I went on my very first cruise and I found myself again. I had lost her in the drama of the world and somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico I found this woman who was exhausted from wandering. She whispered in my ear and took her rightful place in my life. Like she had lived there all along and had never disappeared.
My cousin and I took our first trip 'sister girl' trip together. It was a cruise to Mexico. We went with a group of about 20-30 people and had a great time.
I can scratch taking a cruise off my 50 things to do list. As well as drinking tequila and Salsa dancing in Mexico. I had to convince this Cuban guy named Leo that I was not Cuban or of any Hispanic decent. He seemed convinced I was Hispanic because of the way I Salsa. I have to tell my instructor he complimented him on his teaching methods :)
Every morning I would wake up early, put on my swimsuit, hat and sunglasses and find a quiet spot on the deck to enjoy the breeze and watch the waves. There are no words to explain the feeling of being there in the moment. My phone turned on airplane mode, slow music playing softly in my ears and the serenity that came with it. No sense of time and no sense of urgency to be anywhere by a deadline.
I meditated, thought out some feelings/conflicts and just enjoyed myself, enjoyed the company of nice people and great drinks. Sitting alone or with a group I always met someone. Some very nice ladies from Toledo, a Jean-Claude Van Dame look-alike from Tampa, a group from Detroit and countless others.
By the time we set sail to return from our destination we knew our crew members by name and began to learn more about them. It was great to be on a smaller boat because you really get the chance to enjoy the company of new friends. You began to see the same faces and they remember you as well.
The sunset and nights with a full moon on the water were absolutely breathtaking. I would spend every evening with a group of photographers trying to capture what we were seeing on digital film. Every photo was great but did not come close to seeing it in person. Thank God my camera also does video. It took exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds for the sun to dip into the water.
The only down side is I did not get my passport stamped but this view and the sampling of tequila more than made up for it.
I have learned enough Spanish to communcate in port, one lady started speaking to me in French and became really confused when I responded to that as well :)
The travel bug has bitten both my cousin and I and we are already looking for great deals and our next 'sister girl' destination.
Watch out world...here we come!
Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...
One word to sum it all up: AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Looks like you had a great time! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI remember my first and only cruise & the experience was spiritual. I too went to Mexico. I would love to do it again.
Well the summer is just beginning, get that passport ready for more trips. You deserve it.
love it love it love it! i have been telling my best friend that we need to go back on a cruise just the two of us.. our first and only trip together was 7 years ago.. i get to travel a lot but it's nothing like traveling and not having to worry about anything.
ReplyDeletewhen I went to jamaica...my soul was at peace..it was some kinda amazing..kinda hard to explain..
check travelzoo.com they always have great last minute travels for cheap
here's to finding yourself..now hold on to her
Monique,
ReplyDeleteYes, awesome indeed!
MsKnowItAll,
It is the most peaceful vacation I can imagine (so far). I still have Vegas on my books for my friend's bday. Hoping to get in Cancun as well :)
Luv,
I understand. Something about that view and the ocean that just soothes your spirit and soul. Hard to explain unless you experience it. I will check out that site. Thanks!
When are you planning to do Vegas? I'm only asking because my milestone b'earthday is in October and I plan to paint Vegas REEEEED! LOL
ReplyDeleteNice.
ReplyDelete