So Long Century

Yes the blog entries dwindled as my time on the Century was winding down. To my loyal readers, I'm sorry, but preparing my cabin and work area for a handover was no easy feat.

I signed off this morning. It was bittersweet. I've been looking forward to going home for the last 5 months, and now that it's happening I find myself wishing I had just one more day. One more night with my girls in the crew bar. One more show in the theatre. One more daily to shoot - ok maybe not the last one. We had my "leaving party" in the crew bar last night. It was sweet. Who DJs what night is always decided at the beginning of the cruise by Crew Welfare. So when we got the schedule at the beginning of this cruise we found out that my last night was planned as "alternative night." This is not exactly the kind of music I wanted for my last night, and unfortunately my good friend Sarah was going to do Ladie's Night the next night. So knowing I was disappointed my friends Michael and Jamie went to Crew Welfare and convinced them to change it so that Sarah would be my last night. Sweet, right? What could make it better? Sarah handed over her DJing duties to one of my closest friends onboard - Eddy. Eddy used to be a DJ on ships so I had a professional. He did it just for me. All day instead of people saying, "hey, are you going to the crew bar tonight?" it was "hey, are you going to Mackenzie's leaving party tonight?" I felt so special. My girls dressed me, did my hair and makeup. It really warmed my heart. Eddy played all the right music, I took dozens of photos, and people who never come down to the crew bar came down just to sy goodbye to me.

I stood on the gangway this morning with my two bags and hugged my manager goodbye. I was holding it together fairly well, until the van pulled away from my ship. I watched my home of the last 5 months disappear and yes I cried. Thank God I bought the big Italian sunglasses that covered my red eyes and face.

So here I am. In a hotel room in Italy, sending out massive amounts of friend requests on Facebook to all those I love onboard. My mind's trying to switch gears into land mode. I'm thinking of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years at home. I'm lucky, I really am. Not only because I get to have the holidays at home, but because of the life I've been given. I just spent the last 5 months sailing around the coast of Europe. I have incredible friends literally all over the world.

One contract down. One lined up for the end of January. What will I take away from the Century? There is no doubt this experience is unlike anything I've ever done or will ever do again. It's tough to explain to anyone who hasn't lived on a ship. I've learned things about myself and the interaction of people. I'm smarter about trusting people, and I've become familiar with cultures I only ever knew existed out in the world somewhere. It takes a certain kind of person to work on a ship and I think the Century has made me into that kind of person.

Not Much to Report

My favorite holiday has come and gone - Halloween. We had the most fantastic crew party. It was easily the most fun party since I've been onboard. The Cruise Director, the Hotel Director, HR were all there. It was technically an office party, but way cooler. My angel costume has deemed me the "angel" nickname around the ship among the officers. I always get the most successful Halloweens.

I went to Rome and saw the Sistine Chapel. It was smaller than I thought it would be, but still breathtaking. They've restored it in the last few years and the colors are so beautifully vivid I couldn't stop looking up. The blue of the Virgin Mary's robe made it easy to pick her out and the image of God creating Eve almost brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't stop looking up. My neck was a tad sore the rest of the day - so worth it. The rest of Rome was nice. Having a guide through the Coliseum this time made it more interesting. I understood more of what I was looking at, and St. Peter's Basilica was beautiful as always. I had a flood of memories rush back through as I walked through the Vatican. I remembered my time in Ireland and the Spring Break I took in Italy. I remembered finding Emily in the halls of St. Peter's. I remembered Shaina saying a prayer in Hebrew on Easter morning immediately followed by a clap of thunder and sudden rain shower she thought she brought on. I remembered us drying off in a patch of sun with gelatto and laughing about the whole thing. New memories have formed, of course, like seeing Luis walking through with his tour. I do love the Vatican, but I doubt I'll visit Rome again. Rome's great for its history, but it's not really a city. It's more of a theme park really.

I've been relaxing around the ship and the ports lately. Valerie came back for a week which was really nice, but she's gone again. This week I'll take the crew tour to Pompeii.

I fly home in two and a half weeks. Two and a half weeks and I can't seem to focus here. Thoughts of home are becoming more and more frequent. I'm planning my trips to visit friends and family. I'm imagining the look little Ariell will get when she sees the gifts I got her. I'm thinking of the giant cocktail I'm going to get after I finally get home on my birthday. Life here is good, but with my friends slowly signing off the ship is changing. It's becoming a whole new crew which makes it easier for me to not be sad about leaving. Most of my crew and I have begun our countdowns and started planning on meeting up in the States.

Don't Worry, I'm Developing Arm Muscles

This blog has greatly suffered, I know. These 7 day cruises don't leave much time for snuggling in with Dexter (my computer!) and typing away at my adventures.

The Mediterranean is entirely too relaxing to go on tours. Once the sun goes away and the bitter winter hits I'll start boarding buses with guests to see the things I want to. Cannes has the best beaches (next to home, of course) ever. I just drag myself out to the sand, surrounded by French speaking children and soak in the sun. We're there on Sundays so families are everywhere. Hands down, Cannes is my favorite port on this run - maybe my favorite of this contract... maybe. I have a slight obsession with French people, language, culture, etc. I usually get ice cream and then dip in the water of the French Riviera. As I'm acclimating my body to the freezing water I look around and notice the water. It's so perfectly clear I can see the outline of my toenails at the bottom of the water and I raise my head to see a skyline of mountains. Who couldn't help but giggle to themselves?

Portofino is perfect for a glass of wine. Luckily the wine in Italy is almost cheaper than the water! I have one cafe with really great white wine. The word "city" insults this place, and "town" is not enough. It is the epitome of "village."

Livorno's gross. There's great shopping, but that's about it. Not worth it for the 2 Euro it costs to take the bus into town from the ship. That's my deck 7 day. Myself and many crewmembers go out to the crew pool and lay on chairs, making jokes and throwing each other in the pool. Patrick practices his "awesome" jumps and John squirts me with the water gun. Nikki snorts as she laughs and we lose volleyballs off the side of the ship. Innertubes, floaties and "wavemakers" keep us entertained, and once so far we've had the pleasure of having the 4 year old son of the Adage Duo, Ivan, come down to play with us in his dolphin floaties. I have a great crew.

Civitavecchia finds me on deck 7 again, it's quieter then. I don't waste the whole day there, though. The Subway has free internet... hence the recent slight increase of pictures on Facebook. Slowly but surely I'm getting them downloaded.

Naples is where the whole crew crams into the tiny sidewalk area of an Italian restaurant whose owner once worked on ships, and loves us. 4 Euro margheritta pizza and 5 Euro carafts of wine - the best house white I've ever had - and we stay there for hours.

Then we start over again. Eventually I'll venture out to see the Sistine Chapel, Monte Carlo, and Capri, but as you can see I've got a pretty awesome routine setup now.

The job's more intense with 7 day cruises, plus my old cruise director has come back to replace our current one. His vacation left him with lots of ideas - ideas that involve me making even more videos. It's exhausting, but at least I feel like I'm doing something. Naples night I was shooting from 6:30 p.m. until around 9:45. Doesn't sound like too long, I know, but consider I'm dragging all of my equpiment, my camera, and a tripod about 3/4 the size of me up and down 12 decks across a ship the length of three football fields. We're all feeling the impact of cramming our normal 12 day work into 7.

I've adjusted well here. I still have moments where I find myself counting down the days until I come home (39) and other days I can't imagine not seeing these same people everyday. When John has me laughing so hard my sides ache, or when Anna and I sing "Benny and the Jets" at karaoke, or I simply see the Carlton hotel from where I swim in the French Riviera I realize the complaints I make every night are so worth it.

Oh Yea, There's the Italy I Remember

Heads up! Three blogs in one! I just posted three new entries, so the fun continues after this one!

Catalina and I decided to get up really early in Livorno and hop a train to Pisa. I was instantly reminded of why I didn't like Italy to begin with. We had to get a shuttle from the ship to the bus stop where we caught a bus to the train station just in time to have doors of our train close on us and pull away. Fantastic. Then we get on the next train a half hour later only to be given a ride a block away to where they park the damn trains. A lovely janitor directed us back to the station where we could make our third attempt to get a ride to this stupid tower.

Luckily more of our friends - one who speaks Italian - were also on the train. We got to Pisa and Catalina and I decided to walk through the town of Pisa. Yea... if it weren't for the Leaning Tower no one would ever go to Pisa. We had mediocre pasta for lunch and were charged 4 Euro for a half litre of tap water. Not to mention the 2 Euro charge just for sitting at the table. Grazie Italia.

I did see the Leaning Tower. So there's the silver lining. I illegally walked on the grass - kiss my butt Italy - and took the cheesey tourist picture of me pushing it over. I carried a backpack around the city. Really all I needed was the Hawaiian shirt and the camera to be hanging from aroung my neck to look more stereotypically American. Oh, and a fanny pack... never forget the fanny pack.

In Civitavecchia I had port manning. I'm ok with it. It's the gateway to Rome. Been there, done that. I'll probably try to go in once while we're doing this tour, but just to see the Sistine Chapel and the Trevvi Fountain.

Then there's Naples. Oh boy if you people want me to like Italy we're really going to have to work on where we're sending me. Naples was rainy, dreary and just sad. However, I went out with a large group of friends to a small restaurant the Youth Manager Karen had visited when she worked on Disney. It was sweet. We sat at a sidewalk table (noticing my affinity for sidewalk tables?) and had pizza and the best house white wine ever. After everyone got up to leave Brianna, John and I spent some extra bonding/wine time before we dragged ourselves back to the ship.

And now back to Barcelona to start it all again.

Climb a Steep Hill with a Group of Professional Dancers? Sure! Why Not?

Yea, I don't know what I was thinking either.

Quick sidenote - the Mediterranean has silky sea nights. I haven't seen these since the Arctic. I was beginning to believe it was just a Norwegian thing. I'm pleasantly surprised.

Another pleasant surprise - the rennovation of the Century's crew bar. I didn't know what to expect after they closed it for three days. I swear some crew members were shaking from withdrawal! We walked in to burgundy walls, black leather sofas, mirrors and red lamps, and black and white photos of NYC, Paris and Amsterdam. Who told the Hotel Director my plans for my future living room!? Ok, back to the climbing thing...

Italy has never really been high on my list of favorite European countries (sorry Katie and Tiff). It's just not my thing. I appreciate the history, the culture, the beautiful art and architecture, but I'm much more of a British Isles/France type of chick. I loved Venice when I was there last year. I was charmed by Perugia, but nothing in Italy has ever had the effect of Dublin or Paris. However, I'm pretty sure Portofino is the one thing that will change my mind about this country. What a picturesque village. While we were tendering I found myself in a lifeboat with all of the acapella boys, a few musicians and a bunch of dancers. Now that I'm sans Valerie, I'm often venturing off the ship alone, so I turned to Jenny the Dance Captain and asked if I could tag along. "Of course!" she told me. When we reached shore the big group began to slowly dwindle as folks went separate ways. Me, the genius, I decide to follow the group of dancers climbing the steep path to the top of the hill - just to see the view. So there I am panting at the back of the group with Brian from the acapella group. We're sweaty and gross and the dancers are just gliding along toward our destination. Lovely.

When we got back down I found Jamie, Matt and Anna at a cafe enjoying a beer and pizza. I sat my sweaty self down and partook. It was beautiful. So truly Italian. The buildings along the harbor were something out of a movie set. Yellow, red and orange buildings stuck out of the hills to see the water and boats below, their windows adorned with laundry the way we hang Christmas lights.

It really was the best way to begin to like Italy.

I Wear Pantyhose Everyday. Does that Mean I'm an Adult Now?

I'm writing this on Leigh's birthday (to be posted at a later date). I hope she has a great 23rd!! I miss her.

So Paris was almost two full weeks ago! Two weeks on a ship can feel like a year. I suppose I should pick up where I left off.

After boat drill the next day I rushed to throw on a swimsuit and meet up with Val and Anna. We were in La Coruna, Spain and I heard there was a beach. Being a beach girl born and raised I'm instantly drawn to the waves and the sand. The minute I got off the ship in Spain I felt like I was at home. The palm trees and Spanish architecture reminded me so much of Florida. So much of the area looks like St. Augustine. We took photos in front of a fountain and the memorial statue of John Lennon and went to the beach. The beach was small and the snad was rough, but the sun was perfect. It wasn't as strong as it is in Florida. God it was great. Then when I got back onboard I got to do something I've missed more than I ever realized. The after-beach-nap is like no other nap. It sounds horrible, but I love crawling into bed in my swimsuit still smelling of sunscreen and passing out. The after-beach-nap is ridiculously amazing.

My next port was Lisbon, Portugal. Valerie and I spent the day touring with our DJ, Jeremy, and our violinist, Nicole. It was nice - we were sterotypically American and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was a beautiful little city full of churches and castles. The whole area reminds me of St. Augustine.

Cadiz, Spain proved to be too cloudly to allow me to properly enjoy the beach. I simply walked along it, having some much needed "me" time. The pigeon prints in the sand made me laugh. Oh Europe.

The next day was Gibraltar. I was on a tour for work, so the video camera accompanied me everywhere. Sometimes the camera is a blessing, and sometimes I want to chuck it overboard. Gibraltar gave me a slight Key West feeling. It is in no way a party city, but it's a small city centered on the water. Where Key West has cats, Gibraltar has monkeys. I have to admit, the monkeys are way cooler. They were cute. My amazing tour guide, a sweet old Scottish man named Ian, got a few of the to come to the window of the van. It was fun.

Palma de Mallorca looked beautiful ffrom the ship. Unfortunately I could only walk around for an hour since I had safety training in the middle of the day. It was really nice to just walk along the harbor. The plus side is our new safety officer is actually a decent guy. I'm no longer afraid of safety training.

That night was Valerie's last night before going home so a group of us girls had dinner at the specialty restaurant onboard - the Murano. I am such a small town girl at heart. I felt slightly out of place in a restaurant where the waiter places the napkin on your lap. I was a little like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman." The food was absolutely amazing. We started with delicious lemon pepper bread and then feta cheese on bruschetta. It was intended to cleanse our pallettes. I was excited for the rest of the meal. I ordered the wild mushroom cappucino soup. It came out in a saucer with cappucino foam on top, and underneath was the thickest, best mushroom soup of my life. I've never tasted anything like it. Next was a small goat cheese souffle trapped under a breadstick cage. It was essentially a mound of parmesan cheese sitting in tomoato sauce. It, too, was amazing. Then they brought out the main course. Val and I ordered the filet mignon which they flambe with cognac right next to the table. The whole meal was a performance. Oh, this filet mignon was delectable. I never really knew what they meant by it melts in your mouth - until now! It was complimented by perfectly flavored mashed potatoes, mushrooms and the most crisp sticks of asparagus. It couldn't possible get any better, right? Right... until they brought out the dark chocolate souffle for dessert. It was a little treat and I was a little put off when I saw the waiter come along to puncture the perfectly risen souffle. I forgave him when I saw what was coming next. A delicious mocha, vanilla sauce was drizzled all over my dessert. I didn't eat again until lunch the next day. It was wonderful.

Catalina, Val and I finished her bottle of pinot grigio and went out to the staff bar to celebrate Val's last night onboard. It was so fun. I had a rough time saying bye to my friend. I'll admit, things are different here without her. I now have Catalina, but I miss Val. We did everything together. I have plenty of other friends, but no one quite like Val. Everyone keeps making jokes like, "What are you going to do now?" and "Did they have to surgically remove you two?" Ha. Ha.

The next day was our embarkation day in Barcelona. I really could fall for Spain. I got up at the butt crack of dawn to go with Anna and Katie to Gaudi Park. I'm glad I did. It was a beautiful park full of palm trees and mosaic style benches. I'd never seen anything like it. The clear sky made for a perfect day to tour. I stumbled upon a harpists in one of the little caves of the park. Harps always make my day.

Oh and if I thought there was no way to fall anymore in love with France, I was wrong. Cannes is the most beautiful beach city in the south of the country. Catalina, Julien and I found a beach and made ourselves very comfortable. With our ship visible on the horizon and the clouds creating the perfect overcast comfort, I put on my headphones and enjoyed my latest novel. I couldn't help but smile at the way we looked - an American girl reading in her own little world, and a big hairy Argentinian laying with his arm tucked under the neck of a sweet little Romanian girl. What a trio we made. They went for a walk and I began to people watch. There was a sweet French family next to me with thier toddler little boy. I laughed when I realized he and I probably speak French along the same proficiency. He was cute, throwing sand and testing his parents by pushing the boundaries of his play space. As they got up to leave, the mom approached me and, in French, asked if I would watch their things while she went to wash her feet at the shower. I agreed and felt so good about myself having just completely understood her! When Catalina and Julien returned Julien left us girls to have some bonding time walking along the streets of Cannes. We gawked at all the shops and dreamed of the day we'd be rich enough to dress so chic. We found a little sidewalk cafe and I had another opportunity to feel completely accomplished. I ordered Catalina and myself two galsses of wine in perfect French. It's the little things, really. Great conversation while sipping wine at a sidewalk cafe in the south of France... as Papa C would say, "I just have to shake my head."

That feels like a proper place to stop. :)

If the blog is French, is it a bloguette?

London Wednesday. Paris Thursday? Oh yea, that’s my life. Our ship docked in Le Havre, France and I was lucky enough to be an escort on “A Taste of Paris.” There was a crew tour going into town, but why spend $40 when I knew I could probably go in for free with a bunch of guests? I saw the crew going to their bus, it was filled with my friends, but also some people I’d rather not spend 2.5 hours on a bus with. I was glad I went alone. That would be the theme for the day.

My tour gave us about an hour drive around the major sights of the city – L’Arc de Triomphe, Le Champs-Elysees, Le Notre Dame Cathedral, L’Opera, Le Louvre, Les Hotels des Invalides, etc. – and dropped us off at the Eiffel Tower for four hours of free time. I saw John and Jamie taking photos and rushed to meet up with them and my other friends they were with. I tried to convince Jamie to go shopping with me while she tried to convince me to go sightseeing with them. I did the sightseeing thing last year and the moment I found out about this tour I told myself I was going to stroll the Champs-Elysees and have lunch at a sidewalk café like I’d always dreamed of as a girl. When Jamie and my friends asked me to go I was tempted. It was nice to have company, but I remembered I had a few hours and I’d regret not doing what I went there for. So I said bye and went off on my own. Did I get lost? Nope! I walked on that beautiful French day with the sun shining along the Avenue d’Iene down to the Arc de Triomphe and began my relaxing stroll along the Champs-Elysees. I browsed the shops, drooled at the diamonds in the Cariter window and watched the fabulous people eating their 22 Euro ham sandwiches knowing someday I’ll come back for my own overpriced lunch.

I found a small sandwich shop where I got exactly what I wanted – a jambon blanch baguette (baguette with ham and butter) and a coke – and sat at the table on the sidewalk. I finally did it. I couldn’t help but smile at my progression. A year and a half ago I was eating plain baguettes and bottles of water on park benches, this time it was a jambon blanc baguette and a coke, next time a salad, croissant and glass of wine, perhaps? Before you know it I’ll be staying at the Ritz and buying my own Cartier necklaces!

After a long stroll I still had an hour and a half before my bus came. Rather than rush through the city trying to see something else, I went back to the Eiffel Tower and nestled into a nice soft spot of grass. I laid in the sun closing my eyes just so I could open them again on the Tower. What a thrill to open your eyes to such a sight. I had some brief visitors, Kyle and Natalie from the ship, Sarah and Christina from the ship, and of course John, Jamie, Matt and Marc stopped and sat with me until their bus came. In my last half hour alone I laid in the sun listening to the French around me and watching the Tower.

If love is what I feel for London, then there are absolutely no words to describe what I have for Paris. I’m hopelessly, undoubtedly, entirely, devotedly captured by Paris. I swear that city never disappoints – well, me anyway, sorry Tiff and Kate. : )

One Mother of a Blog

Oh how I love technology. My laptop charger sparked up at an internet café in Estonia. I’ve ordered a new one, but now that I think of it in my mad rush to order something before my laptop battery died for good, I may have ordered the wrong part. This means much less internet time and no uploading pictures until I return to the States - unless I can find a working charger for a 7 year old Dell.

This, plus a snafoo with crew passes (such a long story) I haven’t had proper internet access for about two weeks now, and there’s no end in sight.

I realize it has only been about 10 days, but you have no idea how much can happen in 10 days on a ship. In 10 days onboard an isolated ship you can live out an entire semester’s worth of dramas, emotions, and days. I lose track of days out here. I take long naps and wake up thinking things I shot in the morning was actually the day before. It doesn’t help that we refer to everything around here as “Russia Day,” “Copenhagen Day,” “Sea Day,” etc. Even in our memos and e-mails. It makes it feel like Russia was forever ago, when it’s really only been 10 days.

Speaking of Russia! That’s where I left off. I was on a magnificent tour of Peterhoef – the Versailles of St. Petersburg. It was the first day of September and the first day of school for the little Russians. There were adorable girls in their uniforms donning bows as large as their heads in their hair running round the parks. It reminded me of those God-awful bows I used to beg my mom to put on my ponytail on the tippy-top of my head. It also reminded me that for the first time in my memorable life I was not going to have a first day of school. It was an odd thought, since it still doesn’t feel like that. I simply feel like I’m on a study abroad internship.

The gardens of Peterhoef rushed my mind back to France. At one point as I walked down a path lined with square-cut trees if I hadn’t known better I would have sworn I was in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. We saw the most adorable red squirrels climbing trees and I wanted one. No offense to Elon’s little guys, but these were the most awesome squirrels ever.

I still believe the Baltic States were doing all they could to leave this crew wanting to come back. I had a fantastic day out in Copenhagen with my friend Christina. I have dubbed her “Nina” and I always smile when she calls me “Macka.” When we got back to the Century she had to rush to work and I still had more time. Let’s see, Mackenzie alone in Copenhagen, where would she go? The little mermaid, of course! I walked under the grey sky with the wind wrapping in a tight hug the whole way. I found her perched on her rock, so I set myself on my own rock and popped on my headphones. The sounds of Adelle and John Mayer had me completely relaxed as I watched my mermaid and the water behind her. I sat there for 20 minutes letting my mind wander to various things, but mostly home. I looked at my clock and grinned as I thought all those I love are fast asleep as I make a connection with a statue.

Then the night we’d all been waiting for. We finally got our overnight in Amsterdam! Val and I left almost as soon as I was done with work around 11:45 p.m. In typical ship life fashion, we end up finding the biggest group of crew at the tiniest pub in Holland. The bartender at De Ooievaar gave us drinks and ample entertainment letting Eef jump on his back and taking our photos. It was a great time, and once Julien started doing his special impressions, there was no stopping our loud and obnoxious laughter. I must admit, there’s nothing like walking into a bar and having a large table of people yell out, “Mackenzie!” Our next stop was a stroll along the Red Light District. Wow. I’ll just say, there’s certainly something for everyone there.

Val and I eventually split from the group in search of another bar. Where we ended up was a sports pub with another friendly bartender. He tells us the guys next to us were working on our ship that day, so the two come to talk to us as the bartender gives them a wink. My jaw nearly dropped when one of them turned and was wearing a “Greensboro Grasshoppers” shirt. What a small, small world. I told him I knew of the Grasshoppers and that I had gone to Elon. They told me they were just at Elon two days before! We talked about local stuff and Val was a little scared at how quickly my southern accent came back. It was funny to be in the middle of Amsterdam with two Carolina boys.

After another stroll along the Red Light District, Val and I headed back to the ship pleased with the overnight we’d waited so long for.

The next day was Antwerp, Belgium. Valerie had to work at 2 so she had me get up at the crack of dawn to look around this city. I’m glad we did. It was really peaceful with only a few tourists around. We saw all the big stuff, walked over every inch of the town and had Belgian waffles. We ordered waffles with whipped cream and chocolate. Now I didn’t really think these were going to taste any different from any other ordinary waffle. Oh I was wrong. They were just the right crunchy versus soft ratio. Crispy edges with soft centers, topped with powdered sugar. The whipped cream sat off to the side to be used at our discretion, which was perfect s it didn’t get the waffle all soggy as I devoured it. The best part? The saucer of melted chocolate we drizzled over top of it. Oh these Belgians know their waffles. We did a bit of shopping for chocolate to take home in Grote Park and took photos of the Hand Fountain in the City hall Square. There was one said part to being in Belgium, though. Eef signed off and went home in Belgium. I’m glad she’s decided to go back to school, but I have missed her so much since she left. It was always one of my favorite parts of the day, shooting the International Daily with her. Well, there’s always Facebook.

The NEXT day (yes, there’s another day) was Dover, England. Valerie begged me to go to London with her. Twist my arm, I thought, I’ll spend an afternoon in London. Val had never been, so her face when I first pointed out Big Ben was worth the 2 hour train ride. I knew we weren’t going to fit everything in, but we sure tried. We had the most beautiful walk to Buckingham Palace. The leaves were falling, painting the sidewalk the best browns and yellows as John and Mischa kept Val and I laughing with there obsession with finding a KFC. There was no changing of the guard, but we were entertained by some tourist fishing his sunglasses out of the fountain. While we sat there I took out my “Sense and Sensibility” to read. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw myself sitting at Buckingham Palace with my little novel in hand. I really felt like me, and I loved it. I was doing something I’d dreamed of as a girl. I just felt accomplished even if only for a few moments before John called me an anti-social, nerd. Oh, Johnny.

We found Trafalgar Square and my friends climbed the lions. I took the photos and recalled climbing the same lions just one year ago. I thought of Bernadette, Claire, Chelsey and Katie and how much fun we had struggling for that perfect picture. As we walked down to the Thames to get a better view of Big Ben, I felt the energy of London. There’s absolutely nothing like the rush you get from walking the sidewalks of a big city. It wakes me up and makes me feel alive. We had a pretty great, albeit not typical British, lunch and I got to meet up with Tristan from Elon. It was nice to see a face from home.

The day in London made me so reminiscent of when I studied abroad that Valerie probably never wants to hear the word “Ireland” ever again. I couldn’t help it. Between the candies and cider I hadn’t tasted in a year, the sites I’d photographed with my Elon friends and just being in Europe, who couldn’t help but be a little nostalgic. Especially me – the Queen of Nostalgia.

So Much More Fun Than Searching for a Bomb

This morning the crew had a mandatory bomb drill. As I am not on a search party I pretty much stayed in my room until ordered to go to my muster station where I would normally direct guests to safety. The guests, though, were all out enjoying the beauty of Stockholm. I could merely see it from the window. I was not happy. Neither was anyone else. The minute we heard the the "ding-dong" announcing the drill was over, you wouldn't believe how quickly the crew was moving downstairs towards our rooms. I had laid my clothes out and was ready to go in a matter of minutes.

Val, Anna and I boarded a bus full of crew membes escaping the ship for a few hours. I was put in charge of leading these hungry girls to the previosuly described indoor market with the world's greatest Swedish meatballs. We took our meatballs to sit outside and a bench just outside the market was open, in the shade with a beautiful view of the market. I'm taking it as a little gift from Sweden for our last visit. The meatballs were just as sweet and delicious as I remembered. The girls complimented me on my good call of getting meatballs, and for remembering where the place was! It was a great little lunch.

Then we being girls with free time found the nearest H&M. This place is going to get me in trouble. I was on a search for a shirt I had seen in an H&M in Helsinki almost 11 days. I figure if it's been 11 days and I'm still thinking of how much I want it, I deserve to treat myself. I was seriously on a mission. Val was simply strolling and browsing, I was sniffing out this dark blue, paisley shirt like no one's business. I turned to my friend and claimed it was like searching for that "bomb" this morning, but this was way more fun! I was also way more excited when I found it.

Stockholm granted us a beautiful, crisp day for our last visit. Perhaps the Baltic knows were leaving it soon and wants to leave us with a great impression? I'll take it.

Bye Bye Warnemunde

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day in Germany. The sun was shining and there was a cool breeze as Valerie and I walked to the train station. Our unair-conditioned train took us to the medieval town of Rostock, just 30 minutes from our port of call, Warnemunde. When we arrived we walked about fifteen minutes into town and found the most adorable shop lined streets. We had lunch at Subway. Now I know what you're thinking, you're in Europe and you get Subway!? We each have tasted the local cuisine and sometimes you just want something familiar - especially with the crap they serve us onboard. It was perfect. We sat outside and Valerie went on and on about how she could spend all day getting some sun on the sidewalk.

We walked around, popping in souvenir shops and I looked for a new camera. Yea, mine finally died. The lens won't even open anymore. Sad, I know, but I'll find a cheap one somewhere soon. Rostock was the perfect size city. It was big enough that it looked like there was always something to do, but not so big that it became intimidating - like my beloved NYC can be. It was the kind of town I want to settle in one day. Don't worry people, the German language scares me too much to ever even consider moving here.

After we got our fill of Rostock we got back on th train bound for Warnemunde, both mine and Val's favorite port. It's such a cute little town with a pier and sailboats, seagulls and shops. There are cheap clothing stores and windows displaying amber jewelry. What did I buy? Candy. Yea, I know, but if you could taste this German chocolate, you'd stock up, too. Val and I ended our last day in our favorite port by sitting on a little bench taking pictures of ourselves and the authentic German pretzels we bought. Like I said, the perfect farewell to my favorite Baltic port.

My New Friend

It's been a while, I know. Unfortunately since Helsinki about a week ago, I've only gotten off the ship once for an hour in Tallinn. Got a great burger and some free internet time, but nothing else. No money to buy a "visa" for Russia, and no time to get into Copenhagen.

What havev I learned? If you don't get off this ship as often as possible, you go crazy. You get sucked into dramas and everyone begins to annoy you. As we sail to Amsterdam I'm planning how to spend every port this next Baltic tour. EVERY port. Amsterdam I'll get lunch and visit the post. Germany I want to go to Rostock for shopping in the medieval town. Stockholm I must find the Ice Bar. Helsinki I want to shop with Jamie again. First Russia day I may have to stay onboard, but the second one, I want to take a tour to Peterhoef. I hope I get it. Tallinn I want to go to the little cafe in the cave, and Copenhagen I want to wander, shop, and say goodbye to the little mermaid. Sounds good, right? Let's hope I get it all done.

Unusually slow sea day today. It's rocky and my poor spa girls are feeling it worst on deck 11. The sail from Denmark to Holland is always rocky. Not as bad today, but you can certainly feel it. Days like this remind the sea is just as alive as you and me. It breathes, moves, has good days and bad ones. I've made friends with the sea, and don't know if I can ever live too far from it. Thinking back over my short life, even being in Elon felt too far from the sea. There's something about the water that draws me in. I can stand on deck 6 looking over the edge forever, losing track of time and ignoring anything going on around here.

Yeah, the sea and I are buddies. We get each other.

Sangria on the Sidewalk

I had the most adorable day in Helsinki yesterday. I woke up to my friend Jamie from England calling asking if I wanted to get off the ship. I always want to get off the ship. I met her and another Brit, Christina, on the gangway and we boarded the shuttle for Helsinki. Jamie planned to show us all the great shopping - and boy did she. Gentlemen, this part of the entry gets a little unbearable for you. We hit up all of these little shops I'd never heard of like Gina's, Mango, and then there was Zara and H&M which I was familiar with. I spent way too much money, but it sure felt nice to treat myself. A nice blue top from this Mango place, a new teal dress for formal night from Zara, a skirt for Sizzle in Gina's and a few odds and ends in H&M. I was shocked at myself, buying dresses and skirts and even picking out pink items to try on! What are these Europeans doing to me!?

After we shopped we dropped at this little sidewalk cafe for a pitcher of some of the best sangria I'd ever had. We put on our big sunglasses and sat back enjoying the charm of Helsinki. It was a such a sweet moment we had a passerby take our picture.

Today is the first day back to St. Petersburg. I'm out of money, so no shuttle ticket for this girl. It wasn't too bad hanging out on the ship and sleeping in. Tonight we're having a Casino Night. I won't be participating, but it can't hurt to enjoy a drink and watch my friends waste their money, right?

My On-Air Skills Weren't Flushed Away After All!

It's really the little things that make my days around here - lunches with girls from youth staff and shorex, sodas in the staff bar with talkative bartenders, finding a cute German top for just 10 Euros (please don't remind me what that is in American dollars).

Yesterday I had a lovely day in my favorite port of this itinerary. Warenemunde gave us the most beautiful day for getting, as my cruise director would say, "blissfully lost" around the boardwalk. Valerie and I found a grocery store with the most delicious German chocolates. The Europeans have a great talent for candy. My favorites, as most of you know, are usually any sweets that mix the perfect flavors of chocolate and peanut butter. Here, though, in Germany, they have replaced the peanut butter with hazlenut. These little Kinder candies are my new weakness. Germany has been the biggest surprise of all. I had this pre-conceived image of Germany, mostly from all of my history classes and the one unpleasant German I knew in Ireland. I expected darkness, serious people and cloudy days. I've been shocked. It's bright, beautiful and charming, and the people are so friendly. I really love Germany.

Last night after talking with a friend about our homesickness, I had the uncotrollable urge to call home. I bought a phone card and rang up Tiffany, as it's been about 2 months since I'd heard her voice. With the exception of the few emergencies and special occasions I've had, I've been avoiding calling home. I figured hearing everyone's voices all the time would just make things worse for me. I'm slowly realizing completely isolating myself is actually making things tougher. Most other people around here do it that way. Valerie checks her e-mail once every other week and Anna rarely calls home. I just figured they must be doing it the right way. Quite the contrary, talking to Tiffany made me feel a lot better. It helps me feel connected, like I'm really not that far away. I may have to start buying more calling cards. Guess that means less cute tops in Germany.

Everyone will be happy to know that I have put my journalistic talents to use! No, I'm not putting together any pieces on the breaking news in my ports of call, though that would be pretty cool. I recently put together a commercial, at the request of the hotel department, reminding our guests not to throw their handi-wipes from home down our toilets. I know what you're all thinking (especially you, Rich), but let me explain. We went and shot this in an empty guest cabin and the Cruise Director was called away before he could do the voice over. He turned to my manager and said, "Well, maybe someone else can do it?" My manager, being a native of The Philippines, of course couldn't do it in his somewhat broken english. Both heads turned to me. I accepted the task with a slight shrug. So I sat down and had to write out what I was going to say. I had very little time to do this (much like when I was a reporter) and I had to use the simplest language I could muster (again, like when I was a reporter), since most of our guests speak very simple English. I tracked just the way I did in the dungeons of McEwen. I counted down and did it in takes. When I was done my boss was impressed and said he liked the way I spoke with the microphone. So yes, it is very small and nothing like what my fellow graduates are doing as reporters and producers in the States, but hey, it still came in handy out here in the Baltic. It's also cool to hear my own voice on TV again.

It's really the little things.

Did Anyone Meet Anyone Not From the Ship?

Being out here at sea is trying. Everyday I'm happy to be here, and I have a nice little life setup for myself. Good friends, a job I generally enjoy, and ports of call I never would have found on my own. However, there are days where home feels too far away. Those are the days like yesterday, when you get bad news from home, and at the same time you know there's a big event going on you're missing. Valerie joked today as we walked back to the ship from Tallinn, "good old home sweet home," she called it. "No," I said, "Dear God, do not call it that," I chuckled back to her.

I was up most of the night thinking of home. Doesn't help matters that my bunk bed wall is plastered with pictures of those I care about. Ones with the Fabulous 5 of Elon, Mikey and me, Cheri, Dannika, Glenn, and family.

I know this is an amazing opportunity I'm having, I know. Please don't think I'm unhappy. Just needed to get the homesickness off my chest.

Two nights ago was our overnight in St. Petersburg, so a bunch of the crew hopped into taxis and found a Russian night club. What. A. Night. Wow. Essentially, I've realized living on a ship has made us lose all socializing abilities, since we only talked to one another and we basically took the crew bar and put it in a Russian bar. It was fun to at least get out and have a new setting. Makes me look forward to the overnight in Amsterdam.

Today was Tallinn, Estonia. There isn't a whole lot to do in this tiny town, but we found the beautiful Alexander Cathedral and I dragged Valerie inside. It was very Russian influenced, with gold adornents all over. We also had a very nice lunch at an Irish pub (go figure, right?) and then found the most delcious pastries at this coffee shop in a cave. Yes, in a cave.

Tonight's the 70's Night Fever in the disco and my cruise director has informed me that we need to shoot the daily announcements early, as he needs at least 45 minutes to get into his "70's getup." Yup, just another day at work.

A Canadian, a Belgian, a Dutchman and an American Walk Into a Bar

No that's not the setup to a joke, but how I spent my afternoon in Stockholm. I guess I should first fill in the blank space between Russia and now.

I went to Copenhagen. It was a windy, rainy day and I was on a walking tour. Despite it all, I loved the city of the little mermaid. I got my picture with her and on my tour the older woman gathered us all around. There, in front of the classic statue, she told us the REAL little mermaid tale - not the one Disney added a soundtrack to. I love both versions, but it was so quaint and classic to stand at the pier where the statue sits, and hear the story from a Danish woman. Needless to say, I'm counting the days until Copenhagen again.

We got a new Cruise Director who is changing things, some bad, some good. He and the Activity Manager are giving me more creative things to do, which I really appreciate. My bingo commercials air all day and I hear people around the ship saying how amused they were at them. That makes me feel better, anyway. I like this guy, though I miss the old one. This new guy is an old stunt man/actor from LA. He's much more laid back and is the kind of guy you can sit back and have a cocktail with. No beer, no with this guy it would be a glass of scotch, or whiskey in the Cigar Room.

So back to today. Today was my second time in Stockholm. I didn't like it all that much the first time, but today was beautiful and sunny. When we got off, one of my friends from guest relations said there were only 18 guests left onboard. Everyone wanted to take advantage of the gorgeous day. Since I didn't bring any shorts with me, and my jeans are all getting holes in them, I decided to put on a very flowy skirt. It was perfect for strolling the city on a hot day. Sergio the Dutchman lead his girlfriend Karen the Canadian, our other friend Eef the Belgian and me the American to an indoor market he found on our free map. It was easily one of the best finds I've ever had in all of Europe. It was like a flea market, but cleaner and all the stands had little bars with stools so you could stop and eat. It was pretty clear we were some of the few tourists in the place, which we took to be a good sign. We sat at one bar and I had the greatest meatballs of my life. Real Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes all washed down with a Carlsburg. Oh man. My stomach hasn't been that happy with me in a long time. If the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach, then Sweden has a special spot in mine.

We walked around a bit more and went back to the Century. We are now sailing towards Helsinki where I will probably spend more money that I really don't have.

I Can See Alaska From Here!

Ok, so I actually couldn't see Alaska from St. Petersburg, but I squinted and you betchya I tried!

Anyway, Sunday and Monday the Century was docked in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was nice to not have the rocking and rolling for a little bit. I got out on a tour, I swear someone at shore excursions must really like me, and went on "City Highlights and Pushkin." I was a little afraid at first, with all of the formalities at Russian immigration, but they weren't so bad. I even got a new stamp in my passport! Not every port does that.

My tour was small with just 8 people. We got a nice little van to drive us around all day and a sweet tour guide named Eugenia. Our first stop was the Russian Cathedral right next to the statue of the city's founder, Peter the Great. The Cathedral had these giant red pillars that Eugenia said had all been lifted by man. I couldn't believe it. It always amazes me the things humans are capable of.

Our next stop was an hour outside the city. Pushkin was the entire reason I signed up for this tour. What could possibly be in Pushkin, you may be asking yourself. I would respond with an enthusiastic, Catherine's Palace! The palace of Catherine I was stunning. The most beautiful robin's egg blue you've ever seen, said to be modeled after their daughter's eyes. It was so bright and the white was so pure it looked sweet. If you had told me the whole thing was made of cake and frosting I would have believed you. I later found that to be true of much of old Russian architecture. It's all very elaborate. It all reminded me of the "It's A Small World" ride in Disney World. Never thought a place like that actually existed. In Catherine's Palace we toured the golden suite of rooms. I was completely taken with the whole palce. From the paintings on the ceilings, to the gold cherubs and angels on the walls all the way down to the perfectly wooden flowers decorating the floor. I just couldn't get enough of it. It was so bright and grand and elaborate.

Then the final golden room was the reason I wanted to come to Catherine's Palace. In my sophomore year of college I was assigned to do a short commercial for a documentary on the Amber Room. The minute I heard that the Amber Room was on some of our tours I knew I had to be there. We walked in and I couldn't believe how full circle everything had come. Just two years ago I was learning about this room and writing a creative commercial about it, and now there I was standing in it. It's just one of those moments where you stop and aks yourself, who knew? and how did I get so lucky?

Next we went to the Hermitage for a photo stop. Again, very It's-A-Small-World decadent.

Ok, so yes I loved St. Petersburg, but here's what I was not so crazy about: the food. Oh boy. Those of you that know me are well aware that I'm one of the world's pickiest eaters. When I travel, however, I think it's really important to stay open minded and try new things. So I promised myself I would at least try everything they put in front of me. First there was a rather dry vegetable salad. Pass. Then the waiter brought out champagne. Accept. He set a plate in front of me with two little pancakes, one topped with a sour cream like thing, and the other with caviar. Yes, caviar. I thought, wow, I have champagne and caviar in front of me, this is so classy. Well... I tried it. Let's just say the sensation of chewing fish eggs is not one I would like to repeat anytime soon. I did continue to enjoy the champagne, though.

Next we went to Peter and Paul Fortress and again I found myself feeling like I'd walked into yet another picture book. The cathedral in the fortress holds the graves of emperors and empresses of the past and the Romanov family. While looking at the tombstones I realized just how beautiful Russian girl's names are. Anastasia, Alexis, Tatyana, Catherine, and Elizabeth. So elegant.

Our final stop was the Church of the Spilled Blood. The sun was setting behind it, which made for some great shots, but the colors were not as vibrant without the sun shine on it. It was still breathtaking. It looked like some Russian princess should be walking out at the moment to address her subjects. The domes were decorated with mosaics and colors that made it look, again, like a fairy tale.

I use this metaphor a lot. I should explain so that no one thinks I mean the same thing each time. I have been to many places where I feel like I am "walking into a picture book." The first time was when I lived in Ireland. In my head those stories always involved peasant girls and and castles within the meadows. Geiranger is where trolls approach people gazing at the waterfalls - the same can be said for Olden. Alesund would be home to stories of young children with braids and suspendors constantly disobeying thier parents and learning valuable lessons. St. Petersburg, though, would be the place of grand stories. They would be of princesses dressed as stunningly as thier buildings. They stroll the streets and little girls admire them. White horses trot by carrying strapping noblemen. It is where fantastic dances would be held where everyone attended all night. The women would be twirled about with their colorful skirts flowing as if to make them look like they're floating on air. At least this is what I pictured on my day in Russia.

That night we were lucky enough to get another Wine and Cheese Night, but this time it was on the bow of the ship on the open air crew deck. It was beautiful. We had glasses of wine under the stars with St. Petersburg as the back drop. I felt so classy, then I remembered my encounter with the caviar and felt secure in the fact that I would never be too classy. I like that I maintain a bit of my unsophisticated nature.

Last night was our crew party. The theme was International Flag Night. Crew members came with their nations' flag around their neck. Some people got awfully creative. John had three ties on, one for each color ofthe Italian flag. Laura had a small Hungarian flag on her cheek, and of course we Americans never buy that tacky 4th of July stuff, and last night we really regretted it. We found one amongst the decorations and took turns passing it around for photos. It was simple since there are only 10 or 12 of us around.

Today we had a crew boat drill which left little time out in port. It's too bad, too, since Tallinn, Estonia is really cute. Next time I want to take more time to walk around and enjoy the little city. We are sailing towards Copenhagen now and we'll be there on Thursday. I really hope that this theme of fairy tales continues there. How could it not? After all, Copenhagen is the home of my all time favorite fairy tale - The Little Mermaid. Oh yea, you know I'm excited.

There's More than Meatballs?

So yesterday I was on a tour of Stockholm, Sweden. Bright and early (ok, 10 a.m., but I'm still in college mode) I went to the theater to collect my tour group. We had the sweetest girl as our guide and unlike most tour guides I've had so far, she was very interesting and even funny! We rode a bus all aorund new town and old town Stockholm and our major highlight was the Vasa Museum. This was really cool. The Vasa is a ship that sailed in 1629 but didn't really make it far from Stockholm before sinking to bottom of the harbor. It is as our tour guide put it, "Sweden's most famous mistake." In 1956, though, they were able to pull it out of the waters 95% intact. So I wasn't seeing some replica of an old war ship. This was an authentic ship from the 1600s. The wood carvings were intricate and they were even able to pull pigments from the wood to figure what colors certain things were painted. So there was a scale model in front showing how colorful she would have been. I have to say I was taken aback by the lion heads on the gun windows. It was pretty interesting.

After the tour I walked around for a bit with Val. We found the shopping centers and the spots where the young folk hang out and I began warming up to Stockholm. It's a nice city with its own charm, but Berlin is a tough act to follow. After walking through some more bustling parts of town I started to think I could really like Stockholm. Not to mention the Swedish people are really friendly.

Today I was in Helsinki, Finland on another tour. I'm getting really lucky being selected for all of these tours. A bus drove me around Helsinki, stopping at certain attractions. First we were in the Senate Square, which I thought was just beautiful, and we walked down to the open air market. I strolled around with the best mint ice cream cone I've had in a while. I'm finding I really love market places. Then we went to one of the most interesting churches I've ever been to. They call it the Rock Church. It's literally within a blown out rock with a copper dome top. The acoustics were phenomenal and I felt really comfortable there. It was non-denominational, which would explain my comfort. I said a quick prayer and headed back to the bus.

I found that I really liked Helsinki. Tomorrow I'm yet another tour in St. Petersburg, Russia. I'm glad I am, since it's really the only way we can get into Russia.

Berlin - who knew?

So Tuesday evening I got some very exciting news. I had been picked to be a tour escort into Berlin. Our ship docks in a cute little German town known as Warnemunde, which is about three hours away from the city.

The morning began on a train ride with Val and Sarah from the spa. We cracked jokes and talked about people and goings-on on the ship. We excitedly waved goodbye to the Century and felt great about the fact that we wouldn’t be seeing it for another twelve hours.

In Berlin I got on my bus for the “Berlin: The 20^th Century Experience” tour. Our first stop, naturally, was the Berlin Wall. I had my giant Panasonic video camera ready to take shots for the Voyage in Review movie I have to put together every cruise. I must say, at first I really wasn’t impressed with Berlin. We saw the outskirts and I thought there wasn’t much to it and a tad dirty – sort of like Londonderry. Our next stop was Checkpoint Charlie. At this point I was really wishing I had paid more attention to Mr. Crile’s World History lessons. Checkpoint Charlie was in a much more bustling area of the city, so it was starting to impress me, but I wasn’t sold yet.

After Checkpoint Charlie I had the most fabulous lunch. We walked into the dining room of the Westin to see giant salads waiting for us with the best feta cheese and mushrooms. The salad was followed by a breast of chicken enveloping spinach with carrots, potatoes, sauerkraut, and little German sausages on the side. Oh my gosh it was amazing. I don’t even like sauerkraut and this was delicious. Then for dessert, again I tried something I swore I didn’t like. It was apple strudel in vanilla sauce. I washed it all down with a great glass of German beer. Fantastic. I am more obsessed with food these days since the food on the ship is so awful.

Our next stop was the Reichstag and North Gate. It was very lovely. The North Gate reminded me of the Arc de Triomphe with a long, beautiful street leading away from it – just like the Champs-Elysees. The Linden Street was charming with elegant and trendy shops and trees with leaves such a bright green they looked like white magnolia leaves. I really wished I could get off the bus and just stroll around. I always thought of Germany as harsh and rough, but I was starting to see it had its charm. I was starting to see it differently.

We passed the Holocaust Memorial of concrete slabs. The guide explained that the red roofed buildings behind the memorial were old Nazi bunkers and that one was the sight of Hitler’s supposed suicide. I got a slight eerie feeling.

The day provided me many reasons to smile as we passed things on the bus. We passed a Lidl, the grocery store we girls frequented in Dublin. I was thrown back to my tiny Irish apartment and our pesto pasta. We passed people walking dachshunds and I thought of Tootse. I couldn’t believe I was seeing real German dachshunds.

Our next stop was the Allied Museum. Out front was a Berlin Bear (much like the Lexington pigs) decorated fro the candy-bombers. The bear begged for a photo with me. So I just had to. A giant plane was surrounded by two museums. The first was a museum converted from an old American soldier movie theater. It was filled with old artifacts from WWII. On the other side was more documentation of WWII, including an excavated spy tunnel which was really great.

Next we rode to one of the city’s main squares. I was instantly drawn to Emperor William’s Memorial Church. It was stunning. The original building stood between two new buildings. The original was bombed in the war and the two new ones were built as a symbol against violence and destruction. I strolled into one of the new buildings and it was easily the most beautiful sanctuary I have ever seen. Every wall is covered to the ceiling with small squares of stained glass. The color was the most brilliant blue. I honestly don’t have the words to properly describe this church. It was that moment I realized Berlin officially had a small piece of my heart.

The square outside had street vendors, entertainers, and a fountain with an outdoor café. It was so charming and wonderful. Our tour stopped at a few more memorials, and at the end of the day I was ready for a long nap on the train. Unfortunately my mind was racing with thoughts of the beautiful city that I am ready to visit again.

Today is a sea day, and we are headed to Stockholm.

If the Boat's A-Rockin'... It Must be the North Sea.

Yep, I’m getting used to this life at sea.

Last Thursday I went on a crew tour in Geiranger, Norway. It’s easily one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. This is where we docked for the 4^th and had our barbeque, but this time I got off the ship. It was great to spend the day with Val and Tina. The bus we were on took us to the top of Mount Dalsnibba – about 5000 feet above sea level. It was beautiful and freezing up there. There were patches of snow all over, enough for the crew to have a full on snowball fight in the middle of July. Priceless.

The next day I took another tour. This time it was with guests and my manager. We were out getting stock footage for corporate. Our bus took us to the Kjendallen Glacier. I am really grateful to see all of this beauty, but it’s almost overwhelming. I need a dirty gutter or graffiti alleyway in my life soon. Too much of a good thing, ya know? There’s only so many times I can have my breath taken away by a fjord.

The next day was Bergen. Bergen is definitely my favorite Norwegian port. I got to take a coach tour in the morning and spent the afternoon walking around with Karen and Val. We found a TGIFriday’s with free wi-fi and totally took advantage of it. I got the best burger of my life (maybe it’s just the fact that it’s not ship food) and had a nice cider. It was just what I needed at the time.

The next day was a sea day. What’s worse? A day in the North Sea. It’s so rocky and the theater is easily the worst place to be for rocking, and that’s where I do most of my shooting on sea days. Oh well, I’ll get it.

I’m making more friends and this place is starting to feel really comfortable. I still think of home daily. I have this habit of finding a window and being mesmerized by the waves. I stare at them and think of home, the future, my friends, my family, my life here, money, jobs, places to visit, places to live, just everything. In front of the waves, though, I don’t feel stress. I don’t feel sad. I don’t feel anything. I’m just there. Thinking and wandering my mind. It’s the best meditation ever.

The other night I began bonding with the Activity Staff and for the first time really felt like Kenzie. I laughed, made jokes, spoke up, came out of my shell, essentially. It was nice to feel like that again.

Today we were back in Amsterdam. I enjoyed it much more this time. I went out with a few British friends to and Irish pub. As we sat there talking about the ship and our jobs, I noticed how distinct my accent made me. It’s been a while since I was the token American. It always makes me chuckle. Again, the fact that it wasn’t ship food made that club sandwich the best one I’ve ever had. It was really good, regardless. And then, the best part of the meal, something I didn’t even realize I’d been craving until I had it again, a Magners. Now I know what some of you may be thinking – Kenz, you had Magners in the States. Not like this. I was right. They are different in Europe. They are a pint of Heaven over here and nothing can compare. I took that first sip and I was taken back to Dublin. I closed my eyes and in that split second of sipping I was back with Shaina and Em again. I was on the top of the Fitzsimmon’s bundled up and happy with my pint. It was a nice throwback.

Now I’m sitting in the broadcast as we sail towards Germany. One more sea day and I may have the opportunity to go to Berlin. If not, it’s Warnemunde, Germany. Either way I’m finally going to get to see Germany. As long as the North Sea waves don’t kill me.

I like Molde. It Grows on You. :)

Wine and cheese night in the staff mess was a great success. I met more people and as I looked around my table at the new faces all smiling and drinking I got my first content feeling on the ship. I still feel myself holding back sometimes. I’m not quite comfortable enough yet to let my guard down and really be myself. I don’t know why, I just don’t always act like Kenzie. They probably can’t handle it, anyway. ;)

Honningsvag was easily more fun this time than last. Last time we were there it was rainy/flurry, freezing and grey. Now this is not a big city by any means. I only say it was more fun this time because I could feel my toes while walking around. I strolled along with Tina for a while talking about work and the ship and our futures. Neither of us has a for sure stance on any of these topics. Then Tina went back to the ship to meet with her boyfriend and at that moment we ran into Val. So I just took Val on the same stroll. More chatting, more laughing, more bonding.

Life on the ship moves fast. People meet, they become close in a matter of weeks, sometimes even days, and then in a few months you’re gone. It’s not an environment that fosters mature relationship building. Maybe that’s why most people have a middle school mindset. In middle school it was perfectly normal to have a new best friend or boyfriend/girlfriend every few weeks or months. It’s really fascinating. Unfortunately, I’m not the type to rush things, and that’s one thing that won’t change about me.

Yesterday was a sea day. I’m not as fond as sea days. They’re really busy for me, but it’s busy like I have a shoot and then an hour, and then a shoot and then 45 minutes, and so on. It’s those awkward short breaks that are killer. I can’t really get much done and I certainly can’t catch a nap. What do you do? Well, I watch episodes of CSI: Miami and try not to fall asleep. I need to start reading. I will soon. Straight after college my mind wants a long break before another book is picked up. I did, however, finish “Who Moved My Cheese,” and I strongly recommend it to any and everyone. There’s something in there for everyone and it’s one of those books you’ll pick up at different points in your life and it will have a different meaning each time.

After work I went to the Rendez-Vous Lounge with Val and some new friends. I’m always amused at the eclectic nature of the people I’m surrounded by. Around the table last night was a Colombian, two Americans, an Australian and an Israeli. This sort of thing just wouldn’t happen at any other job. I had a couple cosmopolitans and watched the waves roll by as the Argentinean quartet played soft slow tunes. It was a new kind of sea night. I’m going to call them Tetris waves. The ripples in the water moved in such a way that they looked digital – just like the way the Tetris blocks move. Maybe it was the cosmos…

Safety training was early this morning. This should be the last one, though. I’m crossing my fingers. It was nice to see Cara again, though. I had lunch with her after and she gave me some great news. She’s going to try and get her boyfriend on the ship. It will make her happy and it will make me happy cause she won’t leave!

The biggest perks of the day were e-mails and ports. I’ve finally got my Microsoft Outlook up and running, which means I can simply spend two minutes sending and receiving and I can do my reading and writing of e-mails offline. It’s great. So anyway, this morning I received a bunch and they just really made me happy. When I get e-mails from people I can hear them reading saying the words to me in their voices. It really lifts my spirits. I could hear Haas’ voice telling me all about 4^th of July, and Glenn’s laugh as he jokes about being my favorite Jew. I can always hear Leigh and Tiff in their messages. It just makes me happy to know people at home haven’t forgotten about me all the way up here in Norway.

I spent the rest of the afternoon in Molde. It’s a nice little town and today we were lucky because the Molde Jazz Festival was going on. The streets were lined with vendors under tents for blocks. There were rides for kids, cotton candy and stages set up for different bands to play. Val and I walked around chatting about everything. We looked at jewelry and clothes, but as my loans are always in the back of my mind, I resisted the temptation to buy the cutest ohm earrings. We got ice cream and Val pointed out that it was the first time all afternoon that we weren’t talking. I guess once you put cookies and cream on a cone in front of me, talking about the silly dramas of the ship seem way less important.

I’m in the broadcast room now and things are starting to shake. We must be revving up to pull out of port. Tomorrow morning we’ll be in the prettiest of our ports, Geiranger. Val convinced me to spend the $25 for the crew tour. I’ve been told it’s worth it. I’m sure it is - I just wish I could get these loans off my mind for a second. This tour will be fun, though. I’ve heard it’s gorgeous.

Norway’s full of magical things. Fjords, trolls and ice cream that will keep two chatterboxes quiet for at least a few minutes.

Leading the Tour to Puppies

A few nights ago I discovered a new type of sea day. The grey day. It’s when the clouds, water and sky blend together to create this monotonous piece of scenery. Not my favorite day by any means, but last night was a silk night, which made up for it.

Alesund was a rainy day, so my roommate and I found a little café in town and had some of the best lunch I’ve had in a while. Maybe it was because it wasn’t ship food, maybe it was just that good, I’ll never know. The camembert was fantastic. I hadn’t had camembert that good in a long time.

Yesterday was mom’s 50^th birthday. She’s going to hate me for putting her age on my blog, but there it is. It was so wonderful to call home. After a good half hour chat with mom I tried to get a hold of a few other people, but no one seemed to be picking up that Saturday morning. Oh well, maybe next time. At least I got to talk to mom and wish her a happy birthday. That’s all I really wanted, anyway.

Before I called mom, though, I got to do something that really reminded me that my job is not like any other job. Our ship crossed into the Arctic Circle yesterday. So to commemorate this, the Cruise Director and Activity Staff staged a Viking take over of the Century. It was hilarious. All of a sudden Rich, the Cruise Director, comes storming on to the top deck where all of the guests are, in a horned hat carrying a shield. He was yelling that he and his Vikings had taken over the ship. The Activity Staff and dancers followed behind him, one picking up the Activity Manager and throwing her over his shoulder. They then began to baptize the guests as Vikings. First, Rich dumped ice water over their heads and then they had to kiss a dead fish before taking a shot of vodka. God, it was funny. So my afternoon’s work? Filming my boss wear a Viking helmet and shoving a dead fish in people’s faces. Most of my work that evening? Editing it into a video I dubbed “The Tale of Richard the Great,” which is currently airing on every television on the ship. I’m pretty pleased with it. Plus, I got to see the globe monument that marked the entrance to the Arctic Circle. That was really worth it.

Today I got to be a tour escort for the first time. Basically I hold a sign in the air that tells the guests which bus we’re getting on, I help the tour guide if he needs anything, and I get to go on the tour for free. So in Tromso, Norway I took a bus to the Polar Museum, and then to the Wilderness Center. I wasn’t so much a fan of the Polar Museum. It was full of artifacts from explorers of Svalbard and the North Pole, so it was cool to see a real ship’s crow’s nest, but I was really turned off by the sections on whale, seal, and polar bear hunting. It was all too graphic and sad for me.

After the museum was the whole reason I signed up for this tour. The Wilderness Center in Tromso is where they raise huskie sled dogs. I think these are possibly the world’s friendliest dogs. They had over 300 at the center and I fell in love with all of them. Some had striking blue eyes, others dark, and a few of them had one blue eye and one dark eye. The best part, though, was holding the puppies. There were three little girls on my tour and nothing warms your heart more than seeing a little girl holding a puppy. I grew particularly fond of the little French girl who was really surprised when I spoke to her in French. She held one pup for so long I thought she was going to try and keep it. I loved it. It reminded me of going to the Burlington Animal Shelter for stress relief at Elon. I didn’t care that I smelled like dog the rest of the afternoon, it was worth it to just be around man’s best friend.

So now I’m here sailing away from Tromso, off to Honningsvag. My work is mostly done until I go shoot some bands playing. I have shot the Daily Announcements with Rich, who pulled me on screen today. (I never realize just how short I am until I see myself next to other people) I shot the international daily announcements with my favorite International Hostesses. We read our horoscopes between takes, which got me thinking of Tiff. And on this smooth, silky sea night I anxiously await getting off work to go see my ship friends.

My Address

Since some people have asked:

Mackenzie Ames

Broadcast Operator

Celebrity Century

PO Box 019030

Miami, FL 33101-9030

:)

Oh Hey, There's the Seasickness...

Ok, first seasick day. The North Sea is not being very nice today. I don’t know what we did to piss off Thor, but I don’t ever want to do it again. In my cabin it’s alright, since I’m not very high up. The broadcast room is ok since it’s mid-ship, but of course the place where I had most of my work this sea day is the Celebrity Theater – deck 7 forward. It is one of the rockiest places on the ship and I’m trying to steady my shots and my focus, which makes getting sick easier. I’ll get by.

The days blur together around the ship. I work everyday, so there are no weekends. The only break up of the week is port day or sea day. Sea days I hate, port days are great.

Last Sunday we were in Olden, Norway and I decided to simply take a walk. It was a beautiful setting of fjords, little houses and a big lake. The flowers perfumed the air and it was a lovely walk.

I’ve been going to the crew bar at night with my new girl, Val. It’s nice and it makes adjusting easier. All these faces I see in the halls and at meal times are there, too. So I’m gradually making more friends. It is so fascinating to be surrounded by so many different nationalities. I live for it.

Last Monday we were in Bergen, Norway. This is easily my second favorite port, next to Alesund. There was a cute outdoor market with crafts, jewelry, trinkets, seafood and fruit. Then we took the funicular to the top of one of the mountains. Having such a gorgeous view while sitting on stone steps reminded me of Paris and being at the top of the Sacre Couer. The biggest smile came, though, when I saw multiple 7-11’s around the city that reminded me of Mikey and his enthusiasm for the chain. However, he would have been severely disappointed to find out that there were NO slushies…

Random cruise moment: As I was setting up for the debarkation talk on our last sea day, I struck up a conversation with two American women. They asked where I went to school and I told them I had gone to Elon University. I quickly followed that with, “it’s a small school in North Carolina,” as I typically due since no one knows Elon. Before I could finish one of the women turned to me and said, “I went to Elon.” I was shocked, I said, “No you didn’t!” She told me about how she and her husband both attended Elon and went to their 50^th class reunion last homecoming. She asked if I knew Dr. Danieley and we chatted about how the school has changed. It was so great to be able to talk to someone about Elon. It’s the little things from home that make me happy.

I had my first embarkation day yesterday. So I was back in Amsterdam on a less than stellar day. It was rainy and gross, but I spent the afternoon with Val and Tina, which kept me in good spirits.

Like I said, today is a little rough, but tomorrow we are back in Alesund, which I’m really looking forward to – mostly so this ship will stop rocking.

Choppy Night

Since I have written I have gotten more used to life on the Century.

Last Tuesday we docked in Tromso, Norway. Tromso isn’t exactly charming the way Alesund is. It’s more industrial and less Hansel and Gretel. It was also awfully cold in Tromso, though not nearly as freezing as Honningsvag. As I strolled through the Norwegian town on Wednesday afternoon, I was on a mission. I needed deodorant. The first piece of advice I give to anyone packing for a trip to Europe is bring enough stick deodorant to last you, because the Europeans don’t sell stick deodorant. So what did I forget to bring more of? Stick deodorant. I found a small pharmacy where I bought, you guessed it – roll-on deodorant. Yuck. As I left the store I rolled my eyes at the fact that flurries were falling on my wool cap and trench coat as my friends are probably gathering their beach towels and suntan lotion for a morning lounging in Daytona.

That night we had the crew party. I realized how it’s possible to feel lonely in a room packed where you’re standing elbow to elbow. I’m still really homesick. I’m growing closer to people everyday, like the Youth Staff girls Tina and Valeria, and the Spa girls Cara and Liz. I also really like my roommate Kellyn. She’s the trombone player in the Century Orchestra from Seattle. Making friends with men is almost out of the question. The European ones are pretty much always hitting on you. So I’ll stick with the girls. I still miss home constantly. There’s not a thing around me I don’t relate to someone back home. Kellyn’s from Seattle, which is where Zach is now. Val’s from L.A. which sparks thoughts of Evan and Ryan and then my other Late Night friends. The video of the activity staff member doing interpretive dance to “Time After Time” clearly brings images of a laughing Tiffany to mind, and “Drop Dead Gorgeous” was the crew movie the other night. If I have to explain that one you clearly don’t know me well enough.

Living in the cabins on the ship reminds me of college. There are less people than at Elon, but it’s a very college/study abroad mind set. Secrets are never kept, like in Moffitt Hall. Everything’s rushed like when studying abroad and time is so precious.

Yesterday we docked in Molde, Norway for a beautiful day of strolling the main street. I went out with my friend Cara from South Africa. She’s quiet and sweet. The more we chatted, the more I realized how much we have in common. We’re both 22, with younger sisters and divorced parents. I loved talking with her, but unfortunately she’s really not liking ship life and thinking of leaving at the end of the month. I know she’s not happy, but part of me hopes she finds adjusting easier so that I can keep my friend around.

It’s amazing the places all of my new friends are from. There’s a man from Chile, a man from Slavonia, a guy born in India and raised in Jamaica, friends from Canada, South Africa, Hungary, the Philippines, Germany, Belgium, Paraguay, Australia, and of course the US. There are people from everywhere. 54 nations on one tiny ship. It’s unreal.

Today, though, is the 4^th of July! So today I am even more proud of my accent. I love the States, and it’s sad that I won’t be there for the fireworks. However, if I have to be away, Geiranger Norway is not a bad spot to be in. This morning I looked out on deck and saw the beautiful surroundings.

We are really lucky that today lunch was a barbeque on the crew deck. Deck 7 is reserved for crew and it’s that coveted spot at the very front of the ship. It’s beautiful. I walked out to find burgers and hot dogs set out on the deck of tables and chairs. The ship was docked in the middle of these Norwegian fjords. It was breathtaking. I enjoyed my meal with my American friends, with Jamaicans, Australians and Chileans stopping by for a quick hello.

I had to run back to the broadcast room for some work, but then when the barbeque was cleared I went to the crew deck to write in my journal. It was an out of body experience. I saw myself sitting on this deck in this northern paradise. The water sparkling at the bottom of these fjords and there I am – a tiny girl on a ship with her little notebook. I am constantly astounded at this. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs. It’s so peaceful. The rock faces reminded me of riding through Pennsylvania as a child. In the mist there was a mountain with snow on the top. Seagulls sang as I looked up at the highest fjord. The clouds look like their touching it and the highest peak appears to be in Heaven itself. I can’t even fathom what it must be like up there. It’s all too beautiful to wrap my head around.

I really feel like my emotions are on 24/7 roller coaster. I’m stressed one second, then relieved and laughing at myself for being stressed in the first place, then homesick, then so peaceful after watching the waves. There are nights (and I use that term loosely since the sun never really sets in Norway) where the waves are calm and misty so it looks like we’re sailing on silk. Then there are nights like tonight. The waves are undulating and it creates the most awesome blue shades when looking off the side of the ship. The spray reminds me of the Little Mermaid and I just want to push off a rock and belt “Part of Your World.” It’s really awesome, though it makes walking in the ship really difficult. I don’t get too seasick but nights like these are rough. I can’t walk in the hall without accidentally bumping into the walls. Now I can hear the water crashing and slamming into the sides of my room and I’m thanking God above that I still haven’t been too seasick – just queasy every now and then.

Like I said, it gets a little better everyday.

Adjusting

Life on a ship is certainly not exactly what I had in mind. I’m not seasick, but I get dizzy. My job is new, but not very difficult. The uniforms are hideous. The room is smaller than any dorm in West Hall. It’s an adjustment, to say the least, but I’m finding ways to get a good smile here and there.

I have a few acquaintances, and once training dies down I’ll have the time to visit the crew bar and make some friends. Training… oh training. I hate it. It’s too early in the morning to listen to a man with a thick Greek accent tell me about how many fire extinguishers are onboard. It’s pretty much torture.

Anyway, yesterday was the first day in port and my boss told me I should take the afternoon to relax. So I spent a few hours wandering the town of Alesund, Norway. It was the cutest little town. The architecture reminded me of Venice mixed with Hansel and Gretel. I loved it. I felt like I was walking in one of my old picture books. Today we crossed the into the Arctic Circle. At one in the morning and it looked like dusk. It will be a day of no darkness. Once we hit the Arctic Cirlce, the sun doesn’t set. It’ll be fun, but my body’s really confused. The surrounding view makes it all worth while; gorgeous mountains with the sun shining off the sea. It makes all the training, work, heavy tripods, loneliness, bad and frustrations all worth while.

Today was the first good day I’ve had on board. I got paid way more than I thought I would. I got my wireless set up. I am getting better with the Avid editing software. I had lunch with one of the Youth Staff who’s easily my favorite person on board. My boss and I get along great. I meet new people everyday and tomorrow’s the first crew party, so I’ll finally start being social again.

As I walked back to my cabin after a day of good work, I took the route that led me to the outside deck. At midnight in the Arctic Circle the sun was on the horizon and it looked like dusk. In the distance behind the mist were the biggest mountains I have ever seen. Snow capped and gorgeous. I stood there, freezing my tail off, thinking, I’m almost on the top of the world, literally. So from almost the North Pole, I am trying to make everyday a little better.