The Island of Capri They say the Sirens used the power of song to lure unsuspecting sailors into the bluffs of Capri, an island off the coast of Napoli. Their irresistible voices called to the hearts of all men, and ships would turn towards the rocks in pursuit of something they could neither understand nor resist. The island of Capri is a massive structure rising out of the sea with dramatic cliffs and lush ivy. Walls of granite spike into the sky, stellagtites drip from open caves and waves break against neon tidepools. The ocean glimmers in colors you’d only see in a nightclub - fluorescent turquoise, greens and blues, shades so clear you can see coral scattered on the ocean floor. It’s no wonder sailors were drawn to the island; it’s no wonder the Sirens ... read more

Between Contracts Part 3 & 4 - Michigan, Vegas, Home Part 3 - Michigan and The Wedding I headed out to Michigan for a few days to visit my sister Emily and my friend Emily, who lived one floor below me in college for two years (we used to spend nights in - she cooked, I did the dishes - and I fostered her obsession with bad prime time tv programming, an addiction that lasted her well past college). I purposely timed my work-break to coincide with my friend Emily’s wedding, since she’s been engaged for as many years as I’ve known her, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I also enjoy visiting my sister because it provides us both with an excuse to spend all day on the couch watching movies, shopping, and basically ... read more

You know you need a vacation when you cant even get away from work in your dreams. Last night my roommate told me I was regulating the teenagers in my sleep, I was saying out loud “Hey, I need to see your card, what’s your name? Yeah I’ll be right there.” Am I jaded if I am tired of the places people crave to visit? I guess that’s what happens after over a year of twice-weekly visits to the same places. But luckily my family came out to visit and having guests in town is always sure to get me excited all over again and remind me of the things that are gorgeous and exciting. Seeing the places through their fresh eyes gives me the chance to remember why these places are incredible in the first ... read more

Well it’s been quite a while since my last entry so I thought I’d post a quick update with where I am these days. Currently I am working on the Carnival Inspiration out of Tampa, en route to Cozumel and Grand Cayman. It’s a small ship, which means a much closer staff, a more friendly environment, and easygoing guests. I am still enjoying what I do on a daily basis but I have recently faced a few roadblocks which have only served to remind me that I am ready to move forward, whether that means getting off ships altogether, or pushing for the next step within the job description. Recently my boss opened up the application process for the new ship out of Europe, the Carnival Splendor. She made it sound like this was an opportunity ... read more

When I look out over the railing I find it impossible to believe that I am floating so far from shore. The horizon is a blank slate, melting seamlessly from sky to sea into a darkness that is intangible. I feel the opposite of powerful while somehow filled with the false overconfidence of someone too drunk for judgment. I am days from everything I know and understand. I am lost and finding myself at the same time. Deep within me I am aware of the splashing of something new; I can feel the water rising up against the walls of this vessel; I can sense myself hovering beyond my own recognition. The purpose of such self-gratification is not something I have yet grasped. I am locked in wanderlust that eats at me from every angle, each ... read more