Cruise Ship Life

New York, New York!

2011-12-05T13:53:00.000-08:00

Well I guess its kinda hard to call this my cruise ship job blog anymore. I know I have threaten before about leaving Princess, but I think I already did.

I got off the Sea Princess Nov 12th. I spent two Weeks at home. Visited some friends. I try to get everybody in, but I also went to NY for an interview. So I wasn't in Buffalo the entire time. I did get to meet up with Mary. She's close to the city, which is nice :-)

I asked Princess What my next ship would be. The didnt have one till April. ok... What the hell am I supposed to do for a job till than? Ships... I don't care for. I am not wasting my creative potential on them anymore-Or waiting around for a call for a crappy ship in the Caribbean. F-that man. Because I'm American I'll probably be put on the list of make sure she gets an Alaskan Ship. Well Amber didn't sign up for just traveling to 3 cities in Alaska.

So there was no better time to make my film career work!

I knew I wanted to go there my last contract, but Love got in the way. Hell, I don't regret going to India not one bit. I don't know when I've ever get to go again. It was an experience of a lifetime. Some of my family will never understand.

But Anyway.. back to NY.

I didn't take my car...for obvious reasons. I took the bus there. I wasnt excited to move to NYC. I don't know why. I was nervous. I was a lil.... worried. Not scarred. Maybe Because I really want to move back to LA. lol. I got excited once I saw the NYC skyline though. :-)

I live in the Bronx. When I told my friend Josh. He was shocked. I guess the Bronx has a bad rep. I like it though. I'm not scarred, or feel threatened. I wouldn't want to live right in the city.It doesnt take me long to get to the city. My main job I came here for is right in Cleasea. It's much more expensive to live there. I like where I am. I like the lady that rents to me too. She's really helpful. I never see my roommates either. lol. I saw one, once. lol.

Well the job Front. I pretty much am hired at this commercial company, but it officially starts in the new year. Full time, 9-5 job. I get to edit/produce commericals. My first one is tomorrow. For Rolls Royce. Pretty sweet. There a lot of clients that we have the blew me away. This would be great for me to keep considering its steady.

My problem: I dont want to be an editor. lol. I dont mind it..like the end result and all that. I wanna get more into leading productions. I want to be 1st AD. I need to get back in the feature film Circuit. I hate that I went to ships. I loved the traveling, but it did nothing for my career. Except give me more experience in an area I do not want to be in. I thought I wanted to go further in Camera. I came to realize I really want to start being a leader. I want to be a 1st AD. I seen some great ones in action thinking "man, I wanna do that!". I've also seen some really bad ones thinking "Man, I can do such a better job."

I came to NYC being ok with the job that I was moving for. NYC does something to you. My ambitions went right where they use to be like when I moved to LA. MY ambitions came back with a vengeance. Like I Understand what my sister meant by "it feels like you given up on your dreams." Now, the conversation was pertaining to the guy I was with. It wasn't the Guy. It was the job I had. I still had a lot of stuff on my mind with what I wanted to do, but I felt kinda ... not completely with it. I didnt realize by how much.

So my plan...Work my way up. Get what I want. I have to go after it. I don't have this settle for less attitude. I cant. I have to make this work. I know I am sharp. I know I have killer skills on set. I know it. I may sound like I have an ego, but I know I can kill it. I will work at it hard as hell here, try and get my network built. One obstacle is I don't know anyone yet.Its only been a week. Gotta make it work.

Well starting out in NYC is uber hard. The vibe is this strict, don't fuck with me kinda thing. Which is fine, cause anyone that knows me knows I fit into that. The subway, easy to get. Everyone said its tough, but I had no problems. Just read the signs. look at a map if you don't know the area. common sense kinda thing. I got pissed the first night. I bought a monthly metro-card pass and the damn machine charged me like 3 times! It took 4 days to clear. For some ppl that might put them into a serious bind. Things are a bit more expensive. Like common things like hygiene items. Food is too. luckily I eat simple. lol.

It does get pretty lonely, I don;t no anyone just yet. Its only been a week though ya know. It takes time. Its nice have a few friends here. Josh an I have hung a few times. Its nice. It keeps me social. I hope to meet up with others as well. I will meet more and more ppl as i go for sure. No doubt about that.

Being here, yeah it tough. Everyone here is here because they have some dream. Everyone here, "can kill it" like I can. everyone here has ambitious dreams. they will do what they have to do. But some fall through the cracks. Some give up. Some, you end up being better than. Some, slow down the chase after a while. Hell some are better than me, but they aint stopping me. Getting here, and half the battle. A lot of people that have dreams, and say "oh, I am gonna move to NYC/LA and I am gonna make my dreams come true." Well some of those ppl are making excuses why they cant make the move. They have doubts. they wont take the risk. You gotta try. take the risk no matter what. If your career, and dreams mean anything you have to. Some might even be scared. You cant be. Fear is just not a possibility.

As long as you know your goals, and you work towards them, I admire, and believe in you!

I will let you know how things work out. :-)

Akaroa, Walking Tour

2011-10-30T19:54:00.001-07:00

Originally the ship was due to stop in Christchurch. Unfortunately the town was hit by the earthquake we all heard about, and the town seen some damage. Instead the ship stops in Akaroa. Its about 100km away from Christchrch. You can take tours into the city, but Akaroa proved to be pretty impressive.

We tender into the port, it’s a pretty long tender ride. It’s about 15 minutes away from the dock. I ended up with a walking tour. I was put on that because when I was picking out my tours, Akaroa’s booking form wasn’t included yet. I don’t generally care for walking tours. I can’t seem to get that interested in them. It’s always historical, I don’t mind that, but its usually always about the architecture. I’m not that into architecture, but I have seen some cool houses, into them or not.

Akaroa is really pretty though. My first stop was Auckland, I got to see the cities that New Zealand Has to offer, but to see the hills of Akaroa was really something. I loved seeing the greenery. Everything outside was very pleasant to the eye. It’s kinda the place where you feel like doing a watercolor painting. Or sitting down on the dock and drawing. Bar Harbor, Maine made me feel similar feelings.

The tour started out … well late. Lol. I hate when they’re late it means less time for me on my off time. Walking tours usually mean that I will be trailing behind because I stop and get all these shots after the person does a lil talking. But in the end I always lose their face while they're. So the lav mic is vital. Well No dice. She had an old country dress…one that you would see back when the settlers lived. Well usually there is these straps that wrap around that I can hook the mic onto. Her dress didn’t have it. I had no place to put the mic, I’m not gonna make the chick hold it. lol.

I wasn’t too worried about the audio. Not the end of the world. She talked crazy. Lol. The town was settled by the French, than the English were like …”um yeah were taking this shit yo.” Lol. It was also a big whaler town. She talked about the big iron pots they have in town. Those were the pots that the whale oil was heated in, and distributed out of to the town.

After that portion of the tour I lost interest because we go to the house portion of the tour. That’s pretty much the rest of it. lol.

Thankfully the tour was only two hours. I had time to roam about the small town. The place made me want to get a good coffee. Lol.

The town has a lot of flowers everywhere. It looks really nice. I did find this cool house though, come to find out it’s the oldest house in Akaroa. Walking along the beach is right there. You can see all the people, and kids just enjoying the beach. It’s still cold for the beach though…at least I think so. Lol.

Oh I couldn’t WAIT to get to New Zealand!!

2011-10-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ever since I lived in Australia New Zealand was always on my list to visit. It was a main reason why I decided to join the ship. I didn’t have enough money after traveling around Australia, so I left the area with a lil bit of sadness because I never knew if I was going to ever make it back to this part of the world.

Auckland was the First stop for the ship. I was so excited. Now It wasn’t the sunny, warm New Zealand everyone was expecting. I knew it wasn’t going to be because they are just starting spring. It’ll be like we are back in Alaska. Lol.
The ship docks right in downtown Auckland which is awesome. Right now the rugby world cup is going on. The security is really strict too.

My tour started out with a really friendly guide. We headed to the west coast of the north island. Auckland sits on the east coast. You could see the hills in the distance. We were headed to them.

Our first stop was in one village not to far from Piha Beach. It was a small hike to see this really cool waterfall. Like I said before Waterfalls are kinda getting old, but I always like seeing them regardless. Lol.

We headed to Piha Beach. I loved it! Really Soft sand! Nice views. It was a bit chilly, but it didn’t matter. Massive waves too! I loved shooting there, some of my best video composition for me. It looked a lot like my still photography. It’s where I kinda realized that I need to start shooting video like I do with the still camera. The wind was blowing something fierce, so it made the sand sparkle, and the patterns that it blew across the beach was just so cool looking.

After we headed to a National park where they have Kauri trees. Now these trees are really desired. They grow really straight, and they don’t have branches , so the wood produces nice grain with no holes in it. When the Europeans came to new Zealand back in the day they cut all these trees down because the wood was so good. Now they cut down trees that were about 2000 years old allegedly. The live tree that I saw was only 80 years old, that one was massive. I would have loved to see an tree that is 2000 years old. I gotta make my way to the parks in California to see the redwood trees. Yeah I don’t know I have a thing for trees. Lol.

We headed to this Arataki center. It was basically a center for like the nature the area has, and to describe a lil bit of the culture that is there. It wasn’t my favorite stop. Nice view though.

All in all I liked the tour. Good first impression of the people, and area. I got to go about the city a lil bit with Joe. It was a good day. ☺

Suva, Fiji!

2011-10-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ever since I lived in Australia, and one girl I went to Uni with went to visit Fiji on her break, I always wanted to go there. I remember thinking..."aww I wanna go." lol. Now, when you hear of Fiji you think of Tropical paradise. I was so happy to be able to visit Fiji.

I went out to go on my tour. Another Island drive! Hooray! But we also were going to a village. It was an hour drive to get out there. Before boarding the bus, the air was cool, the sky was cloudy, the locals weren’t what I was expecting. I don’t really know what I was expecting the locals to look like. Lol. They were light skinned, with really course afros. They all had this certain look. The eyes were very distinct. Needless to say it wasn’t the Fiji I was Expecting, but at the same time I enjoyed what I was experiencing, and seeing.

The guide was cool, she kept t real for us. She told us about the dangers, and they people they try to ripe you off and all that. Who to buy from who to avoid. The houses in the city are all fenced in but electric fences. If that doesn’t tell you something about safety … nothing will. Lol. Most locals that you encounter working in the city are coming 3 or 4 hours commute to sell their produce. Out guide as well was under the same scenario.

We were told that they had to stop for lifejackets. Now, there was nothing in the tour booking form about a river cruise. The passengers had no idea as well. I was just as surprised. We all got into these small boats heading to the village. By this time it started to rain. Light rain that wasn’t to bad.

The boat ride wasn’t long. What was long was the waiting for everyone getting into a boat. They only took 4 at a time. We had two busloads of people.

I was finally headed to the village. It was raining full on now. The river ride was really quick, like only a few minutes.

As soon as you reach the village, you see this big church. The guide told us in a village the biggest building must be the church. She wasn’t lying. There were houses, and a school, all in one spot. All the kids were really nice. I had one guide me, I wasn’t really expecting that either. Everyone was really nice. Inside the church there were some drips, some repairs needed as well. It wasn’t like a pristine building. It had character. We gathered there for a few minutes to hear some woman talk where not a soul heard her beside the person right in front of her. Lol.

The school kids started singing, and that’s where Amber started rolling. I hate picking out from out music folders. It’s such a pain finding a good song, so I used the kids singing. Its way better than the music we have. Plus it adds a little something when you have music from that day. I do it whenever I can.

We were there to watch a Kava Ceremony. It was pretty much the same thing like the Ava Ceremony. The kids did the ceremony though. The kids did a few dancing things. I was stuck shooting in the rain. It was really heavy at this point.

It got cut short because of the rain. So, the long bus ride, and the long wit to get into the boats, was for a short visit. I didn’t have much for an edit. So I bothered the kids. Lol. I was asking them about their life. It was good.

After my tour I went out with joe. Let me tell you, I felt like I was back in India! Joe kept saying how it felt like home for him. We had fun going through the markets. We went to a bakery, and got the best homemade swiss roll(ya know the kind you buy in the stores…like little Debbie) ever! We exchanged money so I got some Fijian money for my dad. We had a good day out. Oh, but it still was pouring out. Lol. I remember when I went to buy a postcard and stamps at the post office for my niece and nephew how cold it was going into the building. The ac was blasted. We were wet, and I was freezing!!!

Joe and I heard about what other crew were saying about the port. No one liked it. Needless to say we didn’t see many people from the ship anywhere we happened to be hanging. The y were all scared. They kept saying how unsafe it was, and how scary it was. We just laugh at them. I guess since I’ve been to Bombay Nothing intimidates me now. I guess I have to see reeeeeal bad to be scared. Suva was not bad in the least. It was crowded, but clean. The people were nice too. So, I wasn’t bothered at all. Some people were pissed it was raining, we were on the wet side of the island though, that’s why everything was so green. Joe and I got soaked, but I didn’t mind. My hair has been soft ever since!! ☺ I left being a fan of Fiji!

Pago Pago-American Samoa

2011-10-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

I yet again had another Island drive. The bus was a funky made up short bus. Ya know the kind you had to take going to kindergarten. It was made up cool though. On the inside it was … well the sit were barely there. Lol. Everything on the inside was colorful. Open air, not to bad. It didn’t bother me. Pleasant passengers.

Our first stop was Fatima Futi. It’s is a pair of rocks in the ocean that’s really close to the shore. I thought it was cool. You can swim right next to them. The story behind it is, the king of Western Samoa at the time restricted people to this one island. This one couple wanted to leave. Once the king found out that they left, he turned them into these giant rocks before they got to the other island. There’s more details, but that’s the jist of it.

We than headed to the ava ceremony. Now I didn’t know what to expect about this ava ceremony, but it was interesting. All the ava ceremony is…is this peppery plant they make into a drink, and they present it to the head chief, than others at the ceremony. You can do a blessing and this drink gives you power. Its good for the body the locals say. It was really hard to shoot this ceremony. It was a giant place, but it had these giant pillars around the whole area. I got what I could. Wasn’t that bad, but the pillars were a pain. Add the crazy amount of passengers that attended and I really had a challenge picking out a spot to shoot.

After the ceremony they did a few dances. I like the dances. I am always a fan of seeing dances. They had such energy. The guys dances were awesome. Very nice dudes. They also loved the camera. Lol. They were hams. I wasn’t expecting that.

Afterward we headed to the first church that was built in American Samoa. Nate ended up going to the same spot, so I didn’t put it in my edit.

All in all I liked Pago Pago, American Samoa. The guide was really nice. Oh! I cant forget this…ya know how they say the Samoans are big people….well they weren’t lying. Lol. Big peeps, the kids too. Crazy! It was very clean there too. Some islands you don’t see it being very clean and organized. Oh, something I noticed, they have no cemeteries there. They pay no taxes on owed land. All the land you own is yours, and it cant be taken from you. So, when a family members dies they bury them in the front yard. I saw some elaborate graves too. The higher the status the family member has in the family, and village the bigger the grave.

This port was what I needed after dreadful Tahiti. Lol

Bora Bora-Most beautiful Place in the World?

2011-10-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

I had another island drive in Bora Bora. Now, “they” say that Bora Bora if not one of the most, but the most beautiful place in the world.

From the ship Bora Bora looked really nice. I got going to start my tour. It was an open air bus, with very little room. Nothing like my last tour, sadly. Lol.

The guide was better than my last tour thankfully. She was worried about her English. The first stop was this church, the only thing good about it was the mountain that you got to look at. No one was really concerned about the church. Lol. We than headed to our next stop was a demonstration with sarongs basically. They call them something different. I forget. But it was cool, the chick showed us like 5 ways wear it. Than they did this tie-dye demo, and showed us how they got the shapes on the cloth. They had fresh fruit, and coconut! Ever Since I had shaved coconut that Joe gave me, I love fresh coconut! I had like three pieces. ☺

We made our way to the beach. Nice Scenery, a good look at the mountains. Very nice spot. We had to do a quick stop at this look out, I guess the famous pricey resorts were there. They have the huts there. They look like they are small poor huts, but up close they are massive! They’re like million dollar condos. They are really cool looking, and they are right on the water.

We headed to this other beach, which was called Maitra Beach. I’m pretty sure. It was called that after this young girl, called Matilda. I guess the Tahitians couldn’t pronounce the name correctly, so, thats what came to be, Maitra. Gorgeous Beach. Beautiful Water. Nice white sand.

Our last stop was a famous Bar and restaurant called Bloody Mary’s. A ton of famous people have been there, they have all the names displayed outside the place. I pretty much was like… “whats the big deal?” Well you go inside and you have to take off your shoes, and there is no floor. Just sand. I thought it was really cool. It looked awesome.

Across the street was a dock. A nice look at the water, we could see the ship as well. I loved how the water was so clear.

Now, I’ve been a lot of places. So, is Bora Bora the most beautiful place in the world? I haven’t been everywhere in the world, But I have been to many great places. A beautiful place doesn’t have to be a tropical place. I mean Alaska is pretty beautiful. I will say it ranks high in top most beautiful places in the world....That I've encountered.

The overnight.

2011-10-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

After we Sailed from Moorea at 7pm, we got to Papeete, Tahiti at 9pm.
Every one of the crew members was acting as if it were Christmas day. It was crazy, people cheering in the corridor, yelling and screaming. Than came people dressing up, and getting the pre-game on.

Joe and I had planned to go to the club. It’s rare to get to do anything at night while on ships. I understood the excitement. It was kinda hilarious though. We go to the crew bar- got a couple drinks before we left the ship. I heard about everyone having all these plans to go to the beach and partying and the whole nines. Joe, and I walk off the ship ourselves, than as we keep walking not 200 feet from the ship there are all the people…drinking right on the harbor. Lol. All the plans we heard and they just get drunk right on the pier. I don’t know it was just funny to me. People just get bent out of shape about getting of the ship….than they just plop themselves right next to it. lol

The club was alright…ok I’m lying…there is more to it than that. I loved the fact that me and joe were out having fun. That the atmosphere had changed….right? def wrong. The place changed, but it exactly like being back at the crew bar!! All the people from the ship went to this club. There were less Philippinos excuse, sorry. Lol. But you had the dancers there staring at everyone like they were idiots. You Had the Indians dancing like crazy, and the regular ppl talking away while holding the bar up. The same ol’ people same routine just a different setting. The music was good though-one thing I did enjoy. Yeah a couple of passengers I had on tour in Lahaina were there. They recognized me before I did them. I thought that was weird. They are way younger than all other passengers so it makes sense they were in a club.

Special Note: Its my Nephew's Birthday!!! He's turning 3 :-) Happy Birthday Dylan!

The first of many island drives.

2011-10-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

I had a tour the next morning in Papeete. An island tour. The guide was … very soft spoken, to say the least. He would start a story about whatever we happen to be looking at than just kinda cut himself off, and said “well you know a lotta history behind it.” Which is kinda frustrating for me since I use the commentary that they provide for my edits. I really had to use his audio creatively.

The tour wasn’t bad. The bus…I was most impressed with. I had so much room! I actually got to stand my camera up. Normally the busses are so crammed. The camera is a pain to stay in place, and I have to have a hand on it at all times. This time it was able to be placed right up with room.

We went to this place called Venus point, a park that the locals go to. They had a lighthouse there. The park was right near the water. There were kids playing soccer, or something. Lol. Lots of people there.

We headed to a beach, with a blowhole nothing really I was excited about, but the beach was really nice. I went near the blowhole, and it was different. The water went vertically, instead of up in the air like the blowhole in Kaui’i. On the rocks there were these things, they looked like fish, but insects. I thought they were cool. I wish I knew what they were though.

He than went to see a waterfall. It was a small hike. I wasn’t really expecting. I thought to myself “it better be a damn good waterfall. It better be massive.” I take a few steps further, and it was massive! Lol I was happy to see something good to film. Usually I see waterfalls that kinda look the same. I liked it because it was soooo high.

Than we stopped at one last place where the tomb of the last king of Tahiti was located. It was in just a normal park like where families hang out on weekends. There were kids there too, a few nice one that pretty much posed for me. I put a few shots of the locals in my edit.

The over all feel of Tahiti, I wasn’t impressed with really. They have this snobby thing going on especially if you don’t speak French. Oh and one more thing to add, EXPENSIVE! I tried to buy two post cards, and two magnets, she told me $19! Yeah right. Amber walked right out. Lol. I spent no more time in the city I went on the ship and was looking forward to the next port.

Special Note! Its my Sister's Birthday today!!! Happy Birthday Jen!!! :-)

My French Polynesia adventure?

2011-10-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

The first stop in French Polynesia was the island of Moorea. I was due to take a Sail and Snorkel tour by catamaran.

I was excited at the snorkel part because I haven’t done it since the one time in Alaska.

I had to do this one for the web shorex project…that’s never going to end. Lol.

The guy that ran the tour was French … of course. He barely talked. The other guide didn’t either. Lol. When he did his accent was too thick to really understand him. I haven’t really been exposed to much to the thick French accent. I found myself really concentrating to try and get what he’s saying. It was like my first time in Australia. Lol.

First I have to say Moorea is beautiful. I enjoyed the scenery. The mountains were something I haven’t seen before. There was one that sticks out for sure. It stood on its own really. I liked how it looked so isolated. I enjoyed what was around me.

Now, I loved what I saw, what I felt was another story. The seas were a tad bit too rocky for me. Oi. Sea sickness like a champ. The guy said we were just gonna go down the coast. It was a down and back kinda thing. In the back of my mind I was like I can not do this trip twice! We got into this bay, and thankfully it got calmer. I got my bearings back. Saw a humpback whale too. It was nice. We made our way back the same way we came. Still rough. Blah!

We finally stopped to snorkel. It felt weird to get in the water. I don’t know why though. I had my underwater came, I brought the GoPro for some stills too. It was nice to snorkel though. We had to go pretty far from the catamaran to get to the reef. I liked it though. Really clear water. Lots of coral, and fish! ☺ I liked the tiny bright blue fish.

I don’t remember how long I was out, but we only had an hour. I got back once I saw the crowd go back in. Once on board started talking to Passengers, and got a drink. I love the juices they give you on tours. Some type of liquor was involved as well. Amber was a happy camper at the end of it all.

I got a cool magnet, the people were nice, and I had fun, with decent passengers. It was a good first day in Moorea.

Hawaii Never disappoints

2011-09-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

Well Back in Hawaii and I have to say I am glad I got to go back.

Now Granted I didnt really do much today...well I guess I did. I returned a lame External Hard drive. I got a new one. Hung out with my roomie. I normally dont hang out with peeps in Port, but it was good chilling with her for a bit. She really wanted to go to the beach but my tour kinda shut me down for that option. she made it there though! I would have if I didnt have a tour. Did some shopping. mailed out a pretty big package to my family, and than went on tour.

my tour was the Ali'i Kai dinner cruise. It was a fun time. I went on this one because I didnt go on it the last time I was here, and because I didnt get to see O'ahu from that perspective before.

of course the tour guides were awesome, very nice, and overly accommodating for me. it was pretty easy talking to everyone. I mentioned before how I hate bothering people to wear my mic and all that, no problems this time. The host was really nice.

I had nice things to shoot. Of course the really nice sunset! the coastline, Diamond Head, the night time coastline.

they had dancers...that had a number of different dances. they represented the different cultures in pacific Islands. It was a nice time. The food was .... ok. lol. Nothing to write home about.

I had the shorex manager on my tour as well. Not exactly comfy for me. Her dad talked to me a bit. he was cool. I just feel like I'll get some fucked up warning about something I did tonight. oi. She's really strict. I knew when the tour was over that I had to edit right away. I wasnt happy about it. When I got back though Nathan was editing. .... which I'm like now I gotta wait for this dude. I have a tour in the morning...blah blah blah. Because he told me the day prior " amber we need new footage up as fast as possible so you need to edit after your tour." ok than. Than while I'm dropping my equipment off he just tells me that we don't need to rush. I was kinda shocked. lol. Happy. I now have time to write this blog. lol.

Well right now I am having a draft beer. lol. A real drink! :-)

We are off to Lahaina Tomorrow. I am doing a hiking tour quite early in the morning. This tour is new as well. Hopefully going to get a haircut by my favorite hair stylist dude. Than we have 5 sea days to get to Tahiti.

I took a few pics. I hope they put some spice in my blog entry for the day. lol.

Time for the Crossing, and some changes….some not wanted.

2011-09-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well we are done with Alaska. I do like Alaska, but I’m def excited to cover some land(..and tours for the matter) that I’ve never encountered! The crossing takes awhile. We hit up Hawaii. If you have read my blog since my first contract you know I did Hawaii for a few months. I am happy to go back. I begged Nate not to put me on an all day tour on Honolulu. Lol. And please for goodness sake not Diamond Head trek! I mean not only is it boring, but it just makes for a lack luster edit. The first two times I managed to make something of it, but I think it’s over-rated. Maybe I didn’t when I first did it. Maybe I should read if I wrote about it. lol. It was like one of my first tours. We are hitting up Lahaina again. The best haircut I ever got was in Lahaina! So, I might be getting one while we are there. It was always the same guy I got my haircut from there, it’s just him, so hopefully dudes still there.

We also go to French Polynesia. I am excited for that too. Than we head over to Fiji, than New Zealand to end our turnaround day in Sydney. Joe is excited to see Sydney. It’s cool when he get excited. I say that only because he’s done ships for 8 years, and he’s never been to Australia. I told him he’d like it. But you never know. I didn’t like Sydney the best out of all the things I did, and saw while I Lived there, but it is nice in Australia.

For this crazy crossing..people act like we’re never gonna see the light of day for a month of something. Its funny. Well 4 sea days…I’ve done that before. It not new to me, so maybe I’m more laid back about it…? I don’t know. Me, and Nate had to think about some ads to do for turnaround. We had to start from scratch really. I guess this ship hasn’t done that itinerary before. So there was no stock of NZ or anything. We wrote, and shot a simple commercial explaining who we are, and what we do. I liked it. Shooting it was fun that for sure. I should post some outtakes. Lol. I came up with a commercial that I finished a few days ago. I like it. Nate liked it. When we showed Joe, we took his reaction as a good one. Joe is good because if he doesn’t like it… he’ll for sure express it. So, he took his frst reaction as a good one. I liked it. I was thinking about it for some time. I thought of it while at the crew bar no less while joe was DJ-ing. Nate laughed at me because I had a piece of paper with me while at the crew bar. Than a few days later he told me how he had an idea while he and eve were chilling in the crew bar. See! Sometimes you get your best ideas in a bar. Well maybe not all the time. Lol. We are doing a spoof James Bond-esq type commercial too. We are also making an early bird Special Commercial. I liked the idea Nate had. It involves filming in the gallery while it’s insanely busy. The commercials are fun to do. Although mine was a bit frustrating to complete because I couldn’t find the right music! It was soo getting to me. I left it one night till the next day. It’s better to start fresh.

Morne is leaving the team. His time is up, and he’ll be heading home. New manager is the same one we had before Morne came. I am looking forward to him coming, just not the half that comes with him. Oi. Tracey was really cool, she left like two cruises ago. She was an awesome Asst Manager. Too bad. I hope these next two months go ok. So, far the roommate situation is going good. Seems I sized this girl up on my last contract fairly wrong. It happens. I have done it before. Yssa will be happy to hear that. Lol. My last roommate…oh lord. All I will say is I’m glad she’s gone. Lol. Savio is leaving. Dino is too fairly soon. The team will be sooo different. With Emily, Morne, Tracey, Savio, and Dino going…makes me sad. They are awesome peeps.

I posted some pics from this contract this far. Not too many. I haven’t really partied much this cruise that’s for sure. It’s better that way. Spending less money, less hangovers, and proper sleep. Lol. Trust me I’ve had my night though. Oi. Some crazy cabin parties …that happen to go down randomly…when I least expect to party. Lol. I dressed up for trailer trash disco that we hosted. Really good party. Joe DJ’d. It was a good night!

My contract has been good so far, I enjoyed Alaska, I hope the rest of the contract gets even better.

The Great Alaska Lumberjack Show….Again

2011-09-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

Well it was my last Ketchikan. Sad to leave Alaska, but gotta move on… straight to NEW ZEALAND!!

So excited.

Anyway back to my last day.

I had the day off again. I only did one tour while in port this cruise. Glacier bay really made things weird since it was the day after Juneau. We also got there a bit later than we normally do, Nate knew what I was in for so he decided to take it easy on me.

Joe wanted to see the lumberjack show. I liked it so, I had no problem seeing it again. Its free for crew, so, why not right?

I am not sure if I wrote about this before, because I lost my pics due to the snorkel incident. lol. I have pictures now! It was good that I went back, because I wanted to get pics again. I think these are better too because I didn’t have to shoot/work. I got better action shots with my own camera.

It was what I expected. Joe liked it. He missed some of the humor…only because you have to be from this area, and by that I mean Canada or America to sometimes know what they are referring to. He didn’t miss it all though. I was glad he enjoyed the show.

It was a good show. Our side of the audience won…I was on the American side not the Canadian side. Booo Canada…sorry all my Canadian friends. Lol. The two guys on the American team really were tearing it up. They almost won just about everything.

My favorite event is the tree climbing one. I like it, but it goes so fast! Like in 10 seconds it’s done! A lot of the events are fast. Anything with chopping wood was a bit longer for obvious reasons.

They did this one event where they hulled this log up to hit the two standing logs. The first log to hit won. I didn’t get any pics because I was kinda like “what the hell are they doing?” lol They didn’t do it last time.

The American Team won over all. I was happy. Joe and I got to do something in port, me not working, not arguing with each other, no rushing-A great time in port. We don’t get to do much with each other in port…tourist-y wise. It was nice to finally have time to do something like that for once.

We even got a picture with the lumberjack dudes. Lol. See, I am making a liar out of myself. I never do the picture tourist thing, but this contract I find myself more and more doing the pictures with me in them. Lol. I think that’s three so far. I hate getting my pic taken, but I like having them in the end. lol. Joe wanted it because we never get to do stuff like this together. Joe though loves getting his picture taken though. He’s all for doing touristy stuff. Maybe some of it is rubbing off on me. Lol.

Good Bye Skagway

2011-09-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

My last Skagway and it was spent….in the early morning editing…than trying to nap around 10am. Than once I realized I needed to go to the store I got up at noon to spend like two hours on my phone getting fresh air.

Last Skagway I was on the Skagway streetcar Tour. This tour guide was awesome. She knew how to tell a story. I loved the tour just for that. It was about the gold rush of course.

There was this part of the tour where we go in and they start the show (while I fiddle with my tripod because it was being stupid) but the show was lame. Lol. They made the biggest deal about me not filming and it was lame anyway. Lol.

The best part of the tour was when we went to the cemetery and Mariah our tour guide told the story of Soapy Smith. I liked her rendition so I put it in the edit. I wish I had more visuals. I got what I could for b-roll. I downloaded some pics to kinda kill some of the lame visuals I had. When she told some of the story on the streetcar I got noting but the back of her head. Lol.

My last Skagway was…uneventful unfortunately. I did get a last minute gift for my dad though. He’s hella hard to get a gift for. Oh! And I got my Triscuits! Lol. As well as a coffee, and coffee cake. But me being sleep deprived, I was more concerned with grabbing a napkin for my condensating drink , and I left my coffee cake on the counter! Well I saved myself from eating junk. I would have liked it though! I blame me being tired, and delirious. Lol. My sister called me stupid. Lol which….I was haha.

I don’t have many pics from the tour of the street car, so I added a few I took while in port. ☺

My Best Glacier Bay!

2011-09-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have had such bad luck with the big events of Alaska. Those being Glacier Bay, and the Tracey Arm DVD. They have to be longer, and a bit better in quality than an average tour Edit. Ya know you have the ranger, or naturalist commentary, with the scenics, and all that jazz.

Every cruise me, and Nate would alternate the big edit. Well I was doing good with the wildlife, but Nate- every time he would have the big edit he had the best freakin weather! He got one flawless Glacier Bay, and one really nice Tracey arm, and the ship was able to get even closer to the south sawyer Glacier! A really great edit! I always get up hella early and you can’t see anything! Even when I shoot sailaway…you couldn’t even see the Golden Gate Bridge until the ship was right underneath it!!

The nice day I was supposed to have Glacier Bay I was sick, so Nate got the great weather again!

Well, this time it finally happened! I had a great day to shoot in Glacier Bay. Nate got up early to get the rangers onboard, and he got some beautiful morning scenic shots!! Really nice colors, and everything.

I really enjoyed the day. It’s a long shoot day, but worth it. We got there later than normal. I had Ranger Emily for my commentary again. She does good commentary. It was nice to work with someone that I worked with before. You usually have a different ranger onboard doing the commentary each cruise. She is good with doing the intros, makes it easier on me. Lol.

All the footage didn’t get done capturing till like 9pm. I didn’t start editing till 10pm. Of course I napped, when I got to editing I didn’t feel all disorganized like I did my first Glacier Bay which was good. I wasn’t getting tired, and it was around 3:30am. I just kept going, it ended up being 6:30am. That’s when I started to get tired. I just decided to finish it. I was up till like 8am editing.

It ended up being like a half hour. I think it’s alright. I like it. My last Glacier Bay even though it was gloom, and doom out I thought the edit was alright, too short though. I really condensed things too much. I just didn’t have enough scenic shots. You couldn’t see anything. Lol. This edit was better, for sure.

Finally My last whale watch for the season!!

2011-09-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

My only tour for the cruise, and it was whale watching. Booooo. Nate did whale watching last cruise, so I was stuck on lame whale watching for the last cruise in Alaska.

It was evening whale watching, which meant I got a full on meal.

It was nice in Juneau. Which doesn’t always happen. The sun was starting to go down, it made for some nice scenic shots.

When I got on board there was a big table set up with food. I hadn’t eaten yet so I was happy. Lol. The whale watching was a bit different though. We went out, but than we kina just chilled in the same spot. When you go on the regular whale watching they travel a bit further down the channel…or fiord or whatever. Lol.

We didn’t see much. That nice scenery was about it. We saw some humpbacks that were “napping” apparently. It was hard to get in front, But than again I didn’t try that hard either. It was cold as hell out even though it was nice-“looking” out.

There was one cool thing that happened though. Everyone was looking off the port side of the boat, I was in the back, so, I was just chilling. No whale was coming up anytime soon. I was chilling near the back, I was looking toward the sunset, and I just happen to see a whale just poke its head out of the water. Not a sound was heard, but it was massive close to the boat. I pointed to show a passenger, but slow reaction- she missed it. I was amazed. That never happened to me. The naturalist was kinda … well not the best. Lol. She was nice and corporative, but not the best for good sound bites.

I did eat. My cool whale encounter, and the food was the highlight. Pretty sad. Lol They had blueberries. I noticed no one really liked the blueberries. What is wrong with these people!? I love em. We never get them on the ship…well at least they aren’t readily available to crew.

After I had my fair share of food, some more solitary whales not doing much. Than we made our way back. The sun was setting- very beautiful. On the other side of the sky the moon was rising. I liked all the colors. Oranges, greens, blue, purple. Just great.

It wasn’t a bad day in Juneau. The good thing about Alaska in the last days of the season-SALES! All the stores close pretty much when the ships aren’t there...which is all winter. So they try to get rid of as much as possible. So, if you are planning a cruise, the last few weeks of the season aren’t to bad to go. I got some last minutes gifts for my niece, and nephews, and small things for someone I might forget once I’m home. Lol. It happens.

Haines-My first Live Bear Encounter!

2011-09-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

For a very Small town I actually like Haines. The wildlife cant get any better besides actually being in the middle of some random woods. Lol. All the best tours are there.

When I did the Wildlife Kroschel Films center other ppl that were on the ferry raved about seeing these bears. So, I decided to take that tour and try my luck.

It was the Nature Hike, and wildlife expedition tour.

Our two guides were these enthusiastic chicks. Very cool. Very laid back. Made you feel comfortable. Straight away they said “Our goal is to look for bears. Is that okay with you guys?” of course that’s okay. That’s what we came for!! Although I want to see a wild moose really bad. :-/

We headed north along the river. Nice views. This tour happened in mid August If I remember correctly. They said that is perfect time for seeing bears because the salmon are coming in at this time.

At our first stop for sure the bears were there. Brown bears, a mother and three cubs. I was … on awe really. Finally a really bear …in the wild!

I got really good footage of the bear going along the river looking for salmon. Than the mother bear went swimming. Very cool. The cubs were two are first, than the third appeared. We stayed there for a few minutes. It was raining, but it wasn’t freezing. I got some nice shots of an eagle, and the scenery! Very nice!!

Than we moved on further along the river to the lake. One thing I love about Alaska is the color of the water. The glacial silt of course makes it that way. But it never gets old to me. The lake had a nice view for sure. I did a 180 pan of still to seem together later.

We were about to leave. We all got on the bus, than this lady like damn near screamed “ ooooh there’s a bear. Look!!” There was this massive bear on the road, just coming from the forest!! They crossed the road to get to the river, and lake.

They were scary close! Very awesome shots of the bears just chilling in the water, and swimming. This mother had two cubs, and she also had a fishing rod in its mouth ☹

We were right above them!! So close. We stayed to take a look for a few minutes. We went back to the first set of bears to see what they were doing, to see if they were still there.

They were! This time on the dam type thingy catching fish! Saw them really jacking fish up. Lol

We eventually had to leave there, but headed back to the lake to check the 2nd set of bears out, and to take this joke of a hike. Lol I took some footage of it, but never used it. the bears were still chilling in the river, but we checked them out from down the road. Hey I was okay with it gave me a different shot.

We were pretty much done with the bears. But we headed to this old bakery, well it used to be a bakery, until all the woman’s kids went to college and that. The property was on some awesome land. Very nice. Harbor seals, eagles, nice scenic views! Than the ladies showed us were this eagles nest was, and it actually had some baby eagles in it! Usually you seem the nests, but nothing is going on. You had to look through the hole of trees just to get the right view of it. Had to be at the right angle, and position to see it. I thought it was cool. I managed to get a shot of it with my camera, but they had this scope to see the nest up close. Amazing these scopes! So clear, I could see everything!!

After that we ate, num-num. Always a good ending to a tour. Lol.

Great tour, my first Bear sightings, and such a good one! I never got lucky on the ship and never saw one on shore or anything. Well I’m glad these were my first bears!

I also in my magnet collecting made my Haines magnet be a brown bear to represent my first time seeing brown bears! Yes, Dork, I know. Lol.

The Bering Sea Crab Tour

2011-09-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

I knew I had to do this tour eventually.

Its been on Reflections soooo many times. I've had other videographers rave about it.

frankly I was sick of this tour, and I never have been on it myself. I had no interest to do this tour simply because people do that "Omg Its soo great, ya gotta do this tour!"

I requested this tour because there are some guys that were on the deadlist Catch(the show on Discovery channel) I knew my mom liked the show(or at least i think she does...i could be mistaken. lol) But I thought to myself " Amber you gotta do it at least once"

So I did it.

Right away the Captain came up to me, we introduced ourselves, and he immediately had suggestions on where I should shot from. awesome. You could tell they have been used to having the Videographer on board. I didnt feel like I was bothering them with anything. Was totally comfortable with asking question and about them wearing a mic. (sometimes i hate to ask cause you know ppl are just not ok with it. you hate to have that friction there right off the start of the tour)

On this tour there was a lot of story telling. I loved everyone! The personalities of all the crew were stellar! I really enjoyed this tour.

They did everything live. getting the crap pods, letting us look at them up close and personal. The snow crab people got to hold.

We also go some really great views of some Bald Eagles. Closer than I usually get to see them. There was this ginormous Nest! there was also this nice Pair just chilling on top of a tree. We were really close to shore. Very awesome.

The one guy told a story on how him and his fellow crewman almost died in freezing temps. Captain Dave talked about how He got started, and why he keeps coming back to Alaska. He actually went to school for business. His parents DID NOT want him to get into fishing. It can be dangerous. Worry is warranted I think. Hell I'm on a cruise ship and mom still worries about me. lol.

I loved the tour!! I remember my one senior (that I had for only 2 weeks-but anyway lol) how he told he did this tour every cruise. I was like "wow dude" lol. He loved it. I immediately thought of him when I was done and thought..." yep he was right!"

I liked it so much i was a dork again and got my pic with the dudes. lol

Finally Some Black Bears

2011-09-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well this tour was all about the bears.

I went on this one before,and DID NOT SEE ONE BEAR. It was too nice a day in Ketchikan. Too hot. just nada on the Bears.

A couple cruises later my Senior does the same tour, and he got mega Bear Footage! Phenomenal! I have to say as a videographer... i think we all strive to get the best fooage(that includes best of other videographers-lol) That was last cruise.

This cruise I was determined to get some black bears. I got Brown Bears in Haines. I wanted to add that experience to my collection.

Went out early morning. Now Nate's tour was in the afternoon. Time of day sometimes is everything ya know. As soon as i remembers that i went in the morning last time i thought "oh no I aint gonna see one damn bear....but wait it hella cold out, maybe I'll get something"

So the tour goes on... the tour guides are on the radio" hey, has anyone spotted anything?" no one spotted anything.

We are on the suspension bridges (its over the habitat to not interfere too much) I get some scenics (and I must say I got some SICK shots) An hour goes by...NOTHING! I start think "shit...another wasted tour. I gotta make an edit out of eagles and Salmon."

SO than This one lady spots the Saw and two cubs.

PRAISE JESUS!

hahaha. I was like finally. I might get something decent. They stuck around long enough to get a good edit. its was just that small group, but dammit god enough. The one thing i got that I thought was cool was one of the cubs climbing the tree!! very cool.

I got some blue Herring as well. I thought that was cool. They have this raptor center where they have a rescued Owl, and Bald eagle. I just dont care for filming that stuff. I like the WILD aspect of Alaska. I feel cheated when I see animals in captivity and they pass it off as wild. they are rescued...thats great and all, but i'd rather see them in the wild. I mean I am lucky to see most of the stuff I see, but >>>ok ok ok. I am being picky. I cant help it. maybe I'm spoiled with what i've gotten to do!

I am lucky!! Turned out to be a good day!

I have to catch up!!

2011-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

So I havent posted in forever! I know I am sorry> I've been up to alot. Enjoying my job/time on the ship. I just never have time to get online and post something...with pics. :-( uploading video is just nearly impossible.

Today I was forced to go on this tour that involved shooting for the dreaded web shorex project. This damn Project has been going on for like 2 years! I think more than that actually from what my Senior tells me. F-ing ridiculous.

Well This tour was the Mendenhall Glacier Canoeing Adventure. I did something similar to this last year when i first was in Alaska. I had no interest in doing it again. I'm a variety type person. if I already did it... the Spark is gone ya know.

well back to the tour. This tour was a simple canoe up to the glacier have a quick snack... and canoe back. I wasnt really looking forward to this tour not only because It was something i had already did, but because when I looked outside it was dreadful. rain, cold, not a very picturesque day for video thats for sure. I also only had 4 ppl from princess with me on tour as well.

When we go the spot where we "launch" the canoe, if you will, weather was great! Sun was great, with beautiful clouds. Just gorgeous. I also did not have to canoe. everyone was ok with that. it was surprising. We had some other ppl on the canoe with us from other ships in port.

I have to say the fact that everything was so pretty it was worth it. We canoed by icebergs! It was awesome. I got some really cool shots. I hope when I review it it isnt too shaking since i had to do handheld. I dont think it looked bad ....while shooting, but when you review it it s different story.

We got closer and closer to the glacier...of course it got hella cold. lol. I was prepared thankfully. lol. We got so close...we started thinking....myself included.."um how close are we gonna get to this glacier???" lol We saw a glacier waterfall. Some perfect blue ice! than we went to this one iceberg...it was an archway. very cool. I got to touch the glacial ice! I was so excited to be so close to something that massive....and pretty that I asked for someone to take a picture of me in front of this iceberg! I NEVER do this. It is rare that I get pics with me in them.

Absolutely breathtaking tour! So glad I got to cover this tour. the Passengers I was with to were hilarious. Very comfy to be around. fun Ladies. they did an awesome interview for me!

A Once in a lifetime Whale Watching Adventure.

2011-07-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

In Juneau it was my turn to do the whale watching. We always have to do the whale watching, it’s a main attraction for Alaska.

I think I am becoming…more professional. Before I use to be like “oh I don’t want to bother people with a mic, or bother them by asking them anything” blah blah blah. Now, I think like… ”If I don’t ask them I’m gonna have a shitty edit.” Lol

So, I sought out the naturalist and mic’d her up. She was good with her narration. I used a great del with it.

I’ve done too many whale watching edits with just music. If I get bored watching damn right other people are gonna. Lol. I mean part of the tour is learning about the animals we are desperately trying to see. A little educational narration helps keep it interesting…also let you know what the hell you are seeing. Lol.

The tour started out with one Male Orca whale. By himself….which is not the norm with Orca whales. They’re usually in large pods. I got some okay shots. My editing made them better. Lol. I thought “okay Orca whale….off to a good start.” I got a little bummed because This tour was packed!! I had to battle to get a spot…which I normally don’t have to do.

We moved on to see a number of Humpback whales chilling out. The naturalist counted 6 whales. They started bubble net feed. Which is always cool to see. I could not for the life of me get a good shot of this. It happens at random. You don’t know where they’ll pop up. I had passengers in my way. I kept missing where they popped up. I was getting frustrated. I mean Yeah I got some good tails and fins and al that jazz. I couldn’t get the great stuff. I missed the ONLY whale breeching because a passengers head was in the way. I was bummed! I was determined. At this point I started praying. Lol. No lie. Whale watching to me is a by luck thing- at least I think so.

We move on to a different area. We hit a pod of Orca Whale. YAY! Prayers were answered. I got a Spy Hop, and a few jumps. I was happy. We left the area, and stopped at this island where Habor seals hang out. We start to head back to the dock. The end of the tour was approaching. I thought well I got some decent stuff. By this time it was still a really good whale watching tour. Better than most I’ve had. We stop again, I was like ok last chance to get something good. There were a crazy amount of whales. I got a spot in front thank God. At this point I didn’t know what was gonna happen since there were so many I just kept recording. All of a sudden right in the center of my frame 14 humpback Whales come up to gulp all the fish from bubble netting!! I was shocked. I didn’t zoom, move the Camera or anything. I left the camera there to record. Lol. They were so close.

I thought to myself “yes, that just made the best whale watch, and the best edit I’ll do.” Than a “Thank You Lord” quickly after. Lol.

I felt extremely lucky that it happened right in front of me. The only thing I wish I did was have my boom mic attached not just the lav mic for the narration, just so I could have gotten the noise from the whales. They were that close that I could have picked up some crazy epic whale audio.

My whale watching edit has gotten a lot of attention. I am lucky!! I did some cool zooming in and slow motion in the edit to kinda slowly relive what happens. When I was watching it I felt my self wanting to see that part once again….and again. So I did one regular run through, than scaled in and slowed it down. Worked out really good.

I don’t think I’ve ever have such a great whale watching experience. Orca whales, breeching, spy hop, and a crazy amount of Humpback Whales bubble net feeding…I don’t think it get better than that.

Oh but wait…it did. We pull up the dock and the passengers are disembarking. I always get off last. I was just chilling, than this passenger says to me “hey if you want a free shot there is this eagle right on the shore.” I said “REALLY?! I rushed upstairs on the boat, and there was a Bald Eagle eating a salmon right on the shore. I couldn’t get a steady enough shot on the boat. Finally I get off, and I get a great close up of the Eagle.

Great day! ☺

Snorkeling in Alaska?!

2011-07-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

I know I haven’t written about tours in a while. Funny story… I got lazy and didn’t dump my photos from my memory card to my hard drive. And they got … well deleted.

No pics … If I don’t have any I don’t feel like talking about the tour.

Back to the tour. Snorkeling in Alaska? Well I saw it on the tour excursions list and I thought “well that has to be interesting, exciting, cold, but most likely worth it.” So, Casey granted my wish, and put me on it this cruise. I was scared, and very Excited!!

I took the GoPro with me instead of taking the underwater cam with the underwater housing. I thought “oh this should be great.”

I was running late... late is just before on time. Lol. I always seem to be in a rush for tours. Tsk tsk. But I grabbed the GoPro…without a dam memory card. I didn’t sweat it I had a 16Gb in my own camera. No problem. I took a few shots. Than it was full. WTF?! I had to delete all my photos that I had on it in order to shoot my tour.

I don’t think it’s a big deal. I did the lumberjack show, Mendenhall glacier, and the Alaskan Husky mushers camp, which I’ll do all again guaranteed. Shame on Amber for not staying on top of her blogging.

Well the tour started off with us putting on 7-mil wet suits. From head to toe we are covered, even out hands. Oh my lord it was a challenge in itself to get the suit on. Worst part of the tour. We headed to the site, and slowly approached the water, and it wasn’t cold at first because we were so hot from having them on for more than a few minutes. It became a bit shocking than soon I got used to the temp.

The first thing you see is a massive amount of jellyfish. Not just one kind either. Super tiny ones, big ones, these colorful ones. Crazy amounts. I was surprised to see so many in Alaskan waters. Than you notice all the starfish. Lots, and lots. Purple, red, orange, the ones you see all the time, and the ones you never get to see. I saw crabs, schools of fish, these cool plants… Kelp they’re called. Amazing colors. Snorkeling here blew me away. I def want to do it again.

I ran out of space on my card…even with deleting my photos. Turned out that the GoPro…I must have hit something I didn’t mean to while in the water. It took all these pics ended up taking massive space. ☹ I got a tiny edit out of it. Not my best underwater that’s for sure. I don’t like the Gopro for underwater…at least not for shooting tours. Def use the GoPro for fun underwater stuff though. It’s just not as crisp a shot like the Sony with the underwater housing.

I got stung actually. The only skin you have exposed is a small portion of your chin, and lips. I got stung under my lip. It hurt for a lil bit, but subsided after a few hours. You can’t avoid the jellyfish. Lol. It was amazing. I recommend this tour if you ever to Alaska. It was in Ketchikan. I think they have a site in Juneau as well. I wasn’t expecting it to be so clear either. I saw more in this one hour in the water in Alaska than most of my snorkeling in the Caribbean and Hawaii. Although seeing sea turtles is always cool. Lol.

The flip in my attitude

2011-07-27T13:22:00.001-07:00

I joined the ship with such a not so much of a negative attitude, but I felt obligated to be here…ya know to live, basically to support myself…ya know the make the living. I hate feeling like I have a certain job because I HAVE to have it, rather than a job I would like to have, and enjoy. I always feel like I am trying to find a way out.

The funny thing is there is a lot of opportunities are knocking on my door. My restlessness I guess is subsiding, or I just have a different outlook on the job status. To be honest I hate being freelance. The constant looking for work gets old. Yes, it keeps things interesting in terms of “oh hey I don’t know what’s next,” but I crave some stability now and than. I like traveling, but I don’t want to keep looking for jobs, and uprooting myself over and over. So, I took a look at my job currently. I have been enjoying my position on the ship, like I use to. Maybe I finally found my routine, or whatever you call it. I get to go on awesome tours. I get to see shit everyday that most people will never in their life get to see! My skill on the camera is crazy better than what they were my first contract. Yes, always room for improvement though for sure. Things are better. But it may be due to my supervisor, and manager. They leave soon. ☹ So, I have to adjust to new peeps soon.

There were a lot of little things that were getting to me. And they all built up to where I had to talk to my manager. He suggested talking to my senior. Well the conversation happened after a formal night when I was cranky as fuck, and I was so tired of being talked to like a child. I kinda walked away from my senior to avoid a fight. But than we talked about a half hour later, and sorted everything out. After I talked to my manager, I was better, than after I discussed the issues with my senior that’s when my attitude changed for the better. I don’t mind talking to my manager…I’m comfortable talking with him about issues, even a personal issue I was struggling with. I don’t think I’ve had that before where I felt okay talking things out.

The only thing that sucks is I no longer have my own cabin. Mine, and Joe’s vacation is over. lol. But on a serious note… my new cabin mate makes me miss some of my old cabin mates. Nine-Because she was so tidy and clean, Yssa and Kathleen because we hung out and got along so well. I miss you guys!! ☹ Yssa especially because she didn’t have a problem with Joe ever being around. I mean with Amber comes Joe. That’s how it goes. Just because our cabin mates cant handle being social doesn’t mean we avoid each other. Fuck that. My cabin mate now- is like super touchy when it comes to … just about everything. Very anti-social. Her, and her BF on the team have this theory that management hates them and is sabotaging them. So, she doesn’t hang out with anyone really. We talked before. But ever since we became roommates she’s more stand off-ish. I’m not even in the cabin a lot. She basically has it all to her self. Oi! She has sooo much stuff. I don’t understand it, and its everywhere. I hate clutter! Maybe I’m too much of a neat freak. But just clean up…a bit…at least sometimes. But I guess I have it ok compared to what Joe has to deal with. That guy is an asshole. Very conniving. So, I think I might be switching cabins if I can finagle it just right when Casey leaves.

So far things aren’t horrible. Minor things, but nothing that has pushed me over the edge to just say “Fuck this.” It helps I have Joe here too. Lol.

Oh I almost forgot…Casey and I are the only Video Team in Alaska (there are 7 total I think in Alaska) making our budget, and turning a profit. ☺ Head Office did notice. Lol. So, with the new senior I hope we keep it going.

I’m happy I get a lot of great feedback about my edits, from crew and passengers. I def improved. That makes me happy. ☺

Amber is a Happy Camper.

The Kroschel Films Wildlife Center-Haines, Alaska

2011-06-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

My senior did this tour a while ago. She mentioned how great it was. It involved animals. Usually anything that involves animals we do because passengers love it, and when its shown on TV we usually sell more.

>Now, we docked in Skagway… which meant we had to make our way to Haines. I don’t really like Skagway…but the port has the best tours. Going into town is weird though. Lol.

With the Skagway Dock its like forever long!! It takes more than a few minutes to get from the Ship to where you meet up for your tour. I do like it though cause there is a ton of room. Some docks are so small and cramped.

After meeting up with the guide, we had to take a 45-minute ferry. While on the ferry I’m thinking to myself “what’s the big deal about this place?” It’s a wildlife park. Now, if I have to go see wildlife in a park, I don’t consider it wild. I don’t know something about the “park” aspect of it. I was like “This is gonna be lame.”

I didn’t shoot anything on the ferry. I don’t know why I decided not to. We got to Haines finally, and I was like yay…finally. WRONG. We than hopped on a bus to get to the place, which took 45 minutes! I’m thinking Its 1 ½ hours to get to this place… which I have to do on the way back. 3 hours in transit didn’t make me a happy camper. At this point I’m already at the cranky stage. It took me awhile to wake up that morning. But the Bus driver started talking about Haines, and I took in the scenery and I woke up quickly. I Became very alert. I started to forget about time. I forgot about how long of a day I would have. I just enjoyed. I again did not shoot anything on the bus ride.

The decision to not shoot anything was a funny thing with me. I started to argue with myself in my head because... the 45-minute ferry, and 45-minute bus ride was all part of the journey. It was part of what the passengers experienced. The transportation wasn’t bad, because you took in nature, and knowledge about where you were visiting. All the time I was kinda unsure what to do. I didn’t shoot, because the edit was going to be about the wildlife center … and that’s it. I hated this thought. It was weird for me not to shoot while in transit. I usually do.

We drove down the only highway in Haines- “Haines Highway” lol. And the whole way I got a nice view of the Chilkat river, and mountains, birds. It was awesome. Than we made a left turn down Mosquito Lake rd. The Bus driver starts to tell us about this place. She tells us how at the end of the road there is this beautiful lake. Gorgeous View, Just lovely. But, the lake- its totally bombarded with mosquitoes! Eeeek. Well As we kept traveling down this road I kept thinking “I really hope this place is not right near this lake.” We just kept going and going. I’m getting more and more uneasy about how I have to deal later with getting eaten alive while shooting. Than we finally stop. “Thank goodness!” I think to myself. We got off the bus, and the bus driver gives us a drop of this bug repellant stuff that smells like lemons. She says “put it on the back of your hands, and ears and you won’t get bit.” I, right away was thinking yeah that wont work for me. No matter what bug repellant I use, I still get massive bites. I take the drips anyway. Why not, right?

We all are off the bus now, with the lovely scent of lemons all around us. There is this cheery, small guy waiting for us. Steve was his name. My first thought was how he just jumped right into it, than it was ”how am I gonna stop this guy, and get this mic on him?” It was not windy, and he had a good speaking voice ... not much noise around where we were so, I let him go awhile without a mic.

He tells us how he got there doing what he does. He used to play and take care of animals since he was a small boy. His parents use to rescue orphaned animals, and he’s been doing it ever since. As he spoke I grew to really like him, and feel his passion for what he does. It got me excited for what I was gonna see.

He took us in, and the first thing he tells us was about big foot. Yes, Bigfoot. Lol. He said some time ago he went out on a search for this creature. He had some drawings from this artist that did those descriptive drawings. People would go to this lady, and tell her what they saw and she drew it, like those police drawings of suspects. Well we went on to tell us how he was out doing research for a few months in northern Alaska. He went to the areas where people say they have seen them. He says he actually found some interesting things out there. He found primate hair, which there are no known recorded primates in Alaska. He found footprints that were massive, that had fingerprint markings within them, like our feet. He talked to residents, and one guy said that since they have the big camera with them that Bigfoot would never come around if there was a camera around. They got no photographic proof, but I still loved the fact that he shared the story. I feel like it made somewhat of an argument. There are lots of animals out there that we don’t know about, or haven’t discovered yet. Man nowadays finds it hard to believe that in this day in age that we possibly do not know something.

The first animal we see is a few Cross Foxes. They were cute. I got some good shots…challenging for sure. But I nailed it. lol. We than moved on to see a weasel. Fast lil things!! It was cool though. I was totally into this tour at this point. Once thing I like about Steve is how he led us to the next area, and he had to spot the animal before he told us what it was. He kept us engaged. It was nice. You had to play the guessing game on where it was, and what exactly you were looking for. He went into this fenced area with a bird on a string attached to a stick. He swung it around than this Lynx pops out. It was a very nice looking cat. It was cool you got to see him pounce, and play.

Steve than tells us about the next animal. How, as a baby the mother was shot, and they adopted it. The animal’s name was Kittie. It was a big fenced area. It was nowhere to be found. Than he says “oh she’s swimming” so we look out and it’s a fucking grizzly bear playing in the water. Lol. Than the bear goes over to the big fenced area where we looked for it earlier, and Steve goes in there to start feeding him oatmeal. Lol. He’s talking to us about Kittie, while he’s scooping organic oatmeal, and Kittie thoroughly loves the meal. Lol.

The tour was long, but it didn’t feel that way. We saw so many animals. A few weasels, and animals related closely to the weasel. I saw a porcupine. This other guy joined us, Mario, and he told us about porcupines, how they don’t shoot their quills. They do this lil shake and some fall off, but they don’t shoot them.

I got to see moose. Which I was excited about even though it wasn’t exactly in a wild setting. In Haines though you do see them often. Allegedly. Lol. That’s what the bus driver, and a few others told us. In the summer though it’s too hot so they don’t go in the sunlight so, they are hard to spot. I realized while reviewing my photos…I didn’t even take a picture of the moose. ☹ Sometimes I get so into my video that I forget stills. ☹ I did get good video though.

We got to see Caribou, or Reindeer. Mario told us this awesome story about the natives. They put this animal at such a high scale. The caribou eat these mushrooms. They are said to have these magical properties. We’ve all seen these mushrooms. They are red with white dots. Well the natives think because the caribou eat this mushroom they themselves have magical properties. The highest elder in the tribe dresses up in this red and white garb. Apparently he goes around the village at a certain time of year and gives gifts to the people of the village, while having caribou pull a sled. If anyone thinks this sound familiar
…yes the whole Santa Clause thing. Lol Mario said he met the elder of the tribe and the guy had the white beard, heavy set, you’d swear he was about to play Santa. Lol These guy knew how to tell a story. It was awesome.

We got to see a wolf pup. We couldn’t pet it cause it was so young. Very cute. ☺

Our tour ended with the wolverine. Very cool. There isn’t much known about the Wolverine, except they do these super things. Like travel such long distances in such a short period of time. People studied them for years, and still know very little. The female can mate, get her egg fertilized, than can decide when she wants to release the egg to be implanted and than begin to grow! Crazy. Sometimes I guess they wait up to 3 years. They don’t know what the determining factor is when the female decides to have her spawn grow. I was blown away by all of this.

You could really tell how much they loved nature and animals. I got such a good, strong sense of their passion. Mario is a professor of ecology, but both of them are filmmakers and make films that are awareness of what we are doing to animals, nature, and our world.

Steve while he had a baby Martin in his hand (I got a nice close up of it-that I couldn’t use in the edit cause it didn’t fit anywhere) he asked me how I was and why I was shooting. I told him I worked for princess, and he asked me “Do you think by showing this video will it help people think about the wilderness, and taking care of it?” I said “of course”, but who knows. I would hope so, but I don’t know. I felt like if I said what I really thought than I probably would have broken his heart. I hope my edit for people who watch it see it more than just cute animals.

Before we boarded the bus they had a reindeer there. I touch it! I usually don’t touch animals. But on this tour I did. I touched the wolverine, and the reindeer. I don’t know if ever I’ll get to touch a wolverine. Lol. I touched the velvet of the Reindeer. Sooooo soft. They say its good luck to touch it. Maybe. I have another blog for that. Lol

I was last on the bus, and Steve wished me luck on the edit. Which I think was awesome. He knows what this work is like. Hell I feel like calling them up and saying hey, can I be your apprentice. Lol.

On the bus ride back to dock to catch the ferry, I received free food! Which made me happy. It was a long day. One thing I thought was really awesome-the Bus driver was originally from Ohio. Her and her husband retired 5 years ago. They sold everything they owed. Told there kids and grandkids good-bye and moved to Haines, Alaska! I feel like that story holds a lot of weight to say how great Alaska is.

When I got back to the ship, I was so tired. Long day. But it took forever to edit the tour was two hours. Very dense. The visuals I got, the stories they told, all the audio of fact. It was a giant edit. At 130am I had enough. I feel like going over it and maybe checking it out again, small polish edit. I was tremendously thankful I did not shoot anything on the ferry and bus ride. Lol See, my gut instinct was talking to me. “Amber, trust me you wont need those shots” ☺

After it all, the long dock, the 90 minutes of a ferry, 90 minutes a bus ride, and the very long edit this tour was definitely worth it. ☺

Oh! There were a lot of mosquitoes. I only got one tiny bite. That lemon scented drip worked. Lol

The ship stuff –thus far.

2011-06-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have to say that-- not really liking the team. I hate for that to be my first sentence to this post but…unfortunately that pretty much sums it up.

Ok….where to start. Well my manager I have is one of those….well the manager and asst. Manager I should say is a team where they do NOT like being asked questions AT ALL. They say to ask someone else. Don’t ask them. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that’s the best policy. I don’t say anything even though I don’t agree. That’s the first thing. The next thing…I am so sick of being the fucking cheery, say hi to everyone, and being the happy one. I say hi, and try to get in with the group and they snub me, Except a small few. Maybe I am coming off weird. Who knows. I am goofy in general. I know most photogs in the gallery are miserable so I try and cheer them up. I am done trying to entertain these fuckers. Let them be miserable. There are a few I do get along with and actually have fun with.

Another thing that drives me up the fucking wall, is the Manager and Asst. manager wont say a damn word to you if they happen to pass you by. Strange. On my previous ships it was a crime not to say hi. Myself, and 2 photogs happen to pass our asst manager at lunch, and the bitch didn’t say a dam word to any of us, until Anton a photog said “enjoy.” All that she responded was a dull “Thanks.” That happens more than occasionally. One of the photogs here got panelized for not being “social enough with the team.” Why the hell would I be encouraged to be social with a team led by people like that?? It must be that the management is not expected to acknowledge their team. Last I checked its not the way it works. Again I bit my tongue, and say nothing about it.

You can def tell there is a clique-thing going on. What else is new… it’s shiplife.

To get to my senior… well the funny thing is she is the one junior I would have been in charge of had I taken the Diamond and replaced the Senior there my second contract. I didn’t because of visa issues. Well she is still a senior. In fact she’s my senior now. I’m sure you notice my annoyance. She joined ships right out of her “film school.” She’s not had any other experience besides ships. I have to say that her editing is sloppy, unattractive, and her camera work is lazy. I can not stand when she tells me about my editing, or camera work…because I see her stuff and I’m like seriously. I really try and hold it in, I vent to joe mostly. Lol I don’t say anything. Again, the biting the tongue thing. She can criticize my work all she wants because she’s the senior, but- how dare the junior say anything to the senior. That’s how it is on ships. I really had to bite my tongue when we had a conversation the other day and she said “ I really feel like my editing, and my work over all is getting better.” She said this after the glacier bay edit. I saw her glacier bay edit, and all I have to say is….Always put your best shots in. Please. Dirty windows….really!!?? oi.

I guess we learn as well go, and strive to improve. I know I wasn't as good as I am now. we all gotta start somewhere.

That is one thing I remember from the senior off the Caribbean I had for 2 cruises. “Always put your BEST shots in. If it’s not the best, don’t put it in the edit.” Simple thought ya know. But I think it dramatically changed my perspective on editing, and camera work.

On other notes, I still like interacting with passengers. I like doing the tours. My edits are better than what they use to be. I don’t shot a damn thing in Auto-ever. Audio is totally a comfortable thing, and we sell a crap-load of DVD’s. Oh! And I get to do the Morning Show every cruise. I like the TV gig now. Lol. I got my own cabin for awhile, and Joe is here. So besides crappy people and their BS it’s ok. ☺

The Mount Robert’s Tramway

2011-06-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

This morning I had an easy, at my own pace tour. I got to do the tramway in Juneau. I actually really enjoyed it. The fact that I got to just do the tour on my own at my own pace was pretty cool. I didn’t have to worry about getting every shot I wanted in a rush.

It wasn’t raining, which was always a good thing. It started to sprinkle a little bit on the way up though. The ride up lasted about like 5 minutes. No more than a ski lift ride really. It was surprisingly smooth too. I was a happy camper. ☺

When you get to the top its really pretty. It was a bit misty out though. I still got some good pictures. It was raining a bit harder once I was outside at the top, nothing too crazy though.

I got some really nice footage of the rain, and some raindrops off leaves. Its just really cool to look out at the scenery up there. I am a sucker for nature. I cant help it. lol I absolutely love some of the stills I took. Who knows what anyone else thinks, but I loved them.

My edit was really cool. I liked it. I liked my music that I used. I should start posting my videos.

The Zipline adventure... The usual in Ketchikan.

2011-06-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

So, this time in Ketchikan I had ziplining.

I say ziplining is the usual because it like in almost every port that I’ve been to thus far while working on ships. Videographers cannot avoid the zipline. Lol. I have ziplined I think 8 to 10 times now.

I had this tour last year. This time around I was in a better mood, and more at ease (last year it was at the end of my contract-if that gives you perspective on where my head was the last time I did this tour.) I also had better guides. They were fun, entertaining guys. The one actually helped to rig the camera on me. Last time they just gave me a hard time. My Senior gave me a hard time about how I shouldn’t take the big camera. F-that. I did. Lol. So…all in all a way better experience. ☺

It wasn’t raining in Ketchikan. Although when I left the ship, it was raining in the morning and my thoughts were like….”oy! This is gonna be a challenging tour.” But the rain stopped, and it ended up being a nice day. Not cold at all, a bit cloudy, but good.

I got stuck with only two other ppl in my ziplining group. But I did get everyone in the edit. My edit worked out nice. At the end of the Zipline they gave you this cool lil metal...a cool free souvenir. When they presented it, it made for a nice ending for my edit.

I used two cameras. I used the regular big camera, the GoPro camera. It’s a pretty cool lil camera. I do like the video it gives. My senior gave me a hard time like I mentioned before about just taking the GoPro camera. Well me, and knowing how I want my edits to go, I wanted more options besides just this wide-angle camera. So, I kinda went against wishes, and did me. Of course always gotta be the rebel. Lol. I ended up using only a couple clips from the GoPro. It was my first time out with it, so I’m glad I took both cameras. I def will be using it more though.

I really like doing tours in Alaska. I like seeing random animals. Everyone goes nuts for bears, the American Bald Engles(which I see them every time I’m out), and whales. We were driving up to the place where we zipline, and I saw the dorsal fin of an Orca whale. It was really close to shore too. Really cool! ) Sorry, I always get excited to see killer whales.) Than there was this tree where all these eagles just chill. Like 9 or so on this one tree. It’s cool to see, no matter how often I do get to see them. The scenery and nature is always just great! Alaska's tree is the Sitka Spruce. Thats the rings of one. I dont know call me a nerd...I'm throughly entertained by this stuff. lol

After my tour I had to mail something. So, I had to go through this one store to get to the post office. And I noticed the register, and this white thing on the ground. I came to realize it was a Husky, just chilling there on the floor with the guy that works there. So…I took a pic. Lol. ☺ the guy thought I was probably weird, but I thought what I saw would only be seen in a place like Alaska. To me I feel like I captured their culture in this pic.

Yup -Doing it again,

2011-06-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Well I know many people were not expecting this...For me to be back on the ship.

I have a ton of reasons.

1. I need a constant paycheck....or else I'd like a constant flow of money coming in.

doing freelance, it gets tiring to be constantly looking for work.

2. I got the travel itch once again. The same reason as last time. I can only stay at home with normal video jobs for so long. The residue of my India trip lasted awhile, and Working for DRC while traveling was nice, but I didn't work for them every week to keep the money coming in.

3. Yes, my Bf is on a ship.

Yes, those were the 3 main reasons for going back again. Money, Travel, and Love.

I'm on the Sea Princess. Its in Alaska Now, but It will (at the end of my contract) be heading to New Zealand! That pretty much was the deal breaker. I got on this ship...by luck and hard work. I know some might be saying "oh if it was luck, than whats with the hard work"? well The junior Videographer that join...literally got fired a cruise later. that was the luck part. The work part was just getting me to a ship period. oi. A lot of administrative stuff to go through. I didn't know that I was gonna get the Sea. Ben(big time boss) told me they might be sending me to the dawn. so, I was looking forward to that.

The ship is smaller. which made it a bit challenging to get around the first few days. I like it though. I think the ship looks funny. The gallery is really nice and organized. The best thing: THE EDIT SUITE IS NOT A SHOEBOX!!!! My senior is ok. A girl actually. I'm use to guys all the time. so the switch is nice. But she leaves in july. So only an other month than someone totally different will come and change everything.

I did some tours already! the two i went on were pretty cool. In Sitka I did a city tour and this russian Dance performance. It was alright. I did Whale Watching yesterday. Finally saw Orca Whale. I finished my edit today. I will post the video soon!

Ok, I will be taking pics and keeping everyone posted on everything as I live it. lol.

-Amber

The Dog Blog

2011-03-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

One thing that cannot go unnoticed in Goa, is the amount of stray dogs every where. When I first got here I noticed one, or two here, and there. This isn’t uncommon in the states. You see one or two stray dogs. But as I traveled around more and more around Goa, I noticed tons! Lol. All the pics here were taken on one trip to the beach yesterday. lol

Joe and I had a joke about the dogs here saying it’s the same dog that just keeps following us around. When you look at the dogs they ALL look exactly alike except for the color. No difference. So, when I see a dog I just say ”see, it’s the same dog!” lol

It’s kinda funny though cause it’s almost as if the Indian people here don’t notice the dogs at all. Like, the people are here, and the dogs are here…but they don’t pay any attention to each other. It really amazes me. The one night though this one dog came up to me, and would not leave me alone. I don’t know why.

We were at the beach yesterday, and there were massive people at the beach. And there were a few dogs too. The dogs are just chillin just as if they were people chillin at the beach. Lol. There was this one dog chillin on his own, than these two other dogs that looked exactly alike in color started messing with the dog on its own, than they just ended up playing together. It was a weird parallel to humans. While this was going on Joe and I played the dog game, where we commentate for their actions. Hilarious! Totally entertained us for at least 20 minutes. Lol. We stopped cause we wanted Ice cream. I recommend this game to everyone. Lol.

It reminds me of these videos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaPepCVepCg&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ1HKCYJM5U&feature=relmfu

Also I seamed together my first 180. I’m trying to do a whole 360 soon, but this one I just got what was in front of me. It involves taking a series of pictures across a whole horizon than to make one long picture. Seaming together is pretty challenging, I will need a bit more practice. But the end result is really cool! I know its uber small, but I'll be doing a bunch and will show them on a separate website. You can click on it and you can view it a bit bigger.

The Beaches

2011-03-19T04:24:00.001-07:00

One thing you should never miss out on if you ever come to Goa, is the Beaches. They are really wonderful beaches, and you have a lot to choose from.

I remember when I first arrived in Goa when I was just about to land, I saw the coastline of the long, wide beaches. Some beaches that you see have nice sand, but the beach isn’t very big. These beaches are really nice! Soft sand, with lots of space.

Joe and I usually go at sunset to the beach(we are not fans of being in the sun to much, or getting burnt.) You get to see all the people, family, people hanging out, of course the tourists, and the people trying to make money off those tourists. Lol.

The colors in the sky over the ocean are just so pretty. All kinds of colors. That’s one thing I wont get sick of is just hanging out at the beach at night. During the day we went once and its just so hot it takes too much out of me honestly.

One thing I thought was cool was how at this one beach its really dark, but you can see the little store/restaurant areas in the distance, but than these random blackouts happen. lol. I know it’s not good for those people doing business, but its cool to watch the lights totally go out down the coast. Lol.

Different beaches have different types of people. There are beaches where just tourists go, than where anyone goes, and where just the locals go. I take pictures a lot obviously, but I don’t know when someone took a pic of me it was disturbing. Lol. There were two Indian guys about 10 feet in front of me, and he pulled his phone out, and took a pic of me! I was like what the hell. White people here do stand out, but I def wasn’t the only white person there. Who knows why he took the pic. But when I noticed he was taking the pic I looked at him and he finished and quickly turned away. Grimy! Lol oh well. I was too busy in the process of taking a pic of the parasailing going on.

Anything can happen at the beach. I’ll keep going though because I love it there!

The City

2011-03-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

While I am in India, I am spending my time in Goa. From what Joe says Its different from the rest of India. That can be said about places in the states as well. But I wont know until I travel the rest of India. I intend to, but not on this trip.

I consider myself lucky to able to get to a know one small place like this while I am here. Usually when I travel I only spend a couple days in one place than I move onto the next. This is really nice to be able to live here.

The city, well to get around everywhere 90% of the people use Mortocycles. I really enjoy it, although traffic gets crazy! I am learning slowly how to drive the motorcycle. I like it too! I was telling Joe about how having a motorcycle in the states is more like a luxury. That’s usually someone’s toy, at least for ppl where it gets cold, or rainy all the time.

If we left the house at 8am or 10pm it’s always a constant busy flow around everywhere. Everyone works everyday. There’s ppl selling fruit late into the night. Way after 5pm.

Everyplace is small. There are no huge mega stores anywhere. There are a lot of stores, but all small. And they cram the most product they can.

You can see little tiny huts…which is usually the image people get when they think of India. You also see nice big houses. What I did notice is for most India people they only use, and buy what they need. Like, there isn’t usually luxury type items. Decorations are there, but to a minimum. Food is always bought when needed. Joe’s family is constantly going to the market.

There is a lot of things here. You got the crazy busy life, beaches, tourist-hotel areas, the city markets, the smaller shopping areas, the fields of crops, everything packed in a small state.

Carnival

2011-03-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

I got here just in time for Carnival. There are massive parties, they had the floats/parade as well. Its because ash Wednesday is coming up. It’s like our Mardi Gras. They have parties till like 630 in the morning. I went yesterday to see the floats.

Massive people there!! I’ve never seen something like this in person. So, many people. Besides a concert or course. But for celebration, even at like the St. Patrick day parade there aren’t as many people coming out as this!! Crazy. The floats were cool. They had a theme, something like wealth out of garbage. So a lot of the floats were about saving the environment. They had a lot of music, and cultural and historic floats. It was cool that I got to learn more about India. Joe explained a lot of those things to me. I wasn’t feeling too out of place. I was worried I would. I stick out obviously; I get the stares, as well as Joe for being with me. There are other white folks here on holiday. One of Joe’s friend has a friend from the UK I think. She’s leaving in a day or so.

After the floats were all said and done everyone started to leave. Now when anything like this happens in the states, there is always this gridlock. Major traffic, and someone always gets hurts and/or dies. Not here. That totally amazed me!! So many ppl, cars, and bikes, but traffic keeps moving. Amazing.

Finally made it to India!

2011-03-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

I finally made it! I’m happy to not be on a train, bus, plane, shuttle, car, or in a hotel. I feel like it took so long to get here. It’s great to finally reach my destination. I was Running on no sleep in about 42 hours Before i got some sleep.

My flight from Kuwait was … interesting. Lol. That airport is a big mess. Lol. A lot of disorganization going on. They use shuttle buses to take you to the airplane. I found this odd. But turns out it’s how they do in this part of the world. Like not every plane has its own gate. They take a number of flights through one gate, and you have to make sure you’re on the right bus.

So made it on the Mumbai/Bombay flight. Took off a bit late, but made it to Mumbai only 10 minutes late. While I was on this flight was just done with airports, security, and being on a plane for so long.

When we finally landed in Mumbai, I got nervous. Lol. I don’t know why. I thought about Joe, and how ppl are gonna take to me. I had nothing to worry about. People are really nice. I don’t know if it had anything to do with me being white, or a chick, or American, but I got to skip customs in Mumbai. Lol. I was like “sweet!” I didn’t ask any questions. Lol. Immigration peeps were nice too.

Joe met up with me. It was really good to see him, not to mention just someone to meet up with in a country I’ve never been in. We had to catch our last flight to Goa. I thought it was like a 4-hour flight, but Joe told me its only 45 minutes. You don’t know how happy I was to hear that!!

My first impression of India: I literally thought “well, its not as bad as people in the states make it seem." All countries have their problems, poor and rich, great things and drawbacks. When I flew into Mumbai I thought wow there is a lot down there. Lol. I didn’t see much because of it being dark. When we flew to Goa, I got a chance to see some things. Mumbai-Packed with tons of buildings. Yes, the shacks that everyone thinks covers India do exist. There are stretches of land that you can see these small low-lying buildings. It’s actually quite a thing to see, high aerial view, or up close.

Once we got to Goa Airport, fastest disembarkation I’ve ever had. Off the plane, our bags were first out, and than we quickly got a ride to his house. I’d say we spent an actually 3 minutes from plane to the car to reach his house.

The car ride to his house was exciting. I was looking at everything. Joe, asked me “Whats wrong why are you was so quiet?” I don’t wanna talk when there is stuff to take in. I was absorbing everything. ☺ The roads are … different. You have to dodge other drivers, ppl on bikes, ppl walking, animals. Its just mind blowing, how a country like this has such traffic….but no fatalities. It just really amazes me. Our roads in the States our wide as crazy, with clear cut lanes. Like massive organized, and ppl crash and die everyday. The more I travel the more I think “wow how do we in the States have these problems, when other countries are easily breezing through the same things?” It really blows me away. I mean one thing that bothers me is the garbage. But India actually recognizes as a problem. Once I knew that they see it as a problem, I thought well at lest they are doing something about it bit by bit. They know it’s a problem.

We finally got to his house. Exactly what it looks in the pictures. But I thought when I walked it that it’d be bigger on the inside. I like the house a lot. Just the way it’s arranged. I like how is not an ordinary American house. It wouldn’t be right? lol. But I hate looking for apartments in the states. It’s always the same blocking. I love his floors! I don’t know the material exactly but it some kind of cool tile. Lol. He told me its called Spartex?? Lol. No idea.

He’s in the process of adding things to the house. Like he’s re-doing his kitchen, and adding things here and there. I know he’s adding a/c soon as well.

He has all these plants growing fruits in the backyard. His mom does the gardening. She showed me the bananas this morning. Lol.

Yes, it’s hot here. Lol. I came here in the afternoon when it’s the hottest. At night and in the morning is perfect temperature.

So, far things are going great. ☺

3/5 of the way there!!

2011-03-05T03:08:00.000-08:00

my title explains it perfectly. lol.

I am currently in Kuwait waiting for my next flight, which is in about 5 or 6 more hours away. It feels like it's taking forever to get here.

Ok, why am I not in India yet? Well, lets start from the beginning.

I left BUFFALO at 444am. I caught a train to JFK. The less I fly, and the less money I spend the better. If I flew itd be like 200 more dollars. So I was like hey why not take a train?

I made it to PENN STATION with no problem. I had this ticket for a shuttle or whatever to JFK airport. On the ticket it didnt have any details on there. Checked my email, it just had the time. So, obviously I was trying to find out where I had to go to get this transportation to the airport. I went to the amtrak customer service. the lady had no idea what it was. lol she was like (in ghetto voice) "girl you go get in that line and get a refund and just take the long island rail road, and catch the airtran." I was like "ok than". lol I got in the huge ass line, and got to this guy who didn't help either. I asked him if he knew where I should go. He tried to send me back to the other lady. I also mention how the other lady told me to get a refund. Than he said a refund, and info are two different things. Obviously. lol. At this point I was like ok I'll check things out and see what I find. Nothing was found. lol So, I called a few numbers, NO one knew what I should do....besides forward me to another person, or place. So, I ended up getting a refund, and taking the train. Yes, I did follow the directions of the lady, but not in the first place....only because I wanted to know the deal about this ticket I bought online. I wasn't freaking out on time, cause I knew I had a lot of that. Made it to JFk no problem. I waited two hour to just get checked in though. Than security and all that jazz, than waited a few more hours till my flight. I also forgot to eat during all of this, so I decided to finally do that. but than on the plane they just kept throwing food at me. lol

My flight to LONDON was ok. My plane stopped in LONDON than to KUWAIT where I catch a different plane to MUMBAI. I was an in-transit passenger... but i still had to go through LONDON security. This time around I wasn't pissed. When I left the ship i was in the worst mood. lol. Mainly because they tried to charge me crazy amounts for my luggage. Flying internationally I find that they don't charge you for checked luggage. It may not be every airline.

It was funny because everyone needed to find out what gate we had to go to. This one security guy was telling everyone gate 8. well there were like 15 passengers in a row asking him. They kept asking like they didnt hear him three people in front of them, and the second person in front on them. lol. So while I was getting all my stuff together and putting in my contacts I saw all this happening. You could tell the guy was thinking...."fucking idiots". So, I looked at him and said "so, uhh what gate was it again" and laughed. I made him laugh. So, I hope it helped him out. lol.

We board the plane, it was late, and boarding took forever. We take off. I'm thinking "finally." Like 15 minutes later the captain gets on and says "We would like to ask you for your patience, we are experiencing a technical problem, and we will be landing in London Heathrow airport." I was ok at first. Than they released all of the fuel. Than I was like of "oh, jesus." It freaked me out a bit. So, there we were flying above LONDON for a half hour releasing all the fuel than we land. They wouldn't let us off. So, we sat there another 45 minutes. Than we took off finally. All of....that situation caused a massive delay of about 4 hours. I got to Kuwait an hour after my flight to MUMBAI left.

I wasn't alone though, at least 30-40 other ppl were stuck there. No flights to MUMBAI till the next day at the same time. So, they shipped us to a hotel literally at the airport. I'm not talking like across the street, or down the road. Like I can see planes take off outside my window...runway and all.

Ive kept my cool so far. its really cool though. everyone has been really nice. beside the chick at the Kuwait Airways desk explaining to all these furious passengers that there are no flights till tomorrow night, but thats acceptable. lol. ppl just would not get it. I thought she was bad ass. I didn't give her attitude. for what, ya know. yeah it sucks I missed my flight, but... not the end of the world. It did suck that Joe had to pay for changing our flights to the next day. I felt really bad, but nothing I could do about it.

It was cool when I flew into KUWAIT though. They have regular street lights in the city, but when we flew over the desert area, they had these cool fire torches. I never seen it before so I thought it was cool. oh! we flew over the Swiss Alps. That was really awesome to see!!

Scanning frenzy!! I feel like this scanning thing is out of control. I scanned to get on a plane. scanned when I got off the same plane. scanned again to get out of the airport. scanned again to enter the hotel. its just crazy.

two more flights. thankfully shorter ones. :-)

leaving again..but not for the ship

2011-03-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

well I'm nervous and I need to write it out.

I'm going on a trip to India. This pertains to the ship only because I am going to visit the Bf i acquired on the ship. lol.

We talked about it for months how I would come visit him. I always wanted for the longest time to go to India. Every since i crossed Australia off my list.

I applied for the visa, waited as patiently as I could. lol Got it approved. I Finally got it back, Booked my flight, and packed my things all in a matter of a couple days. Its happening really quickly... or maybe it just seems that way.

I was super excited once I got my passport back, and booked everything I needed to. That excitement has now turned into nervousness, and I have to admit I am a bit scared.

In India.... there ain't no blending in for me. if you know me you know I'm pale as sin, bright green eyes, and just ...well Amber. lol

I'm staying with Joe, and his family, so I am nervous about that as well. I tend to get uber shy around family. I remember when I went to Australia. I did not know a soul there. Got on a plane, got off a day later, and was like "ok where do I start?" This time I at least no someone, but I'll be sucked into his world rapidly. In Australia I did everything at my own pace. If I wanted to make friends, and hang out- I did. If I wanted to be alone, and wander - I did. I feel like this wont happen time, this is going to be drastically different.

This is why I travel. Each time its all very different. I learn about me what my limits are, and about the people I'm surrounded by.

After this trip my next place I really want to visit is the UK, and South Africa. :-)

I'll blog about my trip while in India. :-) So, there will be new stuff!!

ship love

2011-02-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Well it happens, here's my story. Lol

Its def a different ship-life experience when you are in a relationship on board. Specifically ones that start on the ship.

I'm not talking fuck buddies, or the many flings. I'm talking full on in love with someone. This contract there were quite a few serious relationships that I saw. But once person A left the ship. Perspn B still on board found person C reeeeeeally quick.

I can say that that is not what me and joe were. We didn't want the whole end of the contract comes around and we just say hey let's go our separate ways. The end of the contract didn't mean it was the end of us. We are serious. Ppl on board always saw us together everywhere. Almost weekly we had ppl asking when we were going to get married. Lol

It was all a fluke how we started out. I noticed him right away onboard. He worked in my section. So I ended up seeing him often. He'd just stare at me never say anything. It totally bugged me. He never said hi. And I say hi to everyone. Lol. I saw him around in the crew bar. I noticed him dancing. He's intense when he gets going. Lol than I saw him dj. I think seeing all these things intrigued me. It just showed how he was interested in other things besides working and money.

Than one formal night when I was working in the gallery he was there hanging around. Again I caught him staring. So, at this point I was like okay this dudes continues to just stare and never ever says hi. What's his deal? So, I waved to him and said hi. Than he was shocked. Lol I said "yes, you, I can see you" lol I told him he never says hi to me. So, than he came over said hi how are you and kissed my hand. Lol super cute. That's how we started talking. Hanging out with him became an addiction.

When I first came on board I def was not boy crazy like I was my last contract. Lol I def was not looking for anything with anyone. I was pretty focused on work.

We just progressed into something that thus far in my life has been unmatched. He's amazing. We have so much fun together. He's just my everything. Lol. It sucks that I won't be able to see him for awhile. Luckily I'll see him in India in a few weeks!

It gets harder since we left the ship him being from India, and me from the states. But we are linked. :-) we left this ship the same day :-) and we are scheduled to join the next ship together if we do join again.

leaving

2011-02-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

I hate the actual leaving of the ship. You have 800 things you have to get done in a 24 hour period on top of packing. I hate the luggage stuff-(company losing your shitand trying to find it), immigration, airport check-ins, oh and I won't forget the obscene about I have to pay to check two bags. I hate the whole process of the airports. Inspections, the cloth bomb test bs, and the worst...the waiting for your flight.

The process started off blah. Immigration at 530am. Than we started to leave the ship, and I didn't get to say bye to joe yet. I was first and he ended up being last in line for customs. They physically pulled me out of the line to go first. The one time I wanted to wait in line(because of joe) is the time they take americans first. Just when I grabbed my stuff to get in line to get off the ship to leave for the airport he just got back on the ship. I got my goodbye hugs and kisses. :-)

Once off the ship you gotta search for your luggage...mine always gets lost. Oi. So my one bag was right where is supposed to be, but the other one was at the other end of the terminal. My annoyance began at 730am for the day.

My flight is at 340pm. Any flight before 4pm -princess(at least the caribbean princess) has you off the ship and off to the airport at like 730am. I have a Huge wait time. Boooooooo!

I was hoping the bus ride to the airport was gonna be long...ten minutes. Booooo.

I paid $30 for each bag. My one bag was over weight, and they tried to make me pay $50 extra. Than one dude was like oh its actually $100 extra. Needless to say I found my way out of that. I basically said I'm not paying it. Not after I paid for $60 for two bags. They eventually gave in.

Security here moved like molasses. They did the lovely x-ray scan...which I just don't get. And than the bomb test stuff.

Than I was off to my lovely, long, painful wait to board my first flight.

Thankfully I don't have to go to far to get home. The crew who have full on full day flight connecting two three times, I don't know how they put up with it. Lol

Almost home!

Almost Home

2011-01-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

I haven’t written in months…I’m pretty sure. I guess I got distracted. My blog no longer became a priority.

I leave my second ship in three weeks. I cant believe its already time to go.

A lot’s happened to me this contract. I learned more, when I thought I had this ship thing figured out. I thought I had me figured out. I thought I had life figured out, or at least was gaining some ground on how to go about things. I’ve found that there is no consistent…or pattern….or certain way to go about things. The same situation can happen and you can do every step the same to try to avoid anything bad from happening, you take the same steps….everything goes wrong, and turns out drastically different.

There is no “one way.”

This contract I have been extremely happy and extremely miserable. I hated my job one day, than loved what I did for a living the next. I hated when I had a shitty manager, I hated how things piled up on me. But I was happy to get to do all these fun tours. I was happy that I had fun friendships. Its all been up and down. I hated how everything work wise changed week to week.

You have to learn how to adapt….and quickly. I think that’s the one thing that really got drilled into my head.

Ship life sucks sometimes…But I always said to myself, “It could be worse.”
Even with everyone’s mood swings, drunken whores, giant egos, tedious policies, and the hundreds of hours that gets spent working hard on a product that no one really wants to buy. (something is obviously going wrong)

I got a comment on my last blog about “oh your life is so bad cause you work in the Caribbean,” Obviously you sense the sarcasm. The comment was definitely warranted. My first instinct was to get upset when I saw that. I than quickly thought….”hey, dude’s right. My life is not that bad.” I know this. Yeah my job got harder with the whole wedding policy. I guess when a big change comes the idea of change is harder to accept, than the thing that actually is changing. Doing the weddings isn’t that much of a hassle. Us videographers were just pissed that a big change came our way…again.

I thought working on ships would expand who I was, or open my mind a lil more. Yes, I get to work around people from different countries, and I get to meet people from the Caribbean, and see and do things I never would have had I not had this job. I am extremely grateful for that. I really am. I feel like I’m becoming a worse person from ships though. Drinking, smoking, lying, partying, gossiping, over eating, back stabbing, tempers, laziness, and stepping on or sleeping with whoever you can to get promoted are all things I don’t want to indulge myself in. I feel like that’s all ship life is about.

I notice more than I did my last contract. Like for example, favors don’t happen unless you happen to be from the same country, or sexual orientation. How much you have to stroke the egos of these people with such high ranks is insane. I also noticed most people on ships…if they’ve been doing nothing but ships straight out of college or high school, they do not know how to efficiently manage people(no effective managerial training on princess), or get the best work out of the people that work under them. They use threats, yelling, insulting first before anything…most of the time. When you encounter a good manager, thank them. I miss my one senior Marek. I really appreciate him. My one manager now is great, Chris from my last ship was also very good. Those types that are sharp, no BS, no chip on the shoulder, and know how to treat you professionally when things go wrong and keep the personal stuff aside, they are hard to come by, just be grateful if you are working for someone you have respect for.

There were some great things that happened this contract. Some very bad. Like my last contract there were the laughs and the tears as always. Love and hate.

My next contract …..(sigh) I don’t know. I just don’t know. My rebellious attitude got me into a bit of a tiff once again. But this time my senior decided to truly screw me as much a possible, all the way to head office. It doesn’t look like I’ll be senior, or promoted to VDO3. Its okay though. Nothing I can do about it. All I can do is learn from all of this. I just hate all the unfair shit that goes down on ships. Certain people just get away with any and everything. And that will never change. I know that some of you will say “well the same thing happens on land jobs” of course they do, but ships…the best example I have is that its like a reeeeeeally small town, and there is no way out once shit goes wrong. You’re just fucked.

There is so much more I could write, but I feel like the more I write the more all of this stupid ship stuff doesn’t matter. I’m going home to my family soon. I have someone I’m madly in love with, and I have a career plan in action. I can say this was an experience, and learned a few more things this time around, but there are things that matter to me more than this ship life. Ship life isn’t all I have. In fact it is a very small part of my life. I can say that very happily.

Until next time. Or not. But I will be starting my own Photography business, in the process now actually, so this wont be the last of my online blogging. I will have my website up soon enough. I just hope I don’t have to blog about the ship life that leaves me so torn.

Wish me luck. :-)

-Amber

My job isn't fun anymore

2010-11-13T06:31:00.000-08:00

I know the above title is a bit dramatic, but there have been some changes made to the videographers' priority on the ship while in the Caribbean.

These changes were implmented this cruise,which is just about over. This cruise was the test run pretty much to see how things went.

The changes made: well my main job is to shoot and edit tours, make small docs to create the souvenir DVD. Well, sales and promotions goes into that as well. Now, what has changed? Well a number of weddings take place on ships. If they wanted a video we'd( both video peeps) would shoot it, we'd get 50 bucks to split. Not to bad. We'd shoot it than send out the tapes to get edited.

Now, what they are doing is making us shoot every wedding regardless of whether or not its wanted. We shoot it, make a teaser, than try to get them to buy a full edited version, for some obscene price.

Good right, you'd think well at least there is some extra cash to be made. No, commission went down to $10 for just the videographer that does the walk around with the couple around the ship. Photogs still get there salary, 25, and 10% of whatever they buy from what they shoot. I don't know ppl's opinion of that, but I'd like ppl to share.

So, where does this leave reflections? It takes a back seat. If there is a wedding, events AND tours don't get shot. We don't get to go on tour if there is a wedding. They are taking away the best part of the job.

Its hard enough to sell reflections, but if there isn't much on these DVD's I doubt we'll get any orders.

I understand why the company is doing this. They have to make money some how with us, there aren't enough passengers buying the DVD while in the caribbean. We were selling in New England, but sales dropped ridiculously once we got here. We've been trying a lot of different things. Nothing. Its difficult to try hard and produce something good when I know no one is buying it, which probably doesn't help.

With me understanding all of that, I don't get why we have to do more work, but incentives are cut.

The fact that we have to edit these weddings on board locks up the editing suite, so I can't edit reflections if lea is working on a wedding.

I sure did not sign up to work weddings. If I wanted to do weddings I'd do it on land for a massive amount of money.

I'm sorry but $10 is insulting. I'm not saying hey a wedding is easy to shot, but after the ceremoney and walk around the photogs are done. They just have to print sample pages, than print what the couple ordered. We have to spend hours editing a teaser and than a full edit, oh and a slide show of the stills taken, which is actually the photogs job, but princess failed to give them the software to do so. And if the couple doesn't want the video we wasted an hour or so shooting the event, and a couple hours editing it. Oh and an hour meeting with the couple to try and convince them "hey, buy my video damnit." if they do buy it yay great princess gets more money. Our commission doesn't change if they decide to buy the video or not. Still only $10 is given to the senior videographer.

I think this is a lot of bs. A lot of unfair things as far as commission. A lot of videographers are not happy with the changes. Me and lea are looking to transfer out of the department.

I didn't even mention the stress of the management above us. Oh and not to mention the equipment we have is just not great for weddings. We received two new cameras, but they've been giving us nothing but problems. A brand new piece of shit is what we got. Don't get me started on the chapel we have to shoot in, and how difficult the captain can be. And all we have to do is put a lav mic on him for the most part.

I don't know what the future holds for princess videographers, but I know they'll be hiring soon. Fleet wide ppl are transferring out.

Once my job isn't fun anymore, its time to switch it up.

Whale watching in St. Lucia!!?

2010-10-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

My first stop in St. Lucia and I got put on a tour to go whale watching. Yes, whale watching for the 18th time. Lol

I was talking to a musician, he's from St. Lucia and we got to go home for a few hours. And he asked me what I was doing in port. I told him I was on tour to do whale watching. He laughed, looked at me and asked "whale watching?" Yeah whale watching. Lol "whale watching st. Lucia? Where are there whales??" Lol

I went on tour....very small boat. I was very hesitate about it...sea sickness does not make anyone a happy camper. I did okay though.

We saw ZERO whales, and ZERO dolphins. Lol

I thought that was funny. Hey I got some sun. And when I did my edit...which was a total joke..it was 3 minutes long. Lol I couldn't call it whale and dolphin watching. I had to title it: coastal St. Lucia. Lol that's pretty much all that was seen. Lol

leaving New England behind.

2010-10-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

The ship is in the Caribbean now, and I miss New England already :-(

When I got what ship I was working on next- the deciding factor was the fact that it did the New England run. Four months in the Caribbean...not that appealing to me to be honest. I've never been, so I don't know why I'm so negative about coming here. I was excited to get here last week. The hot weather makes me not that excited anymore. Lol

New places are always good. I'll welcome it. Because we are here sooooooo long I have that mind set of "oh, I'll get to it" today I didn't even go out...by choice. No work, free day really and I chose to chill out. Weird how that works. But there is also a small factor influencing that too. I won't get into details about it. ;-)

So, I'm here in the Caribbean, should be fun. I'll make the most of if.

Hopewell Rocks Tour

2010-10-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

It was my last stop in Saint John, Canada. I did the Hopewell Rocks tour. I kept putting in the request to get this tour week after week, once I was aware the place existed. I honestly gave up asking for it, cause it was always canceled, or another escort got to do the tour. Which is shit...videographers come first yo! Lol

It was worth the wait. I was so excited to do the tour. Don't ask me why I was excited to see some giant rocks, with a huge tidal difference. Lol

It was about an hour and a half drive to get there. Now from what I learned today its usually crazy in this park. We were the only group! The park was closed, but they were letting cruise ship groups have tours. We got some extra time as well! We got the top guy...Paul, the supervisor of the tour guides of the park to guide our tour. He was a great speaker! He is gonna make my editing process easier. :-).
It looked like he enjoyed what he was doing. It made the tour better.

The tour was pretty fast paced....at least for me because I have to hike with the group try and squeeze in somewhere and get good shots of the scenery. The passengers, and the guide talking. Than the group leaves...I try and squeeze in more shots...than I have to play catch up to the group...uphill. Lol I wasn't expecting a workout today. Lol

The first thing we checked out was the flower pots at high tide. I was bummed out. All the pictures you see of the flower pots are at low tide with people walking on the beach. We were on this observation deck. Not to mention the sun was as the worst angle for shooting :-(

Paul was explaining how tides work, and he used the passengers as the sun, moon and earth. Lol it was cool. I know how tides work, but some people don't get it. The way he explained it made it very easy to understand.

Than we hiked up to the next lookout, Diamond rock. Nice views.

The water has such a weird color. Its red. Its from the debris and silt from the type of rock that surrounds the Bay of Fundy.

I forgot to get into the whole Bay of Fundy. This Bay has the biggest change from low to high tide. Its actually in the running for being one of the top 7 natural wonders of the world. its 28 right now. It use to be like 138 on a list of like 500 sites around the world.

We made one more stop before lunch at another lookout. We than headed to the visitor center. Paul showed us a time lapse video of a full cycle of the tides. I Wish I had that kind of time to capture that. It was really cool to see.

Than I'm thinking we were done after lunch. I kept thinking wow that was a reaaaally quick tour. Than I began to worry about how many shots I got. Paul was just flying through shit. Lol its okay I got what I could.

Than we head back to the first lookout. The guides told us about heading down. Totally forgetting they were referring to the beach that didn't exist two hours ago when we looked at the flower pots, I head down the stairs. Than I stop at the first landing, and I'm amazed. The water was all gone, and the beach is there. Of course I got the video shots I needed, but than quickly headed down to take stills! I was so excited. It was the coolest thing to "walk on the ocean floor" as it says in every Hopewell Rocks ad. Lol

I took some cool pics! Glad all the excitement I had didn't turn out to be a giant disappointment.

It was a good tour, quick, but it could have been crowded, we could of had less time, and our guide could have been horrible. If I went back a few weeks ago I wouldn't have been able to walk on the beach!!! And that would have been lame!

The guide that was with us the whole time was pretty cool. We kept talking photo/video with me. I get that a lot. Lol. But he kept saying 'oh I'm not much of a photography...." Than he shows these slide shows of the bay, (hate slide shows-theres a reason I'm in video) but keeps looking to me for like feedback kind of. Lol than he says again "oh, like I said I'm not much of a photographer, I just wanted to show differences from low to high tide" I don't really know what to say to those types of things. Lol I mean he was clearly proud of his work....he gave us all a dvd of it. I hated how in front of me he kept putting his work down. I guess it can be nerve racking having ...I guess "competition" around. But fuck that..I got over that awhile ago. I'm use to showing my work...in front of artists as well. If I know it sucks...it does, but if I know its the shit...it is no matter who's watching!! Lol confidence my friends!!!

I would def say go to saint john, and check out the Hopewell Rocks! ... Well when its warmer...twas a bit cold today. Lol

roommate drama

2010-10-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well I'm in a new cabin. This is the first time I switched cabin during a contract. Which.... Its a little bit of an inconvenience, but in this case it kinda needed to happen.
Its important who your roommate is cause if there stress in the cabin between the two roommates...it makes the time on the ship even more so a tough time.

My last roommate and I ....just... I think were too similar. I mean when I get mixed with someone that is very high strung, stressed out, anal, and too neurotic about just about everything, it makes me more that way, and it takes me back to an Amber that I learned to get rid of years ago. Although I have to say that I resisted being as miserable and negative as she was....or is. She says she not, but its all about the vibe someone gives off.

So, the skinny on the room change.

One lovely boston morning a great videographer makes her way off the gangway to shoot a really awesome tour. She was going to that mysterious place called Salem for the first time. The excited videographer stops to say hi to her photographer friend. Than all of a sudden the mean, grumpy photographer gets in the happy videographers face to say "we've had a rough morning, keep going"

Ok enough with fairy tale portion. I talked to my friend for two seconds. Passengers were getting off for only twenty minutes, and she's freaking the fuck out cause they haven't had a good roll count so far.

So first thing, be positive, and don't stress out over things like that. Yes, its your job and important, but stressing out doesn't help anything.

Two: anyone that takes themselves too seriously .... That's just not fun for anyone.

Three: do not...I repeat do NOT get in Amber's face...EVER.

Four: don't ....after I leave tell one of my closest friends on the ship that I need to move out and that you don't like my attitude. Yes, obviously I'll hear about it.

So, she was lucky I can control my temper. I just told to get out of my face, and to calm down. I mean who do you think you are talking to ANYONE like that.

The whole me moving out starts there like 5 weeks ago, I think. Me moving out was never mentioned to me from her. I kept hearing it through the grapevine.

Two weeks ago, I heard it again. I said to my manager when she asked me " are you moving cabins? Are you okay with this?" I said "didn't no one say anything to me about moving anywhere." Yes with the american attitude and everything. Lol

At this point I'm starting to get pissed.

How it works on ships...whoever is in the cabin first has priority. In this case the say so person was me. The whole ME moving out wasn't supposed to happen.

We were getting a new photog and my roommate was close friends with her, and they wanted to move in together. But they needed ME to move.

Well I was never asked to move. It was just assumed that I would. I was the one that was going to be inconvenienced and no one bothered to ask me. My roommate should have talked to me about moving. I shouldn't hear it through the team. I mean c'mon now ya know.

I was pretty pissed. I'm thinking who the hell does she think she is?? I mean, I accommodated her while being her roommate. She is very difficult to live with, not to mention the lightest sleeper in the world. Makes for a not so fun time in the cabin. But I made sure to try and be courteous to her and make sure I didn't disturb her. I tried, but its one of those things where no matter how much you try its just not good enough.

After my manager talked to me, I'm thinking ok this is getting ridiculous, if she won't talk to me about it, I'm gonna bring it up. I wrote a note about it. I told her I thought this whole thing was very rude on her part.

She than wrote me back talking about "oh don't forget the new photog" is gay....so? What's that got to do with anything. Did you even ask me or the other person she would have moved in with if we were NOT okay with it? No she didn't. She was using the whole no one is comfy with a gay roommate as a selfish cover. Than she said I was rude for pre-judging her. What?? What the hell does that have to do with ANYTHING if I did or not???

I was so ready to have a full on all out argument over this. I was prepared. Fuck these notes, I'm saying anything further to her face.

She saw me in the gallery comes up to me and asks me to see ME in MY video office!! Are you fucking kidding me??? Lol hilarious!! I def told her that too. I asked her "wait, you want to speak to me in my video office?? She said "yes" I laughed at her and said "no". Lol you're not a manager, and you are not above me in anyway. I gotta give it to her tho she's got balls. Lol.

I waited to talk to her. I was working and I'm not going to have an argument when I'm trying to get shit done.

I saw her back at the cabin later that night. I was seriously ready to go. Than she said. "I'm sorry about all of this, I should have spoken with you and asked you, and I was wrong." HO-LY SHIT. I was dumbfounded at this point. I was surprised that was coming from her.

At that point I was like damn, now I can't argue and all that like I was prepared to do. Lol

I accepted her apology. And we made amends. We kinda had a heart to heart. We discussed everything.

I told her I never had a problem with moving, I just wanted to be asked first before ppl were planning things when it only involved me doing anything. A simple, small, but very important thing.

I guess our relationship is better, but the new photog came, and I was getting the hell out of that cabin. Lol I'm happier, less worried, and I feel more free in this cabin with my new cabinmate.

All is well. people are happy. It could have been a disaster. But it worked out well, all because she admitted she was a bit wrong in the situation. Amazing. :-)

journey to Salem!

2010-10-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

This past boston I headed to Salem, Massachusetts! Not on a tour, a journey on my own.

I loved it!! It made me think I wasn't working and living on a ship. It was weird, I was just being me, no camera, tripod, or worries about getting the right shot. It was kinda weird not having my video camera though, I'm not gonna lie to you.

Salem, is about 16 miles away from where the ship docks in Boston. So, the first thing I needed to do was find a map, and find out just how I'd get myself there AND Back in time.

I love taking the train. I figured it out quick. I had to get to south station. Got there, than I had to figure out how to get to north station. So from south station I had to get the red line, than get to the orange line to north station. From there I had to catch the train to get to salem. Worked out quite well. The ride was only like half hour. Really quick.

I had about two and half hours to roam around. I still feel like I didn't see all I wanted. I went into a lot of shops. Lots of gifts shops, and pagan good shops. I got this really magnet, and a magnet for my mom. I wanted a shirt, but I don't really get into location wear really. Although I did really think twice about getting a hoody that had salem on it. Lol I did get my usual post cards. I sent one out straight away to a good friend. I needed this person to get one from here! I got these cool glittery ones. Lol hey they looked cool. Don't make fun of how girlie it is. Hahaha.

I got a psychic reading too. It was quite scary-dead on! . Lol she was really cool. My family was talked about a lot. Of course my family was really curious about the reading too. Lol

I got ice cream there! I haven't had ice cream in ages! Coffee ice cream!!! :-D

There was this really cool, really tall witch statue chick. She scared the crap outta kids. Lol.

The place is cool, probably a lot cooler at night. They have ghost tours, haunted houses and parties every where. Sadly living and working on a ship hinder my ability to join in on any night events in port. :-(

I want to go back for sure! Maybe next October.

Wind in my sails!

2010-10-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm in newport, RI and I did the American cup sailing tour. It was really a good time.

Normally I am weary of any type of boat tour I have to do. This sailing tour though did not get me the slightest sea sick. That made this tour that much better.

It was a small group of passengers, which usually I sell more DVDs from the intimate tours. Plus I didn't have to worry about getting interviews because I didn't have to shoot this for shorex.

It was a bit chilly, but I always welcome that. I didn't really know what I was in for. I got to see how sailing actually works. It was really cool to see. The crew was really cool too. Very personable. I guess they had a videographer from the Crown Princess yesterday.

Shooting wasn't hard either. I guess whale watching boats are the most difficult to handle physically and camera wise.

It was a pretty rough day as far as seas go. Beautiful out though. Nice chilly breeze, with the nice warm sun! Sailing feels different than other boats. Idk why.

When we were heading back it was pretty scary. Lol I had fun, but the boat was pretty much on its side. Just as far as it could without me being in the water. I was glued to this one spot. I guess the fright was plastered all over my face because the one guy that was part of the crew asked me with much concern if I was alright. Lol I loved it. I was laughing with the passengers. I would not move from my spot. being terrified with as smile is weird combo but that's what happened. Also while trying shoot. Lol It def was a thrill ride! The people on the boa-god bless em! Lol because I wouldn't have been alright with that much of a rough ride. Lol they were laughing, and everyone had such a great time.

I loved this tour. I never thought I would have liked sailing, but it was so exciting and fun!!

A lone wanderer

2010-10-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

At the moment I am chilling in Bar Harbor, Maine. The photo team is doing a team hike in Acadia park, while I'm sitting here relaxing with my coffee.

Yeah yeah yeah, I know, I'm doing the isolating myself thing. I will say I just do what I want, not because I'm told I should.

There is more to why I didn't go along. I've been to Acadia park many times before. It's beautiful, but this morning I did a small ocean trail hike. My tour got back at noon. The team was set to leave at 1230. I had to drop a few things off back at the ship. I got back to the pier at 1. I didn't wanna hold them up for one. I also really needed to make it to a post office to mail some things out to the family. Plus, I really can't be bothered to go hiking twice in one day, when I know I have a workout waiting for me later tonight as well.

This is time off in port I don't normally get, and I'd rather spend it my way. Selfish I know. I also might add I get to do that stuff all the time. Its my job. The photogs don't see and do what I get to all the time, so its new for them. I've hiked and seen the park many times already. Probably a couple more times before we make our way to the caribbean. I hope they have fun though. :-)

The ocean trail walk was short and sweet. The views were really great. There was some pretty good swells going on too. I enjoyed it. VERY slow pace. When the symbol on my ticket says "should be physically fit" I often go oh no, only cause when that phrased appeared on the hawaii tour ticket they were not joking! Lol. But this one was fun, and easy. I took a really cool panoramic shot...to seam together later. I look forward to seaming all these panoramics I shot. Should be a challenge, but really fun, and useful for me.

America, American....

2010-10-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

So, I know, I know, I have fallen behind on the blog front. My deepest apologies, for those who kept checking back.

My title... Well I recently have become sick of how my country is constantly ...made fun of, or put down...whatever you want to call it...as far as my interactions with other crew go.

Now, I am aware of what my country does, and all that jazz. Yes, I am aware of globalization, and the affects my country has had, and still has on the world. Good, and the very bad.

Now to get into my issues.

I'm like....one out of 5 or 6 americans that work on the caribbean princess. With that being said...there are almost always 90% of the passengers that are american. So, a lot of frustration that my co-workers feel come from my fellow americans. And I somehow always get the backlash of the shitty things they have to say about americans.

Now, I'm pretty easy going when it comes to the slack I have to take for being american. I have learned to deal with it and laugh it off every since I became an international traveler. I let a lot of messed up comments slide. I laugh at the stupid jokes, the stabs about how stupid we are, how rude, money hungry, very hard to please, type of people Americans are. Now, there is some truth to those things. I expects to hear comments to be honest.

My issue is people I call my friends, and people I work with everyday don't even have the common courtesy to just keep it to a minimum amount of rudeness when they feel like sharing their comments about Americans around me. I mean c'mon I don't hate my own country. Yes, I disagree with a lot of things, but I don't hate where I come from.

My co-workers don't have an once of respect for me and the fact that I'm American. Their response is always " well Amber, I don't put you in that same category, your a different type of American." What the fuck does that even mean???? I'm still American assholes!

This past turn around was really ...well this one comment just pissed me off. I made my feelings known. We had to make new signs for times that the gallery is open. Well one person was like "well I wasn't sure if I should have put military time" than my manager goes " well their American" so, I chimed in "what's that supposed to mean!?" Everyone that was around kinda walked away. My manager was left dumbfounded for a few seconds, then saying "well different countries don't understand different things. Its not in your culture to know military time." I said to her... "Americans aren't as stupid as you think, and yes, we do understand military time." Yes, granted not every single one but fuck sake man!!

I just hate how they have no respect for me in that regard. I mean you don't see me walking around saying oh romania has some ugly people, or man those philipnoes sure are greedy, or oh hey those mexicans sure know how to drink and nothing else. I mean c'mon. Most of that I just pulled out of my ass. If my friend/co-worker were from such and such a country, I'm not gonna just fucking talk shit every chance I get day in and day out about where their from. I'm sure they'd feel the same as I do now.

Well, my efforts are lost energy, everyone always hates on the americans.

My Repo cruise??

2010-09-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

This cruise has been my turnaround cruise. It's almost over, but I think the attitude towards things might last. It took me a month to get into a groove on this ship.

I'm back to having my positive attitude. I know most people are probably thinking "wait a minute, her posts have been preaching how happy she was." Well, yes, my posts haven't been I hate life, no, but I've been content. Content to me isn't good enough. Even keel is not what I strive for. I've been content up until this cruise. This cruise I became happy again! I'm more positive. I've come to express me-the real Amber, finally!!

I'm having fun now, with the team too! I worked a ton this cruise, but two nights ago the whole photo team(well most of us) got together and we all danced, laughed and had a good time with each other!

I think what turned things around for me was my one post. Where I mentioned how content I was with just being this quiet lay low person.. It made realize...Amber never is just 'okay' with things. Amber, you normally are friendly, loud, and anything but conservative. I'm not that quiet lay low type person.

Another thing that's added to all of this is people who I can relate to having social issues. There are some peeps on the team that are still figuring out who they are. They are struggling with connecting with people. I understand how that feels. I went through that too!! But having them around, and I can see it clear as day; reminds me what that was like, and I refuse to go back to it.

If you are having trouble connecting with people, and can't hold a conversation when your sitting with two workers at any given time...just giving up isn't gonna help.

This is what went down: three co-workers were waiting for the rest of them team, and they sat there in silence. It was described to me as awkward. So, one just got up and left. Yeah that can happen sometimes. Social situations can be tough on certain people. I mean I get socially awkward. Most ppl don't think so, but I still see myself as that uber quiet girl just sitting there, while the party goes on around me. sometimes. I get nervous sometimes ya know. But I didn't want to be like that anymore. I made the effort to get through it tho. It sucked. Not gonna lie. Its hard. Improving, growing, and changing. It takes time, and dedication.

I just hate how this person complains, or hates what's happening, but refuses to put effort toward making changes to feel better, and make better relationships. For example, at the disco, photo team got together. We were all just chilling checking things out. We were all standing. This person wanted to sit. I didn't want to, no one else did either. So, immediately this person isolates themselves by sitting down. Refused to hang out with us. I look over not 5 minutes later and they're gone. Come on dude. Later on, I was talking with this person, and of course the complaining came. I just said, "You gave it 5 minutes. You didn't even give the disco, or the team a chance. You just left. You didn't even try to hang out with us." Needless to say they weren't to happy with me. Sorry, I know what its like going through that, and if you don't want to make the effort I'm not going to feel sorry for you. Especially after I invite you out all the time as well.

I guess every person is different. And social issues are a big thing if someone has these problems. I'm aware it can be tougher for some than others. Effort is a big thing to me. If you don't even try, (now this is only when a person complains, and wants to change, and just isn't happy) it really frustrates me, and annoys me. If you won't even help your self don't expect me too.

Amber got in trouble....oooooooooh!

2010-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

So, yeah....I did. I thought I was on a good streak and doing good with everything

WRONG.

I think no matter what they'll find something to pick at you about. But okay to give you guys the low down.

The 1st purser choose to pick at me. Usually they always have it out for the videographers. Me and stephen always had issues, and so did marek on the last ship. Idk why they pick on us. Anyways... I need to buy new black pants. I knew this. Washers fading my stuff hard. But I guess the style I have looks too much like jeans.

I also got in trouble for wearing my sunglasses on the ship. On top of my head that is. I wear them while I'm on tour, and I end up running around a bit once back on the ship. So I just forget about them, and leave them on my head.

The last thing reeeeeeally bothers me. I got in trouble for not saying hi quick enough to this woman. I'm walking down the M1 in my own world. Most of the time I'm zoning out. But she passed by, I didn't realize anyone was coming my way, but she got in my face to say hi. And I was like startled, laughed and said "oh hey how's it going?" I guess that wasn't good enough.

Those stupid small things. Whatever tho. not huge things. Hell my senior got in trouble for chewing on a mint while at a shoot.

My last senior got like almost a written warning about his hair not being short enough.

Princess can get ridiculous. Hey I guess its there job to get that picky. You let the small things go it usually leads to bigger things...I guess.

So, I ain't mad. Its quite humorous tho.

St. Andrews

2010-09-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up mad early. I feel like getting up to workout is a good habit...I did think twice about sleeping another two hours tho. Lol I only workout in the morning on the days I know itd be hard to find time later in the day to do it. I guess I'm getting more discipline..??? Lol

I loved how when I came from breakfast after working out I saw Morne and he asked me where I was coming from. I hesitated cause I didn't know he worked out and I was distracted by my thought process. He laughed at me when I said I came from the mess. " Yeah right, walk of shame." Lol I laughed, cause I was standing there in my workout clothes. But hell that doesn't mean anything on ships. Lol

The tour started off slow only cause I was a bit tired still even after working out. There was a long bus ride out to St. Andrews. Yeah I had a bit of a nap. Lol

The town ... Well I thought at first what the big deal. But than I woke up. Lol there is this very clean, small town feeling. Very friendly vibe. There is a lot of space. Big sidewalks, streets, even space between houses is fairly large. Oh course you have the historic aspect of the town as well.

I have to say shooting this tour was very easy. They gave me full access to everything. Even the tour guide helped me out. He talked to the manager of the hotel we visited and had lunch at.

I mean the audio...the two ppl who were my main voice over spoke really well. I had enough time to get any shots I wanted they gave me full access to anything I wanted. I also got to walk around freely around the small little town. We got an hour of free time after the hotel portion.

The views were really moody, and so pleasing to the eye. The bay had such a glow to it. It was a cloudy day, but it worked well with the scenery. I think if it were a bright sunny day I would have looked at it as any other place. This was also the first place where the leaves are starting to turn too! I feel at home when I feel a colder breeze and I see the colors of fall!

The Fairmount inn. This hotel is massive! Been around a long time. The original caught fire, it was rebuilt in 1915....I think that's the right year. They had this cute friendly dog, retriever, that works there. Yes, WORKS there. Lol they have ghosts at this hotel as well. Many guest report sightings. The hotel has been on A&E for it. When the manager was telling the story I got chills. Stuff like that I love, but it always freaks me out. Lol.

It was a good tour! :-)

Bar Harbor- best lobster in the world??

2010-09-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

This Bar Harbor I did the grand tour with lobster!

Ya see I have to say first...I was really excited for all my tours this week, cause I picked them myself. I set myself up for a lot of work. I don't mind, that's for sure. Doing/shooting the tour is great, but the editing and the amount of time it takes is a bit too much, plus with all this extra shooting, it just piled up. My senior asked me if I was okay with doing my tour today. Yes, shooting the tour is never the problem. Lol I wasn't gonna miss these tours!

Needless to say I'm always excited to go on tours.

The grand tour ended up being a tour of Acadia National Park, with Maine lobster for lunch. Caught that morning I might add. I don't think you can get any fresher than that. Lol

I seen some spots I haven't seen yet. Everything is just so pretty. I knew it involved Cadillac mountain again, which I looked forward to. I really like the view from there.

Lunch was quite interesting. It was supposed to be at noon, but lobster didn't arrive at the restaurant yet. So, they had to rearrange some things, and we did lunch was like two and half hours later. Some ppl on other buses were pissed, ppl on my bus were pretty cool with everything. Me, I'm just always happy to go along for the ride of everything. I'm never pissed. Unless I get a difficult tour guide. Specifically the ones intimidated by cameras. They tend to be a bit more abrasive toward me. Which I understand. Some ppl just get nervous, and that's their defense.

So, I had lobster. It was fun to watch everyone try to crack them open and eat the meat. I mean there's this whole- two pound lobster on your plate and you kinda feel like...where do I begin. Lol me I thought it was too cool looking to tear a part. Lol. However, I did indeed proceed to due so.

I won't lie its the best I've ever eaten.

They also gave you all this other food with it. Too much for me. They had blueberry pie for everyone as well. Now, the blueberries in Maine are the best low-growing blueberries. I had a blueberry muffin three weeks ago at this cafe OMG seriously best ever! - never wanted to eat blueberry pie. Everytime I tried the tiniest bit I never liked it. I avoid blueberry pie. But knowing how good the blueberry muffin was I def wanted to try the pie. And of course it was delicious too. I couldn't eat all of that either. Lol

The passengers were really nice, and the tour guide as well. I got some cool shots. My edit was very simple, that helped my work load. I finished Boston edit, took two hours longer than expected. Set me back a bit.

It ended up being another night of editing, bed, get up early to workout before my next tour.

So, yes, the lobster here lives up its title. Lol

Busy-Busy-Busy, after Boston, and Salem.

2010-09-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

This cruise is only half over, things are great.

Its been busy, but fun.

I started off with sailaway, and that was just the thing I needed to get me in the right mood. :-) I didn't have to edit sailaway, but I got some good shots.

I dread Newport, cause its first formal night which means champagne waterfall. Oy! my least favorite. But it went well. Wasn't as unbearable as usual. Lol I guess it helped I had Morne to entertain me for a bit while he was talking photos. The edit was good, got done with that faster than usual too.

Lately I've not been going out, I've been giving my body some proper sleep. I guess I'm reading to many fitness and running magazines. Lol. Ugh last night though it was really rough, the ship was banging too much and rocking too much. Not idea sleeping conditions. Boooo!

Boston was awesome, but I knew itd be a very long day, so I made sure I had sleep to wake early for a morning workout beforehand. **btw my hip is doing well. Not 100% just yet, but I'd say another week of biking before getting back into running** Day went great. My tour was to Marblehead, and Salem.

Marblehead is the yacht capital of the US. Really pretty. They have this cool light house there. All the property are these huge mansions. The view really is just gorgeous. I got a really awesome timelapse, but the damn tour guide like 70% through the shot put his hand in the corner of my shot. I still got a good amount to work with.

Salem was great of course. I love all the houses, the whole village and town has such character. I love how everything has such history to it. Its funny, the tour guide was telling us how the city doesn't like to be recognized as the witch city, but like almost every local business is witch something, or other. We did the witch museum. I've done that before, but I still enjoyed it. I sneaked a bit of recording of the show. It might help our sales who knows.

The tour was great, but long. The tour guide was this really old dude with the highest pitched voice I've ever heard from someone that age. Lol than this passenger threw a fit because the guide would tell these historic stories. Which I never mind, I enjoy it. But he was doing it while the bus was parked, and we were just sitting there while he was talking. This couple was pissed that they didn't have more time off the bus, which, hey I can totally understand. As soon as they complained he stopped and we got off. Lol which helped me out cause I need shots off the bus. The guide was always rushing us, but we always ended up waiting around on the bus not going anywhere. Still I didn't have a major problem with anything.

When I got back to the ship, I had an hour to capture! Oy! Than I had to help shoot the artist, Michael Godard's presentation. So, I fit of editing after that. Than I had to shoot 50's night. I got another hour of editing done after that. Than it was 1130 and I called it quits and went to bed. Early tour today as well.

I didn't finish the Boston edit. I just captured 50's. So, today I'm on a long tour, I'm not shooting a crazy amount, just so editing goes a bit easier. its always sound that sets me back. There are a lot of sound bites for Boston, so the sound edit takes another hour. I'm not doing that with this tour I'm on now. I still have to find time to workout and eat. Oy! I have an early, and long tour tomorrow as well. By tonight I should be caught up. Thatd be ideal before my next tour. But tomorrow for sure I will be. By halifax I'll be bored. Its usually all at once. Lol

the first workout, and Amber being Amber

2010-09-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

I worked out yesterday, and it went great actually. I was so happy to get back into it. I not running for two weeks though. I'm scared to run. I think once I'm not afraid to even think about I'll have a small jog to start out. I was planning on running a half-marathon, but now I'm rethinking it. Yeah scardy-cat basically. I think starting out with a 10k is a bit more comforting. I'm not as scared with that. So we'll see how this goes. For now the bike is my best friend.

Right after I was done writing my last blog, I think I reached my point of ... I don't know what word to sum it up with. I'm usually content and I have been. Leavers night there was a disco. I didn't wanna really go, but my friend was leaving, so you know I'm gonna see him off. I had free time that night but I decided to just chill. I was supposed to go this crew talent show, but one person pissed me off and I couldn't be bothered supporting this person to be quiyte honest. Yeah word of advice if you can't handle other ppl's opinion don't converse with anyone...ever. I'm sorry but this really annoyed the hell out of me. I will not sit there and have someone speak for me or have anyone lump me into a group. I'm sorry I know ...and knew years ago what I wanted to do with my life. I know ppl find comfort with identifying their own dilemias with others, but don't assume everyone around had your dilemia. Just because I'm in your age group don't mean shit. I'm rare, not many ppl know what they wanna do or achieve. I'm sorry I do. Needless to say I said my two bits and of course it wasn't welcome. Oh well I'm still gonna be Amber, like it or not.

Well later that night I ended up napping and headed up to hangout at the crew bar, and I really couldn't be bothered. I'm not into the scene. Its more annoying for me now. I'm bored with it, and bored with some of these ppl.

Its a good thing I'm happy when I'm working.

Everything in my last blog is true, I'm content with most stuff here, idk lack of a good connection with a few gets me bored on the social realm. Maybe me being this content even keel person isn't me. Its nornally not how I am. I'm usually very outgoing, loud, laughing, and all about everywhere with a lot of ppl. Idk why I can't be bothered with anyone. When I spoke up about the situation above that Amber being Amber. And that was the first time that happened on here. I guess I'm being quiet reserved Amber for now.

Although, last night I ended up having a girls night with my roommate. Unplanned. we bother ended up doing our nails and having a chat about all of this. Its good we can have conversations like that. Some ppl can't handle deep or complex conversation I gathered from the ppl on this ship.

I think if a conversation makes you uncomfortable than I think you should engage even more so. Not just say 'I don't want to talk about this anymore' I hate when ppl do that. I hate how ppl coware from confrontation. If you are that jugdemental, and that opininated hell might as well have some balls to go with it.

Ok.... I think I'm done now with that subject. Lol

In other news... I got all three tours I wanted! Happy!!
I just need to make sure to to shoot too too much. Lol

Oy! Champagne waterfall tonight :-( my most hated event. This is the only event that really makes me hate work. Everything else totally happy. Champagne waterfall is just a extremely tedious edit, and the event is just so boring. I hope there are some lively passengers.

Progress-finishing my first month.

2010-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is turnaround day...(old peeps off...new come on) I will finishing my first month thus far.

When I first came on it felt like one day was like freaking three days. My time was a bit warped. Time was reallllllly slow. It doesnt feel like that any more.

This past cruise was too easy for me. I told my senior to put me on tour. I'd rather be on tour than not. yeah I'm giving myself more work, but I'll be able to get more photos, and footage for demo and my biz. Plus I wont be bored, and I get to see the city we port in at a more in depth level.

I am trying to get this Salem, MASS. tour for next Boston. I hope i get it!!! I love Salem. Its 7 and a half hours, alll day when we are in port, but some is spent driving out there. You see a ton though! I really want this tour so I think I should be finding out soon.

This week I didnt have many tours, but they were good ones.

Newport- I did the Belcourt castle. Even though I couldnt get any footage I still enjoyed being there. I love history. This house was amazing though. The guy who owns it now collects all of these antiques. In Newport its pretty much like mansions on every corner. And thats not an exaggeration. Its really cool to see. but the maintenance is really high on those houses because of the weather 80% of the year. so they knock them down. this guy gets things from the mansions and refurbishes/rebuilds certain pieces. I saw some wood work that was amazing. dating back centuries. It blew my mind. The tour guide than tells us how he got these marble pillars from another mansion being destroyed, and these pillars date back to 2nd century. I don't believe it, but I was like whoa dude. lol that's pretty sweet...if it in fact true. I guess they did the test to find out the time period it came from.

Halifax-I went to another city not too far from port. Like and hour and a half away. We went to a town call lunenburg. really cool looking city, really nice, unique old building there. We got two hours free in Lunenburg, than we made our way to Mahune Bay. really pretty small town. I saw this market where they stored the pumpkins on the roof. lol. Yes, I took a pic. We got an hour free time in Mahune Bay. The tour guide was really nice. I liked this tour cause there was a lot of history told. You got a bit of touring around the city, but than you got to just do what you wanted. I got to get all the shots I wanted, and was able to do it freely, and at my own slow pace. It was a pretty ideal case scenario for me and my camerawork. I shot like an hour of footage...the only draw back to having all this time....I shoot too much and have to edit a bit. I spent most my time getting sound bites from the tour guide though.

I also took a lot of pics. I am trying to figure out my niche in my style of photography. But I am gonna try out seaming together landscapes to try the panoramic views. so all these places are my test shots really. they have a program to seam pics together, but I want to do it by hand first. Who knows how that will go.

Injury update, My leg is better, I feel tiny bits of pain now and than, but its a reminder I need to keep stretching. I am gonna start back up in the gym again today. lets see how thats goes.

yeah this contract is definitely panning out to be a different experience. I dont like drinking anymore. I dont like discos, the more ppl that are chilling out in the crew bar the less I feel like being up there. I prefer when just a few of us go up there to chill. I play video games now. It's usually the four of us. I play cards more too. I draw, and read way more than my last contract. I am usually always found to be hanging with photogs of some sort. My last contract I hung with so many different people from different departments, and countries, not so much this time. I just get a different vibe. I guess I am not that restless, curious, or anxious to meet different ppl from different backgrounds like I was for so long. Before the more ppl I knew the better I felt. This time around I'm just like "ehh, whatever" for the most part. I think I am done trying to be ppl's friends. I dont need as much validation as I use to, maybe. I get along better with the team, but I guess getting along with the ppl I work with is more a priority than just random ppl on the ship. Dont get me wrong, I def have a few ppl I talk to outside my department, but I guess I dont need the social attention I use to need. I am happy and content with whats going on. On my last ship I use to have some serious up and downs. Maybe it was me just trying to figure myself out still. I know I have been trying to figure it out for a number of years now. I know who I am more so now than ever. Maybe it was how everything was so new, maybe it was the relationship I was in. I am single and it great cause I havent been since I was about 14 years old. I'm by myself and it def good for me. Boyfriends give you stress. lol.

Its turning out to be a good contract. I feel more myself, and comfortable with that. I feel I'm more responsible as well. I have more major goals to focus on, and I guess that contributes to all of this.

good so far, 1 month down, 5 more to go!!

renewed faith in the medical team on board.

2010-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Today was especially good day for me because I can walk.

I will never talk walking for granted. That's for sure!!

Last week after my long distance run I woke up the next day unable to use my leg properly. Its sounds funny to say it like that. I had serious pain, and a serious limp while walking. I was thinking hmmm mits just my bad hip thing like usual. Ice it stretch and it'll get better in a few days.

WRONG.

I went to medical to let them know what was happening that next day. The guy, who I think was the head nurse told me there was nothing they could do for me. But he did suggest deep heat(bengay.) I limped all the way aft to get a bag of ice, along with my deep heat, than trekked all the way forward back to my room. Admittly enough stretching and ice did help. After awhile deep heat started to just irritate my skin. Nothing more. I ran out of ibeprophen. Bought tynlenol, but neither of those helped any with pain, and my walk was ridiculously funny. That's how I got the nickname on the team: Gangsta. My limp looked like a pimp walk. Lol

Through the week it was getting better, until yesterday. I went on a fairly easy tour, no hiking, not too much walking around, I had way worse whith this injury. Just while standing in this cool castle/mansion while this animated tour guide was talking I was in extreme pain. Worried that my next step my hip/muscles would give out and I'd be in even more pain. I didn't have this much pain. So, obviously I was getting worried. Ya know the whole mind set...will they look into this, will they say they can't do anything for me again, will I get disembarked than end up with crazy medical bills back home. Everything was running through my head.

I haven't even mentioned how sleeping had become difficult as well, I felt more pain at rest than while walking around.

So yesterday I went back to the docs. I actually had a doctor this time. She asked me what was happening. She than checked my strength and range of motion. She asked me to lift my leg against her hand while I was lying down, and she go ahead, and o told her I was. Lol she laughed at me. Than she told me to repeat it with the other leg, and I had no problem, so that let her know that I wasn't just weak. She actually laughed at me. Lol.

She showed me 3 key stretches I had to do 3 times a days. I am not allowed to go to the gym for awhile. But only slow walks around every few hours. She also gave me anti-inflammatory drugs. A pretty potent kind, but not too much.

Today I feel a lot better. The stretching is helping a lot. I was able to walk around today with out crazy limp. I was happy to have 90% mobility back!

I guess I am on the road to recovery, which makes me happy. I'm just glad she took the time to look into my issue.

Most ppl on the ships, which I am one of them... Complain about how the doc on board don't give a shit, they just through a bunch of pills, or tell there is nothing they can do. I mean because of what happened the first time I thought these docs don't care unless your have the flu or noro.

All in all this doc let me know they can help with problems other than those two things. Thank goodness I didn't give up totally on medical team.

I hope that was the last time I had to go to them for this.

The return of the four seasons ....at least for a few weeks

2010-09-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

With this run ....New England and Canada.... It's weather I haven't seen in a long while. For example the crazy winds, rain, and even a bit of cold. I guess I have been spoiled with me moving to LA a bit than joining the ship where the run was Hawaii. I haven't seen cold weather in almost two years. On my vacation from the ship I enjoyed the Buffalo summer. Fall is upon us. New England has a beautiful fall season and I personally am looking forward to it! I miss wearing hoodies, and jackets. I'd rather have slightly cold weather than the hot tropical ships usually take you into. I find a little chilly is good for me while shooting, it makes it more comfortable, since I'm moving around a lot. I will only enjoy this chilly weather another month than we are headed to the caribbean. Than after that I return to Buffalo for the tail end of winter. Which can be quite brutal. I haven't seen snow in forever. Not even when I was in Alaska. Snow on mountains doesn't count. At least not to me. :-)

walkin round lika gangsta

2010-09-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Yeah my title is pretty weird, but its true. I've been walking around with this limp. Morne the asst manager from south africa didn't know I had this hip injury thing and now he just keeps making fun of me and this 'gangsta' walk I have lol

Boston ended alright. Carmen's friend had a ton of food for us. Beer, pie, ice cream, everything thatd you see at a typical American bbq. I actually had a decent conversation with my manager. We didn't click at all at first. Her dating my sup kinda makes things a tiny bit awkward.

After the bbq I had 6 hours before my shoot for the night. I used it wisely. Went to medical ... They don't carry ice packs. They basically told me they can't do anything for me. They gave me Deep Heat. Which help a little bit. But I needed to ice my hip for sure. So I limped my way down the M1 allllll the way aft to get a garbage bag and beg one of the servers for ice. Which luckily I had a nice guy help me out. I iced my hip a awhile and rested. Its best for this type of injury. Shooting that night was def challenging.

Today I went on a whale watch tour. A total joke compared to hawaii and alaska. I didn't get anything good whatsoever. Plus with my inability to maneuver my body quickly I had an extra hard time.

Good news tho I got some awesome coffee and the best homemade bluberry muffin. Bar harbor is known for the best lobster and the best blueberries. So far I can agree with the best blueberries! :-)

photog day out.

2010-09-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

We docked in Boston safely. Actually quite nice out too.

The photo manager has a friend in boston that's hosting all of us for a bbq. I think that's really cool.

It'll be good to get out and just hang out with the team...off the ship.

I wish that I was in my bed tho :-(
I did a long run yesterday. My hip is really hurting, and I'm sore, so the combination right now is brutal. It'll be good to walk around a bit though.

Tomorrow I have a tour, so hopefully I have my hip in working order. Lol

I'll be updating you's on how today goes.

missing my comp :-(

2010-09-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

My title is a bit sadder than I really am. I am actually updating my blog through my phone since I have internet through my phone. It saves on wasting money on internet cards for the ships' comps.
Well I do miss my comp, I can't update my blog whenever I want, more importantly I can't edit, and play with my photos. :-(

I haven't updated in awhile. I will try to do so now, but there is a lot to tell. Lol

My tours have been good! Well the little that I do get to do.
Halifax - I did the citadel the week before last.
- have some cool pics. My footage was pretty sweet!
- last week, which was last thrusday we never went to Halifax. We avoided the hurrican and docked in manhattan
Boston- I didn't have a tour last week. And this - don't either. But I guess my manager has a close friend in boston. She's hosting the whole team for a bbq. I think that's pretty cool.
Newport- last week I did the breakers mansion, and cliff walk.
- it was ....okay. The breaker mansion- absolutely breathe taken. The cliff walk really great viwes! But along the cliff walk the group would stop at these mansion....but they had these giant gates and fences, so footage...not so much was taken of that portion.
- this newport which is today I went for my long distance run along the entirity of the cliff walk. I'm trainging for a half marathon. My long run was great to do arounf newport.
Bar Harbor- last week I did the cadillac mountain and schooner adventure. I wasn't too excited, but once I was uo there at the summit...AMAZING. I loved it. The ship was itty bitty. Lol

I have some really sweet pics of all of this! I can't wait to share tham!!

To update on ship life. Well, I have my bad days that's for sure. I get cranky. Its a bit frustrating finding your niche.
I think I am finally comfortable though. - have a new roommate. She's clean! Which is a blessing. Lol
I feel bad for my last roommate cause she got sick and they placed her in isloation for her last day. Really sucky!
I dropped off a few things to her and when I saw her she looked and sounded better than the day prior.

I'm getting along with my senior a bit more. And actually opening up to the team more too. I feel okay now. Lol

The boys....ugh. They are still annoying. My tag line is " don't waste your time I'm a hard target" which does two things. One it makes them think of well I like challenges I'm gonna go for it, which than leads me to the next thing. It gives me the oppurtunity to show them I'm not kidding. Makes them feel pretty stupid, than usually I'm left alone :-)

Its slowly coming together.

Anyone who reads this.... Well who knnows who that is, but my readers have to do me a favor. Since photography is playing a giant part in my life, when I post pics please let me know what you think. Feedback would really help me and the goals I'm going after.
It can be a simple as oh I hang that in my living room. Or yeah that one sucks. Either one I'd begreatful for.

I'm will be getting my comp fixed probably in the next two weeks. So in due time pics will be up.

Funny thing about ships

2010-08-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

I think there are funny things that go along with ships.

I guess yesterday I wasn't feeling very...happy. I was in a bit of a blah mood. Although my night got better once I started working. See! Thats how I know I'm in the right field. I'm happy WHILE working. But to get back to that funny subject matter. Once I got on the ship after being uber excited, I immediately got in this i don't want to be here attitude. I don't know why. Maybe it was because I found out that half the team was leaving in a cruise or two. I didn't want to make the effort to get to know them. I don't know, I just couldn't be bothered.

Meeting new ppl and getting to know them means you have to always do your fair share of talking about yourself. something I really have grown sick of doing. When I'm back home I get ask 18 million questions about me, what my job is, how great it is, how did I get this job, and than my film/production background. I get sick of repeating it allllllll the time. on ships its the same...just different content is discussed. Where am I from, how long have I been doing ships, what my position is, do i have a bf, when do I leave. I was not in any mood to talk about me to anyone. So, in result I have been keeping to myself a bit. NOT really Amber-esq.

Last night I was talking to my roommate a bit more. thankfully about work stuff. (I am finding out my senior is a bit contradictory...about everything. lol. The whole being upbeat about being negative that I mentioned in an earlier post was exactly the thing the junior before me mentioned. my roommate had a laugh. lol) But i was wandering and just finally had a conversation with someone. I am slowly coming into my own. when done at my own pace it works out. :-)

The funny thing about ships---meeting new ppl requires you to know yourself a bit more than average. Which is a good thing....and bad thing.

**note to sister----eat lots of sweet for me. lol

First Boston

2010-08-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

I did my first tour in Boston today and even though it was cold, rainy, and super windy I liked it.

I did the freedom trail tour. I am always a fan of that. I saw an edit of the same tour last week...completely boring. no idea who did that tour, the senior or the old junior. I hope my edit is somewhat entertaining.

Tomorrow I have a free day in port. that I'm not use to. I usually work every port. I have to shoot country night later on that night. I'm not complaining. I feel with our lack of sales we should be doubling up on tours...that's not my call. I'm not complaining about anything this time around.

Last night I was supposed to hang out with the photogs. never happened. After I posted my address I went to hang out, and felt like I was gonna be sick. So, i just left to my cabin grabbed some water and layed down. I felt blah!! I blame that GROSS coffee I drank. ewwww! I know it was that. They asked me if I was sea sick, yeah right I'm use to worse than this. Although, today is a bit rougher than I expected it to be.

I hope its not raining in Maine tomorrow. I hope I can make it to a mac store to get my comp fixed!! :-)

Address

2010-08-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Amber Sherman
VDO2
Photo Department
MV Caribbean Princess
CRuiselink II,ltd
676A 9th ave, BOX 238
New York, New York 10036

here is my address if anyone needs to send anything. :-)

I better get a Halloween card from someone!!!!

better ...so far

2010-08-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up in a better mood. That is a good sign.

Last night I was invited out by my roommate. I didn't go up to the bar. I just am not feeling the drinking, to be honest. when she got back I guess she went with a bunch of other photogos. I guess because I'm a new joiner I was supposed to be up there partying. everyone I heard was asking where I was.

I am talking a teeny tiny bit more. I'm just glad I got out of that mood quickly.

Good news! I don't have to wait a week to to get out on ports. :-) Because I'm an American I don't have to do immigration. They did that on the Golden, but thankfully its different on this ship. So. I will be out and about tomorrow in Boston.

We were in Newport Rhode Island. It was really crappy out. It's raining right now. The ship's anchor got suck. We got delayed a tiny bit. I think they mentioned having a diving team go, and check things out. All is well now.

Yeah, the showers were not as bad as everyone said they were. Totally fine. not the hottest shower in the world, but it's not as bad as they made it seem. Just that in itself made me think this isn't gonna be as bad as I thought it was, referring to this whole contract in general.

My senior ... it seems like he hates everything. He's really nice, upbeat and all that...he just says everything sucks-shooting wise. I had to shoot sailaway. He said it was a really sucky time. blah blah blah. I shot it going in FML, after everything was said and done, I was like yeah I've had worse.
lol

just a bunch of negative Nancy's

There is this new system. videographers have to fill this thing out tracking everything we do...every 15 minutes. lovely right? just one more thing I have to track...it's a tedious task.Its just like an ILO. Instead of just marking when we work, and rest this one has us put in codes describing exactly what we did during our work hours. We have to do this for 3 weeks. I guess some videographers on other ships were complaining about doing more work or whatever. so some guy was hired to track the efficiency of the video team fleet wide.

I have to shoot champagne waterfall in an hour. My least favorite event. I have to run two cameras by myself. my senior has to shoot a happy gay wedding. I say it like that cause every 5 seconds he says "hehehehe I have to shoot a happy gay wedding." laughter to follow. yeah ...I wonder about him. lol

I think it's going to be fine :-)

day 1...contract two.

2010-08-21T16:15:00.000-07:00

ok...so, this is my first day. I cant say I'm excited as I once was. ehhh, Im use to this mood thing on ships that I get tho. I hope I adjust.

my senior and manager....pretty tolerable. I dont think they'll be a bother. The team, ehhh I dont really know them yet obviously. Most of them already tagged me as shy.

Apparently my roommate is a big partier. Half the team is either leaving next week or in two weeks. all of the photo staff's showers get no hot water. We average about 10 dvd's per cruise. None of the photogs push the dvd. I guess they say the passengers on here are more rude than any ship they've been on. oh and I forgot to mention the editing suite is a shoe box. Stephen wasnt joking about that when he told me back on the golden.

so...off to a good start? not so much. I wanted to throw myself in work, but videographers on this ship do hardly anything.

I've only been on the ship for about 8 hours. I am already thinking I am gonna hate this contract. lol. That is bad. Being back on the ship makes me miss all my old friends back on the Golden. :-(

We'll see how this goes. Sadly I cant post videos, or pics since my comp is still sick. Once thats fix I will supply all the pics you can think of!!!

note to sister: yeah i thought about just chilling in NYC and not getting on the ship once I was at the hotel. lol I should have stayed. but this is where the money's at. lol

Summer Vacation

2010-08-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am leaving in two days. My First vaca from the ship is ending. I have to say this vacation has been eventful. It was filled with several things I wanted, things I didn't expect, and things I needed.

I was sad to say good-bye to LA when I decided being back home was what I needed to do. I wasn't thrilled about moving back in with the family for these few months. logically it made sense.

I had a awesome roadtrip. Me and my sister re-established our relationship. we both grew up and changed as people while I was away for about 10 months. We re-learned who each other was, and I'm glad we became the best friends we once were. It has been a long time. I'm glad I got my sister back.

The Perfect House

I got hired for a feature film that was shot in Cheektawaga. I had a blast on that set. I have to say thanks to Tal first. He taught me a lot of things about the camera obviously, but also about the overall way of how making a movie works, and how everyone interacts. The crew was filled with such great people. Klinger and Kyle...I honestly don't know what that movie would have been without them. I know they helped me out a lot as well. I hope to work with them again. Tim---this guy! lol. He was an awesome fun guy. Glad he was there to make those stressful times fun! The directors/producers I admire them for going after their dream. They are making it happen. I'd work for them again in a heartbeat. Working on this movie was a great experience for me, and I learned a great deal.

check out the movie!
www.theperfecthousemovie.net

I was in one of my best friend's wedding. I am so happy for them. :-) I still cant Believe Mary is married!! It was a fun couple of days, and there was drama to follow who knew. lol

It was, for sure, a roller coaster ride being home with the family. the fights and the laughs! I remember when I first got home i just hated it! I couldn't wait to leave. I was going crazy and I just couldn't take the stress of home life. But now, I am excited to go, but I will miss home life. lol. it always works that way. I found my niche at home just when I have to leave. I'm gonna miss getting woken up by the kids. Dylan beating me up randomly. lol. I feel like I helped raise them. Who knows maybe I taught them something useful.

I met some new people, got close to people that I thought would never happen, and I got back in touch with people I haven't seen for years. There are a couple people that stick out.

one person in particular is Mike. I met him through my friend Joe. It was a small Comedy show at merge that Joe was doing. I sort of knew we would talk and end up getting closer. I'm glad I met him. I had a lot of fun with him. To me he was a very rare, special person. I appreciate him for his creative,artistic mind. I fell in love with how he expressed himself through the things he loved. Whether it was music, words, or comedy. He introduced me to new music. He fulfilled my craving for that something more I was looking for in music. I will always remember a lot of moments with him.
We has a website of his stand up videos, blogs, and podcasts. check it out his stuff.

http://mikeclinejr.com

There are some friends that I wanted to spend more time with, but my mood, lack of funds, or lack of time got in the way. I feel like I should have spent more time with My friend Jen. She is becoming such a good mom. I'm very proud of her. I'm sorry I didn't give you more of my time, but I'm glad we did have some good moments this summer. :-)

My friend Matt!! Dude I'm happy we hung out as much as we did!! We had a lot of laughs!! I found myself at my most comfortable with this guy! I always had fun with him. Although I am mad we wont let me send him a postcard. lol.

I feel like there are a lot of things that are going to come to a close. It feels like I am saying good-bye to these ppl. In a way I am. I just want people to know how I felt about this summer. When I come back to Buffalo in February I Know I will be hanging with my sister. But you never know where your friends will be. I hope to re-establish some of the relationships I formed this summer. but you never know. I guess I am just documenting and remembering. There were people this summer that made me feel special. THANKS!!

I am starting a new contract. I am very eager to find out who I'll be working with, who I'll get close to, who I'll hate. lol. I am very excited. Lets see what happens!! :-)

On my way

2010-08-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

After I posted the last blog I thought seriously about what I wanted to tell Princess.

I waited a few days, but I told them I was fine with leaving on the Caribbean Princess.

Yes, it is not the ship I wanted. It was the ship I NEVER wanted. There are some benefits to this itinerary. It'll give me a bit more stability and routine...as far as ships go. I'll be visiting NYC so that's a plus, figure out if I love and actually want to move there. That's only for the first two months. I get to visit Boston again too!

I don't really know why I was dreading the Caribbean. I guess I wanted to go somewhere further from home. But I look forward to getting to know the islands like I got to know the islands of Hawaii.

I leave Aug 21st. I get back Feb 18th....thats if they dont switch anything up. who knows ya know.

Most posts and pics will be up soon. I will also try and get some video blogs up as well!

My next contract

2010-08-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

I recently have been communicating with Princess about my next contract.

Originally I was supposed to join the Diamond Princess September 19th. Well....that isn't gonna happen now. One of the videographers got medically disembarked, and they called me up to find out if I could leave right away to join the ship. This was sometime 2 weeks ago.

I am gonna be honest the terms weren't in my favor. I will say that...but are they ever, really?? Since I am American, and because my job entails working on foreign soil; I may sometimes run into ***hey I need a visa!!*** Well this was the case with China and the Diamond Princess. Since they needed me to leave right away....I didn't have time to get my Chinese visa. So, I would have had to join the Diamond for only 2 months, than since there was no guarantee that I would have been able to get my visa while on the ship I would have been trans-shipped.....WHO KNOWS WHERE!!!! Everyone who does ships knows that being trans-shipped--- SUCKS!!! If I didn't leave when they wanted to I would have been bumped totally off that ship. Either way I probably wasn't gonna make it to Asia like I wanted to!!

So, what did I do? I told them the earliest I could leave would be Aug 3rd. I was optimistic that I would obtain my visa while on the ship. I was set to leave Aug 3rd.

All of this was discussed, and they needed an answer in a matter of a half hour on one phone call. My rash decision was: "Yes, sure I can leave on Aug 3rd."

I hung up the phone started to tell my friends that I was gonna be leaving Buffalo. I started to scramble to be quite honest.

Than I started to really think this over. DO I WANT TO LEAVE...at least right now???? I talked to a few important people, and even did a freaking pros and cons list!! I mean how stupid is that?!? If any one actually does that please let me know so I don't feel like an absolute fool. lol.

I emailed Princess two days later saying no I couldn't go.

my reasons...

***Well I wanted to go to Asia....no money and time to get my visa before joining the ship.
***There was no guarantee that I'd be able to get my visa while on the ship.
***I had to get uniform stuff in order(they dont pay for that stuff)
***I didn't wanna do Alaska again for two months.
***I was holding out for this film job(yes I took that risk)
***I wasn't ready to leave Buffalo Just yet.

All in all I guess I didn't really have a big giant reason why not to go. Plus I was gonna miss out on a few things that were happening this August.

Since I denied that contract there was a chance they weren't gonna offer me a new one. If they offered me a new one I could get a bad itinerary. Once I told them I couldn't my rep told me that my next ship was going to possibly be the Sapphire on Sept 19th. LAME ITINERARY!!! All places I've already been...at least 70% of the ports.

Than two days ago I got another email asking if I could go on the Caribbean Princess. I DO NOT WANT THAT SHIP!!!! lame itinerary. 7 day cruising. They make NO MONEY on that ship. Selling DVDs is like pulling teeth on that ship!!! Every Cruise fleet-wide they have the worst in sales!! It doesn't matter who the videographers are...what cool commercials they have going, what awesome flyer is up...they sell like 20 DVDs. No commission money for me.

so, right now I haven't said no to that ship....I haven't said yes.

I don't even know if I wanna do ships anymore. I am thinking I wanna save for a year than focus on my film career. Who knows?????

I am very torn on this ships/film thing.

OY!

Home sweet home

2010-06-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well i made it home.

Being back in Buffalo is a bit weird. I miss living in LA to be honest. I kinda like being back in my home town though. nothing has really changed.

I mean a few more tim Hortons have gone up, some people have broken up or got pregnant, but for the most part, Buffalo is Buffalo.

I was a bit restless being home with nothing to do...workwise. of course I have things to take care, but nothing that takes up massive amounts of time. I just need to chill, I realized I cant always go go go. So, now I'm just chilling.

I've always been one to kinda never stay in one place, or stay in one group. I actually do not like staying in one group of friends. issues ALWAYS come from that. the group never likes people branching out. they always feel like oh now she hangs with so and so.

when that happens i always find out who are some of my best friends.

i bring this up because when a person is away you get the whole " i miss you", or the " when should hang out when you get back" blah blah blah. I probably cold go on for awhile, but i will spare you cause I know you get it. Well once your home what happens?? lol there will be people that seek you out and make sure they spend time with you, its usually not those ones that gave you all those lines.

i just find it funny. I like seeing the patterns of humans.

Well my cruise ship life for now is over. It was a very exciting, dramatic, interesting, emotional experience. I loved it. I shall continue my blog once I'm closer to getting on my next ship.

My next ship is The Diamond princess. That ship goes to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. I sign on Sept 11, 2010.

So I guess you'll read on in 3 months. :-)

Grand Canyon-Big deal???

2010-06-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

My sister coming out here planned to see the Grand Canyon. I hadn’t seen it yet. To be honest, I didn’t really care to see it. I was kinda like oh since we’re driving by lets check it out, but if its out of our way, oh well. I mean either way I didn’t really care.

We were making our way to the Grand Canyon, and the ride up was really cool. I had no idea the was a forest that surrounded the area. The weather was great. It was uber hot for the beginning part of our day, than it just nice and cool. It was great. It eventually got quite cold. I full on welcomed the cold!! ☺

We stopped at this gas station/Native store. My sister bought handmade jewelry. I got a sweet pair of onyx earrings out of the deal. Lol.

We are pretty much at the canyon, and we notice a sign that says park fee. I’m like what the hell is that about. We were unsure about fees and all that. Turns out there was this $25 fee to enter the Grand Canyon park. I’m like SWEET JESUS!! We were only going for what we thought a short time. I guess you buy these 7 days passes for $25. We paid it regardless.

My excitement grew as we got closer to seeing it.

It was about sunset when we got to Mather Point. The visitor center was closed, but that was okay, I still got my info about the Canyon and all that I wanted. I’m always curious on how things like that got there and were formed. I read all this info before see the canyon. Now I really wanted to see the canyon! I saw all this info about hiking, and I so wanted to just stay for a couple days and hike!

My sister bought a whole bunch of stuff!! Lol I waited for her, and I just could not take it anymore. I told her “ Jen, the sun is setting we have to go now to even be able to see the canyon.” So, I just straight up book it. I didn’t want to miss it while we were here these few hours.

It was a it of a walk, but once we got the point, OMG!! it blew me away! It was just so beautiful.

I never thought it’d affect me the way it did. I want to go back for sure, and spend a few days there to hike, and all that jazz.

It was amazing, I’m glad I went. It was 100 miles out of the ay too.

My sister as I was looking out one last time, was like “ Amber so, was it worththe $25 dollas? I’m like YES! I don’t even care about the money now. I’m glad I was there to see something that amazing!

“The Grand Canyon is what all canyons are compared to.”

I must add this little tid bit of Information. When I was on my journeys in Hawai’I, I went to Waimea canyon. Now, Mark twain tagged it “The grand canyon of the Pacific” Seeing both, Waimea does even come close. Waimea was beautiful, but didn’t strike me like the Grand Canyon did. It turns out that Mark Twain never even went and saw the Waimea Canyon in person. Who knows if we even saw the Grand Canyon. I feel like nick-naming Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific is almost an insult. Lol. Who is someone going to put a label on something like that without seeing both for real and in person??? Boo.

All in all it was a great day in Arizona!

Leaving Las Vegas.

2010-06-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Vegas traffic in the afternoon sucks. Lol My sister and I had a little tiff taff. We had set minds to just GO HOME. We were not in the best of moods. We were on the road, heading toward Utah. Than I said to her, where is the Hoover dam from here.

From that moment we’ve had fun! It was like from the point we were going to make the best of this trip for sure. I wont get into why were fought or whatever, but we got over it. ☺

We drove a bit out of the way, but that’s okay. I honestly was dreading taking the same route back to Buffalo. And I knew had I just headed home we would not have fun. We made our way to drive over the Hoover Dam. We got about 4 miles away from the Dam and we were stuck in LA highway at rush hour type traffic. LAME-NESS.

It was uber hot!! The traffic was slow, and we’re wondering why the hell is this hold up happening.

Security check right before the Dam! They check the weight of your car. Or course its an issue going over the dam.

So this check point was holding traffic back 4 miles. We couldn’t believe it. We didn’t even really stop. I paused for a sec, than he just said we were fine to go across.

Massive crowds of course. We didn’t get out and do tour. We just didn’t care to do so. Lol. I don’t know why we just do whatever.

We Were now making our way to the Grand canyon.

Leaving California

2010-06-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

Ship life has caused me to move out of LA and back to Buffalo. So, I needed to move all my stuff, and car back to Buffalo. 2,600-3,000 mile trip back home.

My sister and I had a lot fun In LA. We were excited about continuing our journey home. My sister never roadtrip to this extent. For any American I feel like a cross country road trip is what we all want to do- eventually. To see as many states as possible, and tell our stories about what happened in each state. I know when I talk to people and we get to talking about travels, the amount of states an individual has visited is a giant conversation. I guess that’s a pretty cool thing about being American…a lot of land to explore.

Well I took the cross country road trip to LA. Now I’m doing it again going back. A different route as well. ☺ I would hate to do the exact same route going back. That’s something that bothers me. I want to see as many new things as possible.

Our first stop was Las Vegas. My sister was uber excited to visit Vegas. I’m not gonna lie I was too.

I happened to get a really bad cold the day prior. The day of I felt like death. By the time we got to Vegas all I waned to do was sleep. I mustered up some energy to see a little bit of it though.

We stayed at the Paris Hotel/resort.

To be completely honest I didn’t care for Vegas. Maybe because I was sick and cranky. I don’t know. I’ll have to go back when I’m well enough to have fun. Lol. It was cool to see all the lights and the busy streets, but for the most part I could live without it.

We didn’t stay long, so maybe one day I’ll go back and make it a few days of a vaca.

Back on land

2010-06-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

Let me be the first to say that I am so happy to be back on land. There are just so many things i miss about "regular life" that you just dont/cant get on a ship.

the main one is driving, for me at least. I was so happy to drive my car!!

My sister flew into LA to meet me and from there we are roadtripping it to Buffalo. (great so far) we spent a few days in LA though. We had alot of fun in LA. visiting around LA made me realize how much i loved LA, and how much i missed it and wanted to still live there. We ran around pasadena for a bit, drove around hollywood, went to La ink for my parents(high Voltage tattoo) and than spent most of our night in Santa monica. :-) We took my sister for sushi in santa monica. it was so good!! Jo- She is now a fan of sushi! conversion number one complete!! lol

It's weird being home. I'm totally free. its a great feeling. I dont have to worry about work, being aboard at a certain time, editing champagne waterfall(the only edit/event I HATE doing) I can do what i want. its a great feeling!!!

I thought i would miss the ship more. I miss my job, but not having time to myself to do whatever with. I havent really gotten to the stage of missing people extensively yet. People def cross my mind for sure though.

Its so good to be back on land. I wont miss the work that much though, I'm working on a few projects while home. :-)

Leaving the Ship

2010-06-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

5.5 months.

I really cant believe I got through this first contract. it all seems surreal. i had some really good times. I had some tough times, and some phenomenal times. I had some crappy bosses, I had some really great bosses, I made some friends, had some fights, grew really close with people, seen people come and go. I laughed, and cried with people. Now it was my time to go.

The first thing I hate about leaving is packing. lol really. Thankfully i wasn't over in weight on anything.

On leavers night of course I didn't sleep. You have to hang with so many people, and say your good byes, get your last shot/drink with your close friends. Finish packing maybe, make sure you have your paperwork done, and everything is ok to go really. I totally forgot to finish my ILO. oops. :-( i realized once i was home like a day. lol

my last few nights were great. I didn't go out in Victoria, I Packed instead. the night prior was awesome, I had a chill night with my two roommates, and one of the new photogs. It was a fun night. I had alot of laghs for sure. Me and jo were having flash backs on all the funny things that happened to us. great night.

leavers night when I was finally packed the photo manager invited all of us to his cabin for a beer. We had our free beer, than headed to the crew bar. to my pleasant surprise Anthony got my tim bits!! tim hortons is the shit!! dogged them. lol. then i was hanging out with the photogs and some others all night.

at the beginning Marek wasn't there. this kinda upset me ...slightly. I knew he's turn up though. I got my leavers card, I loved it. Jo did a good job. :-) Thanks Jo.

I was bouncing around to all kinds of people that wanted to see me. Marek did turn up. I was happy to see him. I wanted to give him a huge hug! i'm gonna miss him. We worked well together. what he said to me was just great. it def make me be like awww. lol And stephen got me scared before he got to the ship. lol Marek really pushed me to be a better Videographer. I told him that. I also told him I appreciated how he challenged me, and pushed me to test my limits and creativity. I learned a lot from him. I wish I could have worked with him longer. He promoted me, and my appraisal was all good. :-)

saying bye to everyone wasnt as hard as i thought. Yeah I'll miss my job for a few, but I knew i was doing this road trip with my sister and i was going to see the rest of my family soon!! I left with no tears.

I left a few people behind, but they'll be fine without me. :-) I wish them fun, and happiness for the rest of their contracts.

This contract really was a great experience. yes it did have major ups and downs, but I learned from it al.

bye bye for now princess.

Dog sled and musher camp

2010-06-03T00:51:00.000-07:00

To get this tour I practically begged marek to push to get it for me. he pulled through for me!!! :-) it was my last cruise so i def wanted to do this tour!! alot of the crew wanted to do this tour as well.

it was a short tour, but a great one.

it started out with a really scenic drive toward the camp. I felt like I really got to see Alaska this time. the views are just amazing. i feel like a broken record. lol. its true though. :-)

We get to the camp and immediately you hop on this cart, and go for a little ride. now you may be wondering why its a cart. its a cart because they don't want to over train the dog, and get them all super muscular. they keep them small and lean, which makes them a better dog for the mushing races.

after that you get to learn all about the culture of mushing, history behind it, and all information you want to know about the sport, the dogs, breeding, costs, anything like that.

than you get to see puppies!! :-) it was awesome. i learned a lot about dog sleding and the races, and how it was a big part of alaskan cultures. dog sledding was a main way of transportation for Alaskan. Than the snowmobile came out and changed all of that. that gave birth to the sport.

I loved it. I had so much fun. the passengers i was with were great to. I had a great time editing it too! i think it was a good edit. Marek said it was great. I got alot of compliments on this edit. :-)

Whale Quest-take two.

2010-06-03T00:22:00.000-07:00

So, I got major busy with my leaving the ship, but I am posting about my last couple of tours. :-)

My last stop in Juneau I did the whale quest...but this time it was a combo I got to go to the the Mendenhall Glacier.

The whale Quest was def better this time around. I saw way more whales. Not Orca whales. :-( in time I will see them in the wild. I also saw sea lions swimming around the whales too. usually you see them just chilling on some rock.

It was really cool, because i got to see humpback whales....yeah same as Hawai'i, but i got to see them eating. I was really amazed to see them eat. it was really cool. :-)

Mendenhall glacier was cool to see up close...well it always seems that way at least. lol The weather for me in Alaska was way too good to me. lol Marek said I am extremely lucky. Trust me I appreciate it! i got some really awesome pictures.

I wanted to see glaciers and I for sure got my fill of that. :-)

Glacier Bay

2010-05-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Glacier bay was an experience for me to say the least. I mean the day prior I got to canoe up to a glacier, so I’m thinking to myself this isn’t going to impress me that much…it did. Lol

We don’t get off the ship we do a scenic cruise. We were really close to it. I never can get over the color a glacier has. I know why it’s that color, its still cool though. Lol

Work wise I had to get up uber early, set up a camera on the bridge. I love going up there cause the view of course is amazing! We set up the camera up there for time-lapse footage. I had to run up every hour to change tapes. We ended up getting 4 tapes total.

I had to get some footage of passengers in front of the glacier and stuff. I wasn’t making ppl wave, I just didn’t think it was fitting to the event that was taking place. Hard to describe, but Marek agreed.

Marek, and I were supposed to split the edit, but that didn’t happen. Our manager actually gave us a compliment on the edit Marek did. I am not taking credit for any of it. I didn’t edit it. Hopefully I’ll get to edit Tracy Arm. I hope so!! I’ll ask him today actually. But its weird I was in charge of the time lapse and had I dropped the ball and wasn’t on my game than we wouldn’t have that footage, but all I did was change tapes and set up audio ya know. Its funny though cause Marek kept asking me “oh did you get a time lapse of us going to the other glacier?”, “Did you get when were here?” and blah blah blah. Yes. Yes. Yes, Marek I got everything worth getting trust me. He was happy. But I still feel as though I did nothing for that edit whatsoever. Marek wasn’t happy with my attitude. Sorry, that’s how I feel. Marek did the scenics too. I got passengers. I hate that I always have to get the passengers. I wanna get epic footage and shit too. But it’s what the junior does. I have to deal with that for now. I’ll have my time to get some really good stuff. This is only my first contract. ☺

It was raining when we arrived, but I got some good pictures. ☺

Skagway, Alaska

2010-05-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

In Skagway I went on a really cool tour. side note....I need to be a better morning person. lol. this tour reminded me of that for sure. i dont know why.

I went on the Glacier point Tour. I didnt really know what I was getting into. We canoed to a glacier!! I had no idea we'd be doing that. it was the Davidson Glacier.

there was again a cruise out to wherever we needed to go. Smooth ride, with free coffee... like the last one. I was a happy camper. lol Scenery was of course beautiful. I saw some sea lions again. It was about an hour ride out to the point. We arrived, and when we arrived i was kinda like...hmmmm. lol it was just a beach, with a bus waiting for us. it was a pretty secluded place. i kick myself now for now getting a pic of the beach. I was more worried about getting the video footage of the contract. beach, with meadows, with the Glacier in the background! amazing.

small bus ride to get geared up. small hike to the canoes. than we canoed out to the glacier. The guides were really awesome. fun guys to talk to. apparently i can like get a job doing that. they do all their training in house. they all live on this island. they are pretty much minimalists. i was intrigued by this lifestyle. It made me think about whether or not i could live like that ya know.

it was cool to be up to a glacier that close! even with us being uber close, we saw a hiker and he was super teeny tiny!!

I was happy i got to do this tour!!

skagway the town, well it is kept up to make sure it looks like an old western town. to give people the idea of what it looked lik eback in the gold rush days. i took a few pics. i wasn't feeling very well, so i just went to the market, got my required peanut butter and bread and went back to the ship to edit my stuff. It was my best edit. :-) For Alaska that is.

Juneau, Alaska

2010-05-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

My first stop ever in Alaska was Juneau. I must say that the scenery is really cool anywhere up in Alaska….so far as I have seen.

My tour was the Whale Watching and wildlife Tour. Now I know what you are thinking, she did whale watching 80 times in Hawai’i. the difference with this spot is that I have a chance of seeing orca whales. AKA Killer Whales. I haven’t seen one yet. BOOOO. I am hopping on my next cruise I will.

I had to go on a small boat again. no problems. the water here is calm as sin!! makes for easy footage! While on the cruise looking out for all this wildlife its just sooo beautiful. I couldn't believe i was there really. Seriously. Yeah, I had a moment. lol I really did. I feel like I have done alot and came along way for someone from where i came from. my family know all about that. :-)

The mountains, and trees, and snow and glaciers...its all just awesome. I saw Mendenhall Glacier from a distance. It was the first glacier I saw. At that moment was when this all hit me.

I did see some sea lions again. I saw a couple whales, some bald eagles. I thought it was worth it.

After I went out in the small town surrounding the dock, and i do like the smallness of it to be honest. I walked around, looking for this alaskan chocolate that i saw in the boat i had just been on. Now I never really buy chocolate to buy it ya know. I dont like stock up. lol But this was white chocolate and coffee! i was shocked. and i thought oh i'll just see it when i'm in town. And i didnt. lol lame-ness!!

I ran into Jo, and we went for sushi. lol yes, i know. but we love it. sorry. it was pretty good. Oh, before hand i got some coffee. Coffee was reeeeeaally good. I enjoyed. I feel like before i leave i'm required to have salmon or something. lol maybe next time.

I ended up at this cool little bok store that jo gave me a heads up about. yes i got more books. I got a dicount tho and i got to joke around with the owner and his daugher. she reminded me of my niece and nephew!! I miss them. Juneau has been good to me so far.

Work wise...i fucked up... i hit the dam gain button without realizing it on my camera, my footage quality looks like shit. I didnt realize till i captured!! I was super pissed. Marek was like "nothing you can do about it now. we all make those mistakes from time to time." He really didnt want me to be upset. I was for a few minutes. i made a cool edit regardless. The hours are def longer, but I feel better when busy. I dont have much time to like write postcards, or update this thing, but i try as much as possible. all in all its been good. :-)

oh the light in Alaska is tripy. I feel like its always noon!!!

jen I Have one more cruise. I cant wait till we get to LA!!! :-)

Seattle

2010-05-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

Seattle is our turnaround city now. Before it was LA. I went out with my old and new roommate. We got up early to go shopping. My roommate was on a mission to get seasons of Full house. Lol

We were in just a regular shopping area, but than we hit the Pike street public market. Which was really packed, and really cool. There is so much there. We didn’t have much time in Seattle, but we are going back to the market next turnaround day. I was excited.

Oh and sushi was had again. lol Dani says me and Jo are obsessed. Maybe we are. Who knows. Lol

Victoria, Canada

2010-05-19T20:00:00.001-07:00

My day in Victoria was a good day. I liked hanging out there. I took a walk to downtown. There was this abortion protest going on. Oy. My tour was later in the day so I had a little bit of time to kill beforehand. It was busier than I thought it would be for some reason. There are some really cool building there too.

My tour, which I think was a really bad choice…was a waste. I did the Double Decker tour. You get on a bus with an open top and drive around and see the city and surrounding areas. Don’t get me wrong It was really cool to see everything. Camera work wise…not so much. Lol. Not a very smooth ride. Obviously very windy. It was either the wind or trying to get a clear shot through a crappy cleaned window…not to mention dealing with reflection. So I opted for the clear picture. With either the in or outside option the shaking of the bus was something I couldn’t avoid.

After my tour I went around and got all the same shots so I had something to work with. It wasn’t the worst edit, but it def wasn’t the greatest. While getting some extra shots I wondered to the Tim Hortons that I saw on my tour. Lol the coffee just wasn’t as good as the Tim Hortons in Buffalo. I was a bit sad. I wandered some more found this like hostel/café/bar place. It was cool there. I had some local beer, which was really good. ☺ just chilled. To me it was a very chill out place to hang out.

San Francisco

2010-05-13T18:49:00.001-07:00

… It's hard to figure out how to start this post! Lol I absolutely loved San Francisco! I mean I wasn’t that excited to go to San Francisco, but once I stepped outside I was instantly blown away by the atmosphere, and vibe of the whole place.

I have never been to San Francisco, I was happy to go to a place where I haven’t been of course, but I never expected to REALLY like this city. It sounds uber cliché, but it was hard to leave this city. I loved it.

Ok… so what I did. Lol My tour was bright an early. I went a tour called “The city of San Francisco. We first went to the Golden Gate Bridge, which was really cool to see. We Drove over the bridge to this vista spot. It was really cool to see the city from afar, and the bridge from that side. From there we went to the de Young Museum. There was this one wall art piece that I really - really liked. I don’t know why, I just did. I had a pic of it as well. I was like 20 feet high. I forget the details of it, I wish I could explain it, but it’s of something that the human can’t see regularly. After the Museum we drove around a bit, shopping area, china town, the painted ladies. Otherwise known as the “Full House” house!!! It was really cool to see in person. I didn’t get a pic of it though, cause we went by so quickly. We didn’t stop. ☹ Our last stop was to downtown San Francisco. I saw city hall. Amazing looking building.

So, that was my tour… oooooooooohhhh!!!! I almost forgot the coolest part. Lol. We went to twin Peaks. From there you saw the whole city, the bridges and everything. I really enjoyed the view. I could have stayed there for hours! I got some good pics.

After my tour I went out and wandered around. I went around the pier, including Pier 39. I got a couple of pictures of the sea lions just took over those docks. Lol That whole thing was weird to me. I guess it’s a big deal to everyone though. It’s pretty funny to me though. I got entertainment from it. lol After that I walked around a lot. Downtown, Chinatown, random places. Let me just say in the 5 mile radius that I walked I must have counted 15 starbucks. They aren’t joking around. Two were diagonally across the street from one another. And it wasn’t like oh its impossible to get to one so they put the other one there, like I hear it is in Texas, but seriously two that close. Lol

All I know is I got my peanut butter. Lol Yes, I really love peanut butter. Its just we don’t have it onboard all like that. I can get it, I have a couple friend offer to get me some, but its not crunchy, and organic peanut is seriously the best! Anyway… just being in San Francisco was really awesome.

When I got back to the ship…I saw my freaking boss once again! ugh. While walking around I didn’t use my iPod this time around. So I’m crossing the street to the ship terminal, and I see him, and out loud I say “ oh god, fuck sake.” Lol the people crossing the street with me probably thought I was nuts. Lol. I was like oh jesus please don’t see me. Lol I don’t think he did thank god. I wasn’t gonna have my manager ruin my day out. After getting back on the ship I had to shoot San Fran sail away. There was a beautiful sunset. I didn’t edit the sail away, Marek did a sweet job at it. It was cool sailing under the bridge. I took pretty sweet pictures too! I got a shot of this woman with the bridge in the background right after we sailed under and she was like crying. I guess it was such a big deal to her. She said she had a fear of heights and she climbed it, walked across, so to sail under it was like a huge deal with her. I have to say it was a cool moment to sail underneath it.

When I was done with sail away Marek was like I hope you didn’t get a lot. Lol. I had no idea what to shoot, Marek didn’t really give me direction so I just shot. Lol I was supposed to just do people, and him scenics. I was like…opps. Lol When I saw the edit I loved it! He used a lot of my scenic shots! I got a really sweet time lapse! He used it. ☺ When I saw him I was like “so, I see you used some of my shots. You liked them didn’t you.” Lol. We just laughed, and he said I had some really good ones. ☺ I was happy.

I’m gonna miss San Francisco. Hell when I there I felt as though I could live there!!! I could really see myself living there. Hey who knows. I was surprised- the city was smaller than I realized. Its like only 46 square miles, or something like that. It is such a beautiful city! I’m definitely going to visit again. ☺