I like Tom Waits a lot…he has a scratchy but authentic voice and knows how to write a mean lyric. I was listening to him this am when all of a sudden, this song came on

I remember the first time I heard this song. I was living in the UK and it struck a chord with me because it is of course not about sailing away at all but about the willingness to take the journey on 

So, its in that spirit of taking the journey that I am embarking on this trip. I really have no idea what to expect for the next 60 days other than I will be on a huge ship making a long journey to a place I have always wanted to explore. I have no idea what my fellow travelers will be like or even if there will be fellow travelers Will the crew be gruff and distant or friendly. Will I make new friends or spend 30 days at sea and 30 days on land all alone….its all about the journey I guess…though a spa would have been nice lol

I’ve now repacked my suitcase three times taking out more and more things and then putting a few things in. Packing for two months and numerous climates is nerve wracking. Thank god, I don’t ever iron anything as those of you who know me can testify to.

The one true creature comfort I did take…pillows. I am very particular about having at least three pillows. I figure they will have one on the ship so I had to take out enough shirts and clothes to get two pillows in…don’t tell John. He will be very annoyed I took one of the fluffy pillows from the bed. However, since I personally” borrowed” those pillows from the numerous Renaissance hotels I’ve stayed at it seemed completely fair. Those Renaissance pillows are amazing fluffy but firm. I can’t believe they have any left…. I will do the right thing when I finally get to Australia where I am staying at a renaissance the night before I fly home. I will leave my fluffy pillow behind .thus returning it …see I am an honest guy!!

Well tomorrow about 2 John will drop me off at the ship….ill let you know how it goes!

Shiver me timbers I’m sailing away 

Hurricanes…. Leave it to me to plan my bucket list trip during the worst storm cycle in history. So I heard from the shipping company and we are now leaving at 4 am on the 13th but I have to be on the boat by 4 pm on the 12th. Due to Irma it is unclear if we will stop in Florida at all and with Jose forming they want to get into the south Caribbean sooner rather than later. I guess you really do have to be flexible on a freighter.  

Well I think I’m almost packed..just need a quick trip to Walgreens for some Dramamine and some aspirin and then to ACME for some pot noodles and snacks. Apparently snacks are quite limited on a freighter so you need to bring your own …oh is that a jumbo bag of M&M peanuts ?