A Whole New Beginning

When we wake up tomorrow we will be docking in our first port of call, Cadiz, Spain. Holy cow. I've said this a million times but it definitely does not feel like we have crossed an entire ocean. It seems like days ago we had just stepped on board the ship and already everyone has created so many friendships and memories without even stepping foot in a different country! I guess that's what happens when you're confined to a ship for 8 days. Tonight when we went up to the observation deck there was another cruise ship behind us, so we can't be very far away! A few of us are waking up at 6:30am to watch the pilot boat come out and meet us and escort us into the port.

 

We had a pre-port meeting earlier this evening, which basically went over all the safety and health in Spain. Everyone's eager to step onto a different continent and start this 4 month tour of the world. Personally, I just can't wait to explore. I feel as though you find the best places and experiences when you just wander around. In Sevilla we're just going to see where the city takes us. Maybe to a Flamenco club, maybe some Cathedrals. Who knows. The beauty is in the unknown. I want to feel out of place and uncomfortable on this voyage. I want to experience every aspect of every culture. Although I know that's virtually impossible, I'm determined to make it reality as much as possible. No, Spain won't be too far off from the Western world, but it's still a new place; somewhere I've never been and needless to say, it intrigues me. The food, the heritage of the people, everything.

 

I'm excited to just stroll the streets of Cadiz, do some people watching to observe the locals, maybe even interact with a few. There are just so many opportunities to take advantage of. One of my goals is to eat something completely out of my comfort zone in each port and I can't wait to get started!

 

In my opinion, the best way to travel is just to walk. Give yourself at least 3 hours to explore, wander, and have no sense of direction (this is all within reason, of course). It's thrilling knowing that every step, turn, and way you take, make, or go is something completely new. Some of the best experiences come from so called "accidents" during traveling that have turned into marvels.