the church as they rang the bells and then the whole lot of us (most of the senior staff onboard and family) went to the square in front of St. Isaac's Cathedral for photos. I am a friend of the bride so it was very sweet of her to ask for a picture with me without my camera. My friends I took our own photos, we drank champagne from plastic cups and did shots of vodka on the river side. For good luck, of course...

Then there was a small, quick reception in one of the specialty restaurants onboard with cake cutting, chocolate fondues and more champagne.

Really not a bad way to spend my last Russia day. 48 days left on the Eclipse...

The Big Cheese

This being boss thing isn't too bad. I kinda like being in charge. I can run this office the way I want to and don't have to follow anyone's schedule but my own (and the Cruise Director...) I can get used to this.

I'm feeling rather thoughtful at present, though. I had a picnic in Copenhagen last week, beers in Germany, and today had my lunch at the back of the ship with the skyline of Stockholm as our backdrop. I take it for granted some days. Don't get me wrong, though no one seems to believe me, there are definite cons to living out here. Moments where I'm laughing til my sides hurt on a blanket in Denmark make it bearable, though.

I like to write out these moments where I realize what I've got going here, so that when I do silly things like complain about having to work in Russia I can have a nice reminder that I'm lucky.

I just had one of those moments again. I was pleasantly greeted this morning with an e-mail from my sister. I always love hearing from family out here, especially Allie. She writes asking for advice on study abroad and which country she should apply for. I read it and immediately started giving it some thought when I had to stop and take notice of how easily I was able to consider my response. I've spent significant time in both countries and realized I was fully capable of giving insight on a matter of world travel. It's another "shake my head" moment. Another moment where I realize how lucky I am. Another moment I never in my wildest dreams I would ever have. Who would have ever guessed I would be able to tell my little sister which country she'd like more... because I've been to both!

The big boss in Europe... again...

USA is A-OK!

My great to the eighth power grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War. Eleazer Hill fought the Brits to secure my independence as an American. How did I ring in this Independence Day? Taking photos with my best friend onboard - a Brit. He's looking down on me and shaking his head. I couldn't avoid a chuckle at that last night.

Another 4th in another country. Oddly enough, though, this time I'm Russia. Probably one of the last places an American wants to spend the day celebrating their country. I'm staying on the ship today.

Last night we had a USA Day party on the top deck. Not too crowded, but we managed to show people what Americans do. We had beer pong and flip cup and I was rushed with memories of Elon and Duke. The girls beat the boys in flip cup, naturally. It was just fun to paint stars on my face and put on anything red, white and blue.

Needless to say, getting up for work this morning wasn't the easiest. I've just come back from an unsatisfying burger at our crew BBQ. As much fun as the party was, today I'd much rather be in the States with a beer, a burger and plans to see fireworks. As glamorous as it may seem to have this job, and while I'm constantly surrounded by a crew of roughly 1200, there are days like today where I wish I had a 9-5 job, an apartment, a car, and were simply at home.

Happy 4th of July to all my fellow Americans!!!