Kiss the land

10/08/11 

12 days at sea matey’s, and the first stop, Vladivostock, Russia! I didn’t think I would be able to get off the ship because I had IPM (in port manning) but a few of the cast members were sure they didn’t want to explore this garbage town. As crazy as it sounds, though it was gloomy and people were unfriendly and everything was in Russian, I thought it was awesome. I needed to be on land. It kind of smelled bad getting off the ship and the entire place was under construction. But there were no saftey signs not to fall in a ditch....with my clumsy record, I am shocked I didn’t fall down one of them! So, in the morning, My friends Eli and Dan and I wandered off the ship looking to find something interesting. I was smiling so big, just grateful to be on land! I love exploring new places and seeing new cultures. The funny thing is that we were off so early, NOTHING was open. So, they found maybe the nicest Cinnebon and got some grub. Of course! haha such American consumers! But it was the only thing open....really. Then we wandered to some statues in the middle of town of some serious Russian political figures and people watched. There were many many old men wearing camouflage gear, young guys with flourishing mullets, and girls with Zooey Dechanel bangs and boots. After hanging out there for a bit, we wandered into the coolest coffee shop in town by accident. There was an english speaking guy there who gave us a free cup of coffee and told us all about his life. He was Russian, but studied English and Spanish abroad, but decided to come and work in a coffee shop there to bring something back to his culture. It was fascinating. Everyone there seemed really depressed and the people in the coffee shop were unlike the others. I was impressed that Vladimir (coffee shop guy) was so friendly. We also have alot of eastern European workers on our ship that are out of the ordinary friendly as well....it’s cool. But anywho, while sitting in the coffee shop, another friendly business man chatted it up with us and told us where to explore. We then wandered some more and picked up our friend Emily to join us. We went back to the statues, and noticed there was a ton of people gathered in the lot in front. It was kind of like a carnival, but no carnival items or things to do. It was really confusing. There were, however, small children on barbie mobiles running over the adults. It was funny. Then Eli, Emily and I looked for food. Emily was starving and went back to the ship, and Eli and I went to an amazing restaurant where we shared a vegetable dish, some water and a hookah that cost 1,000 bucks! ahhhh just kidding, roobles, which are not as bad...haha. It was charming though, our waiter speaking english to us was so awesome. I wish I could at least speak a little ! ahhh Next stop, South Korea! :)