Transatlantic Journaling Part 1

Sunset from the evening of April 6th, 2014

April 7th

Yesterday we embarked on our journey. Line was about an hour to get on the ship. We left too early, so we had to wait. Moises said it was no problem at all. Immigrations when we arrived Friday night was a nightmare. Two hours to get through Immigrations. It bothered me more than Moises, so I decided to call this trip The Land of Waiting. But now that we are here, it all seems so worth it. There is a different rhythm to a transatlantic cruise. No one is in a hurry. I sit now on the balcony with the sound of waves in my ears. The air is fresh and cool, not cold. It is delightful. I am so happy to be here.

The ocean is the color of blue ink. There are almost no waves. The sky is a lighter shade than the sea, with a murky quality to it. I see no birds. No land. But instead of feeling panic, I feel complete peace. The only other sound is that of the ship's engine, a quiet hum that says all is well. I could sit here forever.

me and Jimena

It is now after noon, and the air smells so different. I am not sure if someone is wearing bug spray or perfume, or this is the way the ocean smells far away from shore. The rhythmic lapping of the water is hypnotic and the colors fade in to each other. The light hazy blue of the sky interacts with the inky blue of the sea in a jagged line that pleases me. I wonder if it might rain. I am still dressed in my jogging outfit, and there is no hurry to dress. Should I shower before dinner or earlier? I am thinking of attending a lecture on Ferdinand and Isabella. So far, I like the transatlantic cruise more than I could ever imagine. I am reading a book on my deck. So grateful I got a balcony cabin. I can pretend I got the balcony cabin for Jimena, but I am the one using it most.