Swells

*  I forgot to mention in previous posts that my goal is to blog once a week…or close to that depending on where we are and what we are doing.

After 11 days at sea we are due to reach Yokohama tomorrow morning at 8:00am.  I was going to write “Whew!”…but don’t really feel like that would be an appropriate emotional summary of our sea trek to Japan.  It has been an extremely positive, spiritual and calming experience sailing across the Pacific Ocean.  The crossing has been filled with multiple highs and lows that have been a perfect emotional reflection of the ship’s movements.  As is typical for this time of year (we are told), we have been battling 15-25 foot swells as we move through the Pacific.  The MV Explorer is known as the fastest cruise ship in the world—great if you are racing, not so great if you are searching for even sailing.  The same nautical attributes that make the MV a fast ship also prevent it from smooth sailing over rough waters—to the point:  It’s been a ROUGH ride!  Our captain did maneuver us out of harm’s way a few days ago as he skillfully sidestepped a major storm, but it is impossible not to feel the power of the ocean when its being its wild, rambunctious self.   

Below are the top 10 lessons I have been taught by the sea the past 11 days:

1.  It is liberating to see no land for extended periods of time—We become beautifully insignificant.

2.  Bend your knees and keep a wide base as you walk about.

3.  If someone coming towards you looks like they’re going to throw up, they are.  Move to the other side of the walkway mid-vomit, then return to console post-vomit.

4.  Teaching acting while the ship rocks makes for wonderful scene work.

5.  Take everything off the shelves BEFORE you go to bed.

6.  When jumping in basketball, be prepared for the ground to be in a different place when you come down.

7.  Catching falling shipmates is a good time to introduce yourself.

8.  LOVE and TURST the crew—they’ve been through it before.

9.  A rolling bed makes for AMAZING dreams.

10.  Like snow in Buffalo, ocean swells unite a community in friendly, special ways.

Every moment is a story.  The story continues to build upon itself.  Looking forward to land chapters.