4/30/12 day 5: Portovenere, Italy

0900 hours
Of all the things I dig about this boat, definitely the most frustrating is availability of Internet!! It's a "pay as you go" usage system which by itself seems archaic. Add to that, the only
way you can add money to your account is between the hours of 10-12 and 4-6. Not very practical at all.

We are pulling into port in Portovenere, Italy this morning. I am going to try to disembark for a little while between training sessions. Bummed I couldn't get off yesterday in Monte Carlo. Time to make up for it. Maybe bring some Italian wine back to the room for later?! Over and in.

1800:
Had a great afternoon walking around this little city today. Definitely had a "I can't believe I am here" moment. Made it back to the ship with enough time for a quick power nap and then dinner and then three sets tonight. Finally get to play! Feels like I am on some weird nautical themed vacation...

4/29 day 4: Monte Carlo, Monaco

0900:
Another early morning today. At least today I slept until 7. My room is towards the very front of the ship so I feel and hear the waves hit the boat. It's pretty relaxing most of the time. That gentle sway reminds me of the train.

It's raining in Monte Carlo. I need to pick up my schedule and see when and how I can get off the ship and check out the town. It looks amazing from here.

1430:
Today I learned what "in-port manning" was. I was all ready to get "tendered" to Monte Carlo (taking over in a water taxi) when I was informed that I "owed the port money." Confused as all hell, I called my manager on the ship and asked why and how I owed the port money. He explained that I just misunderstood the nice lady and that I was assigned to "in port manning" today. Which basically means that i (along w a bunch of other crew and officers) had to stay on the boat. It's actually a law that like at least 1/3 of the crew stays on the ship at all times, so they split up the duties. Anyway, so I've just been practicing and watching movies in my little crib. Got some gigs this evening. Over and out.

4/28/12 day 3: Marseille, France

Up before dawn today and went out to the crew deck to watch us roll into Marseille. Beautiful sunrise over the harbor. Today I had two safety trainings and then took a shuttle into the old part of town (Vieux Port) and walked around a little bit. To be quite honest, I don't consider it to be an extremely beautiful city... It was a bit run down and dirty. The harbor was impressive and I love the history of the city (it may be the oldest city in France), but there was a ton of construction all over and I didn't have time to really dig in and get a good sense of the town. Anyway, enjoyed a walk and the time off the boat. Played another short set tonight. Oh yeah, I'm here to play music!! Loved playing tonight. Had some fans of the 80s stuff, so rocked prince, peter Gabriel, and tears for fears. The bad news is, I missed dinner. The good news is I probably don't need it... They feed us these huge meals three times a day. Gonna hit the gym and call it. 88 more shows...

4/27/12 Day 2: Barcelona

Expectations, meet Reality. Now, play nice.

Today felt like it lasted forever: up at 430 (never been good at the time change), deliciously traditional European breakfast with rich yogurt, warm baguette, sliced meats and cheeses, loads of fresh fruit and pastries, short taxi to the ship, sign in procedures, load into room and get unpacked, and then spent the next ten hours wandering the ship and meeting other crew. After a basic safety training session, we set sail around 6. I found out that the next seven days is a charter. In this case, a pharmaceutical company has rented the boat and so this isn't a normal week of cruising. Entertainment schedules are set by the renters; it's good news for me because my duties are light and we are headed to Italy! First stop Marseilles!

Everyone so far is very kind and helpful and are diligent in explaining procedures and breaking things down. Crew is definitely family.

My first set on the ship went well. It felt good to do some playing. Hadn't picked up the guitar in a couple days and my voice felt strong and my fingers nimble. First tune played on my maiden voyage: Old man by Neal Young... apt on many levels.

After the set, I visited the weight room for some exercise and called it a night. Yup, you heard it right. Just another day on board the Seabourn Sojourn...

I'd say so far my expectations and reality aren't too far off: sleeping accommodations, food, etc. One challenge that I didn't foresee was Internet access. Everyone, including guests, have to pay for usage. Don't they know I need to be able to blog?!

Over and out, kids.

4/26/12 Day 1: Barcelona, Spain

I made it! After an uninspiring flight from JFK (my in-flight entertainment system didn't work nor did my overhead light, and I couldn't sleep to save my own life), I arrived in Barcelona 930 AM local time. I had been on the move since 415 AM the day before. I landed in Forca Barca territory a bit "shot out," as my friend Shane Alexander would say, but I found the spot where the hotel shuttle was supposed to pick me up with the ease of a seasoned traveler. To my surprise, I befriend a rather anxious looking middle aged man from Florida who is waiting for the shuttle to the same hotel. Turns out he too is a musician. Turns out he is here to work on a cruise ship as well. Turns out, its the same cruise ship as me. Shorty thereafter the shuttle arrives and without discernible words the driver put the pedal to the metal and we were injected into traffic.

At this point all I want is a shower and a nap. As I started assessing my very quaint room, I cracked a smile as I became reacquainted with two very standard things you find in almost every hotel on this continent: the "hose" shower and the "dual action" window.

Almost every shower has this "hose and spray" function which would be fine but europeans don't consider water management; rarely is the shower in an enclosed space. One errant flick of the wrist and you just doused your entire bathroom. On a side note, never seen stirrups in a tub before. This must be a new model.

Almost every window opens not only from the side but also pops open at the top which is perfect for adding some fresh air into the room after a sweaty night at the local discotheque. This way you can still smell the bakery around the corner without showin the world your baguette.

Ahhhhh. Now it's time to "get the toes in the northward position" as Shane would say and make my Spanish colleagues jealous... It's nap time. I'm here and it feels good.

Phoenix>Detroit>NYC>Barcelona

And so it begins... After a relaxing and fun weekend in vegas with friends and loved ones for Carver's wedding, I am ready for this next adventure to begin. No more time will be spent stressing over the details: The house has been prepared for the sub-letter, the travel arrangements set, new songs learned. And I've addressed and wrestled to the ground the other last minute concerns and responsibilities that creep into your mind as one prepares to leave the country for three months.

I depart with few expectations: have heard the good and the bad (and the comparisons to Costa Concordia/Titanic/Gilligan's Island) and am just excited for this opportunity and will experience this with wide eyes (one of which focused diligently on the life boats).

I am grateful for the love and support I have received (especially you Kimberly) and the many words of encouragement. I promise to make the most of this!

4/24/12 Phoenix Arizona

Greetings from Phoenix! 12 hours until the next adventure begins.