After a few months of working on the ship...

Had a wonderful party with all the Filipino and Indonesian crew members last week. The real cruise ship parties happen below sea-level around crew cabins. One of them dj'ed and we were all dancing like crazy. It was like a mini nightclub. Most Western employees refuse to socialize or associate with the Filipino or Indonesian staff outside of work duties because they're seen as "the help"... such a horrible mindset.

These people are sacrificing a lot to make a better life for their family back home. Their contracts are always 10 months long, straight, without one day off work. They get 1/2 days off sometimes but never one full day.

So picture working 10 months without a break. Unreal. The Westerner employees work straight, without days off, too but their contracts aren't usually longer than 4-6 months. But these house keeping staff and bar/kitchen staff do it because they're making "good money" (read: $40 a day) and are able to support their wives and children back home. So noble. I wish I could just bring everyone back to Toronto, get them working on minimum wage and get proper credit for their hard work.

Anyway, my contract is ending soon and although I'll miss everyone and the sunshine, I'm SO excited to walk by people on the streets of Toronto and NOT have to greet them! Currently loosing my mind from all the smiling and general perkiness required 24/7.

Hi how are you
Hi Good morning
Hi Good evening
Hello
Have a good night
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!

When I lay out on the sun deck (my nickname here is Venezuela by the way, if that gives you any indication of my skin colour) someone will notice that it's me (whispering, "Oh look! It's the host of the cooking show!") and I try to hide with my sunglasses and hat.

I love the job itself though. Hosting this cooking show is one of the best ideas I've had. I'm glad I made the giant leap of faith to go do this on my own. The nutritional reading I've been doing has paid off. Some people even think I am a nutritionist!

As you may imagine, I really don't miss winter. Currently in San Juan, Puerto Rico typing this up in an outdoor cafe with latin music playing on the street. A little Spanish girl named Elena is sitting on my lap.

Valentine's day happened to be the Captain's birthday so 15 VIPS (ya baby!) were invited up to his suite for a party. His room is huge, and his balcony is gigantic. We weren't allowed to take photos but it was a glorious night. I really get along with his wife and she made sure I never had less than half a glass of wine in my hand.

Over and out.