Panama Canal

We started entering the Panama Canal Locks at 8:30am and I was able to see the ship enter the first one. We had to go up first into the canal and then to exit the canal we went back down. We actually went through three different locks. One at 8:30, one about 10:30-11:00, and the last one about 2:00pm.

Entering the Panama Canal Locks 

Panama Canal Locks

I was able to see the first one and then after that I was indoors teaching classes from 10:30-2:30pm. So I ended up missing most of the canal. But I left my curtains open in the Workshop and every once in a while I would see something nice outside and pause class to take a look. The guests didn't mind - they also wanted to look outside!!

San Blas Islands, Panama 

After the Panama Canal we sailed to the San Blas Islands which were REALLY TINY - tendering took a long time so I didn't get off the ship. But I did spend some time in the sun on the top deck. It was a beautiful and such an amazing experience to transverse the Panama Canal!

King Neptune's Ceremony: Crossing the Equator

Crossing the Equator is a very special event onboard a ship. Tradition of initiating the first time crossers has been around for many years. (you can Wiki  it to read about all the traditions)

First time crossers are referred to as Polliwogs and those who have crossed before and have already been initiated are called Trusty Shellbacks. I of course, never having crossed the equator by sea before, was placed into the category of Polliwogs.

We were paraded into the pool area by the Shellbacks and placed into a 'cage' until our fate was determined. We were called out by dept and we had to kneel before the Captain and the Senior Officers while Michael, the Cruise Director, read our charges against us. I was accused of being seen reading 'Windows for Dummies' lol

We then had to march to the tables where we were covered in slim, but before we got there we were instructed to KISS THE FISH!

The Chefs placing the Fish by the Pool - Yes I "KISSED THE FISH!"

The fish was surrounded by ice and was probably frozen as well, but it was rather spongey and very gross. (coming from a vegetarian) haha. 

Getting covered in Slim by the Trusty Shellbacks

Awaiting my fate from the Captain

After getting covered in goo, which I was told was meringue, we had to await our fate from the captain. Thumbs up we were allowed in the pool to clean off, thumbs down we had to sit beside the pool until the ceremony was over. Covered in goo.  Well thankfully I was allowed in the pool :)

At the End: We ALL jumped in again :) 

At the end of the ceremony everyone jumped in the pool and we got to swim around for a few mins before getting cleaned up and rushing off to host our next activities. All in all it was a fantastic ceremony! The guests LOVED it and these photos are taken by some of my students. 

First Week on board the MS Veendam

Hello Everyone!! 

So I need to apologize for my lack of blogging however I'll explain my situation here on the ship and I hope you'll understand. :) 

The first week I was supposed to be on board was going to be my training week with Techspert Ryan. However, the ship did not port in Punta Arenas, Chile and therefore I missed all my training! I ended up embarking the Veendam on April 11 and had a grand total of 1.5 days to train and learn an entirely new job. Not an easy task. There is only so much you can squeeze into your brain in that amount of time. 

Well, the time came for Ryan to leave and sadly, we said goodbye. I was feeling very positive and energetic about my first class until I discovered that my instructor computer decided to die 30 mins before class. OF COURSE !! lol... Naturally I improvised and stumbled my way through the session. Guests were extremely compassionate and friendly towards me, which I am eternally grateful for. 

After that first class I've been having a fantastic time teaching! However, there is more to this job than just teaching. The first week onboard a cruise ship is JAM packed with Trainings, Drills, Safety Demonstrations, Signing forms, Activating Accounts, Getting photos taken, Unpacking, ...and countless other things. So needless to say I was working around the clock to get everything done. 

I was able to snap a few photos from the ship, here is one from Peru. It was really foggy or hazy this day. 

Trujillo, Peru (View of the Desert from the Ship) 

Now I've come into a routine. I am now able to fit Gym-Time into my schedule everyday which makes me very happy :) and I finally got off the ship for the first time in Panama City. Lovely place.

I think this is enough for now. I have some more posts in mind for the future about King Neptune Ceremony, Sailing the Panama Canal, and the San Blas Islands. And of course some posts about the great friends I've made on board!! Never a dull moment on a Dam ship ;)  Stay tuned !

I Miss everyone so much and I'm very hopeful that now I can spend more time updating you all. Kisses! 

Puerto Montt, Chile - The Photos

I haven't done much site-seeing here because I've been studying up on some of the sessions I'll be teaching. But I did walk around a little bit yesterday. It was gorgeous and sunny and I enjoyed sitting beside the water soaking up some Vitamin D :)

Ship coming into the Harbour, Puerto Montt, Chile

The fog from yesterday began lifting and I saw a ship coming into the Harbour. (PS my favourite show as a kid was "Theodore the Tugboat" and I still love watching ships in harbours and yes, sometimes I pretend I'm the 'Harbour Master' and make up scenarios in my head :P)

Statue on the 'boardwalk' of the Harbour

This statue seems to be a huge tourist attraction and overlooks the harbour. I like that he's wearing red lipstick too.

View to the East, Puerto Montt, Chile 

You can't really tell in this image, but there are snow-capped mountains in the background.

Graffiti - Puerto Montt

And of course some more graffiti. I think this one says "Refresca tu mente en colores" which I think translates to something like "colour refreshes your mind" - Something to think about :) 

Goodnight!

Puerto Montt, Chile - Morning Fog

I woke up this morning super excited to look out my window and see what Puerto Montt looks like. and this is what I saw: 

Puerto Montt, Chile in a blanket of fog

At some points during the morning I couldn't see this little Island there was so much fog. However
now I'm starting to be able to see ships coming into the harbour and it's starting to clear up. Looks like it'll be a nice day!

Puerto Montt, Chile 

Punta Arenas, Chile - The Photos

Today I was able to walk around for a lot longer than yesterday. The sun was shining and it wasn't too cold. I was able to see a lot of the town and captured a few lovely pictures.

Punta Arenas, Chile and the Strait of Magellan 

 Something I love taking photos of in different countries are local or family crests. I usually find them at the bases of statues or on the sides of brick/stone buildings. I found this one in the square across from my hotel :)

Crest on the base of a random Statue 

 When I walked to the top of the hill in the town I found these telephone poles pointing the directions and distances to major cities across the globe. I found it interesting that all the signs were pointing in basically only two directions, NE and NW, that's how far south I was!!

Direction Signs to Major Cities in the World... and a pair of shoes

Close up of Signs

Punta Arenas and a view towards the South Pole

 Being a HUGE Banksy fan (London political graffiti artist and local hoodlum) I love to find interesting works of art in and around the cities I visit. Yes, I do believe graffiti is an art, one I happen to adore. Sometimes graffiti is just 'meaningless' scribbles on a facade, but every so often you'll find a piece of work that carries a strong message. I especially love the Guy Fawkes tribute in the bottom right corner.

Graffiti, Punta Arenas

My hotel was right downtown in Punta Arenas and happened to face a lovely square which housed this statue to Ferdinand Magellan. Punta Arenas itself is on the coast of the Strait of Magellan and you'll find many references to his name and legacy around the town.

Statue of Ferdinand Magellan

 One last pretty picture :)

Port of Punta Arenas

Well that's it! Punta Arenas was a cute, quaint town but I'm happy to now be in Puerto Montt which looks considerably bigger! Can't wait to see what the daylight brings. Good night! 

Stuck in Punta Arenas

Well never a dull moment... I woke up this morning extra early to get ready to board the ship. Got all packed and went downstairs to reception to call the agent to transport me from the hotel to the ship.

Long story short I found out that the ship couldn't port because of bad weather. I called the emergency HAL travel number and they are working out what to do with us (there is another HAL employee here w me and he's been working for the co for ten years! - he knows exactly what to do which is comforting :)

Good news is I get a couple more days in Punta Arenas! I'm astounded by the weather here. Every time I look out the window it's different! (I've attempted to attach some photos here - still figuring out all the ins and outs of blogging)

Stay tuned for what happens next! ;)

In transit to the ship!

I'm currently waiting to board my third and final plane to my destination, Punta Arenas, Chile. I've been awake now for 24 hours and still have a few to go. I'm very much looking forward to my hotel bed!!

Wish I had some funny travel tale to tell you all but unfortunately this was a pretty boring .... No wait! I sat beside an (almost) Olympic wrestler for the USA team! He is now the coach for the USA Olympic team and he was on his way to the Pan/Am games in panama. When I saw him I couldn't decide if I should ask him if he was a boxer or a rugby player (by his ears) I resorted to just asking if he was going to panama for business. He was pretty interesting. Never talked to an athlete before I don't think.

Anyway. Now I'll sip my coffee and try to stay awake or another hour before I pass out on the plane.
Ciao!