Day Five at Sea

Day Five at Sea:

This morning we woke up a little late on accident, got some brdeakfast, then went straight to class. We had the wonderful privilege of having an 89 year old World War II Veteran – Jerry - come talk to our class since we’re learning just about different cultures and this man (who our professor just happened to run into yesterday on the cruise) has literally traveled all over the world. I’ve never met anyone who has traveled as much as he has – he’s been EVERYWHERE! He was the sweetest man and he just came and told us all about his life and where he traveled, how he met his wife, how he delayed moving to the U.S. for 5 years to wait for her and marry her, and he gave us his tips to having a good life (dad you’ll appreciate this):
            Don’t Complain

            Don’t Criticize

            Don’t Condemn

            Be Creative

            Be Compassionate

            Learn to Compromise

He told us all the hardships of growing up in Poland, fighting in the war, and told us horror stories of his wife’s childhood in Lithuania and getting typhoid fever while she was being held as a prisoner by the Russians. Talk about getting a whole new perspective on life. When you hear things like this, the things that seem like such big deals to us seem like the most miniscule problems. I really have nothing to complain about – the Lord has been so good to me and I was reminded this morning to be so grateful for everything and I know mom has taught me that when God gives us a lot it’s so that we can bless others so I was fortunate enough to be reminded of that again this morning.

After class, Caitlin and I took a little power nap and then got lunch, then went to Travel and Tourism class. I definitely learned a lot in there today about customer expectations, especially. Then we went to Flash Mob rehearsal which was fabuloussss I loved it. Then it was pool time! It started raining after a short bit so we went inside for a snack. My waiter told me I should be named “Miss Jewel of the Seas”…I think I’ll take it.

Then I fell asleep for a bit and then it was dinner time! Tonight it was London-themed (in honor of our destination) so we had some great British food. I’ve been able to try some new things this trip which has been great but nothing is too far out of my normal range of taste so it’s never gross or weird…it’s always impeccable.

Tonight was a little bit more of a chill night so Caitlin and I went and played a few dollars in the slot machine at the casino just to say we did but we only played a few bucks and after losing it all we headed back to the room to upload some pictures and work on our class assignments and call it a night early!! Today’s been a little more chill than normal but I can appreciate that since we’ve been going going going!!

Until next time,

MC