27, 28, 29...

This is the first part of my 7th contract documentation. Yes, I have been with Norwegian Cruise Line for over two years now. I will celebrate my 3rd year on June 8, 2011 – 5 months from now. I’ve had my ups and downs but as they say, count your blessings and not your worries.

I have been to two continents since I’ve started working as a Youth Counselor. I have been to various parts of North and South America which is really awesome. I have been to places I never even dreamed of visiting. At the moment, I am sailing with Norwegian Dawn out of Miami to Southern and Western Caribbean. I love all of the ports as they remind me of home. I truly feel that I am home away from home except that the humid streets are populated by black people instead of my paisanos (as we call “countrymen” on-board). I am still looking for ways to enjoy my stay in the ports without creating a huge hole on my pockets though. I have decided to take my time and have been pacing myself in terms of partying (I haven’t really partied to be honest… -for obvious reasons- and I am actually wondering if I ever will) on-board and seeing the ports. I came prepared and brought fancy dresses waiting to be worn for appropriate events – such as going out for fancy $25 worth dinners. Yes, the most expensive restaurant on-board is $25 where you can order as many entrees, main course, & dessert as you want. Drinks are not included in the cover charge though. Pretty cheap really, but anything out of the crew/staff mess and the Garden Café is considered fancy nonethless.

So far, everything has been going well with me. I have been spending most of my time in the cabin when I am not at work. I have been pondering on different ways of saving money but the attempts have all been fruitless. I am down with my first month, so I’m cutting myself some slack.I have five more months to go. I am excited in all seriousness. I know that all of the ports have so much hidden treasures that are waiting to be discovered. So far, I have only been to as far as the touristy places and I cannot wait to get further away from that territory. I need to work on my budgeting and accounting skills. Maybe I should give myself challenges such as “Where your $5.00 can take you in Barbados?” or “Is $20 in or out over at St. Kitts?” I am thrilled! This documentation idea would not have been possible without certain people whom I went to a random beach at St. Kitts with. For an $8.00 cab ride, we were taken to South Friar’s Bay where we were welcomed by a spectacular view (pictures to follow). Plus, there were also wild monkeys and other wildlife present in the area. I didn’t have to go on a monkey tour to see monkeys. I still have a long way to go. Thank goodness I still have five months left to enjoy what the islands have to offer. You are more than welcome to come along with me in my adventures!