World Cruise Day 46 and 47: Oct 15 & 16 – Cruise the Atlantic Ocean
Simply did not feel like writing yesterday. Not to mention that I was out and about in company. I will admit that it was enjoyable to socialize with adults and converse about things other than lessons, lesson plans, and birds or sand. I met passengers for the first time I only had seen in passing. I even enjoyed a glass of wine, but it wasn’t until after I had escorted Frankie to his cabin for the night.
Tonight was somewhat the same though I did not stay in company after taking Frankie back to his cabin. Ostensibly it was because we have two moderately strenuous excursions tomorrow but in reality, it is because the two Knuckleheads – my name for the Harrington brothers – were getting bored and starting to attempt to get my attention. What a couple of immature jerks. They acted like they were doing me a favor. No woman finds that appealing. I would have set them straight but that would have meant admitting that I had noticed them in the first place. But I suppose they come by it somewhat naturally as their father is equally as crass though some of the women seem to enjoy his attention. But with his wife right there?! Crass isn’t strong enough a word for it. Even Madam seems to accept his “admiration” in stride. I just could never. Ick.
The other reason I did not feel like writing was that the news is full of politics. Everyone everywhere seems to be losing their minds for various reasons. France has bands of unruly youth roaming at will, jobless, and with nothing better to do than wreak havoc and burn cars. Car burning seems to be the favorite sport of the young and disenfranchised in certain parts of the world. Germany is suffering from riots by immigrant groups doing battle with people who no longer want to pay for their upkeep. This continues to drag their economy down and it hasn’t been healthy for years when all of the loans they made to countries in the EU began to come due with nothing but air being paid. They are still trying to figure out how do you foreclose on an entire country.
The Mediterranean is a mess of boat people trying to sneak into various countries, only they are now being met with military resistance … and some boats are being sunk when they refuse to turn around and go back where they came from. I mean it is just insane that a small, overloaded boat will try and play chicken with an armored military gun boat.
The cartels in Mexico, after being declared terrorist organizations by the US and Canada a few years ago, are turning that country into a no man’s land as they regain the position they lost for a while. Guatemala is in imminent danger of collapsing even worse than Venezuela did, and reigniting a civil war over with for decades. Costa Rica is hemmed in on both sides by countries that are on their way to collapse as well, Panama the worse of the two and desperately trying to keep tourists bringing in dollars and keeping the Panama Canal from being taken over.
Several Canadian provinces are struggling to deal with a large illegal immigrant problem. I do not want to even think about some of what is coming out of the US … adults acting like children because their political party is not dictating policy, refusing to pay the pills they created (student loans), immigration laws still in flux to the point that some states allow just anyone to come across with impunity and as a result there are murders and crime they refuse to even recognize or report on. While at the same time social services being overwhelmed and already unable to help the people already in the USA. We had started to get a handle on that sort of thing and it is now returning in even greater number and violence. The thing that really got me was that a fire was intentionally started in a deportation holding facility by gang members refusing to be deported. A lot of people died, including children. That was bad enough.
The rest of the story is that a female journalist was doing a live report from the scene. Suddenly a man … supposed gangbanger though since he was wearing a mask like the Resistance he could have been anyone … jumped into the scene and slit her throat. The camera kept rolling while everyone was in shock. “You stole what was OURS! Now we take it back!!” He and some others started shooting into the air and yelling and then started shooting into the crowd that had gathered. “Vida a la revolucion!” The cameraman went down, and they never even cut from the network everyone was simply in too much shock.
Now everyone is trying to blame the government for not taking out the gangs before now, but others are pointing out that certain states have been preventing deportation and implementation of the new immigration laws as well as taking the federal government to court to prevent some laws and executive orders that would have helped to address the rising crime problems from gangs and illegal immigrants. On the one hand the gangs and illegals have been emboldened with the latest large caravan surge coming across the border. On the other hand, the government is now refusing to use kid gloves when dealing with illegals … whether crossing or already in the country. And that includes most of the so-called “unaccompanied minors.” That’s a complete departure to what those currently in power have done in the past. Canada is also beginning to militarize their border which in and of itself is shocking.
Vit had much to say on the subject but I finally asked him to stop. “Yes. It is my country, but I just can’t take anymore.”
He was silent for a moment then said, “I wish you to add practicing self-defense to your mornings.”
Giving his request serious consideration I asked, “Do you really think we are going to run into that kind of stuff in the ports we are visiting?”
“I do not know for certain but even if we do not, some of the ports on the list have their own dangers. You will add to my peace of mind if you would do this for me.”
He was so serious I didn’t feel like I could deny him his request. “I’ll teach Frankie some simple ways to get loose from someone if they grab him. I already taught him a few in London but it won’t hurt to review them.”
Blatanty shocked he ased, “You taught him …?”
“Vit, I know what you sometimes can’t help but think. Me … a female alone … with a boy to protect … wandering around places that I’ve never been. Weren’t those your words? But I’ve told you all along I’m not as foolish as you think.”
“I never thought you foolish … reckless perhaps … but never foolish.”
“Either way it amounts to the same thing. And I’ll tell you again … I would never endanger Frankie. He has been placed in my care. And I’ll do anything necessary to keep him safe. And if you believe it prudent to review and practice some self-defense techniques, I bow to your greater experience.”
He stared at me then said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Would you care to walk on the promenade?”
“I thought you were tired and that’s why you came to the cabin.”
He sighed. “I was tired of the Harringtons.”
Immediately understanding I said, “They do know how to put you in your place.”
“You as well?”
“Let’s just say I made a mistake thinking Mrs. Harrington is a whispy, fragile kind of woman.”
“I made the same mistake,” Vit said nodding. “She merely acts like that when her husband is about. She is as bad in her own way as her husband and sons.”
“If we see it why don’t other people?”
“Because we are ‘the help’ and we should not be interacting in society.”
Shocked despite my suspicions of the woman’s character I nearly choked on my tea. “She did not say that.”
“To my face? No. To Madam while Fraulein Hayworth was in the room … yes. Madam let her know in no uncertain terms that she would do as she pleased, and the Harrington woman could like it or not, that it did not matter. She further stated that it would be better for her to look to the behavior of her sons and not Madam’s staff members.”
“Oh my lord. Did they simply act like you weren’t in the room?!”
He shrugged. “I am used to it. Working on the yacht was like being a piece of the furniture most of the time. But I could tell that Fraulein Hayworth was shocked at the woman’s criticism. I take from that that very few have the temerity to try and tell Madam what to do.”
“So does this mean that you are discouraging Nicholas from befriending the Knuckleheads?”
He not only knew but agreed with my description of the Harrington brothers. “Not precisely,” he answered. “I simply intend to keep him as busy as possible during port days that when he does associate with them … he will not have the energy to behave irresponsibly.”
“And on Sea Days?”
“Exercise to keep in shape for sports. I noticed that Frankie seemed suspicious of his brother’s invitation to swim.”
“Saw that did you. Well, I told him not to look a gift horse in the mouth. It may be that he still wants to be brothers and just to be kind and not drop him like a hot potato … he can always adjust his calendar if Nicholas begins to drift away again.”
“And what did the boy say to that?” Vit asked with a chuckle.
“Not much. He runs deeper than he at first lets on. He will be cautious but admits that perhaps his brother might not like the Harrington brothers as much as he thought. They are a year and two older than him and may not have the goals that Nicholas has.”
“You are a sneaky woman Veta Petric.”
“I learned by watching Momma and my sisters deal with children. And it is not as if it is not true, I simply gave Frankie the opportunity to be flexible in case what he wants does not come to pass … but to at least give Nicholas the chance to live up to the title of big brother some of the time.”
Rather than take a walk on the promenade where we might run into other people, we had tea on the veranda. It has been nice. But I think it is time for both of us to get some rest. It is a shame that we cannot leave the sliders open as there is a breeze blowing and Vit seems to enjoy it. He is practically asleep and I hate to rouse him.
Simply did not feel like writing yesterday. Not to mention that I was out and about in company. I will admit that it was enjoyable to socialize with adults and converse about things other than lessons, lesson plans, and birds or sand. I met passengers for the first time I only had seen in passing. I even enjoyed a glass of wine, but it wasn’t until after I had escorted Frankie to his cabin for the night.
Tonight was somewhat the same though I did not stay in company after taking Frankie back to his cabin. Ostensibly it was because we have two moderately strenuous excursions tomorrow but in reality, it is because the two Knuckleheads – my name for the Harrington brothers – were getting bored and starting to attempt to get my attention. What a couple of immature jerks. They acted like they were doing me a favor. No woman finds that appealing. I would have set them straight but that would have meant admitting that I had noticed them in the first place. But I suppose they come by it somewhat naturally as their father is equally as crass though some of the women seem to enjoy his attention. But with his wife right there?! Crass isn’t strong enough a word for it. Even Madam seems to accept his “admiration” in stride. I just could never. Ick.
The other reason I did not feel like writing was that the news is full of politics. Everyone everywhere seems to be losing their minds for various reasons. France has bands of unruly youth roaming at will, jobless, and with nothing better to do than wreak havoc and burn cars. Car burning seems to be the favorite sport of the young and disenfranchised in certain parts of the world. Germany is suffering from riots by immigrant groups doing battle with people who no longer want to pay for their upkeep. This continues to drag their economy down and it hasn’t been healthy for years when all of the loans they made to countries in the EU began to come due with nothing but air being paid. They are still trying to figure out how do you foreclose on an entire country.
The Mediterranean is a mess of boat people trying to sneak into various countries, only they are now being met with military resistance … and some boats are being sunk when they refuse to turn around and go back where they came from. I mean it is just insane that a small, overloaded boat will try and play chicken with an armored military gun boat.
The cartels in Mexico, after being declared terrorist organizations by the US and Canada a few years ago, are turning that country into a no man’s land as they regain the position they lost for a while. Guatemala is in imminent danger of collapsing even worse than Venezuela did, and reigniting a civil war over with for decades. Costa Rica is hemmed in on both sides by countries that are on their way to collapse as well, Panama the worse of the two and desperately trying to keep tourists bringing in dollars and keeping the Panama Canal from being taken over.
Several Canadian provinces are struggling to deal with a large illegal immigrant problem. I do not want to even think about some of what is coming out of the US … adults acting like children because their political party is not dictating policy, refusing to pay the pills they created (student loans), immigration laws still in flux to the point that some states allow just anyone to come across with impunity and as a result there are murders and crime they refuse to even recognize or report on. While at the same time social services being overwhelmed and already unable to help the people already in the USA. We had started to get a handle on that sort of thing and it is now returning in even greater number and violence. The thing that really got me was that a fire was intentionally started in a deportation holding facility by gang members refusing to be deported. A lot of people died, including children. That was bad enough.
The rest of the story is that a female journalist was doing a live report from the scene. Suddenly a man … supposed gangbanger though since he was wearing a mask like the Resistance he could have been anyone … jumped into the scene and slit her throat. The camera kept rolling while everyone was in shock. “You stole what was OURS! Now we take it back!!” He and some others started shooting into the air and yelling and then started shooting into the crowd that had gathered. “Vida a la revolucion!” The cameraman went down, and they never even cut from the network everyone was simply in too much shock.
Now everyone is trying to blame the government for not taking out the gangs before now, but others are pointing out that certain states have been preventing deportation and implementation of the new immigration laws as well as taking the federal government to court to prevent some laws and executive orders that would have helped to address the rising crime problems from gangs and illegal immigrants. On the one hand the gangs and illegals have been emboldened with the latest large caravan surge coming across the border. On the other hand, the government is now refusing to use kid gloves when dealing with illegals … whether crossing or already in the country. And that includes most of the so-called “unaccompanied minors.” That’s a complete departure to what those currently in power have done in the past. Canada is also beginning to militarize their border which in and of itself is shocking.
Vit had much to say on the subject but I finally asked him to stop. “Yes. It is my country, but I just can’t take anymore.”
He was silent for a moment then said, “I wish you to add practicing self-defense to your mornings.”
Giving his request serious consideration I asked, “Do you really think we are going to run into that kind of stuff in the ports we are visiting?”
“I do not know for certain but even if we do not, some of the ports on the list have their own dangers. You will add to my peace of mind if you would do this for me.”
He was so serious I didn’t feel like I could deny him his request. “I’ll teach Frankie some simple ways to get loose from someone if they grab him. I already taught him a few in London but it won’t hurt to review them.”
Blatanty shocked he ased, “You taught him …?”
“Vit, I know what you sometimes can’t help but think. Me … a female alone … with a boy to protect … wandering around places that I’ve never been. Weren’t those your words? But I’ve told you all along I’m not as foolish as you think.”
“I never thought you foolish … reckless perhaps … but never foolish.”
“Either way it amounts to the same thing. And I’ll tell you again … I would never endanger Frankie. He has been placed in my care. And I’ll do anything necessary to keep him safe. And if you believe it prudent to review and practice some self-defense techniques, I bow to your greater experience.”
He stared at me then said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Would you care to walk on the promenade?”
“I thought you were tired and that’s why you came to the cabin.”
He sighed. “I was tired of the Harringtons.”
Immediately understanding I said, “They do know how to put you in your place.”
“You as well?”
“Let’s just say I made a mistake thinking Mrs. Harrington is a whispy, fragile kind of woman.”
“I made the same mistake,” Vit said nodding. “She merely acts like that when her husband is about. She is as bad in her own way as her husband and sons.”
“If we see it why don’t other people?”
“Because we are ‘the help’ and we should not be interacting in society.”
Shocked despite my suspicions of the woman’s character I nearly choked on my tea. “She did not say that.”
“To my face? No. To Madam while Fraulein Hayworth was in the room … yes. Madam let her know in no uncertain terms that she would do as she pleased, and the Harrington woman could like it or not, that it did not matter. She further stated that it would be better for her to look to the behavior of her sons and not Madam’s staff members.”
“Oh my lord. Did they simply act like you weren’t in the room?!”
He shrugged. “I am used to it. Working on the yacht was like being a piece of the furniture most of the time. But I could tell that Fraulein Hayworth was shocked at the woman’s criticism. I take from that that very few have the temerity to try and tell Madam what to do.”
“So does this mean that you are discouraging Nicholas from befriending the Knuckleheads?”
He not only knew but agreed with my description of the Harrington brothers. “Not precisely,” he answered. “I simply intend to keep him as busy as possible during port days that when he does associate with them … he will not have the energy to behave irresponsibly.”
“And on Sea Days?”
“Exercise to keep in shape for sports. I noticed that Frankie seemed suspicious of his brother’s invitation to swim.”
“Saw that did you. Well, I told him not to look a gift horse in the mouth. It may be that he still wants to be brothers and just to be kind and not drop him like a hot potato … he can always adjust his calendar if Nicholas begins to drift away again.”
“And what did the boy say to that?” Vit asked with a chuckle.
“Not much. He runs deeper than he at first lets on. He will be cautious but admits that perhaps his brother might not like the Harrington brothers as much as he thought. They are a year and two older than him and may not have the goals that Nicholas has.”
“You are a sneaky woman Veta Petric.”
“I learned by watching Momma and my sisters deal with children. And it is not as if it is not true, I simply gave Frankie the opportunity to be flexible in case what he wants does not come to pass … but to at least give Nicholas the chance to live up to the title of big brother some of the time.”
Rather than take a walk on the promenade where we might run into other people, we had tea on the veranda. It has been nice. But I think it is time for both of us to get some rest. It is a shame that we cannot leave the sliders open as there is a breeze blowing and Vit seems to enjoy it. He is practically asleep and I hate to rouse him.