Crossing the pond.

After a great time in the Dominican Republic, we were set to begin our journey back to Europe, starting with a northeasterly trip to Bermuda. There were many reasons that made the anticipation for this port even higher than most.

Reason 1: I’ve always wanted to see the island – mostly because I made it a life goal when I was a little girl to see all the places mentioned in that Beach Boys “Kokomo” song that’s so catchy. You have it in your head now too, don’t you? You’re welcome.

Reason 2: One of my dearest friends lived most of her life here, and her stories and descriptions only amplified the motivations stated in reason 1.

Reason 3: Pink sand beaches.

Reason 4: Oh ya. Adlard is coming for a visit. One of my best friends from YYC was making the most of her WestJet employee benefits by flying down to meet me in Hamilton for a few days. Hailey’s visit was something I had been looking forward to for a while – mostly because she was bringing me some stuff from Canada I had asked for… but also because I love her, and miss her dearly.

If you don’t know who Hailey is, please introduce yourselves by watching her in this WestJet promo. Classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P3cx6tpyWY

Thanks to my ridiculous coupon/savings-finding skills, I frantically messaged Hailey from the DR to let her know she could have a room at the Fairmont Southampton for a fraction of the usual price. In short… it was fantastic. It came with housecoats, and hot tubs...a welcomed sight before a 16-day trek across the Atlantic for me, and before going back to a life of 2 jobs for Hails. Despite the fact that we looked like a couple of lesbians on a retreat, Hailey and I proudly lounged poolside in those housecoats, catching up on everything from life in Calgary, to conflicts in Egypt, to new YouTube sensations. Mostly, we laughed….at each other, and at how ridiculously out of place we looked in this decadent 5 star resort. We were most definitely the only hotel guests who had thrifty public transit passes for our stay on the island.

Having done a an extensive amount of traveling herself, Hailey knew exactly what I would be wanting to do on a night of reprieve: order pizza, share a bottle of wine, and watch the Oscars. As I am writing this, I realize that this very ordinary evening might sound a bit mundane, and not worth the blog space it will occupy. I wonder why I consider it noteworthy, and realize that it must be because what would normally be considered a ‘routine’ life for me no longer is. Pizza and TV is something so rare in my new life that I deem it mentionable. Weird. This disconnection from normalcy is a huge part of this experience – and I must say, I enjoyed Hailey’s incredulousness as I swore that the latest Top 40 hits blaring at the restaurant we were sitting in were unrecognizable to me.

Hailey and I spent the rest of our time in Bermuda exploring in and around Hamilton, making friends with servers at Mexican restaurants, and having a swim in the Crystal Caves. Though we’re not graced by beach weather, the island’s charm makes up for what it lacks in sunshine and heat. It is absolutely beautiful. The pretty pastel houses all along the coast are topped with white ivory roofs, which help with rainwater collection and purification. Overall, time in Bermuda, thanks to great company and picturesque surroundings, is well spent.

Leaving the dock in Hamilton means the beginning of a good part of the month of March at sea. Part of the reasoning behind my indulgence of white housecoats resides in the predictions of the nasty weather we are set to face on our way back to Europe. The winds are not set to be as friendly as they were our first time crossing the ocean. Crossing the North Atlantic in the winter is not the all-you-can-eat-fish-buffet it was the while crossing southerly a few months prior, nor is it a sailor’s delight. We end up motoring most of the way to the Azores, a set of Portuguese islands mid-way through the ocean. We make the most of our time at sea though – many activities are organized throughout the crossing to boost morale. One activity invites the men on the ship to find a creative way to ‘’ask out’ a lady friend…a challenge that definitely gets properly answered. From messages in a bottle, to serenades, to letters dropped from the rigging of the ship, our guys go all out in this friendly competition.

The students’ good will and hard work is rewarded with a “snow day” aboard the ship – Class Afloat talk for a day off from school at sea during a long crossing. Different activities and challenges between watch groups are organized, such as an ice sculpture competition, an egg drop, and a bake off. Talent shows, movie nights, and dance parties round off what has been a successful shipboard crossing, despite having the wind on our nose for most of our journey here.

Considering that there are now much more yesterdays than there are tomorrows in this adventure, I realize that, much like reminiscing with Hailey in Bermuda, retelling stories of life on board the Sorlandet will soon be told with nostalgia and will bring forth many happy memories. I truly am experiencing the job, and lifestyle many people only dream of. And though glimpses of my ‘real’ life are appreciated whilst on this adventure, I cherish every moment, and know how fortunate I am to be here, at all times.

xo