Ciao Brazil, Bonjour Europe!!!!

So it’s time to say goodbye to Brazil. I’ve really enjoyed my time here again; I experienced a lot of amazing things and saw even more wonderful places that Brazil has to offer. There were some rough patches and we are all excited to get up to Europe, but I am very happy that I returned to my second home with these crazy Brazilians! :D

For our last Ilha Grande, a group of us rented a speed boat to drive us to the Blue Lagoon on the other side of the island. We also rented snorkeling gear, and spent almost two hours swimming with the fishies and exploring the coast. Again, I felt just like Ariel, I even got closer to touching a fish! Pedro showed me coral that reacted to sound, if you snapped underwater they closed. We also discovered these weird looking fish that almost resembled squid and that changed colors to camouflage with their surroundings. Yuri found a giant starfish that we passed around and studied. It was bigger than my head!!!! I have absolutely fallen in love with these water activities. I have every intention of becoming scuba certified. I get anxious because the ocean is so massive and now that I’ve literally crossed the trans-atlantic, this is ever more real to me. I have the odd fascination with sharks and a desire to see them in the wild. BUT, not while I’m swimming! So, scuba diving is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions!

The morning of our last Buzios, Yuri led our group to the Turtle beach where we rented kayaks and worked our way around the coast of the island. It wasn’t until we rounded the bend in our kayaks and saw our ship that we realized just how far we had walked! We had tendered at the opposite side of the island! After enjoying the beach for a while, we headed back into the city. The others had to get back to the ship to work so Duncan and I headed to Mr. Brad’s Mexican Restaurant for some internet and good food. Then we hit the streets to shop for last minute souvenirs (mostly for him because I got mine last year! I did pick up another pair of shoes though… ;)

We treated Salvador as our last chance to pick up our souvenirs. I accumulated some more hand made jewelry and a cute blanket. Yuri helped me barter down the price for the throw, I’m such a sucker when it comes to that! After our final sail away from Salvador, we had officially started our crossing to Europe. These past sea days I’ve enjoyed the time off; sleeping in and reading a lot. I’ve kept active in the gym though, usually about two hours with Jessica. Then we watch the guest entertainers that were hired specifically for the crossing. There have been the good, the bad, and the TERRIBLE. Bottom of the list was no doubt Helvis, the Brazilian Elvis. My favorite is of course the Celine Dion impersonator, Tracy Shields, who performed last year too.

Jade, my G1 from last contract, has returned to the Vision. Only this time, she’s a guest entertainer! She booked an agent last year for her variety show she was performing during long voyages. Her and her husband have been taking their show all around the cruise ship world, from Norwegian Cruise Lines to Princess, and she is making her debut performance on Royal tomorrow. It’s been so nice to see them again and hear about their success.

Jessica and I both received VIC WOW cards for being “Very Important Crewmembers” and delivering the “WOW” for the ship. Pedro had given her one for helping at the rock wall and Wesley awarded me one as a thank you for taking on the role of G1 for two months. When someone receives a VIC card they get to choose from a list of special privileges. We chose room service and have greatly enjoyed that present for the first seven days of the crossing :D Now I can’t wait for real food back home, some Chipotle is calling my name!!!!

More to come after my first few ports in Europe!!! Love to all!!!!