sun soaked

Jan 28^th

Marvelous day at port in Salvador, Brazil. Today was just beautiful. The town was so artsy and cool and I totally could see myself living here if I knew how to speak Portuguese. The buildings were colorful and almost European looking. I was able to get off the ship; even though I had IPM thanks to Joey J I was so glad to be able to explore such a quaint little town. It was on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean, which kind of reminded me of Nice, France. We wandered around into little artsy shops and found some really interesting things. I bought a headband similar to the one I have in my profile pic….(that’s jess’) I felt bad, but I had to barter J I am getting better  at that now. But one thing you cannot barter is food or drink….they don’t budge on that coconut water….. (I can see why, it’s amazing). We stumbled upon a drum class which would have been so fun if we could have taken a lesson….but we didn’t have time. We then stopped for a glass of wine and listened to some Brazilian guitar. It was a splendid day ending with a movie and room service. I get paid for this???? J

Jan 29^th

Today was just beautiful. We were in Ilheus, Brazil. It was the first time this particular ship has docked there. So it was new for everyone. We had the whole day off to explore and I was up and ready to go at ten in the morning. One of my friends suggested we rent bikes and ride them for a few hours. So that’s what we did. The ship has bikes to rent and we took them out for 2 hours in the morning. Man, my bottom is so sore. Too much information???haha I loved it though. We got to see the whole beach town in 2 hours and it would have been way too hot to walk. The ocean breeze was wonderful! In the middle of our bike ride, we found a bar on the beach, where we could sit in the water (our feet dangling in it) and drink young coconut. I hopped right in the water in my clothes….I just didn’t care J We then got back to the boat for a crew bbq, and by this point, I was pretty tired and sun burnt. But, I could not waste the day, and I had to get back out there. We then got on a shuttle, and went back into town to the beach. We shopped a little; I tried to bargain, but failed. We then made our way to the beach. I must have gone in the water 5 or 6 times. It was so warm! The waves were perfect and the white sand was squeaking beneath my feet J I loved it all. We surely soaked up the sun. But don’t worry, I used plenty of sun block!

beach baby

Jan 26^th

What a day in Macceio, Brazil. Now this is what I thought Brazil would be before coming. Coconut water, crystal clear blue water, warm bath temperature and hot spicy men haha ;) It was truly a wonderful day at port. I sat around on the beach, ate and drank a baby coconut. I Hung out with my musician friends and some of the cast, and had a finger painting of the beach painted right in front of me. It really couldn’t have been any better of a day. Tonight we have rehearsal from 11-3am, so I better rest up J Man, do I have the best job in the world or what??????  Right now I am eating Brazilian Cashews and listening to Going up the Country. And last night, I went outside before rehearsal on deck and I have never seen so many stars. Life is so good.

Jan 27^th

After about ten minutes of whining and sobbing like a 5 year old cause my computer shut down completely and wouldn’t charge, I finally put on my big girl pants and took a breath, walked away from the demon computer and now its working. I have to take this computer and its problems on one day at a time haha. I just really need to be able to keep in contact with people in some way and right now, it’s through this blog. Anyway, enough of my banter, I guess a few of my elon friends are at my house right now. Kinda weird with me not being there….but I really am so thankful my house will be filled with love and laughter. Today we ran our show called Avalon and I went to tan by the pool. And by tan I mean cover myself in 50 sunblock and sit out in the heat for 30 minutes. It is so hot right now; even an olive skinned person who doesn’t burn would need to watch the time. Well we are crossing the Equator, so it makes sense. I am hoping I can get off the ship tomorrow in Salvador, Brazil because it’s supposed to be a really artsy town J I have IPM and rehearsal, so I hope I can switch with someone. Glad that I got the computer to work. Tonight is a formal night, and you better believe I am dressing up J

Up to date

Jan 25^th

Yepp, I have been slacking on my blog. Sorry guys, I have been sick and a little busy….and by busy, I mean busy doing nothing and traveling and singing haha. I love my job J Last night we had our Ultimate Broadway show and it went really well. Even though it’s not my favorite of our shows, it still was really fun. But the costumes for this show is what makes it so epic. I love my Suddenly Seymour dress where I am literally Audrey and the Plant combined. A green dress with vine-y sleeves down to the ground. It’s so fun to wear. And my finale dress comes with a medieval cape. It rules! Ha. I think they look really cool on  the stage under the neon lights. It’s so 80’s fabulous. But with a name like ULTIMATE BROADWAY, it requires some pretty incredible costumes. The next show we do is called Avalon and we get to perform with the band. I am so excited. I love live music shows. The band on this ship is really cool too. I love hanging out with them and they sound amazing in their shows so I am sure they will sound good on this one. Yesterday before our show, we got to get off the ship and go to the mall in Fortaleza, Brazil. It was rainy, but still really cool. The beaches looked amazing, even though we couldn’t enjoy them L I was pretty tired anywho, shopping was exactly what I needed haha. Well, on to the next show and soon we start heading to Antarctica. Kind of amazing right? Life is so good. Love you all and miss you like mad.

sea sick

What day is it even???
haha Sorry I have been behind on my blog friends. Ya see, I have caught the Prinsendam Plague….coughing and sleepiness errgggggg….and I really need it to cut it out soon cause we have a show in 2 days and I want to have a voice for it. But thankfully I live on a moving hotel and there is an amazing steam room I have had the ability to sit in for hours J I also have been a bit behind on answering emails and such cause I ran out of minutes on the very expensive internet we have here….boo! Guess I will have to get another card! I miss everyone so much! Today we were in Belem, Brazil, but we could not get off the boat because we had rehearsal….and tomorrow is another sea day, so I am a little land sick and a little real sick. But I need some good vibes sent this way if ya’ll can help me out. J I will get better and better about updating the blog….for those of you who actually read it….you’re too kind haha

I showed that baby croc who was boss

Jan 16

Today was just insane. There were so many interesting people and culture galore. During the day, Eli and I went out exploring the town of Manaus. But since it was a Sunday, everything was closed. We had an overnight stay here, so I basically thought it would be fine to come back tomorrow. At first, the town didn’t appeal to me very much. There was trash everywhere and tons of prostitutes. But after some wandering, Eli and I found an incredible abandoned building that had been burnt down many years ago. We found that this place, so forgotten and lonely was the most beautiful. We almost didn’t go in, cause we thought we might get in trouble, but when we did peek in, it was just too irresistible. It was like walking into the secret garden. There was an old church filled with vines and staircases everywhere. I swear, I will post pics soon J But after we spent an hour taking snapshots around town, we were going to head back, but then a small Brazilian man stopped us and introduced himself as Jose. He spoke so fast and loud, but I hardly understood him. He was a tour guide, and he said he would give us a tour for free. I was skeptical at first, but he ended up being really nice. But everyone has an angle right? Haha he wanted us to go on his boat at night instead of the guided tour that we planned. But I wasn’t about to take that chance haha. And anyway, our boat ride looking for crocs was INCREDIBLE!!!! We all met as a group downstairs, and I was wearing tiny shorts and a tank cause it would be hot right??? Yep, but many people told me I must change cause the mosquitoes will eat me alive. And so I did. We all wandered on to the boat and watched the sun set. It was breathtaking. We were drinking, laughing and having a serious culture mesh. I was hanging out with people in the crew all over the world from Thailand to South America. Mexico to Chile. It was really awesome. After the first part of the boat ride, we split up into smaller groups and went into tiny boats right on the Amazon. We could literally touch the water! It was warm, but full of bugs and crocs. Kinda not the smartest thing Ive done haa, but thrilling. We were in the dark, on a tiny boat, right next to the water when our guide hopped in the water and grabbed a tiny croc. It was so cute! I got to hold it, and a girl in front of me tried to kiss it for a picture and it freaked out and got loose! Haha we all screamed and laughed our faces off. Our guide grabbed it right away! I thought it was pretty balsy of him to get in that water and wrestle a croc! But I guess he was used to it J Side note; he was wearing a Laguna Beach t-shirt….thought that was funny haha. Anywho, after we got off our tiny boat, we did a little shopping. Then we all got back on the bigger boat, cheered our glasses and joined in a massive dance party. It was so wild. I was dancing mainly with my friend who works in the shops  who was moving his Latin hips ;) haha I had so much fun…..but wait, the night didn’t end there…. We came back to the rooms, showered off and got ready to go out to a club called Crocodilos. I heard about it all day and was warned that it had a cover charge and tons of hookers. Well, it didn’t matter at that point, it was the only place opened and we wanted to go dance more. And so we did! I loved it…sketchy as it was. It was so much fun. They were playing a mixture of Latin music with pop and techno…..it was a blast! The port itself was not that exciting, but we made our own fun!

Amazon Woman

Jan  15^th

Ok, I think I missed a day somewhere haha. It’s the 15^th! Happy birthday to my love ROYYYYY!!! Miss you noonie!  So today I have IPM again, but we couldn’t get off the boat anyway, so I’m not too disappointed. Today we have 1 run of our Vegas show, and let me just say, with respect of course, my Dolly Parton costume look is something along the lines of mars attacks couture J  Picture this, bright blue spandex pants, built in Dolly bra, long sleeves, glitter, and triangle shoulder pads with a huge Dolly wig. I wouldn’t have it any other way! it is what my costumer Kevin calls (space Dolly) it’s reals cute! Haha. We don’t do this show until the end of the cruise, so I have a while to ease into the comfort of the costume! But I don’t know if I will ever be able to ease into my 20 pound taco shaped showgirl hat for the finale! Like I said before, on a rocky night, this will be interesting. I love Brazil by the way. It is so gorgeous! And the people are really friendly. I am looking forward to my overnight in Manaus, Brazil because tomorrow night will be full of adventure. I signed up for a crew tour at night that takes us in a big boat on the Amazon. Then, we get served some Brazilian drinks, and then make our way into smaller boats directly on the water and get to touch baby crocodiles. I will probably pee myself with fear. And that is why they serve you drinks right??? Haha I figure, when else will I get to sit in a boat on the Amazon River and touch baby crocodiles? Let’s just hope I can blog tomorrow. If not, then we found the mother crocodile ;)

Brazilian Wax....no not really ;) haha

Jan 12

So I thought because we had rehearsal today, there would be no way we could get off the boat and go into town. But, Jess and I decided, it would be better just to get outside and see something than go to lunch. The town of Macapa, is actually located 40 minutes bus ride from the port, so we couldn’t do that, but Jess and I wandered around and found an adorable village right next to the port. We could only walk around for a half hour, but it was really cool. The bugs, (roaches) were the size of my hand! I was lucky I didn’t see a live one haha. But, we did get to see the simple life of the people in this town. There was an adorable little shop a little way down that two young boys ran. I really need to learn some Portugeuse before I continue in Brazil, cause I didn’t even know how to say thank you! But by far my favorite part of that half hour walk was the adorable group of 6 year old boys who saw jess and I taking pictures who ran up to us and posed, then ran away. I will keep that picture forever.

Jan 13^th

What a day! J Today I went fishing in the Amazon River for Piranhas in Santerem, Brazil… I didn’t catch any, but I got to taste it! Haha. The Amazon is gorgeous and full of creatures. There were pink and grey dolphins, huge bugs, iguanas, pigs, cows, sheep, horses and plenty of piranhas. I felt like I was on the Disney jungle tour, but the real one. It was so cool! Then we got off the boat and did a little shopping. Ohhhh I should have bartered more…..but I bought a gorgeous sheep skin necklace from a sweet local named Lucy. I just couldn’t rip her off any more haha. I am so glad we got to take the tour with the rest of the crew cause we almost couldn’t make it, but luckily we moved rehearsal to late night. So, now I think I shall get some rest and get ready for the night J Today was wonderful!

Brazil

Jan 12

So I thought because we had rehearsal today, there would be no way we could get off the boat and go into town. But, Jess and I decided, it would be better just to get outside and see something than go to lunch. The town of Macapa, is actually located 40 minutes bus ride from the port, so we couldn’t do that, but Jess and I wandered around and found an adorable village right next to the port. We could only walk around for a half hour, but it was really cool. The bugs, (roaches) were the size of my hand! I was lucky I didn’t see a live one haha. But, we did get to see the simple life of the people in this town. There was an adorable little shop a little way down that two young boys ran. I really need to learn some Portugeuse before I continue in Brazil, cause I didn’t even know how to say thank you! But by far my favorite part of that half hour walk was the adorable group of 6 year old boys who saw jess and I taking pictures who ran up to us and posed, then ran away. I will keep that picture forever.

my ship life

David and I on the Bus ride to the Ship

On the Ship

Yepppp this is tiny hahaha

 On deck

 Not a single person on the boat under the age of 50, awesome!

Goodbye land, the sunset we got as we left

Cabin Fever

Jan 10

It’s the day of the show ya’ll! We open tonight! Two shows! Singing in the driest / wobbliest  theater have ever sang in! Should be fun J Today we were at Devil’s Island, but we couldn’t get off, I guess there’s like some devil monkey’s out there, and they were all going crazy or something and we had to stay in. At least that’s what I’m gonna say, haha not that we had rehearsal ;) I’m looking forward to having one show down! This will be the only time we perform this show on this boat, so we pack it up tonight….haha

Jan 11

We had our first two shows and besides looking like I was trying to pass a DUI test from the rocking on stage, the audience loved them! Our host Tom made sure the audience knew that we were the other entertainers who could sympathize with the juggler on a rocky night haha. Want to know the hardest part of cruise line entertainment? It’s walking…in a straight line on center. I already have terrible balance as many of you already know, and I am unfortunately pigeon toed, so this has been reaaaaallllyyyy hard! Haha But I just have to keep on keepin on and I hope I someday get used to it! Soon! Right now, I am sitting in my cabin, watching Julia and Julia cause I woke up too late for breakfast. That is so unlike me! I never sleep in! But on a ship, in the cabin, it is so difficult to wake up naturally. Honestly, it is so dark. I really need to get some fresh air today cause I am getting a little cabin fever, so I think I will walk around deck and then go to the gym. We have a really easy day today and then a midnight rehearsal, and knowing me, I need that sleep to get through the night, so I am making myself nap today. J Tomorrow we are crossing the equator on the Amazon River and stopping in Macapa, Brazil. I hope I get to get off the boat! I need to see some land! And I think, I’m not sure, but there is a tradition on the boat where people who have never crossed the equator have to get food thrown at them by people who have crossed it before. I am NOT looking forward to this hazing! It will be fun! Haha at least Eli and I will be in this together!

Thank you (Terima kasih and Salamat) :)

Jan 09

I cannot believe how rocky this ship is right now. We had our first run with costumes today and I literally was the MOST graceful!!! NOT! Haha But anyway, I just have to laugh it off because there is only so much I can do to make it look good, the rest is up to the ocean J So much for beveling! Now, I am just trying not to stand like a football player in a pretty gown.  Not only am I having to get used to the rockiness of the boat, I feel like I am singing in the Sahara desert. Hopefully I get better. Haha, One day at a time! After the run, I had a lovely lunch and sat out on the back of the deck and just took it all in. I really do have the best job in the world. When it all comes down to it, I look around and see all of my Indonesian and Pilipino friends who are staff on the boat working 13-15 hour days. My heart breaks for them. They are all such sweet people! And I have learned so much about them in this short amount of time. I love learning their culture and language. They are good people, and it is a blessing to get to know them. My cabin steward (yes I know, it’s ridiculous that I even have one, but really nice) Safwan and the other one on the hall, Sam were teaching some of us numbers today. I was also telling to Sam yesterday and he said he misses his family a lot. I cannot imagine how hard that must be. Almost 10 months at sea doing the same thing every day, wow. But it really makes my day to talk to them, they are great! Anywho, going to yoga under the stars tonight and probably going to have a gourmet meal….what is this life????

Rockin the boat

Jan 07

Wahoo! A fun day for training and tests and shots! J My favorite! (I’m not really great at sarcasm am I?) I took one of the tests about 10 times…..kind of laughing my face off. When in the world will I need to store the waste? But hey, it was interesting? Haha. We have rehearsal in a little while and then a break until we have a really late rehearsal. In terms of turnover though, we have it really easy! Hey, we’re the world cruise, we do things our way right? Getting a little anxious to see some beautiful beaches with all of this water around me! Something pretty funny I thought was running next to the water on the lower deck…I’m the bionic woman! I was looking at the water and literally flying! Oh and btw, I think my blogs will get more entertaining when I actually get on port….or maybe I can stir up some excitement on deck??? J otherwise I will have to make something up….haha

 Jan 08

The last few days have been a true whirlwind of emotions, so it turns out, I don’t have to fly back to la for a few days to get a Brazilian Visa, then fly back in Brazil. Thank goodness it worked out, I think I would have been a little stressed to be going back and forth! J but anywho, now I am in Barbados, and I have my first day of (IPM – in port manning) so I have to stay on the ship, but it’s all good cause I have laundry to do and possibly some tanning…..? oh who am I kidding? I’m a wildish, and we don’t tan… but maybe read? (don’t say it….or even think it haha) So we have our first show in a few nights and we’re still getting ready for it and having plenty of drills and such. I am hoping Barbados isn’t the coolest place on earth cause I would LOVE to see it, oh well, at least I can say for sure I am staying and ready to have some more ad ventures J

The last few days :)

Jan 05 2011

Today was quite the day! Traveling to the ship was exciting. Eli (one of my dancer boys and good friends) and I said we could definitely feel the butterflies. We were so excited to get on the ship. Then we get there, and the Prinsendam is really cute and TINY!!!! We had to go to a meeting right away. Traffic directing and such J Our HRO (human recourse office manager Mike) was so helpful! Anywho….I found out that my seaman’s book did not make it in time and in case it didn’t go through I would have to fly back in Barbados and go home until they got my book at the end of Brazil. But here is some good energy that everything will turn out alright. Oh well, going with the flow J We then checked into our rooms. They are tiny, but I have a single cabin…so I really don’t need much space. Lucky me! Tonight, we ate dinner…and by the way, the food has been AMAZING today! I had salmon for lunch and Mahi Mahi for dinner! It’s awesome! And then, we watched the boat sail away. Which, I can definitely feel the movement! Eli and I stood in the middle of our hallway and couldn’t stop laughing cause we were spinning. It doesn’t really make me sick. Thankfully, haha. I just feel a little tipsy, ALL day haha. After dinner, we got our costumes fitted for H2o and I definitely have some really gorgeous gowns! So excited! And our customers are just wonderful. So happy to be working with them! After that, we all went up to the OB (office bar?) and had a few drinks and played some darts. Which I am pretty terrible at. Haha But so far…I love this ship and the old adorable people on it! All the crew is so welcoming and I love my job. Half moon Key tomorrow! (Holland America’s very own Island!) Not sure if I will be able to get off haha….maybe! Love and miss you all, you very wonderful people!

Jan 06-

My silly computer is being pretty wonky as far as Internet goes, but it’s finally working a little J Today was also a little bit crazy as far as emotions go…Eli and I were told it may happen that we BOTH have to stay in Barbados until we have our Seaman’s books delivered in our hands in Barbados (where they were both sent to) and if not, we stay in Barbados….and then fly back to LA. Then we both get Visa’s for getting in Brazil….and then fly back to Brazil! Oh man! The LIFE!!! It’s all good! Everything will work out! I mean Barbados????? Awesome!!! One thing I really notice is how sweet the staff is on this boat. Our chefs and waiters and stewards are the sweetest people ever! I am so lucky! And it has been so much fun already!

leaving on a jet plane....

well folks,
    here it is. I am getting all the final things put together...taking a deep breath and getting ready to go. I know I promised I would put where I would be on the blog at some point....which I will, but I've packed my calender haha. So anywho, we leave for ft. Lauderdale tomorrow morning at 6:15 am. yikes. I had a marvelous weekend, with some sad, but good goodbyes.Just had my final dinner with my parents and it was so nice of them to drive to LA to get the final things left in my apartment that I accumulated over the summer and these past few months. I am really going to miss home, but I know this is an adventure I will never forget. I cannot wait to see the world and do what I love. I am so blessed and so grateful. Love you all. Until next time......:)




One more thing, my 3 year old niece Kaela said the wisest comment to me yesterday as she said goodbye....I said I was going to cry because I would miss her and the family so much and she said . "don't cry auntie lex, you're going on a boat and you're gonna sing and you'll be happy :)" - how I love that little munchkin.

the time is near..... 2 days before I go

I cannot believe that it's almost here. As I pack my bags....(crossing my fingers they are less than 50 each) I realize time is shrinking away. And not only that, the time I get to spend with my loved ones is really precious...It always has been, but this trip really makes me count the minutes. Hopefully I can see some of them at sea...but until then...if you need to get a hold of me....please facebook message me. Or email me at alexa.wildish@gmail.com. I cannot get texts or calls for the next 8 months...but I will try to get Internet. Love you all so much!
off to Brazil!!!!