The week started off with a celebration, as Harrison completed all of his A-level exams. Now we just wait until mid-August to find out his scores, which determine which university he will attend in the fall. England's system is just a weeee bit different than that of the states; it is hard for me to imagine finding out a month before I started college where I would be going! But, still a time to celebrate this important milestone.
Cake recipe is courtesy of Princess Cruise line when they emailed my dad wishing him happy birthday. Vanilla buttercream frosting recipe courtesy of Belle of the Kitchen. Melting decoration icing courtesy of hot English weather.
Travel
Our hotel is booked for Manchester in September - putting it out there in the universe that we will be taking Harrison to university there.
23 days until we head to Rome - transportation is now arranged. Some ports are easier than others for joining the ship.
TIP: Research your embarking and disembarking ports before you go. And know thyself - what is your preferred budget, level of ease and level of comfort.
The port city for Rome, Civitavecchia (Chih-vih-tuh-VEHK-kee-uh) - Civi (Chih-vee) for short, often surprises folks on how expensive it can be to get to and from.
For the physically fit with minimal luggage, the train is the most independent and economic option. In Rome you would catch the train at either Termini or San Pietro station. If you get on the train in Termini, you have a better chance of finding a seat. However, make sure you are within view (and ideally arm's length) of your luggage. Once in Civitavecchia, it is about one mile from Civi's train station to Via Turco, where you catch the free shuttle to your cruise ship.
Another option is a cruise line sponsored transfer that leaves from Rome's main airport, Fiumicino, or a central location in Rome. Depending on the number in your party, this may be a middle option on the budget, comfort and ease scales.
For the easiest, most likely most expensive option, book a private transfer. Check with your cruise line, favorite travel app/website, or your hotel for options - the lowest I have seen is about 80 euros per person one way.
TIP: Be sure to check you if will be taken to your to ship directly or if you will be brought to Via Turco, where you would catch the free cruise shuttle - not all drivers have the capability to go to the ship directly. This especially surprises people whose cruise ends in Civi, who expect their cars and drivers to be waiting for them after they have collected their luggage.
I have reserved a middle option - a shared shuttle that will pick us up at our central Rome hotel and take us to the ship directly. Unfortunately, I am not a light packer. Even though I will have Harrison's assistance, I don't want to shlep from the hotel to the train station, haul the bags on and off the train, get from train station to the shuttle station, wait in line and then get on and off the shuttle to the ship, and arrive sweaty and probably cranky. I have not used this transportation company before, so hopefully I am not eating my above words and going through those steps listed above....I will keep you posted.
Wellness Round Up
Nutrition: I have often been asked "What is it like to live and work on a cruise ship?" This is a big question and I have given answers of various length and complexity. Often my easiest answer is "It's like being at college - a fairly closed environment, work hard/play hard, and you have to figure out how to take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually." Most positions work 7-days a week. Your "weekends" are all collected and enjoyed during your break between contracts. It is not for everyone, but you get used to the rhythm and having those couple of months completely off lets you (you guessed it) travel and do other things that folks who only have a couple of weeks yearly vacation might find harder to squeeze in.
That being said, as I am now working 30-40 hours/week remotely for a university, I work whether I am on ship or on land. While on land, I now navigate how to work and exercise and cook and spend quality family time and relax in a 24 hour day... This is not new to many, but me, I am learning.
I love to cook, I truly do, but on the weeknights, it has stressed me out a bit. So Harrison now cooks one dinner and Dirk cooks another night. Happy days!
Hydration: Full Pitcher: All days but Saturday (3/4 pitcher). Yippee!!!
Sleep & Stress: Much better this week
Movement: Still getting in walking as much as possible, although this week was a bit fewer steps.
Week 2 of aerial fitness class. Last week I started a four-week beginner aerial fitness course.I was sore from week 1 class for five days....and then I sliced my thumb using the mandoline on eggplant, so I was a little nervous about class this week. I still gave it a go, but was definitely in my head more than my body. Much less sore this week, so onwards and upwards to week 3 next week!
TIP: Find your tribe for fun, accountability and motivation.
That's it for now. Bon Voyage & Bon Appétit!
(PS - Did you know there is a wonderful educational opportunity combining university study and being on a ship? Check out Semester at Sea - my friend C. will be working there and I can't wait to hear about his adventures!)
Post updated August 17, 2024
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