Arrrrrg - You have NO idea how much I hate packing

A slow drawn out process that litterally was accomplished over the last 7 days!

I hate packing - it's honestly the two WORST times of my contracts - the days before joining and the day before leaving the ship.

Packing your belongings taking the "never ending" trudge to the airport, through screening, waiting at the gates, cramped seating on the flight, rooming in a nice bed the night before (only to find out your rack is TINY onboard - nothing like rubbing it in with a good hotel bed sleep the previous evening - I swear they do it intentionally - LOL).

Having said that - it's always more difficult leaving home, saying goodbye to family and friends. Don't think it's easy though, saying goodbye on board. When you live with a majority of the same crew over a 1/2 year, you really develop friendships and it's quite tough to say goodbye to them as well.

Ah such is the life.

Well everyone - I am off. Friday is my departure day by air and Saturday morning by 10am I will be settled aboard ship and will be looking forward to my first induction session (most likely around 1pm). I wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you all on my return. Please keep your eyes posted here, I will be trying to post about 1x/week - as my time aboard ship permits.