The Finer Things

I spend a lot of my time on ships doing things that are very out of the ordinary for a little semi-redneck from the home of NASCAR. I occasionally eat in five star, French restaurants. I'll sit at sidewalk cafes in France and Spain with sangria. I sometimes go to the wine and cheese events at the bow of the ship under the stars. These are the things I do occasionally that remind me I'm kind of a grown up, and a slightly cultured one at that.

However there is one event I often attend that deserves its own entry: our ladies catch-up sessions in the wine bar onboard, Cellar Masters. We ladies (and sometimes Franklin) make it a point to meet once a cruise for wine/champagne delivered by our favorite sommelier Dennis and simply sit and chat about our lives. We cover all topics from men, work, home, frustrations, promotions, celebrations and consoling. It is amazing to sit with a glass of Reisling (always my drink of choice) and be surrounded by women of all ages from all departments and be able to relate. I thought about this during our session last night.

Typically we have Grace the Acupuncturist, Fiona the Port and Shopping Guide, Jenn the Nurse, Liv the Gift Shop Manager, sometimes Olga the Cruise Director's Wife, and sometimes Martine the Financial Controller. The ages range from 23 (yours truly) up to 48. We come from America, England, New Zealand, Russia, and Scotland. We clearly work in all different areas onboard and some have been doing ships far longer than others. Some are ready to be done and settle at home, while others seem to love the life at sea too much to let go. It is an eclectic and fun group.

Often we break into smaller chatting sessions. For example, last night Jenn and Fiona got into Jenn's frustrations with work, while Grace and I began a deep discussion of religion and our upbringings.

I can't say I haven't felt completely privileged to be let in on wine catch-up sessions. These women are amazing and have all taught me things in one way or another. I've been let in on perspectives I never considered and feel much more enriched for simply enjoying the finer things, like a nice glass of Reisling and the company of, as Fiona calls it, "The Bitches of Eastwick."