Story Veta (Book 2) (complete)

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 171: Jul 3 - Caldas de Aregos, Entre-os-Rios (Amarante)

Not much to report today. We stopped in Caldas de Aregos, a sleepy burg if every there was one. I wasn’t sure why this location until I found out it was to get passengers off the ship so they could re-supply without a lot of people underfoot. The diplomats took over the dining room for a video conference while everyone else got off and took winery tours in very directions. The one I was in charge of was to the family-owned Quinta da Aveleda. It looked like something out of a fairytale, with its flower gardens, peacocks and swans, shady terraces and whimsical follies. It was the perfect place to relax over a glass of vinho verde, literally translated as green wine and pronounced “VEE-nyoh VAIR-day,” the preferred drink of the region.

One family has owned Aveleda, a quinta in the heart of the vinho verde region, for 15 generations. They encouraged us to count them on a large family tree posted in the greeting area. The Guedes family has cherished their estate with a care that is evident in both the wines they produce and in the grounds, that are beautifully maintained. Dolly was enthralled. There was a thatched house for geese, quaint moss-covered stone structures, a miniature “Swiss chalet,” manicured lawns and flower gardens, peacocks flaunting their colors, and graceful swans swimming in meandering streams. The Grimm Brothers could have used the settings for several of their stories.

While we were there we were encouraged to ramble through the cool green gardens, then relax on the terrace, with its marvelous view of the vineyards, and sample some vinho verde, or green wine. “Green” in this case does not refer to the color but rather to the youth of the wine, which is fresh, slightly effervescent and low in alcohol. It is very popular locally but little of it is exported. Out came the debit card and I purchased another three bottles.

The wine is produced in white, rosé, and red styles and I got one of each. White styles of Vinho Verde are made similarly to other styles of white wine. White-skinned varieties of grapes are harvested for optimum ripeness, then the juice is pressed away from the skins, allowed to settle over a period of one to two days, then racked into stainless steel fermentation vessels and allowed to ferment over one to two weeks. Shortly after primary fermentation has concluded, the wine is filtered, cold-stabilized, and in larger-scaled productions, injected with carbon dioxide under pressure while bottling to produce its signature effervescence.

Rosé styles are produced similarly, but primarily utilize red-skinned grape varieties. Red styles are much rarer to find in the market and comprise only about 10% of the region’s production. Red grapes are usually de-stemmed and allowed to soak in their juice to produce color and texture. Primary fermentation is often conducted in stainless steel tanks over the course of 10-16 days. The wine is allowed to age for a short period before bottling.

I really enjoyed the red but due to its rarity it was more expensive. I almost didn’t buy a bottle of it but I’ve decided to economize in other areas to offset the price which still wasn’t as exorbitant as some of the alcohol Vit has purchased. I’ll just have to be sure and save it for a special occasion. Though, it isn’t supposed to age more than one to three years so that is somewhat limiting.

Back on the ship, most of those not involved with the diplomats were encouraged to relax in their cabins or head to the top deck to watch the scenery go by. The sisters wanted to sunbathe but were somewhat limited by the crowd of people up there. They sat in chairs rather than loungers. They had the fidgets so bad that after dinner I asked if they wanted to try some yoga. We wound up with quite a few joining us, not all of them from the Peace Mission. At least everyone seemed to enjoy it and Clarkson gave me a thumbs up for “integrating,” whatever that is supposed to mean. It is a catch phrase used in Admin.

Now it is lights out and tomorrow is Porto.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 172: Jul 4 - Porto (Guimarães), Portugal

Every holiday that passes is difficult. This time I don’t even have Vit to share it with. Worse, all the Americans in the Peace Mission were told not to make a scene about it being the 4th of July and not to celebrate it. Not sure I care for that tactic. Far too New World Order for me. On the other hand, I have discovered that other nationalities have been given similar strictures for their cultural or national holidays. Phffft. We should all be mature enough to make space for other cultures and nationalities on this mission although I know there can be problems that need to be overcome. At least the diplomats led by example.

Dylan tried to call right as we were re-boarding but the connection was terrible. The only thing I got out of it was everyone was fine at home and to watch my p’s and q’s and Vit said he was fine as well. At least there is that. Clarkson seemed a little cheesed off for some reason but wouldn’t explain so I assume it is some administrative something or other. He doesn’t seem the type to have much patience for that sort of thing.

As far as the day’s activities would I call the port Guimarães or Porto? I’m not sure. And I wasn’t the only one wondering. That was the question of the day today. Guimarães is the town where Portugal was born and its well-preserved architecture and university atmosphere make it a live place to visit despite its small size.

The city is the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first independent king of Portugal (born here in 1110, he later used the city to launch the main thrust of the Reconquista against the Moors). Guimarães has preserved its illustrious past, including its medieval center - a warren of labyrinthine lanes and picturesque plazas framed by 14th-century edifices. On an adjacent hill stands a 1000-year-old castle and the massive palace built by the first duke of Bragança in the 15th century. We visited it all. Or at least my group did. Others stuck to one or the other.

A sign on the city wall declares “Portugal was born here.” From there we stepped into the well-preserved Old Town, with its unique architecture (houses there combine granite with half-timbering) and charming little plazas. Overlooking it is the grand castle that appears on Portugal’s coat of arms. From the castle we explored the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and from there to the splendid Monastery and Church of Our Lady of Oliveira and the 14th-century Gothic Padrão do Salado. It reminded me of some of the oldest cities in Europe but despite that our guide informed us that Guimarães has the youngest population of any city in Europe, so the pedestrian area is full of lively cafés and fun shops.

We were called back to the riverboat early, but it wasn’t a problem as we’d seen most of what we could see given the time we had – thought we had – though the sisters did bemoan not getting to shop as they’d hoped. A security briefing was called and I’m heading there now and don’t know how late it is going to be. The sisters are dining with their parents so at least that part of my job is covered.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 173: Jul 5 – Porto, Portugal (Sunday)

I can’t even post what we covered in the security briefing. Hopefully I will in a few days. My stomach is in knots but that is all I will write. I do know that by word, deed, or impression I am not to communicate a thing to anyone. I’ve played that game before so I pulled myself together last night and made it back to the cabin and didn’t disturb the sisters by retiring somewhat early. Or at least appearing to. And today has been the same.

There’s much more to Porto - Portugal’s second city - than its eponymous fortified wine: historic architecture, cutting-edge design, fabulous food and wine, and a hip, laid-back vibe. Today’s tour was described as a way to discover its many charms. Today we cruised to the mouth of the Douro and Porto, which gave its name to the nation’s most famous export, Port wine, and to the nation itself. The city was a fascinating combination of historic buildings and cutting-edge architecture, tradition and vivacious modernity. It certainly helped distract me.

Our walking tour was only two miles in length but it took well over two hours to follow the trail that introduced us to Porto. First was Liberty Square, located in the very heart of Porto. The square is dominated by the monument of King Peter IV, who was inaugurated here in the 19th century. The mounted statue of the King holds the Constitution which he fought fiercely for during his life in the so-called Liberal Wars. Siding Praça da Liberdade are numerous cafes and shops, and the square itself is large enough for a pleasant stroll or a comfortable sit on one of the benches and having a carpe diem moment watching the crowds pass by.

Igreja dos Clérigos ("Church of the Clergymen") is a Baroque temple in Porto whose tall bell tower can be seen from various parts of the city and has long been its symbol. The church was built for the Brotherhood of the Clergy by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect and painter who did extensive work in the north of Portugal in the 18th century. Construction began in 1732 and was finished around 1750. The main facade is heavily decorated with baroque motifs (garlands and shells) and was based on an early 17th-century Roman scheme. The altarpiece of the main chapel, made of polychromed marble, was executed by Manuel dos Santos Porto. The monumental, six-floor tower behind the church was built between 1754 and 1763 to the design inspired by Tuscan campaniles. Inside the tower, there are 240 steps leading to the very top from which opens a magnificent panorama of Porto. My entire group did the climb and we were rewarded with both views of the city as well as unusual views of the inside of the church. The pictures we took were postcard-worthy.

Torre dos Clérigos – the bell tower of the Clérigos Church in Porto – is one of the most noticeable sights of the city from many different vantage points. The structure, one of the first Baroque constructions of the period and its architect was a member of the Brotherhood of the Clergy. He also built the Archbishop’s Palace and the Misericórida Church and is buried in a crypt beneath the tower. As I said, the views were postcard-worthy but the stairwell was narrow and crowded with tourists doing the same thing as we.

One of the oldest buildings in the historic part of Porto, Igreja do Carmo is actually a combination of two buildings: one dating from the 1600s and the other from the 1700s. Originally, it was built for the Carmelite order of the Roman Catholic Church and was used as a convent. The Baroque style structure features golden woodwork in the interior along with neoclassical tiles. It has a classic façade with a bell tower. And the organ is a piece of art and highly unusual in that there are horizontal horns protruding from the pipe area.

The oldest of the two parts of the church – built with a single nave – has seven altars. The exterior wall of the building is covered in traditional 'azulejos' (tiles), which are handpainted blue and white depicting the history of the Carmelite order. Connecting the right and the left side of the structure is a narrow building which measures only one meter in width and is one of the world’s narrowest buildings. It and was originally meant to keep the monks separated from the nuns of the convent, thus preserving the nuns' chastity and helping the monks to keep their vows of celibacy.

Built in the 1800s, Palacio da Bolsa is one of the key historic sights of Porto and was initially used as an international stock exchange, the palace shows a distinct resemblance to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. No one is certain who designed the building as several famous architects lay claim to it. The structure is dominated by a grand dome and boasts, among other features, large staircases and a richly embellished interior. The latter includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, and frescoes made by acclaimed artists such as Tomás Soler, António Soares dos Reis, António Teixeira Lopes and António Ramalho. I didn’t know who they were but Dolly did and she asked the kind of questions that sent the guide and docents into paroxysms of happiness. They loaded her down with several brochures and I have promised to help her get them translated when there is time.

The Estatua do Infante D. Henrique, or the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator, was first installed in Porto in 1894. The creation of sculptor Tomás Costa, it celebrates the life of this 14th century prince who is famous for his many maritime discoveries. The prince was the fifth son of King John I who was the founder of the Dynasty of Avis. Born in 1394, Prince Henry was a master seaman whose expeditions and military exploits are famous in Portuguese history. He was credited with securing significant trade routes for Portugal, making the country the world's major economic power of the time. It was under the leadership of Prince Henry that Portugal sent expeditions around the Ivory Coast of Africa, which brought in the then untapped riches of Africa, including gold. He was rewarded for his discoveries with many titles, including appointment as the leader of the Order of Christ. The monument is located near the Ribeira section of Porto. It has a very tall pedestal with the sculpture of the Prince who is turned toward the ocean. The pedestal has relief sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Prince Henry. I must admit it is an impressive site.

Igreja de São Francisco (or St. Francis Church) is a mixture of Rococo and Late Baroque styles, featuring elaborate columns with garlands of roses, animals, and cherubs. Built in the 14th century by the Franciscan order, the church was originally created for the local merchants. In the 16th century, it was redesigned to the tastes of the more affluent class and included the addition of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist. Throughout the 18th century, the interior of the church underwent further changes and saw gilt woodwork added to mirror the Baroque style. It is nearly blinding in some locations that have been restored. The façade features a large Gothic rose window, and the naves with three aisles make up the main portion of the interior with three chapels on the east side, along with a large granite statue of St. Francis of Assisi. Despite all the gold and ornate carvings it was the catacombs that seemed to thrill my group the most. Brrrr. Very atmospheric but with too many hidden corners for my comfort and I was glad to finally lead the group out of there.

Next our guide took us along the waterfront district of Ribeira – the focal point of historic Porto. Much to my continued discomfort it was made up of medieval streets and seedy alleyways, crumbling yet fascinating. The 14th-century wall and its four gates flank the Cais da Ribeira; behind it, there are steep narrow streets which make up the Barredo district. Some of our group had wanted to stop and eat but our guide warned us off explaining that the cafes charge extra for the view while the food isn’t the best. Some of the places are also fairly grimy. I witnessed that myself and was glad I didn’t have to do any persuading to move along.

We passed the Luís I Bridge, locally known as Ponte Dom Luís, one of the key sights in the area. It dominates the riverfront and was built in 1886 in honor and during the reign of King Luís I, known for his poetry and love of the sea. The arched bridge rises 172 meters above the Duoro River linking the city of Porto to the neighboring Vila Nova de Gaia. The entire structure is made entirely of wrought iron. It stands 385 meters long and weighs over 3,000 tons. Structurally, this is a two-hinged bridge with a double deck designed to serve various types of traffic: pedestrian, motor, trolley, and railroad. We climbed the end closest to Porto and was rewarded with a good views of the city and the river below.

The final point on the tour was the Porto Cathedral, a 12th century temple in the center of Porto, renowned for having the much revered Prince Henry the Navigator baptized here back in the 14th century. Originally Gothic, the building underwent numerous reconstructions over the centuries, resulting in an eclectic combination of styles – Romanesque, Baroque, Neoclassical. The Romanesque rose window is the only part of the original building that has survived; the remainder is the result of various rebuilds and renovations. The nearby cloisters are clad in vivid blue and white tiles and also features an alter made of pure silver and red marble holy-water fonts. Flanked by two square towers, which make it look like a fortress, and topped by a dome, the cathedral itself is rather drab and unadorned on the exterior compared to other structures of that period. Nevertheless it is quite a sight.

Back to the ship the evening proceeded as planned. The only extra work entailed packing as tomorrow we will transfer to Lisbon. I’m eager to see Vit but hesitant as well. We still have to deal with how we parted. Or maybe not. I’ll play it by ear.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 174: Jul 6 – Óbidos & Transfer to Lisbon

We disembarked this morning in good time and boarded a motorcoach, heading south through Portugal’s picturesque countryside toward Lisbon. What was going to be a straight through transfer wound up including a stop in Óbidos while our coach took care of a tire repair.

The tiny, whitewashed village of Óbidos (emphasis on tiny) is so charming that Portuguese kings traditionally gave it to their brides as a wedding gift. No, I’m not kidding. Dolly showed me in the travel book she was reading. Roberto praised her for finding a silver lining to being stuck by an unexpected delay. She turned a full-wattage smile on him, babbled a bit of nonsense then said she was going to take a series of photos to take back to her professors in her arts program and that it was too bad Roberto would be otherwise occupied in the new position he was going to take up when they returned Stateside. Roberto tried to hide a look of alarmed relief and for the life of me I can’t get it out of my head that Dolly did it on purpose. She seemed to be smiling mischievously when he swallowed nervously and looked away.

It turned out to be a longer wait than originally anticipated as we’d need a new coach. While most people chose to seek out a café, the sisters wanted to walk. With their parents’ permission, as well as Clarkson’s, I took them on a guided stroll recommended in the guidebook that Dolly was reading.

According to the guidebook: “Obidos is positioned on a slight hill, and still hides behind its medieval fortifications, forcing the modern world to wait at its gates. Inside, you’re treated to quaint cobblestone streets and historic houses that have stood the test of time.”

A little flowery but true. It has become a popular day trip from Lisbon so it isn’t as quiet as it once was but it is still quaint. It didn’t take us long to reach the town’s center. Saying the town is limited for space is an understatement. The streets are long, narrow, and cobblestone. Immediately off the streets are white-washed home with bright yellow and blue striped accents. Despite this there are numerous many gardens where plants such as green creeping vines to roses and calla lilies keep things from becoming too austere. As we strolled along we also found several gifts that Queens had given the town. The pillory standing in front of the church of Santa Maria was presented by Queen Lenore in 1492, and the aqueduct— still intact—was funded by Queen Catherine in the 16th century

Nearly every street of the heavily Moorish-influenced town held a souvenir shop. The sisters loved it. The purchased a lot of the typical claptrap before insisting on getting a look at the big landmark in Óbidos, the Obidos Castle. Once a Moorish fortification the building now houses a high-end hotel. Though commercialized it is worth a look.

The town as a little over 3000 permanent residents and as such can sometimes be overwhelmed by the tourism they encourage. The crowds were a bit much and we headed back to the parking area to find that the new coach had just arrived and they were quickly transferring the luggage and equipment to the new transportation. I got the sisters onto the coach and then helped the rest of the security detail to count and load everyone else.

The remaining transfer was uneventful except for my acid indigestion. I arrived only to find that Vit was at work. There were a few twitters from the SO group that revolves around Barbara Dutton. They seemed to be waiting specifically for me. I should have been warned but was busy getting everyone back aboard and then saying goodbye to the sisters who insist they are going to keep in touch.

There’s a new person in Barbara’s division. I’m already certain she isn’t going to be a BFF.

“Oh … you’re … who?”

What an elegant creature she is. Ana Bosques.

“Chief Veta Dymtrus.”

“I didn’t know Vit had a sister. Or are you a cousin.”

I gave Barbara a look and knew she’d set me up once again. To Ana I answered, “Wife.”

“Excuse me?” she chuckled disbelievingly.

“Wife. If you’ll excuse …”

“I didn’t know Vit was … married. Oh dear,” she fluttered with faux guilt. Ugh.

“Hmm. Your mistake then. Now if you will ex …”

“No really. You’re … married. To Vit Dymtrus.” I opened my mouth to answer when she continued and I’d walked into it face first. “I’m sure that he only said he was living with someone but that it was an open relationship. Had I known …”

I tried to not let my hurt show. That’s the blood those cats were after. “Hmm. Well you obviously misunderstood. If you continue to doubt me feel free to get straightened out by Security Chief Ivanov … or any other member of Security. It’s up to you. Just watch the gossip and rumors you listen to. More importantly watch who you listen to. It could lead to trouble you don’t want.”

A few of the SOs looked surprised … and a little startled … at my blatant bite back. Yes I’m hurt but that wasn’t petulance showing. I’m getting tired of Barbara’s games. And if she is going to enlist more help? Well I will take the gloves off. On the other hand, I know when to draw the line and I refused to embarrass Vit and I turned and left the field of battle.

I will admit here, in this journal that I’m hurt. Really hurt. I haven’t a clue how or whether to even say anything to Vit about it. He seemed legitimately happy to see me when he got off work … with the obvious happening when he asked if I would care to take a shower with him before he took me to dinner. I asked if he minded if we ate in the cabin as I wanted to give him the bottles of wine I’d found for his collection.

“You did not get anything for yourself?”

“I did. Something that I hoped would make you happy.”

“But …”

“And postcards,” I added pointing to the stack beside the box I kept the rest of my collection in.

His smile returned but he said in telling huskiness, “Shower first.”

He now sleeps with a smile on his face. Point in my favor. But I can’t get that catty Ana Bosques out of my mind. She walks with the self-assurance and poise of a prima ballerina. She’s got the figure of one as well. Obviously a dancer of some type. She … well to be honest she checks many of the boxes on my insecurities with an easy nonchalance that makes me want to snatch her bald headed. I really do need to do something about this jealousy. It doesn’t say anything good about me, or Vit.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 175: Jul 7 – Lisbon, Portugal

Back to the old grind. Not that I resent it, just I am exhausted. I shouldn’t be but I am. Today’s activities were challenging and sporty. And I enjoyed seeing the students again. And apparently they were happy to have me as their other escorts were … hmmm … I believe I heard the term cranky bandied about a few times.

The first two hours were a walking tour of Lisbon starting with the waterfront Praça do Comércio which was completely rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake and subsequent tsunami (a small description of which was written by Voltaire in 1756 and can be found in his "Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne"). What that meant was that its overall layout was razed to the ground and its new symmetrical buildings were filled with government bureaus regulating customs and port activities (hence, "comércio"). The centerpiece of the main square is the equestrian statue of King José I, on whose watch the earthquake happened and whose efforts initiated the city's massive rebuilding. It is an interesting structure. There is an elephant on the eastern side of the pedestal – a symbol of the great overseas Portuguese empire which is featured in the 2008 novel, "The Elephant's Journey" written by José Saramago, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature. A stylized elephant footprint can be seen today at the José Saramago Foundation, less than 5 minutes' walk from Praça do Comércio.

At the square's northern side, Arco da Rua Augusta – a triumphal arch linking the square with Rua Augusta – is not to be missed according to our guide who’d met us as we left the coach we’d arrived in from the pier. Also, the Cais das Colunas, a small riverfront pier with two columns, or pillars, and marble steps, usually half-covered by water, that served as the "noble entrance" into the city, and through which kings, queens, heads of state and other official "celebrities" arrived during Portugal's maritime era, definitely merits a quick stop.

At the western side, the corner of Praça do Comércio and Rua do Arsenal, there is a plaque commemorating the assassination of Carlos I, the then 44-year-old King of Portugal, who was shot at that spot, together with his 20-year-old heir apparent (Luís Filipe), by two assassins calling for a republican government. King Carlos I was succeeded by his other son, Manuel II, who would rule for only two years before the whole family was exiled and the monarchy jettisoned. And of course, all around the large square there are souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants, wine cellars, etc., where tourists and locals alike come to enjoy a meal, watch ships sail by, look downstream at the 25 de Abril Bridge, or just get some air away from the sometimes cramped lanes and alleyways. It was tempting to spend too much time there but we needed to move along.

A unique Lisbon attraction, the Santa Justa lift is a vertical street lift that dazzles just about everyone with its views over the downtown Baixa neighborhood, the Rossio Square, and the São Jorge Castle. The lift dates from 1902 and was originally powered by steam before being converted to electrical operation in 1907. With an iron lace exterior decorated in neogothic style, it's an impressive piece of engineering and art testifying to the connection with Gustave Eiffel's work, as its designer was his disciple. There are two lift cages, each with a wooden interior and accommodation for a maximum of 20 passengers. The views are spectacular and very worth it.

One of several public fountains built in Lisbon through the 15th-18th centuries, the Chafariz do Carmo sits in the Largo do Carmo plaza, beside the convent of the same name. The fountain is enclosed within a porch supported by four majestic pillars and was raised on an aqueduct that once carried water to the city. Purely decorative today, it certainly adds to the place's atmosphere and is worth having a quick look-see.

The Carmo Convent that was home to Carmelite nuns until 1755, the year of the devastating earthquake, still stands atop a hillock overlooking the busy Rossio Square and facing the Lisbon Castle Hill. During the Carnation Revolution, it was the place of refuge of Marcelo Caetano (successor of the dictatorial president, Antonio de Oliviera Salazar) and those loyal to him. He was later deposed, ending over half a century of authoritarian rule in Portugal. Today, the nave and apse of the Carmo Church are the setting for a small archaeological museum, with pieces from all periods of Portuguese history. The nave has a series of tombs, fountains, windows and other architectural relics from different places and styles. The old apse chapels are also used as exhibition rooms: one of them houses notable pre-historical objects excavated from a fortification near Azambuja (3500–1500 BC). We had to zoom through the museum in fifteen minutes (something that should have taken over an hour) and I was wishing for a little more time but knew it wasn’t my call. Luckily there is a virtual tour online and I had time to look at it tonight. I’ll explain why later.

The Church of Saint Roch was the earliest Jesuit church in the Portuguese world and one of the first Jesuit churches anywhere. After the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the church and its ancillary residence were given to the Lisbon Holy House of Mercy who still owns and operates the site today as one of its many heritage buildings. São Roque was one of the few buildings in Lisbon to survive the earthquake relatively unscathed. Its exterior is a plain 16th-century façade but don't judge a book by its cover, because inside it is radiant with Royal wealth: gilded gold altars, marbles and alabasters, stones of amethyst and lapis lazuli, highly inlaid artistry that climbs the wall, and some of the finest 'azulejos' (tiles) adding a further luster to the glorious space.

We were treated to another feat of engineering in the form of the Gloria Funicular. Inaugurated in 1885, this famous Lisbon tram features antiquated, partially wooden streetcars that connect the Praça (Square) dos Restauradores at its downhill starting point to Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara at its terminal point, a few steps away from the eponymous 'miraduro' (lookout point). The steep incline is about 900 feet so a tram ride lasts roughly 2-3 minutes, while a walk down along the track takes anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes, depending on age and/or physical endurance. Either way, by climbing or descending the Calçada da Glória, you will pass one of the best displays of neighborhood graffiti in all Lisbon, mostly on the right (in the uphill direction), since the area is officially dedicated to legal street art.

Liberty Avenue is a spacious, tree-lined pedestrian walkway leading to the squares at the heart of Lisbon. Designer shops, trendy bars, and small kiosks where you can get coffee/drinks/snacks line both sides of the walk. Between the luxurious and exclusive decadence, there are fine examples of classical 19th-century architecture and the two central plazas contain charming water features and grand statues. The avenue also houses two theatres, four cinemas and several cafés and confectioners and contains some palatial and exclusive residences. The avenue's upper end (Lisbon's most expensive real estate) houses many of the city's designer shops and ends in a swirl of traffic at the landmark roundabout of Praça Marquês de Pombal, also known as Rotunda, right next to the city's principal park, Parque Eduardo VII, best known for its views and immense hothouses.

We traipsed through several famous squares though for the life of me I can’t recall much about them before getting to the São Jorge Castle which occupies a commanding position overlooking the city of Lisbon and the broad Tagus River beyond. The strongly-fortified citadel dates from medieval times and is located atop the highest hill in the historic center of the city. Its footprint is roughly square in shape and was originally encircled by a wall. The complex consists of the castle proper ('castelejo'), some ancillary buildings (including the ruins of the royal palace), gardens, and a large terraced square from which impressive panoramas of Lisbon are afforded. The main entrance to the citadel is a 19th-century gate surmounted by the coat-of-arms of Portugal, the name of Queen Maria II, and the date, 1846. Restaurants, cafes, wine bar, ice cream stand, and public restrooms are available once inside. Peacocks live and run wild throughout, especially around one of the main dining areas. The peacocks were quite aggressive as they’ve become too enabled … and entitled … by humans feeding them. The castle was another place I could have wished for more time but it wasn’t meant to be. We had to hurry, it was time for our ebike tour.

After arriving at the bicycle shop we got ready to discover Lisbon’s seven hills on an electric bike. We had to listen to the requiset safety lecture and then we were off with a guide and an interactive map. We cruised along Lisbon’s cobblestone roads while learning Lisbon’s secrets and lore. The three districts we toured were Alfama, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. We climbed to São Vicente Monastery and visited its rooftop for spectacular views of the Tagus River. We also cycled through São Miguel and Eduardo VII Park. We passed several locations we’d already seen but it was different from the back of a bike. We went back to Castelo de São Jorge for more photos and then returned to the bike shop.

You would think a two-hour walking tour and a two and a half hour ebike tour would have been enough of a day for me but there was yet one more activity on the day’s itinerary. I returned the students to their bus and extra chaperones and met the adult group that I would be shepherding on a Food Tour.

I was not happy to see that two of the SOs were also part of the group but out from under Barbara Dutton’s influence they actually seemed rather human. They certainly got a good look at me at work and realized that there was more to what I do than holding a flag up to keep the students together. The paparazzi can be a hot mess at times and this was one of them. The paparazzi was so annoyingly persistent than even our normal media groupies were being cut out.

Despite the challenges we met locals and learned about traditional Portuguese dishes and culinary culture. The group’s taste buds were warmed up with petiscos—Portugal’s version of tapas. Learning about Lisbon’s cafe culture we visited the 18th-century Café Nicola, a terrific spot for tertúlias, and discovered why Pastelaria Suiça is another landmark of Rossio. We tried the famous Portuguese codfish cake with a glass of refreshing vinho verde, or at least the group did. I abstained while responding to a text from Vit about my schedule. The group continued on to a wine bar in the Bairro Alto quarter for tapas and a glass of local white wine. There we were told that in the 20th century, Bairro Alto became Lisbon’s bohemian quarter and the center of its nightlife. Our guide took the group to visit a much-loved local restaurant, known for its seafood and steaks. Then took us down the steps of Calçada do Duque, where there was a variety of restaurants with great esplanades and music. Next our guide shared the 100-year-old secrets behind Lisbon’s most delectable sausages, salted cod, hams, and cheeses at a local gourmet shop.

At a nearby bar, the group members sipped a classic Portuguese cherry brandy and noted its similarities with Port, Portugal's famed fortified wine. Others enjoyed the wine but at least I enjoyed a piece of São Jorge cheese. Then it was on to learn the history of ginjinha, the favorite liqueur of many Portuguese. The group finished its tour with chouriço sausage, bread, and other local products served at a gorgeous 17th-century palace. We had to make a dash to catch our bus and return to the ship.

I’m exhausted and disheveled after a full day of challenging outdoor activities with the students and adult tour group as I was going up the gangplank. Who is the first person I run into? The beautiful Ana Bosques of course. And she’s dressed in a beautiful dinner dress (not uniform) in the midst of all of the XOs and their SOs as they are going to dinner. And Vit is with them.

Vit’s first words were, “You are late.”

Ugh. “No I’m not. I texted the schedule to you this morning.”

“Dress and come to dinner now that you are back.”

I sigh and have to explain the obvious. “I have to write up the reports and turn them in.”

Vit’s face changes to disgust and I’ve finally had enough. Bad enough he is looking at me like that at all. Worse for it to be in front of everyone else. But I wasn’t going to lose my cool. Not with Ana and Barbara looking eagerly on. With as much dignity as I could draw I told Vit, “Go. Do the social thing. You know I am lousy at it.” I hear snickers as I turn sharply but I refused to look back.

And I’ve done exactly what I said I had to. Reports. Covering the itineraries for the next several ports and note that there are several sea days where I will work in Baird’s office, a man I rarely see these days. I showered. Did our laundry and then finally sat down and had a good cry. It hasn’t exactly made me feel better but at least I am not quite so wound up. I suppose I’ll have to see how Vit is when he returns. If he wants a fight I suppose we will have one, but one thing I will make clear is that from here on out he can berate me in private if he feels the need but I won’t stand around taking it in front of the SOs ever again.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 176: Jul 8 – Punta del Gada, Portugal (island)

I suppose I should be tired of exclaiming, “What a day!” However … what a day! Ugh. Not only did my two worlds collide by having to deal with the students (via the Science Club) and SOs in the same tour group, I had to deal with my least favorite media specialist. Mr. Reid. He’s is the epitome of the old quote if it bleeds it leads. The problem is he is more than happy to cause the bleeding so he has something to report on. Worse, Ana Bosques was along as well. Good Lord, Polina should be glad my head didn’t pop off and roll around before the day was over.

The long and the short of it is that Reid brought our group in conflict with another group, this one mainly comprising of Americans, who just had to prove they were better politically than those on the Peace Mission. They particularly seemed to target me to prove they weren’t afraid of giving their opinions and wouldn’t be shut up. Not that I was trying to shut them up.

They started with the gun thing that so many seem to be offended by. I tried to reassure them by explaining, “No personnel carries a firearm without first getting permission from the country we are traveling in.”

Then it escalated to how we were doing it all wrong and were going to cause a war, not prevent one from happening. They kept at me but I’m bullet proof when I don’t want to argue. After the other group moved on Reid tried to continue the instigating.

“Mr. Reid, it is not constructive to complain about a problem while refusing to get involved with a viable solution. Did you really expect me to insult someone because we had a difference of opinion and experience? You did not help by escalating the exchange.”

“Escalation? I don’t know what you mean.”

“Yes you do, but since you claim ignorance I will explain for the benefit of the students whom we should all be setting an example for.” Turning to them I said, “Consider this a practical course in conflict resolution, or at least in situation de-escalation.”

“Why does a situation escalate? Because several destructive actions come into play. Disrespectful language is being used; a disrespectful attitude is being demonstrated; one party or another doesn’t feel heard; a belief that losing the argument will result in a loss of face or reputation with others; at least one person involved doesn’t fully understand the situation; or, someone feels powerless because they don’t know what steps to take next.”

“Any of those can cause an escalation but usually more than one is present. To constructively deal with such a situation it is important to institute methods of de-escalation. If disrespectful language is being used;
It must be stopped, immediately, and with no exceptions. If profanity or aggressive responses continue, terminate the conversation and schedule a time to reconvene the conversation when both parties involved can respond calmly. If a disrespectful attitude is being demonstrated; control your tone and your body language. Speak softly and slowly and provide facts only pertinent to the situation. Make yourself non-threatening to the other person. Articulate your respect for the other, their position, and the situation, and command the same respect in return for you.”

“If one party or another doesn’t feel heard; listen carefully and acknowledge the severity of the situation for the other person and then ask to be heard in return afterwards. It’s difficult to keep yelling or cursing at someone who is obviously listening. Someone that continues to be belligerent doesn’t really want to be heard, they only want to make their point, usually loudly. End the conversation and only return at a later time when both parties are calm and listening to the other.”

“When someone’s pride gets involved is another touchy situation that isn’t always easy to address immediately. You should engage fully in understanding the other party’s perspective, needs, and interests, especially when losing the argument might impact others not currently present. This can also be an example of culture clash and should be dealt with diplomatically.”

“When at least one person involved doesn’t fully understand the situation you need to be careful not to attack them which can lead to any one of the above situations occurring. A lack of information can make someone feel powerless. And powerless feelings can manifest themselves in overly aggressive responses. Conversations can quickly escalate into confrontation. That is something to be avoided if you want to make any headway. Empower the other party by focusing on the future, giving specific actionable steps they could or should take and articulate specific actionable steps you or your group will take. Specify a deadline and admit you or your company’s limitations to resolving the situation to their 100% satisfaction. In other words you can’t please everyone all the time but as long as you are making a good faith effort it is not likely to end in a brawl.”

The Science Club students seemed enthralled by the “debate” occurring between adults but I wasn’t too thrilled to the potential distracts Mr. Reid was trying to put in my way. I didn’t feel the situation was unsafe and therefore didn’t put him on ignore, but I did remind him that I was at work but would be more than happy to meet him at some other point to continue the discussion if he was so inclined. How’s that for conflict resolution?

He gave it one last shot while scribbling away. “And how does that apply to the Peace Mission?”

My answer? “Each country is sovereign. They have their own laws, etc. When we are in those countries we show respect in our behavior, words, and dress. We don’t go around objecting ad nauseum because it isn’t that way where we come from. You must know when to keep your nose out of things. There are cultural differences, social differences, religious differences, political differences that need to be respected. However, there are some instances where those “differences” create problems for people on a moral level. That doesn’t mean you get to just tramp in and make demands or tell them how to behave. As individuals and as a group, we need to communicate, not dictate. Now as interesting as this may be, it is time to exit the bus.”

The excursion was called Volcano Wonders. It was stop and go as we hit several points on a trail. Thirty minutes at Caldeira das Furnas. An hour at Lagoa das Furnas. Another thirty minutes at the Sao Miguel Furnas. Then an hour at Poca Da Dona Beija thermal pool. The adults were not quite sure what to make of the Science Club’s enthusiasm with taking samples and other uses of the scientific method but gamely allowed them space while they took pictures and listened to our guide. After the thermal pool we headed to a tea plantation and snack time.

While everyone ate, I had one adult come up and say, “Thank goodness. I was worried they were robots, not kids.” He chuckled. “At least I see they are capable of playing and enjoying themselves.”

I nodded. “They’re good kids, just really smart, and enjoy the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in the classroom. But trust me, they can be as silly as any teenager.”

He laughed again and went off to join the impromptu keep away game when the ball they were using sailed our way. It was nice to see the adults and students getting along. I didn’t like the strange looks some of the SOs were giving me, nor the sneer on Barbara’s and Ana’s faces. But such is life and sometimes you simply have to suck it up and move along.

Everything was fine back on the ship … at first. Vit met me at the top of the gangplank and said he’d see me in the cabin before dinner after I finished my reports. I was bopping along, a happy little clam, right up until that point. Certainly I was relieved to hear from Polina that I handled Mr. Reid better than some others had. She tweaked my technique only mildly and asked me to report to her if he continues to play those games.

I walked into the cabin with a smile on my face to find Vit glowering at the tv screen. Seeing what he is looking at I said, “Ugh. I wish they would warn me when they are going to stream the security body cam footage to the ship.”

“So you can refrain from looking up to the men in your group?”

“What? Oh, you mean Carlsburg.” I snorted. “Very funny. Haha. The man is over a foot taller than I am. I can’t do anything other than look up to him. Though he is nice. Apparently you two cross paths quite a bit. He says you really know the ins and out of the department and make it easier on personnel to do their jobs.”

“Are you being funny?”

Confused I look at him and ask, “Uh … no? Just stating facts. I’m short. Carlsburg isn’t. And he knows you. Er … what do you mean?”

Vit sighed and shook his head. “Nothing. It has been a long day. Hurry so that I can grab a pre-dinner drink.”

I hurried as requested as I was hungry but quickly lost my appetite when I found we were to dine with the XOs and SOs and a few others … yes, I mean the beautiful Ana. I left before dessert was served. The excuse I used was Mr. Baird had stopped by the table and asked me to have a talk with Barney before the morning. But my real reason was the constant barbs and twitters of the SOs … or some of them anyway. A few looked like they didn’t want to play Barb’s games any more. Good. Maybe I can pick them off one by one.

I met with Barney – it was nothing other than the fact she wanted assurance that she had me for the next four days and to set some priorities – and then returned to the cabin to find Vit pacing. “Where have you been?”

“Meeting with Barney.”

At that moment she rang me and on speaker phone asked for a couple of clarifications of the “meeting” we’d just had.

“Oh. You were meeting with Barney.”

“Isn’t that what I told you?” Looking behind him I saw the phone line blinking. “Someone must be calling you,” I told him.

“It isn’t for me. It is a Jules … or maybe Gigi … there were several voices.”

I walked over and pushed the speaker. “Hi Veta! Look, Gigi wants to know …” “I can talk for myself you know. Hi Veta! I was wondering …” “Tell her I said hello!” “Dolly says hello, anyway I was wondering if you’d given any thought to joining the String Club. I just found out that I have actually heard you play only I didn’t know it was you. You’re really good. So … please? Consider it? We have another meet up tomorrow if you are available.” All three sisters then said good bye.

Vit asked, “Who … was that?”

“That is a they.” I proceeded to explain who the sisters were and how I knew them then turn it back to his original question. “Vit? What’s going on? It’s like … I don’t know …”

“I … apologize Veta. It has been a long many days while you were gone. It will be better now that you are here.”

“Did something happen?”

“Nothing I am prepared to speak of. Let us put it to the side. Tell me of your day.”

“Tell me of yours first while I change. I’ve had my fill of wearing khaki from head to toe.”

He gave me another searching look, but I decided to practice my de-escalation skills to prove that I actually use them. We wound up relaxing rather than doing paperwork and Vit is once again asleep with a smile on his face. I had one as well until I started reviewing our earlier conversation. In hindsight I think … it sounded like … maybe Vit didn’t believe that I really was meeting with Barney. A few of his questions made it seem as if he wondered who I was socializing with when I am away from him. This does not bode well.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 177: Jul 9 thru 12 – at sea (4 days, 12th is Sunday)

I am not myself. Or should I say I am not my better self. I feel like I’m turning back into my old self, the one I was in college that was weak and fell for Robert before fully understanding he was even weaker than I. These past four days haven’t been completely without positives. I’ve found some new friends who include me in their activities. The String Club. We’ve been practicing nightly and that will continue. I’ve been invited to perform – invited not commanded – in a ship wide musical performance happening on the 17th. I’m excited to perform for the first time in ages.

On the other hand, I feel emotionally strung out. Too many misunderstandings between Vit and I and my normal of not-fighting is becoming difficult to maintain. I’ve tried to keep myself in check, but it is starting to come out in how I converse with him and the typical ineffective circular arguments start up.

I know in part it is because Vit is very busy. Because of this he is being unintentionally dismissive and it is hurting my feelings, as ridiculous as that sounds. But with Ana Bosques and the other SOs – encouraged by Barbara Dutton – trying to get a rise out of me I want … need … Vit’s absolute support to offset it. I’m employing all of my conflict resolution techniques I can muster but I’m no longer sure that I’m serious about avoiding an argument with them. It only seems to drive my nemesis to greater and greater lengths, to the point others are now seeing their actions in a questionable light.

Polina, my sounding board, both superior and sister, is also aware of what is going on. While she supports my decisions, she suggests that time may be growing close for me to stand up to them in a more pointed way.

During our most recent discussion on the topic I said, “They are not breaking any rules and I can’t be so soft that I run crying to you because they’ve tried to hurt my feelings. I cannot appear to be that soft. You said so yourself. Add into that their spouses work with both Vit and Yegor and I do not wish to create a situation.”

“Hmmm. Sometimes situations must be created. But I will not interfere so long as it does not interfere with your performance.”

Obviously she means that for now I am doing my job satisfactorily … but she is watching. I don’t know whether to feel secure that she recognizes my performance or worried that she might be concerned that I cannot or will not perform well in the near future. One step forward, two steps back.

And then tonight. A fight I didn’t mean to start tried to turn nasty between Vit and I.

“Why do people treat sex like it is a credit transaction?!”

My angry tone startled Vit who had, for once, seemed happy. Unfortunately for me he’d missed or was oblivious to the games the SOs were playing at my expense. I’d also found the topic of their conversation extremely distasteful.

“What?” he asked letting me know at least he was listening then.

I tried not to be accusatory, but my feelings were running close to the surface. “People act like sex is a credit transaction. You have sex to build up equity that you can draw on to cover for mistakes or to cover those times you don’t feel like having sex because there are things going on in the relationship, like an argument.”

“Are you speaking to me?” Vit asked coldly.

“Of course not. You aren’t like that at all. Don’t put words in my mouth.” I saw him blink at the obvious irritation his words had caused me. “I’m speaking in general. Barbara Dutton is just …” I shudder. “And most of the others treat like what she was saying as the reality, and a satisfactory one at that.”

“Veta …”

Refusing to be pacified I said, “No. I am NOT overreacting or taking it out of context. All of you XOs laughed whether male or female right along with the SOs. It was nauseating. It made having a relationship out to be less about love and more being a whore with a handler.”

“Veta!” he said truly shocked.

“Replay the conversation Vit and tell me I am wrong and then back it up with proof.”

He shook his head. “It was a joke. Perhaps vulgar in mixed company but not meant to be taken seriously.”

I barked a laugh since I knew a few things I wasn’t at liberty to share with him. “You might just be surprised how some of the SOs very much do mean it seriously.”

“You just have developed a bias against them. They are not as you paint them to be. And please remember I must work with their partners. It might help if you ...”

He has no idea how frustrating it is that he doesn’t see them for who they are. “I am not ‘painting’ them any other way than they are acting. Not the XOs, at least not in my presence, but most of the SOs … Vit when did you start wearing rose-colored glasses? Or maybe you should hear them talking out of earshot of their spouses. Dear Lord I’m no longer the ‘innocent’ you once called me but I’m still shocked at what they talk about … being okay with cougars … and you know what I mean so don’t give me that look … extramarital affairs, dressing provocatively to force a reaction from their partners, intentionally not doing something until they get their way, using sex as a reward, bribe, or savings account and withholding sex for the same reason. And you don’t even want to know their observations on the opposite sex on this ship … and sometimes not opposite sex. There are times that it seems they are pushing me to make an issue of their words and I’m at the end of my rope on how to ignore their poking and prodding.”

Thoughtfully Vit said, “Perhaps … perhaps they are … er … poking the bear. Do not react to it. It is a level of immaturity I did not expect but I am not denying that it is possible.”

At least he gave me that much. He could have simply said I was crazy. At that moment he wouldn’t have been far from the truth. He poured me a glass of after-dinner wine and I’m ashamed to say it did help to relax me. So did our mutual shower. Am I so shallow that I need that kind of constant reassurance and attention? How immature and weak does that say I am? And constantly having to watch my mouth so that I do not reveal secrets I am bound by grows wearying as well. Why doesn’t Vit understand? He always has in the past. And why do I feel like Vit is keeping secrets of his own? Bah! I am glad this job is ending in a couple of weeks even if it does mean we are unemployed. If it means working for someone like cranky Barney then fine, better than whatever is going on right now.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 178: Jul 13 – Cape Town, South Africa

Vit said he wanted to talk this morning but we both had to run to get to our shifts as we overslept. When I got back on the ship it was to find a note telling me he was pulling a double but that he would try and stop by for a quick dinner together. That didn’t happen. I will record the day and see if he is able to drop by to see what he wants to talk about.

We were in Cape Town, South Africa today. My understanding is that it was once a very popular travel destination but these days the economy of South Africa, as well as the civil atmosphere, has severely curtailed tourism in the area which has in turn drastically eaten into the country’s economy. We did what we could today but it is too little and no other way to dress that fact up.

The countryside remains beautiful, but the city now suffers for lack of attendance to its appearance. It made me glad we primarily stuck to the national park and seashore.

Our first stop after leaving the ship was Table Mountain National Park where we spent two hours exploring local flora, fauna, and geology. It is also the country’s most photographed attraction and its famous cable car took millions of people to its top. Table Mountain is the most photographed scenic background in the country, perhaps on the continent of Africa itself.

There are about 2,200 species of plants found on Table Mountain and 1470 floral species. Many of these plants and flowers are endemic to this mountain and no where else. I purchased several postcards for my collection as well as a glossy botanical guide. I didn’t need them but both the book and the cards made me feel better. Silly, but true.

The magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are located on the eastern foot of the mountain and our stop there also filled a hole in me that I hadn’t realized was there. I miss my little garden back in Florida. It was nowhere as lush as Angelia’s but it wasn’t too shabby either. Wherever Vit and I wind up next month, at the very least I want a container garden to piddle in. Founded in 1913, the garden spans an area of 1300 acres and includes a unique conservatory with plants from different parts of the world.

Besides the parks, the whole area has a biodiversity similar to Florida’s. We may not have the desert areas but we share other things like the kind of environment along our coasts. The national park’s most unique feature is its fynbos vegetation that is displayed here better than anywhere in the world. Fynbos refers to a natural belt of shrubland along the coast. We have similar in Florida except a lot of ours has been taken over by resort and hotel encroachment. In the last decade Florida has tried to control its coastal build out better, making it more environmentally friendly, but we’ve already lost miles upon miles of our natural coastal areas to over building and beach erosion and pollution. It brings the tourists which supports our economy, but there are drawbacks to it as well.

The Cape Floral region of the national park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to the Table Mountain. It is no wonder that the mountain was chosen as one of the new seven world wonders. Its fauna is no less interesting. Although animals such as the cape lion, mountain zebra or the leopard are extinct in the area, the park is still home to caracals, rock hyraxes and chacma baboons. At the Boulders, penguins flock all over the place, a unique sight in Africa. Our guide mentioned that when the economy allows, there are plans to reintroduce some animals. Local farms are opposed to the large predators but that is to be expected. Who wins that argument will depend on who wins at the political level.

The flat top peak of the mountain reaches 1,086 m above sea level, but being so close to the sea and to the city its features look more imposing. The national park also contains another one of South Africa’s attractions, the Cape of Good Hope, the most southern point of the African continent.

After leaving the national park we headed towards Hout Bay to support the local economy by shopping the many souvenir shops along the coast and by taking a boat ride to Seal Island. Because several in our group did not want to purchase a ticket for Seal Island – today’s group was mostly adults – I was told by the security lead in charge to remain with that group while he and another personnel accompanied the remainder on the boat tour.

I was fine with the assignment, not that I had much choice. It gave me a chance to spread a little economic cheer from the bonus I received for going on the detour. I hadn’t expected it, but I suppose it was in lieu of the overtime I should have gotten. I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Vit and I still have a list even if it no longer feels like The List.

The first thing I bought – me and nearly everyone else for that matter – was Rooibos tea. Polina had asked me to get some at Yegor’s request and I was happy to do it. But it wasn’t from a souvenir shop but from a local grocery mart where the variety was larger and the price better. This fragrant caffeine free tea comes from a shrub-like bush which only grows in the Cederberg area on the West Coast of South Africa, just north of Cape Town. It’s a very popular drink in South Africa and purportedly has significant health benefits, similar to green tea.

A Scouting troop – from the same worldwide organization that we have in the States – was having a fundraising event right outside the grocer’s doors. Out of habit I supported them with a donation but to my embarrassment it was caught by a local media personality who swooped in and wanted a word. I explained I had several nephews and nieces in Scouting back in the States and that I made it a habit of supporting youths who were trying to give back to their community. It is part of my own “peace mission” as it were though I never wanted to get credit for doing what I considered to be the right thing.

I didn’t realize at that time that two of the group members were Eagle Scouts and they added that it didn’t matter your age or location, Scouting was a brotherhood (sisterhood) with a moral code and mission that you always left an area better than when you arrived. That gave the Scout Leaders an opening to take over and we faded away so we didn’t take the kids’ thunder.

For Vit’s collection I focused on a nearby bottle store. Amarula is a cream liqueur made in South Africa with the delicious Marula fruit as its main ingredient. The Marula fruit, a favorite of African elephants everywhere, is distilled to a spirit base and aged in French oak for two years. The liqueur has a delicious sweet, slightly exotic, and creamy flavor and I was told best drank ‘on the rocks’ or added to your coffee. I also bought some local wines, namely Stellenbosch, Constantia and Franschoek brands.

That was it for me but others bought painted and decorated ostrich eggs, biltong which is a local type of jerky, intricately carved wooden items, wire and bead jewelry, and one man even purchased some diamonds and tanzanite gems. The last was well above my budget and he had to pay extra for a special export license so he could leave the country with them.

After the boat to Seal Island returned, we gathered together as a full group once again and headed for a scenic drive to Chapman’s Peak were we stopped so many times along the way for photographic opportunities it got on my nerves a bit. Each time we got off the bus security had to get off, scope the stop out, then count and reverse count as people got on and off, checking that everyone had their ship ID. The photos were wonderful, the tediousness was not.

Then we reached Boulders Beach Penguin Colongy. There were thousands, and I mean thousands, of the endangered African Penguin waddling about. The smell was as awful as I remember penguins being. I did get a chuckle out of some of my memories of a certain manic penguin who eyed me as potential mate material. None of these birds were that hard up for company however so I was able to follow our group unmolested.

At that point it was back to the B after taking forever to get through security. And as I suspected the man who’d purchased the diamonds had a hard time of it to get them back aboard and only was able to do that because the gems were turned in and locked away. He’ll face the same challenges when he gets back to the States and disembarks there. There is a reason that many diamonds of the world are considered blood diamonds and there are prohibitions against them being imported without very specific licensing.

Well, Vit still isn’t back. While tomorrow is a sea day I have to be up extra early to make sure some documents are properly translated for Mr. Baird. I’ll leave Vit a note letting him know what my schedule is if he hasn’t read my calendar already, and hopefully that will address whatever he needs.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 179: Jul 14 through 17 – at sea (4 days)

Another four days at sea and I’m ready to get off this ship. Not as a security detail member, I mean off, as in permanently off. I’m tired and … and lots of other things I’d rather not be.

I woke up the morning after Cape Town expecting a response from Vit. Only there isn’t one, he hasn’t come in from his double that may have turned into a triple, I’m not sure what the story is even now. I leave another one that I must go because Mr. Baird ordered several translations due before his 8 am conference calls start. I let him know that I would be in Baird’s office all day working on multiple translations for a conference being held in Brazil.

And that is the way it goes for all the sea days. I keep pounding away at the translations and corrections to other people’s grammar and translations and barely have time to eat, much less take a meal with Vit. I barely even see him because his schedule is just as busy because something is wrong with some part in the engine and it has to be babied so we can make it to Brazil for the conference and parts replacements. But believe me, I was being assured, completely assured, that he is eating. I am assured … ad nauseum … by the beautiful Ana and from other people that come into Baird’s office for something that he is being looked after and all his needs met.

My only respite is playing the violin and practicing for tonight’s performance. Today has been all about controlling my nerves and excitement and channeling it into something constructive. I was almost homefree and out the door when Barbara Dutton stops by dressed for another party night and tweaks me using her latest and most annoying ploy to date, lots of insinuations.

I wasn’t getting away with ignoring her this time. She was making sure of it. And in front of Barney and Henry, both of whom had finally thawed when they realized I was still committed to my original clerical position and it hadn’t been my choice that they’d been put between a rock and a hard place with no help with the Sofia business.

“Frankly Barbara I don’t care how Ana, or you, are dressed or look so long as you don’t embarrass the Peace Mission. I’m not so shallow that I would write you up for simply exercising questionable behavior. As for Ana’s obvious designs on Vit, not happening. Vit is far too honorable to fall for that kind of trashy ploy. I trust him … above and beyond all others. If you can’t say the same for your husband, then I feel sorry for you. If you are the one that can’t be trusted, then I feel sorry for your husband. Now if you will excuse me, I need to finish this.”

Barbara trilled a false laugh that actually says she would like to scratch my eyes out but is instead settling for saying, “No need to feel sorry for me. It is Vit that is Ana’s chew toy of choice.”

As if it meant absolutely nothing to me I responded, “She can scratch and spray all she wants. Even if Vit and I weren’t married I can guarantee he would not pick someone as crass and obvious as she is.”

Refusing to give Barbara any sense that she’d scored points, I continued to finish the translation in front of me until Barbara all but stomps off in high dudgeon. It was the last one I had planned to do for the day. I can see that both Barney and Henry were debating saying something but I didn’t want the trouble it could create. Instead I put away my work and calmly exited to go to the stage area to change into my own outfit for the night.

I might have gotten out of having to listen to Barney and Henry’s comments but I didn’t escape from Edda giving me a blow by blow of what happened next. Edda really doesn’t like Barbara or Ana because she overheard them disparaging Sofia. There is nothing quite so dangerous as a teenager with a grudge.

Basically, without all of the melodramatics that Edda added, when it was my turn to get on stage I caused a sensation. It had been a long while since I’d played for the public, but many still remembered my other performances or recognized me from my current position.

For my part none of that mattered. I shut the world out and gave it my all because that is what a performer is supposed to do. I also didn’t want to shame those that had so kindly invited me to perform. Unlike in performances passed when I played pieces that I was already familiar with, this time I played new pieces, pieces that were some of the most difficult I have ever learned. JS Bach’s Chaconne from Partita in d minor, Locatelli's Caprice in D major Op, Paganini’s Caprice No. 4 in c minor, Ernst’s Variations on “The Last Rose of Summer,” and Sivan’s transcription of the Liszt b minor sonata for solo violin.

Edda claimed that she watched Vit take a seat and then move closer to the front and in a corner. She claimed he was getting away from Ana Bosques but I am no longer sure. It is all a bit of a blur. Edda rather romanticized Vit’s reaction. She said he was at first surprised, then enthralled, and then moved into being stunned because I wasn’t just playing but was dancing as well. Dolly had choreographed a modified dubstep and I practiced several hours every night in the education center’s sound booths to pull it off. It wasn’t the playing that terrified me, it was the dancing. Memories of my youthful clumsiness wouldn’t leave my confidence alone.

On the other hand, whatever Edda may believe, when the show is over Vit is nowhere to be seen and I just wanted to change and get out of there. I wasn’t fast enough however.

Ana Bosques corners me and says, “Interesting. You do not appear to be a person capable of the necessary passion for such pieces. Technical proficiency yes, but not the passion.” Where have I heard that before?

I shrug and respond as everyone is staring, some with their mouths open. “Not to be rude but your opinion doesn’t matter to me … whether about my playing or any other area of my life where ‘passion’ is required.”

Slyly she says, “There are others that do not ignore me.”

I looked at her and for once knew exactly the zinger I wanted to deliver. I quirk my eyebrow and say, “Just because you have a lot of notches on your headboard doesn’t mean your performance deserves the attention you seem to think it is due.”

No one had realized that Polina and Yegor had gotten so close to those that were standing around until Polina chokes on the drink she is holding. Then she barks a laugh. “Come. Before they find out just how out of your league they are and I am forced to write an incident report.”

I wasn’t in the mood for a pep talk or the accolades Yegor said I was due. Instead I came back here to the cabin and showered off all of the makeup and hair gel and sparkles. I am so done. Just done. I feel like Dorothy and just want to click my heels and go home, home to people I know love and care about me.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 180: Jul 18 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1) - Part 1

I’m exhausted. So exhausted I’m shaking. But I can’t relax yet. Because I’m exhausted and shaking. Vit insisted on me staying in the cabin while he went to get me a bottle of Gatorade or whatever they have available. I don’t know if it is going to help or not. I couldn’t just sit around so I’m dictating this into my journal, typing isn’t possible for reasons that will become obvious.

Grover has already given Vit a blow-by-blow while I was getting my blisters and hands treated. I’m fine. Really. But I hope to never have a day like this again. Or not for a long time. Not that it was absolutely horrible in some places but I’m full up. I’m kind of proud of myself in a weird way. At the same time … nope, not caring too much whether I ever have a day like this again. Except for maybe the tail end. Or maybe not. I’m too tired to make good sense it appears.

It all started innocently enough. Kingston – the security officer who usually goes on the more extreme excursions because he is like some kind of super-secret Ranger or Seal or something no one talks about if they know what it is – got reassigned to accompany some diplomats on a tour of the not-so-good part of our port today which is Rio de Janeiro. The Mission comes before entertainment, so it was completely appropriate. The problem is the guys had been promised this opportunity to hike Pedra de Gavea almost since the beginning back in January. Aiden was one of them so when my name came up to replace Kingston I shrugged and said, sure why not. I needed off the boat. Rumor had it that Ana Bosques was dissatisfied with not being invited to perform in last night’s performance and that she was going to prove that next time she should be the star. Ugh. Besides, I’ve already seen Rio itself when I was through here with the Marchands and most of the students were staying on board. And doing yet more translations didn’t thrill me.

I have a feeling that Mr. Baird had no idea just how challenging this excursion was or he may not have given Aiden permission. I’m thinking that is true of the other parents involved as well. Certainly I didn’t know what I could be getting myself into. And even Grover said he hadn’t realized that it wasn’t just challenging but dangerous. And had Vit known … uh, no. We may not have been in tune for a while, but I know he’d never sanction me being in danger. And in hindsight I’m sure I would have let Mr. Stoic Cossack throw all the testosterone around that he wanted to and not say a word except, “Of course Dear.”

Seriously though at the beginning of the trek I was a little excited. With Grover along telling stories on Devin that I hadn’t heard – and which I’ve stored for possible ammunition at some future point – I was actually having fun for the first time in a while. Not even last night got in the way of that feeling. As a bonus, the only “paparazzi” we had along was a member of the ship’s media department and he was along more because he was an experienced climber than for his job description, though he had been assigned to be the photographer of the day.

Pedra da Gávea via Garganta do Céu is a 5.0 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Difficult? Yea. I’d say so.

Beginning in Rio de Janeiro, we made our way to the Pedra da Gavea. Pedra da Gávea is the world's largest monolithic block by the sea. There are two ways to get there, one of them passes through the dreaded Carrasqueira a 30-meter wall where first-degree climbing is necessary (that is, there are visible cracks throughout). The other route is called "Pico dos 4" where you can find the gazebo of the "Garganta do Céu" on the way to Pedra da Gávea. Guess which one we took. You betcha. Pico dos 4. Of course at the time I had no idea I was out of my mind. I was just thinking hike that includes climbing over a few rocks. Uh. No.

The Garganta do Céu is about halfway to the peak of the Gávea Rock, just after the most difficult part of the trail starts. That’s right happy campers. As difficult as the first part of the hike is they save the worst part to shock you with after it is way too late to turn around and go back down the way you came. It is an extremely steep stretch where you need to climb the rock and they have some steel cables in some parts to support the climb or you will need to bring your own ropes. It is recommended to make this route with a guide because they can bring all the security equipment necessary for this trail. Well we had our guide but that doesn’t inoculate you against mishaps and disasters.

When we got to the trailhead our guide told us, “We will embark on an approximately 8-hour trek to the Garganta do Ceu cave. The trek will have some steep and arduous parts. As a result, you should be in good physical condition. Once we reach the cave, you will get to see Rio de Janeiro in all its glory. You will also get to see the Morro Dois Irmaos, also known as two brothers hill, as well as Guanabara Bay and Sao Conrado beach.” He also informed us that, “This hiking tour takes place inside the C sector of Tijuca National Park, which means that you are within Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Rainforest and have great chances to spot wild animals during the hike.”

Did you notice it wasn’t until we were already at the trailhead that he mentioned “steep” and “arduous”? I didn’t say anything though because as the only female I didn’t want to kill the vibe by acting like everyone’s grandmother.

I’m not sure what the guys were thinking at first but I was like, “What is that smell?!” when we entered the Tijuca Forest and the odor of rotting and rotten jackfruit filled the air. O … M … G. It wasn’t quite as bad as Vit’s gym shirt that got buried in the bottom of the laundry basket for nearly a week, but it came pretty doggone close. How was I to know that would be the easiest part of the hike? The dirt path soon turned into a near vertical climb over rocks and tree roots and the sweat poured nonstop down places I never knew sweat could reach from places I didn’t even know had sweat glands to sweat with. I am extremely grateful that I insisted on bringing that fourth liter of water despite it weighing me down in the beginning.

It takes over an hour to reach this hidden cave called the sky’s throat. It is almost half-way up … up being the operative word here. As in up with a capital O ... M … G. Obviously I repeat myself so my apologies. I wasn’t sure whether to be more freaked out over the climb we’d just made or the view we’d finally reached. While the stop offered the perfect rest spot on such a climb, it was an even better place to take some photographs. The cave has an ideal natural window, boasting the most stunning view of Rio’s coastline; Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Jockey Club, the Botafogo cove, the Aterro do Flamengo, the Sugar Loaf mountain, the Morro da Urca, the Pedra Bonita, the Corcovado - Christ the Redeemer Statue and the other mountains of the Tijuca Forest and landmarks such as Guanabara Bay, Ipanema, Leblon, São Conrado, Barra Tijuca and the Serra dos Orgaos Region. The views, oh my goodness. I suppose if nothing else, that made some of today’s pain worth it.

It was hard to tear ourselves away from this vista, especially after being told the toughest part of the trek was coming up next. Once we cleared the forest area, the rest of the Pedra da Gavea hike up is exposed to the heat of the day and many large rocks. This is when I had my silent mini breakdown. The guys were all in the throws of ecstasy. Me? I was quickly reviewing what I could remember from the few times that I’d been mountain climbing with Devin. That’s right I said mountain climbing. Not hiking but climbing … nearly vertical climbing. And this wasn’t the climbing I did in Pago Pago. There it was cables and “ladders” to give your feet some purchase. And the trail was somewhat maintained. Nope. Not this time Skippy.

I saw sheer rock face and rusty metal cables. Excuse me but where was I suppose to put my feet? Anywhere I could just so long as they were able to move me along while I had the cable in a death grip pulling my arms out of their sockets at the same time. Gah! But I refused to let my fear and apprehension show. I would lose all my hard-earned respect and I just refused to do that. After scrambling up some more boulders the size of your average brontosaurus, we finally reached the top of Pedra da Gavea. The media guy Frank (pronounced Frahnk as he is German) was taking pictures the entire way and having seen them I have to say I am a pretty doggone good actress because it looks like I’m having a wonderful time. So much fun in fact that if I start laughing I might not stop and they’ll have to come with a straight jacket. Trust me, I was not having a good time no matter the magic of digital photographyf.

We stood right out over the edge, peering down towards the Atlantic Ocean and other iconic landmarks, such as Dois Irmãos and Corcovado. There is another section to explore at the top of Pedra da Gavea. This is a little more adventurous to reach. Just when I hoped the rock-climbing phase was over, I saw a large crack in the rock that we had to abseil down. And of course, avoid the steep drop to my death on the right. We clambered up over the other side in order to discover new views of the south of Rio.

The photo ops at the top were extreme. Frank had each of us sitting on a very small ledge with a huge drop down to the forest below. Another one was lying on our front and pretend to be flying off a protruding rock. The other was leaping over to a boulder to hang off. After a couple of hours playing around and taking in some of the best views you could possibly imagine, we decided to make our way down. This is when it became apparent that going down was going to be even more challenging than going up. It is also when disaster struck.

Instead of scaling the 30 meter ‘Carrasqueira’ like many others, we slowly abseiled down. Some gracefully and others not so much. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the guys were struggling too but they didn’t want to show it because I was around. They had no idea how much I was struggling so again … acting award nomination time.

Frank went down first and set up for taking pictures of us coming down. Abseiling by the way is descending a steep slope or vertical drop by a rope secured from above and coiled around one's body or through carabiners attached to one's body in order to control the speed of descent. It is also what the Coast Guard rescuers do when they descend from a helicopter by way of a rope. Just want you to have that picture in your head since I had to live it in freaking 4D.

So all the guys do it and I’m last, next to the guide. And that’s when it happens, the dominoes start falling. What I haven’t mentioned is despite the trail being a difficult one there are quite a few tour groups using it. The group behind us is full of “energetic” personality figures, the kind that are addicted to adrenaline and like to do things just to get their pictures taken so they can post them on their blogs and vlogs and social media platforms. From what I understand they were cutting up a little too much, congratulating themselves on their latest shot when someone lost their balance on the trail or something. They fell/slid into a couple of other members of their party who fell into a couple of others who grabbed our guide to keep from going over the side.

Somehow, someway the carabiner that our guide was using to help with the ropes snapped and the rope he was using was cut on a sharp V of rock. Takes longer to tell than it actually took to happen. Bottom line is the rope broke. I was in freefall. I wasn’t far from the top when it happened and I’d been eyeing a nearby steel cable to give myself a feeling like I had a backup plan. Well I had the presence of mind to actually do something with my panicked strength and I grabbed the cable and slid to about the mid-point on the descent.

You know what happens when you slide down a rope without gloves on? Well by that time the fingerless gloves I had been using all day were trashed as they weren’t the kind meant for the exertions they’d been exposed to. I was in too much fear/shock to register the pain right then and everyone else was either trying to figure out what was happening, except for Grover who immediately started telling me what to do.

“Hold on Veta!”

I snapped in return, “Do you want me to snark at you what that instruction is worth?!”

His voice held a modicum of relief when he yelled up to me, “If you can sass like that you’ll do. Are you secure?”

And right about that moment I hear this sound. The same sound my bobby pins will sometimes make when they are about to give up the ghost. “No!”

The cable caught me a glancing blow on the way down where it had finally broken at a rusty spot. I heard some fancy cussing but didn’t have time to develop a comeback as I was too busy holding on with my toes on a barely-there ledge and my bare fingers digging into crevices.

In the middle of all the yelling from above and below I realize they’re saying that both our guide’s rope and the rope from the group behind us had fallen below me. And that there isn’t a group behind the group that was behind us. That means there are only two ways that I am getting down and I didn’t want falling to be one of them.

I start looking around for handholds and Grover yells, “What are you doing?!”

Filling so upset I got silly I yelled down, “My nerves are overset and I want a cup of tea. Since it doesn’t look like one is coming to me, that means I come down to it.”

There was silence from both parties and then I hear a woman’s voice say, “You tell ‘em girl. I’m coming down and we’ll go down together. Just hang on.” I’m still not sure just where this angel came from as she wasn’t a member of any party Grover spoke to.

About ten minutes later a woman reaches my position. She is a sun-bleached strawberry blonde with more freckles than a true redhead. “How ya doin’ Hon?”

What was I supposed to say? That I wanted down, a bathroom, and a cup of tea and in that order? Instead I politely answered, “About as good as to be expected under the circumstances.”

She smiles and nods. “Okay, I’m going down and find you some hand holds. Just go slow and put your fingers and toes where I tell you to.”

And that’s the way we went down. Now I know why I consider rock climbers more than just slightly off their rockers. To keep from falling you must hold onto nearly non-existent cracks and crevices with strength you didn’t know you had and sometimes you have to go the opposite direction you want to go to find them. I did more up and down than I wanted to but thankfully it was mostly down.

I was noticeably shaking by the time I got all the way down and so were a couple of the guys. Aiden was white as a sheet and pointed. I looked and there were bloody smudges where I had been making my way down. I looked at Frank and said, “No pictures of that please. My husband doesn’t need to see it.” I wasn’t to know it then, but it was too late. He’d been chronicling the entire thing in real time by satellite to staff on the B and Vit had been watching since the beginning.

Grover gave some immediate first aid to my hands … mostly bottled water washing the grit out and then wrapping relatively clean spare buffs around them. I also asked for, and was given, a couple of naproxens from our trail first aid kit.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 180 - Part 2

I thanked the woman whose name was Allie … short for Alyeska (like the pipeline in Alaska) … and then watched her climb back up with one of the ropes so she could get the rest of the other group and our guide down.

I muttered, “Show off.” Then grinned in adrenaline-soaked relief. I didn’t think anyone was paying attention until Grover said, “I hope you can smile like that when Dymtrus hears about this.”

That caused a grimace like nothing else had. At the time I was thinking this would be just one more nail in the coffin I seemed to be building. I sighed and said, “I’ll tell him when we get back on board. We need to get the students back to their parents.”

Grover then asked the question all the others were obviously wanting to, “You sure you’re up to it?”

“Well I’m not going to be carried out of here like a sack of potatoes. What? Did everyone expect me to have an extra special drama queen fit or something?”

Aiden, looking bashfully relieved, admitted, “Something like that.”

“Oh please,” I said rolling my eyes. I was serious but apparently everyone else found it funny and laughed. At what I have no clue unless it was relief. I suppose it is a male thing.

The rest of the descent was an absolute dream by comparison. We briskly walked down the dirt path until we finally reached tarmac, civilization, and a cafe where the boys insisted on pitching in and getting me the cuppa I was really dying for by that point because the naproxen wasn’t really doing much but taking the hard edge off my scrapes and bruises.

I was getting more looks than I understood put was too tired at that point to worry about over much except for it to cause me to go a little protective of the boys. And I was fine until I heard Grover tell them, “Let her. She’s the mothering type and this will keep her from thinking about how much she is likely hurting.”

Lovely.

We found the passenger van waiting right where they said they would be but there were a few extra security guards as well.

“Tell me those are ours.”

“Don’t recognize ‘em. Stay back until …”

And that’s when a Brazilian officer steps forward and in broken English tells us that they’ve been sent to make sure we get back to the ship unmolested as there were a few demonstrations going on.

Lovely. Really. Just lovely.

It took twice as long to get back to the ship as expected but it wasn’t as long as it could have been because with the guards along we were given allowance to go through areas to avoid the demonstrators until right before reaching the port area. From there unfortunately we had to walk. Everyone was tired by that time but there was no choice.

About halfway in our Brazilian guards were accosted and a couple of men tried to dogpile Grover when he tried to go to their aid. When the demonstrators went for the boys She-hulk had had enough. I don’t particularly remember what I did with my baton and kicks but it got us out of that knot of people and all of the loud yelps brought the cavalry. Apparently a broken leg, two split knee caps, a dislocated shoulder, and broken jaw, and miscellaneous other glancing blows tells people that I’m serious about them keeping their hands to themselves and staying back. I love my baton, may even ask if I can adopt it when our tour of duty is over. And the climbing boots I was wearing are also in the running for BFF. Their treads now adorn some cheeks and other body parts to add an exclamation point to my need for personal space.

As for the cavalry … they were carrying guns. Big guns. Loud guns … but thankfully shooting only rubber bullets. But rubber bullets apparently hurt more than my baton. And make a bigger point as it caused a lot of people in the demonstration to disperse rather quickly lest the guns begin to throw real bullets at them. The news announced that many of the people involved weren’t even Brazilians but were outside agents that traveled to the area to agitate and demonstrate. SOP the last couple of decades. I don’t know why it continues to surprise me how far people will sink for a couple of dollars, but it does.

Funding groups that call the Dark Web home pay people to be professional demonstrators or riot-participants, depending on what is desired. I think that is sick and completely dishonest but that is how that stuff works. Poppa used to tell me about some old guy named Soros who liked to monkey around with world politics; he’d made several fortunes off manipulating international economies and seemed to get a big kick out of playing ruler of the universe behind the scenes. When he died his son and successors tried to continue the practice but a lot of them failed, just like the generals of Alexander the Great failed, destroying the empire that he’d created. But just like with other conquerors, people still try to do the same thing; some with success but most others with failure. The problem is their failures are just as dangerous for the world as their so-called successes.

Grover was all but dragging our two Brazilian guards while I covered the students under our care. We were through the cruise port entrance before our own people could join us. I still was feeling a little tense (yes, an understatement) when arms wrapped around me from behind. Thank goodness that someone knew my moves from years of sparring with me or things could have gone really wrong.

“Kokhana you will allow me this or I will suffer the stopping heart.”

Vit’s grammar hadn’t been that awful for a long time. I turned to look at him and said, “Don’t say things like that.”

“Then do not make me feel such things. You …”

For the first time in a while I was able to see through his stoicism. “Well that’s just great. Frank I told you …” The man took one look at my face and beat feet. With no target for my irritation I tried to rein in my temper, but it wasn’t easy. No one likes being dragged like a recalcitrant pup on a leash but that is exactly what was happening to all of us as we were hauled up the gangway and onto the ship. Except for the Brazilian guards who had been turned over to their own people to take for first aid.

My understanding, since I didn’t witness it firsthand, is that when the demonstrators attacked our group and in particular tried to take down the Brazilians militarios, the signal was given to take the gloves off. All foreigners demonstrating were handled brutally. Some media types that had appeared to egg them all were included in this. They also used their forces to close in behind the demonstration groups and it became (figuratively thank God) like shooting fish in a barrel. There is a tanker anchored just offshore with all the foreign arrestees in its belly. Arrests continue. And will continue to continue until they get the ring leaders. No foreigner is getting out of Brazil legally unless they can prove their identity and prove they weren’t here to cause problems. That seems as bad as the other extreme we were experiencing but I can understand some of the reasons behind the move. I just worry about my part in it … perhaps the spark that caught the flame.

Vit is now back and has watched me like a hawk as I sip the Gatorade. He says he wants to talk. I’m not sure that I do.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 181: Jul 19 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2) - Sunday

No day off this Sunday but there are three sea days this coming week. Vit and I need a day to clear the air between us but we did quite a bit of that last night. The talk I was worried about having with him was made up mostly with his self-recriminations.

He hadn’t missed the end of the performance. He’d been pretty stunned and just sat there “like an idiot” until he’d seen other performers getting flowers. He’d wanted the same for me, angry at himself that he hadn’t thought about it earlier. But there were no more flowers and by the time he made it back I had “escaped” all the people. He hadn’t realized I had gone back to the cabin, taken a shower, and gone to sleep until it was too late.

“Kokhana, I saw tears on your face. It tore at me and I did not know whether to waken you or not. Did not know if by then you would not want me to kiss your tears away.”

He’d gone to get a drink and do some thinking but had found himself practically under siege by Ana as she’d tried to make move after move. He couldn’t extricate himself. Finally in a panic he’d called Yegor asking for some assistance. Like a good friend the man had come … and Polina with him. However they heaped coals on his head as well.

Polina asked, “Where is Veta?”

“Asleep in the cabin.”

“And why are you not there with her mladshiy brat (little brother)?”

“Because I feel like an idiot. I did not get her flowers.”

In typical Polina fashion she tells him, “You are an idiot but not for the lack of flowers. Veta does not need flowers. She needs you.”

They are speaking in Russian and Ana is excluded from the conversation which is like slapping her in the face and she finally retreats but obviously hasn’t given up.

“Vit … you … you didn’t … don’t need to …”

“Allow me this confession Kokhana. I near explosion.”

Again with the bad grammar, which told me he really was feeling strongly on the subject.

“I have not seen what is right in front of me. I tried to work things out as I once would have, kept things to myself to prevent you from seeing them. It doesn’t matter why. Foolish reasons I do not wish to speak of while you are in pain and need rest. But believe me, I beg you, that I … I did not mean to hurt you. Or stand by when those women … there are not words I know at the moment to describe them in language I would use in front of my wife.”

The painkillers started kicking in at that point and we stopped talking and I fell asleep in his arms. I’m not really bad off. In fact I have worked today, but I’m still sore and not feeling one hundred percent but I was already scheduled for chaperone/security duty and with all the diplomats demanding personal security details due to some stuff in the news and that protestors are feeling freer to directly confront them, there isn’t a replacement available. Polina gave me the option but I didn’t want to see the college age students get penalized so I didn’t excuse myself. However, Vit all but made me promise not to do any more than my body says it can. He had to go on shift as well, the needed parts came in overnight despite the protests, but he still saw me off and waited until I was down the gangway before turning away.

Upon leaving the ship, a driver took us towards Cosme Velho neighborhood. The streets were eerily quiet. On the way we passed Palacio Guanabara and then to the summit of Corcovado Mountain at 2,100 feet to visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. The monument, located inside the Tijuca National Park, is reachable by train or van, and the ride through Tijuca Forest was quite pleasant. Going by van we made a quick stop at the Paineiras Visitors Center where we took a shuttle the remainder of the way up. The views of the city were wonderful, comparable to the views of the previous day believe it or not. Sometimes being high up is just too high.

From there we drove to several Farmer’s Markets to spread some much needed economic cheer. Each morning farmers set up on a different street. These are the places where the locals go to do their grocery shopping, however tourists are welcome to walk around the stands sampling the fruits and vegetables offered at the market. However, conversation was limited to inconsequentialities. Politics were definitely off the list of topics mentions. The fruit in Brazil really taste different. More than once I had people telling me “So that is what mango is supposed to taste like! I feel I’ve been cheated all my life…” My tastebuds were not in nearly so much shock as Florida is a sub-tropical climate similar to Brazil but still, the freshness of what was available was obvious even to me. Besides the many nice pictures taken of the colorful stands, we also had access to some amazing street food like the “pastel com caldo de cana” (fried empanadas and sugarcane juice).

The third point of interest was the colorful Selaron’s Steps . Selaron’s Staircase is a set of world-famous steps and are the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selaron who claimed that the staircase is his tribute to the Brazilian people. The steps, next to Carioca Aqueduct, straddle both the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods. There are 250 steps which are covered in over 2000 tiles collected from over 60 countries around the world.

Not wanting to overstay our welcome, we headed back to the safety of the B to find that the engine has been repaired. We were early enough that I could have gotten some translations finished but Barney wasn’t having it and stomped off. I looked at Henry who explained, “Your hands Love. Seeing them wrapped bothers her. At least wait until tomorrow. You wince with every keystroke. Go back to your cabin, take a pill, and make an early night of it.”

I was going to do exactly that but Vit asked that I at least eat before “taking a pill.” I would have preferred the cabin but there was no take out food, everything was being run through the mess hall. Vit understood and did his best to get us a corner away from the chaos. I still asked to leave as soon as we cleared our plates. I wasn’t up to the various conversations that people wanted to have.

Back here in the cabin Vit helped me to wash my hair – the heat and sweat of the day had soured it – and then had to go double check some readings from the repair that didn’t look like it wanted to hold for some reason. I’m all written out. I suppose I could watch something on the telly but honestly I think some extra sleep will do me more good.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 182: Jul 20 & 21 – at sea (2 days)

Vit has been so attentive the last two days that … yes, I will hold myself accountable. Vit has been so attentive the last two days that I briefly considered the idea that he has more to feel guilty for than I want to think possible. He speaks of falling back into old habits, previous behaviors, that it impeded our communication. I can be no less honest. I even brought up that I had done the same thing, but he became angry … not at me, but at himself. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Things between us feel better but, perhaps I imagine it, there still feels like there is something more. It could be my imagination but …

The other is that I have had an argument with Derrick. It bothers me yet it doesn’t, and I know that makes absolutely no sense. I could call it a productive argument but that makes no sense either. Here I’ve been opining that I want to be like Dorothy and click my heels and go home. Yet the idea of going home with things the way they are is starting to turn my stomach.

My first mistake was assuming that the rock-climbing incident would remain private and not make it out into the social-mediascape. Ha. Ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha ha. So much for my assumptions. Oh my word, the brats and my sisters rained down on me like a meteor shower. For once Charlie was worse than the others with Dylan coming a close second. Where they got off with that kind of attitude I don’t know. If I was to turn around and say such to them there would be no hearing the end of it. And I couldn’t even respond in real time because they sent their recriminations by email to my blog/vlog and they didn’t even mark it private which was a real embarrassment to me. I only knew it had come in because – good Lord – Yegor by way of Polina said he’d muted my account – yes, Communication and Security has that authority – and that as soon as I went in and took care of the family business he’d un-mute it. Then Derrick took his turn, him by phone, and asks what I thought would happen to Charlie and Dylan if something happened to me.

“Really Derrick? Really?! What kind of guilt trip are you trying to pull? It was an unfortunate accident all around. It is not something I planned on happening.”

“Really Veta? Really?!” Derrick mimicked me, something he has never done in my memory. “I am not ‘guilting’ you. I’m stating a fact. Dylan is counting on you as a contact out in the world. We don’t get any real news otherwise and …”

Time for a little education. “Don’t even go there. If Dylan keeps things to himself then so be it. He has a difficult job to do … but contrary to your thinking, he does not do it by way of me. I have a job to do as well. And restrictions, so what you hear from me is well after the fact and only what I am allowed to share. You know that Derrick. You know that.”

“Do I Yselyveta Krystiyan Anastasya Bohdana Petric.”

“That’s Dymtrus.”

Derrick was silent for a moment then said, “Petric Dymtrus.”

“You’re pushing it big brother. I don’t know what has set you off …”

“Set me off?! You could have been killed!”

“But I wasn’t. Stop what-if’ing it to pieces. You could have died during your surgery. The mess with Lena could have destroyed your heart … or worse. Christine … Benji … and you aren’t the only one. Cory for Angelia. Barbie’s daughter. Any of us for lots of different reasons. When God calls we have no choice but to answer. This time was just an accident, don’t make more of it than it was. Have some faith instead of …”

“Veta, I saw the video. You … could … have … died.”

Trying to rein in my own rising temper was far from easy. But old habits die hard and Derrick, as much as Poppa, has acted as a father-figure for as long as I can remember. “I am aware Derrick. But I didn’t. Some of it was luck, some skill, and some the skill of another person that was providentially there.”

“Flying away to foreign countries you have no business traveling to. Doing things you have no business doing. Pirates. Kidnappers. Terrorists. Now even a mountain …”

“Derrick! Stop spiraling. That’s my thing, not yours.” There was silence on the other end and I asked, “Now tell me what is really bothering you. And no I’m not making light of your concern, but you didn’t make this much fuss when I was stabbed my freshman year at university. And I’m not making light of that either, but you know what I mean.”

After a moment he said, “I should have seen the problems. I should have … have understood what selling the house would mean for you … and Vit. Now the two of you are in danger and … and it is my fault.”

“Derrick …”

“Nothing has been the same. And do not try and tell me it hasn’t. Since I decided to sell the homeplace …”

I tried not to dig up old bones that I’d thought we’d all already buried. “One, it wasn’t your decision alone; all of the others participated in it. No one gets to get off scott free from that choice. Two, we cleared the air. That part is over and done with. I thought we have moved forward.”

Then a question I wasn’t prepared for. “Are you and Vit coming home?”

“To Pembroke?”

“No Veta, to the Moon. Yes, to Pembroke.”

Careful of my phrasing I answered, “I don’t know how to answer that yet. Vit and I still need to work out the job situation. And the rest of it.”

“Rest of it?”

Needing to be honest I told him, “We won’t be living on charity Derrick. We … both Vit and I … need to find our own footing.”

“But … you aren’t completely against the idea?”

I sighed. “Not completely.”

“But?”

“But … it can’t be like it was before Derrick. And you know what I mean and I’m not going over it all again. What happened with the house is more a … a … symptom and not the root cause of why Vit and I need to build something for ourselves.”

“You might not be able to.”

“Excuse me?! Are you issuing an ultimatum now?”

Derrick cleared his throat. “That was unfortunate phrasing and not at all what I meant. Veta … things are bad here. I’m honestly glad that Mom and Dad are out of it. And … some of the others … they’re struggling. And not in a small way. What … what is it like in other places, countries? I feel detached from what is going on out in the world. I don’t know how to measure what we are going through.”

Mentally shrugging, wondering why he was suddenly trying to measure anything against anyone else, I told him what I knew I could. “Some good. Some bad. And the rest, everything in between. In a certain respect we are, for lack of a better word, insulated from the worst of it. When we arrive in a location … generally they want us to see the best of them. The incident in Rio is the exception, not the rule, of how we interact with people in our ports of call. And what troubles there have been are generally created by outside agencies looking for a fight and publicity, not the people of country we are in. As far as news goes, I suspect there are times we are even more insulated by our own authorities than non-mission people are. We have a large diversity on this ship and to keep the peace sometimes a heavy hand is used to maintain normalcy. But it is a balancing act. Our mission requires each of us personnel to acknowledge and understand how fragile world peace is right now. At the same time, because of our diversity, individual incidences between countries are sometimes … muted … so we can maintain our own version of world peace.” I stopped and then asked, “How bad are things at home Derrick. And don’t blow me off. I want … no … I need to know. Is it Charlie? Dylan? Anyone in particular or all of us?”

He sighed in what turned out to be relief. “You still say ‘us’.”

“Of course I do. I always will.”

I could tell he was ordering his thoughts. “Angie … she complains constantly about you being gone. And she and Christine both wish we still had the gardens and orchards. I … and many of the others … had no idea how much of a gap it would leave now that we don’t have it.”

Having heard it from Angie herself I said the only thing that made sense to me. “So have everyone have a garden of their own. Container plants if nothing else. Something is better than nothing. And then trade between each other. Or are you saying that … Derrick are people in the family going hungry?”

“No. It isn’t to that yet and quite frankly it still has a long way to go. But at night I must admit that … that I can see it happening, coming down the road faster towards us than anyone is prepared for. Charlie’s business and marriage going under, it has hurt us as well. We took for granted a lot of what he did, the connections he had. And Dylan’s change has been nearly as difficult. We’ve all experienced necessary lifestyle changes. And whether I want to admit it or not, those people have had an effect here in Pembroke with their constant meddling in local politics, made things more difficult not just for the family but our friends. Now, on top of everything else, some of the people in charge around here are … are making things harder to justify and secure their own jobs.”

“I assume you mean the people that bought Pembroke House. Well as I told someone else in the family not that long ago … that door can swing both ways. If people in the community become aware that the neighbors from hell are the cause of problems they are having … perhaps the neighbors will find it more difficult to get things done … repairs, renovations, etc.”

“They bring in a lot of money to the community.”

“Look, either people stick together or they don’t. Sometimes sacrifices must be made. You find out who won’t stick together then you at least know who you can’t trust.”

I heard another sigh. “You’ve become hard.”

“I’ve grown up and become a realist. I may not always be … comfortable with what that means, but it is still better than living in a fantasy or praying that God changes everyone and everything else while you get to stay who you are … when who you are or how you are acting may be a bigger problem than those on the other side.”

“Now who sounds like Dad?” I could finally hear something in Derrick’s voice that meant he was winding down. And I was grateful. But I still had to do something.

“Derrick, I don’t want to start another argument but I need you to do me a favor, and please understand that … that I’m not exactly angry at any one over this but I need you to listen to what I’m saying, not just hear it and then act like I’m exaggerating.” He agreed cautiously. I explained about what had happened after all the family emailed me. “I have some leeway because … well because I’m in security and the people in charge of communication are reasonable. But this cannot happen again. It could impact my job which could impact Vit which impact his … look, just tell everyone to use more thought and caution in what they say and how they deliver their messages.”

“I’m sure no one meant any harm.”

“I’m not.”

“Veta …”

“They may not have understood the impact, but they did mean to be heard otherwise at a bare minimum they would have made the communication private. It was deliberate that they did not. Perhaps they forgot that more than family reads my blog/vlog. And maybe they are completely oblivious to the fact that my superiors have access to my social media. I’ll call this a one-off. But it can’t happen again. I’ll turn the blog/vlog off myself if I even suspect it will happen.”

Derrick asked, “What do you mean ‘yourself.’”

“I mean that my account has been temporarily muted by the powers that be until I can get it cleaned up and potential privacy and security issues are removed from public view and possible consumption.”

“Dear Lord …”

“Derrick. Please, just explain it them. I shouldn’t have to ask but I am. And while you are at it ask Dylan what in the heck was he thinking to join along with that type of behavior. He, if none of the rest of you, should know what that risks.”

It took a few hours, but Derrick did indeed get with Dylan. I was preparing for bed when a special communique came in from Dylan himself. I was expecting an argument, but I barely gave the clearance that I accepted the call when Dylan started.

“Veta, I’m keeping this short and sweet because I’m still dealing with a mess here at home. That wasn’t me that sent the open email. Charlie’s kids got my kids to let them use my personal email for something a couple of months back. I stripped all four kids … mine and his … of their social media when I found out. Charlie’s wife … she blew up but then her brother got involved and told her that she was lucky my employers didn’t come after the kids, her, and her folks that were in on it. And I don’t have time to explain it all, but it was them trying to get some info on Charlie rather than going through the lawyers like they were supposed to.”

“What?!”

“I swear I thought I’d dealt with it but turns out Charlie’s soon-to-be-ex (and sooner if I can make it happen) is dating someone with some tech-smarts who was able to reopen the dead account and cause some flying monkey mischief. That’s no excuse for the others but I swear I’ve got more sense than that and had I known I would have tried to stop them.”

“Even if you agreed with them?”

He sighed. “Look Shorty, we’re all stressed out but yeah, even if I had agreed with the general premise of what they were saying it doesn’t mean that I would have still supported their method. And for the record, none of them spoke to the other – this wasn’t a planned ambush – and they didn’t realize what a problem they were creating for you en mass. How bad is it for you on your end?”

Tempted to make it sound worse than it’s been I decided honesty was better. “Well it wasn’t pretty but like I told Derrick, the authorities in charge of Communication are real people, not machines. They cut me some slack due to the circumstances – they weren’t thrilled with the incident making it to social media either – and because they were able to stop it from getting into the hands of any reporters. But I mean it … it can’t happen again. I’ll turn the account off. I will not become an embarrassment to the Peace Mission or Vit.”

“Er … okay. How about a compromise.”

“Depends.”

“All of the family correspondence will be routed through me and then to your account. Turn on “moderate all” on your account. That means you have to accept and moderate things prior to any responses even getting to the cue for posting.”

“I already have it set that way.”

“Not really. You have family set as members instead of just readers. You need to take that privilege away.”

“Except you.”

“No. Do it to me as well. Less fuss and feathers that way.”

“But …”

“No buts Veta. If the others don’t understand how serious this was for you, I do. And I apologize. I should have nuked the email account instead of just turning it off. That was beyond sloppy and there is no excuse for it.”

With Vit listening I told him, “Don’t beat yourself up. Sounds like Charlie’s ex is … er …”

“She is and that is going to be dealt with in the morning by my bosses. They screwed the pooch this time.”

“This time?”

“Uh … yeah. This time. Charlie hasn’t wanted you worried about it. He’s gonna blow when he finds all this out.”

“Tell him not to. I’m glad I know so there’s no way she can pull something like that again. I can’t fight shadows.”

“He doesn’t want you fighting at all. Not after what happened with Lena’s family.”

“Too bad so sad. Let me know if there is anything else I can do … including laying a trap.”

“You been eating your Wheaties.”

“No. I’m just tired of people who think therefore it must be so. Our soon-to-be-ex Sister in law took herself out of the family. Her mistake for not understanding what that would mean. She should have learned from Lena. Mercy and forgiveness only work when the recipient participates and stops making the same mistakes over and over again. We’re closing ranks. And she’s no longer welcome inside our family circle. End of discussion. Next topic.”

Dylan snorted. “Nothing else for now. Just wanted you to know the truth as soon as possible … and that I’ll do what is necessary on my end to make sure it never happens again. We okay?”

“We’re fine. Just make sure they understand. It can’t happen again. Ever.”

“Understood.”

He closed after telling me to make sure Vit knows and then he rung off.

Vit looked at me and asked, “Are you satisfied?”

“Mostly.” At a look from him I said, “I won’t tolerate even the possibility of your green card getting withheld. And I’m not going home if you can’t.”

“Kokhana …”

Vit and I didn’t argue but only because for once he completely understood it was a non-negotiable on my part and that I wouldn’t even entertain a discussion on the possibility.”

And now he is off to work his night-shift and I need to go to sleep because I chaperone tomorrow. It still feels like there is a shoe that wants to drop but for now, Vit and I are working on making things better, not just putting bandaids on everything.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 183: Jul 22 – Trinidad and Tobago

More reveals. Not bad, and in fact helpful, just I’m on overload. Only about a week until we return to the States and … there’s just a lot going on in my head to add to the uncertainty. I woke with a bit of an emotion-hangover after the family stuff yesterday. Vit worked last night so I was left to my own devices. I opted for half a sleeping pill. Bad choice but the alternative would have been to toss and turn most of the night only to have to deal with the day anyway. Nothing horrible thank goodness. We were docked in Trinidad and Tobago. And while the students were excited, they didn’t act like drunk monkeys which is a blessing I must admit to being grateful for.

Straight off the ship we climbed into a bus and took a scenic drive south to Chaguanas, one of the oldest known settlements in Trinidad & Tobago. We got off the bus and our, a young university student, walked us through the local produce market and the busy bazaars that line the streets of Trinidad's third-largest city. We saw local residents going about their daily lives and checked out some East Indian snacks, such as khurma. Khurma is basically a piece of fried dough that is then soaked in sugar syrup or powdered sugar, or both. Very, very sweet. Reminds me of this stuff we used to make at the holidays called Puppy Chow. It is a traditional Indian sweet snack brought to the island by immigrants that then became popularized.

After taking care of the students’ munchies we went to a pottery studio where we saw artisans in the process of shaping, baking, and drying vases, pots, and wind chimes. From there we took a tour of the Hindu temple that is home to one of the world's largest statues of the monkey god, Lord Hanuman. And yes, it was a challenge to remain polite and dignified given my known bias against monkeys. Edda and Pei Shin kept giving me sidelong looks and I finally had to give them the “mom eye” to get them to stop. They finally paid attention and learned about the temple's rituals and traditions. We made a brief stop in the attached yoga center before getting back on the bus and driving to the Temple of the Sea and Cremation Site, as the East Indian Museum, before stopping for a roti lunch.

There was a Roti Café not far from my apartment in Jacksonville and I stopped there fairly regularly. Roti is slightly different in Trinidad and Tobago compared to it native Indian origin. Yes, it is still a piece of round, unleavened bread but in the islands it has basically morphed into street food and you can think of as the Trinidad and Tobago sandwich. The most common filling is savory potato and dasheen curry stew. The students picked the beef, chicken, or vegetarian version and everyone seemed to be very satisfied afterwards.

After lunch we headed to Couva, one of the oldest sugar villages, but didn’t stop due to some political unrest. Couva is an urban town in west-central Trinidad. It is one of the fastest growing towns in the country and has been for some time. Couva is considered a major power base for the United National Congress (UNC), whose headquarters are located there. We also passed through San Fernando which has unique tertiary rock formations, a unique occurrence on the island. San Fernando is the second most populous municipality in Trinidad and Tobago, after Chaguanas and the most populous city. It was basically just a long bus ride to give the students the feel for the country.

Our guide for the day must have known teenagers because after the bus ride it was more food. We experienced a wide variety of East Indian foods like saheena, pholourie, aloo pie, baiganee, cachourie, any several other types of immigrant dishes that have been absorbed into Trinidadian culture. I had a taste of most of it but, despite my normally cast iron stomach, I just wasn’t hungry. Not to mention that I was also busy keeping an eye on the people that kept trying to get closer than I was comfortable with to the students. They weren’t rude but they were pushing my ability to be polite.

After the students had their fill our final destination was a little bizarre considering our location. A mud volcano. To get to the volcano was a forty-five minute hike through an abandoned sugar cane plantation and teak forest. That alone was worth the excursion but the best was yet to come. The mud volcano was a large circular pool of clay filled material. At the center, there were active vents which can be identified by the bubbles at the surface. It is said that the mud from the volcanoes cleans and rejuvenates your skin. The guide dipped some out and allowed the students, or at least those willing, to smear some on their skin to test the effects. There are over 15 mud volcanoes in Trinidad, a fact I was not aware of and my head is full of weird trivia. The original Amerindian inhabitants of Trinidad called these areas “guaico” which means “mud-stream”. A mud volcano is not necessarily what you might think, it does not erupt lava and superheated gases. Instead, it merely bubbles most of the time, allowing for cooler, trapped gases to escape from the earth’s shallower crust levels. The geography lesson was more indepth than that but it is all I intend to record until I have time to watch a documentary on the subject. After that bit of weirdness, it was getting close for our day to end. We hiked an additional 30 minutes to a beach and the students “frolicked” for a bit, getting rid of the mud, then our bus met us to take us back to the ship.

I had just finished getting rid of the last of my stress as I walked the last student through security and then got them checked back in onboard when I spotted Vit waiting for me. Vit’s stoicism had him very closed off and after asking him if it was a family matter, and him saying no rather abruptly, I began to think I have done something wrong or that the previous two days were just a fantasy. I get even more worried when he doesn’t leave me but sticks to my side like a burr even as I write my reports. The same for when we walk back to the cabin. Then I get even more worried when he asks if I mind that he ordered food to be delivered to their room.

“Vit you don’t have to …”

Then he started pacing. “I should have spoken of this.”

“Vit?” My worry meter pegged out as high as it would go.

Then he said, “I am an idiot.”

I’m not sure whether to be worried or not, then surprise and concern set in. “They will not leave me alone!”

“Beg pardon?”

He sighed but it came close to being a moan. “Them. The personnel from the party meetings. They will not leave me alone. They are driving me mad.”

He wasn’t just running his hand through his hair, he was actually tugging on it. “Vit?!”

Vit continued to pace. “Every time you are not there they grow worse. I must go to some of the meetings, but I do not wish to. They are as bad … no, worse … than the women that Baird would have me nyanya [babysit] before his marriage. It is driving me mad.”

“You said that already.”

Revealing a level of emotion I was not expecting he spat, “I have not said it enough. I thought …”

“Thought what?” I asked cautiously since I didn’t want to cause an explosion.

He was walking passed one of the chairs and all but fell into it. He leaned over and scrubbed his face. “It has caused problems.”

Carefully I asked, “What type of problems?”

Wrong question. He stands up and starts pacing energetically once again. “What type?! Between us! A man should not have to run like a child to his wife because women will not use any sense! I thought at first I imagined things. Then I thought it just foolishness. Then I thought … it does not matter. Why I expected you to notice I do not know.”

Not sure if I am throwing kerosene on the situation or not, I still can do nothing but speak the truth. “Women have always taken notice of you Vit. For some our marriage vows only make you more attractive.”

“Bah!”

“You are not a sheep so stop saying that.”

He looked at me like he couldn’t believe what I had just said. “This is no time for humor.”

“Do I look like I’m laughing? Women looking at you has never bothered you before … and don’t go off like a Roman candle. I trust you. I’ve always trusted you. And I always will. You have too much self-respect to fall for some cheap floozy.”

Hesitantly he asked, “You … have noticed?”

“That women notice you? How could I not. Some of them are very blatant. But to pay attention to them is to insult the trust and respect I have for you and that I will not do. If you wish me to have a discussion with them concerning their irritating behavior and wasting your time I will – and gladly – but with the understanding that I’ve never considered you ever desiring such attention and behavior from them. Even when I get jealous I try and not let them know. Even the beautiful ones like Ana Bosques.”

I mentally cringed for revealing that bit of foolishness on my part, but he said nothing. It honestly looked for a moment like he’d been hit between the eyes. He stood there blinking for five full seconds before becoming extremely amorous and silly and I will not record the remainder of that conversation.

It looks like I have finally discovered the root of many of the problems we've been having. Miscommunication. I'd figured out that is what was happening. I didn't know how deep a problem it had become. Or I did, I just didn't know the true direction it was coming from. Poppa always refused to be alone with any female but Momma and us sisters. He wouldn't even be alone with the sister in laws. And he always refused to be the only male in the room. It was a very strict rule he had. I begin to see just how much sense he was making and the respect he was trying to show Momma. There are just some situations and dangers, man or woman, that are foolish to expose yourself to. It doesn't matter the trust you have for your partner, you need to be situationally aware of the dangers of misunderstandings.

Vit thought I didn't care. I thought I was acting in a way that proved I cared and trusted him whether I was struggling with jealousy or not. We both should have spoken up. The misery we could have saved each other if we hadn't fallen into assuming things and pretending just because we were afraid how the other would react, or what they would say. Especially given our backgrounds. I can see it in hindsight. I feel so foolish. As Vit is fond of saying, "Bah!"

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 184: Jul 23 – Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

A day free of any excursions. I was skipped over for security/chaperone duty. Vit thought I would be offended because I found out it was intentional. Apparently Ana Bosques is cultivating Mr. Parnell. Polina was highly irritated when she discovered it after the fact and too late to correct.

I asked her momentarily concerned, “Are the students well-chaperoned? Is there a good security team?”

“Da. Yes. Or I would have the head of the malen'koye der'mo that was so foolish as to fall for such a scheme.”

That concern addressed I shrugged and told Polina, “Then why should I cry like a baby over an unexpected day off? I’ll work a half day in Mr. Baird’s office and then on to other chores. The last thing I want them to think is that they actually accomplished whatever their goal was.”

Polina gave me one of her micro-smiles and nodded. “Very good Little Sister.” Then her expression became serious once again. “But you will tell me if you suspect anything from that one. She is on my last straw. Now go. Have fun packing.”

I escaped while I could, trying not to laugh. I will miss Polina’s mixed up idioms and similes when we part. Her last straw? Oh my. I kept waiting for her to say something about the nerves in the camel’s back or something equally as twisted.

Polina isn’t wrong though. We are scheduled to arrive in Miami on July 31st. Vit is acting like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockers (I wonder how Polina would slaughter that) because we still don’t have a place to move to. I looked in our storage locker and it is just a nightmare. I won’t say anything to Vit until I have a better handle on it, but I’m not at all certain we will be able to get it all packed in a week, much less find a place to store it while we look for someplace to live. Even my cast iron stomach is approaching ulcer-stage. It is going to cost a fortune to ship it, even temporarily, to Pembroke.

I will admit that Vit and I … it almost feels like it used to. We’ll get there, I’m confident of that now. But this time around I am going to make sure that when I have a need I let Vit know, even if I feel like my need makes me look needy. And I asked that he tell me his needs as well, that we could not read each other’s minds. Personally I had no idea that Vit despises being stared at as much as I do, simply for a different reason. I guess no one really likes being thought of like a side of beef up for auction, not even men as good looking as Vit is. We still have things to learn about one another. I just hope that the process is not as painful as it was this time.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 185: Jul 24 – at sea

Mr. Baird has made us an offer we can’t refuse. Well, we could but it solves a temporary problem and gives us more income for a permanent solution. I will put here I was hoping for and dreading the end of what they call our tour of duty. Vit has been so stressed and he won’t talk about it. Keeps saying that it is not a problem with me but with him. I wondered for a bit whether it was about going home to a home that wasn’t ours, or if it was about our recent problems, but he says it is not and I am choosing to believe him. I think I know what is bothering him, or some of it. He has some scheme afoot and it is taking longer to work out than he thought. So Mr. Baird’s offer is providential.

I have to say it appears that others are relieved as well.

We are remaining on the B. Not permanently. Not even for very long. Another month or so they tell us. The details are being worked out. Russia has apparently become keen on being included as a port of call. Geez, a little late but not insurmountable if they add a leg to the journey that includes Northern Europe and the Balkans. However, devil is in the dictionaries as Polina said. (snicker, giggle)

I thought from San Juan we would sail directly to Miami, and that was the original plan, but after SJ we are going to make two stops in Cuba. Yes, I said Cuba. The island hasn’t been open to tourism since back in DJT’s presidency. But we aren’t going to be tourists; most will not even be allowed off the ship. However, this could still be the start of something very constructive politically … and perhaps economically as well. The Second Cuban Revolution has finally ground to a halt. Entire generations of people caught betwixt and between during the Castro era (and the failed brief return to strict communism) are gone … from political influence and power and most from this life as well. They are trying socialism but that is failing even more and faster than similar efforts in South America failed and the social experiment in the US that nearly ended in civil war.

After Cuba we will make a refueling stop in Nassau then back to Miami for a few changes in personnel and to take on supplies. There actually won’t be that many changes, this is too important. The doors that are opening have been closed for too long.

Telling the family was a little challenging but apparently Dylan had a suspicion. I told Derrick, Angelia, Devin, and Charlie first with Dylan insisting on sitting in and playing moderator. He has kept to his promise to moderate communications so mistakes don’t get made.

I must admit that it didn’t go as badly as I had anticipated though Angelia demanded to know if we were ever coming home. I gave her the only truth I had. The news media is speculating this initial mission would end in Denmark, I’m honestly not sure. Vit and I will not be part of the next crew. The B is being dismantled … or at least to the extent that it will no longer be the ship we’ve sailed on. Then it is being put back in service with a cruise line. Another ship is already being retrofitted for another leg of the Peace Mission and the crew for that one has already been selected and is being trained … lessons have been learned from the trials we have faced.

They accepted our decision. What choice did they have? Vit and I will not be charity cases or anything even approaching that. We can’t. First our self-esteem demands that we stand on our own sooner rather than later. And secondly we must for the more practical purpose of finishing his requirements for citizenship. There is still a chance that, even with Baird’s sponsorship, that the higher authorities will blacklist us but Baird seems to think it is a small worry. I’m not so sure.

Either way we still have some logistical issues to deal with, not the least of which is packing everything up.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 186: Jul 25 – San Juan, PR

Are the “fates” finally being kind and getting their big, fat paws off our necks? “Our” meaning Vit and I. We actually had a day all to ourselves and it wasn’t even Sunday. On the other hand, I could be in hot water and not even know it. They still haven’t un-muted my blog/vlog yet despite all the clean up I did. I even went so far as to remove dates from all the postings back to when we started the mission. I did get an email from Admin that they’d noted all of the changes … including the changes to membership. The blog/vlog is being reviewed and they will notify me when it has passed inspection. Does that mean they just haven’t gotten to it yet? Or that it didn’t pass this round and they are waiting on me to fix whatever is wrong with it? Gah. Vit told me to ignore it for a bit so we could have a good day.

Okay scratch that we didn’t have the entire day all to ourselves, but it was still a good day. We had some of the day to ourselves and it was good. Vit had thought he had scheduled us for a small group with only a couple of other tourists. The problem is that while it was a small group, the “tourists” wound up being some of the XOs with their SOs. Ana Bosques was not amongst them and neither were the Duttons. In fact I’d only met these particular couples one other time … in San Francisco. I learned from the SOs that they just didn’t socialize much because their schedules didn’t align with the larger group’s, and because working in administration put them in a sensitive position. The SOs seemed relieved they wouldn’t have to answer any awkward questions with even more awkward non-answers.

We went as a group to the El Yunque Rain Forest. Beautiful place. Once we got there we started with a basic, 30-minute hike to a river where we waded around to cool off and those that were interested did a little rock climbing. I still have a nail that is growing out and as a result I decided to stick to the river. The others offered me a great deal of understanding rather than what they could have dished up. And pity wasn’t part of it either. I did have one woman ask, “Will you ever do something like that again?”

I answered, “Mountain climbing? I really have no idea. Florida doesn’t have mountains and while I’ve done some prior to the Mission, I’m really not into it all that much. I was there as security and chaperone so they wouldn’t have to cancel the excursion and the boys had been looking forward to it.”

“Better you than me,” she added. “I’m not fond of heights and just looking down from the main deck can make me queasy if the waves are too high. There’s been a few storms all I could do was knock myself out and sleep through it.”

What would have devolved into a contest of some type with the regular group of XOs/SOs was actually very relaxing this time around. Yes, we spoke of challenges but it was more supportive, less snide, more congenial. Our environment helped I think. The area we were in was surrounded by bamboo trees, rain-forest flowers, and many other beautiful plants. The water tumbling over rocks was beyond relaxing. Our guide was fantastic as well. He took the time to share interesting facts about the entire eco system, including naming a lot of the native flora and fauna.

After wading a little farther upstream we came to what our guide called a collecting pool. Such pools sometimes form at the base of small waterfalls. While there we took another break and some of us swam in the deeper, crystal clear water. Others spent their time taking pictures. There was also a rope swing and I will admit that Vit and I took turns playing Tarzan and Jane and took pictures of each other diving. There was also a natural waterslide and we managed to get a few shots together there as well.

Using stairs that had been carved into the side of the waterslide we finished our hike in a parking area above the waterfall. For the cost of tips to the people taking care of the private bathrooms we were able to dry off and change back into street clothes before our driver took us to our last stop, Balneario Luquillo. The purpose was to stop at a local restaurant for an authentic Puerto Rican lunch before returning to San Juan. Boy did I make a pig of myself. I couldn’t seem to help it. The food was incredible and when the owner found out I was from Jacksonville we got to talking and I used to grab alcapurrias or empanaditas to munch on between classes at a shop that turned out to be owned by his sister and brother in law. The world is a lot smaller than you would ever think.

The group parted ways back in San Juan and Vit and I decided to walk around for a while longer since the B was parked practically in the middle of the city and there were hours before we were to pull out. It was crowded in town but we didn’t stand out as we weren’t in our uniforms and there were two cruise ships in port in addition to the B to blend in with their passengers.

Vit and I talked of this and that then the conversation turned serious.

“Are you sure Kokhana? Accepting this job will keep you from your family longer.”

“We’ve already discussed this Vit. And that’s ‘our’ family. You know I am in complete agreement that we need to find our own space. Besides, this tour ends in Denmark and they say that is only a month to six weeks more. Two or three more paychecks for each of us than we expected. That can’t hurt.”

Vit looked at me and it was like he nearly said something then held back. He’s obviously got something on his mind, but I can’t push him to tell me what it is.

“It means longer until … until we can start on the next things we want.”

“I don’t know Vit. I’m surprisingly okay with our current lifestyle … I mean so long as we continue to communicate better. We met this way, and it seems that we’ve been more productive than when we were living in Pembroke. Sometimes …”

“Yes?”

“Sometimes I think maybe this IS the life for us. I could do it. So long as we are together. And the idea of children … we don’t even know if I can. I worry that you are giving up what you want for what you think I want and … neither of us winds up with our wants.”

He kissed my temple as we continued to walk.

“I admit I do not want life to be exactly as it was between the O’Meg and this Mission. But I do not want to spend the rest of our lives at sea either. I want a family, however that comes to be and … I am not against adoption. But more I think I have become less willing to wait for it. Do not give up Kokhana. I am … exploring some options.”

“Do those options include us being apart?”

“Nii. I finally understand that such a life is not for us. I will no longer entertain options that do not reflect this.”

I relaxed when he said that. I hadn’t wanted to fight, but I’d been willing to if necessary. I need Vit to understand that I am not one of those women who could accept her mate leaving for extended periods of time. I do not care if other people consider it weak or unreasonable or any type of foolishness on my part. For me, I need my partner with me. I need to be supported and I need to support him. I need the team we make. I need the physicality as well as the emotional and spiritual. Even if that is at the sacrifice of a traditional family life.

For now I am content to let things ride. Perhaps I grow too comfortable with living in limbo. It keeps what is going on in the world at bay to not be a part of it. Or at least some insulation from it. But that will be ending at some point. What then?

We did do something today we have not done together in quite some time. We went grocery shopping. Not the touristy kind of thing that we do when we drift through tourist markets or duty-free shops. This time we ventured into real mercados … grocery markets. At first it was just to look around and “waste” time before going back to the ship. Then Vit picked up a can of Sancocho Stew … basically just one of those Hispanic comfort foods we were both familiar with before we met, only he hadn’t known it could come in a can until we were trying to find ways to fill our kitchen when we first moved to Pembroke House. Then I saw some canned Klim … basically powdered milk in one of Nestle’s brands. We both grabbed a can of yucca at the same time. And then he insisted on buying some pineapple jam.

We checked out, laughing, walking hand in hand, with Vit insisting on stuffing our purchases in the backpack he was wearing.

“You know, this is not a bad thing.”

“What isn’t?” I asked him, having gotten my giggles under control but still smiling.

“Buying canned goods. We can send them back to storage with the rest of our belongings. It will be a good hedge.”

Hesitantly I said, “Captain we have a problem.”

“Hm?”

“Vit how am I to get everything packed in time? And … er … how do we ship it back to Pembroke? I mean at least temporarily until we …”

“Do not be so worried of my anger Veta. Please. I am aware of the problem. I am working on it. Trust me?”

“Always.”

“Then trust me on this. We are not the only ones with this issue. It is being discussed in committee.”

That was good enough for me, but I was still cautious when he wanted to carry on making another series of purchases at another local market. The first shop all we bought was coffee. Fifteen pounds of whole been coffee in local brands. He put that in his backpack as well. The storekeeper was very happy but warned us it would have to go in our luggage at the airport, that they no longer allowed coffee to be carried on even with customs stamps on the bags. We both played along rather than create a sensation by admitting we were part of the Peace Mission.

Most of everything we saw I could get back in Florida … or can if it is in the store … except I did pick up a couple of cans of olluco which is a tuber similar to a potato that is grown in only a narrow geographic band around the world, mostly the Andes but some is grown in Puerto Rico

“I wish I knew …”

“What?” he asked.

“How bad things really are at home … um … I mean Pembroke.”

He gave me a one-armed hug for comfort. “Pembroke is still our home. I will not take you from your family. I … am working on a way to …”

“Don’t Vit. Just … look I don’t want to ruin the day with a big discussion but I’m aware – as I told Derrick – the sale of Pembroke House was a symptom not a root cause of the problems we had. It is what it is. I’m not living in some fantasy, not anymore. Yes, I accept some of the fault. Putting them up on a pedestal wasn’t helpful. But they have a lot to be accountable for as well. Just … let it go and try not to twist yourself up doing the impossible.”

“You think it impossible that we can live in Pembroke?”

“Okay, maybe impossible isn’t the correct word. We can do anything we want to … within reason … including living in Pembroke. But … should we? I’m not sure. I don’t want to be unreasonable.”

“My druzhyna. Do not worry at it. If I have learned nothing else … where there is a will there is a way. Trust me on this.”

I do trust him. But like I said, being able to do something is not the same thing as knowing you should do that something.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 187: Jul 26 – Guantanemo Bay, Cuba (Sunday)

The “offer we can’t refuse” has been officially approved by the powers that be. They also realized belatedly that it was merely a checkmark on some paperwork on their end of things that was holding up them releasing my blog/vlog back to my control. Same stipulations are in place but they said I went above and beyond by taking the dates off of the pictures and posts, thank-you-very-much-can-you-continue-to-do-that. I still know the dates of the original posts due to the posting date from the admin side of the site, but no one else will see that. Ridiculous to feel so sensitive so I am letting it go. Somehow though I don’t feel as free to post things. I’ll have to think about it. Vit said once again to not worry at it but I do. However, I see his side and I’m … trying. Perhaps I just need to try with a better attitude. Vit’s happy and at the moment that is my only real concern.

This “offer” has turned into a much better thing than anticipated. For paperwork purposes Vit and I are for all intents and purposes “drafted.” While at first this sounds rather ominous it is actually the opposite. This will guarantee the “US employer” portion of Vit’s citizenship requirements and clear up any confusion there might be with Baird’s dual citizenship. This is even more than what had been discussed two days ago. Work is extremely hard to come by and work visa extensions are even worse.

We had an email from Vit’s caseworker just this morning on this very subject. Before we had to figure out how to ask the question of Human Resources, we were providentially provided an answer. And Yes, I feel blessed. Access to the HB visa programs now requires an investment of over a million dollars in qualified projects on US soil and for us that is as out of reach as the stars. But because the Peace Mission is US-sponsored, and he and I are listed as ship personnel and not diplomatic staff, Vit is viewed as working for a US employer. And the type of job will also increase his work credits meaning he will be able to complete his citizenship requirements sooner.

We are both exhausted and I’m thankful that neither one of us are on shift. See, we are docked in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and military personnel are covering all shifts because of some deal that was made with the Cuban government. Instead of working, we spent nearly the entire day in interviews to reconfirm all their existing paperwork. I was a little stressed at that but the man from Human Resources doing my interview gave me a document that says the snafus around my file were examined and I have been declared innocent of any possible interference or whatever. That is independent of Dylan’s employer’s examination. Apparently they know who messed with my files but who and why are not something I need to know. Classified. Yada yada. Meh. How many times must I say I hate such 007 crap?

What was extremely tiring on top of stressful is that I went through another round of testing to see how many languages I knew and/or am proficient in. I felt like I was back in college. Auditory proficiency. Reading proficiency. Written proficiency. Speaking proficiency. Bottom line is if I ever need a job give Mr. Such-and-So at the State Department a call, they’d love to have me. Yuck. I’d go to work for Dylan first and I’ve never really wanted to do that. I repeat, I hate 007 crap.

Yegor and Polina are both relieved … and perhaps surprised … that we are continuing on; but relief outweighs surprise. We had dinner together tonight and went over things. Polina also asked me to take a lead shift for onboard security tomorrow. We will be in Havana but that is an entire nother issue and I am too tired to write about it. Time for some sleep.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 188: Jul 27 – Havana, Cuba

This day has been an education. And not a gentle one though I don’t think Polina was completely disappointed in my performance. All US citizens had to stay on board because we were in Havana, Cuba and the government there refused to allow any of the US service people on shore. Negotiations between the US and Cuban government are at a fragile point, so Peace Mission personnel decided not to rock the tea cup as Polina put it last night.

But there were some problems. The man that is her Second in command was transferred out yesterday in Guantanamo because of a family emergency. Her Third is another Russian and must meet with a delegation from that country to see if he will be allowed to continue on with the Peace Mission. Polina is going along to give him some support. He was a political appointee and young for the position though he’s worked out and she doesn’t want to have to train anyone new at this point. However, someone in his family did something regrettable to offend someone and it is possible he will be sent home in retribution.

As for why I drew the short pencil? (I honestly don’t know if Polina does that on purpose or not.) Polina wants someone that is used to dealing with mixed groups of military and civilian and diplomats. Vit surprised me last night by being completely in agreement with Polina’s choice.

“Really?”

“Yes Kokhana. Really. You have proven yourself to others … and to me.”

“Hmm. Are you sure you aren’t just happy that I won’t be going ashore?”

“You are a US Citizen and must remain on the ship.”

“And we both heard Lt. Brezhnev suggest that my Ukrainian birth could be used to circumvent …”

“Bah!”

I kissed his cheek. “I’m glad you are not going ashore as well.”

“Hmph. So perhaps I am relieved. But that does not mean I cannot have confidence in you.”

“Fine. I’ll try and not freak out too much. But you are going to have to help me get to sleep.”

“Oh? And what might I do to help you to do such?” he asked beginning to play along to distract me. While I was still freaking out a bit in the back of my mind, the front part was occupied with more pleasant thoughts and I was able to sleep.

Today started routine. I made rounds, filled out paperwork, answered questions. Basically I made myself available and visible. But … isn’t there always a but in these types of explanations?

On one of my rounds I escaped to the ladies’ room to freshen up and who should I overhear? Barbara Dutton. And she was finally saying things that I could not overlook or walk away from. She was telling three other women of her plans to make a scene to get me in trouble.

I knew that I couldn’t stay hidden any longer, not to mention my body cam was on and recording and the feed would already be transmitting to Security. Coming around the corner I confronted Barbara. “You see this?” I say pointing to my uniform cam. “It’s on. It has also caught your threat as well as the three other women here conspiring to jeopardize the B’s mission.”

“I never …” one of the woman starts.

“Yes. You did. This ship is not the pleasure cruise too many are treating it.” I held up my hand to stop the woman who was going to interject another comment. “No, it is not completely militarized. Yes, it is staffed internationally. But the mission remains. Our reputation as a ship, a company, and as individuals impacts the success of our mission … the mission we accepted when we stepped on board this ship.”

Barbara says, “I didn’t sign up for this.”

“Yes. You did,” I repeated. “Literally as you did it when you signed all the forms before being allowed to come aboard in the very beginning. You even swore to it as a legally binding oath if you’ll remember. You also agreed to all of the consequences should you compromise your honor and act with anything less than moral turpitude.”

“So?”

I couldn’t believe how … no, I take that back. I can believe that Barbara would behave as she was. What I struggled to comprehend was her lack of self-preservation given I’d already told her that my body cam was on and running and yet she continued down the path to impending disaster.

I turned to the other three women who were slowly trying to leave. “You should stay for the show. It is about to get interesting.” Turning back to Barbara I said, “You are dragging people down with you. Not me regardless of your intent. But these three here will likely be in for some questioning. And not by me. Their spouses may be questioned given the content of your conversation. And your husband in particular will have a mess to clean up. What you are doing is not only harmful to the B’s mission, you are hurting other people’s careers. Have you ever heard the old adage that says you are known by the company you keep? Yeah, it’s real. Now please, I’m asking you to be more thoughtful in your approach to your life here on the B. Not for yourself alone but for those around you who care about what happens to you … and who you should care about what your actions mean for them.”

“You’re full of …”

One of the other women yelped, “Barb!”

Reality still didn’t seem to be sinking in. “Don’t be a Nana. She can’t do anything.”

Whether Barbara was using her brain, the others had started to. “I wouldn’t bet on it. She got you kicked off chaperone duty fast enough. And Mickey has been warning me to … be more circumspect. He said he is getting blowback from some of the people in Admin.”

One of the other women says, “Jans said the same thing after dinner last night. I thought he was just exaggerating but …”

The last woman just looks at Barb and says, “You’re on your own Toots. Things aren’t looking good at home and this is the only paycheck Rafe and I have. We’re waiting to hear if he gets kept on or not. We don’t need the kind of trouble you are trying to brew, and I was a fool not to see it before now.” When she turned and walked away, the other two quickly followed her.

“Now look what you’ve done! You’ve turned them against me!”

“I wouldn’t have confronted you this publicly if you hadn’t forced me into it. Everyone keeps forgetting about these body cams. And the security cams all over the ship that run 24/7 … and are watched 24/7. It means maintaining a lot of self-control at all times. When we signed up for this mission, perhaps none of us quite knew what we were getting into. The ideal of it perhaps but the reality I doubt many of us knew, certainly not those of us from the civilian sector. But we’ve been at this for six months. All the cats should be out of the bag.”

“Shut up. How could someone like you understand.”

I was only going to be able to help her if she would just stop digging. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off but for my own sake I had to try. I still don’t know what I did to become Barb’s focus but in hindsight there were a few times that perhaps I would have done everyone a better service by standing up for myself more.

To Barb I said, “I have no idea what that is supposed to mean but it doesn’t matter. What does matter is this is likely your last chance. Don’t cause problems. Don’t go looking for any extra special attention. You won’t like it if you do get it. If you need to see a counselor for some stress management, I’ll arrange it.”

“What?!”

I stood there looking at her, willing her to shut up and take the bait. Then Barb’s eyes widen like she finally realizes what I’m trying to do. It looks like she is swallowing glass but she lets me help her to help herself. “Fine. This … this entire situation has been more difficult than I thought it would be. I’m … I’m willing to talk to someone … if … if …”

“It can’t hurt and may help a great deal. You’re good at what you do Barb. Very good. A lot of the social activities here on the ship … you help organize them and get people involved. That’s the kind of thing that this Mission really needs, people who can create an atmosphere that is non-threatening and will encourage them to interact and get to know one another. But there is no doubt that it can be a stressful job with the diversity we have. There’s probably a lot more background noise to it than the rest of us are aware of. You make it look easy, but it is anything but. There’s no harm in talking to someone. That’s what Claire is there for.”

“Claire?” she asked cautiously, still looking for a trap.

“Bartlett. I know some of the teachers drop by her office regularly.”

“And you?” she asked, not quite snide, not quite trusting.

I shook my head. “My job prevents me from speaking with a lot of people due to the nature of the names I would have to throw around. Chief Ivanov is my sounding board concerning all things security.”

I finally convince her to let me walk her down to the counseling center and drop her off into capable hands.

Now that would have been the end of it had I really been in charge but I was only an acting Lead due to unusual circumstances. I knew that Polina would be reviewing things and I was nervous as a result. When Polina comes back aboard she finds me filling out a confidential incident report.

I explained what happened and then ask, “How do you manage this?”

With a very Slavic shrug she answered, “With practice and boundaries.” She took a seat and looked at me and I knew I was about to get “lessoned.”

“You cannot be friends with everyone Veta. At the same time, you cannot hold everyone at bay at all times or you lose the capacity to understand and lead. But you must enforce the boundaries. What you did today was a good thing. But it is not something that you can do every time. The woman is just one example of some of our people that act like they are screwdrivers looking for hammers.”

It took me a moment to realize that Polina had meant nail looking for a hammer. But I did listen when she said, “This is not nursery school. We cannot manage with our feelings. There are rules that must be equally applied … or as much as politics will allow. Rank has privileges but there are also responsibilities. One of our responsibilities is discipline. XO Dutton is very talented. He could go far in his field. But his wife is a problem.”

“She’s good at the social events.”

Polina made a face. “Yes. But this ship is not a social event. It is a social experiment with the goal of world peace. That woman creates as many problems as she prevents, and in some cases more. I will give her this one chance but no more. For lack of a better phrase, it is not fair to others who have not been granted the number of chances she has been given.”

That caused me some confusion.

“Ah, I see you do not understand. What do you think it looks like for a person of your rank to be disrespected time and again and the one doing it is permitted to escape consequences? It sets a bad example, and a bad precedent. You’ve been holding your own and you haven’t made an issue of it and Dutton has reined his wife in more than you know. But I cannot allow it to continue. Not just for your sake but for the sake of others of rank. We must all work at our job within the structure set here on the B. All of us. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Embarrassed I answered, “I need to act my age and act my rank.”

“Harsher than I would have said but yes, and to the point. You are … Veta you are soft. It is not a bad thing. And you are not always soft so I know you can and will do what is necessary. But when other people see that you are soft, they may not know that you can and will do what is necessary. In some cases they may try and take advantage of you. In others they may push the boundaries of behavior because it is you. In others you may not inspire confidence that could cause problems. I realize this is not the job you sought in life, but it is the job life has given you. Do it with the best of yourself the best you can.”

Thinking it over a moment I asked, “Have I caused problems?”

Polina is nothing if not honest. “Directly? No. But there have been those that have tried to take advantage of you … directly for their own reasons or as a tool to make trouble for the mission.”

“I … I feel like I’ve let you down.”

“Nyet. You are good in your position.” Then she gave me a good stare. “But you can be better and it is my job to push you into better. And with that I will say to you it is good to have heart … just don’t wear it on your shirt. Yes?”

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 189: July 28 – Nassau, Bahama

Had a long talk with Vit last night. I was very disappointed in myself. I had not realized that while I was trying not to create a situation, in point of fact I was.

“Nii Kokhana. Veta, listen to me. It is very unusual for someone of your age and experience to be left in charge as you were.”

I snorted.

“Listen to me woman, you will not become depressed. Yes, it was a learning experience. Yes, you now see things in hindsight that you would change. But that is how we learn.”

He went on to say some motivational clap trap – and I don’t mean it as disrespectful as that sounds – but I see where my way of doing things needs to mature. Being so proud of my “not-fighting” ability. I used to drive the family up a wall doing that. It is even less attractive now that I’m supposedly an adult. My failure to see the big picture, of how my behavior had a ripple effect I did not intend. My ego needs a little downsizing and I realize now that I have a lot to learn. And speaking of downsizing my ego …

This has been one of the most ridiculous days I believe I have ever experienced. Worse even than monkeys. It has helped me to put aside my feelings of failure. Perhaps put them away is the wrong phrasing. It is more that I can now keep things in perspective. Oh … my … Lord.

This morning the students were practically duck walking the adults off the ship they wanted off so badly. As a group they have not been ashore since Venezuela where they had to return to the ship early due to some protests that were building faster than the thunderstorms that struck right as we were leaving port. In PR they were too busy completing the last of their portfolio work. In Cuba they were as stuck on the ship as most the rest of us. And here we were in the Bahamas, last port before Miami where some of them would be disembarking and returning to their home.

Our journey started when we boarded a 39-foot powerboat to take a water sightseeing tour of the Exumas. The first stop after a two-hour boat ride was a place known as Pig Beach on an uninhabited island called Major Cay.

First off? Yes. Real, live pigs. Second? Every person you ask will give you a different story of how the pigs wound up on Major Cay and any one of them could be true because no one really knows how the pigs wound up there. Did I mention these are real pigs? And they swim. Oh yes they do.

The point was to get in the water and swim with them. Which they – the pigs – seem to find highly amusing. What animal wouldn’t get a laugh out of a human insane enough to get in a bumpy, smelly speed boat for two solid hours, just to bring them food and entertain them while competing to see which human can make the most and loudest obnoxious noises. All in pursuit of a little piggly attention. My heavens.

And good Lord help me, the students loved it. Especially when they discovered there were a lot of little baby pigs … piglets I mean. Believe it or not, out of all the wonderful and exciting things you can do in the Bahamas, going to Pig Island is #5. Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of people go to see these swimming pigs every day the boats run. Get this picture in your head. The beaches are crowded and people are vying, sometimes in truly bizarre ways, to get the pigs’ attention. Like they are movie stars or something.

But … but … there are rules that you absolutely must abide by or you will be evicted from Pig Beach. No. I’m not kidding. They are posted all over the place and we actually had to sign a form before even getting on the bumpy, smelly speed boat that we had read and understood the rules. First, under no circumstances are you to be so rude as to taunt the Bahamas swimming pigs. They can taunt and laugh at you but you are never to insult them. Second, never feed pigs directly from your hand because they will eagerly attempt to eat fingers along with any food you might be offering to the godlets … er … piglets. Next, you are only feed approved foods to the pigs. These pigs are gourmands and should only be fed the best. And, don’t feed the pigs on the beach because they might eat sand and become ill thereby making it harder for all of the tourist companies to make money off of them. And last but not least, clean up after yourself because the pigs can’t. I did not make that last one up, I swear. In fact, all the guides with the gazillion and one tourists that were trying to get the swimming pigs to pay attention to them repeatedly reminded people that the pigs weren’t there for them, we were there for the pigs. Let me repeat … Oh my Lord.

And while I have mucked stables plenty of times in my life, the very thought of swimming in the same water as those pigs was not appealing. Because you know pigs have no sense of décor at all. There was a line of pig feces all up and down the beach. And if I had heard one more tourist laugh and say, “Oh how cute!” while a pig was relieving itself my head was going to explode.

I’m sorry. I know the pigs were kind of cute. They were. Some of them had spots that reminded me of the fawns that are hidden in the palmetto stands back home. But some of those feral trotters had zero manners. Do you know how many times I was goosed by one of those things?! Do you know how many pictures of the faces I would make when it happened were played over and over on the ship’s video monitors? Uh huh. That many.

We were only there 30 minutes, but it seemed like a lifetime. But the day was young and we had the next bit of ridiculousness to get to. Iguana Island. Very creative names for their islands yes? I suppose I sound a little snotty but I was suffering pig-induced paranoia about what might be coming next.

Well, it was like stepping out onto a beach of dinosaurs that heard our motor and came running. Small dinosaurs, but definitely dinosaurs. Thousands of them. Because food … it’s always about food. A couple of decades back their population was in decline, them referring to the Bahamian Rock Iguanas, a species found no place else. But when they finally got the poachers and illegal hunters under control and then protected the habitat, the iguanas stopped declining, got happy, and did what happy iguanas do everywhere and made lots of little iguanas which has repopulated the island to the point they are now swimming to other islands to get happy and populate there.

The iguanas were actually interesting and to keep to the theme of bizarreness I told the students how when the weather gets cold in Miami warnings go out on the news to not walk under trees because you might get concussed by falling iguanas. They didn’t want to believe me until the ranger who was there to answer our questions confirmed my story. And that’s when I made the mistake of backing into a rock and finding that even iguanas can be nearsighted because on mistook me for a taxi. Apparently I was a means of conveyance from one rock to the next by a rather large, irritable looking specimen with claws roughly the size … I did mention that they looked like dinosaurs didn’t I? Well their claws struck me as similar to velociraptors, especially when they grab hold … tightly.

It was quite obvious that I must do what Mr. Iguana wanted or he would remain my passenger into perpetuity. So slowly and carefully, since of course throwing the monster off my shoulder and running screaming down the beach wouldn’t set the correct tone, I moved to the next rock … then the next … and so on and so forth until the iguana decided it was time to pay the cab fare and get off. My uniform shirt is currently at the dry cleaners trying to get the stain from the fare out. And needless to say one of our media specialists recorded the entire incident for posterity and publicity photos.

Another thirty minutes and another lifetime and then we were off to Thunderball Grotto. Cute name. Uh huh. I now know how Derrick feels when he says I make him feel old. I had to explain that Daniel Craig wasn’t the original “old dude” to play James Bond and that it was Sean Connery playing the lead character in the movie Thunderball and how he was tasked with getting back the two atomic bombs being ransomed by SPECTRE for 100 million pounds stirling. Forget trying to set the scene as it was filmed for the movie in that very grotto. The students just stared at me blankly, so I gave up and told them to follow the rules while they snorkeled, or it was back on the boat they went.

According to our dive guide it was a good day. There were numerous varieties of fish, coral and sea life … groupers, lobsters, snappers, and angelfish, and we even saw a wayward octopus. The students were very disappointed that their snorkeling time was so short but accepted it with good grace when the guide told them what came next. All I could think was, “Please don’t let us need a bigger boat.”

Oh my dear Lord, how do people do this and not develop PTSD?! I’m thinking, I’m adventurous. This is a highly organized, well reviewed company. What can possibly go wrong? And then I saw them.

According to our guide: The Compass Cay sharks found in the marina are a species called Ginglymostoma cirratum (commonly known as “Nurse Sharks”). These mammals can live up to 25 years and grow up to almost ten-feet-long. A fully grown adult can weigh anywhere from 200 to 330 pounds by the time it is at its full carnivorous potential. I’m in charge of keeping the students safe and our guide really said full carnivorous potential. While the students oooo’d and aaaahhhh’d I was having heart palpitations.

His next statement made me feel even better. Not. These slow-moving, bottom-dwelling beasts are, for the most part, harmless to humans. For the most part. Really?! Was he trying to have me turn that boat around and head back to the B as fast as I could push the motor? Because if he wasn’t, he was doing a darn good job of it anyway.

Then he said: Though the Compass Cay sharks are habituated to humans, normal precautions and safety measures should be taken to prevent danger. Listen to the trainers at Compass Cay Marina and follow their restrictions. Compass Cay sharks have hundreds of razor sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to bite through rock hard coral. It is best to avoid threatening actions which you will be educated upon entering the marina’s pool.

I’m thinking noooo, you will educate us before we enter that bowl of horror you call the marina’s pool and come in conflict with hundreds of razor sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to bite through coral.

Who signed the students up for this?!

Fine. I’m exaggerating. A little. There are normally only about 15 to 20 nurse sharks in the pool area at any given time. However … however … today we were oh so lucky and there were twice that many. Yes. Really.

By that time I just knew God had some lesson he was trying to teach me. It was the only explanation. So yes, I was expecting the worst. I was just hoping to come through with all my digits and other bits and pieces. But hope is not a plan. I was standing there minding my own business, trying to project a fearless attitude so as not to agitate the toothy fiends from hell when I was goosed. I really, really hoped that a pig had followed me to Compass Cay but I was not to be so lucky.

Apparently a young male nurse shark had mistaken the round portion of my backside as a curiosity too much temptation to turn away from. And once one, young male nurse shark became curious other of his kind piled on. And I mean piled on. To the point they knocked me over and I went under. I came up sputtering and I’d finally had all I was taking.

“Now listen to me Nursey. My butt is not your property, a chew toy, an appetizer, or anything else you might imagine it to be. You will back off. Now. Or shark skin boots are in my future.”

I had not realized those words were actually leaving my mouth. But I knew something was up when I spotted Edda looking down on Aiden and Al as they rolled around on the pier laughing like lunatics.

I gave a huge sigh, turned to the media specialists and said, “You took pictures.”

Both of them were snickering and snorting and finally one answers, “Oh no Lass, we took videos … with sound.”

I sighed. “Lovely.”

“Uh … Chief Dymtrus?”

“Yes Pei Shin?”

“Er … it might be the iguana poop in your hair that’s exciting the sharks. You might want to finish washing it out before it runs down your face.”

“Of course. It’s … that kind day.”

I plastered a Mona Lisa smile on my face and rode in silence all the way back to Nassau and the bus that would take us back to the B. I sent the students up the gangway and then just stood there. I heard a cough and turned to see Vit who had come down to meet me.

“My … cough … poor … snicker … Kokhana. You’ve … choke … had a difficult day.”

“Did it make it to the big screen on the main deck?”

He nodded his head looking like he had indigestion. “Several times,” he finally gasped.

“Oh. How nice. I’m going to our cabin now. I’m taking a shower. And once we are out in the Gulf I’m considering just getting out and swimming the rest of the way to Miami.”

“Don’t …” he had to stop and wipe his eyes that were nearly streaming with the effort to not laugh. “Don’t do that. I have ordered dinner in. And a bottle of your favorite red wine.”

It’s obvious that he loves me so I tell him, “And that’s why you get paid the big bucks Dymtrus. If it includes roughly a gallon of chocolate ice cream for dessert with whipped cream and cherries I may very well make you so happy you’ll expire before daybreak.”

That man’s good. There is no arguing that. He’d remembered the chocolate ice cream AND the whipped cream and cherries. There was also a big fluffy towel and my comfortable fuzzy slippers waiting on me in the bathroom were I soaked until dinner arrived.

As I was coming out of the bath I heard Vit on the phone with Barney … who was laughing and telling him to let me know I have tomorrow off. That I should have a lie in … and maybe a second and third bottle of wine. For medicinal purposes of course. You know, for a woman with no medical training Barney’s advice sounds bloody brilliant. I think I may just do that very thing.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 190: July 29 & 30 – at sea (2 days)

My pity party ended about midnight on the 28th. Frankly being in a snit is just too exhausting to continue ad nauseum. Besides, when I said I would show Vit enough gratitude that he would expire … mmmmm … I was not joking. Of course I nearly expired in the process as well. And enough is enough of that. I’m just glad that Vit and I are communicating again.

Barney was good as her word and I had the 29th off-duty. I needed it. Vit and I spent much of the day going through the storage locker and our cabin deciding what we will keep and what we must ship to Pembroke. We also made note of the supplies we are running out of and a few clothing items that need to be replaced. Vit did not realize that my entire uniform needs replacing until he got a good look at it, and me, in the light of day with nothing to distract him. Some is because of hard use. Some … is an issue that Vit was very upset by. Vit had not realized just how much weight I have lost. Our lack of … er … regular physical intimacy clouded what he was seeing. When he thought of it at all he thought I was on one of what he called my ridiculous diets.

“Veta …”

“Please, no lectures.”

“No lectures but …”

“Most of it is I have lost muscle because I have not been training like I used to. Or working in the gardens. You have to admit I had bulked up.”

“Do not try and do that thing … deflecting. You have lost more than just muscle mass and it is more than just the fact you no longer do your bending and stretching … the yoga. I saw this … I just did not see it enough. This cannot continue.”

“I’m getting older Vit. My frame …”

“You are not ‘older’. Yes, you are a small woman but I still say this cannot continue. You will become ill. We must change the habits.”

“I eat breakfast and usually some type of dinner. It just isn’t always possible to eat a full meal during the day though there is always some type of snack. And when there is time all I want is a yogurt or salad or something along those lines.”

We continued back and forth for some time but we finally decided to compromise before we went to bed that night. We will no longer go to sleep with an argument unresolved. I understand his concerns. And … I will admit that stress affected my appetite and maybe my dining habits have not been as healthy as they could be. But, as he saw himself in Puerto Rico I can still put away food when I’m hungry. I’m just not always hungry and I’m going to stop rationalizing it. I will try and be more conscious of my eating but I don’t want to focus on it like there is something wrong with me. There isn’t.

The following day we had less time – he had a full shift and I had a half one translating for Mr. Baird. But we did see each other rather than joining the parties that were going on around the ship.

“Kokhana ….”

“Yes?”

“I am very glad to be done with some of these people.”

“Who do you mean? These people.”

“Some of those you call the SOs. And some of their partners.” He grimaces in embarrassment. “And, several of the women that we spoke of. I did not take their behavior seriously. Ever. But … it bothered me. When you were not around it was even worse.”

“You explained it. I wish I had listened better earlier. I just … I didn’t understand why you would get irritated when I didn’t want to socialize with your crowd. I should have asked instead of assuming.”

“They are not ‘my crowd.’”

“I meant the XOs are … hmmm … well they are more than work buddies. You hung out together.”

Vit shrugged. “We are of the same rank. It is how it is done. Build bonds so working together means … er … more, runs smoothly, encourages camaraderie, lowers conflicts. Like those odd activities Reggie was talking about during that training he took.”

“Oh, the team building activities. You mean the socializing got everyone to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and helped you get along together so you could do your job better.”

“Similar yes. I find I work well with them, at least professionally. But perhaps I do not agree with how they run their personal lives and how they share … what is that you say?”

“TMI. Too much information. Like how it mortified me when they started talking about their sex lives.”

Vit made a sour face. “Yes. I thought it all a joke. Perhaps crude but was supposed to be humor that I did not really understand. I thought I misunderstood. Cultural differences, linguistic disconnects. But you say they were serious, and I see now at least some of them were so yes, as you say TMI. And now that I know, I cannot unknow. I do not care to interact with them as often outside of work. They made you uncomfortable. I should have seen you were not eating properly when we dined with them.”

“I … hmmm … Vit don’t let my personality stop you from having friends. Some situations may always make me … uncomfortable. That doesn’t mean I don’t need to at least try and deal with people. I can see how it would be just as unhealthy for us to completely be cut off from others as it would be to hang around people all the time to the exclusion of alone time. And I don’t really have a problem with you having friends without me. I remember how it was on The Sun. You enjoyed hanging around some of the other men there.”

He took my hand over the table where we’d been working on notes. “But not so often I think as I have been.” He rubbed my knuckles with his thumb. “We need to be as we were, not as we became. More communication. A team of our own making. Not just two in someone else’s team.”

I have to say I have missed this between Vit and I. When did we start losing it? I think before we took this job. Back to when I realized how things were in Pembroke and I tried to protect him from the hurt my family looked to be causing and he tried to protect me from his feelings on the matter and from other things like the fact we were struggling financially. The “pirate booty” we had invested and what remained we had put away for a rainy day. Except … never mind, it doesn’t matter. Life happened the way it did. Please let us just continue learning from our mistakes and not repeating them.

Tomorrow we land in Miami and Vit seems … a little hyper about some paperwork he’s been shuffling through. If he does not explain tomorrow I am going to ask him. Possibly he is waiting on me to notice. I’m not sure. I just don’t want to … grrrrrrr … forget it. I’m not going to talk myself into an ulcer by worrying. If he is still the same tomorrow I will ask. And we will work it out. For now I’m going to see if I can wrap some more bottles and get them packed in a crate I found. Vit said to trust him on getting things shipped home, but I still need to do my part.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 191: July 31 – Miami, FL

I’m gobsmacked. That’s what this day has been. I’ve been gobsmacked. That was one of Poppa’s favorite words when he was surprised, and I completely agree.

First off, we were all informed at last evening’s announcements that all non-essential personnel needed to leave the ship for as much of the day as possible. Essential personnel, which Vit falls into, would be given alternate days off-ship. I called Polina to find out which I was and she told me for the purposes of what would be taking place while we were in Miami I was non-essential. She did ask if I would be on call however in case there was an emergency translation needed.

Vit was given today as his off-ship day. Last night he asked if I would pack a day-bag for both of us and to bring the clothing we were sending back to Pembroke. I thought I had it all figured out, we were going to look into shipping our possessions home.

This morning we got off the ship and headed towards the area where the taxis drop people off and pick them up. I was following behind Vit, not thinking much of it, and he walks up to this passenger van and slides the side door open and then steps aside so I can enter. I look up and … nearly fall on my backside.

“Surprise!!”

I look at Vit and he just grins. I fall into sister’s arms. “What are you doing here?! What are all of you doing here?!!” Angelia just laughs.

“Geez, turn the volume down you two before you bust the windows out,” Charlie says on a snort – but he’s grinning too – as Vit closes the door behind us and he starts maneuvering through traffic.

Dev laughs and says, “If it’s too loud, you’re too old Bro.”

Derrick and Dylan roll their eyes but pound on Vit’s back by way of greeting.

“I … I don’t understand.” I look at Vit. “What’s going on?”

“Easy Veta,” he said, taking my hand to assure me he was not sending me home. “Let us get to the park and …I need to hear news and then I will try to explain.”

Angie had packed a picnic so we wouldn’t have to spend money or talk of other things where someone might overhear.

When we got there the tables were already full, but we managed to find an area where we could spread a blanket and sit down. Dylan hands Vit a manila envelope. He opens it and I could see he was very stressed.

Dylan said, “Signed, sealed, and already filed with the county. Just made it in before five o’clock yesterday. Tried to call but they’d already shut down communications for the night.”

Vit clears his voice and says, “Thank you. Very much.”

I knew this had to be the scheme he’d been playing but when I found out what it was … I was gobsmacked. Still am.

Vit, with Dev and a few others, has been maneuvering the owners of Jackson Plantation so that all he had to pay for it was the back taxes owed. No small amount of money but still far less than the property is worth. Dev was the only one in the family that knew until they had to enlist Dylan’s help with the final legal papers. Dylan said even he was gobsmacked. The deal has been closed less than 48 hours. And then Vit said it was okay to tell the rest of the family but to save it for a surprise for me.

Surprise?! That doesn’t even touch it. But there are a few reality checks we need to deal with. The interior needs a lot of work. Devin and Charlie brought a flash drive of pictures showing everything. Angie told me Tal says that likely there are repairs that we won’t be able to see until walls start getting torn into, but he knows for a fact the place was tented for termites a few months back, and the ground was also treated for potential subterranean termites. So, no active colonies on the old plantation house but there is some obvious wood rot that will need to be taken care of as soon as possible.

We’ll be expending no small chunk of change. Some Vit has already set aside and some we will have to figure out as we go along. Devin’s group will occupy the “maintenance shed” so that there will always be someone on location to keep an eye on things and to keep potential squatters and “reclamation thieves” out. Vit has also left Charlie and Devin in charge of hiring some of the “Neighborhood Watch” people to do the repairs. He has not forgotten how they supported him when we were down.

A bit overwhelmed, I had to escape to the restroom for a moment. Vit was waiting for me when I came out.

“You see? I never thought of leaving you Kohkana. Never.” After a brief hesitation he asked, “Is your stomach well? Can you eat?”

“I’m fine Vit, just … overwhelmed.”

“But you are pleased? I know you wondered if we should remain in Pembroke.”

“Vit, I would never criticize such a gift as you have given me. The Jackson place isn’t right on Pembroke Lane so we can live there but still not be on top of the family, or them on top of us. There will be a healthy space.”

“Yes. You see it. There will be space, but there will also be family.”

We walked back arm in arm and the others seemed to relax. I guess Vit wasn’t the only one wondering if I would really be happy being back in Pembroke on a permanent basis.

After we ate, and Vit kept putting stuff on my plate until I had to ask him to stop, Charlie gave me a huge hug, “Oh man, it’s good to see you Squirt.” The others look on with concern behind Charlie’s back so I knew that things are still bad. Then Charlie asks me to help him take the trash to the dumpster and I was prepared to hear some bad news.

“She wants what she wants, they all do. I just don’t have it to give to them. She’s spectacularly pissed, refusing marriage counseling, trying to get the kids on her side alone, ransacking the house for anything of real value. I managed to keep her out of the stuff I inherited from Mom and Dad, out of my guns which I’ve sent to Dev for safe keeping, and even out of the business accounts. That last is what really hacked her off. However she got the shock of her life when her lawyer told her she couldn’t force me to pay her school loan and to stop doing things that the Judge could cite her for. We’ve been filing separately for years … married filing separately … because her father was trying to make sure I didn’t claim any of her income – hah! – for a business loan.”

“Is there another shoe to this story?”

“If you mean is there more to the story … mebbe. She’s … met someone.”

“So I gathered from Dylan.”

“Er … about that …”

“Let it go.”

“So … we’re square?”

“Charlie stop changing the subject. I trust Derrick passed what I said along and why. Dylan cleared it up.”

“But you haven’t posted.”

“I just got the controls back and beyond that I haven’t had anything to post. Stop wimbling around and just tell me.”

He snorted. “Not much more to say than … she’s met someone. I heard from the kids that the guy wants a pre-nup.”

“They’re talking marriage already?! You’re not even divorced yet!” I yelped.

“They’re talking about what might happen. My understanding is there is some surprise he’s already said no pre-nup, no marriage. He’s got a brother that is a lawyer so it’s doubtful she’ll be able to change his mind. I take it he’s also now got the measure of my soon to be ex inlaws and … he ain’t a stupid guy and this isn’t his first rodeo. Don’t pass out but I actually don’t hate him. I gave him some shit over the email thing but he surprised the hell out of me by apologizing. He admitted he’d let his emotions get ahead of his brain. He works in IT – not security but some crap at the university and apparently he is damn good at it. He also knows that Dylan’s people are now watching him. I’m pretty sure he is smart enough to not make that mistake again. He didn’t come right out and say it but … I think her old man might have fed him a line or two to wind him up.”

We’d dumped the trash and had just gotten back to the blanket when Charlie says, “The old man never has understood as much as he thought he did and it’s biting him on the ass …”

Angelia yelps “Charlie! Really?”

Charlie grins and says, “Sorry Granny.”

Rather than making everyone more concerned, Charlie’s words seemed to relax them. Vit asked about it later and he told me that Angie told her that Charlie had barely teased anyone for weeks and having him do it then was a good sign.

Then it was Derrick’s turn. While Vit went over some plans with Dev and Charlie, and Dylan and Angie added their two cents, Derrick and I go for a short walk.

“How is every …” I started to ask.

“Veta … what’s going on?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t. You’ve lost a lot of weight. You have dark circles under your eyes. Vit is watching you like a hawk as you eat. Spill it Baby Girl.”

I sighed. “It’s nothing. Not really. There’s been some stress. And I haven’t been able to exercise as I used to … or should I say I stopped exercising as I used to. I’ve lost some muscle mass and …”

“Vit said you’d say that.”

“What?”

“He’s worried. And now that I’ve gotten a closer look … I’m not happy either. What kind of stress are we talking about? Were you hurt during that so-called it-was-just-an-accident?”

“Don’t start. I wouldn’t lie about something like that. Or anything at all really. You always knew when I was telling a story. You and Poppa both. The job is just …” I stopped trying to figure out how to say what I meant. “Derrick the job is a lot more than I expected. But my supervisor seems to think I’m good at it, just inexperienced in some areas. It’s a completely different road than I ever even thought about taking. Then there is the mission itself. It’s important. I … I’m just learning to deal with things in an entirely new way and it means dealing with people an entirely new way as well.”

“And?”

“And Vit and I were going through some growing pains. On both sides.”

“Are you and Vit having problems Veta. Be honest.”

“I am being honest. We weren’t communicating very well. Old insecurities, whatever you want to call them. But please don’t say anything to him. He already beats himself up enough as it is. He’s fixated on this weight thing being his responsibility as well.”

“Is it?”

“Is it what?”

“Is it his fault you look like you’ve lost twenty or more pounds?”

“No!”

“Good. But you didn’t deny the number of pounds so I’m going to guess that uniform is hiding more than it isn’t.”

“Oh Derrick, don’t start.”

“Too late,” he said telling me he’d already brought several months’ worth of iron, probiotics, and a Super B Complex. When he learned I’ve been out of my preferred multi-vitamin, I got a lecture and an order to rectify that before leaving port. He also wants me to take Biotin and Callogen to address how easy it has become for my skin to “tear” or to have broken blood vessels. Then there is the Vitamin A and the B12 shots that he wrote a prescription for.

“This is the only thing that Dad and I found that helped when you suffered similar problems when we first brought you home. You may always have issues because of your early years. I know we’ve spoken of this before. You need to prevent potential problems with diet, supplements, low alcohol consumption, exercise, moisturizers and sunblock, and stress management.”

“You sound like a doctor,” I deadpanned.

“I am a doctor,” he blandly told me in return. “Now follow your doctor’s suggestions and start taking better care of yourself.”

“Me?” I glanced Angie’s way. “I’ve never known her to skip the hair coloring. And … and those aren’t just smile lines on her face.”

Derrick nodded slowly. “Several females in the family are showing physical manifestations of stress, and age. Our sister isn’t the only one. As far as the hair … Christine tells me that beauty products are expensive and “au natural” is the word of the day.” For a moment Derrick looked uncomfortable then he asked me as a personal favor, if I can start taking such issues into consideration and sending items home for “the ladies.”

“I’ll try. I’m not sure what I’ll have access to and …”

“Do not let it create a problem. Just … even small things would be welcome. Chrissy was crying the other day and refused to tell me anything. When Christine came home from the store …” Derrick was momentarily uncomfortable. “Chrissy started her menses. Christine and I planned for it but apparently not all of her friends parents have and … and it isn’t pleasant for some of them because feminine hygiene products are being rationed.”

“Are you kidding me?! Are they trying to start a civil war?”

“Shhhh. Don’t say such things.” He looked around before saying, “I don’t disagree with you but I gather a couple of Chrissy’s friends went into gory detail about … feminine hygiene, or lack of, and it traumatized her. I really don’t like some of the kids in her co-op and I’d be happy if she didn’t go but it’s the only one in the area with girls her age.”

“Relax. I get it. Girls that age can be cruel. I’ve got some stuff back at the ship …”

“You need it.”

“I can get more where that came from. The people in charge of that particular area will ration booze before they ration hygiene products. We live way too close together and they want to keep the bloodshed down to a minimum.”

He tried to keep a straight face but blanched and then chuckled. “To think what a man must resort to for world peace.”

“Oh Brat, you have no idea.”

Once again in charity with each other we almost dissolved into another argument when I found out that despite me agreeing to his suggestions where my health is concerned, and asking him not to say anything to Vit, Derrick also made a list of instructions for Vit to use in case I “forgot.” Vit smoothed it over between us by doing the most ridiculous thing imaginable. He bent me backwards, kissed me in full view of everyone, then said, “I am much relieved. I’ve been worried.” Oh brother.

The only thing that Vit asked of me tonight is to consider going back to practicing yoga, if for no other reason than stress reduction. It was an easy compromise to make. It didn’t hurt that he got a little silly and said he’d missed watching me stretch my … er … assets.

The remainder of the day was spent discussing business, and in Vit and I going back on board and bringing back the trunk and crates of things that need to go to Pembroke to be stored with our other belongings in one of Angelia’s sheds. We gave consideration to just having all of our things moved to our new future home, but Dev said it would be better to leave everything where it was until they got an idea of all of the repairs that need to be made and at least get some of them completed.

“See?” Charlie tells Angie. “I told you driving my old delivery van would come in handy.”

“You’re da man Charles,” she said giving him the kind of snark only a big sister can.

Everyone laughed but it was only because we were hiding the pain since it was time to part. Protest groups were forming and there was some concern that the local government was going to put a curfew into effect, and possibly even shut areas of the city down. Rather than risk it, my family decided it would be best to just start back tonight instead of tomorrow as planned. Dylan, Devin, and Charlie took turns driving down and will do the same the 6 hours it is going to take them to get home. It actually will save them money which makes me feel slightly less guilty.

Vit offered to pay for the gas on the return trip and I saw Charlie just about to tune up until Vit said, “We were going to take everyone to dinner to celebrate. This will at least give us the satisfaction of knowing we took you to dinner even if we can’t be there to share it.”

Charlie was rethinking his reaction and Dev smoothed things down the remainder of the way by saying matter-of-factly, “We’ll probably just grab sandwiches from a deli, but whatever is left over I’ll add to the funds to get the locks all changed out and get duplicate keys for me, Charlie, and Tal.”

Yes, I cried a little when the van pulled out but not as hard as I might have. Getting home is still a few weeks away, but everything finally feels like it is well and truly coming together. And apparently the time Vit spends as an XO that goes towards his time to make it to a citizen also pays into social security which is an issue that Derrick said his accountant brought up.

After we reboarded the ship for the last time today there was a letter with another good piece of news. One of the US diplomats says that Vit has already tentatively met his residency requirement and that all the fees for naturalization will be waived based on his service. So long as Vit is discharged honorably all should go quickly after returning stateside. We scanned and sent copies along to Dylan to give to Vit’s caseworker so hopefully we’ll pre-empt any bumps waiting on us at the end of this journey.

Our final task of the day was to go over all our remaining supplies and make a list of anything (besides Derrick’s suggestions) we need from the States before we head off. While we could buy stuff from the ship’s store as I told Derrick, I don’t want to unless necessary. On the other hand, I was shocked at how sparse the store shelves are in the immediate vicinity of the ship. I wish that Angelia could have stayed. She could have gone shopping with me tomorrow, compared prices back home, and then we could have sent things home.

Vit reassured me that he insisted that Devin take some money. “We will make sure they have a meal and fuel on the road back.”

I rubbed my arms where goosebumps had appeared. Part of it was reaction … to finding out Vit had purchased the old Jackson place, to seeing the family and getting news of everyone, Derrick’s zealous intent concerning my health … put part of it is seeing firsthand how bad things are becoming.

“I saw this as a child Veta. I did not think to see this again. Certainly not here in the rich United States. I too feel the need to do something. If we can help the family we will, but I suspect it will mostly be in luxuries that we purchase along the way. These luxuries they can keep or sell to acquire what they need. Let us keep that in mind from now forward.”

Tomorrow looks to be a long day. Derrick has already called to see if I turned in the prescription. I had to admit that I had not, but that I would while I was out tomorrow. He insisted on me promising that I would and then letting him know if I was able to get it filled. Vit did not help by getting on the phone and saying, “It will be done.”

Ugh. I nearly got out the air freshener to get rid of the smell of testosterone in the air. However I didn’t think that would do anything but cause one or both of us to have a snit. Instead we’re going to finish our lists and hopefully go to bed in harmony.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 192: Aug 1 – Miami, FL (2)

I was off the ship as soon as they opened the gangway this morning. I had expected it to be opened earlier but Vit and I woke to find that it took a while to disperse the protestors of the previous night. Vit and I both also wondered if stores would be opened at all and I was prepared to return to the ship if that proved to be true.

“You will be careful.”

It wasn’t a question but a statement.

“Of course. I have my phone on and the backup power supply. You can track me through the day if you need to. I’ll try and text when I change stores, but I don’t want you to get in trouble for taking personal communications during your shift.”

“Do it anyway. You heard Hardyston in the chow line. As long as it is doesn’t impede progress today, Communication and Security will overlook it.”

“Do you think Yegor and Polina arranged it?”

He shook his head as we both prepared for our intended tasks. “Nii. Such an order would need to come from higher up. Possibly ship’s Admin but I suspect off-ship authorities. They want us to continue as usual, not create any undue appearances for the media. However, to pull such off they know there needs to be a level of comfort for personnel. So, you will txt.”

“I will,” I assured Vit. It wasn’t unreasonable. If our positions were reversed, I’d be asking for the same concession from him.

I had the list that we had pulled together last night, and while it seemed like a lot of items, we’d sent any full and unopened personal items back to Pembroke for storage so needed to replenish. The plan was for me to purchase enough to last us the remainder of our assignment and then another full, unopened container after that for cushion and to make sure we had more than enough to start with when we returned home. We would worry about shipping things home at that point.

Most of our list really is simply personal hygiene items. Sunscreen and moisturizer is at the top of the list but I was hoping to find the better brands that lasted longer than the mostly water-filled cheap stuff I bought at the beginning of our assignment back in January. They really hadn’t done the job as I thought they would, especially the so-called, next-to-useless, waterproof sunscreen. While it wasn’t greasy and washed off as easy as claimed, it also came off with sweat and any type of liquid leaving no protection. I might has well have been using water as sunscreen on some days.

I also needed to replenish my feminine hygiene stash after sending most of it back with Derrick. I’d like to be a fly on the wall when Christine gets an eyeful of that particular crate. That’s going to be an interesting conversation. The other items, not necessarily in order of importance except for Vit’s shaving soap and extra safety blades are toothpaste, a new toothbrush and spare for each of us, mouthwash (because what is available on ship tastes like bilge water mixed in alcohol), toothfloss, naproxen, hand sanitizer, antacids and Pepto, deodorant, Gold Bond body and foot powder, ear swabs (I’m not quite the brand snob I used to be), eye drops, shampoo and conditioner, lip balm, Vaseline, feminine wipes, toilet paper and the list goes on and on.

Before I left the ship I purchased a day pass for the Metro Mover so my transportation was taken care of. And boy was the day pass worth it as many times as I hopped on and off. Without the day pass I would have likely paid three times as much in fare, perhaps more. Many of the stores that I’d used just a few months ago to get discounts were closed if not out of business altogether; it meant going further afield than I had originally planned. The prices I did find were higher as well, but not as much as I expected based on Angelia’s and Charlie’s reports. There were however pretty severe item limits on nearly everything. And trying to get the prescription filled took three pharmacies because most of them wanted me to leave the script and come back in a couple of days just to see if they were able to fill it.

Made a couple of calls to the family while I was out and about and got one from Barbie as well. We traded news and they all seemed excited for Vit and I getting the Jackson place. Many of them said there were a lot of people in the area relieved that a “local” purchased it and didn’t intend on just razing it to the ground and building another subdivision but had plans to renovate and invest back into the community. Er … that last bit seemed a bit over the top, but I’ve been letting Vit have his plans and goals without sticking my nose in too much. He needs to be a man and have some independence. We have to have income in some way anyway, who am I to tell Vit that a gentleman farmer isn’t realistic.

The one inconvenience that truly irritated me was that I had to go back to the ship not once, but twice, to drop off purchases because no backpacks or large purses were allowed on the Metro Mover or in any of the stores. They weren’t even letting in those personal grocery buggies or luggage carriers. And if you came in with other bags you had to check them in before you could start shopping and then check them back out as you left the store. The que lines wasted more time than I can even calculate. It slowed the entire process of shopping way down. They used those carnival type wrist bands for security. You’d get one for your wrist and the mate was put through the handles of the bags you checked. Geeezzzzz. What a pain. And one time they misplaced two of my bags and I had to prove that they really had by showing my check in slip with the correct number of bags and then my receipts when they questioned what they themselves had written on the slip. The manager got involved with that one and I suspect the employees might have lost the bags accidentally on purpose (and not expected me to check carefully) because of where they were found and how it was obvious the band used to tie all of my bags together at check in had been torn before they were given back to me. I don’t know if it was because of my uniform, they thought I had “enough” therefore they had the right to have some of it, or they were simply pulling a fast one. I do know that there was an angry conversation taking place between the manager and two employees when I returned to that store later in the day to return a pair of shoes that I’d found for a better price at another location.

All back on the ship safe and sound with one final round of goodbyes to some of the family and a report on what my day had been like. Christine, who’d insisted on getting on the phone and thanking me for “you know what” (snicker, giggle) said last time she and Angie had gone to Jacksonville a couple of the stores had started regulating packages the same way as well but it wasn’t widespread.

When Vit came in from his shift and found me pouring a glass of wine, he asked for one himself. I could tell something was troubling him and understood why when he finally asked, “You would tell me if you were?”

“Were what?” I asked as I absentmindedly went back over our lists in my head.

I nearly spit out the sip of wine I’d just taken when he said, “With child.”

A little outraged I asked, “Why would you think, after all of the recent misunderstandings, that I would be so harebrained as to get pregnant and not tell you?”

He sighed. Some in relief and some in … well, relief. “Nii. I should not have even thought it. But Angelia’s questions … tested me.”

“She was just being a pushy and nosey big sister. The brats shut her down. I’m fairly certain the idea of me being pregnant terrifies them. Or at least gives them acid indigestion. Besides, we’ve already had this discussion.”

I could tell he was reluctant to say more but after another sip of wine he explained. “A report was made in committee this morning. One of the women you call the SOs.”

“Which one? Anyone that was supposed to continue on?”

“Nii, it is … not my … er … I should not have said anything.” He shook his head. “It is Dutton’s wife … that Barbara. They are still deciding what to do about it.”

“But … I thought the rumor was they were getting a divorce?”

“It is no longer rumor. Dutton is emphatic that he cannot remain married to her any longer. For many reasons, not just that she is destroying his career.”

My natural inclination was to object when there was a child involved. “But …”

“Dutton is not convinced the child is his and that is when I escaped the … er … TMI. Can we agree that it is not our business? Yes?”

I only hesitated briefly. “Agreed. I do not want to get pulled into whatever drama is about to unfold. I can’t believe that they allowed the cat out of the bag in the middle of a committee meeting if parentage is in question.”

Vit shrugged, not really wanting to continue the discussion but he did add, “Dutton did so in self-defense I believe. It is that Barbara that let the cat … er … I believe she as maneuvering. Now let us speak of other things. How was your day? I heard others say that the shopping was difficult.”

I let him change the subject. I know that type of thing makes him uncomfortable and in all honesty it should have made me more uncomfortable than it did. I really need to watch my attitude. Yes, Barbara was a thorn in my side that I am happy to see go away, but with a child now involved it is not a happy circumstance to gloat about.

Vit insisted we go eat dinner in the XO Lounge, but he asked for a table for two rather than a larger one. He wanted both of us to be able to eat in relative peace. The mess hall was so noisy we could hear it from where we sat even two decks down. I suspect he also wanted me to eat more than a salad which is what I would likely have gotten had we gone through the chow line.

Vit is working on some inspection reports and I’ve finished backing up my pictures, writing this journal entry, and uploading my first new addition to my blog/vlog. It was Barbie who made the request which more than surprised me. She asked if I would help the new co-op she and some of the others are trying to pull together by writing literary thematic units. They want me to start with War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy of all things. When I asked if she was serious she answered, “Very. It is one of the books that is required reading this summer for the virtual schools. We don’t want to compete, but we do want to offer similar selections but in a more flexible and supportive environment. See that’s the problem a lot of parents are having. They have to work which leaves the kids with a lot of unsupervised hours. And the digital assignments being offered by the public school system are dryer than a popcorn fart.”

“Barbie!”

“Yeah, yeah. I sound like Charlie. But the truth is they are. And the school is making it difficult for parents to proctor the assignments on top of that because most of us have very little background in the literature they are choosing. I know … we all know … it is a lot to ask. But we’re asking anyway. Anything you can offer … just get us over the hump and making it less intimidating would be a great start. I don’t have much to offer but when you get home, we’ll figure something out.”

“Don’t say anything yet. Let me see if I can even do this. War and Peace isn’t what you would call light reading and it has been a few years since I’ve even cracked the book much less studied it in any depth.”

“That’s more than I’ve ever done, and I’ve got more college than most of the parents joining the co-op.”

When I told Vit about the project I expected him to object but all he said was, “Do not let them take advantage of you like they wanted with the Pembroke School. If you wish to do this, I will support you but not if it causes you more stress or they treat you poorly.”

So I went on my cloud storage and found an old lesson plan outline I had and sure enough I’ve got the beginnings of a themed study. But even the one that I wrote as a graduate student seems a little dry in hindsight. As I told Barbie, I’ll do what I can, but we’ll have to see how it goes.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 193: Aug 2 & 3 – at Sea (2 days, 2nd is Sunday)

Vit and I have spent the last two days going over the planned itinerary and what our respective duties will be. I had a heck of a time getting mine from the Education office. It seems that Mr. Parnell has a new admiree … Ana Bosques.

“Oh … Veta. Do you have a moment to talk?”

“Uh … of course Mrs. Parnell. Let me call in and I’ll turn off my cam,” I told her suspecting what it might be about.

She surprised me however by stiffening her spine and saying, “That won’t be necessary. Some of this is … well, while embarrassing, it is also official. But, if you don’t mind I’d like to speak in one of the sound booths.”

I nodded and followed her to the area the students (and adults) could go to practice music, singing, or anything else that was noisy.

She got right to the point. “I want to apologize for what you just ran into. I’ve already sent a copy to Chief Ivanov because I suspected something like this might happen.”

“And that is …?”

“As you are aware my husband sometimes exhibits … ill-advised attachments to people. We are both in counseling and things were getting better, considerably better, but the last two weeks I’ve noticed a renewal of certain … aspects that we were working on.”

“I haven’t encouraged …”

“Not you Dear. You’ve been a love and very understanding. Especially as the circumstances couldn’t have been very comfortable for you given other issues you’ve faced during this assignment.”

“He’s expecting … attention from me again?”

“No. It isn’t you. I believe his … admiration … for you has waned but was witnessed by someone else who is not nearly as understanding as you. There is a new woman.” She made a face. “I’ve never run into this issue before. Most of the young women my husband developed an admiration for were so understanding, especially given he never acted on it. Well, you know the sad, sorry tale I am embarrassed to say. But this new woman … it seems to be her intent to use Mr. Parnell for her own purposes.”

“And that would be?”

“The woman’s name is Ana … Ana Bosques. She has quite a following onboard from what my husband’s secretary says. But my own observations – though not objective – it appears she also she has people that are becoming both wary and weary of her. She is an Admin clerk and flaunts the fact that she doesn’t have the same dress code as most of the rest of us have.”

“I take it that’s not all she ‘flaunts.’”

“Yes. Thank you for saying it so I wouldn’t have to be the one to bring it up. My concern with this woman is she seems to have an adverse effect on many of the people she is coming in contact with.”

“Including Mr. Parnell?”

She gave me a concerned look. “Not yet but it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. He … admires her. But he is also rather intimidated by her … er … strong personality. That is a separate issue. However, I do know that she isn’t very complementary about certain personnel and – while not coming right out and saying it – she sublimally encourages … well … I’m not sure what to call it. Mischief doesn’t quite cover it; however, one example is the issue you just ran into where no one could find your copy of the itinerary and I know for a fact my husband had created a file specifically so he wouldn’t have to deal directly with you.”

“I was just told there was no such file.”

“And I say there was. I can back that up by calling Claire Bartlett. She is the one that suggested it, and then oversaw its creation, as a way to address … an issue that came up in one of our sessions.”

I cleared my throat. “Is it possible that when you sent a copy to Chief Ivanov that the file was moved rather than copied?”

“No Dear. I made sure because I didn’t want Mr. Parnell to think I didn’t … er … trust him.”

“Uh …”

Almost pleading she said, “I know Veta. I’m … working on it from my end. Just please be … discreet? I know this will be reported but I want it understood that my husband is getting better. He even intentionally took himself off a couple of committees to hold himself more accountable. As I said earlier, this is the first time I’ve worried that Mr. Parnell was being manipulated in this way. And while I have proof he isn’t in this instance, I can’t say the same for some of his staff. I don’t want that woman interfering with my husband … or the Education Department. She is duplicitous.”

I headed straight for Polina’s office and she was waiting on me having gotten my tap on my comm badge that I would appreciate someone monitoring the conversation in real time.

I came in and she indicated I should close the door. I asked, “Did you get a chance to view the recording?”

“I watched. You handled it well all things considered.”

Faint praise I thought but kept it to myself.

“Do you have any questions?”

“Ana Bosques. The name keeps coming up. Have you had any more direct confrontations with her?”

“I haven’t even seen her since the performance.”

“Gotten any ‘messages’ from her?”

“Pointed ones? No. I’ve heard the rumors same as you. She was the one that got me off the rotation in Venezuela.”

Polina gave one of her microsmiles but in her eyes was a particularly nasty gleem. “That, was addressed.”

Uh huh.

“Since then nothing. I haven’t even given her much thought.”

“Oh?”

I shrugged. “More important things to do.”

Another microsmile. She then picked up a file and handed it to me. It was the itinerary from now until Copenhagen.

“You and Vit should talk. Yegor said he is … concerned.”

I was looking at the schedule. “Wow. St. Petersburg? Really?!”

“Ah, to be so young and idealistic,” she said tongue in cheek.

Then I blanched. “Is this going to be a problem for him? He never really talks about it but … besides the emotional turmoil I know there were some legal issues.”

“It is being monitored but from my experience those in Mother Russia will not want to draw attention to a situation that could prove embarrassing for the parties in power. Going home is sometimes …” She shook her head.

“Are you okay?”

“Memories. Thankfully my mother will be away visiting her sister but we will have to see Yegor’s.” The face she made told me it wasn’t something she was looking forward to.

Our meeting concluded I headed back to our cabin, ran into Vit half-way there, and we decided to get an early meal and then retire to the cabin to compare schedules.

After talking to him about it Vit said, “I may very well have to remain on the ship to avoid any problems, but that will not come until later this month.”

I know he wanted to ask me to be careful but was trying to show his confidence in me. I beat him to it and told him I would be watchful and if he grew too uncomfortable with the idea of me getting off ship in Russia that I would ask Polina to switch someone out with me. Vit seemed appreciative of my willingness to compromise and we’ve spent the remainder of the evening working quietly.

I really hope that Vit and I can see some of Russia together. It may not be possible but it will make for incredible memories if we can.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 194: Aug 4 – New York (Manhattan), NY

New York City. It has certainly changed. The Big Apple is bruised and more than a little shriveled. It never fully came back from the economic turmoil that was caused during the Covid Pandemic years. People have tried repeatedly to rejuvenate the city but, when increased taxes drove the wealthy from the city – and state – contrary to expectations they never returned, and the real estate income (and taxes on it) and financial infrastructure deteriorated. Many predict that it will never be what it once was. Raising taxes over the years has only compounded the problem, not solved it. I’m not sure I disagree. But there are still areas of the city that try to shine … when their steel shutters aren’t closed against riots and homeless vandalism.

This morning I took the high school students to the 9/11 Museum. It wasn’t a full complement of students because some parents, on advice of their diplomats, did not allow their children to go. Despite the number of years that have passed, the 9/11 disaster is still very much a sensitive topic. Like the Holocaust, there are even some that deny the event even happened. But enough of that. The museum sticks to the facts and I let that speak for itself.

In addition to the museum, we were participating in a community service performance in Central Park. Not just me of course but several students and other personnel from the B as well as other performances by military bands and tonight there were more famous performers on the stage. We left before that could happen – to the disappointment of some – but no one wanted to get caught up in the protests that were likely to take place. It has almost become a sport in some areas that have been set aside in hopes that the rioters don’t destroy the more affluent business districts.

I did have a bit of unpleasantness to deal with. Someone made some assumptions. Why she blames me for not being invited to play I have no clue. I have absolutely no control over the invitations that went out. I know my response to her made me sound catty and cold, but I’ve had enough of the provocations whenever we must suffer each other’s company. I am also trying to put into practice Polina’s words of guidance and experience. The problem is that I have gotten so used to the camera on my uniform that I forgot it was there this time. This comes into play later.

I finally grew annoyed at her poking and turned to her and said a little more loudly than she expected, “Ana, you act like you live in my head rent free. I rarely even think of you. Why would I bother taking the time to talk about you behind your back?”

I watched a couple of chaperones mouth “Ouch” before leading the students away so we could have a more private “discussion” of the situation. However, Ana decided to leave the field of battle when she saw our exchange was being witnessed. I found out later that she put on the pitiful act, insinuating that I was jealous and that she was considering taking it to Polina because my acts were become egregious. Yeah, good luck with that.

After the performances most of the students had shopping lists they wanted to work on because this would be the last time for many of them to get American goods and brands. I did a quick scan of what they wanted and decided to make a first stop at 5th Avenue in Midtown. Yeah. I know it’s expensive, but those stores are the places these kids shopped. The kids were mostly after clothes, shoes, and accessories. However, there were a few, like myself, that needed to fill holes such as snacks, hygiene items, underclothes, and the like. Thankfully Tower was my second today and was willing to handle the males while I helped the females.

In addition to the ritzier shopping districts, I also took them to the old Century 21. No, not the real estate giant. Century 21 is one of those “stores” that sell discount designer wear, but they also have a floor that is literally all clearance. Bada bing, bada boom. Sorry, obviously spent a little too much time in Brooklyn today, another place we did some discount shopping. Between clothing stores we would make pit stops at local markets. I swear they are like locusts when they are hungry. But the shopkeepers loved it because the cash in-flow was so welcome.

My feet were killing me when I finally got the kids back on the ship close to their dinner time … and yes, they were once again starving. Vit was at the top of the gangway waiting as all the packages were scanned for the second time before I could hand off the students to waiting parents or whoever was waiting for them. I saw Sofia Rossi for the first time in a while and she seemed a lot more at ease than last. Ellie was a pistol but only because she was so happy to see her siblings. Edda, Al, and Aiden had all purchased something for their baby sister so I warned Sofia to be prepared for Ellie to get wired up. She appreciated the warning as she turned and walked away.

Vit asked, “Where are your packages?”

I handed him my backpack as it came off the conveyor belt. He lifted it and realized it wasn’t as heavy as he expected. “You did not shop as much as the others.”

“Good Lord no,” I said. “I’ve got more sense. You would not believe the prices, even in the discount stores. I did get some snacks and …”

“Veta …”

“Yeah, yeah,” I told him sneaking a kiss in the elevator to head off an argument. “I know we budgeted but to be honest I didn’t see anything that appealed to me. You’ve spoiled me.”

“Er …”

“I’ve traveled the world with you Vit Dymtrus, and now places like NYC seem … mundane.” I made a face and shrugged. “If it wasn’t for the students I would have headed back to the ship not long after the performances were over. The city is even doomier and gloomier than when we were here with the Marchands. They waited too long to make those fiscal accommodations we read about. You have a few people crossing the bridges to work but they aren’t buying property to live there. I heard that formerly posh addresses are being used as room rentals and capsule hotels but even with that bit of creativity, the real estate market in NYC remains extremely depressed. And some buildings have been converted to homeless …”

“Shelters?”

“ Mmm … no. More like regimented communes or maybe assisted living facilities depending on the homeless population installed in them. They’ve driven paying tenants out, and even closed some housing assistance buildings and converted them to the alternate housing for the homeless.”

“How is that working?”

“Not well if what some locals said are true. They say the city-sponsored ones are even worse than the old Section 8 apartments were. The health department turns a blind eye and then surrounding properties become infested and …” I shuddered. “The stories are awful Vit. And to think some of the buildings have families with children living there. It is complete madness.”

“You need to write your reports?”

“Did it on the way back on the bus. We were stuck in traffic enough that there was time. Why?”

He pulled me into our cabin since we’d arrived and then, right when I thought we were going to freshen up for dinner, he takes a long look at me and starts laughing, then takes me in his arms and kisses me deeply.

“Did you find something about what I said funny? Do I have a pigeon on my head? What’s going on?”

Vit snickered. “Nii.

“Then what?”

In Ukrainian he tells me that I’m wonderful, beautiful, incredible. Uh uh. I have too many brothers and nephews. Something as they say, is up. “Vit?”

Then he starts laughing again and explains that he saw the exchange between Ana Bosques and I.

“What?!! How?! Oh my Lord … the body cam! I forgot all about the body cam! Oh my gawd, everyone in security must have seen …”

“Nii. You are not to be embarrassed. Stop turning the apple color,” he told me. “Everyone got a good laugh out of it.”

“What do you mean … oh no. Communication as well?!”

“Veta I tell you …”

“You … you … everyone has … has seen …” He tells me again not to be embarrassed.

“But I am! I just realized that all along everyone has seen how she and Barbara … and the others … acted and how I’ve acted in return! How awful!”

I tried pull away but Vit won’t let me. “Kokhana …”

“You’ve known all along!”

“Nii … nii. It was a small joke at first. Only a few individuals knew. Please Kokhana, had I known …”

“But you did, you just said …”

“I said others knew small things. No one really knew all. It was not until … Polina called me an idiot the night before …”

“She called you a what?!”

“It does not matter. But that is when she showed me all that I’d missed. I am very proud that you did not allow those suky to draw you into a situation.”

His cursing aside, let’s just say that it took him a while to convince me and a while longer for me to calm down and not abandon my post. He insisted we dine in the XO Lounge and while he couldn’t convince me to have an appetite for more than a salad, he insisted on ordering me this sinful dessert that was made of Chocolate Tiramisu, Mascarpone Cream, and Espresso Gelato. Despite myself I was very wired afterwards and we went to “The Club,” a place I’d never gone up to this point, and we danced for nearly an hour. By then the chocolate and espresso had worn off and so had my embarrassment … or the worst has worn off. I will survive, but I do not wish to discuss it further. And I will definitely be more careful from here on out.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 195: Aug 5 – at Sea

Another sea day. Then a day in Canada to take on fuel and supplies and then five straight days at sea for the Atlantic crossing. We are going to need those five sea days to start breaking down and packing up the diplomatic offices. I imagine Admin is at least as bad.

I spent the day in Mr. Baird’s office. In between translations I helped Barney and Henry pack up the files and office odds and ends that have accumulated over the past months. We can’t completely dismantle and pack everything as there is still a month of work to go prior to closing down the B, but if it isn’t started now, as Momma sometimes said, it will be next Juvember before the job is finished.

After yesterday all I wanted to do was keep my head down and work my shift. I couldn’t help but wonder how much Barney and Henry knew about the situation between me and the other women. I suppose, if I am being honest, I could have asked but I’m not sure I really want to know. I’m not looking to have a reason for hurt feelings. Not to mention I’m working on that maturity issue. No, I haven’t been acting like a child precisely, but I need to stop acting like a “little sister” and hiding and letting someone else fight my battles for me. Or to stop imagining there are battles to be fought to begin with. Drama Queen is not something I want to include on my resume.

As it is, I was forced to deal with more TMI than I was comfortable with when Barney started unleashing a bit about being stuck with the “Sofia situation.”

When I could get a word in edgewise, I told her, “Not because I knew of it. Even then it is not any of my business. If Mr. Baird wishes to carry on, he is a grown man and shouldn’t need a Cyrano di Bergerac. If he wishes this to remain in the family then have him enlist his kids. They know already anyway. It is time for the titillation of forbidden love to be at an end. They’ve had their fun. If they are serious, it is now time for them to act so. If they can’t take the heat they need to leave the kitchen.”

Barney and Henry both looked at me like they can’t believe I just said such a thing.

“What? If you play you pay, one way or the other. The question they need to ask themselves is are they just playing or are they playing for keeps. There are kids to consider … a very young one and the three older ones that need a good example set. And if Sofia wants a biological child Mr. Baird needs to figure out if, at his age, that is what he wants. They need to stop messing around and make the hard decisions.”

Barney sniffed and said, “Well aren’t you just a little ray of sunshine.”

“Nope. Just watched too many of my siblings come from backgrounds where so-called adults didn’t put enough thought into possible consequences. It isn’t fair to the kids involved, and it certainly isn’t fair to themselves. Enough stress in the world, don’t need more for less reason. You know how Vit and I started out but we put the brakes on … on …” I cleared my throat. “We were … er … circumspect. And we didn’t have children involved.” My voice a little higher than normal I asked, “Cup of tea anyone? I know I could use one.”

Henry chuckled and Barney finally relaxed. “You’re correct. Time for playing is coming to an end. They know it too. If they do what they want it isn’t going to be easy however. Baird’s family, his responsibilities, are going to have a role and Sofia is younger than you. Could you step into the shoes she is going to need to?”

Glad they were both ignoring the TMI where Vit and I were concerned I shrugged. “Maybe. Depends on my reasons and motivations. But that’s neither my problem nor business. They’ll either want it bad enough or not. Sofia is … she’s matured a lot since I first met her. What she doesn’t know, she can learn. And she’s had time to see what she’s facing. She loves the kids that’s for sure, and grew up in a family large enough that she knows how to spread that love around and not just love on the little one, or only the girls, or so on and so forth. So long as Baird doesn’t abandon her to it with no support, she’ll learn what she’ll need.”

Barney sighed and took a sip of the tea I handed her. “It can only be hoped. As serious as he was about the children’s mother, I think he might actually have fallen in love this time. Little late in life but that’s the way it is with some men.” She shook her head at the apparent nonsense. “If they do want to make it official, I know a couple of staffers that could help her along. They’ll be thrilled to have a lady of the manor about the place. Especially if it means children. And the Baird bloodline is getting a little thin. It won’t hurt as bad with the staff as some might think. The girl has a good head on her shoulders and will give them the due they’ve earned. She’s no Cinderella for all she’s a commoner and foreign.”

It is a different culture I grant you that; however, I’m glad Vit and I have been able to work things out on our own without also having to consider dynastic or gentry and nobility issues. Just dealing with plain ol’ Petric craziness has been enough.

I mentioned something of that nature to Vit before he had to leave for a meeting. Being slightly silly he asked me, “Would you like to play Sleeping Beauty tonight?”

I gave it a momentary thought and right when he was taking his last sip of tea I told him, “Nope. But I wouldn’t mind a little dragon-action if you are still up for it after your reports.”

Thankfully he didn’t have to change his shirt, but it was a near thing. “You will pay for that one Wife,” he told me with a warning twinkle.

“Promises, promises.”

Too bad he was running late. As it is I think I will end this journal entry here. Vit should be back any minute and I plan to being waiting for those paybacks.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 196: Aug 6 – Halifax, NS, Canada

Before Vit could come back last night I got a call from Polina. She asked if I had been to Halifax before (today’s port).

“Would you mind giving up your place with the students tomorrow?”

“Polina, that really isn’t up to me. You’re Chief of Security and I know it,” I answered, thinking this was some kind of test.

“Perhaps not but under the circumstances I’d like to at least give the appearance of you participating in the decision.”

When I heard her tone of voice I said, “Uh oh.”

“Nyet. There will be no ‘uh oh’ from this point forward. I caught her in the act so to speak, but this would help someone else save face … and they would owe me.”

“I’m fine. Whatever works. And by all means build in a little payback if you can.”

She chuckled. “Good. However, I do perhaps have an alternative that may interest you. This too could create some good will … should I need to call upon it.”

“O … kay?”

“The oldest of those sisters … the ones that seem to ask for you more than others … she was wondering if you are available for tomorrow for just the sisters, and then in Dublin something she calls the ‘full Maisey’ doing a literary tour.”

“Jules? And I think you mean ‘full monty’ though I’m a little … er … leery of her definition of that particular phrase.”

I could hear some rustling of papers and she said, “It would be a full-day excursion according to her application. The Book of Kelly … no … Book of Kells, then Trinity College, and then a request that you ‘do the same thing you did before’ except for James Joyce, Bram Stoker, and … hmmm … ‘anyone else you can think of that looks good for a self-directed study.’ Did you understand that?”

I snorted. “Yes. They want to get off the ship, have some fun, but need to throw their parents off the scent.”

“Ah.”

Giving her a little more to work with I explained, “No pub crawls with these girls. They don’t want to break the rules so much as experience life with a little more freedom than they are normally allowed.”

I could hear her tapping on a computer keyboard. “No infractions in the last … hmmm.” She sounded a bit surprised. “No infractions at all. Not even warnings.” After a pause she said, “I am inclined to grant their request.”

“Does it leave you shorthanded?”

“Leave that to me. The middle students are going to a sheep farm that day. My understanding is that it will be a hands-on activity. Very hands on. They recommend boots. And gloves.” She gave an evil chuckle and for the life of me I was already feeling a little sorry for Ana Bosques.

This morning? Not nearly as much sympathy.

“Oh dear. Did everyone’s favorite mall cop get pushed off today’s excursion?”

I looked her straight in the face and said, “You’re behaving like an idiot. May you reap what you sow.”

It was that moment that Jules strolled up, throwing a bucket of cold water on the potential cat fight, and said, “Thanks.”

“For?”

“I know it was last minute but if Gigi, Dolly, and I don’t get off this ship we are going to do something regrettable. Mother says it is you or no one and we can study the day away, so … thanks.”

I chuckle and walk us toward the coffee maker, which is where I had been heading, already putting Ana – whose facial expression was priceless – from my mind. “No problem. Chief Ivanov said they had coverage … and for Dublin as well. I know it is just you three today but how many are we talking about for the other one?”

“Sign up is open until the 11th but if I had to guess no more than a dozen. And that’s at most; could be half that. You couldn’t get some of the guys to go on a literary tour if their lives depended on it so yeah, a dozen at most. Father might try and talk Roberto into going as well but I think he’s pushed him about as far as he can be pushed right now.”

“No to mention the walking.”

“Walking? We’re not going to be in a bus?”

“Might use a hop on/hop off for some of it but I thought, if all of you have the fidgets that walking would be better than a bus tour.”

“God yes! Yes, yes, yes!”

“Shhhh!” I said chuckling. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Says you. Anyway, thanks and we’ll meet you at the top of the gangway after we tell the parents good bye.”

“Don’t forget your IDs … picture and ship … you’ll need them.”

She waved an acknowledgment as she hurried off.

I turned to look for Vit and found him hiding behind a pillar. “Well hello there.”

“Has she gone?”

“Jules? Yes she …”

“Not her, the other one.” At my look he said, “The vona-dʹyavol.”

It was not easy for me to keep a straight face. My big, strong, handsome husband was hiding behind a pillar from the she-devil.

“I have no idea where Ana went.”

“I do not care so long as it is away. Anywhere away. Let us go before we find she has not done so.”

I spent a few moments back at the cabin unruffling his feathers and then walking with him to Communications since I had to pick up today’s excursion tickets from Security which shared the same space. I felt Vit stiffen as we rounded the corridor and once I looked around him I could not believe it, the huzzy was hovering near the door trying to be oh so casual.

“Ms. Bosques,” I said spotting her before she could escape. “You seem to spend an inordinate amount of time in locations you don’t have the clearance for. Is this going to be a problem going forward?”

Her mouth hung open like I’d just hit her with a sloppy banana cream pie. Polina took that moment to open the door and hearing what I had said she gave Ana a particularly piercing look and within the hearing of everyone on duty said, “No. It. Will. Not. I would also remind you,” she said looking square at Ana. “That there is a uniform dress code whether you are on duty or not. If you are caught out of uniform one more time, there will be penalties. Nor do I want to hear that you are once again hovering near areas of the ship that are off-limits to your security clearance. I have confined personnel to quarters for less. This is your final warning.”

Talk about backpedaling. Ana was quite pale as she hustled away.

I sighed. “Everyone always forgets that I’m wired for vid and sound at all times. Why is that I wonder?”

“Because they are ‘behaving like idiots’?” Polina answered with one of her trademark microsmiles.

Vit gave me a look but not an annoyed one, more like he had questions but they could wait. “Be safe,” was all he said.

After Vit left to start his shift Polina said, “She is persistent.”

“Yes, she is. It is getting to be more than annoying.”

“She is also becoming worrisome. Watch your back. I believe she now sleeps with someone in Admin.” When she saw I made a look of concern. “Nyet. The day one such as she can affect my career is the day I will retire. But I do not like how easy she gets her way in things she should not. I have put an end to it here, but I cannot control everything. I may need to call in some favors so keep the diplomats on your good side.”

I nodded in understanding and we both quickly headed different directions … after she turned my cam back on. I have said often enough that I hate the 007 crap, but that does not mean I am not capable of it.

While I promised a walking tour in Dublin, there wasn’t time to arrange anything in Halifax. Instead I rented a car and decided to cover more ground that way. First off, the girls really wanted to go to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. I warned them it wasn’t quite what it was made out to be and that it would be crowded but they still wanted to go to take some pictures and to at least be able to say they were there. I made it our first stop. They had a chance to climb over the rocks, sip some overpriced coffee, and snap some selfies in front of the most photographed lighthouse in the world but that didn’t take long because we were one of the first ones there and after thirty minutes they were ready to go.

We did run into a snafu; not our own but someone else’s. I swear it wasn’t planned. Roberto was escorting the son of another diplomat. They both have physical challenges. Roberto’s is having to walk with a cane. Giang’s was the result of stepping on a land mine as a child. Well Roberto had befriended the boy. Giang’s father thought Roberto was a good example that physical challenges should not impede your motivation to succeed.

Dolly looked at her sisters and asked, “Did you plan this?”

They both shook there heads. “Nope. You said to leave him alone. This is pure coincidence.”

Dolly sighed. “Let me see what is going on.”

I let her do the talking and I think Roberto was a little surprised. Essentially the bus that they’d been assigned to was not challenged-friendly. Giang was also eighteen, a college freshman, and bored though polite being in a bus primarily made up of “old people.”

First I called Polina. She gave me permission and notified those that needed notifying. Jules called her father who gave his permission and said he would relay the change to his wife. The minivan I was driving had the room. Providential? Above my pay grade, but I texted Vit just to let him know so no rumors could start and away we went, now six instead of four.

I had called around and the only place I could get lunch reservations was not in Halifax but in Wolfville. It was a small microwinery that I remember mentioned from the last time I was in the area with the Marchands. In addition to a nice lunch – a little frou frou for the men with us but more than acceptable – Roberto, Jules, and I tasted their Ice Wines, Blueberry wine, and the Pomme de Orr apple wine and apple liqueur. I only had a sip of each because I was driving but I did come back with several bottles in the “boot” for Vit. Roberto also did likewise. We also bought a bottle of apple wine for each set of parents.

From there – after a nice sightseeing drive where I stopped whenever they wanted for pictures – I headed back into Halifax (thank you GPS) and we headed to do a few things related to the Titanic. One hundred fifty Titanic victims are buried in three Halifax cemeteries. One hundred and twenty-one of them in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, nineteen in Mount Olivet Cemetery (Roman Catholic) and ten in Baron de Hirsch Cemetery (Jewish). Fairview Lawn Cemetery is the one we went to as it was the most accessible.

According to a guide that was standing there with another group: The behemoth luxury liner, after grazing an iceberg, suffered inescapable hull damage, slowly and horribly filling with water and sinking over a torturous 2 ½ hour period. After the boat had sunk and the freezing water took its toll, only 710 survivors were plucked from an icy grave by lifeboats from the RMS Carpathia several hours later. Of the 121 victims buried here, more than forty of them may never be identified and their families never sure of their fate.

From memory of my last time in Halifax I explained to my group that more than just the RMS Carpathia was involved in rescue and recovery efforts. “One of the better-known Titanic markers in the cemetery is for an unidentified child victim, known for decades as The Unknown Child. Recovered bodies were taken to central areas – one of them in Halifax – so that identification could be made, and families claim their dead. In this child’s instance, no one claimed the body. He was buried with funds provided by sailors of the CS Mackay-Bennett, the ship that recovered his body. The marker reads 'Erected to the memory of an unknown child whose remains were recovered after the disaster of the "Titanic" April 15, 1912'. Identification efforts continue today. In 2002 the child was initially identified as 13-month-old Eino Viljami Panula of Finland. Eino, his mother, and four brothers all died in the Titanic disaster; however, after further testing, the unknown child was re-identified as 19-month-old Sidney Leslie Goodwin, an English child who died along with his entire family. Even with modern forensic techniques most of the victims would have remained unidentified without their families coming forward to claim them.”

“There were over 2200 passengers on the Titanic. Of those, there were roughly 700 survivors. The “recovery” part of the story doesn’t start until 4 days after the sinking as it took that long for the White Star Line to get another ship with those capabilities to the area of the sinking. They only took 103 coffins because they realy didn’t expect to find as many bodies as they did. The emotional toll on the 75 crewmembers of the recovery ship was terrible and not even getting paid double helped. They were a week pulling bodies out of the water. Too many bodies. On the surface the bodies would not have looked too bad, even after four days due to the freezing condition. However, when they pulled the bodies out, the submerged part was badly decomposed and depredated by marine life.”

“After the first day fifty-one bodies had been recovered, most too mangled or decomposed to be identified unless they had belongings that did so. All belongings were meticulously logged and stored in numbered bags. However, they couldn’t store all of the bodies. Before the recover ship set off, a system to follow in case tough choices had been agreed upon. Bodies of first-class passengers, identifiable by their fancy clothes and expensive possessions, would be prioritized and return to land. The remains of second-class passengers were stored in canvas sacks. Third class passengers would be buried at sea. By the time the ship was at full capacity, it was carrying 190 bodies - just over 10 per cent of all the Titanic dead - and 116 more had been buried at sea. Of all the those returned to the sea, wrapped in cloth and weighed down so they would sink to the bottom, only 56 were ever identified. Sacks as well as coffins ran out and they had to be re-supplied by a support ship.”

“Bodies of children were hardest on the crew and several, regardless of their social class, were stowed and brought back along with the first-class passenger bodies. They did this for a week before calling it quites. When the vessel, which had earned the nickname "the ship of death", came into view of the coastline, witnesses were horrified to see bodies stacked like cordwood on the deck, and the church bells in the town rang out in shared grief.”

Gigi said, “You really are a teacher.”

Sighing I said, “Sorry about that. Sometimes it gets away from me. I used to be a teacher. However, I am still a student of history. If we don’t learn from history we are doomed to repeat it, usually the less pleasant parts.”https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6043167/titanic-recovery-aftermath/

The worst for me were the graves of the children. I said a prayer for the poor little souls even though it has been over a hundred years and their families are all gone as well. Sometimes prayers are more for the comfort of the living than they are for the deceased. Dolly seemed to be even more affected and after a glance at Roberto and Jules I suggested we return to the city.

Returning the car was easier and quicker than expected. It was at the end of the harbor furthest from where the B was docked, and I had called ahead and an attendant was waiting on us. Instead of catching a taxi back, everyone agreed to simply walk back and enjoy the remainder of their time on shore. I took them via the Harbor Walk. We started at the casino – not to go in, just as a starting point as that was the closest map location – and passed several historical points. About midway everyone decided they wanted to go to the Maritime Museum where we spent an hour, and then we walked the remaining distance to the B. A light rain was falling and I noted that Roberto winced every few yards. I looked to Dolly and she was already watching him and that’s when I realized she wasn’t quite as oblivious to Roberto as she pretended to be.

“Jules? Can we go back to the ship after we hit the Duty-Free area? I think we are supposed to go to some dinner or other.”

Roberto looked back and then seemed surprised. “You are not feeling well?”

“I’m fine. I just need a little time to put on my ‘face’ before we have to be the show.”

Gigi saw me trying to decipher what she’d said and explained, “Putting on our ‘face’ is what we call getting ready to be on display in public. Mother’s position does not always make it easy to be ourselves when we are in public. It is just easier to … have a ‘face’ ready. Know what I mean?”

It was Giang that answered by saying, “I know exactly what you mean. It is like being the only Gobi in a Koi pond.” I later figured out that a Gobi is a dull looking bottom dwelling fish that is used to clean algae in outdoor ponds.

Soon enough we were back at the B and I was about to go through security when I saw Vit coming down the gangway. “Good. You are finished for the day?”

Jules said, “Oh hi, you must be the other Chief Dymtrus.” Turning to me she said, “Roberto can walk us through if that isn’t a problem. I see Father hovering on the upper deck making sure we get back.” She waived at a man I finally recognized and after she pointed to security he gave her a thumbs up and seemed to be making his way down.

My job over with I notified security and Polina said no report was required making me smile and want to sing the Hallelujah chorus. Vit asked if I minded running a few errands with him. “I … er … turned the car back in already.”

“We do not need it. I marked a few locations on a map.”

Well, when I found out what the ‘errands’ were I wasn’t sure whether to be irritated or not. My big brother had stuck his nose in my business once again. Our first stop was a pharmacy. Vit insisted we continue to stock up on some of our personal items. I was also scandalized that Derrick had even raised the issue with Vit. Derrick didn’t think that the birth control pills I was on were a good idea until the weight loss and other issues are under control. He did not want me getting an implant either as it was not a good time to experiment with such things. Instead Vit decided we would go old school and handle things with condoms and calendars.

“One of these days I am going to kill Derrick very dead.”

Vit chuckled. “I warned him of that. He said that under the circumstances it was a risk he considered worth taking.”

I snorted but I got my own laugh in when I sent Christine a particular picture of Derrick when he was eight years old and had just participated in a hot dog eating contest accompanied by the line, “And now you know why he won’t touch the things.

I got a particularly aggrieved email response from Derrick saying, “I’m only thinking of your health. Did you really need to give Christine even more ammunition?! She’s on the phone now with Angie getting the full story.

And the moral to the story is not to irritate little sisters when they have incriminating childhood photos. I am off to bed with Vit chuckling at my antics. He better be glad … no, I shouldn’t say such things. I wish I did have photos of Vit when he was a boy. The fact that none exist? It is like when Momma said she wished she had baby pictures of me. The closest things are the yearly ID pictures from my adoption file. Gah! Now I’ve made myself sad. I think a cuddle is in order.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 197: Aug 7 thru 11 – Sea days (5 days; 10th is Sunday)

I am so tired and sore. I don’t know if the day off has helped me or not. I can at least say that Vit is better. His headache is gone and the stitches no longer ooze. I’ve also sent word to Dylan to quietly let the family know that regardless of what they may see in the media in the coming days, no one on our side was a fatality. And I added for his ears alone that the full facts will never go out so to accept what little I can say. It was a short-lived incident rather than the hostage situation which was apparently their original plan. And that I was not hurt at all. He was to emphasize that last part, but not to the point of making them think the exact opposite.

“Fine. Now you tell me you weren’t hurt.”

“Relax Dylan, I wasn’t even down on the exterior decks. I was providing back up in the educational area for students that were caught away from their parents during the ruckus.”

I could hear relief in his voice. “Good. And thanks for the call. I’ll keep this quiet and only say something when the media gets ahold of it. My bosses have been squealing like stuck pigs that they were kept out of it until today. At least I can say they didn’t breach any of the tech so far as we can tell from our end.”

“Stop channeling Charlie. He’ll be bad enough on his own if this gets into the news stream. The people here are going over everything.”

It wasn’t a lie. I hadn’t gotten hurt. And there weren’t any fatalities. But they definitely tried, and a few personnel did take a beating. And some were shot. Luckily Vit’s injuries were mild. A few could not say that.

I’ll be glad to dock tomorrow. Plenty of repairs still to make, though very few of them obvious to the untrained eye. This has been the repositioning portion of the mission during which we were supposed to take some systems offline for testing since we had three escorts and nothing was expected to happen. We are moving from North America to European ports of call starting with three ports in Ireland and Scotland. Luckily security did not like the scheduled “tests” and delayed most of them … er … without permission so to speak. It wasn’t common knowledge. I’ll explain why that was a good thing and why it plays into the investigation later.

Vit had been on night shift and I didn’t expect him for another hour. As promised I was back to doing yoga on a regular basis and had just started my routine in our cabin when the emergency claxon sounds followed by an announcement that all non-essential personnel were ordered to remain in their quarters. The converse of that meant all essential personnel were to report to their predesignated posts immediately. I was in the middle of signing in and saying I was ready to assist when there was an explosion that rocks the ship. In not too ladylike terms, it scared the crap out of me. I’m barely upright when I get an emergency call from Edda who, along with some other students, were in the education center and hadn’t been able to get out before the doors electronically locked. They are under siege and they’ve run into the sound booths because they can see men coming in through a broken forward window.

I grab my body cam and sling it around my neck before rushing to the education department. Right before I get there I run into two of the attackers. It is obvious they weren’t expecting me anymore than I expected them. And the fact I was barely dressed in my yoga gear surprised them as well. Instincts took over. It was too much like the pirate attack on the O’Meg and that is what I thought they were in the beginning. My reaction is immediate, vicious, and permanent. I learned on the O’Meg that you can give no quarter to people like that. With both men down (and not getting up) I grab the two AK-203 automatic rifles the men had been carrying as well as the bag of 30-round magazines that one of them dropped during my attack.

At the door to the education room I saw Tower down and bleeding. I carefully toe him over while trying to continue to cover the area. He groans and I hiss at him to be quiet.

In obvious pain he whispers, “Nicole is inside. She took out four targets but two got away.”

“No they didn’t. And don’t you dare bleed to death. I am not explaining that to your grandmother and sisters.”

I yank some sheets off of a housekeeping trolley nearby and toss them at Tower, hoping he can stop his own bleeding as I had a duty to the students to secure their safety. I go through the doorway low, after making sure Nicole isn’t going to fire on me, only to find that Nicole herself is injured but trying to cover what is going on outside the broken window. I crawl over and see more men coming up ropes. Using one of the guns I was carrying, I make them not coming up the rope. Take that however you want to. Then, with Nicole’s instruction on how to operate it, I send a very accurate gas propelled grenade down to the position where the ropes were attached on the supposed pirate boat destroying any further ability to use ropes.

“What is that thing? I’ve never seen a boat like it except in the movies.” I asked while trying to decide what science fiction movie I have seen the pirates’ ship in.

“Houbei class fast attack missile craft,” Nicole says while she tries to tie off an injury on her arm as I covered any further attempts at entry into the area.

The Houbei rode very low in the water with the same type of weird angles as a stealth fighter jet. It was painted in a gray digi camo pattern that was more than a little hard on my eyes.

“Can you go check Tower?” I asked. “I got him turned on his side, but he was looking bad. I don’t know if he slowed the bleeding or not.”

“You sure you’re up for this Chief?” Nicole was a female version of Army Special Forces. “My arm is useless. Think the bastards nicked the bone so my aim is going to be shit.”

“Go. Where are the kids?”

“Barricaded in those sound booths. That nanny of Diplomat Baird’s is in there as well. She’s who did for that one,” she said motioning to a pirate whose head wasn’t the right shape lying next to a microscope that obviously hadn’t been used gently. “Baird’s secretary is in there too. She’s a tough bird but she took some slapping around before the nanny dented that one’s headbone.”

“Fine, they can stay there. Go check on Tower and make a verbal report please. My camera doesn’t seem to be connecting.” It was, but the notification light was broken. Support was already on the way though I wasn’t to know it then.

Right after Nicole left to go check on Tower, and secure that direction from becoming a second point of entry, I noticed another wave of pirates trying to come aboard. I poured an entire magazine of 7.62×39mm into those men, picked up the other gun and poured the remainder of that magazine into a hatch left open on the upper deck during the first barrage. I later found out that ricochets from my bullets had done just enough damage, at the same time that our people from other vantage points also returned fire, that there was momentary chaos on the bridge of the other ship. That in turn gave the military aboard our ship time to mount a counter boarding by tossing in a couple of smoke grenades that were laced with eye and lung irritants. Unfortunately, another stealth ship came out of the fog and if our people hadn’t jumped overboard they would have been shanghaied when the two ships escaped.

Chaos reigned for nearly an hour as the ship was searched from top to bottom. Several more “pirates” were found but they had all been terminated during the attempted boarding so none were left alive to be questioned. As I understand it, a small plane had gone down roughly a hundred miles south of our position drawing away two of the ships that had been our assigned escort. The third ship gave aid but it was mostly our own defenses that saved more damage.

Water canons. That’s right happy campers. We have water canons. Why didn’t I know that? They’d initially repelled the second ship that came back around to help the first ship escape. One of those two ships, it is above my pay grade to know which one, was later disabled by our escort using a “sound gun.” It is a non-lethal laser cannon that can be used against moving targets more than a mile away. I heard rumors that someone on the ship “pulled a pin” and by the time the boat was reached it was already burning down to the waterline with, it is assumed, no survivors. That’s when I discovered our “pirates” were not likely to be pirates except that it was possible they’d been after hostages for profit. We may never know though it is “under investigation.”

The attack happened on the morning of the 8th. The 9th was clean up and an amazing amount of repair work was accomplished even with all nonessential personnel told to remain in their quarters. There really wasn’t as much damage as could have occurred. The worst non-cosmetic damage was the forward window in the education area. A few places on the main deck need more than spit and polish but it was easy to camouflage what couldn’t be repaired.

You would think that we’d have more problems with the reporters riding with us but those personnel that knew what really happened were ordered to maintain silence on the matter until (if) a statement is issued. Nearly everyone else, students who were witnesses included, assumed that it actually was a pirate attack.

Our sickbay is full, but I don’t think anyone is going to be removed tomorrow in Cork. Vit spent a few hours in there before he was released. He tried to help Yegor clean up in Communications but the two of them put together didn’t make a whole man. Vit was slightly nauseous and his balance was questionable. Yegor’s leg was in a brace and a couple of his toes on that foot were taped together and painful. Essentially Polina assigned me to be their gopher to keep them productive but out from underfoot while other personnel swept up and made our attackers hadn’t left anything behind. Security was so tight that night and all day on the 9th that they called me in to take rotations and replace the injured.

I was signing out the evening of the 9th when Henry found me. Before he could say anything I asked, “How are the Bairds?”

He nodded and asked if I had a moment. I followed him back to the office expecting to find a mess to clean up and … nothing. Even my teacup was right where I had left it. The fighting had been localized into other parts of the ship.

“Is it Barney?” I asked growing alarmed at her absence. “Is she still in sickbay?”

“No. She’d be here herself except there’s a fair mess she’s helping Mr. Baird work through. I won’t take much of your time just … we all want to thank you for going for the children so quickly. Edda and Sofia told us. And Barney … she’s shocked at what Sofia did. She … well … don’t reckon anyone realized how far the young lady was willing to go to protect the children … and the family. And then there’s you.”

“Oh. I was just …”

“Doing your job.” He nodded. “Still, from me to you, there’s ever anything you need … anything … you let me know. Barney … she’s … I’m …”

I couldn’t let him lose his English equanimity so I said it for him. “Barney is special. We can leave it at that.”

He nodded and sniffed. “You just remember what I said. Baird says he’s going to have a word with Vit. So, you’d best have told him all of it.”

I rolled my eyes. “As if I could ever hide anything from him. He can read me like a book.”

Henry got a look on his face then a brief naughty grin. “Keep tellin’ him that. He might actually start believing it someday.”

I finally made it back to the cabin to find Vit looking at a bottle of vodka before putting it back and grabbing a bottle of the blueberry wine I’d brought on ship in Halifax.

“Mmmm. Looks about perfect. Want me to put out some snacks to go with it?”

“YA vzhe mayu.” He said meaning he already had.

“How’s the headache?” I asked him.

“Gone. And before you have to wonder, I am cleared to drink alcohol only I think I will stick to a small glass of this wine. You?”

“The same. And that cheese and cracker plate if you’re sharing.”

“I am.”

He was so solemn I snorted. “I take it Mr. Baird has already been by.”

“Called. You as well?”

“Oh they sent Henry to do their dirty work.”

“Hm?”

“I was doing my job Vit. That’s all. Yes it mattered that Edda and the rest were in danger but … but it was mostly me not wanting a repeat of the O’Meg. I couldn’t say that to him however. Do you understand though?”

He seemed to relax. “Yes. I am glad you spoke with me before I heard it from Baird. He was … emotional. I think he too was thinking of the O’Meg.” Sighing and showing how tired he was he said, “I must say a thing …”

“If it is about the family being kept in the dark, Polina has already explained. And I don’t disagree with her. I will call Dylan tomorrow and give him a little something to work with but not everything. If he finds out more, through official channels, later it will be too late to spill the beans to the rest of them.”

“You are fine with this? Can live with it?”

“I’m not fine precisely but given what they think it may have been? We have a duty to the Peace Mission. And this is our job, one we took willingly. So, while I’m not fine with what happened, I do understand that full transparency isn’t possible at this time, perhaps never.”

Vit relaxed completely and after a half glass of wine and some snacks he was ready to sleep. So was I. I woke up on the 10th to find we both had most of the day off and we enjoyed it by sleeping on and off for those hours. We did talk a bit here and there, making sure we were both well and not having bad dreams. I’m surprised I didn’t. Maybe the O’Meg experience changed me more than I’ve given it credit for doing. We also discussed that we haven’t really been accumulating anything to take home with us beyond bottles for Vit’s collection and replacements for our normal supplies once used up. Yes, a few odds and ends of other things but nothing significant. Now that we have secured our home, it is time to fill it.

Dylan has said that he will help us as he can for shipping things home as he is in agreement that we should do what we can, while we can. I don’t know what he has heard concerning the latest election cycle but even those of us on the Peace Mission are being affected by changing economies. I also spent some of the down time creating the promised walking tour that will be on the 13th. There has been a change in plans for the students. The minors on board the B will have counselors come on board to determine their emotional health. The younger children will have them the 12th in Cork, the older ones the 13th in Dublin. Tomorrow I will take those secondary students whose parents are allowing them off ship on a short orientation walk of the city. I am on call after that so I’m not sure what that will mean. Beyond that I’m finally wound down enough to sleep so good night.

 

[Lake Lili]

Thanks Kathy! Looking forward to MOAR!!!

Lili

 

[Mr Bill]

Too much excitement for sure.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 198: Aug 12 – Cork, Ireland

Despite it only being three days since the repelled boarding everyone is acting normal … or as normal as things ever get for the Peace Mission. It was a 48-hour wonder and then it faded into history as barely a footnote, the kind no one bothers to read. Nor was the repelled boarding reported to any news media. You read that correctly. The repelled boarding was not reported to the news media. Not even in the society section. And because the Mission is considered some kind of security mandated super hush-hush, even when it was reported to the maritime authorities, it was kept hidden from the general public’s access.

The news media on board the B had been locked in their windowless interior cabins so didn’t really know how serious the attack was. Those who did, weren’t talking; I’m not sure if it is by choice on not. The students that had been in the education center were all sworn to keep their mouths closed. Al even threatened to spend the rest of his life dogging any of his peers that talked; he is concerned any notoriety would endanger his family. It was interesting to note that he included Sofia Rossi who was holding Ellie, as well as Barney and Henry under his umbrella of “family.” Charlie would say the boy has been eating his Wheaties lately.

Vit and I discussed how to move forward. We don’t really have a choice, I mean we do but realistically we don’t, and we’ve agreed that we can speak with each other if the need arises, otherwise we will simply file it under “life lessons” and put it with the O’Meg memories. So, while I’m not belittling or blowing off what happened, I think it best to leave any other references to the incident out of my journal, and never have it appear on my blog/vlog. Whoever they were, they lost this round. I refuse to turn them into some all-powerful boogey man that keeps me up at night. I did what I did to protect other people the same as on the O’Meg. It is awful and I wish it had not happened, but it was their choice to act as they did and my responsibility to keep people from harm. I’ll live with what I’ve done, I just don’t want another repeat.

On that note, I got the oddest “thank you” from Human Resources. My new uniform shoes are now Skechers. I made a request roughly a million years ago for something besides the concrete blocks that came with my uniform in the beginning. It is a matter of safety as well as comfort when I am shepherding shore excursions. From what I understand from Polina the footage (yes, a pun) got around of me in my yoga gear “terminating” those that boarded the ship (yes, I know I said I wouldn’t mention it again, this is the last time, I swear). It was agreed that I could have two pair of Skecher shoes for the duration. I feel like I could walk all day … and in fact, today I almost did.

I started the morning with a basic city orientation walk, first at the National Monument that bears a stark resemblance to the Holy Trinity Church. It was unveiled in 1906 and is a tribute to the Irish patriots involved in the revolts of 1798, 1803, 1848 and 1867. The monument was chosen to be erected at the junction of Grand Parade and South Mall that was previously occupied by the statue of King George II. There’s a reason for that which you can imagine.

From that point our guide moved us on to Nano Nagle Bridge. Built over the River Lee, the bridge connects Grand Parade Street and Sullivan's Quay and was built as one of the many structures to mark the 800th anniversary of Cork being given the status of a city. The area is one of the city's most scenic locations and the bridge definitely adds an artistic touch. Like many other structures in the city, the Nano Nagle Bridge has a story attached to it. The Nano Nagle Bridge is named after Honora Nano Nagle, the founder of the 'Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary'. Born in 1718, Honora is ranked quite high in the list of the greatest women in Irish history. Despite being born in a strict Protestant English era, the Nagle family stayed rooted in their Catholic faith. Since education was denied to anyone that refused to convert, the family moved to France so their children could receive an education. On completing her education, Honora returned to Ireland and dedicated her life to helping and educating the poor. In Ireland you walk a fine line when it comes to politics. The stories our guide was telling us had morals, but we also had to be careful not to bring up the old hurts as even years on families are still healing.

Next point on this leg of our tour was the Cork City Club building. The Cork City Club is one of the most beautiful buildings on the street due to its ornate architecture. Where the building now stands there was one a mid-eighteenth century Post Office. Once an exclusive gentlemen’s club with a handsome interior and facilities like a billiards room, cards room, reading room etc.; since 1952 the building has been used by such organizations as the Legion in the diocese of Cork, the ICC bank, and later the Bank of Scotland.

Turning onto Oliver Plunkett Street (Irish translation: Sráid Olibhéir Pluincéid) we walked down a main shopping street in Cork. It was originally planned in the early 18th century as one of the first areas to expand eastwards beyond the original city walls. With the exception of the secondary entrance to the main department store, most retailers on the street remain the small standalone retailers of yesteryear. However, there are a growing number of chain retailers that operate smaller stores too, and depending on who you speak with the opinion on this can vary widely. A small lane, known as Market Lane, provides access to the English Market, a location we visited later.

Berwick Fountain was another architectural delights on our tour with stories that run back well in the history of the city. Built in 1860, the story goes that a certain Judge Berwick was very popular amongst Corkonians and the people of the county and became even more so when joined the bankruptcy court. In appreciation for the people’s gratitude he presented the fountain to the city. In other words, a politician by any other name. Although regarded as a symbol of gratitude and beauty in the city, the Berwick fountain has had its share of problems. In the nineteenth century, the water supply in the city was frequently interrupted rendering the fountain filthy and unfit for display. Today it is a common landmark that people use to meet at.

We took a short walk in Bishop Lucey Park, a huge reservoir of historical and archaeological wealth, before heading to the English Market. During the development of the park in the mid-1980s archaeologist found a stone wall that was believed to be the remains of Hopewell Castle, one of the defense towers of the city. They also found shards of Pottery from Normandy and other items that dated back to the 17th century. These items now reside in the Cork Public Museum and the students were assigned the task of picking one of the items on display and writing a report on it.

The English Market (Irish: 'Sean-Mhargadh na Sacsan'), now more properly known as Princes Street Market, is a municipal food market. Not only is it frequented by locals, it has become a tourist attraction in and of itself. The term 'English Market' was coined to distinguish the market from the nearby St. Peter's Market (now the site of the Bodega on Cornmarket Street), which was known as the 'Irish Market'. There has been a market on that site since at least 1788. The market is best known for its daily caught fresh fish, and butchers and is the source of most of the food served in the city's top restaurants. It is also a source for local specialties such as Drisheen, spiced beef, and buttered eggs.

And then we shopped some more when we went to Queen’s Old Castle. Contrary to its name, Queen’s Old Castle is actually a departmental store. What is interesting to know, is that it actually stands on the site of the King’s Castle, a fortress designed to protect the port of Cork. Historical records state that the site was known as the King’s Castle from 1206 to 1835. In 1835, William Fitzgibbon, developed the site into a department store and named it Queen’s Castle, reportedly to honor Queen Victoria. The next name change came in 1980 and it has remained thus despite multiple economic downturns affecting the stores and owners.

Our guide continued our tour taking us to such locations as Saint Peter and Paul’s Church, St. Patrick’s Street, the Father Matthew Statue, the Shandon District, and one of the more unusual sites I’ve been to, the Cork Butter Museum. The Museum tells about the prominence of the traditional craft of domestic butter making and today's popularity of the Kerrygold brand.

That was our first two hours on shore. Our next two hours focused on Cork’s medieval and modern structures. St. Francis Church, the main Courthouse, Saint Augustine’s Church, Christ Church, Red Abbey, St. Fin Barre’s Church, Lough Parrish Church, and Lough Park were among the places we passed by. The students were ready for lunch and I quickly got them back to the dock and through security and returned them to their parents or caretakers. The rest of the day would be a quiet one for them. For me? I was to escort a group of adults back to the shopping area of the English Market and then anywhere else they wanted to go.

I was surprised to receive a bit of a bonus (combat pay) from Mr. Baird’s office. When I started to say something Henry harrumphed and said, “Don’t be daft girl. Take it and spread some economic cheer.” So that’s what I did, and I spent what I did on locally made products.

It didn’t make a ton of sense, but I bought some Kerrygold butter and some Kerrygold Dubliner cheese wedges. I figure that Vit and I could have a “picnic” on some morning that we are both off at the same time. It certainly seemed to make the shopkeepers happy to have me ask specifically for Irish products.

I decided to make a bit of a game out of it for Vit. I got two Club Orange Sodas and two Cidona apple sodas, some Cheese and Onion Tayto Crisps, a bottle of YR Brown Sauce and Ballymaloe Relish for Vit’s burgers, Gubbeen Cheese for our fruit tray, a package of smoked salmon, and enough Tic Tacs that it will be a long time ‘til Vit runs out. Yes, Tic Tacs are manufactured in Ireland.

To show my practical side I got several boxes of Barry’s brand tea and because it was just different, and I needed toothpaste anyway I got national brands called Euthymol and a variety pack of Marvis toothpastes. I must say The first one tasted rather … hmmm … medicinal. I still haven’t decided if it tastes like rootbeer-flavored medicine or medicine flavored rootbeer. The Marvis was just as … er … odd. The flavors in the variety pack ranged from sweet to savory to oddly enough … uh … spicy. The faces I was making when I taste tested them earlier kept Vit entertained for several minutes. Yay me.

Lastly, I grabbed some bars of Belfast Soap. It is a handmade soap and certainly pricier than grabbing a bar of Dial or Dove but the smell was divine, especially the orange face soap. Vit has already laid claim to the cedarwood and pine bar. And while particular about his shaving soap, he’s willing to give the one I brought him a try. I hope he likes it because there are several more tucked away to match that one.

The rest of the group were less practical, but I didn’t hold it against them. I’d already been to Ireland and still have some pretties packed away in Pembroke. I just hope the crystal hasn’t gotten broken in all the moving and storage. One woman came ashore to expressly purchase candles. Rathbornes Candles. A little odd but apparently she is a candle aficionado and has been picking them up in nearly every port since the beginning. Established in Dublin during the 1400s when candles were used for street lighting, the world’s oldest candle company, Rathbornes, now sells luxury, handmade candles that feature beautiful fragrances inspired by Irish roses, herbal combinations of mint and thyme, and the bark of Irish trees. Honestly, I sound like a sales clerk but I was reading off the advertisement I picked up. They did smell good but sorry, I just couldn’t justify the price even though I love candles as well.

Several people were after pieces of Waterford Crystal. Again, I couldn’t justify the expenditure this time around when I had some waiting for me back home. I made the mistake of showing Vit Ebay and Etsy when we were first married. I suspect that is where some of the pirate booty went if you want to know the truth. For a while there, packages were coming to the house nearly every day.

I did pick up a couple of nice linen tea towels. One of the ones that I’d bought when I worked with the Marchands was ruined when I grabbed it to stop the blood one time when glass shattered in my hand. I cried at that nearly as much as when I found out what the doctor bill was from where I had to go for stitches because Derrick had been in Jacksonville dealing with the Lena situation. Derrick was just as upset and blamed himself until Vit said that cost did not matter so long as Derrick thought the other doctors did a good job. That shut Derrick and Charlie up fast. Vit had meant to get me a replacement for the towel but we’d started having money issues due to the house repairs and there were other needs that had to be taken care of first, including the assistance of an immigration lawyer.

On the way back through the cruise port I stopped at the duty-free shop and picked up a gift set of Butler's Irish Chocolate & Irish Homemade Jams. I also picked up a variety pack of Irish Cream Liqueurs, including Bailey’s, Carolan’s, O’Mara’s, Ashourne & Bushmill’s.

Once again back at the ship, I stopped by the cabin to drop off my purchases before heading to security. I finished up my reports and then headed to the cabin only to be surprised that Vit was off work.

“Hello Handsome,” I told him. He smiled letting me know he was in a good mood. “You like?” I asked him as I watched him pour a small shot of the O’Mara’s.

He took a sip then walked over and kissed me deeply. I tasted the liqueur and it was quite potent. In a husky whisper he asked, “You like?”

“Very much.”

Instead of going any further which was a little disappointing if you must know the truth, he grinned at my pout and pointed to the bed.

“Vit?”

He chuckled. “I had a couple of hours and I have not gotten you a surprise in too long.”

I carefully opened the bag and was nearly scandalized to find he purchased me several Irish lace night gowns. “Vit! Our budget!”

“You are not the only one that got that ‘combat pay’ bonus from Baird. It is a good thing Kokhana so do not do the fussing. The American dollar is very high right now, higher than it was even a few months ago. The exchange rate was quite good and the merchants gave even better deals since I paid with the debit card and they did not have to pay credit card fees.”

I had wondered at how the amount on my card didn’t seem to go down as much as I expected after each purchase. “But still …”

“Nii with your but stills. Dylan says to not expect the exchange rate to stay so good and that we should take advantage of it while we can.”

I glance over and saw what I took to be several dress boxes. Cautiously I asked, “Vit … what are in those?”

He got a wicked grin on his face further raising my suspicions. When I opened them my mouth fell open. “Oh … Vit.”

He kissed me again. “I do like it when you say my name like that.” He kissed my neck but before he could get distracted he said, “I wish you to have beautiful things, not just practical.”

Not only am I now the proud owner of new nightgowns, the lingerie that Vit purchased certainly reminded me that he was a man of the world before we came together. The dainties are not something I can ever show to anyone else, so handwashing is in my future. I was thankful to see he also got himself several linen shirts, and a couple summer weight linen sun dresses for me for when we return to Florida. When I finally figured out the pricing, the discounts he got were indeed very, very good.

And yes, I modeled the presents but it wasn’t long before he slept. He won’t admit it, but he is still recovering from the incident I am trying to not bring up yet again. At least the swelling is going down but the bruising is worse. Of course it will be because bruising always seems to trail recovery. Hopefully he will let me put some curcumin salve on him in the morning

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 199: Aug 13 – Dublin, Ireland (Part 1)

I will admit I got a bit nostalgic today remembering the last time I was in Dublin and how Frankie and I had a wonderful time despite it being a rainy day. I still have the Croc boots, rather worse for wear due to use in the garden at Pembroke, and it is probably my one piece of wardrobe that Vit looks askance at. I sent them home in Miami, but I miss them. Silly but true.

There were only six people on the excursion today. It was a four to two ratio. One of the young men was the “boyfriend” of Gina, the “non-sister” female. The other seemed to be along for the ride simply because he wanted off the ship for a while and was a friend of the other male. With only six I knew we’d be able to move faster so I decided to start the day with the Book Kells and Dublin Castle.

The tickets I’d managed to pick up online were for early access, so we managed to avoid the worst of the day’s crowds. The Book of Kells, a 9th Century artifact, was described in the 1007 Historical records of Ulster as 'the most precious object in the western world'. The cultural and historical value of the Book of Kells has only increased in the millennium since. It is an exquisite work of art that has stood for 1,200 years as the greatest example of medieval illumination. Dolly, showing her interest in art asked me, “What exactly is ‘illumination’? I know it is like turning letters into pictures but, why?”

“Well, according to some articles that I’ve read online, Illumination of manuscripts started around 500 AD. It is a form of illustration. Wealthy sponsors wanted something that stood out since they were paying for silver and gold as part of the process. It was also used as a way to help the illiterate understand what the manuscript was about. And you tell me … are you more likely to value a piece of paper with writing you could not read or understand, or a piece of paper that may have had words on it you couldn’t understand but also had beautiful art intertwined with some of the words?”

“Oh. But …”

“Say between 500 and 1100 AD most of the illuminated manuscripts were created in monasteries. It meant that manuscripts were almost solely the property of the Church, or only extremely wealthy families who treated them like heirlooms. By the 1300s manuscripts had grown so much, had become status symbols to a certain extent, that the demand outstripped the monasteries’ ability to keep up. The wealthy became able to contract with secular individuals who worked in private scriptoriums, a more commercialized venture, to create the illuminated documents. It was very labor intensive. However, when the printing press was invented in 1439, access to the written word was no longer only available to the wealthy and illumination went out of fashion. Although …”

“Although?”

“My parents were adamant that all of their children … adopted, fostered, or biological … be more than just literate enough to get by. When I first came to live with them, my eyesight was very poor. While television fascinated me I couldn’t stand the noise at first. It frightened me. My Poppa … my father … he would pull out some old Mother Goose story books from the 1950s and 60s. They were a bit like what people used to call coffee-table books. Big, hardbound books and inside I can remember tracing the large, ornate letters that started each story in the books. I learned, based on remembering the picture letters what each story was even before I could read … before I even learned to speak English.”

Dolly was going to ask more questions but about that time our guide showed up. He was a good one, a college student set to impress his peers, and he delved into Book of Kells’ rich ornamentation and explained its dense symbolism and meaning and its merit as an artistic masterpiece but more completely that I would have been able to.

Immediately afterwards I made time for the gang to shop at Trinity’s Old Library. They were definitely in the mood to spread some economic cheer and purchased several items from coffee mugs with selected images, to popular or scholarly works on the book, and even complete facsimile editions of the whole Book of Kells.

From there our guide took us to the Library itself which is Europe's largest vaulted library located above the Treasury where the Book of Kells is displayed. The Old Library is a “must see” on the itinerary of many visitors to Dublin. Located in the grounds of Trinity College visitors are “immersed” in the 18th century, when the Old Library building was constructed. Our guide also led us upstairs to the magnificent Long Room which houses 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books in oak bookcases. One of the young men said it reminded him of Hogwarts. Hmmm. Well I suppose though I would say that “Hogwarts” was more a reminder of the Old Library. While there, we were also privileged to see one of the few remaining original copies of the Irish Declaration of Independence as well as a 15th century copy of the biography about 11th century Irish Warrior, High King, and Emperor "Brian Boru".

“Ireland had an Emperor?!”

“Yes,” I explained. “He is said to have ended the Viking raids on Irish soil.”

“Isn’t he like a King Arthur type?”

“Not if you mean he is an amalgamation of various rulers. He was a real person who reined from about 1000 to 1014 and only died after a betrayal of a comrade that resulted in a great battle. Brian Boru is the founder of the O’Brians and was written about contemporaneously by other countries.”

Our guide smiled in agreement at my explanation then took us for a fascinating tour of Dublin Castle in the heart of historic Dublin. Originally built in the 13th century on a site previously settled by the Vikings – the ones that Brian Boru kicked out – the castle functioned as a military fortress, a prison, treasury, courts of law and the seat of English Administration in Ireland for 700 years. Not always peacefully however. It was rebuilt nearly every century including in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Our guide took us to see the original 13th century Record & Octagonal Towers, the Upper & Lower State Yards and their architectural highlights. The guide was an expert story teller who told incredible tales of intrigue and mystery, too many for me to recount here. After the castle we spent some time to visit the Castle Gardens, which is the very location where the first Vikings landed in Dublin in 795 AD. Today it is primarily a Celtic-inspired landscaped lawn.

We bid our guide adieu at the Molly Malone Statue, which is located in front of the Saint Andrew's Church Tourist Office luckily enough. It was there I picked up tickets for the remainder of our day. The song 'Cockles and Mussels' has become a sort of unofficial anthem of Dublin city, at least for tourists. The song's tragic heroine Molly Malone has come to stand as one of the most familiar symbols of the capital. Though regularly upheld as a traditional Irish ballad, it is not known for certain where the song originated, or if Molly Malone ever actually existed. An older version of the song was discovered which, by the day’s standard, was rather risqué leading some to suspect that Molly was a prostitute as well as a fishmonger. As a result, she remains something of a mystery. She made the transition to urban legend towards the end of the 20th century, when claims that she was a real person who lived in the 17th century became popular. After a Mary Malone (the name Molly is a nickname for the proper name Mary or Margaret) was discovered to have died in Dublin on June 13th, 1699, the day was enthusiastically named Molly Malone Day by the Dublin Millennium Commission, and in 1988 the statue of her was unveiled to the public.

I asked if anyone needed tea or something and they said no though one of the young men asked if they could stop at a real Irish pub later on. I said, “Depends on the pub and our time but I’m not against it. But I’m not hauling anyone back on ship that is … uh hm … worse for wear, so keep that in mind. I’m supposed to be keeping you safe, not leading you down the primrose path.” Of course that necessitated a translation which everyone laughed about but it got us going and the young men less reluctant for the “educational” part of the tour.

“Today we are going to visit sites that are connected to W.B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett, all of whom are Nobel laureates. I’ve also added some unsung heroes of Irish literature like Brendan Behan, Bram Stoker, Rodd Doyle, Sheridan Le Fanu, Christy Brown. And the Big Dublin Daddy of them all, James Joyce, who in his “Dubliners” and “Ulysses” made the city immortal. At the end of our tour we’ll be near the Dublin Writers Museum, and they have an excellent bookshop at the rear you can go into without paying the entrance fee. And because both students and tourists use the bookshop, they have some economy volumes available which is always a plus.”

“Wait, did you say Bram Stoker?”

I smiled at Gigi and nodded. “Joyce and Beckett may leave you a bit puzzled, Stoker and Le Fanu a bit nervous, Behan may make the lads a bit thirsty. So let’s be off.”

I began the tour by recalling some of the events described in James Joyce’s “Ulysses”. Joyce first met Nora Barnacle on the evening of June 16th, 1904 and immortalized that event by setting all the action of “Ulysses” on that same day.

“Finns Hotel, where Nora Barnacle worked, can be seen on the left in South Leinster Street. It is the first building after Trinity College and the name “Finn’s Hotel” is still clearly visible though it is many years since it operated as a hotel. Leopold Bloom is the central character in Ulysses and his wife, Molly, is thought to have been largely based on Nora. June 16th has ever since been called “Bloomsday” and it is widely celebrated as a local holiday in Dublin.”

I wouldn’t call the gang suitably impressed, but at least they weren’t bored. They were certainly taking a lot of pictures and I kept them supplied with snacks from my backpack, a fact they all seemed fascinated with. It wasn’t like the “magic backpack” but it certainly made for a convivial time for them, which is what I was going for.

Another location, Lincoln Place, featured in the book and it was in Sweny’s Chemists shop that Bloom bought a cake of lemon soap for four pence before he visited the public baths which were across the road.

“I thought it was only Romans that had public baths.”

I shook my head. “You have to remember you live in an age of modern plumbing and sewer. Even in the early 20th century, few people had such conveniences in their homes. Thus, the public bath house and similar such establishments were in common use out of necessity.”

The shop today is physically more or less unchanged, and many Dubliners make a point of buying lemon soap there each Bloomsday though it costs a bit more than the four pence Bloom paid in 1904. We all dutifully trooped in and yes, we all bought some lemon soap. It was a splurge on my part but worth it. The soap is currently sitting in my lingerie drawer perfuming everything. Vit was naughty when he discovered what I’d done. I will leave it there and let the readers’ imagination go where it will. However, I will say that lemonade did make it into the conversation.

“Another writer associated with this part of Dublin is the famous playwright Oscar Wilde. Oscar was born in Westland Row in 1854, and the following year the Wilde family moved to Merrion Square. Oscar’s father was Sir William Wilde a widely respected eye surgeon and philanthropist of the time. Wilde’s mother was a prominent poet who wrote using the pen-name Speranza and her house served as a literary salon that was attended by many famous Dublin literary figures. Oscar was a brilliant student when he attended Trinity College and won a scholarship to Oxford where he continued his studies. While there he attracted much attention for his extravagant dress and behavior and went on to become an outstanding figure on the London social scene.”

I gave them a brief history of Wilde, including some of the grittier content of the biographies written about him. Unfortunately, despite the brilliance of such works as The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde tended to be as much of a character as those he created. It was obvious that he was terribly conflicted in several areas, not the least of which was the fact that most of his life he was an atheist, but reportedly converted on his death bed to Catholicism. He died too young, at the age of 46, after contracting meningitis.

“There is a statue of Oscar across the road in the park. Wilde wrote eight plays in all of which The Importance of being Earnest is probably the most famous. He also wrote many poems, essays, and a famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. In later years he ran into trouble on account of his flouting of Victorian conventions and especially over his relationship with the young Lord Alfred Douglas. This ultimately led to his social downfall and, after a series of high-profile trials, he was imprisoned for two years. In 1897 he left England for France and died in Paris in 1900.”

The Dermot Morgan seat in the park was erected as a tribute to the memory of Dermot Morgan of Father Ted fame; he also featured in a weekly radio show called Scrap Saturday. The radio show was ultimately taken off the due to its unmerciful satirizing of local and national politicians.

Also within the Park is a bust commemorating Michael Collins, one of the great figures in the struggle for Irish independence; he was shot dead while visiting Cork in 1922 during the course of the Civil War which followed the Anglo-Irish treaty. This conflict was caused when a rift developed between those in favor of accepting the Treaty and those who were opposed to the Treaty on the grounds that it was incomplete and not a satisfactory settlement. Actor Liam Neeson, himself an Irishman, played the part of Michael Collins in the biographical movie based on his life.

At our next stop I once again took up a narrative. “Merrion Square is considered to be the finest example of a Georgian square in this city. It is famous for its architecture, the excellent state of its presentation, and the variety of its fanlights and doorways. The poet, W B Yeats lived at No 82 from 1922 to 1928. Yeats was one of the foremost poets of the 20th Century who was also very much involved with the Irish Literary Revival and a leading figure in the founding of the Abbey Theatre. In addition to being an eminent poet, Yeats was a prolific playwright. In 1923 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, the first Irishman to be so honored. There have been three other Irish winners of Nobel Prizes for Literature: George Bernard Shaw (1925), Samuel Beckett (1969) and Seamus Heaney (1995).”

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 199 - Part 2

I kept the gang moving so they wouldn’t start yawning. I know literature isn’t terribly exciting on its own, so I tried to include points of historical interest as well. “Leinster House, the national Parliament building since 1922, is located in Merrion Square just over there. It was built in 1745 and was originally the town house of the Dukes of Leinster. It then passed to the Royal Dublin Society who used it as headquarters. The Society added four more buildings to showcase the cultural and industrial activities of Ireland: the Natural History Museum, the National Art Gallery, the National Library and the National Museum, one at each of the four corners of Leinster House.”

The National Art Gallery contains a number of outstanding paintings. Firstly, the Caravaggio painting “The Taking of Christ”, a world-famous classic which went “missing” for many years before it was discovered in 1993. The Gallery also has an outstanding Vermeer painting of the girl and the letter. The Gallery has been a substantial beneficiary under the Will of George Bernard Shaw and continues to be as Shaw left a significant slice of Royalty income earned by his plays to the Gallery. These became extremely valuable when the musical “My Fair Lady” became a huge Broadway hit in the 1960’s, the musical was based on his play “Pygmalion”.

While I could have continued explaining about the other three museums I decided to head on since “the lads” were getting a bit distracted.

The 17th Century Huguenot Cemetery is located on Merrion Row. The Huguenots were Protestant refugees who fled France in 1572 after the St Bartholomew’s Day massacre. Many of them settled in Dublin and one of the 239 people buried in this ancient cemetery is named Becquett, an ancestor of the playwright Samuel Beckett of Waiting for Godot fame. Beckett was a student in Trinity College and later worked there as a member of the teaching staff until the late 1930’s when he left Dublin for Paris where he was a member of the group of writers associated with James Joyce. He remained in Paris during World War II doing humanitarian work as a hospital orderly and is buried in Montparnasse Cemetery not far from Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

“The statue at the entrance to St Stephen’s Green is of Wolfe Tone, leader of the 1798 Rebellion. He spent some time in France and was inspired by the French Revolution and wanted to see the same thing happen in Ireland. Including the guillotine. The Green itself was a gift from Lord Ardilaun, a member of the Guinness brewing family, to the City of Dublin. Shelbourne Hotel has a Constitution Room where the Constitution of Ireland was drafted in 1922 and the upstairs room has been preserved unaltered since that date on account of its historical importance.

I knew then the gang had reached their tolerance level. “Okay, class dismissed.”

While I could tell most were relieved Gigi said, “Gawd we have to go back to the ship.”

I shrugged, “Not necessarily. I mean you can, but I have tickets for …”

The sisters all laughed at the surprise on the other three faces. “Told you,” Jules said. “Veta gets it.”

I chuckled. “I’m not that much older than you. And look, it is a little tacky, very touristy, but it can be as fun as you allow it to be. If anyone asks, just say you did it for the historical perspective.”

We made our way to a venue called “Vault’s Live.” It is housed in a refurbished Victorian schoolhouse. You start on the 4th floor, with views over Dublin's oldest neighborhood, then spent the next hour touring through six separate stage sets. Professional actors immerse each tour group in diverse stories inspired by characters from Irish history, myth and legend. At the end we stopped in “Molly's Parlour” for a bit of “pub experience” and then headed back to the ship.

They were all laughing as we made our way up the gangway and I smiled at Vit who was waiting.

“The day was good?”

“Very good. And I already finished writing my report and just need to drop it off.”

He grinned and we decided to grab salads and eat out on the deck since the weather was nice. Back in the cabin Vit frowned. “You did not get your cards.”

“I have them from when I was here before. I did take quite a few pictures.”

“You will upload them while I look at maintenance logs?”

I nodded and he seemed to relax. I don’t know why he insists on wondering if I am denying myself because I do not think he can provide … oh I’m not sure how to explain it. It may always be a bit of an issue, I just need to make sure it doesn’t become an oversized one. He bought me a beautiful Trinity College scarf but was embarrassed that he bought himself a tweed cap. It took some convincing, and a little silliness on my part, for him to not be ashamed that he’d bought the cap. And that’s when he noticed the lemon soap. Which caused a bit of a delay in what we had planned for the evening, but a pleasant one.

I believe that the photos are now all properly uploaded and labeled on the blog/vlog. I won’t publish them yet, probably not for a few more days. Tomorrow is Glasgow, Scotland and the day after a sea day. I will have to see. We are all under orders to not advertise the Mission’s schedule beyond what comes out of our own media office. I’ll either post them on the sea day or wait until we hit Norway.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 200: Aug 14 – Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland. The name is said to come from a Celtic word Glas-cu, which means 'dear Green place'. The city was probably founded by the Christian missionary Kentigern, better known by the name Saint Mungo; he’s the patron saint of the University. When the founded the university in 1451 (the fourth in the UK), Glasgow started to grow and become more important. It was the seat of the arch-bishop and received city status in 1492. It was also an important harbor city, especially from the seventeenth century onwards.

In the Victorian age (the 19th century), the population grew exponentially due to large groups of workers moving to the city for jobs, especially from Ireland during the famine of the 1840s. Glasgow was an important industrial city by that time, and remained so until the second world war. It was especially famous for its shipbuilding. During te late 19th and early 20th centuries the wealth of the city was put into rebuilding and renovating the city’s design. The grid-like form of the current city with the five-story historical buildings on nearly every street derives mainly from the 19th century.

During the second world war Glasgow was bombed several times because it produced war ships and weapons. The factories at the River Clyde were seriously damaged by an air raid in 1941. Despite this, the city remained an important location for producing weapons until the end of the war, and afterwards was rebuilt during the 1940s and 50s. Then the city began to feel an economic downturn fueled by a lack of innovation and investments in the 1960s. The shipbuilding industry declined, and unemployment climbed rapidly bringing with it social problems that remain with the city even today. Nowadays, many people work in shops and businesses of every kind but few of the high-paying industrial jobs remain. Glasgow has the reputation of violence and industrial greyness that it can’t seem to shake regardless of the government programs tried over and over.

In contrast to its lower education average and higher social problems, Glasgow has not one, but four universities. The oldest is of course the University of Glasgow (founded in 1451). The University of Strathclyde was founded in 1796 and was the first official 'Technical' university of the UK and still mainly teaches engineering and the sciences. Caledonian University was founded in 1993 and teaches practical subjects (comparable to the Dutch system). The University of West of Scotland is the newest and offers the widest range of subjects.

I gave the above lecture while the students were waiting for our bus. It was 66 degrees F and overcast and while the students were polite, I could tell they weren’t really invested in listening until one of the teachers said, “Hopefully everyone has been paying attention to Chief Dymtrus. I’ll be including that information on today’s post-test.” I saw a lot of heads come together and whispers of, “I thought we were in summer term. What does she mean there’s a test.”

The plan for the day was to take a guided tour of the city. It was supposed to last five hours but about two hours in the overcast sky turned to light rain and then within fifteen minutes into a heavier rain that showed no signs of letting up. The excursion was cancelled, and the students were taken back to the ship; however, I was not required to be back on duty so, with Polina’s blessing, I wandered the city on my own. Or at least the shopping districts.

Vit and I, after our purchases in Ireland, discussed what we would try and purchase at each port. On some days I would be the purchaser and on others he would. If we were lucky, we’d split the list and get it done without fuss and bother. Today the list included whiskey, gin, marmalade, chutney, shortbread, and cashmere. I didn’t know about the cashmere until later because Vit has decided he likes being a stinker with “surprises” like he did on our voyage with the Marchands. I’d insert a sigh and eye-roll here but my emojis are not copying properly for some reason, so you’ll simply have to accept that is what I mean.

Lucky for me I ran into Henry who was off to procure a few things for Mr. Baird … including whisky and gin. He got permission to include my order with Mr. Baird’s … it made for a less expensive bulk order and easier to get it back onto the ship … and he told me that I or Vit could settle the bill with Barney tomorrow on the sea day.

Auchentoshan whisky was the first item on the list. Also known locally as Glasgow Whisky and Breakfast Whisky both for the location of the distillery and its sweeter than average taste for a whisky. The distillery has been around since 1800 and has gone through many owners. It’s primary claim to fame is that it uses the unusual triple distillation technique. Vit isn’t a huge fan but he wanted a couple of bottles for our “cellar” when we set up house. You can tell he is much more “European” in his idea of what “setting up house” means. I won’t begrudge him because I know he has his drinking in check. The only liquor I have that gives me pause is when he resorts to the vodka. It is usually a reflection of his stress level.

The other liquors that Vit had on his list Henry definitely approved of. There were the single malt whiskies such as Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, Lagavulin, Pittyvaich, Auchroisk, and Teaninich; then there were some popular Scottish gin brands like Edinburgh Gin, The Botanist, and Pickerings. Found out from Vit when I came back on board that he’d already arranged payment and had moved the bottles to our storage cabinet below deck. He didn’t even bring one back to the cabin because he knows I prefer wine and he wanted the bottles to remain sealed in transit back to the States as they would be more likely to make it through customs that way.

My time was better spent going from store to store. In one shop I picked up the three other items that were specifically on our list; bitter orange marmalade, Scottish shortbread, and a variety of chutneys, all of which would be luxuries back in Pembroke though common goods where I purchased them. Ooooo, then I made a strategic error by going into Mandor’s. It is a famous fabric store in Glasgow, not far from one of the “Pound Stores”. I got into their discount bins and … oh my word. I nearly panicked when I realized how much I’d purchased and thought Vit was going to say something. The opposite was actually true. He thought it a brilliant idea that I had purchased things to decorate our home. That wasn’t precisely true, but I let the comment slide since we both essentially got what we wanted.

The other mistake I made was going to the Pound Store. Think of it like a Dollar Store in the States. I was tempted by far too many things and gave into temptation more than I should have. The first thing I did was buy a couple more wine bottle openers. Yes, that was a little silly since we already had one, but these were in cute metallic colors and that is all I’m going to say on the subject. I was just lucky that Security didn’t say anything when I brought them back on board. I picked up a small, silicone funnel to help me put items into smaller containers when it was time to pack up. A couple of kitchen gadgets that are unique to Europe such as the vegetable peeler that at the same time creates “match stick” slices, and a large citrus zester. I grabbed a few vacuum compressor bags since it appeared we’d be returning with more clothing items than we started with (heavy on the sarcasm here). There were some nice sachets and gel room deodorizers. I lean towards fruity and citrus-y smells, but I managed to find a few “manly” smelling ones as well. I notice an unfortunate tendency for our clothes to sometime come out of the dryer smelling “burnt” or “damp” no matter how careful I am. I believe the smell is in the dryer itself. Yuck. Early on I had mentioned it to Vit and he asked if I expected him to fix it.

“Of course not. I mentioned it because I didn’t want you to think I’d lost my ability to wash clothes.” He grinned at what he thought was a joke on my part until he noticed it himself a few days later. I’ve been dealing with it ever since, but it was nice to find actual sachets that weren’t a budget buster. To go with this there were a couple bottles of aromatherapy oils but in all honesty, there were only a couple I could tolerate with lemon, eucalyptus, and sweet orange being the best of the lot. The rose one made me think of a funeral parlor and the sandalwood and musk bottles nearly knocked me out. Ew. I avoided the incense cones and sticks for the same reason.

When I spotted the cork fairy lights and how inexpensive they were I bought two dozen. Oh, what Angelia would say to that I can only imagine. But those cork fairy lights – they are small battery-operated mini lights attached to a “cork” that you can use with an empty wine bottle for decoration – are extremely expensive back home. Last time I checked at Michael’s Craft Store and Hobby Lobby they were nearly ten dollars for one. These were less than a pound each.

As I said there were lots of temptations, but I managed to at least not go completely insane. Another surprising thing was how many of the items in the store were Chinese made. From household items to home décor to health and beauty. It surprised me due to the original Brexit Trade issues as well as the economic backlash following the multi-year pandemics once it was proven to be the result of a lab-created virus that was leaked as a result of internal corporate espionage. China is still suffering significant economic strife but it would appear that they are at least resuming their exports of “cheap goods” that their country is famous for.

I really wanted to go to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, but the weather simply would not cooperate. I did manage to taste some locally grown food that was in season with a tea service I stopped for before returning to the ship since the rain was coming down even harder; primarily blackberries and plums.

Vit was waiting for me in the cruise terminal rather than on board. And he had an umbrella which was lovely since after security we had to walk in the open to get to the gangplank. “You are very wet Kokhana. You will catch a chill.”

“I’ll take a hot shower.” Then with a wicked grin I asked, “How wet are you?”

“Ah, a hot shower would be good,” he said with a chuckle. “Was your day good?”

I shrugged, then told him that he needed to speak with Henry or Barney. “I already have. Ah, there is a break in the rain. Let us run for it.”

We didn’t really run as it wasn’t permitted for security reasons, but we did hurry. Even with the umbrella we managed to get wet. It was back in the cabin that we traded stories, took our shower, and showed our purchases. Relieved about his reaction to my presents he smiled and handed me his and asked if I would change into it and then wait until he called me. Hmmmm.

I did so and when I walked out, I don’t know which of us was more stunned. Vit had ordered dinner in. A steak dinner with my favorite bottle of red wine. I looked at him and then had to do a double take. He’d changed into slacks and one of the linen shirts, a rare departure from the uniform he normally wore everywhere except to bed.

“Yowzer, yowzer,” I said with a grin. He didn’t react only had a stunned look on his face.

“Vit?”

He cleared his throat. “Let us eat before I forget myself.” Of course he wasn’t looking at my face when he said it.

He’d bought me a slinky cashmere dress reminiscent of the oh so soft sweater, one of his earliest gifts when we were working for the Marchands. I giggled.

“Okay big boy. I thought you said you were hungry.”

“I am Kokhana. I am very … hungry.” Okay, so I giggled again.

When Vit sets his mind to a thing, he very much puts everything into it. And he was determined we were to avoid the mistakes we’d been making and one of them was not spending enough time together. We’d also given up on anniversaries, birthdays, and other special markers of our timeline together. This started even before we were hired by the Peace Mission. First it was money, then it was privacy, then was normal day-to-day stress and anxiety of trying to survive the lives we were living. Vit says no more. He may not have grown up with those activities, but it was not a bad thing when I tried to introduce them to him, such as Christmas and other American holidays, but there was no reason that we began to completely put them aside either. The private dinner was his way of trying to make up for all that we had missed, or at least a promise of trying more and better for both our sakes.

If I didn’t think we were going to survive this period in our lives before, I most definitely do now. But I can’t sit back and let Vit do all the heavy lifting. From here on out we both need to make our best effort. As we’ve discovered multiple times, you never know what could be coming around the bend.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 201: Aug 15 – at Sea

Spent most of the day working on translations in Mr. Baird’s office. And when I wasn’t translating documents, I was helping Barney to pack up more of the files by scanning and saving them to encrypted memory devices. Even with great effort put into minimizing the hard copies due to storage limitation, there is still a great deal more to scan and shred than I expected.

Once back in our cabin – Vit had an evening shift – I spent several hours packing up, or at least organizing prior to packing. I now wish that we’d offloaded more for Angelia to take home and put with our other belongings. It is not that we have an excess, but I’m not sure how we are going to bring back what Vit has in mind to purchase as “luxuries.”

I suggested to Vit that we scrap our plan to purchase more stuff. He did not agree in the slightest.

“Nii Kokhana. You will not stop. Dylan has said that it is a good thing that we buy now where nice things are not so expensive. The things we need in America we will get there. Other things we will get here.”

Trying not to allow my concern and consternation create an argument I asked, “And just how are we supposed to get all of this stuff back to Pembroke? Dylan acts like Superman but …”

“It will be a challenge, I agree, but I spoke with some of the other personnel. They face the same challenge no matter where their homes are. There is talk of assistance from HR.”

I rolled my eyes at the very idea. “Ugh. That I will believe when I see. I don’t want to count on such assistance so … let’s just be careful and not let our wants overshoot our commonsense.”

Vit got a satisfied look on his face. “My wife.”

What that was supposed to mean I wasn’t going to try and figure out. It could mean that he thought he’d won the argument or that he was being silly again concerning me managing the home; it could mean anything. I’m just not willing to risk an argument over it at this stage. At least our collection of liquors and liqueurs have mostly been transferred already although Vit seems to be doing his best to restock the whole lot before this job is over with. The food I sent back to Pembroke I hope I packed so it won’t spoil. What we’ve kept I am determined we will eat it before we have to ship it. Except I know that is unrealistic. What I mean is that I hope we finish off any opened containers. Better the pounds on me than more pounds of freight. The rest I’ll just have to figure out as we get to that point.

For now I need some rest. Everyone else might feel like nothing unusual has happened but I realized I’m still a bit shell-shocked about the subject I said I wasn’t going to bring up anymore. I had dreams again last night. Lord I pray that is the worst we are going to have to face and that the nightmares go away. The O’Meg and the transatlantic incident keep getting mixed up in my head and coming out in dreams that I would rather not have.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 202: Aug 16 – Kristiansand, Norway

Norway. I enjoyed myself when I was here last time. I enjoyed myself just as much this time though I would have been happier if Vit had been with me. You can’t have everything in this life no matter what some of those celebrity life coaches try and tell people.

The excursion was a Segway tour. It was a brisk 67 degrees F despite it being August. Brrr. A lot of people enjoyed it, but I admit it took me a bit to acclimatize. It is about thirty degrees warmer at home and I go back and forth whether I miss it or not. The students were certainly in a good mood.

Our tour, after the requisite safety review, started at the Kilden Performing Arts Center. It is both a theater and a concert hall. A variety of concerts and other forms of cultural expression takes place within its walls. The only time this has not been true is during the covid pandemic era. I understand there remain special rules in place for seating and the number of people allowed in the building at any given time, but it is whispered that that is more about finances than a true belief in infection prevention.

Our next stop was the Fiskebrygga (The Fish Wharf). It is a former fish landing that has been redeveloped as a restaurant, shopping, and tourism destination. The former fish landing extends along both sides of Gravanekanalen, the canal that separates the town center. I loved helping the students to pronounce Norwegian. It can be a form of linguistic gymnastics for your mouth. The locals speak English as well as their native Norwegian but seem to really enjoy the students’ attempts to converse with them. The location is as old fashioned as its residence with wood-fronted buildings similar to warehouses, which is what the buildings once were. They are painted ocher yellow and red, a prevalent color scheme in Norway. There are wooden piers on both sides of Gravanekanalen, where there is bustling boat traffic in season. Bridges over the canal give the area an almost Venetian look.

From there it wasn’t far to the local boardwalk called Strandpromenaden. The street is pedestrian-only for the most part though there is a lane for bikes and Segways. We took the boardwalk to the Christiansholm Fortress (Christiansholm festning). The fortress was finished in 1672 and formed a part of King Christian IV's plan for city defense. It was built on what was an islet, about 100 yards from shore; however today the fortress is connected to the mainland. The only time the fortress has been in a battle was against the English during the Napoleonic Wars. It was decommissioned by royal decree in 1872 as part of a major redevelopment of fortifications across the nation. Today, it is owned by the municipality and is a site used primarily for recreation.

We left the boardwalk and fortress area and headed to the city’s Old Town, also known as Posebyen. It has one of Northern Europe's largest collection of low, wooden houses. Luckily for historians and tourist alike the great town fire of 1892 did not reach there. At the Posebyen market local artists and people with interesting hobbies show off their talent in a kind of loosely organize flea market. The day’s trade was lively with the students showing great interest in several of the displays … with a few even making purchases.

Wergeland Park was our next destination. It is a park in the center of Kristiansand and is almost 200 years old. There is a famous statue there but dealing with a couple of misbehaving students … male/female duo … I missed the explanation drat it and have not had time to look it up online yet. Quietly so as not to draw public interest in the little Romeo/Juliet drama I quietly sent the young “lady” back to the ship in care of her college-age brother who crossed our path at our next stop. The Kristiansand Cathedral. That was fun to write into my report. I also had to hear it from her parents who were waiting on me when I reboarded, but when I said I was doing it for her safety and personal reputation they blinked first. The boy’s parents didn’t need an explanation and were quieter in their reaction, instead deciding their son could spend a few days in quarters studying since he couldn’t seem to avoid temptation. Whew.

The Cathedral is the seat of a bishop in the Church of Norway. Its style is a Neo-Gothic church which was completed in 1885 and one of the largest cathedrals in Norway. It is 70 m long and 39 m wide, and the only tower is 70 m in height. The most notable thing about the architecture is that, to re-use the walls of the previous cathedral which burned in 1880, the altar was positioned at the west end, rather than in the traditional position in the east.

At that point our Segway tour was over and we were picked up by a bus that was going to take everyone for a tour of the nearby countryside while they ate a traditional Norwegian boxed lunch. Called a matpakke (pronounced maad-pukk-eh), it is a very simple packed lunch that often contains a stacked open-face sandwich with layers of fish, meat, or cheese on several thin slices of whole-wheat bread. The sandwiches are wrapped in parchment paper—sometimes with messages like "ha' en god dag!" (have a good day) written on top— and are a common sight for both adults and school aged children.

The tradition of the matpakke started in the 1930s when Norway was suffering from the same economic strife as everyone else in the world … The Great Depression. During that time a government program started up with the purpose to make sure every child had at least one meal per day. Back then the bread was thin and flavorless with ver thin slices of cheese or meat … but it was still more than many got at home. It was such a success that the “free lunch program” for children made its way around the world. Today the matpakke is a national and cultural tradition. Still sparse in content, it matches what most Norwegians eat during a workday. It also matches the social order that can be found in the country. If you are at work, you work, you do not socialize, and you only have a 30-minute break the entire day. On the other hand, that generally means that the work is completed early and workers head home at three o’clock. Their strong work ethic is why Norwegian immigrants were very welcome in the US in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The bus dropped us off at about 2:30 pm and I made sure the students got back on the ship. I was going to go through security when I was hailed by Polina on my comm.

“You perhaps should spend a little time shopping the waterfront stores.”

“Uh oh.”

“Nyet. It is not bad, but the added time will give the parents time to melt their jets and review security footage.”

I took her advice and was trying to decide whether to text Vit and possibly wake him up when I saw him coming down the gangway. He’d grown concerned when I hadn’t returned with the students but understood and welcomed the limited time we would have to shop together.

The first thing we did was buy some licorice chocolate for our snack supply. We’d both been a bit regretful when we’d eaten the last of it from our original “haul.” We’d tried to find a similar treat but even online we couldn’t find anything that was quite like the original. Licorice candy (called ‘lakris’) is a big thing in Norway; it is considered a gourmet treat. The combination of chocolate and licorice does take some getting used to, but it was fun stepping in into a local grocery store to pick some up.

At the same grocery Vit picked up some reindeer jerky (too gamey for me to really enjoy it but he does) and some Line aquavit – a unique liquor that is flavored with caraway. Although it is sweet, it is another item that we bought more for Vit’s pleasure than my own. It is served icy cold in shot glasses similar to vodka, which may be why he likes it.

More to my taste was the Brown cheese – or Brunost – that we picked up in a deli. We won’t be able to take it home, obviously, but it will make a nice addition to our near nightly fruit and cheese tray while it lasts. And of course, if we bought brown cheese, we needed smoked salmon. The way they make it in Norway is that the salmon is caught fresh in the cold waters of the Norwegian fjords. It is then cold smoked for about 12 hours, subjected to dry-curing with various types of wood with one of the more popular being Juniper. It wasn’t inexpensive but it was already sliced nearly paper thin so we could make the most of the delicacy.

The last item we snapped up before hurrying back to the ship was Cloudberry Jam. I thought the arctic of Europe was the only place you could get this fruit but have since learned it is also grown in Canada and Alaska. In Norway it isn’t cultivated but rather harvested in the wild only in the month of July. Due to its rarity, the prices are quite expensive, and locals stretch even a small jar out by mixing the jam with whipped cream and sugar to make a traditional Norwegian dessert called ‘multekrem’.

Vit said he would take our purchases back to the cabin and reserve a table in the XO lounge while I dealt with my report and the parents of the student I had sent back to the ship. Neither was as difficult as I had expected. After dinner Vit had to prepare to work a midnight shift and I need to prepare for our first day in Copenhagen, which starts the last loop of our tour of duty. I am given to understand we may be spending an extra week in Russia, but the details have not been completed despite there only being a week to go.

The primary problem is because of Visas. If you are going to be in the country for less than 72-hours then you can get by with a type of tourist visa. However, if we stay in the country for longer, we must either remain on the ship or be given special dispensation by the Russian government. Polina says that her contacts are not sure what will ultimately happen. And frankly I’m not willing to guess either.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 203: Aug 17 – Copenhagen, Denmark (Sunday)

“Sumniv ty zirka vohonʹ
Sumniv, shcho sontse rozsudyte rukh
Sumniv pravda brekhun
Ale ne sumnivayusya, shcho ya lyublyu.”

I giggled as Vit rubbed his beard on the back of my neck. “Hamlet? You’re quoting Hamlet to me in Ukrainian?! You must have had some very good dreams.”

“Very good,” he whispered huskily before pulling me even tighter into his arms. “I … have missed this. Have missed you Kokhana. Let us not allow such things as did happen ever again.”

I traced his face with my hands. “I love you Vit Dymtrus.” Then I sighed. “But neither of us is perfect. I will likely fail you again.”

“Nii. We will make other mistakes but let it not go so long as we allowed it this time. We … we …”

He was struggling and it made my heart swell that he would try to put it into words anyway. “I love you.”

He sighed, but it wasn’t in disappointment. “And I you.” There really wasn’t much time for more. Vit has never called himself a romantic but I must admit being woken by a Cossack spouting Shakespeare before I’m fully awake definitely is something.

“Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.”
― William Shakespeare, Hamlet

And Hamlet is very apropos for today as we were in Denmark. From here we will make a large circle and end once again in Denmark the first week of September, barring anything unforeseen. Today Vit and I worked the excursion together. Well actually I worked security and he worked with others to get in some retail therapy. Oh my. I’m fairly certain that packing at the end of our tour is going to be excruciatingly challenging.

We hurried through breakfast reminding me of a few mornings when we worked for the Marchands. The small grin that Vit gave me told me he was thinking the same thing. Then we both winced when Al ran over and asked, “Is it true? Are both of you going to be with our group today?”

Vit nodded as he wiped his mouth, but he didn’t have to respond because Al was already off and running over to Aiden, Edda, and a couple of other students in their friend group. “It’s true! Both of them!”

Vit looks at me and asks, “Are they doing the … er … Snoopy dance?”

I tried not to laugh at the look on his face and answered, “It would appear that they are pleased.”

“Hmmm. Should I worry?”

“Nii,” I chuckled. “They find you more appealing than some of the others that I partner with.”

He snorted and asked me if I was ready and we headed towards security. Our excursion included four primary stops; the Viking Ship Museum, Kronborg, Fredericksborg, and the first stop Roskilde Domkirke which is the largest cathedral in Denmark. It is also the cathedral in Northern Europe where the largest number of royals are buried.

For more than one thousand years there have been churches on the spot where the cathedral now stands. The first was wooden and built 985 AD. The first royal buried there was King Sweyn Forbeard who died in 1014. In 1026 the church was the scene of a brutal murder when King Canute the Greate of England and Denmark killed his brother-in-law. Canute was then forced by law to pay penance to his sister Estrid, who used the money to build a new church of stone. Estrid and her son Sweyn II are also buried under the cathedral. In the 1170s the present brick church was started and subsequently took one hundred years to build. It is one of the earliest examples of gothic architecture in Northern Europe. Many additions to the cathedral have been made over the centuries and more than forty kings and queens of Denmark are buried inside the church, making Roskilde Cathedral a world record holder in regard to royal church burials. The interior of the cathedral is very bright and airy due to the light-colored stone used; the green roof and spires distinctive. It is quite lovely and there are several YouTube’s devoted to its history and building.

I wish we could have spent more time there but barely forty-five minutes later we were on the bus and heading to the Viking Ship Museum. Oh my. There were a very large number of tourists there so I had to spend more time keeping track of the students than I had in quite some time. Not even NYC was this bad in my opinion. Vit and Tower helped with this immensely allowing me to shepherd several female students to the restrooms without having to worry that our male students were left unsupervised.

While at the museum we explored the stories of the Vikings and early Danish history. The museum is made up of two main sections – the Viking Ship Hall, where the vessels are kept; and the Boatyard, where archaeological work takes place. We were lucky enough to get a docent as our guide and he was able to answer all the questions the students came up with. There are five Viking vessels on display. They were found when an ancient blockade north of Roskilde was found during dredging. They were built during the 11th-century as a defensive strategy against enemy naval attacks. At the Boatyard, the boat building tradition and culture of the Viking Age is highlighted through working boat builders and exhibitions, specializing in reconstructions of full-scale prehistoric boats. There is also a jetty where the student boarded a merchant vessel filled with goods and warship equipment for battle. The students were encouraged to dress in the Viking costume pieces and have their pictures taken. After the first few bravely volunteered, all of them wanted to and I was glad that time had been allotted for the activity or we would have run late.

Frederiksborg Castle was our next stop and rather than a guide, we were encouraged to explore it on our own. This is also where we grabbed lunch. There was so much to see at the castle that we broke down into three groups. Towers took one, Vit took one, and I took one. My group started in the room called The Rose. The Rose is a recreation of the dining room from the time of King Christian IV. It is also where we viewed an introductory exhibit on the history of the Castle and the Museum. From a nearby tower room there is access to the lower secret passageway, where there was an exhibit of sculptures and reliefs from the Castle’s original decorations, along with archaeological finds from excavations in areas near the Castle.

Tower took his group to start in Room 25 on the 1st floor which featured a chronological account of the past 500 years of Danish history. The history of Denmark was told through portraits, history paintings, furniture, and other art forms. The students got a very clear sense of daily life as it was lived in the castle and Danish countryside.

Vit’s group started in the Chapel and the King’s Oratory. The chapel was built for King Christian IV’s and reflected the beauty of many such “knight’s chapels” of the Renaissance era. The two most notable Danish Orders of Knighthood was the Order of the Elephant (yes, really) and the Order of the Dannebrog. A gallery is on the upper level of the Chapel and it has a wonderful view over the entire space. At the southern end of the Chapel is the old Compenius organ, which is more than 400 years old. The next space, the King’s Oratory, was severely damaged in the castle fire of 1859. Only the altarpiece and the table were saved.

There were several other spaces that we rotated through including Room 22 which contained a number of paintings depicting scenes from the Middle Ages. The Audience Chamber and the Privy Passage were designed for the absolute monarch, King Christian V in the 1680s after French and Italian models, and are some of the finest original Baroque interiors in Europe. The Great Hall, which was located on the 2nd floor above the Castle Chapel, is a replica of the hall in the time of King Christian IV, equipped with all the magnificence the King had at his disposal. In addition to the hall, which is impressive in itself, visitors can see beautiful tapestries and portraits of the members of the House of Glücksburg, including the famous Niels Strøbek’s paintings, Three Generations, a portrait of Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and Prince Christian and Three Life Stages, a portrait of Prince Henrik. The third floor held even more exhibit and restored historical items. By the time we left, I noted that many of the students were on overload.

Our last stop on the excursion was Kronborg, Hamlet’s Castle. No, I’m not kidding. It is in Elsinore, right where the distance between Denmark and Sweden is the shortest. The castle’s history is fascinating and was definitely worth a visit. Kronborg is the actual castle that Shakespeare set Hamlet, the difference is Shakespeare called Kronborg Castle Elsinore. The castle, originally bult in 1420, has been burned to the ground and rebuilt more than once. The reason they went to all the trouble of rebuilding after each burning is that ships passing into the Baltic Sea paid tolls at the castle. The Sound Dues, as the tolls were known, played an important role in the local economy for more than 400 years. The money went to the King, however, the trade in connection with the Sound Dues made the town wealthy and famous in its own right all over the world.

Exploring the crypts and catacombs of Kronborg Castle was a great experience for the students. Hidden deep down under the castle is Holger the Dane (Holger Danske), an imposing stone statue. Holger the Dane is a legendary figure in Danish culture. Supposedly if Denmark is ever in trouble, he’ll wake from his rock throne and defend her!

We were rather inundated with Shakespeare while there. However, even I learned something. For instance, I did not know that Hamlet in the original was considered an effeminate character. It is only more modern portrayals – such as those from the late 20th and now the 21st century that portray Hamlet as “manly.” Also, early readers thought there was an incestuous interest by Hamlet for his mother. Sometimes this is covered and sometimes it is not, depending on the director’s direction. There are also a lot of “interpretations” of the story. When I was a little girl there was a version from Ophelia’s point of view where that old actress Daisy Ridley played the main character. There’s been a Hindi interpretation, a Chinese interpretation, Disney’s cartoon The Lion King is supposed to be based on Hamlet, Turkey had a female Hamlet that was popular in the 1970s and several more. The one irritating thing is that they had a skull on display, and if I heard one more person pick it up and say “Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well” I was giving serious consideration to drop kicking it through the nearest castle window. Based on the look of some of the staff, I wasn’t the only one.

Back in Copenhagen proper I put the students on a bus with several parents who had come to collect them for a little family wandering nearer the port while the remaining adults – including Vit – decided to hit the shops. I followed along rather than head back. Polina later thanked me for getting HR off her back about my overtime. I kept my mouth shut as I hadn’t even been thinking that. Ah well, kill two birds with one stone I guess.

Everyone in the group was anxious to get in some chocolate action. Toms Skildpadde is one of the most popular chocolates in Denmark and translates to ‘Toms Turtle’ in English. It is a chocolate turtle filled with rum, cream and caramel. My eyes nearly crossed at how rich it was. It first appeared in the Danish market in 1948 and became a favorite immediately. You can find them in every supermarket in the country, or so I was told.

The next goodie people went looking for was Kringle, the traditional Danish butter-layered pastries. I had the most difficult time not laughing at Vit and another man who were discussing the flavors and should they get their favorite or all of them. It was like watching my younger nephews. Oh my word. The flavors under discussion were pecan, raspberry, cherry, apple, almond, blueberry, cinnamon, and chocolate pecan. After getting a closer look at them I realized they were the Danish Butter Cookies so favored during the holidays. I left Vit to it because he was in a good mood but at least when these run out I know that I’ll be able to replace them.

Vit had to pick up an order for Mr. Baird from, where else, a jeweler. It was an amber jewelry set and I’m fairly certain I knew who these were for. Others in the group became enthralled as well but I gave Vit “the eye” and he knew that I was not inclined to spend that kind of money on jewelry that I wouldn’t get to wear very often. I still had my pearls and beads from early on in our relationship and I was more than happy for that to be the sum total of my jewelry box contents.

There was still some shopping by others at that point but Vit and I were content to stroll along as shepherds rather than sheep. We are back on the ship now and I had a note from Barney that day after tomorrow, our next sea day, there would be some particularly important translations to be done. I told her I could start on them at night, but she said they were high level security documents, and I would only have access to them then.

Our “snack tote” is reaching maximum capacity and I had to move it to the bottom of my closet space. I think I’m going to need to find another tote or pack to organize the overflow into or we are going to need to stop buying new items until some of these are eaten. I told Vit to pick out his favorites and I would start packing them for transport home, but we really need to start watching what we are buying, we don’t have that much time left … and even less space.

He is off for another evening shift. I asked him if there was a problem.

“Nii.” He hesitated then said, “It is … easier … for me to avoid certain people on the night shifts.”

“Oh. Well.” I stopped and put some effort into a proper reply. “Just don’t overtire yourself.”

He relaxed, realizing I would not make an issue of it and I won’t. I would like to know who is still bothering him. It better not be Ana Bosquez. I am decidedly not in the mood for her ridiculous posturing.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 204: Aug 18 – Oslo, Norway

I cannot believe that I forgot to mention that last night Vit surprised me with a family of troll dolls. A Poppa Troll, a Momma Troll, and several children trolls including a tiny baby troll. They are absolutely adorable. He said that when he saw them that he knew that I would like them better than an amber necklace.

“You sent the big egg back to Pembroke, let the troll family take its place. Yes?”

I felt somewhat hypocritical after droning on about all the things we have yet to pack but I still placed the Troll family in a prominent place. I’ll pack them home by hand even if it means leaving something else behind. Did I mention how adorable they are?

That was last night before Vit headed to his shift, this time on the Bridge. I am not able to ask him what he does beyond Liaison. All I know is that he is on the Bridge as often as he is in the bilge pump area. He was very tired when he came off shift. I felt him crawl in bed and I crawled out so he would go to sleep all the way instead of waiting for me to have to get up and start my day.

I left him a note and headed to the upper deck for some early morning – very early – yoga. We were in Copenhagen longer than normal yesterday and this morning the ship was quiet as people recovered from their day or got ready for this day that we spent in Oslo, Norway.

Rather than stay in the city, the students were given a special activity that took us outside the city. I made sure that everyone in my excursion group ate a good breakfast and had comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle before we disembarked. From the cruise terminal it was a short walk to the meeting point where we boarded a bus that took us to the land of the trolls. No, I’m not kidding, that was the theme of the day’s tour. And while it might sound silly at first, and was occasionally, Norwegians take their trolls seriously. Throughout the excursion our guide shared many interesting facts and fascinating stories that proved just how serious they took them.

On the road to Sjøholt, we passed the house of Ivar Åsen, founder of the Nynorsk language, the second language in Norway. Danish was the official written language of Norway until 1814. When Norway gained its independence from Denmark, its people wanted Danish to become a foreign language and Norwegian to take precedent. In order for that to happen, Norwegian needed to develop a written form, thus Landsmål came into being and was the accepted national language by 1850. There is also a form of the language called Riksmål. You can, and people have, written entire doctoral dissertations on the permutations and history of the Norwegian language. Suffice it to say that Nynorsk is the most recent version of the written form and is a required course for all school levels, and you must score above competence to graduate to the next level.

While I may have been fascinated by the subject, most of the students were not so our guide started explaining about Møre og Romsdal, an area known especially for its furniture industry. The Norwegian style of furniture is still quite popular, but was vastly more so in the 1960s and 70s. Even Poppa had a particular recliner chair which had a wooden frame and leather cushions in a very ergonomic form that he was very attached to. Derrick inherited it and it sits in his “office” and you can find him there reclining and reading in the afternoons before dinner, especially since the latest heart surgery, or so Christine told me.

From Sjøholt, the road along the Storfjord led us via Stordal and its Rose Church (built in 1789) to Valldal, famous for its delicious strawberries. There was a photo stop as well as for a taste of a rolled krumkake cookie stuffed with strawberry mousse filling. *whimper* They wouldn’t give me the recipe and I can’t find it looking on the internet either. I sent a picture and general idea to Angelia who promptly replied that I was going on the Christmas Naughty List for the future pounds that she will be adding on her backside from all the experimenting she is going to do when strawberries come back in season. I sent an emoji of my face with a Grinch smile and I think we both must have laughed hysterically given the resulting odd comments I got from some family on the comment section of my blog/vlog. Yes, I am back to posting there but I am very careful and make sure that security is very tight. Dylan says the site has been “ping’d” from some unusual locations and he is following it up. I hope it isn’t trouble starting. People have way too much time on their hands. Or at least some people do. But I will not worry about it until Dylan says there is something to worry about. I don’t want to make a big to do about nothing.

The next stop on our tour was at the breathtakingly beautiful Gudbrandsjuvet, a very narrow (16 feet) and deep (80 feet) ravine. We walked over a bridge that stretched from one side of the ravine to the other and I took some pictures I can’t wait to post.

From there the bus drove through the National Park Reinheimen, to the Trollstigen plateau, otherwise known as the Troll Road, and the mountains the King, Queen and Bishop, as well as the waterfall Stigfossen. When driving down the Troll Road, we had to take the bus through eleven hairpin bends. At the bottom of the road there was an extra photo stop from where we were able to take the best pictures of the Stigfossen. Vit wants to enlarge that one and make a special frame for it and hang it in our home. I won’t get mushy and say Vit is more romantic than he claims, but he is, so there.

Next up we visited the Troll Wall / Trollveggen. It is Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, and quite impressive. More photos of course and then it was time to head back to the ship. The students were more tired than I expected them to be given we were on the bus more often than off. I believe for many it was the carb heavy lunch and snacks they were eating but for some it may be the typical growth spurt period. I notice the younger boys are starting to “stork up” while the older boys are filling out. I have no right to criticize but it seems to me their parents would do better to watch what they are eating on board ship if they are not able to exercise as they once were when our excursions were more active.

When we got back to the drop off point it was to find that the ship was taking on supplies for the remainder of the tour and wasn’t positioned for the gangways to be deployed at the same time. Thankfully, someone was thinking, and I was directed to pick up tickets for a brief tour of the Oslo Fjord. It was a little cool on the water, but the deck was covered and had floor heaters. Making sure the students were comfortable we were able to sightsee and admire the idyllic bays and beautiful islands that decorate the fjord. The onboard commentary from our guide was remarkably interesting.

We are back on the ship and we’ve already pulled away from the pier and are heading out to sea. Tomorrow is a sea day – and the very important translations – and the next stop will be Warnemunde, Germany from which we will travel to Berlin by train. Vit is not terribly thrilled but accepts that I will be three hours away for most of the day. I am not thrilled to be so far apart from him either, but it is better than the other “detours” that I’ve been on.

His words? “Do not remind me Kokhana. I acted like an ass.”

“Vit!”

“Nii. You will not make excuses. I could have and should have handled my emotions better. I sent bad signals which you misinterpreted and … and Nii. It will not be happening like that again. But if you have a care that my hair stays on my head, you will make sure that your phone stays on.”

“Of course I will. And even if my phone does not work, the satellite link I carry should.”

“It is good.”

His syntax has been awful tonight. It is a symptom of how tired he has grown. I told him he should have simply gone to sleep after he got off shift but not my stubborn Cossack. Oh no. He went onshore with Tower and they went shopping. I swear, I think there will always be a bit of sailor in Vit. He and Tower got pulled into a brawl. They weren’t fighting but were standing between some school children that could not escape and a mess that was being created intentionally to gain some attention from the perpetual crowd of reporters that follows the B around. Thankfully no one was hurt, especially not the children. But some trash bins were knocked over. I was gratified to hear that locals were making the “migrant youths” that started the brawl pick everything up. Apparently the EU is still struggling with culture clashes despite all the intervening years since the original refugee settlements took place and what Vit and Tower ran into was merely the latest such expression of refusal to mainstream and assimilate into the country they now claim to be residents of.

Vit does not go back on duty until lunch tomorrow. I am hoping I can convince him to simply sleep until I come wake him. Who knows? He can be contrary about such things. I know he will not sleep the day after. “Bah!” As Vit says. I think I will go to sleep early and see if that will help him to sleep deeper and longer.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 205: Aug 19 – at Sea

I spent the day translating, but not without a battle with HR that Barney was an unexpected witness to.

“You cannot just come into the diplomatic wing and start changing things all willy nilly. We are approaching a critical time in the Peace Mission and correct translations are imperative. Tell some of the adults that they must forego their excursions and I will take a day off then, but for now the security surrounding these translations cannot be compromised.”

“Now Chief Dymtrus …”

I wasn’t having it. “Do not patronize me. You come in here without knocking as required, with keys you should not posses. And I’m sure Mr. Baird is going to want to know where you got those. We must scramble to cover our work up. Then you simply decree something must be so without clearing it with either of my supervisors … one a high-ranking diplomat and the other the Chief of Security here on the B. Exactly what did you think you were going to accomplish?”

“My mission is obvious. The budgetary overruns are not acceptable.”

“Very well, as I said, explain it to …”

We went round and round and then he said, “Chief Ivanov has already been informed.”

“Then I’ll hear it from the Chief’s own lips. Since she hasn’t mentioned a thing to me as far as schedule changes go, I’ll just check to see if there has been some kind of misunderstanding on my side, or hers.”

I went to pick up the phone and the man said, “No, no. That’s unnecessary. I’ll speak with her myself.”

After the man left I growled, “Obnoxious little toad. I’m still calling Polina if for no other reason than to warn her he is on his way to irritate her.”

I made the call and surprise, surprise (not) Polina knew nothing of the changes that HR were trying to make and that yes, it was a compromise of security … and the “straw that broke the cow’s back.” Polina was going to unload on some people in admin.

Long and the short of it is that apparently the little man from HR thought it would be easier to browbeat me than face multiple other people with the changes. I was going to be his scape goat. Hmmm. I somewhat sympathize. He is probably caught between a rock and a hard place, but it is a position he willingly took on and he should know better than to cause the kind of ruckus he did. I will not repeat what Mr. Baird had to say when he found out. Wow. His language and expressed opinions were … hmm … quite linguistically creative.

Barney on the other tipped her teacup in my direction which from her is high praise. “Good for you to tell the old sod off. Let’s get back to it shall we. I don’t want to be here all night.”

Of course, after my day there was over with I headed to security to leave a note for Polina but she was still in. Her comments were nearly as colorful as Mr. Baird’s as she explained that things would not be changing, at least not unless it is brought up in committee and granted full approval after a review and rearrangement of other personnel.

“I don’t mind the work,” I told her. “But it is definitely easier to have the schedules run in an orderly fashion than the changes I hear HR keeps dropping on other departments.”

“That will not be happening in this department,” Polina said with an ominous glint in her eyes.

“So I heard from Mr. Baird,” I said with a grin. “And you don’t need to try and be nice about it. I understand it is cheaper to pay me overtime than it would be to pay some of those private security guys in admin regular hours.”

“Hmph. HR is getting an accounting lesson as you sit there. I do not think they will make the same mistake again. This isn’t Draughts, these are real people we protect.”

“Draughts?”

“Ah … hmm … a board game much like your Checkers. It’s how I met Yegor. He is very good.” Then she smiled. “But I am better.” I laughed. Even more so when she added slyly, “I made it up to him.”

Polina reminds me a lot of Angelia in some respects. A little more spit and polish but they both have a little vinegar and honey in their personalities. She’s certainly made transforming into this job of security personnel a lot easier than I would have ever thought possible.

And speaking of job, I had better get to bed. Tomorrow promises to be a long day. I just hope it isn’t a trying one.

 

[Kathy in FL]

Chapter 206: Aug 20 - Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

Today has been a different kind of assignment. I really didn’t have to do much in the way of “guiding,” all I was really wanted for was a warm body. Yes, the family groups asked for me specifically, but I think it was more the kids asking than the adults themselves. I was a known entity that could speak the language. It didn’t bother me, I simply got bored on occasion since there were a couple of other private security guards from Admin that made it plain that I was more fifth wheel than part of their “team.” Oh well.

We were gone from the ship for twelve hours. It takes three hours by the train to get from the Warnemunde to Berlin, and we pulled out of the station at 6 am. After being informed that I was there merely as an observer and to help with any language issues I decided to take advantage of what the day offered … after clearing the situation with Polina.

I had to catch her before she went on duty but she wasn’t cranky thank goodness. “I suspected as much Little Sister. Just do what you can to keep them out of any messes. I have confidence in those particular personnel’s’ skill but not necessarily their diplomacy. I hope the families know what they have purchased.”

The train ride was a comfortable journey through the picturesque flatlands of East Germany. I used the time to answer family correspondence, download pictures from my phone and then upload them to my blog/vlog for posting later. I worked on our inventories and started another one on items we need specifically to start our home at Jackson Plantation. I already had a partial inventory I was working from where we’d stored our belongings from Pembroke House in one of Angelia’s wine sheds. It helped me remember (and not panic) that we did have some stuff to start with such as linens.

I will say that off and on today I felt like I was being watched. I hate that feeling. I don’t know if it was just curious bystanders or maybe a paparazzi looking for a story or just what. It felt … okay, yes I know this sounds silly but, it felt purposeful. It gave me the heebies enough that I made an effort to not get left behind; sticking near the security personnel in case I was needed as an excuse. I also made sure that I was available for any females in the group since all of the private security were males. Turns out they hadn’t thought that all the way through. [snicker] They aren’t used to working with family groups that included young children was my understanding.

Once we reached Berlin we disembarked and were quickly shown to a bus by the hired tour company’s guides. Nice bus I will admit though I heard some others complain of “leg room” and “no place to stash their purchases.” Petty problems in my opinion. I noticed a few of the students rolled their eyes at the comments but I didn’t encourage it even if I did agree with their sentiment. The tour started at the Charlottenburg Palace. It was nice to be able to stretch our legs as our guide gave us an introduction to the city. Then it was back on the bus to drive through the former British sector along Berlin’s version of a Champs-Élysées – called the Kurfürstendamm. While doing so we passed the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the KaDeWe, the largest department store in continental Europe.

We then headed to East Berlin and made stops at the impressive parliament building, the Reichstag, on the way. We also strolled through the famous Brandenburg Gate and nearby “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.” The other sites were the Tiergarten central park, the Victory Column, the “Memorial to the Murdered Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism,” as well as the Paris Square. The two “memorials to the murdered …” are dedicated to particular groups killed by the Nazi regime before and during WW2 and could not be more different. The murdered Jews of Europe are represented by over 2700 stelae (upright concrete slabs) while the murdered Senti and Romas are represented by a circular pool of water, with at its center a triangular stone. The triangular shape of the stone is in reference to the badges that had to be worn by concentration camp prisoners and it is retractable so that a fresh flower can be placed upon it daily. One austere, one serene yet both just as thought provoking. At both I found a poem that touched me deeply.

Gaunt face
dead eyes
cold lips
quiet
a broken heart
out of breath
without words
no tears

A couple of the parents tried to distract from the history being referred to, but the students found me later and quietly asked me about it. I explained what I could without drawing attention and creating a situation. I wish I could have said more as it is a time that our peace mission to have as an example of what could happen without global effort to prevent it. National Socialism has never resulted in long term health for the citizens of any country that has tried to institute it.

To continue with the history along those lines we visited the site of Hitler’s bunker. The bunker and many similar sites were destroyed by the Soviets and Allied Forces during and shortly after the war. In particular, a bomb was purposefully detonated in the bunker, and the intricate channels and rooms of the complex were buried under its own rubble in 1947. That didn't mean it was completely destroyed. The underground complex lay only partly intact, until 1988 when the city undertook some reconstruction. The bunker was excavated for archaeological purposes, but remains sealed off from public access. Above ground, the site remained unmarked and mostly covered by a nondescript car park until a tour company erected an informational board that provides details about the history of the site. Germans government allows the board to remain so long as the man and what he stood for is not glorified or turned into a commercial venture.

Then it was through Potsdamer Platz to one of the few remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall. I will admit that I purchased a piece … of the Wall that came down I mean. It has an official document and all the rest of it. I’m not sure it is the kind of “souvenir” that you display but Vit still understood why I bought it. He said we can put it in a case in “the library.” Wow. The idea of being able to have … oh fiddlesticks, I need to stay on task. The house is going to have to wait.

We also visited the former site of the Headquarters of the SS and Gestapo, known today as the Topography of Terror. Note I said site. Those buildings were largely destroyed by bombing during 1945 and then completely demolished after the war ended. The boundary between the American and Soviet “Zones of Occupation” ran along the Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse and over time became fortified boundary. The Berlin Wall ran along the south side of the street and was never demolished after the Reunification of German. The section adjacent to the Topography of Terror site is the longest remaining segment of the outer wall. There is a longer section of “The Wall,” but it was part of the inner wall and not visible from the West Berlin side.

I was quite surprised to see even the younger students were fascinated by the history they were being exposed to. Of course, our tour company guides were good at handling families and included all the age groups involved, with lots of immediate feedback for good questions and correct answers.

Our next site was Checkpoint Charlie – the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. There is a museum associated with the site. In addition to numerous documents there are exhibits of items used to try and escape East Germany including hot-air balloons, getaway cars, chairlifts, and a mini-U-boat of all things. There is also a heart-breaking exhibit that documents all of the deaths associated with The Berlin Wall.

We had some free time for lunch, but I wasn’t hungry for more than the snacks I had brought in my backpack. Good thing. The private security goons … er, guards … had arranged for a meal at a private restaurant which they attended; however but it was well above my price range. Instead, I used the time to go into a few nearby shops.

My first two purchases were of the liquid variety from Vit’s “collection” list. I was told by some university students that if you have been living in Berlin for a while, you probably tried Berliner Luft at least once. The alcoholic drink is very popular because it tastes quite good and is not as strong as shots like Tequila, Sambuca or Jaegermeister. Berliner Luft is also quite cheap, hence its popularity with the university set. In several of the shops I saw bottles going for an average of ten Euros, but also saw it for as low as six. The other liquid I purchased was Prussian schnapps. In German “Schnapps” means any alcoholic beverage stronger than 32%. It comes in many flavors such as Elderflower liqueur, ginger schnapps, and pear brandy. The bottle shapes were quite fun and Vit really liked the ones I picked; and I got them in a gift set which saved me a few euros as well.

I was debating grabbing a sandwich or something similar when a salesclerk recommended something funny. US President John F Kennedy made an unintentional blooper back in what the students consider “the dark ages” when he misspoke and said the line "Ich bin ein Berliner" which made a certain jam-filled treat famous. It’s a doughnut look-a-like called Berliners in some parts of Germany and Pfannkuchen in Berlin. I found out during the carnival season, many bakeries will offer a variety of pfannkuchen, but I wasn’t to worry - they are available all year round, especially during tourist seasons. They were cheap enough that I had a hard time deciding which flavor to get; jam, vanilla cream, or chocolate. It was at this point I first felt the “eyes.” I know how to check my surroundings surreptitiously and there wasn’t anything or anyone giving me any more attention than other people around me, at least not that was at a level I could discern. I don’t know if my imagination was getting the best of me or not, but I’ve learned to listen to my instincts so finished my purchases and then just “lurked” outside the café waiting on the group.

After lunch our tour continued through the former Soviet sector of East Berlin to visit the spectacular Gendarmenmarkt and Bebelplatz – famous as the ‘Nazi Book Burning Square’. We also had the opportunity to visit Berlin’s historic former Royal Quarter – the beautiful boulevard of Unter den Linden, the Berlin Cathedral, and Alexanderplatz with its iconic TV Tower. Since our group had been good about keeping to the tour timetable, we were given another chance to drive past the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall with its world-famous graffiti – the East Side Gallery – for more pictures. We also stopped in the former Jewish Quarter, which is now the fashion and art center of the German capital.

At that point we were taken back to the train for our three-hour return trip. I took the time to download the day’s photos, write my security report, and in general tried to get a few other digital housekeeping tasks completed. I didn’t get as much done as I had hoped because one of the students brought her baby sister over and asked if they could sit with me and get some help with the German fairytale storybook her parents had purchased. Before I knew it I had more kids and a few adults listening in. Two of the children were German riding with their grandmother and for them it was a lesson in English.

Those two got off before Warnemunde and skipped off saying, “Danke schön Professor!”

“Du bist herzlich Willkommen,” I replied.

A couple of people wanted to wander through the duty-free shop area and I agreed to play translator for them. While they made their purchases, I also picked up some Jagermeister for Vit. It was a little more expensive than I expected but since I had saved on my other purchases I shrugged it off. The container looks like an old-fashioned cough syrup bottle, something a snake oil salesman might hawk at a side show. The contents looks it as well. And the taste? Not for me. It is an herbal liqueur made with 56 different herbs, fruits, roots, and spices. It is sweet with a strong licorice flavor, reminding me even more strongly of cough medicine, and is considered to be a digestif spirit with high bitter content. Shudder.

It was then that I realized the private security guards had pulled a no-no, and I reported it. They left the families once they were back in the cruise terminal rather than accompany them through security and onto the gangplank. Uh, no. Polina was not pleased but was willing to concede that they may have considered their assignment at an end since it was a private tour group rather than one arranged by B personnel. Either way it made me uncomfortable enough that I continued with the group until I was sure everyone was onboard. I’m glad I did because there was a small problem at security when one of the young children’s ID picture did not match … all due to the fact that they were six months older than their last picture and had changed quite a bit. After a bit of translating, I was able to work it out since the parents had wisely brought a copy of the child’s birth certificate and national passport with them as well as their B identification papers.

Vit was on duty and wasn’t able to meet me but did respond to my text letting him know I was back aboard and heading to Security to make my report. I still feel guilty about not reporting my “feelings” but I don’t have any evidence that it wasn’t my imagination. If it happens again I suppose I will report it but only if it is something I can support with facts, or at least with something more than a “feeling.”

At least my day did not have some of the sour notes that I understood others had. It was dry as a bone in Berlin and the weather was quite pleasant. Not so in Warnemunde; it rained nearly all day and turned quite chilly. Most of the shops and eating establishments were also closed due to some kind of “Strike Holiday.” Such “holidays” are quite common in places like Normandy and other areas of France, but the practice has spread as unions have grown more and more powerful in national politics. It once was solely for the purpose of job security, pay raises, and increased benefits. Not so these days; now the unions use their membership to control and influence politicians and any committees that might oppose them.

I had returned to the cabin to change for dinner when I spotted several somethings in the middle of the bed. My glasses were fogged but after I cleaned them the somethings resolved themselves into several enormous bags of Gummi bears.

“What on earth?” I laughed.

Vit exited the bathroom with only a towel around his waist and gave me puppy dog eyes – something he has grown too good at – and asked, “You will make the gummi bear cookies for Christmas?” All I could do was laugh and assure him that if he could save at least some of them I would make sure to make him dozens of the cookies.

Dinner was pleasant and Vit and I strolled the deck for a bit before returning here and trying to get a bit of work and packing accomplished. Vit didn’t last long after propping his feet up and trying to read some reports. They were boring enough that he was asleep in less than five minutes. I knew the reports weren’t important, so I let him sleep and pulled out my tablet and finished this entry and worked on tabulating and organizing what still needs to be done over the next few days.

And, if I am honest, to think about the fact that in three days we will be in Russia. Polina has told me not to worry. Mr. Baird has said not to worry. Dylan said not to worry. And Vit pretends not to worry. All of which makes me worry even more than I already was.

Vit was absolved of any wrongdoing in the mutiny. We even have papers – official papers with stamps and everything – proving this to be true. But this is Russia. And I am going to worry. I wish I dared to ask the family to pray about the situation we face but there are things we’ve never told anyone. There are things Vit has never been able to tell me because of the nature of the incident. Maybe I should talk to Polina but she’s already told me not to worry. I don’t know. As I said, this is Russia we are talking about … and I am going to worry.