Low Counts and Cloudy Weather

Since leaving for Europe, we haven't had as many teenagers on board as the last couple of weeks when we were still in the Caribbean. The group for the crossing was wonderful. We actually got to know everyone who came to the activities and hung out with them as much as possible. It was the best group I have experienced so far. Fun, outgoing, international, and very, very friendly. It didn't matter what we were doing as long as everyone was participating. Now that we are in Europe, there are still not a lot of kids on board but since we have a lot more days we are spending in ports and everyone gets out to see sights, it takes longer to get to know the teens. And yes, with less teens I do have a little more free time to sleep, do laundry, hang out with my friends and go shopping when we are on shore. Since we've come to Europe the weather has been ok but not as warm as in the Caribbean. In Italy I didn't even want to leave the ship when I had the opportunity because it was raining. I hope it will get better though :-)

Some of the amazing teens from the crossing in the 'Living Room', one of the rooms the teens hang out and where I spend most of my time working/hanging out with them.

With some friends at a party, saying goodbye to Maria (white shirt). Most of the people from our Youth Staff Team have left because they either finished their contracts or were transfered to another Royal Caribbean ship. It is always sad to say goodbye to the new friends I make here but that's the ship for you.

In Piraeus, Greece

It was good to see something familiar in Greece.

Kusadasi, Turkey

The streets in Kusadasi reminded me a little of the streets in Jerusalem. They are selling the same scarfs there, too. And they are aggressive sellers as well, trying to convince you that you need their product in order to be happy. Never walk without a man when you're blond!

That was it for today. In a couple of days we will be in Alexandria, Egypt. I will have the chance to go see the pyramids and I'm very excited about that like you can imagine. After Africa it is Sicily and then back to Civitavecchia by Rome once again. Let me know what you are up to and what is going on in your lives.