Life at Sea

UPDATE

 

Four cruises later, I’m beginning the transatlantic cross. It began with an early disembarkation and checking in approximately 500 guests who were staying on back-to-back cruises. This 14 day voyage will be the longest I’ve been on, and my fingers are crossed that it’ll be a smooth one; meaning that after consecutive days at sea, passengers or crew don’t start going crazy. What I’m looking forward to? Gaining one hour every two days and finally being on the same (or almost) time zone as friends/family at home, the Caribbean sun/beaches/atmosphere/currency, learning more about how my position may/may not change.

For those unaware, the past month has been spent on the eastern Mediterranean on the Celebrity Equinox. We’ve been leaving out of Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy and going to places like Turkey (Kusadasi, Istanbul), Greece (Rhodes), Malta (Valleta), and other cities in Italy (Naples, Messina/Sicily, and Livorno). I only point out the ones I’ve been able to visit since Athens, Santorini or Chania, Greece were spent on board. Like some friends have pointed out, cruising through these ports has been a taste test of places I would or would not like to revisit. Turkey is definitely a country that needs a more thorough visit.

Keeping in mind that I came to work, I’ll explain what my position entails. As one of two International Hostesses, I’m responsible for catering to all international guests. The title is self-explanatory, but it encompasses a bit more. We translate the daily activity newspaper, do all announcements, drill, film daily activity updates, give galley tours, interpret for guests, and are in charge of guests staying on back-to-back cruises (yep…those 500). It’s a fast paced environment and sometimes inconvenient, since living at work makes it challenging to get away. During this short month, my appreciation for anyone working guest relations/customer service positions has increased, and I take my hat off to any of you readers that have done so. There seems to be quite a bit more that I need to learn about my position, but I’m trying to take it as it comes.

The ship, Celebrity Equinox, is a monster that fits about 3,000 guests and 1,200 crew members. That, friends, is twice the size of Converse, IN … where I grew up. Most of the crew members come from Philippines (60%), then maybe China, India, followed by Eastern European, and Central America. Of course, there is a sprinkling of other nationalities. My opinions about work conditions have begun to develop, but I’m holding my tongue until I’ve been on board a bit longer.

For now, I’m preparing for 6 straight days at sea…

p.s. no flippy floppies allowed on board 

Turn on the Lights

Exhausted, we arrived into the overwhelming stimulation of Las Vegas, greeted with lights and more lights and more lights. 

Quickly, I realized I may not quite fit into the prototype of visitors to this city. Okay, so my outlook on Vegas is probably influenced by my parents' presence, but still...I lacked what appeared to be the Vegas uniform:
Females: knee high boots or heeled sandals, shorts, and a must -- any form of animal print.
Males: sports jacket with a button up and jeans, OR muscle v-neck and drink in hand (which I thought existed exclusively in Jersey). 

Generalizations aside, I think Vegas is best taken in small doses. One or two days being enough. If I had to plan a quick Vegas trip for someone, I would suggest: 


1. A night run on the strip


2. A show 


3. Going to look around the casinos


4. A night on the OLD strip 

Homeward Bound

Last Friday I woke up in a Simon and Garfunkel kind of mood, craving the sounds of 'Homeward Bound'. Funny enough that it coincided with the homecoming atmosphere at Butler. So, as I sat, typing out essays, reading articles, and thinking over a 'to do' list, I welcomed all the interruptions inside the university Starbucks and the friendly faces reminding me why this is a good place to be.

Photographed with Allie G., Homecoming Queen Candidate

I've been riding the emotional high that comes from packing, meeting up with people, and tying up loose ends. There were still four days before my departure, within the last week I had made it a point to see those I care about and, in general, to be as straightforward as possible about my feelings. Perhaps not completely unreserved, yet more open than usual. When Steve Jobs passed away and the media referred various quotes of his, one went along the lines of looking in the mirror and living every day as if no more days could be lived. More specifically,  doing as one wished. I realize this might be ideal, yet unrealistic. Would people forego responsibilities for desires? Just a thought. Though, in my minimized version of openness, I began to pour out my soul to many-a-friend, soaking up the moments of hugs, home-cooked meals, and breaking out moves on the dance floor.

Last picture with Katie, Aubrey, and Ali

However, it was today when the car door slammed and as we pulled away from Delaware Street, when outside noises had been muted and directions to the airport given, that tears flowed and soon turned into sobs. I felt like I was five again, crying after birthday parties when guests had finally left. The reality of leaving set in and glancing at my bags, I remembered why I dislike packing too much. A carry-on, a day-pack, a purse, and still, I’m looking forward to sending things back with my parents. Within the past week, I probably said goodbye to more people than I know, and to those closest to me, I did so multiple times. I hugged, kissed, danced and did everything I could imagine in Indy before leaving. So as we soar through the sky on our way to Vegas, I leave comforted by the fact that in six months I’ll return to the best group of friends. Maybe I'll continue to live unreserved and months from now, Simon and Garfunkel will come to mind again when Indiana horizons come into view. 

How I packed for 6 months...and planning to downsize post Vegas

Indianapolis

It's officially Autumn in Indianapolis and a time when I feel the city really comes into itself. Not only are the changing leaf colors and temperature beautiful, but the number of festivals and activities throw the city into heightened level of energy. 


Four years ago, when I moved to Indianapolis, I was less than thrilled to be in such a small city. Having returned from Germany, I wasn't ready to settle into a place I perceived constricting. Thankfully I've been proven wrong and have come to love Indianapolis, which is why this blog is dedicated to some of my favorites in the city.


1. Favorite art event: First Friday. The first Friday of every month is always something to look forward to. With galleries opening up all over the city, it's a treat to meander through the Harrison Center, the Wheeler Art Center, or Mass. Ave., talk to the artists, and see a mixture of ages and personalities congregate to appreciate art. It's definitely a must if you're visiting or living in Indy: http://www.idada.org/first-friday-map/

With Ali, Katie, and Aubrey at the Harrison Center 

2. Favorite Trail: The Monon. This one isn't too surprising, although going with Eagle Creek or the Cultural Trail may have been good alternatives, the Monon has been more accessible to where I live. Memories of riding bikes, going on walks, or jogging along the trail are what makes this a favorite. Also, the friendliness of those on the trail is great. http://www.indygreenways.org/monon/monon.htm 

Picture by Andrew Collins http://gaytravel.about.com/od/gaydestinationgalleries/ig/Photos-of-Gay-Indianapolis/Monon-Trail.htm

3. Favorite Dance spot: The Mineshaft. Although not the most popular place in Broadripple, I have a soft spot for it. It's one of the few, if not the only, places in Broadripple where it's possible to dance without being suffocated, where you can request songs and know that they'll be played, and with the friendliest bouncer (Dustin). http://www.mineshaftsaloon.ws/


4. Favorite Restaurant: Petite Chou or any of the Patachou/Napolese branches. This was a difficult decision because Indy is packed with good eateries, but my taste buds  continuously praise what's served at any of Martha Hoover's restaurants. Whether it's the thin-crust pizza at Napolese or the omelettes at the other locations, you can't go wrong in going here. Even better, Hoover is due to open a new restaurant along the Monon next spring. http://www.cafepatachou.com/

 

My friend Allie sipping on some coffee during the ice storm in Feb. 

5. Favorite University: Butler University. Well, that one was pretty obvious considering it's my alma mater, but Butler is an institution that continuous to promote the value of a Liberal Arts education. It's place that contains fond memories, where faculty and staff are easily reached, supportive, and excited about helping students. Butler is where I began to explore Indianapolis' community-based organizations and where I learned to appreciate the city.  

  

I'm more nostalgic about leaving Indiana this time around. Maybe it's because of the uncertainty of what I'll be doing or, more likely, because what I've done is woven with emotions I'll relate to this place. Moreover, I've learned to see Indianapolis from a broader perspective -- a changing community, dedicated to supporting one another's passions, where neighborhood dinners still occur, and people give each other the benefit of the doubt. Some of these may sound a bit idealistic, but it's how I've come to see my home. 

On the Road Again

As life would have it, I'm due to hit the road again, making it my fourth official move in the span of one year. 


To recapitulate, between the fall of 2010 and that of 2011, I have had the opportunity to venture into the depths of Latin America on a program that took me from Panama, to Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico. This was topped off with a visit to Colombia in December and  followed by a long lull in traveling, where I only went as far as Pennsylvania and New York. Now, I'll ready myself for a short trip to Las Vegas and eventually Rome, where I will begin a six month contract as a translator aboard  Celebrity Cruises. 


I have embraced this year as one of exploration and appreciation, and certainly been surprised by what has come my way. Deciding to work on a ship was not the easiest of decisions, despite my love for travel, but thanks to the ears that listened, wise advice, and support of great friends, it was finally evident that this would be a unique experience. Given the mode of transportation, what I will be doing, and the places I will (fingers crossed) explore, I have decided to come back to the blogosphere to share the experiences as well as to keep in touch with those willing to read my accounts. 


Until October 27th, I'll be in Indianapolis, which has curiously grown on me. If you'd like to face-time or have any advice, comments, rants, etc., they will be appreciated.