Category Archives: Fall Contracts

Empires Beyond – Tianjin, China – [10/25/2017]

Three steps off the gangway and I am viciously reminded of why I have a distinct distaste for modern day mainland china. As my steps echo through the vastness of the empty terminal my eyes are already starting to sting … Continue reading

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Another Chapter – Beijing, China – [10/24/2017]

I came to an odd conclusion yesterday when I was sitting in my cabin with Strange slung over my shoulder, cursing my clumsy fingering as I edged my way through One Tin Solider: I am at a stage where I … Continue reading

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Farewell Japan – At Sea – [10/21/2017]

And so we bid farewell to the Land Of the Rising Sun and make our way instead to the Land of the Middle Kingdom. Goodbye Japan, hello China. I find myself hoping it’s not an omen that we are blowing … Continue reading

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Living Grace – Osaka, Japan – [10/18/2017]

I never truly had an interest in Japan, in University Japanese are was the one class I decidedly turned down enrolling in – nothing about it grabbed me, and moreover I didn’t even come close to understanding it. Then I … Continue reading

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Green-Gilled – At Sea –[10/05/2017]

And then there are the days when Mamma Ocean, just does not like us at all. For the most part, my birthday has been thoroughly enjoyable. I keep myself to myself, I make a point of not telling many people … Continue reading

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Growing into 35 – At Sea – [10/05/2017]

When I grow up…. I will be strong enough to carry all the heavy things you have to haul around with you when you’re a grown up And when I grow up, I will be brave enough to fight the … Continue reading

Posted in Below the waterline, Fall Contracts, Fire & Ice 2017, Grand Asia/Australia 2017, Grand Cruises, Reflections, Transitions | 1 Comment

Early Days – At Sea – [10/04/2017]

Working a Grand Voyage as a workshop teacher is very different from working one as a librarian. My days are considerably shorter, and the stress level? Definitely lower. While the guest expectations remain high, this is by far the most … Continue reading

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Prepare for the Usual – San Diego – [10/01/2017]

I swore I would never go back. I really did. And I haven’t. Not really. But I made a promise, and promises are something I keep. So this morning’s embark day of this particular Grand Voyage found me in the … Continue reading

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Let’s Play Wet Dock – Round 2! – Seattle, Wet Dock Day 3 – [09/28/2017]

Scenario: you are (still) a worker on a cruise ship. Your floating home is moored for one more day in a big city, after which you will be heading out to sea (still with no passengers). You have one day … Continue reading

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Let’s Play Wetdock! – Seattle, Wetdock Day 3 – [09/27/2017]

Scenario: you are a worker on a cruise ship. Your floating home is currently ensconced in a maintenance period, where she is being prepared for a long voyage with highly demanding passengers. As everything for this voyage is expected to … Continue reading

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