Hey Everyone!
I’ve been very busy trying to adjust to ship life these last couple of days. I have been very very busy learning everything about this job, and it’s pretty overwhelming.
I arrived at the pier about 4pm in Greece, and did a bunch of paperwork boring stuff. After dropping off my luggage, I immedietly started safety training at about 6pm (I missed the meeting at 1pm). Then I tried to watch my cast do their first performance, an “opener” for a performer, but I was too late because my individual safety meeting took too long (he gave me a tour of the boat, and then did 6 presenations…I thought I was going to fall asleep!) So I grabbed some food with the cast, and called it a night.
The boat went out at sea that night, so I did feel a little bit sea sick. The waters were very rough and the boat was VERY rocky. I havn’t been eating too much because the boat is moving so much. It’s weird to walk down a hall, or walk in the buffet and just constantly feel like you are going to run into something/someone. I hope it is not always this rocky.
My room is small, but not too small. There are two beds (with curtains), a desk, closet, many shelves, and drawers (lots of room for storage), and the bathroom is funny. The bathroom is tiny and the shower is just a removable shower head with a curtain that touches the ground.
Other things going on:
My cast performed “Standing Room Only” for the first time last night. They did very well, with the lights, costumes, and the boat moving. It makes me scared to add all those elements, especially the boat moving so much.
I’m in Egypt today, and everyone went on a $10 excursion tour today to see the Pyramids and I have to stay on the boat to run activities all day. I’m pretty jealous/upset that I can’t get off the boat to join them, but I wasn’t on the boat at the time to say that I wanted today off. I have to run Ping Pong, Shuffle Board, Trivia and Library today. I just learned yesterday how do to all of that, so hopefully I remember and it goes smoothly.
I have my first costume fitting tonight, so I’m interested to see what I will be wearing.
The food is okay here. Definitely better than dorm food and I have many different options of where I can eat.
I don’t perform with my cast for awhile. I think we have an opener on the 11th, and then perform “Hit me with a hot note” the 16th…so it will be quite a while.
Well, I’m going to go try to organize my room a little bit better before I start my cruise duties.
I’ll try to steal some pictures of the Pyramids from Matt, so I can at least pretend I saw any of Egypt!
I miss everyone and everything terribly. Please keep in touch!
Love,erin
Arrival
November 5, 2006 - Port Said, Egypt
6 Comments
Larissa:
November 6, 2006
Erin - So glad you made it (flight delays notwithstanding)! Been talking to your Dad about their getting on the Marco Polo with you, and they are committed to seeing penguins; so it will be either an Antarctic leg, or the tip of South America. My mom did the Antartica trip on the Marco Polo in 1999, and said the ship was lovely. Try crystallized ginger for your sea sickness. You'll have sea legs in no time - Larissa (BTW - You sang so beautifully at Megan and Renaud's wedding - the other guests at my table could not believe that your voice wasn't a recording.)
November 6, 2006
Hi Erin,
Just returned from my trip to Houston. We had a great time and Dad has kept me posted on your safe arrival to Greece. Sorry that you could not go on the excursion, I know that your disappointed but soon you will be able to go on many more during the time you travel. Love ya, MOM
November 7, 2006
Hey Kiddo, glad to hear you made it safe. I'm sure it will be a tough adjustment at first but it'll get better soon! Just be glad you're not a month away from finals like me... Can't wait to see pics of where you are! And speaking of pics, we're supposed to get proofs of the wedding pictures by the end of the week, so I'll send you link on pictage.
We miss lots already!
XOXO
Megan & Renaud
November 7, 2006
I just saw Megan's comment and I find it somewhat coincidental that both of us call you "kiddo". Anyway, I know that these first few days will be a period of adjustment but you just have to hang in there as it will be better. I spoke to my mom today and even though her email system at home is no logner functioning (don't ask), she does have your email address and said she would go to the library and send you an email. Everyone is pulling for you. I don't understand why your first performance is not until the 11th but presumably the rest of the cast is not performing between now and then. Well, I had a very exciting day in Sacramento (lol) and am ready to hit the hay. Election day tomorrow. Love, Dad.
November 8, 2006
Hi Erin,So great to hear from you. Sounds like you are very busy getting things together.I know,aren't those bathrooms awful? Water gets all over.So great seeing you at Megan's wedding.Your singing was amazing. Keep in touch. Love,Judy
November 10, 2006
Ms. Erin,
This is N&L. What an adventure getting out there! Sorry to hear that you missed the pyramids, but hopefully the boat will cruise around there again before your gig is up. You'll be able to go on other cool excursions soon enough. We are rooting for you and we know that you will do great in the shows. You have the talent and the drive, so knock 'em dead! Let us know how you are. Love N&L
