Story Veta (Book 1) (complete)

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 89: Nov 27 – Cruise the Atlantic Ocean

How many times have I mentioned that I am not a huge fan of cold temperatures? Enough I suppose. This morning was no exception. We are in the Southern Hemisphere and getting closer to Antartica. I was thinking of going to Deck 9 for exercising but a hand on the slider door glass convinced me to do something else.

“Too chilly for you Kokhana?”

I jumped. “Vit? Did I wake you?”

“Nii. Come. I have something for you.”

“Uh …”

He chuckled. “You are suspicious yes?”

“I am suspicious yes,” I answered back more than happy to find him in such a good mood. He’s normally very “stoic” in the mornings.

I saw him swish the curtains closed and then pick something up from the bed. “Wear it. I need to see you in this. Now.”

I have to admit that his demands were … exciting. I might not want to have to put up with it all the time, but I could see the appeal of it on occasion, especially if it is accompanied by the look he had in his eyes.

I was in my sports top … which looks disturbingly like a sports bra now that I think about it. I also only had on short spandex shorts … I was going for comfort, forgetting how chilly it was likely to be. Vit certainly likes the look. But what he handed me was … a long woolen sweater, and so soft I knew it was the real thing, and likely expensive.

“Vit …”

“You do not like?”

“I love it … but you shouldn’t be spending so much on me.”

“I wanted to give it to you last night but … it was better to wait. I would have been too tempted to spend the night doing this,” he said right before pulling me in close and tight.

It was still very early and I realized the boys wouldn’t be here for at least an hour so there would be no interruptions. When he backed me into the wall and then demanded that I wrap my legs around him I complied. Actually his exact words were “Wrap those beautiful long legs around me before I go mad.”

How on earth I ever thought Vit was cold I have no idea. He is simply … contained … and private. Thank god he is private because even feeling for him the way I do I couldn’t reveal such strong emotions in front of others.

We were some time coming down from our activity and he’d gone a bit further than normal. I had a lot more bare skin to cover than I usually did. He gave me a searching look, one I realized meant he was concerned that he’d gone too far and was checking to make sure I was all right. Silently I let him know that it was okay.

He held me more gently, kissed my ear, and whispered “Kokhana” before disappearing into the shower. I wrapped the sweater around me for another moment before taking it off and carefully putting it away. As I did so I noticed the rocking I was feeling wasn’t just from what Vit and I had just been doing.

I heard something fall in the bathroom. “Vit?”

From inside he answered, “It was the soap. Is the sea growing rough?”

At that moment there was a knock on the cabin door. I thought it was one of the brothers, but it turned out to be two stewards. “Sorry mum. Need to secure the verandah.”

“Of course,” I said getting out of their way. When they opened the slider, I realized my outfit was completely unsuitable.

Vit came out of the bath just in time to hear them suggest securing anything loose in the room. A sudden storm had blown up and it was going to be a bit rough, but the captain was going to try and keep us on the outskirts of it, but hopefully not so far off course that the next day’s port day got cancelled.

I heard something in the closet turn over and hurried in there and realized that I hadn’t been putting things away as I should. I cleared the top of the vanity by putting everything in a storage box that fit on the shelf I keep for my shoes.

“Drat! I need to go check on Frankie. He is usually awake by now.”

Vit said, “Dress. I will check on the boy.” His tone startled me. When he saw that he calmed down and said, “I do not like other men looking at my Kokhana. Dress before I act the fool.”

“You are not a fool Vit Dymtrus, I just wasn’t thinking. And thank you.”

He grunted before leaving me to “dress” the best I could as the ship started rocking a little harder.

The buffet wasn’t particularly auspicious, but it wasn’t anything to complain about either. A few of the passengers were already experiencing motion sickness and while Frankie wasn’t as bad as he had been the last time, he wasn’t exactly his normal self either. I wound up taking him to his grandmother – also under the weather – and making all three (including Miss Hayworth) a cup of ginger and honey tea. All three also took a Dramamine and were dozing soon afterwards.

When I got back to Vit he looked relieved. “You are well?”

“I’m fine. Cast iron stomach and I grew up around the water so this sort of motion doesn’t really bother me. Where is Nicholas?”

“Watching a Lacrosse game in the Lounge.”

“Don’t you want to watch it with them?”

“What I want is to continue our earlier … discussion,” he said before all but pouncing on me.

About thirty minutes later …

“Vit?!”

“Shhhh. I … I will go no further. Do not be frightened moya lyubov’.”

“I’m … I’m not scared of you. But … but …”

“I know. I know kokhana. Let me do this and ease us both.”

“Ah!”

I don’t know how much time passed but I woke up wrapped in Vit’s arms and there was more skin-to-skin contact than there’d ever been. I heard a contented sigh and his arms tightened when I tried to move. “Nii.”

“Vit …”

“Nii. You still are innocent.”

“Am I?”

“Stverdnu. Tak. [affirmative. Yes.] But you are also mine. You please me beyond any dreams I have ever had. Did … I please you?”

My whole body became hot with embarrassment. “Didn’t I show it?”

He rolled us over so that he was on top and staring into my eyes deeply. “I will spend my life pleasing you.” Then he closed his eyes and then almost in pain said, “But we … we should get up before this goes any further. Do you understand?”

And I could hear that he was worried that I thought he was rejecting me. I reached up and rubbed the worry lines from his face. “You’re right. But don’t ask me not to want more of this.”

“You must. I cannot feel like this alone.”

“Continue talking like that and I may not let you out of bed.”

He groaned but soon had us standing upright. “I need to shower. You need to stay here until I do.”

“What I need is to sit for a while in the Snow Grotto. I just hope I cool off before all the snow melts.”

He chuckled and groaned at the same time and made a quick exit for a short shower. I walked in just as soon as he walked out and the spray from the shower head finally helped me to clear my head … and left me shocked at my behavior.

I was dressed and presentable and a good thing as when I exited the sleeping area it was to find one of the crew telling Vit that we should go get something from the buffet and bring it back to the room. The storm would be worsening, and the Captain was going to restrict passengers to their cabins. Vit said he would grab us something when he checked on Nicholas in the Lounge and I ran to check on the other Marchands.

Madam’s steward was just coming out and told me that he’d already spoken with Madam. I thanked him but went in to check for myself.

Miss Hayworth sat up drinking another cup of tea. “Would you like me to take Frankie?”

“No my Dear. In fact tell Nicholas he is invited if interested. Madam and Frankie are still pretty much asleep.”

There was a knock and I answered it, so she didn’t have to. It was Vit and Nicholas who was thankful to find out he could continue watching the game while Miss Hayworth went back to bed.

“I’ll keep an eye on everyone. Uh … can I call if something comes up?”

Vit clapped him on the shoulder and said, “Of course. And we are not far.”

“Cool. Er … how bad do you think this is going to get?”

I saw the nervousness he was trying to hide.

Vit answered, “They just don’t want anyone on the stairs or walking around. Similar to the fasten seat belt sign on an airplane. But do not put that food someplace that it will slide off.”

That put it in perspective for Frankie and he put the fruit and sandwiches in the refrigerator and the bottles of gingerale he’d thought to collect into the wine frig. We left and returned to our cabin. I was nervous myself but not of the storm. Part of me wanted to go back to what we had been doing and part of me knew it wasn’t the smartest idea. I found out Vit was similarly struggling and then he asked if I minded if he watched something on tv.

“No,” I told him. “Do you want me to make hot water for tea before things get …” The ship rolled and I nearly fell. Then the phone rang.

It was Nicholas needing reassurance. He also said he couldn’t believe his grandmother and Frankie were sleeping through it. Miss Hayworth was awake but on her way out again after taking another tab of motion sickness medicine. Vit assured him that it might get rough but the crew on this ship were very experienced and the ship was seaworthy with the latest technology. It was simply a storm that had to be endured.

There were a few more such rolls over the next couple of hours but eventually the storm, like any other, has calmed though the ship continues to rock intermittently. After wedging himself into the sofa while watching the tv, Vit eventually dozed off. I’ve been sitting here catching up on correspondence and other writing. I called Madam’s cabin a few minutes ago to check on everyone and they’ve been playing cards. Apparently, Frankie isn’t the only one that Madam has turned into a card shark. They are having fun even with the two older ladies growing tired. They want nothing for dinner and Nicholas has been able to get by on what he took in there earlier.

The all-clear has sounded and people are no longer restricted to their cabins, but it is suggested that they not wander about and that they hold onto any handrails they are near. I’m sitting here holding this violin that seems to ache to be played. I think I’ll go into the sleeping area and see if I can play softly enough not to wake Vit.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 90: Nov 28 – Ushuaia, Argentina

I am freezing. Or was during the day. It wasn’t cold enough for my heaviest jacket, but I didn’t add a camisole under my shirt like I should have which would have been the one extra layer I needed. It wasn’t unbearable, but I could have complained had I wanted to be grumpy about it. Right now, I’m freezing because Vit went to shower and go to bed and took his body heat with him. Something is on the fritz with the heating on our deck. Fine time for that to happen. Brrr. They are fixing it, but it may be tomorrow before the fix is complete. At dinner I had a difficult time not rolling my eyes at the whiners. Or snarking at the passengers that weren’t on this deck who were a little too snide about it. If I can hold in my grumpiness, then I know others can.

Yes, I realize a lot of good money was spent on their passage, but come on, real life happens, and you’d think they’d know to be grown ups about it. Put on socks or something instead of those strappy, dressy dinner sandals. Besides, what goes around comes around. I’m not a believer in Karma but I do think there are consequences that are often unforeseen or unexpected solely because of choices and actions. That is simple physics. Or something like that anyway. I try and not throw my worldview in people’s faces; it wouldn’t do any good if I did. But I also try and live it without taking the precepts for granted. Like grace. Sometimes you don’t get what you deserve … and sometimes it is a long time before you do. Understanding the why of that is way above my pay grade so I simply accept it as a universal truth and get on with living.

The weather wasn’t arctic, but it only got up to 50 degrees today and now it is a little below 40 degrees. I am so glad I didn’t send back all my cold-weather clothes. And the long sweater that Vit bought me is so deliciously warm here in the cabin as I upload pictures and all my other nightly chores. I’m going to be silly and say it is like being wrapped in his arms. But not quite. I still smell of his aftershave we were sitting so close and surprisingly tonight that is all we did. Perhaps we are both shaken by the last couple of days of intensity, but I don’t think either of us regrets it. Or at least I don’t. And I must be careful not to worry about how Vit views it. Or maybe he is waiting on me to initiate things next. Ugh. Stop thinking it to death Veta before you get yourself so wound-up you’ll never sleep; or worse, screw things up.

This morning there were a lot of passengers that looked a little worse for wear, like they hadn’t slept well. Some of the crew looked tired too. I know the storm took it out of a lot of people. Myself I felt fine. Vit looked in fine form if a little more stoic than normal. The brothers were both well too. Madam and Miss Hayworth were both well if a little sore from sleeping so much and the rolling and pitching of the ship during the storm. They don’t often use their age to make excuses, but I could see that they were having a harder time of it than we were. Thankfully for them they were on a panoramic bus tour of our port of call and wouldn’t have to be doing anything too strenuous.

Ushuaia, Argentina. Capital of Tiera del Fuego. The southernmost city in the world. Located on the shores of Beagel Channel. It is all this and more, including the closest deep port to Antartica. Which should tell you why it is so ding blasted cold. Ugh.

For our first excursion we boarded the southernmost functioning train in the world for a scenic journey through Tierra del Fuego National Park. The pictures I am uploading for the family to see are beyond gorgeous. Not because I am a talented photographer but because it was simply beautiful. We arrived at “At the End of the World Station” and embarked on the antique wagons of the Ferrocarril Austral Fueguino for a steam-powered locomotive trip across the Pipo River and then the Cañadón del Toro before entering the park. Our narrated tour followed the Pipo River and along the plain while rugged mountains and green forests rolled by. During the ride we learned about the history of the park, and how the train—the first to operate inside an Argentine national park—was originally constructed for use by the prison and built using prison laborers. The train stopped at the Macarena Waterfall so we could take photographs before beginning to roll again. When we arrived at the National Park Station, we headed to the picturesque waterfront of Bahía Ensenada and then we turned around and returnined to the ship. The entire trip took three hours.

As a special activity during the excursion we were encouraged to send a postcard. One of the quintessential activities in Ushuaia is to send a postcard to someone from the End of the World. Pretty much everyone who visits Ushuaia sends a postcard, so it seemed silly to miss out on sending one, no matter how touristy it may seem! I even sent one to myself and I hope that Angelia puts it with the remainder of my mail. There was a post office in Ensenada Bay at the National Park which made it easy, which I think was the entire point.

Back at the ship I found out that Frankie was going on another nature excursion, but it was wth Madam. I had really been looking forward to the afternoon excursion but prepared to put it away but that’s when Vit and Nicholas surprise me.

“Are you not ready?”

“Change in schedule,” I told them. “Frankie is going on an outing with Madam.”

Nicholas said, “Yeah. Grandmother wasn’t thrilled with him on horseback after yesterday so she swapped his ticket with someone in their group. I thought he was going to gripe about it until she told him she wanted him to tell her the names of the birds they were supposed to be looking for.”

Yes, that would do it so I responded, “Oh. Well, you better eat before …”

“We’re going to go grab a bite at that little place over there.”

“Okay. Have a good time.”

That’s when Vit explained, “Madam did not explain? You are not giving up your horseback ride. We will be three instead of four.”

Vit later told me I looked so surprised that he nearly laughed. “Come. Let us eat. And after the horses there will be a market of some type.”

The day seemed suddenly brighter and after a quick lunch of something that resembled an empanada we caught up with our guide. That’s when Vit surprised me with a GoPro camera.

“Vit?”

He shrugged. “It was a careless gift from my previous employer. I believe he was drunk at the time. I’ve used it a few times to take underwater pictures with so I know it works. Do not remark on it Veta. It lay in my luggage doing nothing but taking up space. I took it out yesterday and charged it.”

“Then you wear it.”

“Nii. I see how much joy you get from your camera pictures. Now you can have memories that move … movies of your memories I mean.”

“But …”

I didn’t get a chance to argue more as Nicholas was becoming too interested. So that is why I now have movies of the lovely time we had.

We began our tour with a scenic drive to the Hípico Club, where we met our guide and four-legged friend. As the horses are saddled up, we were given an overview about the lives of the nomadic culture that once thrived in the area. After that we mounted our horse and began a comfortable ride along the beautiful peninsula. We followed mountain trails and grassy ways to the shores of the Beagle Channel, taking in the stunning scenery along the way. My horse must have done this many times because as we rode up the beach he insisted on a cooldown along the water’s edge and as we crossed the channel.

It was a beautiful ride. When we returned to the stables, we bid farewell to our riding partners. There were also refreshments to enjoy as we soaked up some sunshine before returning to your ship. And as Vit had predicted, rather than letting us off right at the ship embarking area, we traveled through what I am coming to call a “cruise market” where vendors set up in a special area when a cruise ship is in port and people are funneled through it on their way back aboard. A bit like getting off a ride at Disney and having to leave through a gift shop. But I didn’t mind. It gave me a chance to look around a bit.

After we were back on board and had a few moments to put our things away before dressing for dinner – I was asked to play the violin again – I laughed when Vit saw the “Pinguino” that I bought for him. It is a jug that is shaped like a penguin, usually used for wine. He asked me to keep it safe so it could make it to “your Pembroke” which took the edge off the temporary disappointment I felt at his not wanting to hold onto it himself. I think next time I need to choose something more practical. It certainly doesn’t come close to letting me borrow his GoPro.

There weren’t a huge number of vendors but there were more than sufficient to spend some time browsing different booths and each one had something a little different. There were snowglobes of the lighthouse that we passed to get into port and I thought about one but worried that it would too easy break on any kind of shipping back home. There were lots of husky dog items, almost as many as penguins, and I found out that when it snows here people participate in dog sledding. Then there was the chocolate. Oh my. I got a bit, but I have already packed most of it away to be shipped back home. I even got a bar of extra dark chocolate for Angelia who would be happy just to sit and eat a baker’s bar while she reads those romance novels of hers. Shudder. That’s a bit much for me but I’m certainly not going to begrudge her a guilty pleasure.

Along with a postcard from the End of the World, one of the things that will remind me of this port is the special passport stamp I got. It isnt’ a “real” passport stamp, but the tourist board does it as a favor to the cruise lines and tourists that are interested in it. They decorated one of the extra pages in our passports with the seal of Ushuaia.

I was playing a few warm up movements on the violin when Frankie knocked on the cabin door asking if we were ready because he was STARVING. And yes, I meant to use all caps. I believe he is going through another growth spurt which leads me to wonder how we will get replacement clothing for him as I’ve already let the hem down in his dress pants once.

That Harrington woman struck again. I was to play during dinner, rather than after dinner. By the end I was almost sick hungry but didn’t feel able to say anything because Vit had started to look a little steamed. I played one more piece and then suddenly Vit was there with the violin case and before I knew it, he was escorting me to the table that he and the brothers had been sitting at.

I found a plate there that Vit uncovered and then pointed to, still without saying a word. Frankie covered any awkwardness with his innocent, “You know, I thought all that scratchy-scratchy violin stuff was kinda boring until I heard you play it Miss Veta.”

Well as a compliment I took it as a high one and I saw Vit pour me a glass of wine after I’d eaten a couple of bites. I saw the waiter set desserts in front of them but Vit wasn’t eating his. Frankie asked, “Aren’t you going to eat Mr. D?”

“I will wait for Miss Veta.”

The brothers looked at each other like they weren’t sure whether they were supposed to wait but I told them, “Eat. I believe Madam expects you at a port preview lecture after dinner.”

Nicholas asked, “Video or slides?”

“Er … I’m not sure. Why?”

“If it is a video then someone comes up at the end and answers questions. Slides means that someone will be lecturing between the slides and then people start talking so much that things fall apart. I’d rather have the movie and then the questions, especially if the lecturer has a thick accident.”

I nodded in understanding and the brothers left after finishing their dessert to join their grandmother and Miss Hayworth.

Vit drew my attention back to him by asking, “Would you mind finishing your dessert in the cabin?”

“Oh. I’m sorry. I’m holding you up. You should have just …”

Quietly, with his lips barely moving, he said, “I would rather be alone with you than in this crowd. Come. Let us go while the going is good.”

Close enough. And the sentiment matched my own. He carried the violin case while I carried the dessert in case anyone noticed us leaving at the same time. And here we stayed doing nothing more than sitting close with each other.

I keep telling myself to not overthink the fact that we did nothing because we did do something … we were together. The next two days are Sea Days. Vit is usually busy working out with Nicholas so perhaps he is simply resting while he has the time. If I give him some real thought, Vit gets less “time off” from his job than I do. He attends activities with Nicholas ninety plus percent of the time. I sppose if you look it like that, I should be happy he has any time to spend with me at all. And I believe the light has been off long enough that I should go to bed myself. But I need to be more thoughtful and less Needy Nelly.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 91: Nov 29 – Scenic Cruising: Cape Horn

What a day this has been. I thought they exaggerated when they spoke of Cape Horn but definitely not.

Cape Horn has long been known as a sailor’s graveyard due to the strong winds and currents, large waves and icebergs; passable at only certain times of the year due to less than optimal weather conditions. Journeying to the Cape remains a milestone in many sailing cultures. The Horn sits at a latitude of 56 degrees south and is very prone to incredibly strong westerly winds known as the “Furious Fifties.” There are also winds known as the “Roaring Forties” but those are closer to Antartica. The blurb that we got in our cabin this morning in our daily newsletter said these winds are intensified at the Horn because of the funneling effect of the Andes Mountains and the Antarctic Peninsula that force the winds into the geographically narrow Drake Passage. (Try saying that three times fast.) Furthermore, the part of the ocean that lies west of Cape Horn is notorious for rogue waves that can reach heights of up to 100 feet! (That’s half as high as some of the huge modern cruise ships! I am rather sorry that Vit told me if you want to know the truth. Ugh. Shiver. Really too close to that old movie the Poseidon Adventure. I’m drinking a tea that will hopefully keep the reaction nightmares at bay.

Professor Petric will now pontificate …

Throughout history, sailing around Cape Horn was regarded as the most treacherous navigation in the world, with fierce winds, strong swells and other treacherous conditions. Many ships did not make the passage or suffered great damage in the attempt. In fact, a sailor who had successfully completed the journey around the Horn earned a level of bragging rights and recognition that followed him the rest of his life. I mean it was just that big of a deal. According to lore, the accolades and license granted to such experienced sailors included the entitlement of wearing a gold loop earring and the right to eat with one foot on the table. Seriously. One foot on the table. Given the strictness of manners back in the day I guess that really was some serious badge of honor.

Despite the dangers, the trade route around Cape Horn was commonly used until the Panama Canal was built and opened in 1914. After this the traffic around the Horn slowly died off. Today most modern ships and tankers avoid traveling around Cape Horn as it’s usually more expensive (read that you need more insurance and all that kind of yada yada) not to mention a longer journey than going through the Panama Canal. Modern ships and navigation equipment have made the journey much less hazardous, but the notoriety of Cape Horn still exists making the passage around the Horn a very special occasion.

Professor Petric will now retire from the dias …

I’m am being a little flippant but its been rough. Today we experienced all kinds of weather; from sunshine to heavy gusts of wind, to extremely choppy seas and sporadic rainfall. And to add insult to injury there was fog. Fog during choppy seas did not exactly bring pleasant dreams. I believe that is the closest I have ever come to having motion sickness.

Vit was a like a cat suffering static electricity this morning. I found out later that he’d been around Cape Horn twice before … twice! Once in the militia and once on the yacht, and neither time left him with a happy and carefree feeling. I also found out that it was the damage the yacht sustained during that passage that left them vulnerable to the pirate attack where he was so badly injured the second time. After I heard that I understood his extra load of stoicism that he tried to project. I wanted to tell him that he wasn’t projecting confidence but fatalism, and that Nicholas and Frankie were picking up on it making them morose and somewhat afraid.

I pulled Vit to the side and whispered what I thought was happening after I saw that many of the passengers were beginning to feed off each other and that it wasn’t healthy … for anyone, much less our charges.

The weather broke for a bit right after that before picking up and getting slightly worse … including the fog.

“Veta?”

“Just let me put my back to the window,” I told him in the Wintergarden where we had gone to escape the cold since our deck was still without heat. “It’s the fog. My least favorite weather effect.”

“Ah.”

“Fog by itself doesn’t bother me … much. But with the storm … it is freaking me out a little. When I was a kid I made the mistake of sneaking one of Barbie’s movies to watch that technically I … okay, not technically,” I said when he gave me a knowing look. “They kept saying I was too young to watch The Fog but I didn’t want to believe them. I had nightmares off and on for weeks. When Poppa finally figured out what I’d done I wasn’t allowed to watch movies or tv unsupervised for a long time.” I shook my head. “Geez. What a memory to share. You must think I was a spoiled child.”

Then he surprised me by leaning over and whispering, “If our charges did not need us to distract them I would be happy to take you back to the cabin and … distract … you instead.”

I almost yipped at his boldness when there were so many people around. As it was, I had to studiously look at my lap where I was crocheting some lace … a habit I had developed when sitting beside Momma when she was so ill. I was glad that Nicholas was occupied watching a sports game.

“Miss Veta?”

I turned to Frankie and saw he was paler than he should have been. Understanding the problem as I was experiencing some myself I asked, “Would you care to keep Madam and Miss Hayworth company?”

“Yes. Please,” he answered knowing that was merely a euphemism for being allowed to go to his grandmother’s cabin and take a tablet to help with the motion sickness he was beginning to feel.

I later found out that the three had risen at the announcement that the tip of the Horn was going by before lying back down and dozing back off. The only other time they arose was at dinner where all three were quite chipper. They did go to bed early as they were still somewhat affected by the medication they had taken.

After dinner, sparsely attended compared to usual, Nicholas decided to take care of some correspondence while Frankie made an early night of it. Vit and I were dismissed and sat for a few moments in the Explorer’s Lounge … he with a brandy and I with a small glass of Jackson Morgan orange cream liqueur. Vit look at the glass I was holding and made a face.

“What?”

“It is like having a second dessert.”

I chuckled. “I suppose. But then again, I’ve seen you eat more than one dessert before.”

He grinned as the shot hit home. The band played a few numbers and then they went to recorded music as the sea was still a little too choppy for the band to play very well.

Looking at me consideringly Vit asked, “Do you think you could play your violin in this sea?”

I thought about it and then answered, “Simple pieces and I’d undoubtedly make a few mistakes here and there.”

“Would you? For me?” Then in a husky voice for me alone he added, “In our cabin?”

A couple of hours later we untangled with regret and Vit said, “One day we will not have to part.”

“One day … a lot of things.” Bashfully I said, “Thank you for … slowing down. I … I can’t think sometimes when …”

He kissed me again before grinning and forcing himself up and away to change for bed and give himself some space so we both keep our honor. Whatever that means at this point. I’m going to give it one more try to send out the photos and then I’m going to give it up. Tomorrow is another Sea Day, this one on the Beagle Channel.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 92: Nov 30 – Scenic Cruising: Beagle Channel

Much smoother sailing today but we still had a bit of rain off and on … cold rain. Unfortunately for me Frankie wouldn’t be dissuaded from being on deck to watch the birds and look for sea lions, so I had us both dress warmly and I kept my hands wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate while Frankie’s were wrapped around binoculars. He wasn’t the only one, so I didn’t feel like we were being completely foolish. That is mostly all my day has been. Vit and Nicholas spent most of theirs working out.

I got caught doing something embarrassing, but it led to … well I’ll leave that up to the imagination. I had just finished an email to Barbie who had asked me for a good pilate routine because she was busting out of her work scrubs … and it wasn’t because they were shrinking in the wash. After I sent her the links for the ones I’ve used I counted up the days that I’ve been missing exercising and then looked at myself backwards in the full-length mirror in the closet. Somehow I missed Vit coming into the cabin and I nearly jumped a mile when he growled, “Nice view.”

I turned quickly to find him lounging against the door frame and just that quickly he was on me. I wasn’t complaining mind you. I was more than a little grateful to find that Frankie and Nicholas would be dining with their grandmother.

With regret Vit said, “I promised O’Rourke that I would meet him for drinks before dinner.”

“Then you better dress and go.”

“Mmmm. How about you not dress and wait for me to return as quickly as is seemly. The heat is back on.”

I smiled my agreement and his double entendre. I ordered a tray of appetizers when Vit said he didn’t feel like a full meal as there had been a nice spread in the buffet as a belated celebration for all of us “Rounding the Horn.” When Vit finally returned to the cabin … let’s just say there was a lot of nibbling and leave it at that.

I did an … intimate thing that I’ve never done before but which I always thought would be amazing. I gave Vit a foot massage. He was a little stiff at first and then … he was like a limp noodle. I can say with complete satisfaction that he enjoyed my attention. To the point he fell asleep on the sofa. I covered us both with the throw that came with the cabin and looked over the pictures I’ve taken the last two days and picked out the best and uploaded them for the family. The connection was slow, but it was a connection which is more than I had since leaving Ushuaia.

As soon as I connected I was flooded with family emails. Belated holiday wishes, asking me what I did for Thanksgiving, all of the yada yada. As always, I saved Derrick’s for last and before his came Charlie’s. I’m glad I did.



Hey Vettie. Wish I could tell you this in person but maybe this is best. Isn’t any nice way to tell you this but with Angie so upset and Dylan so busy guess it falls to me and knowing me you know I think it just better to put things on the table. And there’s no way to make this nice. Day before Thanksgiving Lena showed up at Derrick’s place and said she was taking the boys for the holidays and there wasn’t anything that Derrick could do about it. She said she was also enrolling them in school and all this other crap. Only she isn’t telling this to Derrick because he ain’t home at the time. It was Christa but she is one strong cookie. You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but she is. She pushed the panic button on the security system calling the cavalry, plus her brother is a local cop and she has him on speed dial. Reggie sends Benji up to his room, tells him not to come down until he’s given the all clear, and tells his mother that if she tries to take either one of them, she’d have a fight on her hands. Christa is trying to calm things down, but Lena takes a swing at her. And no, not with her purse. Only Reggie steps in and Lena really nails him with one of those gaudy rings she likes to wear. I mean tears his face open pretty good and he’s got stitches from his jawline to his ear and plastic surgery might be in his future.

But Reggie bleeding all over crap don’t slow Lena down none. Reggie, he ain’t backing down, and he pushes Lena back and tells her to get off the property that the cops are on the way. Well Lena is flipping out saying things like she’s going to have every penny Derrick has and yada and lots of other BS. She’s got a different boy toy with her this time and he tries to get threatening and Reggie decks him for trying to come in the house. When the guy gets up … let’s just say that Ms. Christa is aces high in my book from here on out. She pulls Reggie in the house, locks the door … and then takes the lock off her Ruger … and no little cap gun either.

Well you know how that house is built but Lena threw a flower pot through the window and her boy toy tries to come in that way and that’s when he comes face to face with the Castle Doctrine. God only knows where things would have gone from there if the cops hadn’t shown up. Lots of he said/she said but you know Dylan … everyone of us has security out the ying yang and there was a camera on the porch that recorded everything. Long story short because you are probably about to go into cardiac arrest, Lena has been Baker Acted, the boy toy was still sitting in jail last time I heard because he ain’t got a pot to pee in and he took a swing at an officer and has several priors for drunk and disorderly. Derrick arrives just in time to see Lena being hauled off in an ambulance in restraints, and … get this … Christa tells him to stop being embarrassed, that she believes people are where they are supposed to be at when they are supposed to be there and just takes Derrick in hand and whereas all of us thought he was in for another bad time it seems that just the opposite is happening. Don’t get me wrong, our big brother ain’t exactly dancing on air but in the past week there’s been a definite change in his outlook.

Part of that change is that he has started to be proactive rather than reactive. He’s filed for divorce, full custody, and Lena isn’t seeing squat of the boys until she is cleared by both medical and mental health professionals … and until the boys have the same thing for them. For the best all the way around.

And since I know you are going to ask about Lena’s parents, they are trying to look on the positive side of this as well. Lena has been committed – against her will – and her father has already gotten the legal and financial conservatorship that he has been lining up. Derrick says he wants to know how Lena is doing but only at his soon to be ex- inlaw’s discretion and for the boys’ sakes. They’ve given Derrick their blessing and – at least so they say – they understand about the divorce. Derrick wants a legal document so that everyone knows that he is not going to cut them out of seeing their grandsons. So far Lena’s parents say that Derrick’s word is good enough for them, but we’ll see how long that lasts.

Wish I could have better news. If it is any consolation, this might be the shock that brings Derrick back online. Or at least that looks to be what is happening. If he doesn’t email you or call you for a bit, don’t start worrying it to death. I told him, and Angie too, that I’d explain. The only thing is that I’m sorry you have to hear things all alone. You need to let me know you’re okay and not fritzing. ----- Charlie



I had to reread the email a couple of times before I could really believe what Charlie was telling me. That’s when I quickly opened Derrick’s.



Veta, Charlie said he would email and explain things to you so please forgive me for not going over it again, I just don’t have the stomach for it right now. Your brother has a mess on his hands but … for some reason I finally feel like I am going in the right direction. The boys are fine; not great, but better than I anticipated. Lena is still in denial and Farley tells me it is like she is living in some fantasy. The doctors are working on a diagnosis but according to what her doctors have told her parents, Lena’s mental state is not just a result of the hormones, though they didn’t help. They are trying to determine whether she has bi-polar disorder (undiagnosed or late-onset), some personality disorder, or some form of OCD. They even suggested that she may have some body-dismorphic issue that got tied up with youth and fertility issues. I don’t know if I have the energy for it anymore. I hope for Lena’s sake, and for our sons’ and her parents, that Lena can be helped but for me, I’m done grieving myself to death.

And I have a confession. I’ve known all along what Angie was up to. I was friends with Christa’s husband when we were kids. She is a nice woman and … once I wind up the remaining legal issues and am granted a divorce, assuming Christa herself is interested, I would like to take her to dinner.



Derrick’s confession almost made me laugh but I was afraid if I started laughing, I might start crying. It wasn’t until I felt Vit put a comforting arm around me that I realized he’d been reading over my shoulder.

I wiped the tears off my face and mumbled, “Sorry.”

“For what? Having a tender heart? That is nothing to be sorry for. And it sounds like Der-rick is doing the best he can with a bad situation. And Char-lie was brave to be the one to explain. Will you email him?”

“You don’t mind? It won’t take but a minute or two.”

“Why should I mind?”

“Because this … this mess … has to … has to …”

“Whatever you are worried for, do not. As I said, you have a tender heart, a sister’s heart. And, your brother is perhaps stronger for this.”

I emailed to the best of my ability, mostly making sure that Charlie knew I wasn’t “fritzing” and letting Derrick know that I loved him and supported any decisions that he was making. Then I turned to Vit and reveled in the comfort he offered. There are no words that explains how thankful I am not to be alone. I tried to tell Vit and all he would respond is, “Neither of us is alone. Not any longer.”

It was enough for me and now that Vit has showered and gone to bed and asleep, I pray the cup of chamomile tea I drank helps me to sleep as well.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 93: Dec 1 – Punta Arenas, Chile

I have added another country to my passport. Chile. Wow. And yes, by that I am saying that from here on out I am trying very much to see the positive before I allow the negative to influence me. I have family (being far away doesn’t change that). I have a job in my chosen field (more than many of my classmates can say if their social media posts are to be believed). What’s more I have a job I love. Or at least it is a job I love on most days. Today was a little rough but not because of the job. I have my faith and had a good upbringing despite the way my life started out that helps me to keep my faith on rough days. And I am in a relationship with a good man despite it being the reason that today was rough. I am making absolutely no sense. Some would say “as usual” but I am usually better than this. Best to start at the beginning and go from there.

The day did not start on a promise. As a matter of fact, my day started on a growl. A very salty Cossack growl. I sat straight up in bed at the sound. “Vit?”

“Go back to sleep Veta.”

Vit isn’t what you would ever call sunny in the mornings, but he is rarely foul. I stepped out into the living room, it was my normal time to wake up anyway, and see him giving a silent snarl at the Daily Viking … the newsletter they leave on the table every evening for the next day’s activity schedule.

“Bad weather?”

“I asked you to go back to sleep.”

“And I might have if it wasn’t time for me to get up to exercise. Let me make some tea.”

“Veta …” he said with little patience.

I just stood looking at him and then dropped my robe. And don’t laugh. It works in the movies. It worked this time too … at least for a moment.

“You are testing my patience,” he said testily.

“That’s the general idea. Is it working?”

He scrubbed his face before sighing and flopping onto the sette, something I have no memory of him ever doing. “Well enough. Come distract me,” he said beckoning me to come closer.

I obliged but then asked, “What am I distracting you from?”

He didn’t want to talk and suddenly neither did I. I wasted my exercise time, but it was all in a good cause after all. Finally he said, “Enough. I will not be able to walk at this rate.”

“We can tell them we are contagious or something like that.”

He snorted and I heard him mutter, “If only.”

He stood us both up and asked to have the shower. “Of course,” I told him.

He started to walk away then turned back. “Nicholas and Frankie are likely to be difficult for the next few weeks.”

“Why?”

He shook his head in near exasperation before answering, “Do you not know what today is?”

I picked up the newsletter and tried to puzzle out what he meant until my brain finally started to reluctantly process what I was seeing with my eyes. It was like a punch to the gut. I swallowed so that my voice wouldn’t crack but some emotion must have still come through because he was less rough when I answered, “Yes. December 1st. The Christmas season is here. But it has been inevitable so let’s just make the best of it.”

“I … should not have …”

“Don’t Vit. You have every right to have your feelings and opinion about it. Poppa … grew to be somewhat cynical about it all as well. More about the commercialism rather than the reason behind the season. But he tried for Momma’s sake because she loved it all … the noise, the smells, the sounds, the colors, the crowds. She just sometimes had to enjoy it vicariously as it became more and more difficult for her to get around without assistance.” I shrugged. “I did what I could, and she let it be enough.” Looking at him I added, “I’ll do what I can to filter it out for you if that is what you wish. You’ll just have to let me know when or if it is enough. You go shower and I’ll make sure the brothers are awake.” What he would have said to that I have no idea as I went to dress and shut the sleeping area door. He was still in the shower when I came out and went about the duties that started the day.

As I took Frankie to breakfast, I mentally recited what I’d heard on the Port Preview that had been on the tv last night. Punta Arenas is Chile’s southernmost city. It sits on the north shore of the Strait of Magellan, named after the famous Portuguese explorer who pioneered the sea route around South America in 1520. It has been a have for explorers for centuries and still remains so to this day, with many expeditions to Antarctica beginning from here. The rugged landscape of this thinly populated region was once thought to be inhabited by Patagonian giants. And there are still plenty of legends surrounding such stories.

The brothers sensed that Vit was not in his usual mood and it confused them. When Vit went to go answer a call from the intercom asking him to come to Guest Services they both asked me what was wrong.

“Mr. D … has not led a life that makes the holiday season particularly … joyful. He will find his balance, just let him work through this and don’t hold it against him.”

The two of them thought about it and then Frankie said an odd thing to his brother. “Nana Lightman.”

Nicholas seemed to understand and responded, “Only sort of. Nana was that way because she had a hard time after her husband died. Do you remember him?”

“Uh uh. Only Nana Lightman.”

Nicholas, realizing they were carrying on a conversation I couldn’t follow, explained, “Mother’s mother. When I was little she was really fun and stuff but then her husband died and she got so sad that it made her angry. See … he looked like Santa and loved to, you know, play Santa. He died and … all the fun went out of things for her. Francine said she lost her religion or something like that. She was fine most of the time … just not in December. She used to close up the house and everything. It was pretty rough on Mom too and he’d been her stepdad and made up for her bio father being such a jerk. You think Mr. D is going to be okay?”

“I’m sure of it. He just needs a little space to deal with the fact there won’t be any place to escape from things. Hopefully people won’t try and shove it down his throat. People are entitled to do their own thing.”

I mentally winced when Vit said from behind me, “But not at the expense of good manners.” To the brothers Vit said, “Miss Veta is correct, but I will try and not use it as an excuse to behave poorly or make you uncomfortable.”

Frankie just looked at him but Nicholas said, “You’re always on top of things Mr. D so don’t sweat it. If you’d rather sit out things some evenings that’s cool. Or we can hang out in the sports lounge. The Squirt and I will probably have some family things Grandmother will want to do but I doubt every night.”

I think Nicholas’ mature attempt to ease his way helped Vit more directly that my attempt at distracting him had. How is that for a correction on the pride meter?

From that point our day began to move quicker. Our first activity of the day was called Patagonia by Foot. We left the ship and got on a bus for a short ride to the foothills of the Andes Mountains and Club Andino, a ski resort boasting views of the Pacific Ocean. Upon arrival we boarded a lift and, as we rode up to the top, took in spectacular vistas of the woods below. We were able to see the Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas and Tierra del Fuego Island in the distance. I’m glad we rode to the top, because for the next couple of hours we hiked downhill on trails through thick forest and learned about the native Patagonian tree species that we passed along the way. One of them was call the coihue. Two others that I can remember were called the lenga (a sturdy-built species) and the shrub-like ñirre.

I sensed that getting out into “nature” was helpful for all three of my male companions. Fresh air, pristine surroundings, and the chance to, as Momma would say, work off the woolly-boogers. I struggled to keep up a couple of times but didn’t complain as I knew they needed to set the bruising pace they did. I was the lone female on the trek and there was no way I was going to hold any of them up. Upon our return to Club Andino, we had refreshments and some free time to marvel at the beautiful landscape before returning to the ship for our next excursion.

However … doesn’t there always seem to be a “however” on days like this? My shoes were not really designed for the kind of rigorous work out they were getting, and I felt the stitching starting to go where the upper was connected to the sole. I’ve done my best to repair them with what I have … Shoe Goop … but I don’t know how long that is going to hold. I really didn’t put enough thought into my choice of footwear for this trip. Sure, hindsight is 20/20 but what do I do in the meantime?

We were going to head back onto the ship to get something for lunch when a crewmember gave us some good advice … try the local empanadas. While Vit was pumping them for some information in a language I didn’t know … Norwegian! … and didn’t know that he knew, I told Nicholas that I was going to the ATM and getting a little cash. I saw something out of the corner of my eye and a few seconds later I was nearly embarrassed to tears.

“Vit!” I don’t know whether it was a curse or the opposite. I grabbed him to keep my move from sending him to the ground. Everyone around us was silent for half a second before some of them started laughing. Lucky for me Vit was one of them.

“Well that answers that question.”

“And what question would that be?” I asked as I tried to regain my composure.

“That I wondered if I was right to think you capable. And I was correct.”

When I just looked at him Nicholas was the one to snicker and say, “That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.”

I nearly hit both of them with my backpack. Vit doesn’t seem to understand just how “capable” I can be when necessity arises. I have a lot more force in my hits than even Devin and Dylan know. They’d put me in a class with a female instructor who taught me to maximize the phsyics of my build. Instead of throwing the hissy fit I felt like, calmly I said, “Come along Frankie. I want you to have enough time to finish your lunch without having to inhale it.”

Everyone followed me like they were ducklings … still chuckling. I was able to order food from the vendor because I speak both Spanish and what is called “Castilian.” The difference being pronunciation of some of the letters in the alphabet rather than their vocabulary. I got pino-stuffed ones for Nicholas and Frankie … ground beef, onion, raisins, a black olive, and hard-boiled eggs. I got two shell-fish stuffed empanadas for Vit as well as a pino one. And for me I got a cheese-stuffed empanada.

Seeing that I wasn’t eating much Vit said, “I upset you too much to eat?”

“What? No. I’m just not that hungry.”

“Veta …”

“If I get hungry it will be my own fault. I just don’t want to be around the smell of all of those penguins with a full stomach.”

“Ah. So long as I did not … er …”

I told him in Ukrainian, “I’m fine Vit. The smell of all those birds really was stomach-rolling last time I was around them. If I need a snack I have the backpack.”

“Very well,” he said nodding. I wanted to be a little tart and ask him if he thought he could order me to eat but I let it go, knowing I was still mildly irritated by the stunt he pulled trying to catch me off guard. I’ll admit here that I was more upset that he came up on my “bad side” but I wasn’t going to tell him that to make him feel worse. It should be apparent to anyone that has ever picked up a pair of my glasses that one of my eyes requires a stronger prescription than the other. It doesn’t normally bother me but that time it did, to my embarrassment.

Enough maudlin grumping. The situation is over with and Vit didn’t get to make the point he had been trying to. Hopefully he will remind himself of my capabilities if he gets worried about me “wandering off” next time.

That’s about when the bus for our next excursion pulled up that would transfer us to a boat to go to Magdalena Island. On a sailboat we crossed the Strait of Magellan to arrive at the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. Together, the ecosystems on this collection of islands protects more than 120,000 penguins, as well as a colony of sea lions. Lord, what a smell. On Magdalena Island, we stepped ashore to interact with one of the major colonies of Magellanic penguins. Yes, Magellanic is a word though even I doubted it until I looked it up. We spent an hour walking among these magnificent – and smelly – birds. Since the sea conditions were favorable, something not always true, we also had the opportunity to set sail toward Marta Island, home to more than 1,000 sea lions, along with cormorants, skuas, Austral seagulls, Antarctic pigeons and sea elephants. Yes, Frankie made sure that I listed all of those out.

On this leg of the excursion, we didn’t “interact” so much as observe. Sea Lions are nothing to play around with and the way this lot was “roaring” they seemed a bit on the cranky side and not in the mood for company. Instead, we circumnavigated the island and admired the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Because of our full schedule there really wasn’t much of an opportunity to do more than wade through the cruise market – I did pick up a couple of post cards – and hurry back onto the ship so we could be ready for the 6 pm sail away. When Vit took notice of the changes onboard while we were away, he slowed nearly to a crawl then sighed in resignation. The brothers were at first excited then, trying to be polite, pulled back on their enthusiasm.

Vit was not having any of that. “My ways are not your ways but that does not mean you should alter your ways for me. I am aware others feel differently.”

“But we don’t want to hurt your feelings Mr. D,” Frankie said with serious concentration.

“Thank you for that, but … I will survive. Just do not ask me to … sing carols or dress … er …” His eye had been caught by a passenger that was getting into the spirit with a Santa hat and a garish “ugly” Christmas sweater.

Both brothers said, “No. Way.”

The evening was much the same as our other evenings have been except that there was an extra notice on the television discussing the coming holidays and the type of Christmas activities that would be observed on board. There was also a mention of Hanukah for those practicing the Jewish faith. A menorah will be lit each night for those interested. For Christmas, the passenger list was very international so a variety of traditions would be on display but there would be special emphasis on the Norwegian version of holiday celebrations. There would also be some port side activities available for those interested.

Vit came back to the cabin after the brothers had gone to bed but he was too antsy and asked if I minded that he went to the lounge with some of the other men. I was a little disappointed that there would be no “distraction” that night, but I knew he wasn’t in the mood anyway.

So here I have sat working on Frankie’s portfolio, answering a little correspondence, and journaling. But now it is time to get some sleep. Hopefully Vit is working off whatever is eating at him. The next two days are Sea Days and I have a bunch of odds and ends to do … including adding another layer of repair to my shoes.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 94 and 95: Dec 2 & 3 – Scenic Cruising: Chilean Fjords

Had something composed for the family but after re-reading it I’m not sure I am going to send it. Kinda moody and depressing and that’s decidedly not the message that I want to send to them. Especially since the concerned emails have already started trickling in. Veta, we are thinking about you Sweatheart. Veta, we really miss you. Veta, do you remember where we put such and so decoration last year? Veta, keep your chin up. Veta, we’ll try and skype. Veta, Veta, Veta. I love them but they aren’t making this any easier. I know their motivations and hearts are in the right place … but I’m still struggling to keep mine there.

If there is time tomorrow, I will try and rework the email so that my effort isn’t completely wasted but there is just something about the Chilean fjords that we’ve been sailing through that is eery at best. They are haunting, and the weather hasn’t helped my frame of mind either. Even with the relative decent wifi connection and other 900+ passengers on board, I feel cut off and in the middle of nowhere … and alone.

Fog. I dislike fog nearly as much as I dislike cold. In addition, it was also cloudy and rainy. It made everything very atmospheric … sorry for the pun. Despite the weather we’ve seen spectacular natural wonders. I need to focus on that and stop the mental trips that are taking away my peace of mind. The Christmas decorations are very understated and elegant, but they are still a reminder, perhaps even because of this, that I am not where I usually am with people I would prefer to be with. Outside the cabin Vit puts on a good face but when the door closes, he is nearly as cold and stoic as when we first met. He tries not to take it out on me, but he has fallen asleep with a glass of some type of liquor each night. Not a habit that thrills me I must admit. I refuse to say anything however because I sense he is almost daring me to. It is like he is looking for something to argue about and I refuse to be drawn into something like that.

Tonight, he has gone into the sleeping area with his glass and I am sure he is asleep by now. I have a feeling he is not going to be happy in the morning for our port of call, but he is a grown man and I am not his mother. This is a side of Vit that … okay I will admit it … this is a side of Vit that I do not like. Robert would sulk but for most of the time we were together I never knew him to be self-destructive. What Vit is doing is only guaranteed to make him feel worse. And I don’t know how to say this to him or if it is even my place to try.

There’s nothing more constructive I can say about the situation as it currently stands so I am choosing to put it to the side for now. This journal isn’t just about my emotional moaning and groaning but it supposed to be a travel journal and tonight I need to record my impression of the Chilean Fjord area. It is about like I have seen of Alaska – mountains, snow, glaciers, awe-inspiring vistas – only this area of Patagonia is bigger, exaggerated, more there somehow.

Holand Glacier comes down into its own glacial lake, but it’s hard to see because this glacier doesn’t reach the sea. Near to Holand is Italia Glacier. It is what is known as a tidewater glacier; one that makes it all the way down to the sea in one solid mass. We saw the Romance Glacier as well. The Romance Glacier covers the top of a mountain. Exposed rock extends below the glacier. A series of twisting waterfalls cascades from the glacier over the rocks and down to the sea. We were close enough to see the flow of water. It’s amazing that there’s any glacier left at all after I saw how much water it releases every second.

The last two days has been nothing but hour after hour of green forests, peaks with dustings of snow, and glaciers. All day long we never saw a sign of civilization, not even another cruise ship though I know there are some out there someplace as I saw them in port with us back in Punta Arenas. It’s eerie how isolated this area is. My imagination got the best of me and I imagined having some kind of accident and the area simply swallowing us and no one would ever know where we wound up. A little melodramatic and easily dispelled when you understand all the safeguards now in place on modern ships, but the mind goes where it will.

Another glacier we saw was the Amalia Glacier. We cruised right up to it and the ship did a full turn to provide views from every point on the ship’s deck. The Amalia Glacier is only a few miles from the Grey Glacier, but there is no direct access between the two. You must travel by ship around the tip of South America to view them both.

Science fact of the day: Unlike the ice you put in your favorite beverage, glacial ice does not float, because it is void of air. So, if you were to drop a bit of glacial ice into your drink, it would fall to the bottom, just like a rock. Who would have thought that? But it does explain in part why glaciers are usually much larger beneath the water than what you see above the water line.

And with that – and Vit’s snore – I am going to bed. I hope for all our sakes Vit and I can just deal with his emotional baggage in a constructive way instead of letting it eat us up.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 96: Dec 4 – Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Had a little early morning rain but then it cleared and the high was 57 degrees F and a low in the 40s though I don’t know what the exact temperature is right now. It is cold to me, that’s all I know. It has been a full and active day. Frankie didn’t last long after dinner at all, crashing and burning not long after 9 pm. Nicholas lasted a bit longer but not much. And neither did Vit. At least this time it didn’t take a glass of booze to help him sleep. He tried to bring up the subject but the way he did it was so offhand I knew he was hiding how uncomfortable he was.

“Vit, I told you at the start of this trip that it is none of my business and I’m not your mother.”

“You cannot say it did not bother you.”

“I’m not saying it didn’t. I’m saying it isn’t any of my business until you make it so. And if that is what you are trying to do … don’t expect me to play nun and send you to the priest for confession. We’ve both got baggage. I might wish for yours not to weigh you down so much you need a drink just to sleep but that is more for your sake than about the drinking itself. You are a grown man and know the dangers.”

He sighed the asked, “Am I keeping you from putting the stuff about?”

“Uh …”

When he saw my confusion he said, “Many passengers are putting things on their doors and the crew said there is a great deal of nonsense in the rooms as well. Even Madam installed a small tree and some other things.”

“She has?”

“Did the brothers say nothing?”

“Frankie may have but I didn’t put two and two together.” I shrugged. “I didn’t think to bring anything and even if I had there wasn’t room in the luggage. And beyond that, even if I had brought decorations, I wouldn’t use them when I know it makes you uncomfortable. We share this space. It is called using common courtesy. The last thing I want to do is cause you any pain.”

He slumped. “I … will try Veta. But I have never liked this time of year. People …” He shook his head. “And it is also the time of year that …” He was silent for a few moments then shared, “It is this time of year that Anichka died. I had finished basic training and was permitted a few days to clear up my personal business. I had planned to take all my pay and provide her with housing with a woman that sometimes took kids in off the street and tried to keep them clean. Instead I find out that … I was only able to be there at the very end. They had to keep her sedated because of the pain. Had I even been a few hours later it would have been too late.”

“Momma died on my birthday. Poppa died a few days after Christmas. The first year … was hard. But Angelia kept telling us all that Momma and Poppa would hate the idea that we cared more about their deaths than all the rest of their lives. They were always on about finding the joy, even when things were their darkest. Losing someone is gut wrenching. The only way through it – or in my experience – is to try and find some way to celebrate the good things. Maybe the holidays were nonevents for you, I can certainly understand how that could happen. But there must be some good memories with Anichka. But I’m probably the last person that should be giving you advice Vit, I was a complete wreck after losing Momma and Poppa. I fell apart … and it wasn’t out of love but out of fear. I was afraid that if I could lose them, I could lose everyone else as well. Until Derrick explained that I hadn’t lost our parents, we were simply at different points of eternity’s timeline, but that we would eventually wind up in the same place once again.”

He gave me a strange look. “Your brother is a priest as well as a doctor?”

I shrugged. “He’s what he needs to be at any given point. Right now … he is experiencing loss in a way he hadn’t expected to, and it is a sorrow that could have broken him but he is not allowing it to. He is having to overcome it for the sake of his sons … by birth and adoption … and because he sets an example to others in the family. He is … our hlava rodu … our patriarch. That’s more about responsibilities than it is privileges. I wish I could be there for him but I’m not and there’s no real way to change that. I also worry that I would be one more – perhaps one of too many – responsibility for him to have to deal with.” I shrugged. “It is what it is Vit. Just like how you feel is how you feel. No one can change that … only you can. Just … for your own sake … try and find some other way than a bottle of vodka to live with the way things are.”

He stared out the sliders that the dark that lay beyond and then asked hesitantly, “Could I ask something of you?”

“Yes.”

“That … massage. The other night.”

“Your feet?”

“Does it not bother you? Make you feel … like a servant?”

“No. Why would it? Does it make you think less of me?”

“No,” he said turning. “Nii. It does not.”

And so that is what I did and though it took time he finally relaxed and eventually slept. And I’ve been sitting here trying to put my thoughts in order so that if I ever look back and read this, the memories will make sense and will mean something to me. I should have started with the beginning of the day but instead I started with the end. Now I need to go back and say how we got here.

We pulled into port at 7 am and because we were one of the first in line we were cleared to leave the ship before the others that came in after us. And we needed the time, at least our party did … Vit, Nicholas, Frankie, and I. Puerto Chacabuco lies on the southern end of the Aisén Fjord. It is often used as the base of operations for exploring the surrounding countryside. And thanks to the program fairy, whoever that might be, both of our excursions were active and challenging ones.

Our first excursion began with a scenic drive through a rocky gorge to a local farm, where we found horses waiting for us. After the mandatory safety briefing from our guide, we set off on a two-hour ride though stunning natural landscapes along the Rio Simpson. We road among some of the world’s most wild and beautiful landscapes on what the brochure called a Patagonian horseback trail. Vit surprised me once again by bringing the GoPro and, even if it was just as a kind of apology, I accepted with gratitude. Covering an area of more than 40,000 acres, the Rio Simpson Valley offers spectacular scenery with a varied landscape of clear lakes, dramatic waterfalls and swamps that are home to a myriad of Patagonian wildlife. The words are too poor an explanation of what we saw and experienced, but words are all I have … except for the video which I have already downloaded for Derrick and the others to see. Devin has already commented with a playfully jealous remark … and in a private email some cautionary words with regard to things he’s been hearing about locations we are traveling through.

Back at the farm we were served locally crafted cheeses and smoked Simpson salmon, as travel guru Rick Steves would say, “A delicious end to a perfect Patagonian adventure.” It wasn’t a full meal but a couple of trail bars from my snack stash helped make up for that because there wasn’t time to go back to the ship for lunch. The next excursion waited which was kayaking through the wilderness of an isolated Andean valley.

As soon as we got off one transfer bus, we climbed onto the next one for a short drive through the picturesque Aysén region to Lake Los Palos. Upon arrival, we once again received a safety briefing. I suspect if Frankie has learned nothing else by the end of this cruise, he will learn that safety briefings are simply a fact of life no matter how many times you’ve done a particular activity. All it takes is one mishap to ruin your entire vacation … if not worse. We heard at dinner tonight that we are losing two passengers because one of them failed to heed a safety rule and received a significant hip injury. It seems rude to say I hope they had vacation insurance but … I hope they had vacation insurance, or they are going to be out a significant amount of money.

Our own safety briefing was serious, but the guide tried to do it in a humorous way before we climbed into our kayaks and paddled up the western shore of the lake. As we paddled, our guide told us about the variety of rivers, lakes and forests that make up the stunning landscape. We breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the lake’s clear and placid waters as we paddled north to the mouth of the Tabo River. Frankie made sure we admired the local birdlife, including kingfishers, eagles and many species of ducks. Our guides seemed to find joy in his enthusiasm and everyone’s day was brightened. The water levels permitted us a stop for a short walk to explore the surrounding forests, something not always possible. We were also allowed to navigate to a small island covered in native vegetation where we relaxed, took some incredible pictuers, and enjoyed a light snack before paddling back to the pier and returning to the ship.

The fresh air and exercise seemed to benefit my three male traveling companions though I did hear a few complaints of sore muscles from of the other travelers. I recommended a turn in the hot tub to a few of them to get the kinks out. And if that didn’t work an ibuprofen or something similar before bed so they weren’t too stiff when they got up the next day.

When we got back to the ship it was closer to the 6 pm sailaway than I expected it would be. The brothers and Vit needed to hurry and shower so they could go to dinner with Madam. I decided that I needed the air so, despite the chill, I grabbed something at the Pool Grill and ate up on deck until other people started coming up to see the stars as they came out.

It was not long after that that I was paged. I apologized for not being in my cabin for her call and it was Madam who said, “Veta, do not apologize. I would not have bothered you if that Harrington woman didn’t seem to be looking for a fight tonight for some reason. I didn’t want her to target my grandson and I know you are up to recognizing any tricks she might try to pull. Just take him back to his cabin; the boy is asleep on his feet. Vit will escort Nicholas later, though not much later if his position in his chair is any indication. He’s becoming part of the furniture.”

For some odd reason I felt like I’d just received a huge compliment, and I did as ordered. She was also correct that it was not too much later that Nicholas was done for the evening as well. It was when Vit came back to the cabin that we eventually had our discussion and once he fell asleep, I needed to write it all out of my system. And now that I have, I believe I too should get some sleep. Tomorrow is a Sea Day and I need to do some laundry and prepare some lessons for Frankie.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 97: Dec 5 – Scenic Cruising: Chilean Fjords

We are once again cruising through the Chilean Fjords. No fog this time but there was a heavy mist in the morning. When the mist cleared the scenery was just as magnificent as it was day before yesterday. And just as mildly unsettling to my psyche for some reason. Vit and I both had the evening off as the Marchand brothers joined their grandmother for some Christmas show in the ship’s theater. It would have been nice to join in the cookie decorating at the buffet, but I wasn’t going to leave Vit alone. He once again seemed morose. And once again seemed to need comfort which appeared to not set well with him.

He started to get mad when we were scrolling through something to watch on television and I stopped to read the description of a Christmas program and then continued scrolling.

“You can watch the damn show Veta,” he snapped

Refusing to get into a fight I calmly replied, “Yes, I’m an adult and can watch anything I please. However, seeing as how I am an adult, I am also capable of not throwing a snit and thinking of someone else besides myself. It is not like the show is suddenly going to disappear from the play list. If I feel like watching it, I’ll watch it when you aren’t in the cabin. Now come here and let me message your shoulders.”

Angrily he said, “I do not wish to be pacified like a child.”

I almost told him then don’t act like one but thought better of it and said instead, “I would not be thinking what I’m thinking if you were a child. If you don’t want a massage all you needed to do was say so.”

I turned and picked up the post cards that I had been in the middle of reorganizing (again) and started sorting them in chronological order instead of alphabetically as I had them before.

A few minutes later Vit comes to the table and says, “I will stand still if you wish to throw something at me.”

I continued sorting without looking at him and said, “If I wished to throw something at you, you wouldn’t have to stand still. I have lots of practice at hitting a moving target. I have far too many brothers … older, nosey, overprotective, annoying brothers. Don’t believe me? Ask Charlie and Devin.”

“Veta …”

I finally looked up. “Vit, we’ve been through this. You feel how you feel for reasons that you’ve explained to me. I am not going to fight with you about it. No one can force you to feel differently. If you eventually do feel differently it will be because you intentionally make the choice yourself. And that being the case, I care enough about you that I’m willing to compromise.”

“And do I not compromise?”

“You’ve compromised plenty at other points while we’ve come to know each other.”

Like he was daring me he asked, “And if we were at your Pembroke?”

I tried to answer honestly. “I would still compromise, but you’d have to as well. When we get there and the holidays roll around, I’ll keep the activities at the house to a minimum and you don’t make a lot of noise if I want to celebrate with my family at their homes. Maybe with time you grow tolerant, maybe you don’t. We’ll work on getting along either way. Everyone else can just butt out.”

I went back to organizing the cards and then startled when he put his hands over mine. “You will wear the pictures off those cards as much as you arrange and rearrange them. Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m a little OCD. I just want things to stay neat and tidy. And I’m thinking that when we get to San Diego I will send this box home. I’m starting to collect too much stuff again.”

“Nii.”

“Da. Too much. At least most of it is stuff we can eat … or that we can eat when we get to Pembroke House. Assuming it makes it through Customs.”

“Nii. You should hear some of the men complain they are already tripping over packages in their cabins.”

“Da. You are a minimalist and I need to respect that. And don’t get upset, Derrick is a minimalist as well. He prefers collecting memories rather than things. And you don’t have to worry about Pembroke House being cram jammed full of stuff. After Poppa and Momma … left us … the house was gone through top to bottom and the house was rented out. Even the attic, sheds, and barn were cleaned out. Angelia said she might get some of the old furniture out of storage, but we’ll have to make do with what came from my apartment in Jacksonville for the rest of it.”

“You are changing the subject. Your durnychka [baubles] and lystivky [postcards] bring you happiness. Do not take them away from yourself for my sake. That will … displease me.”

I sighed. “Don’t be a stubborn Cossack.”

“I will be a very stubborn Cossack if you do that.” He kissed my neck and then whispered. “Can I ask for a massage?”

I put the postcards down and told him, “Of course. But I don’t need to be placated Vit. If you don’t wish to …”

“Nii. I wish to … too much. I do not wish to make you feel like a servant.”

“I offered to make you feel better … and because I like to make you feel better. How do you get the idea that I would feel like a servant?” I saw the uncomfortable look on his face and put two and two together. “I’m not your other … mmmm … whatevers. I’m me. Poppa used to rub Momma’s hands and feet with balm when I was little. But she became so frail that instead of feeling good it hurt and bruised so Poppa would find other ways to try and make her feel good. If this doesn’t do it for you then I can …”

“Shhhh. It ‘does it for me’ too well. It just seems a selfish request for me to make.”

I snorted. “You didn’t ask, I offered. Either or it doesn’t matter to me.”

He’s asleep now. And it didn’t take a glass of vodka to do it. I’ll give him a massage for the rest of our lives if it means he doesn’t feel like he must resort to liquor to deal with the things that hurt.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 98: Dec 6 – Puerto Montt, Chile

Another long, active day on two back-to-back excursions. It seems a good thing that each port is broken up with a Sea Day otherwise exhaustion would quickly set in. And I don’t think I am the only one of that opinion. On the other hand, on Sea Days I have too much time to think about things that I cannot change and cannot control. A few of the passengers complain that this cruise line doesn’t offer enough activities on Sea Days. I hear some of the cruise lines keep you running from one end of the ship to the other all day long, even on port days if you are so inclined. I’m not sure I’m up for that, but a little more to do would be nice. Rather than finding them relaxing, I find the Sea Days are stressful, at least mentally that then translates to physically and I wind up more tired at the end of a Sea Day than I do on days like today. Or so my brain tells me.

Today we were in Puerto Montt in Chile. The city is situated on the north side of a sheltered bay. And when I say city, I mean city. Puerto Montt is no quaint village but definitely urban and modern. The area it is in is called Los Lagos or in English it is Chile’s lakes region. Puerto Montt is the largest population center in the region, and it isn’t hard to believe given its size. The area outside the urban center is gorgeous and green with national parks, forests, and snowcapped mountains at every turn. Some of the architecture of the city harkens to the early German settlers giving it an almost European feel in places. Sounds bucolic … until you add in the fact that it is less than 20 miles from the summit of a volcano called Osorno, one of the most active in the Chilean Andes.

Osorno is an 8,700-foot stratovolcano that erupts fairly frequently despite the fact that its summit is covered in glacier. Usually when it erupts it is effusive. In layman’s term that means the volcano gurgles out lava; but it has been known to erupt more violently and throw out pyrochlastic flows. It reminds me a bit of how Mt. Rainier looks in Washington state. It too is a stratovolcano only it last erupted in 1894 and it seems to exclusively be explosive. Whoops. Sorry for forgetting to take my teacher hat off. Frankie asked so many questions that I think I may have gotten stuck in that mode.

We docked this morning at 7 am and we were already on our excursion by 8 am. A few people were taken aback by just how urban it was and they were uncertain about the excursions they had chosen. I decided to just go with the flow as I was already stressing a bit. It was a rush to make sure the brothers had their breakfast but I’m glad I insisted even if it did mean skipping my morning exercises. Horseback riding is not something you want to do much of on an empty stomach or you’ll be starving by the end of it. As a form of exercise, it takes concentration and physical focus and control, and you aren’t going to be able to do that and enjoy it if you are dealing with hunger. On the other hand, people who get motion sickness need to make what is in their stomach up to the challenge.

This morning we explored the beauty of southern Chile’s temperate rainforest via horseback. Frankie and Nicholas are both much improved, but Vit is the most improved. Some of that is his age of course but I think, had he started riding at a younger age, he could have been quite a competitor. He may yet get to that level of talent, but it is a shame he did not have the opportunity as a child. He seems to enjoy the freedom of horseback the way some men enjoy riding a motorcycle or driving a fast car.

We started the day with a scenic drive across the region of glacial lakes and volcanoes to arrive at the charming town of Frutillar. It is there we first were introduced to the traditional German wood architecture and also where we met our guide. At the stables, we received the expected safety briefing as well as our gear for the day and got acquainted with the horse that was assigned to us. It was nice that we started with gentle slopes through rural scenery dotted giving us time to get used to the animals and they us because we had to deal with some sheep on the trail. That was a little more interesting than some of the riders cared for; they were afraid of letting the horse step on the sheep. I figured the horse knew what it was doing because it’d had so much practice and told Frankie so. One of our guides heard me and agreed with a laugh. It also caused a conversation about local animal management from our guide. After having to wait for one such bunch of sheep (flock?) our path took us deep into the Valdivian temperate rainforest. This ecosystem occupies a relatively small area located almost exclusively within Chile. The forested trail was wonderful, and I was grateful once again that Vit brought the GoPro though this time I was able to convince him to take a turn for his own memories on horseback. We got very lucky, according to our guide, and saw some Southern Pudú—the smallest deer in the world. They looked almost like toys. I’ve seen dogs larger than these animals and it is hard to believe they are deer; their legs are short, and their face doesn’t look like a deer either.

That was four hours well spent but it didn’t leave Vit and I a lot of time to provide a mid-day meal for our charges before we had to go on to the next excursion. Luckily there was something close to our next pick up point that everyone could agree on. It was called “Patagonia Burger” and yes, while primarily burgers this wasn’t your mama’s Micky D’s. The bun on the burgers that the three males got had the restaurant’s name branded into it. The burgers were also large and filling … or so they said. I opted for a quesadilla plate and wound up having to split the last one between Vit and Nicholas so the food wouldn’t be wasted. Lucky for them I hadn’t dosed it yet with hot sauce. As it is, I won a bet on whether I could toss back a small paper cup of the restaurant’s homemade hot sauce. It meant a free beer bottle of a local brew which I gave to Vit for later.

Lucky for us the restaurant wasn’t busy as our food was timely. We had just finished our last bite and dealt with the bill and were saying goodbye to the staff when the bus pulled up to take us to the next excursion. According to the description it was to be an invigorating and exhilarating raft expedition on the azure waters of the Petrohué River. I’ll agree that it was exhilarating, but invigorating is in the eye of the beholder.

We met our guide, got the full safety rundown, and then began our journey in calm waters before encountering our first rapids. The Petrohue is listed as one of Chile’s most beautiful and exciting glacial rivers. That I can agree with … especially the “glacial” part. Doggone that water was cold. It took us through the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park and gave us a chance to see some spectacular scenery. The national park covers more than 900 square miles through the Andes. For the math challenged that is 576,000 acres. Put into perspective, that’s roughly a quarter of the size of the US’s Yellowstone National Park.

There were beautiful waterfalls, lush forests (well, would you rather me call them sexy?), majestic mountains and the region’s three volcanoes—Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo. I thought Osorno was enough but to find out there were two more … I don’t know if I could live in the shadow of an active volcano or not. It seems the wrong thing to do for your personal peace of mind.

There weren’t just one set of rapids but multiple ones. Lucky for us our guide was both experienced and professional. He guided us through a series of thunderous rapids as we held on tight. Vit and the brothers really enjoyed themselves, me … eh … I feared losing my glasses which will teach me to not have the security band for them at all times. The one thing I didn’t like at all was the wet suits we had to wear that weren’t as waterproof as they purported to be. Brrrr. There was also a picnic lunch provided which wasn’t listed in the description. Our lunch at Patagonia Burger didn’t stop the others from scarfing up what was offered. I ate as well – I hate to waste food – but it made eating dinner tonight impossible for me. You can guess Nicholas didn’t have a problem.

Back on the ship we found that Madam invited us all to dine with her … I was specifically invited raising my suspicions. I was correct and wound up playing background accompaniment to Mrs. Harrington’s piano. Good thing that I wasn’t particularly hungry because once she stopped to dine, I was instructed/ordered to continue playing for everyone.

It was the Entertainment Director that countermanded the Harrington woman’s edict. You could see on her face she did not like being foiled and prevented from putting me in my place. You could also see on the Entertainment Director’s face that he saw through her and was not going to let her be a petty tyrant on the ship. He made a big deal out of escorting me back to Madam’s table and thanking me for being gracious. I smiled and shrugged, and he understood it to mean thank you.

When I was seated Vit poured me a cup of tea when I refused a meal but then forgot himself so much as to ask, “Why do you let that woman push you around?”

I surprised him – and the others at the table – by answering, “She did not ‘push me around.’ In fact, she cannot make me do anything that I am not willing to do.”

“Then why?” he said, at least giving some effort to not growling.

I looked at Madam before answering then shrugged. “Vit I’m not doing it for her per se but to keep the peace for everyone. What her sons did was abhorrent. But as far as is determinable, she and her currently rum-soaked husband, did not have any part of what they did. And yes, I know, now has nothing to do with then. But whether I like it or not is immaterial. I am here to do a job and even if this wasn’t my job, I wouldn’t want to set the kind of example that woman is setting.”

“But …”

“And I am also realistic. She can cause problems … for our charges, for Madam, she’s already been rude to Miss Hayworth. I’m sure that they … and we … can rise above her behavior.”

“Zhinky,” he said under his breath. “Y A vas ne rozumiyu.”

I brought my napkin to my lips to hide the smile at the irritated words of a man repeating what his gender has complained of since the beginning of time. [Women. I do not understand any of you.]

“I know you don’t understand any of us,” I said trying not to chuckle. “You should hear my brothers go off when my sisters start driving them crazy.”

Madam chuckled startling Vit … and me as well. “You definitely have her number Veta. She’s the type that will just keep escalating until she gets her way or the reaction she is after. I admit she is more devious than I originally credited her with being, but she will trip herself up sooner rather than later at this rate. It would appear that the ship’s personnel already realize what she is. Some of the passengers do as well. And I believe her latest ploy is opening the eyes of others. Keep being yourself my Dear. It appears to be driving her over the edge … and then I will have her. There is more than one way to skin a cat.”

The last two sentences gave me pause but I didn’t say anything. Madam can be a little scary and I do not believe she is quite as over the danger that Frankie was put in than she has played at. But as Momma would say, little pitchers have big ears and I could see Frankie trying to puzzle out what she meant. I glanced at Nicholas and he saw it as well and helped to distract his little brother, asking if he wanted to go help eat the gingerbread houses that had been used as decoration at the buffet.

“Yes!”

Vit and I were released for the evening and we both headed back to the cabin as we both had paperwork that needed to be updated for the monthly reports. Slowly, once he realized I wasn’t going to drag Christmas into the cabin, Vit relaxed and said, “You can watch that show if you wish.”

“No thank you. I need to finish this and then I need to rinse out some things.”

“Veta …”

“Vit. It’s compromise. That’s all. Stop worrying it to death.”

He relaxed after that and then consented to me giving him a massage and soon he said he would shower and go to bed. I suppose this is a positive move forward. What I haven’t told him is that one of the reasons it is so easy for me to “compromise” on the Christmas activities is because they only remind me that I’m not at home to do them with my family. He asked me how things would work in Pembroke and I think I could compromise there as well … it just wouldn’t be as easy. And now I need to stop because I feel my brain going into that “sit and spin” pattern that triggers my anxiety. Time to get out of the thought rut and stay constructive.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 99: Dec 7 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Weather was chilly today. Spent most of it with Frankie working on lessons and catching up on correspondence and loading pictures to our Shutterfly pages. Not much more to say than that except that today is Pearl Harbor Day and I snuck in some world history and Mr. O’Rourke told some stories on his older brothers and cousins. Made for an interesting counter point to the news which wasn’t all that great. I’m glad we got to go to Paris when we did. The riots there are no longer habitual background noise they’ve been for years. Now the violence is real, and the players aren’t just those looking for economic relief. One commentator says that they’ve been infiltrated with more militant factions and the aim is no longer clear, but a multiheaded hydra that not only attacks others but bites and tears at itself.

Spent some time with Vit at the end of the day but it still feels a bit stilted. Hope we get through this “season” soon before whatever we have with each other implodes.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 100: Dec 8 – Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile (Day 1)

Today has kicked my butt. Sorry that sounds rude, but it really has. First off was the realization that today is Day 100 of the cruise. I’ve been away from home four months if you add the cruise to the time I was in London before that. And yet I have one and a half times more than that before this job comes to an end. It seems impossibly long and yet I did the math and I’ve got the heebies. Why? Because in 145 days my paychecks come to an end. Charlie is taking care of the bulk of my income and things are going fine in that respect. He and Angie both have told me that I should use this cruise to purchase things that trigger memories but that will also be useful for having a home of my own. I don’t know if today’s purchases count, but they are the first I’ve made in a while.

Whew, better just start at the beginning of the day and roll on from there. Was nice for it to be daylight when we pulled into port at 8 am. The weather cooperated and I was even able to get some video of the ship being tied off and then the announcement we’d been cleared to disembark. Vit and Nicholas were on other excursions, so it was back to being just Frankie and I. I think perhaps we both needed it, each for our own reasons.

Our first excursion was a long one – 6.5 hours – but it felt like it went faster than that. We explored Chile’s traditions on an excursion to the rural heartland of the Casablanca Valley. Not the movie Casablanca which supposedly took place in Morocco. When I looked it up, I was amazed of the number of places with that name. Who knew?

We started with a drive toward the heart of the valley, an established wine region since the 19th century, and a visit to one of the local wineries. Yes, that was a little odd for a 9-year-old, and yet I did what I could with it and included a lot of history and science. During that stop we discovered the art of winemaking and how the ocean breezes contribute to the excellent quality of the fruity wines produced there. We witnessed the wine-making process and then our group enjoyed a tasting of the vineyard’s house wines. For those of us not drinking, we got a taste of the fresh pressed grape juice. I picked up a couple of bottles of the local Pisco (grape brandy) as well as some of the house wines.

Next, part of the excursion we drove to Puro Caballo for an introduction to the Chilean huaso—the traditional Chilean horseman similar to an American cowboy, or the Chilean version of a gaucho. We learned about the characteristics of the powerful Chilean horse, and watched a demonstration of a Chilean rodeo while enjoying a glass of wine or a refreshing pisco sour … or in Frankie’s and my case a glass of fruit juice. I ached to get on one of the horses but it wasn’t meant to be. Frankie did get to see some young colts but not too close as they were very frisky. En route back to Valparaíso, we visited the Fonck Museum in neighboring Viña del Mar and saw a collection of indigenous Easter Island artifacts and Mapuche silver crafts.

I didn’t realize how close Easter Island was to Chile. Shows even a master’s degree in education doesn’t confer omniscience. Frankie laughed when I told him that and was happy to look at maps and do a little math and geography as well as watch a documentary on Easter Island in the evening.

We were both very hungry by the time we got back to the ship but didn’t want the hassle of going in and out of security. On the other hand, I still needed to turn the bottles of wine over to the steward to be stored until I could ship them, so we went that far and then a crew member told us that the cruise market had a few food vendors set up and he’d heard from others the food was good. Down the gangway we went and sure enough we managed to find some empanadas “to go” and got in line and ate them while we waited for the bus for out next excursion.

The description of the excursion didn’t do it justice. Either that or we had an extremely talented guide though I suspect it was a bit of both. Essentially, we stepped back in time and discovered the coastal colonial village of Valparaíso, the area nearest the pier which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Atop Paseo Yugoslavo, enjoyed a wonderful view of the port and its cluster of colorful houses, and visited the Palacio Baburizza—the city’s museum of fine arts. Downtown in Plaza Sotomayor, at the heart of the city, we hopped on board a trolleybus and journeyed to Villa Victoria. This former 19th-century mansion was the home of one of the wealthiest women of the city, Doña Blanca Vergara. She sold the house in 1919 to Spanish immigrants, who converted it into a bakery. The current owners have painstakingly restored the building and opened the old bakery as a tea room. The owners and their employees, dressed in traditional costume, led us through their living museum while sharing tales of Valparaíso. We had free time to wander the exhibits of period artifacts which was nice after being on so many excursions where every minute was scheduled for us.

We were let off the bus a couple of blocks from the ship and at our own pace we wandered in and out of some shops and then zigzagged through the cruise market before reboarding. One of the more unusual items I purchased was a candle holder made from reclaimed avocado wood. It was beautiful in its simplicity and design; very utilitarian yet extraordinarily handsome. From another vendor I picked up merqueen, a spice reminiscent of paprika and yet not. I picked up some alpaca wool because I had some idea to make a scarf or hat with it, but it might not be until we get home to Pembroke as I already have two other crochet projects started. There were other things that I almost bought but I need to start counting my pennies a little better. Even with a positive exchange rate, the wine and pisco set me back more than I had intended.

We finally managed to make it back to our cabins to find that Vit and Nicholas were still out. We stay in Santiago overnight so that is why I can write so much earlier in the day than normal. Madam and Miss Hayworth were tired, so Frankie dined with me. He is going back to his cabin in a moment to shower “and have the bathroom to himself for a change” and then I told him he could watch a bird documentary so long as he didn’t stay up long.

I am going to “have the bathroom to myself” as well and then I may just make an early night of it as well.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 101: Dec 9 – Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile (Day 2)

What an odd day this has been, odd but wonderful at the same time. Okay, “odd” is the wrong word for it but at the same time so different from what my “normal” has become that I’m not sure how to categoriaze it exactly. Definitely wonderful though. I got to spend all day with Vit, and we did something amazing. Okay, maybe amazing is the word I should use because it was that and more. Argh! I’m still so excited I can barely write. The reason we were afforded such a luxury is because yesterday evening the Drs. Marchand (and Francine) called to say they had arrived. Madam had known it was a possibility but seemed to be overjoyed that her planning had come to fruition. The brothers were quite literally struck dumb.

It started about the time that Frankie was to go to his cabin, and shower, so he could watch a documentary. I got a call to pick him up from his cabin, have him dress, bring his sketches, and to meet at the security desk. I was a little alarmed but tried to turn it into an adventure for Frankie to allay his obvious fear of the sudden call.

He peppered me with anxious questions the whole way. “Is it Grandmother? Is she all right? Is it Nickie? Or … or …” We were walking towards the desk when his questions petered off and he got the oddest expression on his face.

I turned and there was Madam and Miss Hayworth (the woman was beaming) as well as Vit, and Nicholas who looked no less struck dumb. But I was able to make an educated guess when I noted three other people standing there as well. I recognized them from a picture that Frankie has in their cabin.

We walked forward a few more steps and then Frankie stops and looks at me. “Am … am I dreaming? Did I fall asleep watching the birds?”

“No,” I told him kindly, noting that he was starting to shake.

He walks up and stands by his grandmother and looks at her and then at his parents and sister like he can’t seem to form anymore words. I was very surprised when it was his mother that broke the tableau first and said, “I hope that book has your sketches in there. Seeing them over a video feed isn’t the same as getting to see them firsthand.”

I could feel my chest tightening up. It has been my understanding that Frankie’s mother was distant and cold to him due to some type of trauma during the birth and subsequently being unable to bond with him. She looked like she was trying – and just as hesitant as Frankie himself. Nicholas saved the day by saying, “Go ahead Squirt. I know you’re a little embarrassed, but Mother really does want to see them.”

“I … I just want them to be good enough for her,” Frankie said quietly before handing over the sketch book like he was putting his life in her hands.

She turned the pages carefully and then said, “I recognize this one. You have a picture of it on Traveling Marchand. I believe this is the penguin that rather formed an attachment for your teacher.”

“You … you read Travelling Marchand?” Frankie asked in amazement.

“Of course. You’ve turned into quite an adventurer. And you need to tell me more about this passion for ornithology. My great grandfather was a well-known ornithologist in his day. Did some work with Walter Rothschild. And according to family legend one of the great great something or others travelled with John James Audobon when he was a boy.”

Frankie’s eye became the size of silver dollars and I could see I’d be doing some research in the near future. It was then that Francine caught my attention. She was a no-nonsense blonde with the physique of someone who spent most of their time outside working. Her look was accompanied by sharp blue eyes. “Nice to meet you in person Veta.”

“Likewise.”

We exchanged pleasantries and then she went back to join her family and Miss Hayworth came over and brought Vit who had been speaking with the Drs. Marchand on Nicholas’ progress. “I know this is going to seem like throwing a monkey wrench into tomorrow’s plans but we weren’t sure Nick would be able to get a break from the dig site.”

Vit is the one that said, “Ah. A surprise for the brothers.”

“Yes. And we’ve taken a hotel room in town for the night. And no, you don’t need to go pack them any clothes Veta, one of the reasons is that we have a tailor bringing some things for the boys to try on since they both need to have something drastic done with their wardrobes. So, you two have the day off tomorrow.”

Vit and I looked at each other, unsure what to say.

Pulling us a little further away from the group she added, “This next may seem like l’m meddling a bit … and I am.” She gave a conspiratorial chuckle. “You two deserve some time out from under the eye of all our fellow passengers. Your time off has been extremely limited and circumstances … well … I arranged for a day trip to Cerro La Campana. It is rather rigorous but from my observation the two of you are up for it. It starts rather early however.”

She gave the arrangements to Vit and then jogged to catch up with the Marchands who were leaving the ship to catch a waiting taxi.

“Well,” Vit said.

“Goodness,” I responded.

We turned and made our way back to the cabin, entered it, and then just looked at each other.

With some caution Vit finally said, “Let us look at this activity that Fraulein Hayworth has arranged.”

When we read the details we were both floored. It was a dream opportunity, one we would not have been able to afford on our own or do with our charges in tow.

Suddenly Vit pulled me into his arms. “An entire day to spend together. No one watching us. No watching others or our charges. I must be dreaming.”

“You sound like Frankie.”

“Nii. Not a boy. A man. One nearly starved for his woman. Tonight, it is I who will pay attention to you. And there is no one we need be on call for.”

Well I’m not going to record it all but we both went to bed satisfied though we decided we didn’t dare sleep in the same bed as it would create too much temptation. Part of me is scandalized at how close we keep coming to that final act, but we always managed to hold onto our commonsense and pull back from the precipice, but it was a near thing. We both took a turn in the shower and even Vit spoke of using the Snow Grotto to “cool off.” It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad we managed to get the sleep we did because today did indeed start early.

At 07:00 am a driver picked us up from the pier. We met two other couples and two single hikers at the drop off point where we met our guide. From there we entered La Campana National Park, a UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserve. Both Vit and I took an amazing number of photos. Our guide’s name was Jack and he was very experienced but also had a great personality and made the day fun as well as memorable. The other people in our party were also a fun bunch. I was the youngest and the oldest was a single hiker/adventurer in his early 40s. Quite a different range than what we experience on the cruise.

On the ascent to the top of the mountain, we walked along unspoiled trails, passing mountain streams, impressive hillsides and primal oak forests. Jack helped us to get to know the flora of the region and we all enjoyed the fresh air and surrounding native plants and trees. At the highest point of the trek, the summit of the Cerro La Campana, we got a fantastic clear view of the Andes and Aconcagua. On part of the trek we followed in the footsteps of Charles Darwin during his 1834 excursion. The trek included a gourmet picnic lunch that we all helped to pack in. It was cool, and I was glad that I dressed in layers, including tights under my jeans.

The only downside to the day is that my shoes are toast. We were loading onto the bus to return to town when I stumbled and felt the repairs that I’d been making start giving again. I said nothing, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that my socks could be seen where they shouldn’t have been seen.

It was 4:30 pm when the driver dropped us off right outside the cruise market.

“Veta, did you hurt your ankle again?”

I was embarrassed and tried to hide it. “No. Oh look at that!”

Distraction did not work and he got a good look at my shoes. “The repair did not hold.”

“I’ll fix it again.”

“Not this time. The material is torn.”

“Drat,” I said, seeing he was correct. “Our adventures have been harder on my shoes than I expected. I have a spare pair.”

“I … do not.”

I looked and realized I wasn’t the only one with problems. Trying to think what we could do about the sole of Vit’s shoes breaking away from the upper we started walking through the cruise market and low and behold there was a leather shop there. We considered paying for repairs on our shoes but instead the vendor called his brother-in-law who owned a shop that catered to trekkers and hikers. The man said if we came right away, he would keep his shop open. Bingo. It was an expense neither of us had counted on having but they cost less than a pair of leather hikers would have cost state-side. I’m glad that I brought a couple of pair of shoe inserts made of memory foam with me just in case. As a result, the shoes feel almost like my trusty Skechers … almost being the operative word. Vit says he does not have a preference for any brand … just serviceable, durable, and economical. It isn’t like I don’t understand that … but I’m spoiled enough that I want a replacement pair of Skechers, and I may very well get them in a couple of weeks.

What a first world problem to have. I should be thankful that I was able to find an adequate pair of shoes and yet here I am complaining and admitting that I’m spoiled. I did apologize to Vit for my vanity and he looked at me strangely before saying that I should be careful.

“Veta, do not … hmmm … how to say this. You worked for the money that you spent yes?”

“Yes,” I answered waiting to see where his words were going.

“Then do you think that somehow the shop was cheating you?”

“No. I got a very good price on these shoes.”

“And neither of you were forced into the transaction.”

“No. Of course not.”

“Do you think that the shop keeper will throw the money away or will he use it to pay his bills and feed his family. Perhaps give some charity.”

Sensing a “brat” style lecture I cut to the chase and asked, “Okay Vit, what’s your point?”

“My point is that this ‘guilt complex’ our generation is being forced by society to feel is illogical. You caused no harm by purchasing new shoes today. You will cause no harm wanting a pair of shoes that you are familiar with and have had a favorable interaction with. As for the price tag … you have the right to spend your resources as you please. Do not allow the absurd ‘guilt’ heaped upon us to control you. The Elitists and their counterparts too often try and control people through their emotions. Do not be one of them.”

“I never viewed myself as an elitist. I mean …”

“Veta that is not what I am saying. Stop and listen. Do not simply emote. Do not allow them to victimize you. There is nothing inherently wrong with liking nice things. But we should limit those nice things to what we can take care of and be responsible for. I know you think of my personal belongings as … Spartan. In part you are correct, but it is my preference. In part it is simply that I have never had a place to house more things than I have an immediate need for and could use at any given time. However, that does not mean that I view the fact you have more than I as a … a … evil or however you are beginning to look at things.”

“But …”

“Kokhana, having nice things is a motivation to improve … geographically, financially, etc etc.”

I huffed. “I am not a child Vit. I understand what you are saying.”

“I hope so, but you are not acting like it. And yes, I know your kind heart is affected by some of the poverty we have seen on this job, as well as the counter point of some of this ostentacious largeese we have seen as well. There will always be such in this world. And perhaps in part it is also my own past affecting your outlook. But do not let the realities that will always exist in this world cause you to … overcompensate and worry at things unnecessarily. If I have come to understand … and accept … because of Anichka, there is only so much that can be done … or even should be done. You helped me see that. And acting as a … whatever this is that I am to Nicholas.”

Maybe I am overreacting. I don’t mean to. And I did not like feeling “childish” next to Vit’s worldliness and life experience. But why fight the truth? I’ve led a sheltered life. This cruise has given me the opportunity to expand my horizon and participate in life in a way I never have. Perhaps I do feel guilty when I have things that others do not. But I understand I have the right to “enjoy the fruits of my labor” as well as the consequences, both good and ill, of my choices of where to as Vit said “spend my resources”. I know in some respects I am spoiled compared to others around the world, but I also try and be frugal and wise and all the other yada yada that Momma instilled in me. What a headache inducing line of thinking and I don’t want to spend all my time recording it.

When we finally managed to get back to the ship, we found a note that said that the Marchands would be returning after dinner so we still had a few hours to ourselves … and we took advantage of it. Enough said. Then dinner in the main dining room and we were just beginning to decide what to do when we got back to the cabin when a crewman saw us and told us the Marchands were returning aboard.

“Lovely,” Miss Hayworth exclaimed when she saw us coming to meet them. “Could you two be dears and help the boys get their packages back to their cabin?”

The time with their parents and sister obviously agreed with Frankie, Nicholas was not quite so bouncy but he wasn’t sour either. In a roundabout way we discovered that Francine had pestered him a bit about his future plans. It wasn’t “anything he couldn’t live with” but had been a little stressful until their mom of all people said to tone it back a bit, that “Nickie has chosen his path and is making good progress” and that he has career options after he does his “sports thing” the same as their father did.

“What they don’t know is that my ‘sports thing’ is my career option. But like Grandmother says, pick your battles.”

Vit told him, “Wise.”

The reason why we needed to help the brothers is that they were both loaded down with packages. Clothes and shoes to be more precise. Nicholas kept some of his garments and then packaged up the remainder as he replaced them with his new clothes. Frankie on the other hand got an entirely new wardrobe from the skin out.

“Mother said to leave some space in the closet as I might want to get a few things here and there … like t-shirts and stuff. Isn’t that cool?”

“Very,” I said with a grin.

Whatever the issue was with his mother appears that time is finally healing. I am glad for both of them. Momma may not have given birth to me, but she was still my Momma and I miss her every day.

We killed two birds with one stone and as they emptied the box that they brought their clothes aboard in, we filled it with the clothes that were outgrown or going home. Then as we were leaving the cabin to allow the brothers to decompress and go to bed since they had already had dinner and then put their family on a plane to head back to their Pre-Columbian dig site – both were tired physically and somewhat emotionally – Miss Hayworth told us that they were giving the clothes to a local orphanage and charity program. So, we carried them down to the desk so that a courier could take them to the charity first thing in the morning. It seems that the ship’s crew also donates to charities in this way when items are not claimed from lost-and-found or other such occurrences.

We got a running commentary from Miss Hayworth that Madam was so pleased with both brothers’ behavior and ability (and willingness) to converse during the day.

“I wish I would have taken more pictures and movies,” she said. “Nick was particularly impressed with Nickie’s maturity and everyone was simply floored … simply floored! … by how well Frankie is doing. And Anne is ecstatic at how Frankie is blossoming academically and for it to be ornithology … well she brought up perhaps Frankie should stay with Madam and go to a parochial school close to her rather than return to the boarding school. Frankie looked so hopeful that Madam said then and there that she’d already been giving that some thought but hadn’t wanted to broach the subject yet considering how important this dig was to their career. Well of course that stroked their egos and made them feel very receptive to some other things that Madam has been considering. I am really very, very pleased with how things turned out. I admit I was a tad concerned at first but once they arrived and … oh and I haven’t even asked how your excursion turned out.”

So, we told her how much we enjoyed ourselves and was so appreciative of the thought she had put into it. That made her happy. I’m not sure she gets the appreciation she deserves. She had a great deal to do with the entire family’s comfort and I hope that the brothers both show her some appreciation from here on out.

As for Vit and I, we both returned to our cabin, did a little bit of paperwork, Vit started on a project that Dr. Nick Marchand asked of him … something to do with tracking Nicholas’ training as well as daily activities for a type of sports resume or portfolio or something of that nature … while I added this entry to my journal. I believe we are both wiped out however and should get some rest. Tomorrow is another full-day excursion as well as the sail-away from Santiago.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 102: Dec 10 – Santiago (Valparaiso), Chile (Day 3)

Today was our final day in Valparaiso. It was nice to stay in one spot for a change but on the other hand it appears many people are ready to go on to the next port. Or next adventure perhaps. Many people had a very relaxed 3rd day in port, if they even left the ship which many did not. Vit, our charges, and I had a rather full one. Essentially, we drove across the Chilean Coastal Range from Valparaiso to the metropolitan Santiago which is Chile’s capital city that was founded in 1541.

Santiago, located in the country’s central valley, sits between the Chilean Coastal Range and the snowcapped Andes mountain range. The city has a downtown core of 19th-century, neoclassical architecture and winding side streets dotted with art deco and neo-Gothic treasures. We began the excursion with a panoramic drive past the modern sights of the very busy city, including the Palacio de la Moneda—the presidential palace—and the beautiful cathedral in Plaza de Armas. We took in the breathtaking panoramic views from atop San Cristóbal Hill, at Santiago Metropolitan Park. We had a modicum of free time to independently explore city, but many people said they would have preferred more. Afterward, we traveled to the Los Dominicos Handicraft Village in the Las Condes district to see the work of local artisans using copper, wool, ceramics, lapis lazuli and other indigenous materials.

I mean I enjoyed it, especially the leisurely stroll out of the eye of the tour guide who was rather managing and had her favorites every where we went, but I was counting pennies. There were things that were hard to pass by but just because you can doesn’t mean you should. For instance, I had to be the party pooper to remind some of our fellow travelers that Coca leaves are banned in many countries and are listed as a “Schedule II” or restricted substance according to the US Code of Federal Regulations. Penalties for taking them into the US can range from 5 to 40 years in prison!

Vit and Nicholas walked around on their own and I was to find out later find that Vit bought several pieces of lapis lazuli which is a blue stone I know because of a study on ancient Egypt that I did with Momma when I was in middle school. Nicholas is now imitating Vit in investing his allowance in items that will hold their value. I think Frankie is a little young for that yet, but he did get a small piece of several stones and ore for the collection that he started earlier in our travels. He needs a better container for it so I am on the look out for something durable but a good organizing tool as well. It might take me looking for a make up case or jewelry box for earrings. I mentioned it to Vit and he suggested a fishing tackle box which is actually really clever.

I am not sure how Vit will take it, but I bought a small copper plate piece of art of Cerro La Campana for him for Christmas. I’m rather nervous if you want to know the truth.

Frankie told me that his parents had bought him an “Emboque,” a traditional Chilean game consisting of a wooden bell and a stick attached with a string. The object is to flick the bell up from a hanging position and get it to land on the stick. Today he added a “Trompo” which is a top made of wood that you wind with a string then throw at the ground to make it dance. The local children, and even adults, have competitions where they see how well and how long you can make the trompo dance.

The only souvenir that I did not care for at all, and that some tourists seemed to think endlessly amusing, was something called Indio Picaro. Luckily, I did not make the mistake of picking the little wooden character up because when you do you get a rather rude and crude surprise. I’m not a prude but that was just too rude and crude for me. They came in both male and female versions and both were something I steered Frankie clear of though he eventually figured out what it was … and turned red as a beet and practically dragged me away from that vendor’s booth.

Vit also bought a couple of more bottles of wine and of the local “pisco” at the request of Angelia. Not happy that my family is making him their errand boy but when I said something Vit told me I was making a mountain out of a molehill, that it was his pleasure to prove himself to my family in this way. I guess that means I need to keep watch on my own. I love my siblings but even I admit they can get heavy-handed on occasion.

From the market we got back on the bus and returned to the ship and we were nearly late for the scheduled 5 pm sail-away; the tour guide’s fault, not ours, as she had frequently held us up talking to friends or trying to encourage all of us to spend money in the vendor shops or carts that she favored. We hurried aboard and almost immediately thereafter we were pulling away.

The rest of the evening returned to a more normal schedule of activities. The main difference was that Miss Hayworth has taken it on herself to make sure that I now attend the dinners more often … or so it was implied.

“Veta I simply cannot abide that Harrington woman. Madam doesn’t have that much more patience with her either. Do not feel like a pawn please, but we are hoping that if others see how she treats you that they’ll take a harder look at her.”

“I am trying not to take anything personally. I don’t see how you do it day in and day out. Or Madam either though I wouldn’t think the woman would have the temerity to go toe-to-toe with Madam Marchand.”

“I’m not sure the woman has any sense. And her husband …” Miss Hayworth whispered giving a delicate shudder. “The miasma that hangs around the man. How so few see it I don’t understand. Has he given you any … er … trouble in that regard?”

“No. And I doubt he will. I’m not worth the trouble it would cause with his wife.”

Her eyes widened and then she snickered. “You aren’t nearly as naïve as you appear.”

I shrugged. “I may not have all the life experience of most of the other passengers and crew aboard this ship, but I did go to a major university and that alone is a microcosm of every kind of personality and socioeconomic background you can imagine.”

“True,” she said taking what I said at face value rather than being insulted. “Well, so long as you understand and are on guard. I am observing that some of the other women are making more of his attention to them than they should. It makes me … suspicious.”

Now that she has pointed it out and I am in company more it does look suspicious. It makes me wonder what his wife makes of it … or worse, if she is in it with him for some reason.

Either way, there was no school this evening. Or, no traditional lessons. I did take the time to make some notes in Frankie’s portfolio file. And we also need to get back to some of those traditional lessons that have fallen by the wayside. Frankie was less than enthusiastic about it but didn’t rebel as most his age would that had as much freedom as he does. That’s the good thing that makes my job easier.

And now I am off to bed now that Vit has had time to shower and relax. I was sad that we did not cuddle, but in his words, he does not want me to think he is only after my body. I’m kinda not having a problem with that. LOL.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 103: Dec 11 – La Serena (Coquimbo), Chile

We were in Coquimbo, Chile today and in case I have failed to explain, the seasons are reversed from where I normally live. The Australian passengers seem to find the weather nothing to exclaim at as both South America and Australia have the same seasons. It is December therefore to them it is summertime. Our Canadian passengers, like the US and UK passengers, find 80 degrees F as a daytime high to be something to wonder at. It is very nice for me as well. The humidity doesn’t bother me at all as to me it is normal. Some of the others were a little wilted around the edges.

Breakfast was the buffet and I asked everyone to eat a good one as I really wasn’t sure about food on today’s excursion which was another full-day tour. We would also be on and off our excursion bus quite frequently. I’m beginning to worry whether the “magic backpack” will be able to continue providing sustenance if it doesn’t get another resupply in the near future.

Today we went to La Serena and the Elqui Valley in Coquimbo Province. We began our tour with a visit to La Serena where we enjoyed the sweeping views of the beautiful beaches and the old lighthouse (also called a Faro). From there we stopped at La Recova Market where we browsed for traditional pottery, alpaca-wool handicrafts and semi-precious stones. I saw Vit doing a bit of business with a couple of vendors, but I didn’t remark on it. If that is how he wants to spend his paycheck then it is none of my business. Charlie and Derrick seem to have some kind of plan with him, and I let them do their thing to keep them from getting into my business.

The architecture we passed through was neo-colonial buildings which were constructed under the grand urban “Plan Serena” in the 1940s. Our guide made it interesting rather than just a dry lecture of dates and facts and names none of us would recognize or remember. Bottom line was while the town’s main areas may have looked old, they were new construction done with modern materials.

Next, we drove to Vicuña, in the heart of the remote Elquí Valley, a world-renowned wine-producing region. While some of us admired the picturesque surroundings that lie in the foothills of the Andes, several others enjoyed delicious regional cuisine at a local restaurant. I sent Frankie with Vit and Nicholas as I really didn’t feel like a full meal. The driver was a little too Mario Andretti for my stomach to tolerate and I was grateful to have a little quiet time, a Tylenol and a Midol, and a glass of coconut water to wash them both down with and settle my nerves.

Our last activity of the day was to visit a local distillery. Here we learned about the locally produced Pisco—a white brandy made from grapes, and those who imbibed enjoyed a tasting before we all returned to the ship.

Vit was a trooper and took Frankie with him when they went to dinner and now that I’ve gotten this down in my travel journal, I am going to go to bed early with another couple of pills in me. I don’t often have months like this but when I do, I do my best to address it sooner rather than later to keep my suffering … and potential emoting … to a minimum.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 104: Dec 12 – Cruise the Pacific

Sea Day today and I am grateful. Frankie completed his schoolwork in good time and then spent the afternoon with his Grandmother as they battled it out in a trivia challenge. Me? I’ve mostly slept. Vit has checked on me a few times, and it was embarrassing to explain, but he is definitely a man of the world and asked why I was embarrassed when he’d known I was female from the first time he met me. I’m not quite sure how to take that so I’ll simply put it down to “one of those things” that make men strange … or in this case I will be grateful as it meant that he didn’t treat me like a batch of nitroglycerin.

Did manage to stay awake long enough to update my Shutterfly page and to respond to some correspondence. Other than that, I think I will simply crawl back in bed and sleep this off. It feels like I have been unplugged. My iron must be low, and Derrick isn’t around to ask for something. I can’t believe it has taken me this long to find the hole in my packing. Then again it is only something that happens once or twice a year at most. I’m surprised that my daily vitamin didn’t help with that but then again some of our excursions have been quite physically strenuous and who knows, maybe that is the cause. Either way I sent an email to Derrick to ask him what I should pick up in San Diego or LA in case it happens again. His standard answer was to eat more leafy greens, but I told him if I ate any more of that I’d grow floppy ears and a poofy tail. He was not amused and says just to keep an eye on it in case it is something else.

About the only other thing I felt inclined to do today was look forward to review what ports were coming up next. I did it while watching a couple of port lectures on the television. Tomorrow is our last port in Chile and then it is on to Peru (three ports and a sea day), two sea days and then a day in Ecuador, a sea day then Panama, a sea day then Costa Rica, a sea day (that is also Christmas), one day in Guatemala, three sea days, one day in Cabo San Lucas, two sea days which will cover New Years Eve and New Years Day, and then we arrive in San Diego and then two days in LA followed by seven sea days and then we are going to be island hopping across the Pacific Ocean. Whew.

The daily newsletter is giving a heads-up that much of the Christmas activities start tomorrow which is St. Lucia Day for Norwegians. I’m watching Vit to see how he takes what is coming. I think so long as he isn’t expected to get too silly, he will tolerate it now that he has accepted that in some respects he doesn’t have much choice in the matter. I’ve still made the decision not to decorate here in the cabin as I had originally planned to do. A little consideration will go a long way towards keeping him from getting as upset and cranky as he did when they first started decorating the ship.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 105: Dec 13 – Iquique, Chile

I am very proud of Vit. I hesitate to say it though because I don’t want to draw attention to it if he wants to avoid it. More of that later.

Today was our last port in Chile and it was in this place called Iquipue, pronounced something like Eye-kee-cay. It is one of Chile’s premier beach resorts. I know, you don’t think “resort” or “beach” when you think of Chile, or at least I never have. Instead of an all-day excursion we broke it down into two – one longer and moderately challenging and then a short, panoramic bus ride of the area. Vit and Nicholas were with us for one and then went off to play some soccer – excuse me futbol – during the other. I made sure that Frankie – and Nicholas – ate well during the breakfast buffet even if I wasn’t inclined to do so myself. Vit wouldn’t let me just eat a bowl of fruit and came back with a cheese omelet he put on my plate and proceeded to ignore my look. The boys tried to ignore the exchange but snorted and chuckled until I turned the look on them. We must be careful, or someone is going to notice something. It was an intimate thing for him to do but I suppose we are both getting to the point where we are willing to push the boundaries we have set. We still need to be careful however.

Immediately following breakfast, we left to explore the history and heritage of the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. We took a bus for a scenic drive across the Chilean Coastal Range and into the Pampa region of the great Atacama Desert. This desolate landscape became a conflict zone during the 19th century as three South American nations—Peru, Bolivia and Chile—fought over its resources. We learned other bits and pieces as we went but I missed some of it due to the couple behind us squabbling. Ugh.

Next, we stopped in Humberstone, an abandoned mining town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we learned about the all-important nitrate industry and the communal Pampino culture. The dry, desert climate has preserved the ghost-like town and you we saw the workers quarters, the factory plant and the railway. It was a bit like an old western ghost town but more eery in my opinion.

Then we drove toward the Pampa del Tamarugal Nature Reserve to see the Cerros Pintados geoglyphs—monumental drawings of animals, people and geometric symbols that have been carved into the surrounding hillsides. The guide continually pointed out things so we would admire the ingenuity of the extinct indigenous cultures that thrived in these difficult conditions. I do have admiration for them but at the same time I must say that the geoglyphs were not nearly as awe-inspiring as they were made out to be. Interesting yes, but nothing like finding an ancient pyramid or anything like that. Some were difficult to see as they were covered with dust and some looked more like children’s scribbles than the work of adults.

Yes, it was interesting but to take six hours to do it isn’t what I would personally call thrilling though there were a few on the excursion that was certainly getting a charge out of it. Perhaps I am simply cranky and hormonal. I don’t know. Frankie was more interested in the few birds he spotted, and Nicholas was getting antsy to go play soccer. I wondered how to ask Vit his opinion, but he must have read my mind and whispered, “Better than carrying the bags for the yacht owner’s latest mistress as she shopped for hours on end.”

“Definitely,” I whispered back thinking the more of his yacht life I heard the less I liked.

It was back to the ship but there was no time for Frankie to grab a bite to eat so we snacked out of my backpack and headed to the bus for the “panoramic tour.”

Honestly? I found the tour guide on the bus more interesting than the previous excursion. The purpose was to discover the history, architecture, trading traditions and beach life of Iquique and it covered all of those points. The town is nestled between the coast and the center of the Atacama Desert region. Thanks to its location, Iquique enjoyed prosperity as part of the 19th-century nitrate industry. We started our tour at Arturo Prat Square and the saw the highlights of historic Iquique, including the Municipal Theater and the elegant Moorish-style Casino Español, both inaugurated in the 1890s. We got off the bus a couple of times and one was to walk down Baquedano Boulevard and see well-preserved 19th century architecture from the mining boom era. We also visited the Regional Museum, a small gem where we learned about the local history, from pre-Inca mummies to early 20th century gramophones.

From there we got back on the bus and drove along Avenida Costanera to the coast and stopped at the popular Cavancha beach. Frankie and a few of the rest of us opted to walk the beach during a little free time and watch the many surfers and paragliders who flock to this desert seaside town. Reminded me a little of Florida during the winter break season to be honest.

From there it was back to the ship for the all-important 5 pm sail away. This is where things got a little interesting. In yesterday’s cruise newsletter it was announced that today was St. Lucia Day and it is really the day that Christmas festivities begin on Viking cruise ships. At 6 pm things started. First it was the history of St. Lucia … she is supposedly one of the first women martyrs in Rome 304 AD. She primarily plays a role in the Christmas traditions of Scandanavia and doesn’t appear much in other geographic regions. The crew presented a symbolic candlit procession.

Those that observe the Advent season were told that an Advent Wreath would be maintained in the library (that converts to a chapel for those that desire such services). For dinner tonight, we had a representation of a traditional St. Lucia Feast that included saffron buns, Swedish meatballs, Glogg, and other traditional Scandanavian foods. There were also hymns and carols and the lighting of the decorations.

I could tell Vit was being polite, but he wasn’t in a frolicsome mood (something my father’s sister used to say). Then the Harringtons started up about how their traditions were just sooooo much better. And a few others started talking about their family’s traditions. Then they hit on Vit and rather than lie he simply said, “I was not as fortunate as many here.” Then he asked Mr. O’Rourke for his family’s celebration trying to deflect any further curiosity. Those of us that could deflected the Harringtons, but some were still a bit singed and melancholy.

A lot of people were beginning to realize that they’d be away from family through all the holidays, many for the first time. I sympathize. I had my own adjustment reaction and all the proof anyone would need is to read some of the passages in this journal. On the other hand, I have become … content … with the way things are and my focus is now on Vit. And Frankie and Nicholas as well though Madam and Miss Hayworth seem to have them scheduled for a lot of family time in the coming days.

It was finally time for Frankie to make his exit, and therefore me as well. It was then that Nicholas asked to be excused to go to the sports bar and watch the replay of a game that he wanted to take notes on strategy from. Madam was agreeable and I noticed Vit’s shoulders relax just a smidge. All I asked of Frankie was that he keep up with Traveling Marchand as I had worked in a math lesson at the geoglyphs. Then he was off to bed. I don’t know, maybe this is a kind of virus that is going around. I’m not the only one remarking on being unusually tired and Frankie definitely looked like he needed a little extra sleep. I need to remember to get him to drink some orange juice with breakfast just in case.

Vit came in just a few minutes ago and without hesitation allowed me to massage his back. He relaxed almost immediately and even went so far as to insist that we watch a Christmas production that was being broadcast on the ship’s tv and wouldn’t let me object. He did drink a toddy but he said it was more to hold off what felt like a cold coming on than about all of the Christmas. I’m thinking I need to make better use of the hand sanitizer in my purse. I let it get empty and forget to refill it. And sometimes don’t use it at all. Not smart. I hope we don’t have to pay for my lapse.

Either way I think going to bed early is not a bad thing and Vit agrees. The toddy has him so relaxed he didn’t even ask for me to give him time to shower and the rest. As strong as that small glass was I just hope he doesn’t pay for it in the morning; he nearly fell asleep in the middle of me playing for him.

I don’t think I have mentioned it too much but I’ve been practicing with the violin nearly every day. My technique is better than it was but I still lack the polish I used to have when I was playing every day. Frankie thinks it is a riot when I play a cover of something he recognizes. The other day I played a cover of “Mission Impossible” and he was so excited to know it well enough that he could almost hum along. I’m lucky that I scanned all my old sheet music before donating it a couple of years ago … and that it is on my photo cloud storage. I really do ache for some new material however. Next time I get a good connection I’ll have to see if I can find something online on Amazon or GoogleBooks that I can download. But for now, it is time for bed.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 106: Dec 14 – Arequipa (Matarani), Peru

I’m sitting here high as a kite. Glad I am typing this or I doubt I’d be able to write. Seriously. What on earth made me think I could stand up right and walk straight after participating in a Pisco tasting event is beyond me. It was a rather childish thing to do but at least she didn’t get my goat.

I certainly didn’t start off this way this morning. We arrived in our first port in Peru at eight this morning. The port of Matarani is not especially scenic. What wasn’t industrial was very brown and dry looking. What we were really docked here for was to experience Arequipa, better known as the “White City” of Peru because of the local volcanic stone that many older Baroque-style buildings were built from.

Still haven’t gotten the full tale of what Vit and Nicholas were off to today, but Frankie and I started out at the Mejia National Sanctuary. For five hours we visited the protected wetlands. Five hours. Maybe it was too much time in the sun that did it. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

In the 1980s, agricultural projects threatened to permanently drain a large area of wetlands along the southern coast of Peru. An international campaign resulted in the Peruvian government declaring the region a national sanctuary. The resulting sanctuary is called Lagunas de Mejía and is comprised of 1,700 acres of lagoons and wetlands at the mouth of the Tambo River. It includes the largest freshwater reservoirs in a 1,000-mile stretch of coastal desert, providing refuge to an enormous diversity of wildlife. We explored this natural wonder and saw its rich flora and fauna. Trees and shrubs dominate the freshwater ecosystems, whereas grasses dominate marshes. Frankie had insisted on bringing binoculars, and a good thing as we were then able to watch the resident and migratory birds such as the black skimmer, the kelp gull, the great grebe, the cinnamon teal, the snowy egret and the Chilean flamingo. About the only one that I could name with any regularity was the flamingo, but Frankie assured me he would help me memorize them all. I’m thrilled I tell you, thrilled. He’s a love but my goodness has he got a thing for birds. After seeing where the marshes met the ocean, we headed back to the ship. And it was a good thing too as Frankie was hungry, and my appetite had finally returned as well.

All we could afford was a quick bite on the pool deck because time was of the essence. We hurried back off the ship and just made it to our bus for the next excursion, this one even longer than the one to the sanctuary.

First thing we did was take a panoramic tour of the city of Arequipa and learned about the ancient tradition of alpaca wool production. The second-largest city in Peru, Arequipa is located in a green valley, nestled between towering volcanoes. It definitely stands out from its surroundings. We admired the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a stroll through Plaza de Armas. We saw the City Palace, and the white-stone, neoclassical cathedral, which has survived numerous earthquakes and fires since its original construction in the 16th century.

Next, we visited Mundo Alpaca, an ecotourism project in the center of Arequipa, which showcases the Andean traditions of alpaca wool weaving. Alpaca wool has been woven for at least 3,000 years. We learned about the process that leads to some of what we were assured were the finest textiles in the world. We were assured over and over and over again. As in buy our stuff assured over and over. It isn’t that I didn’t find everything fascinating, I just wish some of these excursions weren’t designed to maximize the removal of money from people’s pockets. We got to see weavers in action, the textile museum, and the alpacas themselves that gave me the obvious reminder of llamas … and they spit the same way too. I didn’t duck in time and got hit square in the back of my shoulder. Disgusting. I already have a prejudice against llamas, now I’m adding alpacas to the list.

After the alpacas we explored the streets of Arequipa at our leisure. Of course, you know what that means. I leave with an empty backpack and I come back with all sorts of odds and ends. I got some alpaca and llama wool for my crochet and knitting bag. I’m almost finished with the slippers that I am making for Vit to go with the copper plate picture. I grabbed some spices and cocoa – never can have too much cocoa – and a poncho for Benjie and a pair of alpaca slippers for Reggie. My plan is for Angelia to divvy up the candies and such that I am sending home for the rest of my nephews and nieces. I need to remember to pick up more of that along the way before we get back to the US and I must send things home.

Speaking of home, it was near dark when we got back to the ship and I found Vit and Nicholas waiting at the top of the gangway. The look on their faces were grim.

“C’mon Squirt. Mr. Vit needs to tell Miss Veta some stuff that has been going on.”

I watched them walk away then slowly turned to Vit in dread. “Is … is it Derrick?”

“Nii,” Vit said. “Let us go back to the cabin.”

“Vit …”

“It is not good, but your family is safe.”

That did not exactly make me feel better. But when we got into the cabin Vit sat me down and said, “I wanted you to hear it from Dylan before you heard it from anyone else.”

He opened his computer and opened a video attachment.


“Vit, do me a favor and try and get to Veta before this gets too crazy in the news. Looks like the international media is already having a field day and saying I-told-you-so as far as those organizations that are being handled with kid gloves … though from the sound of things the gloves are coming off shortly. What really happened is one of those yellow jacket groups, or groups copying their tactics, was demonstrating in DC and it got out of control and things turned violent as people and other groups really piled on, trying to force their two cents into what was going on. Riots then started popping up in other places, including in Atlanta where I’m stationed and as you can see, I got a little singed around the edges but most of the damage to the building is cosmetic; however, they’re asking us to pull up stakes and spread our operations out so we aren’t such a large target to take aim at. Logistically that’s going to cause its own set of problems for TPTB but I’m lucky to be such a small contractor. It means I’ve got more flexibility than the big dogs have. I’m heading home, Veta knows where, and I’m going to lay low through the holidays and take care of some things that need prioritizing. Luckily, I got the last approval that was needed on your papers this morning. You’re good to go but stay clean and keep up with the improvement plans like we discussed to keep any potential problems to a minimum. Family is all hunkering and safe. I don’t know how you want to handle this but tell Veta that Derrick received a summary judgment of desolution of marriage. Lena’s parents helped it along as a way to gain an airtight conservatorship. It is best all around, and it looks like Lena is in for a long, hard slog that she may never completely come out of. She’s living in a dream world and dealing with a fake pregnancy that is driven by the hormones she was on. I’m sure Derrick will fill her in as soon as he can wrap his head around things. The boys are starting to really struggle, especially Reggie, who had to be called in to give a deposition about all the things he witnessed. Found out some other stuff from Benji that really has Derrick messed up too. If there is any light it is that woman, Christine. Boy she is taking all three of them in hand and her daughter is a sweet kid too and fits right in with all of ours. If it wasn’t under such rough circumstances, we’d all be pushing Derrick to take some action, but he needs his time to come to terms with things and help his sons. Now here’s the thing. The economy might start swinging from the trees if things don’t settle down. Maybe not as bad as France but it won’t be pretty. You and Veta need to be prepared to be self-sufficient as possible. Charlie already has some of that in order – and he plans on talking to Veta about that when the time is right – but just keep it in mind. It isn’t necessarily keeping lots of liquid assets but try and set yourselves up. That means you need to send what you can through the post when you hit US soil. I had thought to meet you but if things keep hopping, I doubt that is going to be possible. We’ll stay flexible but I may be restricted from travel. Take care of our baby sister and one of us will get word to you as there is word to send. They are talking about there being some internet interruptions so things will be problematic for a bit.”



The first words out of my mouth were, “He didn’t say anything about Derrick’s health.”

“Angelia did.”

“What?”

“She sent a short email saying that Dylan said he’d contact you through me but wanted me to make sure and tell you that Derrick, at least his heart and blood pressure, are doing better than they have since his diagnosis. That she wouldn’t lie about something like that. And that she is keeping an eye on things just in case. And for you to continue living your life and working. If they can stand you going into what she calls some ‘god-forsaken heathen lands’ then you can stand for them to live the life God puts before them.”

I tried, I really did. But I finally threw myself into Vit’s arms and asked to be held. He muttered some comforting nonsense in Ukrainian until I could get myself under control.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Being weak.”

“You are not weak. You have a soft heart, but I would not have you any other way. But your sister is rozumnyy … wise. These things happen in this world we live in. We allow the enemy to win if we start living in fear. Do you … can you understand what I am asking of you? What your family is asking of you?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes. But if I’m going to do that tonight then I need to get out of here. Be around people. Even if it is a strain I … I can’t sit around and … think about it too much or I’ll … I’ll …”

“Yes. Let us go to dinner and you will eat?”

Figuritively girding my loins I said, “I’ll try. Just don’t ask me to eat a lot until I see how stressed out everyone else is.”

He nodded his agreement and we left the cabin just in time to see Nicholas coming towards us. “Look, Grandmother asked the Squirt and I to have dinner in our cabin. She and some other high flyers are going to eat and have some business discussions in her cabin. Er …” he stopped getting a good look at my face.

“I’m fine. Does Frankie need anything?”

“Uh uh. I mean no thank you. Just … could you fill me in later? I’m going to put a movie on to keep Frankie occupied while I do some ‘net surfing to see if my friends have anything to say but … if you hear anything can you …?”

Vit fist bumped his shoulder. “Yes. I will come later after your brother will be asleep.”

With obvious relief Nicholas headed toward his cabin. Vit and I continued to the dining room and decided to graze from the buffet and then find a quiet corner. I was amazed at how little difference the news of the riots made in the behavior of the rest of the passengers and crew. Vit suggested that some would be in their cabins catching what news they could … from the media or from family members … but he also reminded me that the passengers were an international group, and some may simply not have any connection to what was going on in the States.

After dinner, and a little bit of conversation with people like the O’Rourkes, Vit said he was going to go see Nicholas. I still wasn’t ready to face being cooped up in the cabin so opted to stay. My mistake. I won’t record the whole embarrassing incident, but it started by allowing myself to be maneuvered and used by the Harringtons. Thank goodness for my cast iron stomach.

The taste testing involved seven ways to drink Pisco that didn’t involve the famous Pisco Sour.

First there was drinking it with Algorrobina, a syprup that tastes somewhere between chocolate and molasses. Algarrobina is the name of this simple and delicious cocktail, sometimes considered a girly drink by men in Peru because of its sweetness and creaminess that slightly resembles eggnog. Its name comes from the thick syrup -similar to molasses-, that is extracted from the algarrobo tree, and according to Peruvians this syrup is very good for health, used in natural medicine to heal anemia and to have beautiful, glowing skin. Algarrobina is the secret ingredient that gives this cocktail its lovely caramel flavor. Algarrobo is a tree native to Peru but that is also found in other parts of the world, and it’s an important component of Peruvian gastronomy. Fairly abundant in the northern part of the country, its wood is used to cook because it adds a particular aroma to food. Its pods are fed to goats to make their meat extra tasty (goat meat is extremely popular in Northern dishes), and the syrup extracted from it is used in countless dishes, but most notably in this delicious flagship cocktail called Algarrobina. This drink is always served cold and frothy (the reason why it’s made in the blender), and Peruvians drink it at any time of the day, on its own or to accompany a meal. To me the drink tasted a bit like a strongly alcoholic eggnog.

The Chilcano was a bit like a Moscow Mule only made with Pisco and ginger ale or ginger beer. Not bad. Refreshing. But watch out for that delayed kick.

After two drinks others were dropping out but not Mr. and Mrs. Harrington that were critiqueing each drink as if they were professional judges. I could see some of the other passengers making faces at them and that was a surprise because the general feeling I’d had to that point was that they are well-liked.

Next came the Pisco Mojadito. Not my favorite but then again, I’m not a huge fan of mojitos either even if I do live in Florida.

The Pisco de Cola was … whew … as they’d made it really strong. I had a friend my sophomore year that would only drink rum and cokes. She’d probably like this too. But it was after this drink that I finally found a brain cell and knew I was getting in over my head. Especially after I looked around and saw several other “tasters” beginning to drop out. Mrs. Harrington gave me a knowing smile. I shrugged and gave her a small grin in return, and she blinked which gave me a momentary satisfaction to have surprised her.

I was not a fan of the El Fraile. Then again, I’m not a huge fan of vodka any other way than freezing and straight up. It is a fancy drink made with vodka, Cointreau, balsamic, and lemon juice, with a rosemary sprig. Ew. Thank goodness for my cast iron stomach or the taste alone would have had me backing out. It certainly sent most of the remaining tasters off the floor.

Then were a couple of straight shots of different brands of Pisco and a few infused shots … Pisco infused with various fruits like cherries, apricots, and mandarin oranges. After the last shot I knew I was done. I turned to Mrs. Harrigton and smiled and held up the last straight shot, toasted her and then downed in. “I’m done. But thank you very much for the challenge. I’ve enjoyed myself. My sister and her husband have a microwinery and I’ll have to tell her about tonight. She’ll want the details for certain.” I turned to the bartender and asked if I could have the recipes.

“Certainly Miss Veta,” he said with a grin, knowing full well I’d just played the Queen of Hearts. I was wondering if the woman was going to call for my head next.

I carefully left the stage and grabbed my shawl. It was Mr. and Mrs. O’Rourke that escorted me back to my cabin.

“Goin’ ta make it?”

“Oh sure,” I said breezily. “I may feel like death warmed over tomorrow but you play you pay.”

They both were trying not to laugh as I tried to walk in a straight line and not notice that everything was fuzzy around the edges.

I heard Vit asked in a startled voice, “Yakoho bias?”

I said, “No need for language. I’m not totally zozzled but I’m close.”

“Er … zozzled?” he asked.

I heard Mr. O’Rourke explaining while Mrs. O’Rourke asked, “Will you be all right Lovey?”

I smiled and tried not to giggle like an idiot. “Shower. Cold shower to soak my head. Then strong tea. Then pray that my idiocy doesn’t lead to paybacks tomorrow.”

She laughed and said, “You’ll do. I want to get back to the lounge. I’m thinking that they are going to have to wheel Harrington out but that wife of his must be stronger than she looks.”

“Let her win. Hopefully that will keep her contented for a while.”

“Women like that are never content Lovey, with anything.”

I was in the shower for a bit washing away the fog. Vit knocked on the door once to see if I needed anything. I told him more commonsense would be a godsend. I heard him laugh and say he’d have tea ready when I came out.

I’m an idiot. Grade A complete idiot. I even missed the sailaway at 9 pm because of acting like an idiot. I just know the story is going to get back to Madam and Miss Hayworth. Have I mentioned that I’m an idiot? And now that I’ve written it down so that posterity knows what an idiot I am I believe I will go to bed. My prayers are going to be full of contrition and begging that my idiocy doesn’t make a fool out of me in the morning as well.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 107: Dec 15 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Morning was not fun today. I didn’t worship at the porelain throne, but I did lovingly down a couple of extra strength ibuprofens and held onto my teacup for an hour or so like it was a lifeline. Vit had gotten the story out of the O’Rourkes last night and then listened to several versions of it over breakfast, a meal I refused to miss no matter if the smell did make me want to run for the railing. He only asked me once, “Would you prefer to return to the cabin? I will take the brothers until … hmmm …”

“No. My foolish behavior, my consequences. Just don’t razz me too much. I am already embarrassed enough as it is.”

Kindly he said, “It has happened to everyone. And I hear you did not do too badly under the circumstances. Mr. Harrington nearly had to be wheeled away.”

“Ugh. The last thing I want is to be compared to his drinking habits. This will NOT be happening again.”

“Good.” He said before giving a small grin. “But I do wish that I had seen it.”

“And I’m glad you did not.” I said blushing. “That is not the example I should be setting.” He let it go but he did refill my teacup for me.

Frankie only asked the once, “Are you okay Miss Veta?”

“Yes. And as the day … progresses … I will get back to normal. I’m sorry that my foolishness has impacted you.”

He shrugged philosophically and said, “At least you aren’t like Nickie and tried to squash me when you couldn’t walk.”

I wanted to bolt for the cabin, but I figured I was due more than a little embarrassment for behaving like an idiot. Luckily Madam didn’t remark on it except in passing. “The Harringtons do not wish to be disturbed,” she said on a cynical snicker. “The steward made it sound like on penalty of death. They must be under the weather,” accompanied by a pat on my shoulder and gave another snicker as she went by for her own breakfast.

Spent a few hours recovering in the spa. Insisted that Vit and I spar and he only would because he knew I needed to work off some of my feelings. It really did help even though it might not be what Momma thought of as ladylike. I sweated profusely in the sauna then worked out a little and now feel fine. Strike that. I feel like a complete idiot and that I embarrassed myself. Thank goodness the brats aren’t here to rub it in. I suspect Angelia would laugh and I’m not sure that is better or not. Momma would have been horrified and rightfully so. Poppa … maybe not as much but he would have been first in line to deliver a lecture. When I told Nicholas all those weeks ago that I make a choice when I drink and when I don’t, it’s the truth. I wouldn’t be confessing to a priest that I had taken a drink but for my idiocy and pride getting in the way of my commonsense … that just so happened to include drinking. For whatever biological reason, I have a higher than normal tolerance for alcohol. But I do not need to act on that at the expense of the example I set to others. Hopefully I can impress this fact on Frankie … and Nicholas who is just now getting a true education on wines … and hasn’t been exposed to the harder liquor yet if I understand things.

Did manage to get caught up on traditional lessons this afternoon with Frankie then turned him loose to spend time with Madam who seems to really be taking her job with Frankie seriously. I’m glad to see it as it is totally different than how she was in the beginning. And from a practical standpoint, it takes some of the emotional pressure off Nicholas and that has helped him. Win-win for all concerned, or at least that is my observation.

Doing my best to resist the ridiculous attachment I had with my student in the beginning. It helped but I don’t think it would remain healthy for either of us as eventually this cruise must come to an end and we both need to be able to continue down different paths. That is always the cautionary tale when you spend so much time with one person/child/etc. and solely focused on them. Part of me still aches for how close we were, but it wasn’t natural. I’m not his sister or mother or auntie. Unintentionally I could have socially crippled him more than he was in the beginning. And a small part of me wonders if I wasn’t in some part to blame for his vulnerability to those older kids who took advantage of him. Ugh. Such thoughts that run through my head making everything else going on worse.

Tonight has been quiet. Vit is out with Nicholas and there is some sports something or other that they are enthralled with in one of the lounges. Frankie is now in bed after an evening of Christmas activities with Madam. And I stayed in the cabin and watched Christmas shows on the cabin’s tv and took care of correspondence and started a progress report for the Drs. Marchand. Got a few short emails from family letting me know, each in their own way, that while stressful they aren’t dealing with any direct consequences of the rioting. Indirect is another matter … fuel prices for one jumped overnight. Jumped a lot and a few in the family are paying the consequences for no longer following Poppa’s rule about not letting the car get below half a tank of gas at any time. Also, deliveries to the grocery stores and big box stores are way behind and there are even more empty spaces on the shelves than there were the year of the multiple hurricanes. Gah, not pleasant to hear. Angelia asked if I minded if she used the garden lot at Pembroke House and glean from the fruit trees when they come in. She’d can what she harvested and put some of it back for me and Vit if that was okay. Still smarting from my own stupidity, I sent a quick note back asking her if she really thought I was dumb enough to turn such an offer down and that I knew that the Pembroke House wasn’t really “mine” in a literal sense, just as a place to park until everyone decided what to do about it.

Well obviously that was another dumb move on my part because I got face timed and when I finally confessed what I had done and just how stupid I felt Angelia fell out of the chair she was sitting in from laughing so hard. I knew she would.

“Hon, I told you to have fun so don’t worry about it.”

Embarrassed as only a big sister can make you I told her, “I was just tired of that battle axe trying to make me look stupid. Instead I went and made myself look stupid.”

Still smiling she said, “Well if you are going to be stupid, young is when you should do it. But lighten up. It is done and over with and your employer isn’t bent out of shape, and you didn’t do it while the kid was around. I gotta say though that this is the laugh I’ve been needing.”

Finally having a reason not to think of myself as the center of the universe I said, “Things are bad there.”

She shrugged. “Not as bad as they can be but those of us that have moved back … and Dylan is in the process of moving back to his old place now that Nichelle has had her reality check and isn’t balking about transferring schools … are under no illusion that things are suddenly just going to be all rosey. AND before you can ask, yes Derrick is fine. Not great, but fine.”

“He’s had a set back?”

“Not him, Lena. Apparently she was self-medicating on top of taking the hormones and … Veta you need to be prepared. She’s deep in delusion and it is going to take a long time to get her cleaned and she may never come back all the way.”

“I know. Derrick told me.”

“Er … about that. Lena’s parents got a bad judge. And look … the judge set up a temporary guardian ad litem until it can be determined if Lena needs a conservatorship.”

“If?”

“Yeah. I know. But it is the process. No matter how bad it is there is no way to lightly take away someone’s personal freedoms.”

“Okay … so that’s the process. What’s the rest of it that you don’t want to tell me?”

“The ad litem insists on investigating all of Lena’s claims.”

“What do you mean all of her claims?” I asked, already dreading the answer.

“That her parents are stealing her blind, that Derrick has been unfaithful most of their marriage, that you and Derrick have an unnatural relationship, that the boys are actually girls that have been forced to live as boys, and …”

“What?!!”

“Er …”

“Okay, first one is false but something reasonable to investigate. I can even see the second one needing to be investigated but holy … Angelia! Do people really believe that … that … Derrick and I … oh my God!”

“Stop it Veta. Right now.” She sounded so much like Momma that my obedience was automatic. In a less biting tone she said, “Sweety, no one believes that. They certainly don’t believe that the boys … never mind. Lena is sick. Everyone has accepted that fact except for Lena. Lena’s parents and their lawyer are keeping an eye on the ad litem who is already billing hours in advance. It’s being reported to the Judge. Who apparently doesn’t like egg on his face. There is already a court date to discuss this latest round of nonsense.”

“The legal expenses will bankrupt Derrick right when he needs …”

“No they won’t. They’re going to be paid out of Lena’s Trust. And I should have listened to Derrick and not said anything but … in case the ad litem contacts you I didn’t think it was fair for you to get handed something like that out of left field.”

“Oh my God Angie … if that kind of talk starts making the rounds …”

“I know. So does Derrick. But truth be told enough people have witnessed Lena’s behavior of the last couple of months that getting depositions about her odd thoughts won’t be difficult. She burnt most of her bridges, and that is before she was confined to a residential facility. Where, if her parents can be believed, she’s not making any friends. She isn’t bad enough to be medicated into compliance, but she needs something; however, they are unable to find the right combination of drugs that works consistently because of how out of whack her hormones are. They’ve now restricted her from having any visitors except for lawyers because one of her so-called new friends smuggled in something that made her have a psychotic episode on top of everything else. And for the record, there isn’t a single clinician that has seen her that will sign off on any kind of release or even on a treatment plan that includes a release. And between you and I, Farley had a long talk with Derrick and told him that Lena went to rehab once when she was in her teens because she OD’d.”

“I never heard that story.”

“Neither had Derrick. You know how Farley is … painfully honest to the point of having almost no bedside manner. That’s why he is in administration and research and not patient services. When Derrick asked Lena’s parents, they admitted it but that they didn’t think it could possibly have any baring on the current situation.”

“But Derrick and Farley both are a bear when it comes to drugs before the brain is completely developed at or around the age of 25.”

“Yep. And Dad was the same way, just not as rabid about it as Derrick. And I hate to say it but I’m losing signal. They’re talking about brown outs to keep from having black outs. Just keep your head on straight and someone will let you know how things are going. ‘K?”

In the middle of signing off the signal went out completely and I was left with an entirely new something to worry about. I also got another email from Charlie and Dylan, both assumed that someone in the family had clued me into what was going on, so it is a good thing someone had, and they both want me to be on the lookout for “luxury” items to buy and send home from San Diego and LA. And they also want me to have fun but also to think in terms of purchases that will hold their value and not just be the kind of knick knack, dust-collectors that Momma was fond of. (A certain “penguino” comes to mind.) Devin asked me to review my self-defense training so I will though I’ve been doing that a bit with Vit, but I suppose we need to be more serious about it.

I’m almost sick to my stomach with it all. For a minute all I wanted to do was cry and say I can’t do this by myself. But then I realized … I wasn’t alone. I guess now is the time to really figure out if Vit and I are a permanent team, just friends, or just what this tiger is we seem to have by the tail. I know what I want it to be. I know what it sounds like he wants it to be. But what we want and what really is may be two different things.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 108: Dec 16 – Pisco (General San Martin), Peru

Long day today, made longer by the fact that Vit and I had a serious conversation last night that gave me a lot to think about. I found out that Vit was getting a little worried that I was too young to make the kind of commitment he wanted from me and he was wondering if he was pushing me. I then worried that I’d make a total fool of myself and that was why he thought I was too young. Wound up that neither was true, and we were worried for no reason, at least not for that reason. Once we got passed that the conversation become even more serious. He agreed with Charlie and Dylan about our spending and we will both do our part. I found out he had a lot more to send to Pembroke than I had realized. He’d been putting stuff in the suitcase under his bed before I really noticed. Packing is going to be interesting though I managed to get a couple of heavy-duty boxes from the ship’s recycling. Going home from England I am going to donate any of the educational materials I have left that I haven’t gotten rid of or used and then send the bulk of my belongings home in the footlocker that still sits in the corner with the school supplies in it. But I need to stop worrying about that as there is nothing I can do just yet.

We arrived in General San Martin, Peru at 6 o’clock this morning. We were up and off the ship quite early with a six-hour excursion in front of us where we explored a remnant of the Inca empire and enjoyed lunch in a traditional Peruvian hacienda. History at 6 am is rough even on those of us who love history but here it is. In the mid-15th century, the chieftain of the small highland kingdom of Cuzco transformed western South America. Pachacutec was his named, better translated as “Earth Shaker,” and he conquered a collection of neighboring states, including the coastal kingdom of Chincha. Tambo Colorado, or Puka Tampu in the Quechua language, was our destination and is named for the red adobe clay used in the construction of many of its buildings. The complex is well-preserved and is believed to have been used as an administrative and military center on the road between the newly conquered coastal territories and the mountainous Inca heartlands. After our tour and extensive history lesson, we enjoyed lunch at Hacienda San José. In its 18th-century heyday, the fields there produced very lucrative sugarcane crops. We got to visit the beautiful manor house, private baroque church, gardens and patios of the hacienda before enjoying a delicious buffet and traditional dance show.

Almuerzo (Spanish for “lunch”) is the main meal of the day in Chile and it is usually eaten between one and three o’clock in the afternoon. Our meal wasn’t restaurant fare but typical food that Chileans eat at home. There was pastel de choclo (corn pie), empanadas filled with meat and onions, plateada (pot roast), porotos Granados which reminds me of a type of succotash made of cranberry beans, squash, and corn. There were also dishes like caldillo de congrio (fish chowder), salads, and rice. Each table also had what is called a parilla mixta which is basically a serving platter heaped with different cuts of meat and everyone eats family style … a couple of cuts of beef, pork chops, sausages, chicken, and then some potatoes of some type that were grilled or bakes or broiled. Everyone got a little something different.

We had to kick it to get back to the ship to connect with our next excursion. It was quite a bus ride and all three … Frankie, Vit, and Nicholas … dozed from the heavy meal they had eaten. I worked on making notes and I’ve since organized them a bit into categories. First was the list of repairs that Angie and Charlie had made for the Pembroke House. I need to be on the look out for personal items for that as well such as bed linen, other house linens, curtains, and things that will just generally make the old house more comfortable. Thank goodness that my mattress is queen-sized and only a year old. And I cannot believe I am talking about Vit and I sleeping in the same bed. Where is my mind going?

The other categories included things like food and clothing. There are a few pieces of my wardrobe that I’m getting sick of (“black flats”) and a couple that are not wearing as well as I had hoped (elastic in a couple of my bras) and I will need to replace them before the trip is over though I am trying my best to make them last as long as possible. I don’t want to arrive in Pembroke and the first thing I have to buy is all new lingerie. That will not be something easy to explain … or possibly do if things go the way that Momma used to talk about when she was really into what she called Preparedness.

I asked Vit what his favorite foods were this morning while we grabbed a quick breakfast sandwich before running for the bus and he said, “If it does not move I will eat it.”

Frankie thought it was very funny and laughed almost to the point of shooting milk from his nose and missed the quiet follow up statement concerning food was a luxury at times when he was growing up. Nicholas did hear him and seemed thoughtful several times today, as if really looking at our meals for the first time. We have seen a few beggars, but most countries have asked us not to encourage the practice by not giving out money. But today there were two children that were obviously following an older woman about who was carrying wood … twigs really … and you could see their ribs through their threadbare clothing. It truly affected Nicholas and we were on free time, and I saw him go to a food vendor and exchange some of his allowance for some type of filled pocket-bread and then walk over to a Nun who was in service to the local church and ask in German – and when did he learn to speak German I want to know – if she could make sure that the children got something to eat.

Vit and I looked at each other and then at what was obviously the church’s orphanage. We walked over to the church’s donation box and put in what cash we had and then quietly rejoined the excursion group. Lucky for us no one had noticed what we did because neither one of us wanted to explain.

Back at the ship, we waited for the next bus, and I browsed the vendor shops. Nothing caught my fancy except a few picture postcards which Vit insisted on buying for me.

“You didn’t have to.”

“I am aware of that Kokhana,” he whispered quietly in return. “But you like your cards and I enjoy seeing you with them.”

It had been a while since I had worn the dress and necklace that he had given me, and I decided right then that I would wear them tonight even if only for a few minutes. Vit was … appreciative. I know I’m telling things out of order but I think it is a reflection of how rattled I am feeling.

Once the bus for the second excursion arrived, we boarded quickly and this time the O’Rourkes were along as were Madam and Miss Hayworth. The Harringtons were as well but thankfully on another bus. We were off to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the mysterious Nazca Lines of Peru during an exhilarating aerial excursion. Yes, that is a quote from the brochure, but it is the shortest and best explanation I can give it.

We embarked by plane to see the famous Nazca Lines, monumental artworks of a long-lost civilization that have intrigued scholars and visitors alike since their rediscovery in the early 20th century. Built by the mysterious and sophisticated Nazca culture between 500 BC and 500 AD, these enormous geoglyphs can reach up to 1,200 feet long and collectively extend across 50 miles of barren desert landscape. They impressed me much more than the Cerro Pentados did a few days ago. Scholars believe that the lines might have served astronomic and religious purposes; however, the real reason for the lines remains a mystery. We flew over the site and saw the 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures and 70 animal and plant designs—such as the “Monkey,” “Condor,” “Hummingbird,” and “Whale”— then touched down to return to the ship where we were quickly hustled aboard for the 6 pm sailaway.

Nicholas and Frankie were excused as Madam wanted a quiet evening in her cabin. Nicholas asked Frankie if he minded room service and a “flick on the boob toob. Can even be one of those bird documentaries you like.” Frankie was all for that. Vit checked to make sure there wasn’t anything wrong and all he said was, “Kinda full up of people. Got stuff on my mind and got emails and stuff I need to answer.” Vit said he was walking away when Nicholas asked quietly, “Was that the kind of place where you grew up?”

“The orphanage? Similar though religion was not something we were allowed to experience as the State, during that time, was atheist.”

“Oh.” Then he added, “There are a lot of famous footballers that do work with organizations like UNICEF and charities like that.”

“It is a good thing they do.”

When Vit was telling me, before we decided to go eat something in the buffet rather than call for room service, he said, “He has matured a great deal since we first met. But it is a weighty issue he struggles with. He comes from money, but to balance that with the ills he sees in the world. It is not an easy subject at any age, but for the young it is a battle to not let idealism blind them.”

“That a poke at me?” I asked him with a smile.

“No,” he said realizing I held no ill will after our last discussion on the topic. “If you prefer, we can go to the main dining room?”

I shrugged. “The buffet is fine with me. We’ll be in and out more quickly and you can avoid the rigamarole.”

“The? Ah, you mean the holiday activities.”

“Yes.”

“No. And we will go to the show this evening.”

“What? Vit, no, you’ll be miserable and …”

“I will not be miserable. I will be with you. And it pleases me to see you happy. Though I do thank you that you have not strung things from the ceiling in our small space.”

“What?”

“A few of the men were speaking of the things that their wives have done to decorate their cabins. I am grateful that you have resisted covering every surface in that way. When we get to Pembroke I will learn to deal with all of the …” he shrugged expressively then continued. “But this space is too small for such displays.” Then he frowned. “If you wish …”

“No,” I told him with a smile and a quick kiss on the cheek. “Compromise is a good thing. We both have our reasons for being as we are.

We were in the middle of eating when he casually asked, “What is … Jib Jab?”

It took me a moment to not choke and keep the bite of food in my mouth that I had just eaten. “You … uh … saw the musical card that the boys sent me.”

“Er … yes.”

I got rosey red. “It is a greeting card program where you clip people’s faces out and … was it the dancing elves?”

“Er … yes. It was,” he said with a pained expression.

“Some of my nephews … er … they were just playing Vit. I’ll ask them not to include you in it next time.”

“Next time?”

“They’re a playful bunch. They don’t mean any harm.”

I was amazed to see his lips twitching when he tried to hide it with his napkin.

“So long as … er … they do not show it all over the place.”

I relaxed. “You should see the ones they do of their fathers and uncles.” I tried not to grin remembering a few and dancing elves were the least of it.

“Ah.” That was the only thing Vit said and I’ll let it go so long as the boys don’t get too silly.

The show was nice. It was basically a very abridged version of The Nutcracker. Afterwards we headed back to the cabin, checked on the brothers (Frankie was asleep, Nicholas just finishing a movie he had started to watch after Frankie went to sleep), were grateful not to run into anyone that needed our attention.

As I said Vit was … appreciative when he saw what I changed into. We gave each other some attention. Spoke a little more on what Charlie and Dylan had suggested and then Vit asked a little more about Pembroke. Eventually though even we needed to get to sleep. I’ve been finishing this to give Vit some time to shower and then fall asleep. Good thing I don’t need that many hours of slumber or there will be trouble tomorrow.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 109: Dec 17 – Lima, Peru

Another early docking at 6 o’clock in the morning, this time in Lima, the capital of Peru. Also this time Vit and Nicholas were on other excursions and Frankie and I were on our own. For some reason Vit was very uncomfortable about that and it took time I didn’t really have to spare this morning to try and convince him that all was well and that I would behave with safety and decorum in mind.

“I do not care about decorum, just stay safe my Kokhana; if not for your sake and the boy’s then for mine.”

“Vit?”

He shook his head. “This country is not as bad as some, but the communist party still has a strangle hold in some areas and violence against women is … tolerated. You will remain watchful.”

“I am always watchful, but I will be doubly so if for no other reason than to address your concerns.”

I saw his shoulders relax despite him turning away to, I think, hide his embarrassment. I didn’t remark on it. Dare I say it? It makes me feel … loved. Yes. It does. I might not be up for a steady and overbearing dose of hyper protectiveness, but then again one person’s definition of protectiveness could be another person’s definition of being caged, etc. Vit has a lot more experience than I do, and it isn’t just because of his age. He has lived a life where he has been exposed to a lot of stuff. Geez, I sound two years old. Whatever the reason, Vit was only trying to be reasonable and I felt it was my responsibility as his … whatever we define our relationship as … to at least be willing to meet him half way. I don’t want him to go out playing in the middle of a busy highway either.

Our morning excursion was relatively short at a mere three hours. We left the ship after a good breakfast and then enjoyed Lima’s rich marine wildlife as we sailed along the scenic coastline of Peru. We met our guide not far from the dock and drove to the Callao Yacht Club. There were yachts, warships and merchant vessels docked nearby, all giving a hint of Lima’s seafaring traditions. Once on the ship we sailed past San Lorenzo Island—Peru’s largest island at five miles long. It was once used as a cemetery by the earliest inhabitants of Peru. According to our guide Peruvian independence heroes from the Battle of Callao are also buried here. We had to hear it from the guide because San Lorenzo is not open to the public. It is a restricted zone controlled by the Peruvian Navy; in rare cases, specialized professionals (archeologists, naturalists, etc.) may apply for and receive permission to land on the island, however actually getting permission to do so is rare. Civilian vessels are required to maintain a distance of at least 300 metres (980 ft) from the shore of the island because it is considered a biosphere.

From the island we continued to the Palomino Islands and through their rocky landscape, home to a colony of sea lions. We could hear them barking before we arrived, even over the sound of the engines. We were told to have cameras ready because these inquisitive creatures swim out to greet any human visitors. Some of us had been given the special privilege of donning a wetsuit and diving into the waters for a closer encounter with these friendly creatures. Frankie and I were among the few who took the excursion that far. My braid came undone from the bun I had it tied up in and a couple of sea lions were overly inquisitive even after I quickly repined it. Honestly, it was a little scary as I was aware that sea lions may look cute and cuddly, but they are no animal to be taken lightly.

Afterwards we sailed back between the islets, inhabited by numerous bird species including the second largest Humboldt penguin colony in Peru, before returning to the ship. Yes, Frankie was endlessly fascinated by everything. It was a balmy 78 degrees F but I still felt a little chilled and asked Frankie if he minded going back to the ship for an early lunch and to give me time to change before the next excursion. He was agreeable but the only food available was at the pool grill. That suited both of us (like Frankie was going to complain, and yes that is sarcasm) and as soon as we could we disembarked once again through the cruise terminal market to wait for the next excursion. On our way through I picked up a couple of post cards as well as some Peruvian Pink Salt and alpaca yarn. Frankie purchased a chullo hat and some friendship bracelets to send to his mother and sister.

“I’ll ask Grandmother to put them in her box home.”

“Hmm?”

“She said that when we get to port in the US that she is going to send a bunch of stuff back to her house because her cabin is getting crowded.”

“Ah. Mr. Vit and I also have packages we need to mail off. I think everyone’s cabin could use a little Spring cleaning.”

“We’ll do our laundry,” he said hurriedly, and I tried not to laugh. It only took twice for them to believe I was not above grabbing an overloaded bag of dirty clothes and washing them when I did my own.

We arrived right as they started boarding the bus and the only fly in the ointment was that the Harringtons were on the excursion. Then again so were the O’Rourkes so it was a wash. The excursion itself was longer (five hours) but more laid back as it was essentially an overview of Colonial-era Peru. A panoramic drive that left me with the fidgets every bit as much as it left Frankie. But the guide was good.

After defeating the Inca emperor, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded his new capital of Ciudad de los Reyes (City of Kings) in 1535. However, the Quechua name, Limaq, after an ancient oracle located here, remained as the popular name of the new city—Lima. We saw the Plaza Mayor, the epicenter of the Spanish Empire in South America for 300 years. Then we explored beautiful examples of colonial architecture, such as the Convent of St. Francis and the many stately houses with traditional wooden balconies. We iewed the baroque Cathedral of Lima and the “House of Pizarro,” the official residence of the president of Peru, which has been hosting world leaders since the Spanish colonial era.

We were supposed to have a little free time in the city to explore before returning to the ship, but plans were changed since there was some type of student demonstration going on. More vendors had set up in the cruise market and I resigned myself to walking Frankie around until he said, “Uh, can’t we just get back on the ship?” Apparently, he wanted to get the pictures uploaded onto his computer so he could post some to Benji.

Arriving at the cabin I found both Vit and Nicholas going over some papers. Having seen similar diagrams when my brothers played sports, I told them to relax when they stood when I came into the room.

Turning to my student I said, “You may upload your pictures. I would also like you to write a paragraph for Travelling Marchand on the history of Peru. After that we need to decide about dinner.”

Nicholas said, “Frankie is invited to Grandmother’s table. Some kind of Christmas trivia challenge thing.”

I turned away so he wouldn’t see me smile and I said, “Of course. Frankie?”

“Yes Miss Veta.”

I expected Vit to follow Nicholas and Frankie when they left shortly before sailaway but he did not. After the brothers left to dress for dinner Vit stood up and closed the drapes on the sliders. I knew what that usually meant, and I wasn’t averse. Vit smiled at my willingness and proceeded to show me some … hmm … exquisite attention. I was soon out of everything but the camisole and pantalets that I’d worn under my clothes. We were kissing then I felt something cold in my cleveage.

“Oh!”

They were beads.

“Do you like them?”

“Vit,” I said breathlessly. “I … I thought we had this discussion. You don’t have to do things like this for me to ..”

He kissed me and pulled me back into his arms. “I know it Kokhana. But I wish to. Let me look at them against your skin.”

They were worth a look. There were three levels to the necklace and each level held a different type of bead. One level was Peruvian pink opal. Another level was Peruvian turquoise which is more green than blue. And the third level was Peruvian blue opal.

“I have many of these beads in different stones. But these are for you. There are also pendants in each stone that you can put on a chain.”

“Vit! This … this is a fortune,” I hissed in worry. “I … I …”

“Do not be so concerned Kokhana. Dylan and Char-lie are helping me to establish a stake so I can be self-sufficient when I get to your Pembroke. This is part of it. But I mean for it to be something else as well. Consider this your bride price as Pembroke is your dowry. But remember this, I will never take your Pembroke from you. But there may soon come a time when I cannot give you things as I wish to. Allow me to show you while I am sure that I can. This chance may not come around again for many years, if ever.”

I blurted, “And I will never take any of this for granted. Vit …” Momma had had jewelry. Not a lot but what was there was of good quality. It had all gone to Angelia because Poppa knew she would share with all of us sisters. I had only wanted Momma’s watch for sentimental reasons though Angie had insisted on me having a pair of stud earrings as well. In just the short time I had known him Vit had given me more jewelry than I’d ever had. Or certainly more good jewelry. Not even … no, that chapter of my life is closed, and I will never compare the two men.

I was still stunned when Vit started kissing me again and then he wrapped me in the sweater he had given me earlier.

“We will sit and watch one of those … Christmas shows.”

Surprised I asked, “What?”

“Yes. We will watch a movie. You will sit by me wearing my gifts to you. We will drink the hot tea since you will say the cocoa conspires to make your clothes not fit.”

“Oh Vit,” I said struggling not to be embarrassed. “You don’t have to do …”

“I know. You will not ask it of me. But I am asking of myself. I am learning … to … to like Christmas. I think. I still do not understand some of the strangeness. Santa Claus is different from Ded Moroz. Ded Moroz is tall and fit, a man of work and stature. Santa is … fat. How does he get any work done if he is so fat? And Ded Moroz does not live at the North Pole. He lives in Veliky Ustyug.”

It took me a very confused moment to realize that Vit was playing. “Oh you!”

He chuckled. “You are too easy to fool. But I am glad. You already see things I wish were not there but are. Now let us get comfortable since we do not have to attend to the brothers this evening.”

“You don’t need to escort Nicholas?” I asked as I handed him the remote for the television and then sat on the sofa.

“I am trying to give him some freedom now that he is proving himself more mature. I do not want him to remain dependent on me by the end of this job. He needs to make good choices without my guidance. Somewhat like you are doing with the boy.”

“Uh …”

Smiling he said, “Yes, Madam and Miss Hayworth have noticed. And appreciate what you are doing. They say he is so much improved from where they saw him in the beginning.”

“We had that bad spot not long ago.”

“That is what childhood is for. Better he learn those lessons now than as an adult when the consequences could be much worse. Now come here and explain the elves. Ded Moroz does not have elves, he has his granddaughter Snegurochka.”

“The … Snow Maiden? I did not know she was Ded Moroz’s granddaughter.”

We traded what we knew of Christmas while watching a documentary on holiday traditions from around the world. The tea … and then warm butterscotch milk that we ordered from room service … had a very calming effect on Vit and he fell asleep looking more relaxed than I have ever seen him. He roused briefly when the brothers called to let us know they were back in their cabin and then went off to bed as he has a full day of training with Nicholas tomorrow. As is our agreement, I gave him time to fall to sleep by writing in this journal.

I hate to take my beads off, but I must. And I think I must also start putting the jewelry pieces that Vit has given me in a more secure location. I trust our room steward but at the same time I feel the need to be more responsible with the gifts given to me. And with that thought I believe I can now slip into the room and go to sleep though … truth be told … I am a bit tempted by Vit’s nearness and sometimes it is hard for me to go to sleep. Stop that Veta and just go to sleep.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 110 and 111: Dec 18 & 19 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Didn’t do a bit of writing yesterday, or at least not the kind in my journal. Spent most of yesterday and today completing the last of a series of lessons so that I could say the first term of the school year was at a close with a clear conscience. From now until January 5th I have declared winter break, or a break from traditional curriculum. January 5th is the day that we start the Pacific crossing after leaving North America behind until the cruise is over. That’s a little bit of a scary thought considering the cultures that we will be traveling through are ones that I haven’t much exposure to. That will also mark about the half-way point of the cruise. In a way it seems like I’ve been doing this forever and I’ve been away from family that long as well, though I know realistically that is absurd. I can’t – won’t – regret this job if for no other reason that I have met Vit. Even if the worst comes to pass and something happens that we are no longer together.

I have a lot on my mind. In all my musings I completely missed something huge until I reread Lima’s entry. Vit said “bride price” and “dowry.” In our birth culture that is as good as a proposal and engagement, maybe better because to break such a verbal contract had huge social and familial repercussions. As Momma would have said, it reached out and slapped me upside the head when I finally realized what he had said.

I suppose I was living a bit of a fairytale. On the one hand Vit was the fantasy man of my dreams and I was living in the here and now. On the other hand I know Vit, he is not a casual man. He has said and shown it in so many ways. He has been “playing for keeps” from the beginning. I’m not sure I was ready for that reality even if I was looking for it subconsciously as the completion of my dreams for the future. Perhaps I was frightened of believing in Vit, in his commitment. I’ve been burnt once. It gave me a lot to think of throughout the day and he must have noticed I was preoccupied.

Last night when we both should have been asleep I heard him ask in the dark, “Veta? Your thoughts are deep. Are you troubled?”

It took me a moment to answer him. “Vit, I am going to choose to believe you, believe in you.”

I heard him sit up and then he startled me when I felt him lifting me into a sitting position. “Has someone upset you? That Harrington woman with her neverending critiques? You should not have agreed to play for company tonight. The music … was not like you normally play.”

“Was I off?”

“Nii. But it was very … heavy. And dark.”

“Sorry.”

“Nii. You play what is in your heart. That is … Kokhana, speak to me of what bothers you.”

“It’s nothing Vit. Just as I said, I am choosing to believe you, believe in you. Please …”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t be just a fantasy. Be real. Mean what you say. All of it.”

“Ahhh,” he said like he’d just figured a puzzle out. “Yes. I mean what I have said to you. We will stay together. It was meant. It is the only explanation. You held a piece of the heart I thought I no longer had.” He continued on with some other romantic nonsense and I finally relaxed into sleep.

I was a little embarrassed this morning, but he wouldn’t hear it. “It is my life’s work to prove to you my feelings are honorable. I would even be willing to suffer a duenna [chaperone] … but I … er …”

I finally grinned. “Nope. Suffering is not something I want for either of us. I think we’ve both suffered enough.”

“Good,” he said with a mock growl before he took me in his arms, and I was almost late getting dressed and ready for Frankie. Sea Days aren’t just lessons but I try and keep up with the physical side of things as well. Frankie enjoys the pool and they have even set up a small space in the Fitness Center with very light weights and training bands where he could work on his hand strength and coordination. I have recently noticed that one of his feet turn in a bit and made mention of it to Miss Hayworth who said it is a leftover from his hazing injuries. I have emailed Barbie hoping she has more things I can try with him. I think it is because he has grown so many inches so quickly since I met him because I can’t remember the toes turning in that way before now. Maybe it will correct itself, maybe it won’t, but it doesn’t hurt to try something to help it along.

I played for company again tonight and was able to provide lighter fare … and even some Christmas music. I accepted Mrs. Harrington’s “helpful” critique of my technique with a smile and gracious nod. I must admit the woman is technically flawless in her own playing. I find her playing cold and rigid but overall, she is definitely talented enough to be a concert pianist. And I know my technique is not what it used to be when the maestros required so much of their students. I need to practice more. But I’m not sure if I have any interest in maintaining what was once a passion. I have other passions now. But I really should practice more if I intend on performing for others as often as I have lately. Frankie enjoys at least one piece of music daily and I’ve even caught him experimentally try and draw the bow against the strings a time or two. Personally I think he would do better with the piano but I only play it rudimentarily. And as for the rest … I have no desire to subject him to Mrs. Harrington’s “helpful” suggestions.

Nicholas asked Vit to come to dinner tonight so that he could go to the sports bar with the other men afterwards. He could have gone on his own, but he is still more comfortable with Vit who is closer to his age than to the other gentlemen passengers. Frankie got to celebrate end of term with a special dessert course ordered up by Madam, but he is now abed. We have an early arrival in Ecuador tomorrow. As in 5 am early. So much for exercising.

The day is long and full, and I have a shopping list that Vit and I put together after doing some research during our lunch break. I am very tired, and I think that I will be the one to go to bed first tonight.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 112: Dec 20 – Quito (Manta), Ecuador

Today has been a busy and full whirlwind. Nearly everyone on board is tired or appear so. The evening has been very quiet, and I am glad for it. Tomorrow is a Sea Day and Madam has already left a note that the brothers are to be allowed to sleep in. Vit is asleep already. He reinjured his ribs today. He said he did not notice until later in the day and tried to play it off, but I noted he was in real pain. I asked him to have a long soak and then take an ibuprofen. It wasn’t much of a struggle, so I know it was the right thing to do. I’m a little lonely but then again, I think I need the alone time to deal with the Christmas correspondence I got in abundance today.

Arriving at 5 am is not the norm on this ship but it was necessary today as we had to compete for space with all the fishing fleets that seemed to be lined up everywhere. We were anchored in the port city of Manta, Ecuardor; a place known for its tuna-fishing industry and white-sand beaches. Our first excursion was short but unique, or at least I thought so. Not everyone was as intrigued. We entered Manta’s iconic fish market and learned about the town’s connection to the sea. Frankie wasn’t thrilled with the early hour but once he heard the birds would be out in abundance, he dropped the mullygrubs and took a ton of pictures as we soaked up the fascinating atmosphere and watched local fishermen trade their catch of the day. That’s where the birds came in. As you can imagine they sit in wait for the fishing boats returning to port, to try and scavenge their next meal.

We walked down the scenic promenade and stopped by the shipyard. There we saw how the traditional fishing boats are built and learned about the importance of the tuna fishing industry to Manta. We continued to the Cancebi Museum. The museum, by and large, is dedicated to the culture and heritage of the Manabita people, who are the inhabitants of the Manabí province of which Manta is the capital. Try saying that three times fast. Our guide regaled us with stories of Manabí’s traditions as we walked through various exhibits that depicted the lives of the local farmers and fishermen. And once again we were given the ubiquitous “free time” to explore the local art and antiques on display, and encouraged to purchase, before return to the ship where I grabbed a prepackaged luncheon to carry with us since I wasn’t certain what would be available locally.

Our next excursion was to Montecristi, the reported birthplace of the Panama hat. The architecture of the town was very interesting with its many colonial houses that display Montecristis’ Spanish heritage. In the main square, we saw the statue of Eloy Alfaro, a former president of Ecuador known as the “Old Warrior” who is remembered for modernizing the country at the turn of the 20th century. One of the buildings that we were told to take particular note of was Ecuador’s oldest girls’ school in a rustic wooden building; it is now host to a variety of artisan stalls. Where of course we stopped. Insert eye roll. The prices are quite high. I wasn’t the only one wondering if the tourists were being taken for a ride but after a quick peek online, I found the prices close to fair for what was on display. Here, we found Montecristi’s main export, the sombrero de paja toquilla, or Panama hat.

During the Spanish-American War in the late-19th century, Panama’s merchants supplied hats for US troops. Their popularity increased during the building of the Panama Canal, and President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing one during a visit to the construction site in 1904. Therefore, this Ecuadorian product became known as the Panama hat. I dickered for a little bit of a price break as I was buying three. One each for Derrick and Charlie who both like wearing hats, and one for Vit. As I was willing to take hat bands that were a little different for all three hats, and willing to take display models, the proprietor and I came to an agreement. He even provided hat boxes and tied them all together. I looked a tad silly carrying them about, but not as much as a few of the others there that bought more hats than I did. Charlie’s hat band was a green and black checkerboard pattern. I know for a fact he has a shirt that is almost exactly the same and he’ll wear them together if for no other reason than to make his wife laugh. Derrick’s is a black horsetail woven band. Vit’s was the one I worried about but it seems that I picked correctly. The band was an odd gray/blue that reminded me of Cossack uniform color. At a trot I ran the purchases up to our cabin between excursions while Frankie wolfed down one of the endless hot dogs he prefers when he is is allowed to eat them. I put Vit’s hat on his bed with a note that simply read “To Vit, From Veta.”

I still hadn’t gotten a single thing on my purchase list, but I had hopes of addressing that on the next excursion, one that was as long as the first two combined. We were introduced to local artisans who demonstrated traditional eco-friendly crafts, including the art of making a Panama hat. Well I’d already seen all of the Panama Hat exhibits that I was interested in seeing and so had Frankie so I didn’t scold when he barely listened to the informative presentation that walked us through the process of making them which begins with the endemic carludovica palmata plant (know colloquially as the panama hat palm) and ends with a finished hat, rolled into a balsa wood box ready for sale. Since we were with different passengers than we had been, we allowed them to purchase hats and I was only needed a few times to translate.

Ecuador’s primary language is Spanish but there are odd words here and there as well as slightly different slang terms depending on which regional dialect they were speaking. I did fine but it was mostly because the vendors cut me some slack. I think they appreciated that someone was trying to converse with them in their language rather than simply feeling entitled that they would speak English … or in one case Chinese. Boy did my rusty Mandarin come in handy. Which reminds me that I need to start practicing my languages more. Double majors doesn’t help if you don’t practice. If I hadn’t had to economize (and my professors essentially force me to choose) I would have also double mastered. I may yet go back and get that Master’s degree in languages but not until I am sure that the financial investment will pay off.

Next, we visited a Tagua nut factory to see the process of transforming the fruit into an array of eco-friendly handicrafts. The tagua nut is supposed to be an ivory alternative. I admit some of the pieces of jewelry I saw were spectacular, but I only bought a miniature carving as a keepsake. I’m not sure how long the jewelry will last, and you could tell they were tacking on a a premium to the price since they had tourists with money to burn. Sorry for being facetious but I guess I am becoming a little sensitive. It is sometimes like being in Disney where every ride empties out into a gift shop of ridiculously priced items.

Finally, we visited the last remaining cabuya weaving factory in the Manta region. Used for millennia by the indigenous people of the region, cabuya is a fiber made from cactus, and it was once the basis of a thriving local industry. The demonstrations were very interesting and most of us got to give it a try, even Frankie. As part of the excursion price we got to take home our own cabuya bag. I bought a couple of blankets as that was on my list and I accidentally started a run on the vendor selling the full-sized version. Even Frankie insisted on buying one. “For Grandmother. Sometimes her legs ache and she likes to have a throw to put over them.”

A very thoughtful gift I told him, and he informed me it is a Christmas present and the colors matched the bird sketch he was drawing. I now knew what he wanted a frame for, but he didn’t care for the ones he has seen up to this point. After trying to keep us in the shops we were then being hustled back to the bus to get back to the ship. My cynical side said it was so they could get the next groups of tourists in there. I saw the vendors all restocking quickly as our bus pulled away.

Believe it or not we had one more excursion to go on but we both needed to change quickly as it included a meal and we needed something with a little more dash than what we had on. I hurried into the cabin and stopped dead to find Vit standing there in a white linen tunic shirt, gray linen slacks, and … the Panama hat.

“Look on your bed, but hurry. I do not think I have much patience to see you undressed. Nicholas and I attend with you. Madam, Fraulein, and the O’Rourkes are all coming as well.”

That got me moving and then I stopped dead once again at the sight of what was on my bed. “Vit?”

“We are all going … in costume. But you will wear this for me. Yes?”

The dress was made of two pieces. The top was a white blouse but was adorned with beautiful embroidered designs. The bottom was a full, blue skirt with a belt of matching embroidery. I quickly dressed, pulled my black flats off of the shelf, and was touching up my braided bun when I felt Vit put something around my neck.

“Do not fuss Kokhana. They are seed beads but the woman said they would do well for you.”

“Vit …”

“Do you like?”

“Yes. For someone that pretends to have not a romantic bone in his body you know exactly what pleases me. But … if someone sees how much you please me … and I don’t know if I can hide it …”

He kissed my neck. “I think so long as we are circumspect there will be no problem.”

“Uh …”

“Trust me Kokhana.”

And I did and we all had a wonderful time. For three hours we savored a taste of local Manabita fare, considered by Ecuadorians as one of their country’s finest cuisines. Through the centuries, indigenous practices infused with Spanish influences created a rich gastronomic tradition. Today, wood-burning clay ovens continue to be used. When I saw one it reminded me of the Rometopf unglazed, clay bakeware Momma liked until they got too heavy for her to lift. She taught me to use them for a while and then she started giving them to my sisters. I didn’t know at the time that Momma knew … stop Veta. Mind back on track before you go off the rails.

Manabí cuisine owes its variety to the region’s many available ingredients. Green bananas, shellfish, corn, cassava, peanuts and cocoa are used in a variety of ways and combinations—including Ecuadorian sweet treats such as cocadas and dulce de guayaba. There was no need for a sit-down dinner as we tasted a variety of salty and sweet snacks while we had Ecuador’s world-renowned coffee and hot chocolate while watching a local theatrical dance group combine both modern and traditional dance styles in a passionate performance. Afterwards we were encouraged to learn a few Ecuadorian dance moves ourselves and I had to admit it was fun. Vit danced with many of the ladies and I danced with Frankie and some of the older male passengers.

A gift shop was open through out the excursion and I knocked off a few things from the list such as coffee and chocolate, two things it seems you can rarely have too much of. Instead of ground coffee however, I have decided to stick with coffee beans as they last longer. I also picked up a few pairs of Inca design-inspired earrings in both gold and silver. I was dragging by the time we got back to the ship, but I noticed Vit was as well and he normally doesn’t show it, at least not in company. I looked at Nicholas and then carefully fell back in the line as Vit was called upon to assist getting everyone aboard.

“We were playing a game of soccer and one of the guys got a little rough not realizing Mr. Vit wasn’t a pro, but just playing to make sure we had even numbers on the field. If it was me and I got hit that hard, my side would be bruised.”

“Thank you.”

“Eh … just don’t tell him I blabbed.”

“I won’t,” I told him confidentially.

But I didn’t have to use any wiles to tease it out of Vit. He admitted he was uncomfortable and that is when I asked him to take a soak and an ibuprofen. And here I’ve sat ever since trying to avoid being sad about all the Christmas-y stuff the family is saying they are doing … all of it to thumb their noses at the riots and other reasons for economizing the family is doing.

I think I’ll just wait until tomorrow to think about that stuff. I’ve had a full day and even the music from the Explorer’s Lounge is quiet tonight. A little extra sleep isn’t going to hurt anything.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 113: Dec 21 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Frankie has spent most of the day up on Deck 9 with Nicholas and Vit, either sketching or playing games. There are a couple of gentlemen onboard that like to play chess, checkers, majong, and dominoes in addition to the normal card games that are played later in the evening. Frankie kept them company as well and is learning the finer points and rules. The gentlemen like him because he knows when to keep quiet, and when he does ask questions, they are good ones that show he is paying attention.

I’ve been more than happy to sit back and observe while he had some “male bonding” time. A boy his age needs that. I’ve gotten some sun and have dealt with family correspondence. And boy hasn’t that been taking up most of my brain matter today. The only break I took was to spar with Vit a bit to practce some of the more advanced krav maga moves that I am out of practice with.

First off, I re-read Angelia’s email and then reconfirmed with her that of course I didn’t have any objection to her using the Pembroke House gardens and trees and appreciated that she would save some of it back for Vit and I to have when we arrived. Her only complaint, which wasn’t really a complaint per se, was she wished she had more equipment to work with. I told her where Aunt Muriel’s things were down in the basement of the house … Dad’s sister was totally Bohemian and all natural this and that and a raw vegan. She left all her stuff to me for some weird reason after she and her daughter had a tiff that didn’t mend … she developed dementia but didn’t want to be put in a home. Her daughter put her in one as fast as she could get control of her finances. Boy was that hard on Dad. Aunt Muriel went so fast after that that it was obvious she’d just given up. All that to say that there are three fancy dehydrators and a lot of kitchen tools that Angelia and my sisters might be able to use. I got a quick email back to let me know that I was a blessing as a little sister (Angelia can be dramatically silly when she wants to) and that she’d make sure that everything got labeled and put back when not in use.

From there I read Charlie’s report. I’d lost a little money on some of my investments but not as badly as had been expected. Apparently, the US is still a safe (or safe harbor) investment, so our financials aren’t being hit as hard as they are in most other countries. That isn’t to say there isn’t problems in some areas, but we didn’t do too badly because Charlie had been pushing the family to keep most of their liquidity in cash for the last couple of months because he expected a market correction. The old noise about the government taking over retirement accounts (for the good of the people) was starting to make its way around again so he wanted to know if I would okay him taking some of the cash and putting it in durable goods. I wrote him that I trusted him … and Dylan who sometimes funnels information to Charlie … but if he could see if Angelia needed anything since she said she’d be putting back stuff for me and then give her what he thought best that I would appreciate it. That got me a chat though the lag between us was annoying.

“While we are on the subject, I’m going to make a bulk purchase to try and save some dollars. Same thing that Dad did a couple of times. You remember?”

Boy did I. For a few years Momma had been bitten by the “survivalist” bug and Poppa had gotten on board and bought a lot of long-term storage foods. I remember when we left Pembroke and moved to Jacksonville Momma had finally given up on her “hobby” and had pieced about half of it out to anyone in the family that would take it. The other half is what we used to piece out meals and even after they both passed away there were cases of the stuff left.

“Are you sure about this Charlie?”

“You don’t want in? I think it is a good idea.”

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t buy in … just make it reasonable stuff and not full meals like Momma bought so much of. The sodium in some of that stuff is a killer. And not so much of that soy meat substitute either. And if you are going to do that you might as well see if you can find me a grinder since Angie got Momma’s, and get me at least two of those swing-a-way can openers. Those #10 cans are a pain to open.”

I guess a lot of them didn’t think how much of all that fell to me in highschool and Charlie said, “Well aren’t you just about half smart. None of the others even mentioned can openers. And I’ll see if Angie still has the grinder. Since they diagnosed one of the kids with Celiac, they can’t have wheat in the house. Got a question for you Vettie.”

“Ok?”

“Vit still willing to come to the States, even with the recent upheaval?”

“Charlie, that hasn’t even slowed him down. Apparently you and Dylan have some kind of plan? No, don’t tell me. I don’t need to know. Just … be careful. Vit doesn’t have anyone else. If something goes wrong he’ll … look, just be careful.”

“You’re really set on him then.”

“Charlie I don’t want it all over the family for them to form some kind of opinion before they even get to meet him.”

“It ain’t like that Shorty. Derrick seems to like the guy. I know I do. And Dylan likes him well enough that he stuck his butt out there to get some papers from places papers don’t normally come from.”

“What?”

“Just Dylan being Dylan. What I’m sayin’ is those that have met him like him well enough for his own sake and not just for yours. You just … be careful.”

“Charlie, not another word in that direction or I’ll sic Angie and all the sisters on you. Momma raised me to have commonsense you know.”

“Well, maybe she did but I’m still your big brother and better you hear it from me and not the others.”

“Speaking of others. How’s Derrick?”

“Getting by. I think as soon as the holidays pass and him and the boys survive their first year without Lena that things will get better. He expects the divorce to be final shortly after the New Year.”

“How is Lena doing?”

“Not good. They found a tumor and it might be what is causing the false pregnancy. Too soon to tell. Lena doesn’t want to believe it and is refusing to cooperate. Her parents are trying to get the judge to sign off on the medical stuff. The judge they have ain’t inclined until the docs can say she’s in imminent physical danger. Docs are saying without the procedures they can’t say whether she is or not. Catch-22 and the judge is sitting on making a decision until after the holidays. Unless they can find a doc willing to put his John Hancock on the line to say for certain one way or the other.”

“Where’s the tumor?”

“On her ovary. And the rest is none of our business. Gotta run Shorty if I am going to get this in play. You just remember what I said and be careful.”

Got a note from Derrick. It was more dutiful than anything else except towards the end when he said that if a lawyer contacted me, that it was up to me whether I wanted to respond or not because he’d already informed the Guardian Ad Litem that I was out of the country and had been for months. Answered Derrick the best I could without asking awkward questions. It wasn’t easy but I could tell that Derrick didn’t really want to talk about it. I let him know without being obvious that he could, and I wouldn’t be upset but that I wasn’t upset that he didn’t want to talk either. All I cared about was that he and the boys were dealing with things in as healthy a way as possible.

Everything else was just the noise a family makes to each other around the holidays. And speaking of noise, it looks like it is time that we all get washed up for dinner. I am to play again this evening. The entertainment director asked me this time as the woman who normally plays is down with what appears to be strep throat and all they need is a quick fill in as tomorrow they are picking up a new quartet. So, I’m playing again. If Mrs. H will keep her suggestions to herself, I might actually enjoy it.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 114: Dec 22 – Panama City, Panama

Pleasant day today. Vit and Nicholas were with us during both the morning and afternoon excursions. I’m glad as there was a little bit of nastiness though the tour group tried to distract everyone and make it a non-event or at least one of such rarity that it applied to us none at all. Which really isn’t true though I can see their point as most of the passengers on our ship were older. But what do I know really?

First off, we spent the day in Panama City, Panama. It would have been neat to get to see the Panama Canal, but it wasn’t part of this cruise’s itinerary. Either way I was happy to get out of the city after hearing about how a young woman on another cruise ship had been abducted in broad daylight. Of course, she’d made the mistake of making herself a target by traveling alone in a country she didn’t speak the language of and wanting to “party” with the locals for a bit of excitement. She was reportedly one of those “Influencers” or internet stars and she had he own travel blog … what she didn’t have was commonsense. She might as well have hung a steak around her neck and rung the dinner bell for the local dog packs by going into the local bars by herself and dressed to the hilt. Vit suggested that some of the men might have thought she was a prostitute. I won’t judge her on that, but it was a really stupid way to see the city. She could have gotten to “know the locals” in a better way than that.

The tour company did everything but stand on their heads to make it seem that was a very rare occurrence. Some people bought it but I’m not so sure. Panama has a wicked problem with domestic violence, and I was more than happy to have Vit keeping a close eye out for problems. Once we left the city, I could feel that the atmosphere changed but I didn’t give up on my situational awareness and kept Frankie close with the help of Vit and Nicholas.

Our first excursion of the day was a bird’s-eye view of the Gamboa rainforest from an open-air aerial tram. It was like riding the skyride at some amusement park, only this one went through trees that were close enough you could reach out and touch them, though we were all asked to keep all body parts inside the tram. Panama’s tropical rainforest is one of the richest, most complex ecosystems in the world, or so said our guide. It was certainly lush up there. And muggy. And buggy. We definitely experienced nature up close and personal as our tram climbed from the forest floor and up to the sun-blinding canopy, approximately 280 feet above the ground. That’s almost a football field length in the air. Every time Frankie or Nicholas moved around, I had to force myself not to flinch when the tram would wobble. Especially since the tram was more like a ski lift rather than an enclosed tram.

Our guide described the tropical plants and local wildlife as we traveled through the treetops and we weren’t the only ones snapping pictures like crazy. We saw colorful birds and butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colors. Then there were the white-faced capuchin monkeys that reminded me too much of another monkey that probably still has a pair of my best glasses. The sloths were adorable and moved just as slow as their stereotype cartoon character. We also climbed the stairs to the top of the Gamboa Observation Tower, where we saw phenomenal aerial views of the Chagres River, Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. So while I may not have gotten to transit through the Panama Canal, I at least got to see it from a distance. Although I had a surprise coming later in the day. It made me wish for a better camera but the ones my phone took were still great. Back on the ground, I hid behind Vit when a troop of howler monkeys decided to come investigate the tourists. Ugh. More monkey business I do not want. And yes, that is my funny for the day.

We enjoyed a light refreshment of juice and fruit before returning to the ship. It wasn’t going to be enough for the brothers and I was glad I had brought my backpack only Vit came up with another solution. There was a vendor in the Cruise Market area selling Gallo Pinto (rice and beans with a little pork or chicken mixed in) with one or two other sides to make a meal. I had plaintains done maduros style (sweet) while Vit had the same only patacones style (salty). The brothers had empanadas to go with theirs and we also got some empanadas and carimanolas (fried yucca roll stuffed with meat and boiled eggs) to go. I keep a couple of airtight contaners in my backpacks just in case and this worked to transport the food without the smell following us everywhere.

We finished our meal just in time to get in line for our next excursion. We had explored the top of the rainforest, now we were going to explore it at ground level on the river. And to my surprise we got to go into part of the Panama Canal as we did it. The Panama Canal is one of the most difficult engineering projects in history and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Our destination was Gatún Lake—a large, manmade freshwater lake created when the Gatún Dam was built in the early 20th century. Its jungle-covered islands and the surrounding waters are home to a multitude of flora and fauna. Our guide was a trained naturalist but still definitely a local. He talked about the delicate ecosystem that exists in the area and pointed out wildlife. We sailed past the stumps of old mahogany trees sticking out above the water, and watched for capuchin and howler monkeys jumping through the trees—or even coming closer to the boat to investigate which is what I was hoping to avoid. I don’t know if it was the smell of the food in my backpack or not, but I was one of the few they seemed to pay particular attention to. The guide laughed and said it might be my glasses they were attracted to. Figures. We saw more three-toed sloths, butterflies and toucans. We also saw fish, caimans, crocodiles and turtles.

When we got back to the ship Vit noticed an increase in security personnel outside the Cruise Market. He hustled us into the warehouse set up but then allowed as how that he wouldn’t object if the brothers wanted to look around so long as we all stuck together. It gave us time to finish the food from earlier as you can’t take that sort of thing back on the ship. I didn’t buy anything (yes, be shocked) but Vit purchased a couple of bottles of Ron Abuelo Rum and a bag of green coffee beans. Our evening has been quiet. Sailaway was at 6 pm which I enjoyed from the balcony. I stayed in the cabin, Frankie had dinner with Madam, and Vit spent the evening with Nicholas and company.

I guess I just need some quiet time to recharge. I used to need to constantly be surrounded by people so long as they weren’t watching me, possibly to distract myself. Or at least that is what my inner psychologist is saying. Even at the beginning of this job I was still somewhat like that. Now I am content to be alone … or as alone as you can be on a cruise ship carrying 900+ other people in a confined space. Although “confined” is in the eye of the beholder. This cabin is still bigger than any apartment or dorm I’ve ever lived in after leaving my parents’ house. I don’t know, I just have the fidgets.

Maybe I am dreading Christmas more than I thought? I don’t know. Tomorrow is the day before Christmas Eve and it is a Sea Day. There are a ton of Christmas-themed activities scheduled through out the day … shows, cookie decorating, gingerbread house competition, caroling, special drinks that are on the house, all the yada yada. Ugh. I love Christmas time, why do I have to feel like this?

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 115: Dec 23 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Nearly Christmas’d out. I managed to get in some sparring with Vit but when we drew a crowd I just wasn’t into it any longer. Tried to be in a good mood for Frankie … and Vit who seems to have found his holiday celebrating gene. Don’t really feel like writing but I’m waiting for Vit to go to sleep after a little too much post-party “celebrating” that left us both shaking and in serious danger of forgetting to be careful. Next time no more drinks before returning to the cabin if we intend on anything else. The alcohol definitely breaks down boundaries. Uh uh. Think I’ll go climb in the shower now that Vit is out.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 116: Dec 24 – Puntarenas (Puerto Caldera), Costa Rica

Christmas Eve. Day has been very full … in excursions, in connections, in ship-board activities, and in shocks. My head is all twisted up. Vit is also full up but he seems to be content to be so and is now asleep rather than either of us running the risk of the temptation we almost gave into last night. I think I had one glass of wine too many and should probably go sleep it off, but I’m still too wired to sleep with a lot on my mind.

After sailing into the Gulf of Nicoya before dawn, we docked at 7 am and spent the day in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Big cruise port very popular with the larger cuise lines. Our excursions were extra enjoyable as Vit and Nicholas joined us for both of them. I thought it would be a very quiet day, with most Latin American countries closed to all but religious type activities. And yes, a few shops and such were like that. But call me shocked when we disembarked and were funneled through a bustling holiday market.

Vit was looking around intently and then asked one of the vendors how late they would be open, and they said very late, until the last cruise ship left, maybe even until it was time to get ready for Midnight Mass. Good enough he said, and I knew we’d be shopping before the day was over.

Instead of worrying it to death we hurried to get to our first excursion … an extended bike ride. And I am very glad that I have added the cycles to my exercise routine on the ship, otherwise I can just imagine how sore I would be right now. The ride began on a flat, partially paved road. It gave everyone time to get their “sea legs.” From there we admired the stunning landscapes, and the flora and fauna, as we passed cattle ranches and the wildlife in the wetland area. We were told to keep our eyes peeled for the various species of magnificent water birds, such as egrets and herons; however, most people were just trying to stay upright on the bikes and not run into one another. Frankie drove me a little crazy (no pun intended) riding the bike one-handed while he took pictures with the other. Argh. I told him to save it for when the guide brought us to a stop, but I still caught him doing it a couple of times … with Nicholas helping him to get away with it by holding his handle bars. I decided to let them get away with it as it was Christmas and I didn’t want a fight

We cycled through the rolling hills, finally having plenty of chances to stop and photograph the lovely flowers and amazing views along the way. Our tour guide provided running commentary of the landscape and nature highlights through our radio head sets. We stopped for refreshments at a local dwelling, much to everyone’s pleasure, and enjoyed a buffet of tropical fruits. It was less than a mile after that that we dropped our bikes at a trailer and got on a bus to transfer back to the pier.

The fruit buffet had been very filling, probably because of all the fiber and liquid it contained. A Clif Bar was enough to tide everyone over until the evening’s festivities. I am glad we didn’t need a full lunch as the second excursion of the day meant moving quickly to get on the bus in a timely manner.

The excursion was titled “A Walk in The Clouds” and the brief explanation in my cruise folder had left me intrigued without really revealing how amazing it was going to be. Essentially, we discovered Costa Rica’s biodiversity along beautiful trails and suspended bridges amid the tree canopy. After a short transfer, the tour started with a short, downhill walk that led to an open hummingbird garden. It was like watching a troop are aerialists as several species of these tiny, brightly colored birds gathered around doing acrobatic maneuvers. My hair barretts seemed to draw their interest though why I don’t know unless they smelled something on me. After that the more adventurous portion of the tour commenced when we arrived at the first of four suspended bridges that cover over half a mile of forested terrain. Yikes! They rose up to 126 feet above the ground; not as high as the aerial tram did this morning but certainly high enough when you are swinging back and forth and up and down on those rope bridges. We continued our way over rivers and cascades. My senses were on overload with my brain unable to keep up with everything my eyes were taking in. Good thing that Vit had thoughtfully brought the GoPro so I could concentrate on putting my feet in the right places without having to forgo the treat of pictures.

Our guide pointed out most of the outstanding features along the trail. Again, it was birds, butterflies and small mammals that caught most people’s attention and camera space, but there were also plants such as orchids, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads and more. I love orchids and bromeliads. Momma used to have a greenhouse full when I was growing up and I helped her take care of them all. She gave most of them away when she hit her last illness and every time I handed one over it was like giving away a friend. I kept wondering why she was giving so much away … not leaving any for Poppa and me … but he explained that Momma thought I was too young to be weighed down by so much responsibility. She didn’t want me to become a mauseleum curator but to go away to college and find my own life to live. In hindsight I understand, but it took me a couple of years of maturing before I was at peace with the way she’d done things.

The guide was surprised I knew most of the names of the plants. On the bus ride back to the ship a few people questioned how I knew and when I explained a couple of the ladies nodded in understanding, though some seemed to resent the sad part of the story on a day that was supposed to be nothing but celebration. I guess for some, it touched on a sadness they were hiding from. I miss Momma but I don’t think of her sadly. My worldview tells me we’ll see each other again and parting is only temporary.

Walking back through the crowded Christmas market Vit made some purchases of more coffee and chocolate while the brothers looked around. Following Frankie, I bought a few things myself … some colorful banana paper (a product made from recycled banana plants), a mango wood candle holder (to go with the one of avocado wood), recycled coffee bags (yes they are a thing and will help cushion the more breakable items we have to ship), and a local delicacy called deli sweet jelly. The jelly will go in the cabin frig to piece out our tea and biscuits that Vit and I eat when we are on Sea Days. I was just telling Frankie that we needed to board as it was approaching 5:30 … thirty minutes before our scheduled 6 pm sailaway … when Vit comes towards me in the crowd and says the same thing.

Getting back on the ship was a squeeze. It seems everyone waited until the last moment to re-board. But we finally got through security and headed toward the cabins to change for dinner. The brothers needed to shower, and Vit did as well. I was thinking of trying for a quick one when there was a knock on the cabin.

Opening the door I spied our visitor. “Miss Hayworth?”

“Is Vit around?”

“In the shower. Is … is everything all right?” I asked when I noted her serious demeanor.

“Yes though … well Madam and I thought it would be better if you heard it from us.”

“Er …”

“It’s the Harringtons. They left the ship, presumably to visit their sons. Instead their sons set them up and they’ve been taken into custody.”

“What?!”

“Yes. Quite shocking. According to the news we heard they are being investigated for some rather underhanded financial dealings and additionally, Mr. Harrington heads a fund that apparently funnels money that supports international terrorism … against Jews.” The last didn’t particularly surprise me after what Dylan had said but I’m sure it shocked a lot of our fellow passengers.

“I’m not even sure what to say,” I told her.

“Say nothing. We’ve actually been asked to not bring it up.”

Concerned I asked, “Asked by whom?”

“Some investigators came on board and removed all of the Harringtons’ belongings.” There was a little more said before she added, “Can you please share this with Vit? I need to get back ot the cabin and help Madam dress for the evening.”

I was just standing there when Vit came up behind me and said, “I heard.”

I turned and then sighed like a hormonal teenager staring at a poster of her favorite movie star. Vit was still damp from the shower and only had a towel wrapped around his middle.

Giving me a wicked grin he asked, “You like?”

“There are no words in any language to express just how much I like.”

He laughed, then about the news he’d heard said, “Let this be the end of the Harringtons … at least as it pertains to our lives. They’ll eventually get their comeuppance … or not … but it need no longer involve us. For which I am thankful.”

I let his words express my own relief as well and then hurried to take my own quick shower. I came out to find that he was getting off the phone. “Yes. I will tell her. Good bye.”

Having a feeling that I wasn’t going to like something I just stood there and waited.

“Dylan said you would not be pleased but I thought he might use the information in some way. He was not at all comfortable that the Harringtons had taken an interest in you.”

I just shook my head and rolled my eyes. “Do not let Dylan draw you into whatever he gets up to.”

“It is not something you need to worry over.”

I might have had something to say about that but there was another knock on the cabin door and I stepped into the sleeping area to get to the closet and finish dressing. I took a few more pains than I normally do as it was one of the rare formal occasions onboard the Sun. I wore my plain, conservative “little black dress” but dressed it up by turning one of my scarves into a corsage-like bow and pinning it to the dress at the waist. I put my hair in a more intricate braided bun and spent a little more time on my make up. Vit and I had already discussed the fact that I wanted to wear a piece of the jewelry he’d given me, but we came to the conclusion that unless we wanted people in our business, some things would need to remain private. I did wear a pair of drop earrings he’d given me of some green precious stone, but they were hidden by loose ringlets I allowed to escape from my up do.

Mid-dressing I had moved to the bathroom to give Vit some room to get his own dinner clothing on but no matter how I tried he was still dressed before me. I walked out and immediately started to apologize but he just stood there looking at me. I looked behind me to see if there was something else, he was looking at.

“Er … Vit?”

He came forward and bent and kissed me gently. “I … I … will not like it if other men … try to … gain your attention tonight.”

“And what exactly do you think I’ve been feeling about all of those cougars trying to get your attention every night?”

He blinked. “I did not notice. They mean nothing.”

“Exactly,” I told him, and he blinked again.

“Ah,” he said with a nod before kissing me again. “I will still not like it.”

“Neither will I. You noticing me is all I want.”

“Aaahhhh,” he breathed and then relaxed before adding sheepishly. “I … never cared enough to be jealous before. I feel like a schoolboy. It is unacceptable.”

“Join the club handsome. Not even … no, I’m not going there and spoiling the evening. Suffice it to say I’ve never felt like this either.”

Another kiss and then he groaned. “If we are to leave, we need to do it now.”

We both straightened ourselves and our expressions and left the cabin, just in time to run into the brothers who looked uncomfortable in their dress clothes as they had gotten out of practice. Vit noticed and said jokingly that all three must endeavor not to lose their ties before Madam gave them leave. We were all chuckling when we walked into the main dining room and were soon ushered over to Madam’s table.

The evening was lots of fun. Dinner was festive and there were displays, skits, and shows in all the common areas; some by crew and some by other passengers. Vit and I tried to translate some of the Christmas carols into Ukrainian but that didn’t always work out well, to the amusement of everyone present. Others shared their nationality’s or culture’s version of the holidays, both secular and religious. There were readings of holiday poems, stories, and religious writings. Old Christmas movies (and some newer ones as well) played in the theaters. There where holiday themed snacks, desserts, and drinks at every corner. I am not the only one that wound up slightly tipsy.

It was quite late when everyone began to toddle off to their rooms, much later than the ship normally stays active even in the Explorer’s Lounge. The brothers are camping out in Madam’s suite for the evening and will spend a quiet day with her and Miss Hayworth tomorrow. They plan to sleep in and then have the lunch buffet as their main meal of the day. Vit and I said that sounded nice and Miss Hayworth said that we were free for the day, that she recommended we take advantage and sleep in as well, but whatever we did was up to us. I am pretty sure she winked at us, but it happened so quickly I can’t swear to it 100%.

When Vit and I got back to the cabin we exchanged gifts. He particularly liked the slippers that I knitted for him from alpaca yarn. He is wearing them now. He just sat there looking at this for a while, that and the vyshyvanka [Ukrainian tunic shirt] that I embroidered for him. I was afraid that it wasn’t anything compared to his gift to me but then … Vit is not an emotional man. All I’ll say is that he told me no one had ever made him anything. Growing up his clothes had always come out of the orphanage’s clothes closet and had never been new. Then he mostly wore his uniforms or whatever he could find off discount racks. His current wardrobe pieces were primarily those acquired for him by Miss Hayworth to fit his position as Nicholas’ companion/mentor. When I told him that the embroidery pattern is one I copied from a photo of my biological father before he was taken away he … I won’t write it down. I’m not sure I could capture the yearning, the repressed emotion that was in his eyes. I certainly can’t describe the intensity of this so tightly controlled man’s vow to me. Then he gave me a box to open.

Vit’s gift to me. It was a ring. He said he had researched American courting tradition and called it a promise ring. But it has an emerald surrounded by diamonds. He said he found it in an antique shop, and he wasn’t sure whether it was real or not, but something told him to purchase it. He took it to a jeweler and had it cleaned and polished. It surpassed his expectations and knew that he’d been right. Especially when the jeweler pointed out a vintage Russian stamp on the band of the ring. I want to wear it. I want to wear it where everyone can see it. I want to tell everyone that sees it what it means. But …

Isn’t there always a but? Until he speaks to Derrick, he says he has no right to ask me to wear it. And the truth is we still need to be quiet. And the last thing this ring is is quiet. And I still want to wear it but the only time I’ll be able to wear it openly is here in the cabin when we are sure no one will intrude.

Vit … hmm … overindulged even more than I did though it didn’t really hit him until after we exchanged our gifts. He is asleep on the sofa snoring lightly. I’ve just barely been able to control the giggles a couple of times.

I love him. If there was ever any doubt, there is none now. His hands shook when he tried the shirt on and he hated to take it off, much like I hated to take my ring off. Both are neatly put away in our safe. With each other we can be our private selves but most of the time we will have to be our public selves. It won’t always be easy but so long as I know there will be sometimes, we can be our private selves with each other, I know I can survive between those times.

Merry Christmas to me. To put it quite crudely … Yeehaaawwwww. Now if I can just get Vit up and into bed without falling into it with him.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 117: Dec 25 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Today the ship has been calmer than it was last night, but it has still been festive. But I think Vit and I were both more than satisfied to spend our day quietly. We got up and exercised off the previous night’s overindulgence. Sparred a little bit as well. We spent a nice quiet day doing little to nothing, dozing off and on. Vit was rather overwhelmed to be included in a family videochat.

Angelia finally laughed and said, “Just imagine you are back at the orphanage only with lots of hugs and kisses and love.”

The look on Vit’s face was priceless and Derrick was in the background smiling when Reggie said, “Aw Aunt Angie, don’t scare him off like that. They might never come home.”

Vit then said seriously, “I will do all in my power to bring Veta home safely to her family.”

Rather nonchalantly Charlie’s wife Bianca said, “Too late for you Vit. You’re one of us now. Everyone says so and when the Petric’s adopt you … you’re stuck with us. So, when you bring Veta home, you’d best plan on staying for a while.”

There was a lot of kidding around, but I wasn’t the only one to see how Vit was affected by her words. Derrick reaffirmed it for everyone when he said, “Bianca may have said it first but we’re all of one mind on this; you’re one of us so it isn’t just Veta we want to see come home safely.”

For a while after the chat ended Vit went and sat on the veranda and I didn’t disturb him. He came back in of his own accord and we spent some private time together until we got dressed for dinner.

That was when we saw the brothers. I was glad to see them both well and happy. Nicholas told us that they’d had their own video chat with their parents though the connection was horrible. Then dinner was served, and we were all busy eating and listening to the flow of conversation all around. The menu was a traditional one with a first course of anise-spiced butternut squash soup followed by roast turkey, stuffing, pumpkin mash, several other vegetables, and for dessert yule log cake or yellow sheet cake drenched in fruit-flavored liqueurs.

There was dancing in the Explorer’s Lounge afterwards, but no one seemed inclined to linger. Tomorrow is a port day, and everyone was a bit tired. Vit and I said goodnight to the brothers who would be back to their own cabin and then as we made our escape Miss Hayworth pulled us to the side.

“My Dears, I hope you don’t think this crass but …” She went on to explain that Madam had been in a quandry how to approach this as we were closer than your average employee but at the same time, she felt the need to express her appreciation on the job we’ve been doing. That’s when Madam herself stepped in and said how above and beyond the call of duty we’d both gone, and she wanted us to know that she noticed. Really, I was embarrassed, but I have to say that I am very grateful and appreciative as well. Vit and I both received Christmas bonuses. The kind that come with a dollar sign and more than two zeroes. We were both stunned. Even more so when she said, “You’re both frugal. I like that. It has set a good example for my grandsons. But you are young as well and should take the time to enjoy yourselves. None of us knows what tomorrow is going to bring so … treat yourselves. You’ve earned it.”

Vit and I discussed it. We’re going to study up on the ports coming and try and buy things that will help us get a start in our life together. He is also going to see if there are things that he can invest in that will help him to secure his ability to be recognized as self-supporting. But when I tried to wonder if I should accept the bonus Vit explained rather cynically that Madam was still getting us for much cheaper than she budgeted for since she had saved the cost of a cabin since we shared rather than travel solo.

And I had time to wear my ring and Vit wore his slippers. He said he is saving the tunic for a special day. And he wondered if I would wear a vyshyvanka dress and I told him that I had brought a nightgown from home but hadn’t used it because I hadn’t realized I would be sharing first a hotel room with Frankie and then a cabin with him and the garment is … revealing.

He looked at me and I saw the longing in his eyes, so I told him I would wear it for him. He said he would appreciate it. All I can say is I doubt there are too many other women on the face of the planet that were so thoroughly appreciated as I was. It was later than normal but Vit still asked if I would mind him showering and then going to sleep first.

I’ve been doing just as usual, but he came out a bit ago and asked me to put on my normal sleeping clothes as he couldn’t sleep imagining me out here dressed in the vyshyvanka. He is finally asleep and now I am all written out. Our schedule is going to be changing as we transition to the South Pacific. But that is getting ahead of myself. Time for bed.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 118: Dec 26 – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Ugh, my aching feet. I miss my Skechers. My new shoes aren’t bad, I didn’t waste the money, but I sure do miss my old shoes.

I forgot to mention that in yesterday’s newsletter there was a lengthy article on the precautions we need to take in today’s port. Guatemala. The peace accord is holding, but just barely. Violence is still rife in the interior but not on the coast now the government has it under control. And I can’t say they are wrong, but the city had a strange vibe to it and I’m glad we didn’t spend the day there. The city I mean. They are trying to develop the tourist industry, but I think it will be an uphill battle unless they stick to the high-adventure crowd. Speaking of, that was the focus of today’s excursion. Vit, Nicholas, Frankie, and I were on the same activity … a seven-hour hike to Pacaya Volcano. The one thing that bothered me (freaked me out) was that several of our guides were carrying side arms (guns). It isn’t that I minded their guns so much as I felt vulnerable that none of the rest of us had any protective items at all. And yes, Vit and I both are versed in protection but c’mon, in hand-to-hand combat a gun still ranks higher. I got over it as the day wore on, but it still was like a goose crossing a grave a few times.

Pacaya Volcano is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes and is part of a volcanic arc that stretches along the Pacific Ocean coastline. The cone rises more than 8,000 feet above the surrounding countryside and has been erupting in cycles off and on since recorded history in the area. The last “cycle” started in 1961. Its eruptions can create lava flows from the crater, and occasionally rain ash down on the nearby town and villages. Several of the eruptions have been visible all the way to Guatemala City.

From the ship we got on the bus and drove to the base of the volcano. Can’t say I was too thrilled with the bus driver’s skill, but he did get us from Point A to Point B without too much rocking and rolling. It was primarily the two-hour bus ride through horrendous traffic that got to me. Nicholas and Frankie slept most of the way, but Vit and I were on guard. The highway to Pacaya Volcano is very twisty with lots of sharp curves as it winds its way through the jungle-covered, mountainous landscape. We passed through lots of small villages in the countryside and it was heartbreaking and shocking to see the extreme poverty that people were living in. The final road to Pacaya climbed up a steep mountain and was a painfully bumpy dirt road where we drove through even smaller villages in the countryside. When we got there, we met our guide – you can’t ascend the volcano without one that is certified by the national park system – and they handed us wooden hiking sticks to help with the ascent. After that and without fanfare we started the steep trek through the humid forest and spooky volcanic landscape. There was the option of making the ascent by foot or on horseback and a couple of our group members opted for horseback which we later heard wasn’t any better than walking as the horses were cranky.

The trail was a narrow path of fine black volcanic ash, crunchy in places but mostly it seemed to be looking for any crack or crevice on your body or clothing to escape the mountain in. I didn’t even have to hide any for Frankie’s microscope collection; it escaped with me without any effort on my part. As the elevation increased the climb only got steeper and more challenging.

As we climbed, there were spectacular views of other nearby volcanos and the Calderas lagoon. It took an hour of hiking to get out of the jungle and into the truly barren landscape of old lava fields. Our guide told many stories and the history of the area and Pacaya including how the 2010 eruption destroyed several villages in the slopes and at the base of the volcano. Now my understanding is after the last major eruption in 2014 you can no longer climb all the way to the top, but we still got some pretty impressive views. And we were “lucky” in that Pacaya was active and we had the opportunity to see an actual lava flow. They were so distant that what we were seeing had to be explained by the guide, but it was still impressive. I have a superzoom lens for my camera that helped but even with that the view wasn’t without some blurred areas. The guide also mentioned that the eruptions seemed to be building again and in the next year or so his grandfather predicted another large eruption would occur. I’m not sure about that but overall, the hike was impressive.

It was also chilly, and I was glad that I’d had the forethought to tell Frankie to bring his windbreaker. Nicholas hadn’t been quite as smart and was paying for it though he maintained a good nature about it, laughing at himself. Good thing for him that I carry around extra rain panchos and he was at least able to cut some of the wind off or he might have been miserable.

The other silly we did was roast marshmallows in a heat vent. It was disgusting if you want to know the truth, but everyone seemed to be thrilled by it. The marshmallows got crispy very quickly and the air coming out of the vent felt like you were standing in front of an oven. I suppose it was a little unreasonable to be grossed out, but the ash covered the stick and the marshmallow both, not to mention everyone’s hands.

And yes, there was even a gift shop there. The Lava Store was just a small, open-air hut with three walls and a roof sitting directly on the lava fields. We were told that it has had to move locations several times when the volcano has erupted. Inside, they sold a variety of jewelry made by local artisans which all incorporated the lava rock. Purchasing something here is a way to support the local communities around the volcano, and the prices weren’t bad all things considered, but I just grow weary of always being pushed to spend, spend, spend. It is all to “support the local economy” and while I understand the sentiment, I have seen too many times that supporting the local economy actually means buying junk made in China. Perhaps I am growing jaded.

Our descent was on a different path, along a ridge on the side of the volcano offering stunning views of the valley below, mountains and volcanoes and other areas where the lava had flowed. The trail was steeper heading down than it had been ascending. After about forty-five minutes, we made it back to the base of the volcano in a different area than where we had started from. Then it was back on the shuttle and a return trip to the pier. A lot of people were grateful for that long bus ride as it gave them time to sleep. All it did for me was give me time to get stiff, especially since our return bus driver was no better than the morning driver had been.

And as predicted by yours truly we were let off right outside a market where we were once again encouraged to spend, spend, spend. It wasn’t a bad exchange rate; one US dollar equaled about 8 of the local quetzals, what bothers me is how obvious and in-your-face it is getting. Or maybe I am just noticing it more now that the “new” has worn off this cruise lifestyle. I’m not getting the sense that it bothers everyone, but I have heard the odd complaint here and there under people’s breath.

I was happy to look around but some of the aggressive tactics used by many of the vendors was a real turn off for me. Vit seemed to take it in stride; or maybe, as he later told me, it is merely something to be endured to get to his actual goal. I noticed that he picked up several pieces of the local jade in black and lavender. While he did that, I purchased a meal as we were all starved. A pre-portioned meal cost about 20 quetzals so for the four of us that was 80 quetzals … or 10 dollars US total. At the same stand I bought a bag of locally grown and harvested coffee beans and I’m glad I did because it was much more expensive at the tourist shops we went through afterwards.

Coming back with the food I found Vit had purchased Ron Zecapa rum – very famous – as well as some of the local hooch called Quetzalteca. Nicholas was buying a scarf for a “friend” and Frankie was just along for the ride and looking tired. I looked around but nothing really thrilled me. I was feeling a little like Scrooge until Vit whispered, “Oschadlyvyy. Vy budete dbaty pro nashe zhytlo dobre.” [Frugal. You will take care of our home well.]

I will take that compliment any day. Momma used to tell me to count all the pennies I had because saving them helped Poppa to take care of his calling without so much worry. I grew up in second-hand and made-over clothing. All my school curriculum had been hand-me-down from my siblings. Even my violin belonged to Derrick before me. The newest clothing I’ve ever had was all that I purchased for this job. Most of my friends in college thought I chose the Bohemian/Thrift style by choice – my father was a doctor after all – but in truth I shopped at thrift stores out of necessity. Yes, my father and eldest brother were doctors but there were a lot of us, and my parents had their own doctor bills and I made more than a few of my own. Pennies count. So do nickels, dimes, and quarters, and I’ve rolled my share to put gas in my car and pay the rent.

Vit and I did talk again tonight though it wasn’t as much because I could tell he was tired after accompanying Nicholas to a “male bonding” thing in one of the bars where they were watching sports and talking current events. We will talk more, and I guess it is a good idea that we get to know each other and what we expect out of life, what goals we have, how well our worldview matches, and the like. But now that Vit is asleep it is time for me to sleep as well.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 119, 120, and 121: Dec 27, 28, & 29 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

I feel like a lazy slug. Literally, I have done a lot of nothing for the last three days. Frankie has spent most of his time with Madam. Vit has been doing the male bonding thing. I haven’t had any correspondence from the family because the internet connection sucks.

Hah. Listen to me. I need to get off the stupid pity train. I know it is just all the emotional roller-coastering I have been feeling. Ugh. Now I don’t just feel like a lazy slug, I feel like a whiny, lazy slug. Time to recount the little bit of constructive that I’ve accomplished so I can adjust my attitude, find some gratitude, and stop sounding like a hyper hormonal, whiny, lazy slug.

Let’s see, my legs and pits are hair free. The hair on my head received a little extra attention. I have managed to exercise and meet up with the yoga group for all three days. I have practiced krav maga every day. And I packed up what I’m sending to Pembroke which is very likely to set me back a pretty penny. Whoops, haven’t packed the booze yet which is going to be even more expensive to ship. Which is making me irritable. Vit “budgeted” for the shipment already. Yes. He said that. No. I didn’t, and I’m angry at myself for not keeping track. Momma would not be pleased that I’ve basically taken all her lessons and thrown them out the window the way I have.

To try and save on postage I’ve packed down everything as tightly as I can and managed to get it into one large box instead of two smaller ones, but that doesn’t change the weight issue. I suppose it is what it is, but I need to recommit to watchin out how much I am spending and what it is going to cost to get it home. I feel ashamed that I have let that slide as much as I have. I don’t want to take things for granted like I have been. Momma would be outraged I’m sure.

Another issue is three sea days in a row may be contributing to these feelings I am having. Three sea days and not enough to fill them. The Sports Deck is packed as is the gym. I’ve done yoga until I’m sick of it and the walls and veranda of this cabin. I feel awkward going out into the common areas of the ship because I’m not really a passenger, but a staff person and staff people don’t lounge around where paying passengers do unless they are working at the same time … and I’m not. Frankie is on break and doesn’t appear to even remember I exist for the most part.

Our route has been tracing the coast of Central America northward. Tomorrow we are in port in Mexico. Got another warning in the daily newsletter about remaining situationally aware while in port. The government has been trying to keep their battles with the drug cartels out of the tourist centers but apparently the drug cartels like the notoriety the media gives them.

The weather has been near perfect. Warm enough, despite it being almost the end of the year, that I did some sunbathing on the veranda. Vit liked the view but then growled at me for being outside. I thought he was angry at first and then he acted angry at himself then he did this odd apology for what I have no idea. Now he is acting stiff, nearly as stiff as he did in the very beginning. Saint Catherine help me to be wise enough to understand men in general and the man in my life in particular. He’s been like this for two days and I’m at a loss. He leaves early to exercise with Nicholas and comes in very late. Last night he came in to find I had fallen asleep waiting for him and he was once again upset and all but ordered me to bed while he sat on the veranda in the dark. Part of me wonders what I’ve done wrong and part of me knows that I have not done anything to warrant the way he is acting. This isn’t making for a particularly shiny new year.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 122: Dec 30 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I know I said this before but today is the official day … of the cruise’s halfway mark that is. And I hope not to have another day like this one ever … as in evar. Okay, maybe it wasn’t horrible in a personal sense, but it came close. And perhaps I am once again whining. I’m not sure what to make of my current emotions. I would say hormonal, but it is the wrong time of the month for that excuse. I think I’ve had too much free time … too much “vacation” on the vacation. I have found something semi constructive to do with my free time now at least. But that only came after we left port. First, we had to arrive.

I was grateful to arrive in port at 7 am and start our day shortly thereafter. Vit was acting like a bear with a sore head. At least with me. I noted that he was fine with the brothers and with others but … long story short I had one of my “rare” temper tantrums and threw a pillow at him and all but stormed out of the cabin. Storm being relative of course, as I didn’t slam the door or anything and forced a professional smile and behavior when what I really wanted to do was do some serious damage to the closest breakable objects. What really made me furious was when during the argument, when I grew desperate to figure out what was going on, I told him to tell me what I was doing wrong, that if he would just tell me I would correct it that it only made things worse. He started fussing in Ukrainian and then mentioned the dancer and Robert and … well I just blew a fuse, stopped listening, and threw the pillow before leaving him standing there with a stunned look on his face. I spent a significant portion of the day trying not to think about whether we would still have a relationship when we got back to the ship. But I had to get a young boy through the day; one that was not happy to leave the grandmother that had begun to spoil him.

Leaving the ship was more tedious than normal but only a few people openly complained. To keep us entertained the ship speakers relayed a local guide who told us that we were anchored near the tip of the Baja Peninsula. Our destination city, Cabo San Lucas, is one of Mexico’s top destinations due to its long beaches, resorts, scuba diving and picturesque rocky coast. It is the oldest Spanish mission on the Baja Peninsula. Finally, we were on the tender boats that transported us to shore. Once there I noted that we were being corralled and that there were plenty of security guards making themselves seen as well. That made me feel uneasy but since I seemed to be the only one noticing I thought I might be overreacting; leftover or continuing nerves from the ruckus this morning. I tried to put my uneasiness aside, but it was impossible, and it was like the time we had back-to-back-to-back bomb threats on campus one semester.

I will say that our first excursion of the day was unforgettable. It was a snorkeling trip where we swam with the largest fish on Earth, the whale shark. I was guiding Frankie towards our assigned bus when I sensed someone approach me quickly from behind and I turned only to go from nervous to angry in a moment. “Nicholas, how many times have I requested you NOT to do that?”

“Er, sorry Miss Veta. Mr. Vit asked me to catch up while he turned in our tickets.”

“Excuse me?”

“Our excursion got cancelled and they added us to this one.”

I turned as Vit made his way over at a more moderate pace. “We have been reassigned,” he said a little stiffly.

“So it would appear,” I answered him. I turned to Frankie and said, “Looks like you got your wish.”

“Yes!” Frankie said like he was spiking a football.

Looking up and just managing to meet Vit’s eyes I said, “It would seem the new plan has met with approval.”

“Mmm. We should board the bus so we can get seats together.”

I was feeling embarrassed and awkward but what was I supposed to do? We took our seats, the brothers out of habit sitting together and expecting us to sit together as well, and then headed off for a scenic drive across the Baja California Sur Peninsula to a place called La Paz, where we met our guide, listened to a short safety briefing and then received our snorkeling equipment. From there we boarded a motorboat and headed for the bay where we found the “gentle giants of the sea.” I am not certain I would call them that, but that is what our guide and crew called them.

According to the laminated sheet that made its way around they are gray-colored with pale yellow spots and stripes. Whale sharks are filter-feeding fish that can grow to be up to 40 feet long and weigh 21 tons. I was comfortable with the “whale” part of the description, the “shark” part not so much. We explored the bay and snorkeled beside these massive animals. We also kept watch for the dolphins, rays and gray whales that also inhabit the area, getting the opportunity to see several of each as well as take pictures of them. And unbeknownst to me before hand, Vit had put the GoPro in a waterproof case and was filming us. I managed to get him to agree to allow me to film him as well.

After snorkeling, we returned to shore to dry off and to eat a delicious Baja-style lunch. Then there was some free time to stroll the boardwalk in La Paz. There were a few hostile looks which I did not understand until I heard the onboard security guards speaking amongst themselves about how the locals were angry that so much was being disrupted and that money was spent to protect the tourists but not to protect local citizens. I didn’t – and don’t – understand all the commentary but took it to mean that we were looked at as elitists that were not worth the amount of notice we were receiving.

Deciding that it was foolish to put my pride before the safety of our charges I stuck close to Vit while in the market and insisted the brothers do so as well. Vit picked up on my change in attitude immediately and quietly and casually asked if something in particular was bothering me.

I whispered back as nonchalantly as I could without drawing attention, “There is a lot of hostility beneath the surface. As soon as you are done with your purchases I would like to return to the bus. Please.”

“If you are truly concerned we will go there now.”

“It is not that I am not truly concerned,” I told him. “I just am not sure my concern warrants immediate action. Just … just finish shopping. I’m sure everything will will fine. But I don’t want either of them out of our sight. Or reach,” I added when I spotted some teenagers starting to congregate and eye our group.

“Agreed,” Vit said and then took his turn to pay for what I found out was tequilla and Cuban cigars.

When he saw that I had noticed Vit said, “I will not smoke them on the ship.”

I shrugged. “There is a smoking area at the aft of the ship. Enjoy them when you can.”

He gave me a curious look. “You … do not mind?”

“Poppa would occasionally smoke a pipe … for medicinal purposes,” I said with a fond smile at my father’s euphemism. “Derrick used to do it as well, but only if we were away for a longer trip. Lena … didn’t approve.”

In truth I like the smell of pipe smoke … on occasion and so long as it doesn’t become stale and overpowering. Or at least I like the smell of the pipe smoke from Poppa’s pipe. I suppose cigars aren’t much different.

I felt a little better once we returned to the bus and while we’d had no trouble, I heard some of the other cruise passengers complaining of how rude and cold the vendors in the market had been to them. I refused to be drawn into those conversations. I had noted that tourists did not always understand how their actions or presence were perceived. Poppa always insisted that we use our best manners, regardless of the socioeconomic level of the areas we were in. It taught me more than I think even he intended, and I always try and behave as if I was visiting someone’s home and how I would want to be treated under those circumstances.

It was then that we found out we wouldn’t be returning directly to the ship. The excursion organizers had grouped us so that those that were going on to the city tour were all on one bus while the rest went back on the other bus. I looked at Vit and he said, “Fraulein Hayworth arranged it.”

Nodding like I understood, when in fact I had no clue, got me a brief brush on my hand by Vit under cover of my scarf I had draped across my lap. I wasn’t sure what it meant but if it was an olive branch I was willing to accept it. Vit had chosen to sit next to the window but I still jumped and ducked when something slammed against it. When I sat up I saw local LEOs chasing after a group of teenagers. I also heard some of the other passengers clucking about “the youth of today” and saw that Nicholas was trying to not be noticed so he didn’t get painted with the same brush.

The bus driver himself was angry and swore in Spanish making me blush. Before anything else could occur, the guide started walking the aisle and counting to make sure he had everyone. As a method of distraction, it worked, as did his brand of humor that seemed to be fitted to work with the ages of most of the passengers. We had to show our cruise cards once again to prove our identity and then our bus pulled out and we were off.

The plan was for us to get acquainted with San José del Cabo, the more subdued sister city to Cabo San Lucas. I was more than happy to stay out of CSL as I’d heard some stories about it from friends at school who’d attempted to vacation there … and none of them pleasant. That isn’t to say there aren’t some nice things about the area, but the cartels and gangs and the rest of it just gives it a bad character and tourists have become targets of the criminal element in the area.

The teacher part of me enjoyed the lecture the guide gave as we drove along “El Malecon,” the highway that connection all the resorts between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Not all of the passengers seemed to find it as interesting. The oldest Spanish mission on the Baja Peninsula, San José was an important city during the Spanish colonization and a stopover for ships heading farther into the Pacific. A Spanish mission here, founded in 1730, replenished galleons making the long journey to the Philippines. During several stops we did things like independently explore a charming pink church, an inviting town square and several low adobe homes that evoked an old colonial-era atmosphere. We walked through the main plaza, enjoyed the town's artistic flair and true to form, browsed the many art galleries before returning to the pier where we tendered back to our ship. I was a good girl today and only bought a silver bangle bracelet.

I had just begun to relax as we tendered back to the ship when things headed south. Maybe it seems predictable, but at the time it caught me broadside and I’ve spent the evening thinking about it off and on and trying to not let it color my expectations going forward.

Being youngest of the passengers onboard except for a couple of crew members Vit, I, and the brothers rode in the open-air portion at the top of the tender. There were also a few crew members up there with us that were returning from a day off spent on shore. We were half-way back to the ship when I spot a couple of speed boats coming towards us quickly. I’ve been raised around water; I know how boats should and should not approach each other. I knew something was off and when I saw one of the speedboats break off and suddenly surge directly at us, I grabbed Vit’s arm in alarm. He saw what I meant reacted accordingly.

Vit and another male crew member immediately started giving everyone on top of the tender boat orders. We got off our seats and onto the floor as low as we could. We heard similar orders being given below us as well as for people to stay away from the windows. We were only being “bothered” for about ten minutes before the local Coast Guard showed up and started chasing off the speedboats, but it was enough time to put a real fright into some of the passengers. It didn’t do me any good either to see men with automatic rifles pointing them in our direction and yelling obscenitites.

“What are they saying Miss Veta?” Frankie asked at one point as he gripped me in fear.

“Nothing you ever want to let your grandmother hear you say.”

“Oh.”

It doesn’t seem like much when I describe it like that, but I assure you it was enough. More than enough. And when we got back on the ship we were hustled through security and asked to remain in our cabins until the all clear was sounded. We dropped Frankie and Nicholas at Madam’s door and it was appreciated as both women were a little agitated despite being seasoned travellers. I suppose it is different when you are traveling alone versus traveling with younger family members. Vit and I went to our cabin to wait.

I was agitated and wanted to be comforted but it was at that moment that our morning disagreement returned to my consciousness.

“Veta.”

“Yes?” I tried to ask nonchalantly.

Then he said the last thing I expected. “I am a jealous fool.”

“What?”

“I said …”

“I heard what you said but why would you say such a thing? What did I do to …”

“Nii,” he said pulling me into his arms. “Do not. I feel a fool enough as it is. You have done nothing but be yourself. I am simply … a man who … who … Veta I can but say that this between us … I cannot live without it but sometimes I think there are others out to take it from me … steal it from me. I feel I will lose you.”

“Vit, you aren’t going to lose me.”

He was silent for a moment before saying rather shamefaced, “I will need you to tell me this often.”

So Vit has some baggage, it isn’t like I don’t have my own so I told him, “So often you’ll get sick of hearing it.”

“Nikoly,” he whispered against my hair which is Ukrainian for never.

It was not long after that that the “all clear” was given allowing people to head to dinner or just roam freely about the ship watching the 6 pm sailaway. Vit already had an appointment to join Nicholas and some of the men in what has become the sports bar. Frankie was dining with Madam and Miss Hayworth and going to a trivia get together. That left me alone as usual.

I could have gone to dine on my own I suppose. Sometimes I think perhaps I am playing the victim. On the other hand, I do not enjoy being alone in company … or should I say alone in this company because I feel like a target waiting for an arrow. I know it is a fine line between being alone in the cabin and being alone amongst the rest of the passengers but if I must be alone, I prefer the alone in the cabin. At least here I can get work done … or pretend to salve my pride. To keep myself busy I repacked part of what I intend on mailing once we reach San Diego. That didn’t take as long as I had thought so I decided to deep condition my hair.

While I was showering, I started thinking about the cruise being half over and what that would mean. I knew it would mean returning to Pembroke but that was just the big picture. So now I have something to do with my time when no one else is around and that is deciding what I mean to do once I get to Pembroke. There is the house of course, and I may ask Angelia to have her husband send out the list of repairs and such that he’s made as the place’s caretaker. Then there is the surrounding property which I am sure needs to be worked on. There is going to be all the minutae of unpacking and such. And figuring out how to introduce Vit to the family.

Ugh. Maybe I will put that aside for a bit longer and avoid the ulcer that feels like is forming. I have two sea days to look forward to (not) and then San Diego.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 123 and 124: Dec 31 & Jan 1 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

I think the entire ship must be napping after all the partying for New Year’s Eve. Not me. I didn’t party. Well almost didn’t. I didn’t party I mean but I wasn’t alone as I thought I would be. Geez, I’m blathering.

Essentially, we’ve been sailing around the Baja Peninsula. Gorgeous views, especially as I had a veranda to sit on and observe quietly (and alone). Tomorrow all (or most) of my alone time will officially be over as Frankie returns to a facsimile of a school schedule. We’ll have to see how well that goes over. I suppose I must admit to a little jealousy but then again, it is also the fruition of a job done well. Or at least part of my job. And I’m blathering again.

Yesterday was quiet on ship until around about dinner time when people started partying. The wine and spirits flowed freely. So did the food, music, and all of the yada, yada that goes with a party atmosphere. Everyone was supposed to have been invited with a special “ticket” to participate in the evening’s activities. I knew nothing about it until our room steward mentioned something and then it was embarrassing for both of us to walk back what we’d revealed.

I hadn’t known it, but Mrs. Harrington had been on the “committee” planning the New Year bash. This may or may not have been some of her maneuvering, but she left some alcolytes behind when they were taken in for questioning that could just have easily done it. Or it could have been simply a mistake. Mistakes do happen. It just felt so intentional … and hurtful.

I would have sat in the cabin feeling sorry for myself if not for the steward taking it upon himself to relay to Vit that I was alone … and not necessarily by choice. I was on the veranda listening to the music coming from the various locations on the ship when I heard the slider open and thought the steward had returned for some reason. I looked behind me and then nearly stumbled when I saw Vit standing there about to throw a Cossack-sized fit.

“Uh … was it something I did?”

He saw that I was alarmed and manfully reigned in his temper and then growled, “Nii. Except that I am a fool. I should have checked to see if you remaining in the cabin was by choice or …” He spit out words so fast I wasn’t able to understand him which alarmed me all over again. Then he swooped down on me and whispered into my throat, “Forgive me Kokhana.”

“Uh … for what?”

Looking into my eyes he said, “I am not taking very good care of you.”

“Okay Vit, I’m lost. This … um … isn’t about … you know … thinking you are going to lose me is it?”

“Nii. Though I deserve to,” he said emotionally which told me he’d drank a few strong something or others.

“Vit …”

“It was the witch woman … or one of her friends. That is why you did not get an invitation. Mrs. O’Rourke is the one that realized you were not at the parties. Then she pieced together what must have happened when the steward told me you were here in the cabin alone. Kokhana …”

Well long story short I got my New Year’s Eve kiss … and more besides. This morning I eventually pieced together the evidence that Mrs. O’Rourke had that it was Mrs. Harrington’s fault I didn’t get an invite. In hindsight it is petty and … well just plain petty and should have been beneath the woman. I started pitying her instead of being mad at her. Especially given that Dylan confirmed in his last email that the Harringtons are in a lot of hot water in their home country, and it would be best if I pretended that I’d never met the woman. Ugh. I’ll leave the spy stuff to Dylan who seems to thrive on it. For me I just hope it was the last gasp of an unhappy woman’s ability to try and make me unhappy as well.

For several hours I helped Vit … and Nicholas and Frankie … pack up a piece of luggage to have shipped home. When Miss Hayworth heard she asked if I minded giving her a hand as well and let’s just say she was happy that I was able to figure out how to turn four suitcases into two. I even helped the O’Rourkes out a bit doing the same thing only their stuff is going into storage here on the ship as they’ll mail theirs off once they get to Australia.

Madam has arranged for a courier to be at the pier that will walk her packages through customs. Vit and I would have added ours to theirs, but I got an email from Dylan that he will be waiting on the dock as he needs Vit’s signature on a couple of things so that he can walk them through the last bit of bureaucratic folderole. As an added bonus, he is driving back with another courier and will simply take our boxes with him saving us the postage. I’m so excited to see someone from the family I can hardly stand it and it seems to be providential.

Miss Hayworth had a scheduled dental appointment. Madam would be at loose ends except I told her to take my place with Frankie on our excursion. She is so excited it is a little silly. I really wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo but seeing Dylan is more important. I’m not sure what we’ll do but it will be nice. And now I am off to bed as the late night and all the chaos of helping the others pack has me worn out and I want to be fresh as a daisy for tomorrow.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 125: Jan 2 – San Diego, CA

So much for spending the day with my brother. No sooner had Vit signed the paperwork and headed off than Dylan got a call that there was a change in plans. Dylan rarely gets angry … or should I say he rarely shows when he is angry … but he definitely was not happy that his driving partner had been transferred and he was stuck with a new guy to train with no warning. And he was less pleased that I would now be “traipsing about all alone.”

“Honestly Dylan, I’m not a child. However, if it bothers you that much I will return to the ship after I do a little shopping.”

Giving my boxes (I decided to send back some of the warmer pieces of my wardrobe giving me more room in the long run) a sardonic glance he asked, “More shopping?”

“For consumables Brat. You know snacks and feminine hy …”

“Never mind. Shop all you need to,” he said quickly causing me want to giggle. Dylan, despite his career, is so easy to embarrass. I shouldn’t tease him, but it is the only way I know that will for sure work to change the subject when he gets overprotective.

As he loaded everything into a delivery van, he caught me up on the family, Derrick’s situation in particular, but also handed me the list that I’d asked for from Angelia. “Using your head to get in front of everything,” he said in approval. “Charlie said to send him a list of supplies you think you are going to need, and he’ll start trying to get things together for you. Don’t take long though because word is that shortages are going to get worse so he is going to need plenty of time to hunt things up.”

“Dylan … how bad are things for the family? Should I be paying …”

“Nah. You taking on Pembroke House is actually a relief for the rest of us who were wondering what we were going to do with it. Too many of us like the idea Angie had about a communal garden on the property … plus the trees that are already there. If you and Vit can continue that when you get in … trust me, we’re all happy for you even if you aren’t saying much. We weren’t sure what was going to happen after the Robert thing.”

“Is Derrick worried?”

“A whole lot less than we expected. I think it was meeting Vit so early on and how Vit keeps him up on things that … and I don’t think, from the look on your face, you were supposed to know about that.”

“Hmmm. Don’t say anything then. I’ll … tolerate it … since I know it is well meant and I know Vit has some hang ups about measuring up for all of you Brats. Just don’t beat him over the head with it.”

“Trust me. I get it. Charlie does too … in his own way. And Derrick has the other to keep him distracted.”

“How is he? Really how is he and don’t just pacify me.”

Being honest rather than evasive he answered, “Better than expected. But still having some rough days. Christine is good for him, but they are both being cautious and with reason. Both have kids to think of as well as their own baggage to deal with. Apparently Christine’s husband … could be a little rough. No outright abuse as far as I’ve been able to find out, but he brought his job home more than was healthy. And I hate to say it but I gotta run. Derrick is gonna kill me for this.”

“No he isn’t. And neither is Charlie or the others. Providential is providential … but we don’t always get to call the rest of it.”

“Now you sound like Mom.”

“High compliment. And go before you get another call. That is one obnoxious ring tone.”

He laughed, hugged me, and then was off. I wanted to cry but at the same time not. I guess I’m learning. Or getting stronger. Or something.

I was three steps back towards the ship when I looked at my watch. It was only 9:30 in the morning and I didn’t relish sitting on the ship until we pulled out at 11 pm. I knew that Vit and Nicholas would be out most of the day. Madam had asked that I keep my cellphone on in case she wore out before Frankie did … or in case Miss Hayworth needed some help. Either way, being on the ship would be a waste of time. So I looked at the port map and made a strategic change in plans.

I had missed most of the best after-Chistmas sales but there were still some possibilities as it had been a poor retail season with most stores way overstocked if Dylan and Charlie’s views could be trusted … and while they could be wrong, it was seldom, and even more rarely about financial stuff. I decided to take the money I would have spent on postage and take care of a few things. Explaining what I wanted to do to Vit was … interesting.

“Veta … er …”

“I’ve been shopping for my brats. But if you are too uncomfortable for me to …”

“It … it is not that.”

“Then what is it? Are you afraid I won’t find any good sales?”

“Not that either. Just …” Then in a low but fierce whisper he said in Ukrainian, “Knowing you do this for me … makes me … very warm. Knowing that I will wear these things you will buy … Veta … do this for us and tonight … I will show you … appreciation.”

“Stop that before I get … distracted,” I told him with a smile in my voice … and what I’m sure was a day-glo pink in my cheeks.

I am glad that for once Vit is leaving things up to me without needing to prove his machismo or whatever. I know he wanted to say something about the money part of it, but I think we’ve come to trust each other enough that we’ll work through it if/when it comes up.

I had read that there was a local trolley that supplemented the public transit that operated in the larger metropolitan area. I was in luck and managed to catch the trolley right as it pulled up to the harbor bus stop nearest my location. I took it as close to the Walmart as I could and then hopped off and looked around and spotted a “99 Cent Only” store across the street. I decided to do wallyworld first and I’m glad as I avoided a lot of crowds that started getting into the area at lunch time. I also called Madam and asked if she needed anything. Surprised but appreciative she asked me to pick up some writing tablets and re-fills for her writing pen of choice. She texted me a few more odds and ends as she thought of them, but Madam is nothing if not efficient, so it wasn’t many items and she said she’d put the money on the debit card and thank you very much.

While I shopped, I called Angelia and wasn’t she surprised. “Hon, is anything wrong?”

“No. Dylan’s day got smashed by his superiors changing partners on him, so we didn’t get to spend the day together as planned. However, I’m using the time to try and get ahead. Dylan is bringing back the stuff he picked up from us … the postage was going to be a nightmare … but now I am going through what is left of the after-Christmas sales and wanted to know if you think … oh my gosh, the time change. I didn’t wake you up did I?!”

She laughed and said she’d just gotten out of the shower and to stop wasting breath about it. “How are the sales out there. We hit them here pretty hard. Even got stuff for the kids to save for next year.”

“Yeah, kinda was wondering but anyway. If I buy some stuff and send it your way, would you mind?”

“Of course not. What kind of stuff are you talking about?”

“Starting with just basic stuff for Vit and I … I cannot believe what they are putting in the discount bins. I took his measurements and I’m going to grab what I can but … if I get Charlie to give you the money could you pick Vit up some clothes so he doesn’t stand out? Flannels, jeans, that sort of thing?”

She was silent for a moment and then said, “You have been thinking and getting serious.”

“I’m trying,” I told her. “Right now the only clothes Vit has are what he needs for this job. All his previous things were related to his job as a sailor of some flavor or other. He’s already going to stand out because he is a good-looking man with an accent, I want to try and keep the attention he gets under control.”

“Uh oh.”

“Uh oh what?”

“Nothing,” but I could hear the grin in her voice.

“Fine. So I can see myself getting jealous but not because he would start something but because I remember some of those girls around there. There was more than one reason why Momma and Poppa home schooled me.”

“I hear ya Veta,” Angie said, and I could hear approval which made me feel less foolish.

“I’m just worried that this may be the last chance I have to send things back home which means from here on out I really need to watch what I’ll have to pack coming home. I’ve winnowed down all the educational stuff that I can, and I plan on tossing any partial hygiene items, but I want to have something to arrive home to.”

“Send a list and the girls and I will stock the house, but we may keep it down in the wine cellar with the rest of what you’ve sent previously. No need to advertise things. Dylan is updating the security for all of us and will include Pembroke House in that but he’s recommending more what he calls ‘hardening off’ than techie stuff. He and the boys can handle it. I have enough on my hands.”

“Hey, I don’t mean to add to it.”

Brushing my concern off with a snort she said, “Don’t start. I didn’t mean adding a few items to the shopping list. I just mean I’m working the gardens so they can do the other stuff. Speaking of …”

“I know … you need to get rolling. Thanks for being there for all of us Angie.”

“Love you Sweets. Just send your box … boxes … whatever. I’ll take care of them.”

So that’s what I did. Ugh. The post office was every bit as busy as I thought it would be but at least I didn’t have to explain the contents of the boxes beyond “late Christmas gifts.”

What I didn’t mail off was just as important as what I did. They already had the bathing suits and flip flops out. I got Vit and I spares. I also got a week of spares of all our undergarments and socks. I can now say that my undergarments do not look like they belong in a convent and that’s all I’m going to say on the subject. After almost four months I’ve learned what Vit’s style and preference is for his hygiene items. He uses old fashioned bladed razors when he doesn’t use a straight razor and his shaving cream is actually shaving soap. I couldn’t believe I found it in the “cheap” section of the store and stocked up on it. Some I kept but most went to Pembroke. I also picked up two extra lather brushes, or so those funny brushes seemed to be called. I grabbed us both a couple of gym outfits and socks. I replenished my make up which is a relief, but I also got other hygiene items for keeping and for mailing. I hit the 75%+ off area to fill up Miss Veta’s magic backpack of snacks. I almost gasped when I saw they’d already started putting out the Valentine candy so I got some silly things to hide until then. I found a “first Christmas together” ornament that I packed for sending rather than explain it to Vit.

I wound up with more than I had intended but I also felt vindicated as the register receipt was a great deal lower than I had expected going in. Then it was over to the 99 Cent store and I did something silly. I discovered that Vit likes sardines. A little gross but not really what you would call a horrible vice. The store had a surprisingly good selection of canned meats and snacks of that nature. I sent a good supply of such things home and then added it to the list I was sending to Angelia. I also kept a good supply and picked up four sporks to carry around in my backpack to make our impromptu picnics a little more pleasant for all of us.

Then as I was walking towards the bus stop what do I see but a Minimus Biz warehouse that just happened to also be open to the public. Normally you can only shop the stuff online but, from what I heard when I walked in, they do a huge business with ship crews that are in port. The place’s motto is “minimal size, maximum convenience.” Basically all of the name brand things you can think of in travel and single-serving size. I tried really hard not to get things that I could get on the ship but at the same time I didn’t mind duplication if it meant that I would be able to bring a favorite in my snack foods. Most places were really strict about only pre-packaged and sealed foods onshore. The selection I looked over helped with that issue immensely.

The selection was amazing. Honey, peanut butter, sunflower butter spread, apple butter, Nutella, hummus, cheese spread, individual packages of crackers and bread sticks, granola, fruit snacks, raisins, craisins, cookies, packages of assorted nuts and seeds, corn nuts, gorp, trail mix, meat sticks, jerky, fruit bars, cereal bars, graham crackers, nilla wafers, shortbread, ritz crackers, potato chips, pringles, bugles, pretzels, gold fish, dried fruit chips, gum, lifesavers, breath mints, and on and on. There were condiments well beyond ketchup and mustard. There were some canned and pre-packaged meats like smoked salmon and various flavors of tuna, as well as something things like ham salad and potted meat. They had all manner of individually packaged cheese that didn’t require refrigeration (yes!). I picked up plenty of things to turn the bottled water into things like tea and sports drinks. They had some gourmet selections that included oils (such as olive) and expensive items like caviar (ew). As silly as it sounds I picked up an assortment of “survival” items to make four such kits: rolls of travel toilet paper, mini rolls of duct tape, water purifier, paracord bracelet, personal first aid kit, multipurpose survival tool the same size and shape as a credit card, a poncho, light sticks, 5-in-1 survival whistle on a lanyard, and a magnifier on a key chain. I would have gotten some of the personal hygiene and cleaning products, but I’d picked up all we needed at the dollar store.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 125: Jan 2 – San Diego, CA (Part 2)

By lunch I was shopped out and was grateful to have gotten rid of the load I was carrying around in the eco bags I’d been forced to purchase … thank you (not) California for your funky laws on recycling and such. Thank goodness the USPS location wasn’t far from the cruise pier. And I was also hungry. A good thing that I’d picked up a takeaway carton from wallyworld’s deli area. I still had more in my hands than I was happy to be carrying so I stuffed what I could in my backpack, secured the remainder the best I could, and then took the trolley back to the ship. I had just entered the cabin when my phone rang and it was Madam. Miss Hayworth was being driven back to the ship and she wanted me to meet her and help her get to the cabin and comfortable until she could arrive at which time she would trade off with me so that I could finish the remainder of the excursions with Frankie.

I had no sooner gotten the still-woozy woman down than Madam shows up with an over-excited Frankie in tow. Seeing the red and blue stains on his shirt I realized immediately she’d let him have way too much sugar. I was fairly certain Madam realized it as well when she turned him over to me and said, “Good luck.”

Good luck? I knew the next excursion was going to do just what he needed and that was to wear off some of the excess energy he had. We were going to spend 3.5 hours getting to know San Diego as we explored the city’s famed parks and beaches by bike. Yes, another bike tour. First, we cycled through Petco Park to the Embarcadero in Downtown San Diego. A busy cruise ship hub, it is known for its seafood and beautiful waterfront parks at Seaport Village. I had already seen part of it but only from the trolley; biking was much nicer. We cycled past chic eateries and pavement cafés and made our way to the Coast Guard Station. We passed the USS Midway Museum and the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego, which features some of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including the Star of India. At 150 years old, it is the oldest active sailing ship. We enjoyed views of Waterfront Park which was something else I had passed while on the trolley. Another park we saw was Cancer Survivors Park, a tranquil setting that is supposed to offer inspiration to those fighting the disease. A few more sites and we were back to the ship.

I thought at that point the day was over but was surprised to find Nicholas running over to us and telling us to hurry, that the car was going to leave.

“What car?”

“Grandmother wants you and Frankie to take her and Miss Hayworth’s place.”

“Uh …”

“C’mon. Er … I mean please hurry Miss Veta. And Grandmother said for you not to worry, that she wants to stay with Miss Hayworth. And it isn’t that kinda thing,” he added with a growl when someone else in the party waiting on us got a knowing look on their face. “Miss Hayworth and Grandmother have been friends since like the Stone Age or something. They always take care of each other … you know, like sisters.”

“Sisters are very good to have,” I said kindly, letting him know I understood. “My own have taken care of me more than a few times and I’ve been blessed to have them.”

Relaxing Nicholas said, “Yeah. Francine is pretty good at the sister thing when she can drag her head out of a burial pit.” I tried not to laugh at the looks on the others’ faces and soon we were off to get a bird’s-eye view of San Diego and the Pacific Coast.

It was later in the day, and the cloud cover from earlier was gone leaving our flight nicer than the ones in the morning. Our pilot narrated the sights during the entire flight in such a way as his voice wasn’t an intrusion in the headphones but was actually quite pleasant and informative. We flew over the coast and were told to keep our eyes peeled for dolphins as they sped through the surf. We soared over Sunset Cliffs, Mission Bay, Sea World and Belmont Park—the beachside amusement park with a retro vibe – and got some very good aerial shots. We saw incredible views of San Diego’s skyline and saw sailboats as they crossed the San Diego Bay. We saw the USS Midway aircraft carrier from the air and then did the same for Petco Park—the Major League Baseball ballpark. Finally, we passed over the iconic Coronado Bridge and the world-famous San Diego Zoo (at least I got to see it in some form) before landing.

I once again expected to head back to the ship but instead hopped in another small bus and headed to the Gaslamp District. I should have known food would be involved just from Nicholas’ eagerness. We had a knowledgeable guide lead our tour group through several of the neighborhood’s eateries, where we were given the opportunity to sample bites of local favorites including Chicago-style pizza pies, gourmet Indian cuisine, handmade desserts, rustic Italian creations and more besides. Along the way, we saw historic buildings and heard stories about the neighborhood’s colorful past as a notorious red-light district and gambling center. It turned into a bit of a humorous ghost tour which some loved, and some found “distastefully morbid.” I was middle of the road, but the comic relief did contain quite a bit of history which I found interesting. We passed the Horton Grand Hotel and William Heath Davis House courtyard, both named after the men whose vision helped create this neighborhood in the 19th century. We learned about the celebrities and politicians who once graced the area, such as Wild West lawman Wyatt Earp and red-haired madam Ida Bailey. Some of the stories were a bit ribald and I found it necessary to distract Frankie when I noticed how wide his eyes were getting over some of the “facts” we were being regaled with. We finished our tour in Little Italy where we had some of the creamiest Italian Ice I’ve ever tasted and from there we finally returned to the ship.

Both brothers were tired and ready for bed. Nicholas and Vit had spent the morning testing sports and other equipment and were beginning to feel it. While the three “men” went off to clean up and settle in for the night, I went to Madam’s cabin to check on them. Their steward was just exiting which gave me an entrance, so I didn’t have to worry about possibly waking them.

“Madam? We are all back aboard. Thank you for the day.”

“Did that rapscallion ever settle down?”

I grinned. “Three hours of biking got rid of the wiggles.”

“Well wonders never cease,” she said with extreme irony.

“Do you or Miss Hayworth need anything?”

“No Dear, we have an excellent steward. And thank you for making sure the prescriptions were filled and logged with the ship’s doctor. Saved me a bit of work. I’m off to bed myself. Never seen her react this way. Worried me until the painkillers started wearing off.”

“Should I ring for someone? Would you like me to sit with her so you can get some rest?”

She looked surprised for a moment before shaking her head. “No. Isn’t that bad now. Think they dosed her with something a little too strong. She’s already on about proving she isn’t as weak as she acted today. But if you have a moment, I’d like a word.”

“Yes ma’am?”

“It was kind of you to switch with me today so I could spend some time with m’ grandson and keep my mind off things. Worked out well. I was wondering though if you would take him tomorrow on the excursion I was going to take Worthy on but between you and me I’m just not sure she’s up for it.”

“I’m at your disposable Madam.”

“Good of you to say but you’re not a servant. Yes, you’re staff but you don’t need to wait on me before doing something. If you don’t mind my saying so, you’re young and should get out and about more. Never expected you to stay holed up in the cabin every minute you’re not caring for Francis. But that’s another topic. What I mean to ask is if you’ll go on the helicopter ride and let us take the bus tour in the hills.”

I was, of course, more than willing to be flexible and I was sure that Frankie would be more than amendable, especially when he found out that we would be doing so with Nicholas and Vit. Stopping by the brothers’ cabin to let him know the change proved it to be doubly true.

I came back to this cabin and walked it to find Vit in the lounge pants and one of the t-shirts that I had picked up for him. “Do they fit?”

“Mmmm,” he said with pleasure while looking at the price tags and the register receipt that I had left in the bag. “These prices. Are they always so good?”

“After holiday clearance on most things. The shaving soap wasn’t the exact brand but will it do?”

He put the receipt down and then leaned over and pulled me into his lap. “It will more than do. I should have thought to do this.”

“I sent some extra things on to Pembroke since the prices were so good. You have a moment to talk?”

He pulled me into an embrace that had me in his lap with my back against his chest. “Has something upset you?”

“No. I just … look Vit. We’re together. Right? I’m … I’m not just imagining this? And you … you’ve promised to come home with me?”

“What has you so uncertain? Has it been the way that I’ve …”

“Nii,” I told him, falling into his habit of using the Ukrainian word for no. “It is just … look … the way I was raised Momma … she … she just did things for Poppa and for the rest of us. It never bothered us and she … at least for as long as she was able … she taught me to be the same way. I’ve done shopping for my brothers and sisters for as long as I can remember. Personal items too. I … I just want to do things for you the way Momma did them but … but I don’t want it to make you feel … trapped or embarrassed or …”

He encouraged me to turn and look at him. “You are doing things a wife and mother would do before you think you should. But you still want to. And you want me to want you to.”

“Yes,” I responded quietly.

Embracing me a little tighter he said, “This is what I have longed for my entire life. Family. All that it means. Down to what my cabin mate called ‘the nitty gritty.’ I could let it bother me, this between us so personal so soon, but that would be a waste of time between us. I desire to take care of you. You have a desire to take care of me. So long as I do not feel like a kept man this is good.”

“I just want to keep you happy. Keep you healthy. Keep you with me. I don’t want to keep you prisoner, so you need to tell me when I get to be too much. I know I can get that way. I don’t mean to, but I know it happens. Just tell me before it gets to be a problem.”

He kissed me. “And you will tell me if I get too possessive when I worry too much for losing you.”

His syntax was getting bad, so I knew he was tired. I switched our positions and I was behind him massaging his shoulders causing him to purr like a snow cat. “I don’t mind you being possessive. Just don’t do it because you think I would intentionally tease you with another man. Even the thought of that sort of behavior makes me nauseous. I never understood how some people can find it enjoyable. Ugh.”

It wasn’t long before he started to doze and I told him I needed to take a shower.

“You do not mind that I am tired?”

“Of course not. For that matter I’m tired. Shopping this morning then dealing with an over-sugared Frankie for the afternoon and then the two extra excursions I didn’t expect. And tomorrow is Los Angeles.” I told him about the change in plans and he grinned in understanding.

He climbed on his bed while I was drying my hair and I think fell asleep without really meaning do. I covered him up and then decided to get my thoughts in order by writing them down. I really wanted to work on my list of supplies for Charlie and Angelia but I’m just too tired. It is also a lot later than I should be going to bed. The next two days are LA and they are definitely busy ones.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 126: Jan 3 – Los Angeles, CA (Day 1)

Los Angeles. The “City of Angels.” A place built below the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains and near the Pacific Ocean like a perfect movie set. And our first excursion after our 8 am arrival was typical LA … three hours spent to enjoy a one-hour helicopter ride.

Our route made a loop from Santa Monica, providing a bird’s-eye view of coastal and inland landmarks. We admired the golden beaches of Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and Long Beach. We saw saw both the RMS Queen Mary and the battleship USS Iowa as well as Catalina Island. We soared above the peninsula of Palos Verdes, with its lighthouse and elegant estates. We passed over the skyscrapers of downtown L.A., celebrity homes in Bel Air and Beverly Hills, the Hollywood sign, and much more. Our pilot was a good narrator but not as good as yesterday’s, still we had fun.

As soon as we got off the helicopter, we were loaded into a passenger van to go on a food and sightseeing tour of LA. This thrilled Nicholas to no end. He is beginning to envision himself as a bit of a foodie. The goal was to visit five of Hollywood’s favorite casual eateries. Our guide was a neighborhood resident who showed how “down-home cooking” takes on a new meaning when your home is Hollywood. It was a foot-powered tour, exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Melrose and the Sunset Strip to see landmarks like the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater and rock icons like the Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go. I had to give some quiet explanations to Vit who found some of the stories nonsensical if not outright ridiculous. After the sightseeing portion, the van shuttled us to five different local eateries. Among them were Greenblatt’s Deli, whose regulars have included Hollywood royalty from F. Scott Fitzgerald to John Belushi; Mario Batali’s signature pizza parlor, Mozza2go; Loteria Grill for mouthwatering Mexican (the real stuff, not Americanized); Mashti Malone’s Persian style ice cream (who knew there was such a thing?); Grub Restaurant, home of what is called “crack bacon” and other Southern California comfort food. Really. Crack bacon. Not healthy in the least but I will make a guilty admission … it was very good.

From there Vit and Nicholas caught a ride to a sports complex for some exhibition. Frankie and I went on to the last excursion of the day called “Postcards from Los Angeles,” but what was in reality a panoramic drive. We met our guide and drove to the iconic district of Hollywood. We saw the world-famous Walk of Fame, where the names of celebrities are emblazoned on stars; the Kodak Theater, home to the Oscars ceremony; and the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater. A bit of a repeat of the foodie tour but as our guide was amusing the repetition wasn’t onerous. We passed the famed Roosevelt Hotel, once home to Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, and paused for photos at the iconic Hollywood sign. Now that was fun and made for a great personal post card home to the family. Along Sunset Boulevard, we saw some of the city’s famous landmarks. In Beverly Hills, originally a vast Spanish ranch that harvested lima beans (for some reason Frankie found this hilarious), we glimpsed some of the stunning homes of celebrities. We also visited Santa Monica, a palm-lined resort town on the Pacific and home to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier. Finally, it was back to the ship.

Security was extremely thorough, and a bit annoying because of it. I understand the reasons, but it was still bothersome. I hadn’t even purchased anything beyond postcards but they not only x-rayed my backpack but then insisted that I empty it. What a mess. I tried not to be snippy but I was more than grateful to turn Frankie over to Madam so I could head back to the cabin to repack.

We are in LA overnight which is a nice change from moving ports every day. However, after leaving LA we are at sea for seven days. I’m praying I don’t go crazy. Vit is still out with Nicholas. The family, taking advantage of the fact I’m within phone range, have been calling like crazy. I’ve fielded a dozen calls with belated holiday wishes and be carefuls and how-have-you-beens. It’s wonderful. I don’t even mind that some of them act surprised that I am doing just fine. I even got a call from Derrick.

“Thought I would give the others time to wear you down so I would get the real story,” he said sounding tired but at the same time better than I’d heard him in some time.

“Gee. Thanks,” I told him with a laugh.

“So …”

“So?”

“Veta …”

“Derrick …”

“You’re going to make me ask.”

“Yep.”

“Fine. So are you and Vit … an item?”

“Yep.”

There was silence.

Hesitantly I asked, “Derrick? Is … is that a problem?”

“Hmm? No.”

“No?”

More firmly he said, “No. Not at all. You just surprised me.”

“Er … surprised you how?”

“Veta, there is no problem. I like Vit. He’s conscientious in a way that Robert never was. He’s also been hinting that he needs to speak with me … and Charlie and Dylan and Angie and …” He stopped with a chuckle. “The man is definitely old school. I think he is more old-fashioned than Mom was, and you know that is saying something.”

“He is definitely old-fashioned so please don’t let any of the others twit him with it. He … he thinks family is very important and is willing to prove himself and in his words ‘earn your approval.’ So please keep the benchmarks to a minimum.”

“Veta I am just happy that you are happy. And it is with a man I can respect more than I did Robert.”

“Why do you keep bringing Robert up?”

He was silent. “Don’t mean to exactly. Just, it seems the old life is dying, and I suppose I just want it buried properly and with some respect.”

That gave me pause then I asked, “Are there problems with Lena?”

“No. The divorce is being finalized a lot quicker and with fewer issues than I expected. It feels almost … too easy. I wonder …”

“You wonder if how easy it is means it is a temptation and not the right thing to do.”

“Exactly.”

“Brat, Lena wrote this story, not you. She likely didn’t know what the consequences would be when she started down this path, but she had to have known that what she was doing was wrong. Lying about the fertility treatments is just the tip of that iceberg. I understand that she is sick now, but it is of her own making.”

“And what of for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health?”

“The way Momma explained it when I wanted to understand about divorce is that marriage is a multi-party contract. You have the contract between the man and woman. You have the contract between the man and woman and the State that issues a marriage license. And you have the contract between the man and woman and God when they make their vows. Lena broke two of those three contracts with her lying and infidelity … and probably in other ways you’ve kept private. You, on the other hand, are trying to honor the vows you made and that puts you and Lena in conflict. But what do those vows really boil down to? You promised to take care of her in the best way possible. Even though divorce sounds awful … and it is … in this instance it will allow her parents to set up a permanent conservatorship so she can’t continue down the path she was walking. Her interests are best served so that she is forced to get the help she needs … and will always need due to the damage she has done to herself. It also puts her parents in a secure legal position to prevent others from taking advantage of her. You can’t be her husband anymore, she hasn’t allowed it for some time, and now she isn’t capable of it. But you can be her friend and honor her as the mother of your sons. I don’t hear any hate in your voice, you never have hated Lena. But the situation is that Lena needs what you can only provide if you let her go in this way. It sounds counterintuitive. I get that. But in this instance, unique to this situation, divorce actually puts Lena in a more secure position, and you know her parents and brother will do everything in their power to protect her in a way she stopped allowing you to do.”

I was shocked to hear my big brother crying. “Derrick?!”

He got himself under control and said, “I’m … I’m fine Veta. No … no one has put it quite the way you just did. Most of them are just angry for me. They … they … just can’t seem to remove that part from the equation.”

“I’m upset Brat, but for both of you. Lena and I have our own history, good and bad. I can’t bring myself to hate her, and part of me is angry, but more about how unnecessary all of it has been and where the path she picked has taken you and the boys. How are they doing?”

“Better. Reggie went to see his mother. He wanted answers and what he came away with was more questions. But I … I think he got a bit of closure as well. Or at least he is coming to terms with where this is all heading and why. He now understands just how mentally … and physically … unwell his mother is. On those grounds he’s been able to forgive her which is helping him to heal.”

“What about Benji?”

“That is going to take longer. Counseling is helping but the doctors think it isn’t a good idea for him to see Lena until they get him to at least admit that he is angry. He doesn’t want to discuss any of it right now. Christine … er …”

“Brat, I’m fine with you discussing her … or not discussing her. The others have been talking her up to me so that means they’re worried that I could throw a wrench into what is going on. Well I’m not. What Robert did isn’t anything like the situation with Lena, but I at least understand some facets of needing … and wanting … to fill the hole in your heart. If she is good for you and the boys … I’m all for it. And if she is a forever kind of good for you and the boys so much the better. But … um … some advice. You need some headspace between the two of them so … um … like take it slow.”

“Experience talking?”

“Not … exactly. I’m sure some of the others think I moved pretty fast with Vit. Again, not exactly but kinda sorta. I just remember watching some of our sibs have to go through their own troubles. And what happened when they tried to recreate things with someone new. But then again, I’m not there and you are the ones that need to make those choices so I’m shutting up before I eat not just one foot but both of them.”

Things lightened up after that and I told him about my idea to make some lists and he approved and said he was doing similar.

“Smart people are Veta. The slowing of the supply chain. I … am hearing things I don’t like in the medical community. Doctors would like to prescribe treatments but are unable to because supplies like medications and disposable items in the hospital settings simply aren’t there. I have heard more than a few special machines are idle because repair parts aren’t available. The restrictions they are putting in place on some things. Part of me wishes we had continued what Mom used to do.”

“I think Charlie and Dylan have.”

“Mmmm, somewhat but even they have regrets. The question is whether we can catch up before the next disaster strikes.”

We discussed Angelia’s plans for a family garden and after that I let him know, as I had the others, that I could be out of pocket for a week or longer as we travelled to and then through the Pacific. I got the standard safety lecture and then we rang off and I showered, and I’ve been chronicling the day waiting for Vit to return. I think I’ll stop here and just watch some of the pre-recorded port lectures on the tv for a while. Hopefully that will stop me worrying about things I can do nothing about.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 127: Jan 4 – Los Angeles, CA (Day 2)

Heading out into the Pacific Ocean with seven days of nothing but water until we reach the Marquesas. Ugh. I’m getting the fidgits just thinking about it so instead I will write out what we did today and then make an early night of it.

Second day in LA was nice and more low-key than yesterday. Our first excursion was a tour of the Malibu Coastline with a stop at the Getty Villa. Tolerated well by Frankie but I don’t think this will be one of the more memorable activities for him. It was more like a school field trip and I must admit that the guide on the bus was nearly impossible to understand as the speaker system was on the fritz and they had a very thick accent that made it even more difficult. First, we took a narrated scenic drive to the Getty Villa in the Pacific Palisades. The Villa serves as an education center and a rich repository of fascinating artifacts and artistic works from ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria dating from 6500 BC to 400 AD. In all, it holds approximately 44,000 pieces from the museum’s extensive collection of antiquities. About 1,200 are on view in a Roman-inspired setting amid Roman-style gardens. We had a couple of college interns answering questions and pointing out the more important exhibits then we were turned loose for some free time. After time to explore we continued the narrated scenic drive along the Malibu coastline. It was gorgeous but there were no photo stops much to everyone’s disappointment. I heard more than a few say they’d be reporting the diffeciency to the entertainment director.

There were food trucks galor in the harbor area and Frankie was starving so that’s what we did rather than go back on the ship. Good thing too as our next excursion started thirty minutes earlier than was on our ticket. A few people missed the bus because of this. They may have missed the bus but that’s about all they missed. Maybe I’m becoming jaded, but I simply didn’t find the excursion to be all that interesting.

Despite the fact we were supposed to discover the historic downtown core of Los Angeles, I was thankful there wasn’t that much repetition with yesterday’s excursions. We viewed highlights of the area including the Broadway Theater District, the Bradbury Building, the Jewelry District, Pershing Square and Grand Central Market. We visited the Angels Flight, a treasured 116-year-old short funicular railway. Luckily, we weren’t doing all of this from a bus because traffic was horrible. Instead we explored by foot. On the other hand, some of the passengers complained about that part and that sucked some of the pleasure out as well.

It was a relatively short ride back to the pier, but it took longer to get through security. On top of the normal rigamarole we all had to show our passports and not just a picture ID. I later found out that Vit was given a particular hard time (so were a couple of other passengers with Eastern European passports) but after running him through the system he got treated with extra special respect. I have a feeling I need to bake some cookies for Dylan when we get to Pembroke.

Sailaway was at 6 pm and I was ready at that point even though I knew (know) that it meant leaving “home” once again and this time for 118 days … at least that long as we need to make sure that all Vit’s papers and approvals are in order. Had another “coming to Jesus” moment with him that I won’t bother recording when I told him in no uncertain terms I would not be returning to Pembroke until he could do it with me. I thought he was angry at first, but I came to understand he is simply in shock that I’d do it. That tells me as nothing else can that he suffers a bit from abandonment issues; not uncommon in orphans and foster kids who never get adopted and even in some who do.

Tonight I decided to not hide in the cabin and to join everyone else for dinner. Or at least my version of it. I got a plate of food in the buffet line and then found a quiet, out of the way table. I suppose I could have found a dining partner, but I was satisfied to people watch. Vit found me while I contemplated ordering a crème brulee, but I told him not to feel like he had to dance attendance on me as I knew he and Nicholas were expected in the sports bar.

I decided against the crème brulee and instead, after a quick turn on the promenade to walk off dinner, I came back here to the cabin and ordered a pot of tea. And now that I’m caught up on jounaling I need to prepare for lessons to begin tomorrow. Seven days to fill for a smart, active 9-year-old is going to be challenging.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 128 - 134: Jan 5 thru 11 – Cruise the Pacific Ocean

Ugh. And here I thought I would be spending most of my time writing during all these sea days. I’ve been too busy until tonight. The weather has been a little rough, on one day more than a little. What was rougher was getting both Frankie and Nicholas back into a normal, post-holiday schedule. Thankfully it only took two of the seven days. I think for Nicholas it has been a relief to have so much time to train. For Frankie, he missed his grandmother’s company but she and Miss Hayworth both were taking advantage of the chance to sleep in. I would have enjoyed sleeping in but that wasn’t to be.

I so wanted to go to Hawaii during this long stretch, but distance and maritime law prevented it. Yes, I said maritime law. It seems that the US Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 says foreign-flagged ships cannot carry passengers from one US port to another unless they stop in a foreign country. No such ports between LA and the Marquesas which is where we dock tomorrow. I am excited to visit the islands in the South Pacific, even if it does come with more sea days than I’d like.

I’ve done my best to get our own schedule back in line. Breakfast, a short study period, free time to work on Traveling Marchand and my own real-time blog for family, lunch, another study period, then exercise and hobby time (for Frankie that means drawing). Exercise has included sparring for Vit and I, focusing on core strength sequences with yoga, constitutionals with Frankie around the promenade deck, and swimming and low impact aerobics in the pool. I run on the treadmill every other morning but I have to get there really early as other passengers are starting to worry about their waistline and are using the Fitness Center more often.

I play the violin daily. Sometimes I have an audience, sometimes I do not. I’m fine either way. Sometimes it relaxes me, sometimes not so much. But it always lets me express myself in a way that other things do not.

I feel a bit like I am jumping all over the place with my subject matter but the only reason I am writing at this very moment is because I am here in the laundry room waiting for the load of clothes to dry. And speaking of, there goes the ding so I’m shutting down the computer.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 135: Jan 12 – Marquesas Islands (Taiohae), French Polynesia

What a day this has been. My body (and brain) feels shaken, not stirred. Wow. The South Pacific is everything I had dreamed of it being. This part of the Pacific is known as French Polynesia and as you can guess it is governed by France. The Marquesas Islands are an archipelago within French Polynesia and today we were on the largest of the islands in the archipelago called Nuku Hiva where the capital of Taiohae is. Known as “Mystic Island,” Nuku Hiva is famous for its eight picturesque harbors, deep-cut bays, remote sand beaches and towering waterfalls. We arrived at 8 am and the sun was already glorious making everything look like something out of a movie … and some specifically out of the old Jurrasic World movies. Tendering over to the island was quite an experience in and of itself. Fresh ocean breezes. Green the likes of which I haven’t seen since I left home. And friendly, friendly people. Why shouldn’t they be friendly when they live in paradise?

Our time on Nuku Hiva was one long excursion called the Taipivai Adventure. And what an adventure it was. We were on an off-the-beaten-track excursion to places immortalized by writer Herman Melville. According to our guide, his book Typee (his first published work) was originally rejected by Harper & Brothers in New York. Eventually published in London in 1846, the tale of the beautiful island inhabited by cannibals was deemed “unbelievable” until two years after its release, when his fellow castaway, Richard “Toby” Greene, confirmed the adventures related in the book were indeed true. From my perspective, only seeing is truly believing how gorgeous this place is.

We road in a 4x4 vehicle and stopped at the most spectacular viewpoints; overlooking the coast, the bays and the valley. The absolutely stunning vistas of the beaches left me in awe. I took some pictures and I’ve posted them to the family blog and even Derrick told me to enjoy myself for all of them. Despite the humidity and bugs – neither of which were as bad as what we get at home during the summer – and some of the very bumpy and muddy goat tracks we took, all of us in the vehicle were laughing and joking. We rode in what looked like an old troop and personnel transport truck like you see in WW2 movies only without the tarp covering the back. Or maybe a better description are those truck things you used to see on movies of African safaris. All I know is that they had seatbelts and needed them. I also closed my eyes at a couple of the bends in the road much to amusement of some of the others.

There wasn’t an included lunch per se, but we stopped several times for chilled drinks and fruit, especially during our visit to Piki Vehine, a paepae or gathering place, containing modern sculptures and a dozen magnificent tikis made by the island’s artisans. It was rebuilt for the 1989 Marquesas Festival. Its central and breezy location makes it a popular hang-out for local kids which our guide told us can occasionally be a problem when they try and run off tourists from “their” spot in the center of town. I suppose it acts much like the old village green would have during colonial times and as college greens do today.

Some of the named spots that we stopped at included Tohua Koueva, Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge, Notre-Dame Cathedral of the Marquesas Islands, Musée Enana, Monument to the Dead, a black sand beach (yes I did indeed gather a sample via my footwear), and the Fare Artisanal which is a type of craft area where we were encouraged to do a little shopping.

The first thing I purchased was some tamanu oil which is a natural bug repellent that seems to work better on the mosquitos here in the Pacific than the store-bought stuff does. When I experienced how well it worked, I purchased a couple more bottles and gave one to Vit and have been suggesting it to anyone that will listen. Next, I bought a sandalwood fan to keep the bugs off whether they were biting or not, and to keep the breeze stirred up a bit. The fan was so inexpensive (less than a dollar) that I bought several. The smell of the sandalwood is exotic, and the beauty of the fan is nothing to sneeze at either. I bought a basalt rock sample to take home as a paperweight although I’ve already used it to keep the breeze from the varanda from blowing papers around until I can file them.

We were quickly transported back to the ship at that point as we had a 5 pm sailaway time. We weren’t the last on the ship however. The excursion group that Nicholas and Vit were on were a few minutes behind us, arriving the same time as the leisure group that Madam and Miss Hayworth were on. It was obvious the two ladies were suffering a bit from the heat so I volunteered to see them to their cabin and get them settled if Vit would take Frankie for me.

“You don’t need to do this Dear,” Miss Hayworth told me.

“I know I don’t,” I told her with a smile. “But I know if our positions were reversed, you’d make sure that I was taken care of.”

Madam nodded and nothing else was said. I called for their steward and asked him if he’d see about having some light refreshments brought as they said they were going to have a quiet evening in their cabin and would dine later. I knew that meant that Frankie and I would be back to room service and I wasn’t sure how he was going to take it. Lucky for me that Frankie’s attitude was mitigated by his fatigue from the day and he was fine with “dining in” and then watching a new bird documentary that I had managed to download before leaving port.

When he started falling asleep in front of the television I suggested he shower and make an early night of it and he agreed. I was in the middle of my own shower when I was shocked to have someone climb in with me. He’d only done it once before and we’d come dangerously close to one of the boundaries we’d set. This time it was a more leisurely experience, more for companionship than the other.

We’d dried off and were simply cuddling when he cleared his throat. “I do not wish to … create a problem.”

I immediately tensed.

“Please Kokhana. You are so sensitive about me buying you gifts. It is strange. Most women, even here on the ship, seem to enjoy it.”

I turned and looked at him. “I’m not sensitive. I just don’t want you to think you have to buy me gifts for me to be with you.”

“I do not.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

“I do not wish for you to think that I buy you gifts in exchange for your love.”

“Oh. Well, that … never entered my mind.”

“And do not let my foolishness put it there.”

“O … kay.”

His “gift” was a bag of colored pearls. “Vit!”

“Do not start with counting of hryvnia [pennies]. One day I will have these strung properly and you will have a necklace as your mother had.”

“Oh Vit.”

Not much of any sense was said after that and then he went to bed and I remained awake to put my thoughts down. I know some people might find the way we do things strange, but it works for us. Or at least it works for us right now. And with that I think he is fully asleep and I’m going to try and do so as well. I just hope I can avoid thinking of his gifts as “payment” because I trust he doesn’t think that way. I just hope he doesn’t think he needs to do it as some obligation or whatever. Argh. Why did he have to put that thought in my head?

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 136: Jan 13 – Cruise the South Pacific Ocean

Not much to write. Typical sea day. Internet connection was very spotty, or perhaps it was the number of people trying to use it, not sure. Almost too tired to write, am too tired. Hope Vit gets to sleep quickly because I really want to go to bed. Exercised this morning before breakfast. Did lessons with Frankie. Spent the afternoon swimming and sunbathing and trying to keep Frankie from being bored. Frankie had dinner with Madam, but I was surprised with an invitation to play violin with the string trio to make us a quartet. I was more surprised to enjoy it as much as I did. Mostly just classical pieces but we did a few show tunes as well.

I was on my way back to the cabin after playing when I saw Vit coming towards me with a crème brulee. He laughed when I nearly pounced on him. Instead of the cabin we went up to Deck 7 and enjoyed the ocean breeze while I ate my dessert … my second one of the night which I am refusing to feel guilty for. Wanted to dance with the couples that were enjoying the music but knew that would be pushing the boundaries too much and draw attention. Instead after a few minutes I went to check on Frankie who was ready for bed. I took him to his cabin and then went to this one. A little while ago Vit came in and we cuddled. And I’m not recording it because it is no one’s business.

Forget it. I’m too tired. Vit better be asleep because I want to be.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 137: Jan 14 – Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia (Day 1)

Oh … my … gosh. We’re in TAHITI!! Talk about a bucket list item to check off. Wowzer. The descriptive words I have at my command are simply inadequate to describe this place.

I am learning a lot about geography here in the South Pacific. We are till in French Polynesia; however, French Polynesia is divided up into five island groupings. We already visited the Marquesas Islands. Now we are in the Society Islands, also an archipelago. There are a total of 118 islands and atolls in French Polynesia with 67 of them being inhabited. Tahiti is the most populous of all of the inhabited islands.

The major islands in the Society Islands (named my Capt James Cook) are Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Huahine. We are also scheduled to stop at Bora Bora though there is some talk of weather keeping us from docking. I hope it isn’t true, but everyone is saying that we’ve had extraordinary luck in that respect up to this point.

We didn’t dock until 6 pm so there wasn’t a lot of time to do much today, but we did get a quick tour of Papeete which is the main city on the island of Tahiti. It was a walking tour and I was surprised that it started right at the pier where we docked.

First came Place Vaiete. The place is an exciting, modern square with benches, a waterfall and public toilets that are very clean and open all day; there is even a security guard. In the evening, the space for food stalls and musical events of all kinds is put to good use. Here you can enjoy a lovely day until about 3 am, where you can have a cheap meal at one of the roulottes (mobile dining vans).

Next point of interest was City Hall. Inaugurated in 1990, the town hall is one of the most beautiful structures that is a re-creation of the original palace and royal residence of Queen Pomare IV of Tahiti. The city hall architecture is of Neoclassical style and the pink exterior catches the eye. When you enter inside the building you will see beautiful, sculpted glass, Roco lifts and other pieces of historical significance. City Hall is surrounded by a beautiful garden which has several sculptures and artifacts.

Then there was the Tahiti Pearl Market. Situated not far from the Papeete Market, this pearl shop offers Tahitian cultured pearls like none other … or so said our guide. And the advertisements. And the salespeople standing at the door trying to draw people to come in. It was a bit of a heavy sell, but I suppose with limited customers, especially in the off-season, you did what you could when you are paid on commission. We were certainly treated to a view of some of the finest jewelry in town. The shop is popular for its extraordinary pearl creations and the prices quoted are highly competitive. Hmph. Highly competitive they may have been, but they were still sky high. The designs are a unique mix of local craftsmanship with a touch of modernistic style. Nice. They allow their clients a free hand in picking pearls of their choice and are also involved in the design process. We didn’t do much more than walk by it, but my understanding is that others plan on returning tomorrow.

The Marche Municipale was next. Situated right in the centre of the town, this market is part of a shopping area and is considered to be the heart of all local activities. It is a two-storey, contemporary building with an escalator where the first floor is filled with fresh food, while on the second floor is the location to find crafts, pearls, unique souvenirs and local arts. According to our guide, the perfect time to visit here is Sunday mornings, when residents from all over the island come to shop so you get “local” pricing. Why he told us when Sunday was not a day our ship would be here I don’t know. All he did was tell us the prices marked weren’t the lowest.

I was surprised to see there was a Notre Dame Cathedral in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Started in 1856 and opened in 1875, the cathedral is one of the oldest and largest churches in this town. Situated in the centre of town, it was set up with stones brought from Australia and granite from the Gambier Archipelago in 1875. After hitting a financial crisis, the project was shut down. The official opening took place in 1869 and the final product is what you see today. When the church is opened, you can go inside where it is quiet and cool and look at the paintings of the Crucifixion. But whether the church itself is open or not, the church’s bougainvilla garden always is. Oh my gosh it reminded me of my home in Jacksonville that was surrounded by the bloodthirsty plants; they were like Beauty and the Beast. Gorgeous when in bloom but always ready to just reach out and take a pound of flesh with the long, wicked spikes they had as thorns. The Pembroke House doesn’t have bougainvilla, but there are Camilla bushes big as trees and when the winter is wet and warm, they bloom in late December, and when the winter is cooler or dryer they bloom in January.

After the cathedral came the Pearl Museum. Built in 1998 by Robert Wan, a very famous black pearl specialist, the Pearl Museum not only covers the history of pearl cultivation, but also cultivation techniques and the business aspect of pearl trading. “Enter the amazing world of pearls and jewels” seems to be its motto on all of its publications and advertisements. It showcases a great number of special pearl elements on its display, the highlight being the world’s largest Tahitian pearl. Art, history, mythology, philosophy and religion are presented as well as technical explanations.

We headed back to the waterfront area for a bit. Stretching from the Place To'Ata to the Place Vaiete, the waterfront is the perfect place for a romantic evening if you dream of the South Pacifice. The waterfront always has a holiday atmosphere and is always buzzing with activity. The smell of caramel popcorn and candies fill the air, almost like a carnival or circus. Reminded me of the State Fair. Along the waterfront we also saw a nicely landscaped park and admired Moorea Island which is part of the very scenic view from the promenade. There were various shops selling local food and more than a few passengers … as well as other tourists from around the island, were standing in line to get a bite.

We also walked by the Parliament Building and the Presidential Palace but then turned back around and had free time along the waterfront. I looked at my watch, took note of the food vendors and shops still open despite the time, and I realized what a modern city Papeete was and not at all like the visions I’d had of the South Pacific … but that doesn’t change my mind about how beautiful it is.

I bought two things before getting back on the ship. One was a bottle of Tahitian vanilla. Barbie had asked for it in particular even knowing it would be months before I could get it to her. I got a gift set of several small bottles and I’ll share them around. The other thing was monoi oil. Monoi oil is a perfume unique to the South Pacific and Tahiti in particular. You take the petals of Tahitian jasmine flower and soak them in coconut oil until the oil is infused when the scent of the flowers. Sounds crazy but I love the smell of jasmine (and gardenia and honeysuckle as well) and I just couldn’t resist.

Someone else that acted like they couldn’t resist the smell was Vit. He reminded me of Charlie’s old hound dog. I was thoroughly sniffed all over. If I could type a giggle on this page I would. It tickled and he was being a little silly … like a cat with too much catnip on the brain. But he did go to sleep with a smile on his face. I’ll need to be careful when I wear that stuff. Oh my.

Tomorrow there will be a more thorough exploration of the island and I can’t wait.

 

[Kathy in FL]

World Cruise Day 138: Jan 15 – Tahiti (Papeete), French Polynesia (Day 2)

Oh … my … goodness, what an adventure today has been; snorkeling in a Tahitian lagoon and then a wild jeep tour.

First came getting the brothers up and moving. They’d been allowed a later than normal evening and both were moving slow to the point that Vit was becoming annoyed. I solved the problem by walking in and giving them a taste of what my father would do on occasion when any of us played slug.

Previously I’d programmed Frankie’s phone with Revely just because I could. I’d reserved the threat since England as a gag but had never gotten around to setting it as his alarm sound. Well the time had come, Vit and I wanted breakfast and to get out and do some exploring. We couldn’t do that without doing our job. So …

Vit and I left the cabin and I counted down 3 – 2 – 1 and then you could hear it through the walls. You could also hear the brothers stumbling around trying to find where the noise was coming from where I had set the phone high on one of the shelves without them noticing. I was smiling more at Vit being doubled over in the hallway trying not to laugh than I was at the sounds coming from the cabin. The sound volume decreased slightly and the cabin door was torn open and Nicholas and Frankie both stood their wide eyed with the phone trapped in a pillow. I took it from them and used my fingerprint to turn the phone off.

“Did you forget that I have brothers? A lot of brothers? I have been forced to learn to be very creative …. Very, very creative. You do not want to know what will happen if Revely stops working.”

They both looked even more alarmed at my evil grin before saying, “Getting dressed now! Seriously! Just give us a sec. Please! No more!”

My satisfied smirk was almost Vit’s undoing. He went down to one knee because he was trying not to laugh so hard and lost his balance. A woman that looked to be a well-preserved specimen that could have been any age between fifty and seventy looked on with approval. “Now that’s what I call doing the necessary. Wish I’d had it before my boys went off to university.” I nodded in understanding and then waited Vit out. He was finally able to keep a straight face but almost lost it again when the brothers finally exited the cabin looking a bit shellshocked.

Breakfast revived us all and then it was off to our first excursion; snorkeling at Punaauia. We departed Papeete harbor and traveled by boat, directly from the ship. It was a gorgeous tour where we took in the sweeping views of Tahiti's shoreline and the towering mountains beyond. Dolphins played in the boat’s wake and I got some great video and a few still shots as well. We anchored near a reef in a turquoise lagoon and then got our snorkeling equipment checked and ready. The warm waters of the South Pacific are home to hundreds of species of fish, shellfish, crustaceans and sea turtles and we must have seen more than our fair share of them while under water.

The water was crystal clear, and the clarity allowed us to see all the fantastic colors of the underwater life. Stingrays, small sharks, angelfish, clownfish, and even the reef structure itself. Vit had his GoPro and I’ve promised the boys to put a copy of the adventure on a memory stick for them … which means finding someplace with memory sticks for sale. For now, I’ve uploaded it online and they can direct their family and friends to a link on the Shutterfly account. There is one thing I learned, snorkeling in the Pacific is best keep to inside the lagoons and reef area. We heard today that a tourist had drowned because he didn’t heed the warnings of not swimming outside of the reef in the open Pacific. No, he wasn’t on our cruise ship, but it was definitely a sobering reality when we heard about it after returning to the ship.

We returned to the ship (which saved us some time), changed into dry clothes, and grabbed a bite to eat at the Pool Grill. Frankie ate three hot dogs letting me know that he was likely going to have the same hollow legs that his brother has, especially now that he is growing taller and filling out.

For our next excursion we had to take a tender boat to shore where we were to go off-road during an thrilling excursion into the wilderness of Tahiti. We met our guide and boarded the Jeep we would be using, quickly leaving Papeete behind after that. We drove through thick rainforests and deep valleys cut by streams; lush landscapes fed by cascading waterfalls and saw sweeping views of the many shades of blue of the South Pacific. To do this we had to leave the beaten track behind and ascend to the volcanic crater that formed Tahiti, creating its famous black-sand beaches. And yes, we got the chance to see one of those too. As we traversed the dense wilderness, we were instructed keep our eyes open for the abundant birdlife that flitters about in the canopy above the the forest bed.

Frankie was enthralled and a couple of times I had to grab him by the waistband of his shorts to keep his “closer look” from pitching him head-first out of the vehicle. We stopped often enough that the constant bouncing didn’t get old, just put an exclamation point on the activity. We needn’t have changed clothes because we all got soaked again and again … first in a tropical waterfall, then splashed in a river fording. We also got drenched in a short rainforest shower, and then got sprinkled from the remaining wetness as we passed flowers and other greenery that dribbled on us.

During the entire adventure our guide showed us archaeological sites, told us Polynesian myths and legends, and instructed us in more recent real-life history. I had so much fun today and so did the others. When we got back to the ship we quickly cleaned up and changed and headed to dinner that turned out to be a luau type menu where we were encouraged to eat out under the stars at the tables set up out there. Then there was dancing.

Vit danced with Madam and Miss Hayworth much to their laughter and then several other women on the ship. I danced with Nicholas and Frankie … much to their embarrassment … and then with Mr. O’Rourke … with Mrs. O’Rourke encouraging me to watch out for my toes as her husband had forgotten his spectacles in their cabin. It was time for Frankie to turn in for the evening and it was with some regret that we took our leave.

I was cleaning up for the night when I heard something out in the living room. I stuck my head out cautiously as I was only dressed in a cover up and was surprised to see Vit taking off his shirt.

“Over so soon?”

“Nicholas prefers to return to his cabin. The attention he was receiving was too much for him.”

“You could have gone to the sports bar or similar.”

He gave me a look and then and said, “I prefer to have the dance I missed.”

Well I wasn’t exactly dressed for it. Frankly I was barely dressed but that didn’t stop either one of us from dancing to the music that was coming through the sliding windows from the Explorer’s Lounge above. Dancing nearly turned into something else but then Vit pulled me over to the sofa and then into his lap.

“I have something for you.”

He’d told me this before in preparation for giving me a gift. I’d been thinking about Vit’s habit of giving gifts and I remembered a book Poppa had me read called the Five Love Languages and have decided Vit’s real desire to – his need to give gifts – was part of his way of showing love and to stop or object would be tantamount to rebuffing his love. I wouldn’t do that to him. Ever. But I need to find some way to show him my love in a way that he will hear fully.

“You … are upset?”

“No,” I told him then revealed some of what I am thinking. “I just want you to know how I feel about you, how important to me you are. The gifts are nice … but you are the best gift of all.”

Well we got off track for a bit and then he pulled back and put a small, drawstring bag made from a tropical print into my hand. I opened it up and poured what was inside into my hand.

“Vit?!”

“These go with the others. One day I will have them strung for you to wear against that beautiful skin of yours,” he said before kissing my neck.

What was it he’d given me this time? Black pearls. Yes, that’s right. Black pearls. Black pearls are formed when that piece of sand gets stuck in the body of a very specific type of oyster, the Tahitian black-lipped Pinctada margaritifera. The interior shell, called the nacre, of most oysters is usually a glossy white or silver but the Tahitian black-lipped oyster features a thick band of black. If the pearl forms near that band, it will suck up that color. Having listened to the jeep guide I knew that each pearl in my hand probably sold for at least $150 US each where its white cousin would sell for $15 US each. I was simply dumbstruck.

“Do not think about it too much Kokhana, I did it because I could and because I wanted to.”

I did my best to not deny him the pleasure of his gift and accept it in the spirit he meant. We slow danced some more and then had to shut the sliders and cool off … in more ways than one. He is showering now and when he gets out, I will will take his place while he goes to sleep. Tomorrow is another wish come true. Bora Bora. Good grief it is hard to believe. Everything is so magical.