Small Break In Season

Traveling around the Mediterranean Sea...

Capri, Italy (below)

Relaxing in the sun while guests are off the boat. Taking in the picturesque view.

A few of the crew got to go to land during our breaks to explore the amazing town of Capri. (below) Stunning views and not able to express the beauty through any photo. I always getting asked what my favorite place is in the world. Such a hard question but Capri is defiantly close to the top of the list. 

Opposite side of the island of Capri. Capri is a small island off the West side of Italy Gulf of Naples. (below)

Famous walk up the "Stairway to Heaven" in Capri. (below)

The walk down the stairs was much more enjoyable then up. over 1,500 stairs to the top.

Amalfi Coast, Italy (below)

Very small, boring town but what a view...

Current location: Golfe Juan, France. Right smack bad in the middle of Antibes and Cannes. A train ride in either direction with so much to explore. Next charter on July 3.

Horta, Azores, Portugal

Had to make a pit stop for fuel and duck behind an island because of a big storm system.

 One of the highest points on this island - rainy weather because of the storm

Hiked 7km around the rim of a volcano took around 3 hours so we brought roadies 

Day 2: Lighthouse point outside Horta

Night out at a yacht bar called Pete's 

As we speak we are pulling out of port and headed for Gibraltar. Four more days at sea until we see land and it's not going to be pretty. Say a prayer! 

Peace&Love

E

L.O.V.E.

Who knows the true meaning of love? It's different for everyone, different kinds of love. Is there such thing as bad love?

It's amazing spending time with the same people; day in, day out...working, living, partying, eating, and even sometime sleeping with these same people. This will get to you at some point or another and that's what my job includes, all of the above. But it seems to come full circle, we have one word for this type of love: FAMILY.

I have now discovered another type of love. This love I have for traveling has blossomed again because I am now back in Europe, with that comes many eye opening sites and experiences. My love for traveling isn't the kind that makes my heart ache. It's not the kind that makes me cry when I'm happy or sad. But it's the kind of love that makes me want to share my experiences with all the people I love and care for. I wish I could share every moment with someone when I experience a new country, city, or moment in life that has never happened before. It's hard being away from loved ones but the ones who truly care know this is my passion and I wouldn't be happy unless I'm finding new ways to "love."

Another type of love that always confuses me, especially with my job/lifestyle is the love that comes with men. What's love or what's lust? Traveling is my passion and I will never give it up but because this is who I am. They say distance makes the heart grow founder, I truly believe that for better or worse. It helps make the choice of what really matters in life important. I've recently become fond of one wonderful man, who all of a sudden pops into my life with just one night. (Just thinking about him makes me smile) But now is 4,000 miles away from me and we are now separated by technology. The way he looks at me, laughs with me but more times then none is laughing AT me, and the way he cares for me as well as everyone around him is unlike anyone I know. Internationally sound and the word "intelligent" can't describe him enough. I'm sure everyone is just rolling their eyes at this point but this kind of love IS the kind that hurts my heart knowing he's so far away. The one that makes me smile and everyone asks "What's wrong with her? Why's she so happy?"

Even after knowing him for a short time, the way we connect and we understand each other is one of a kind. I wake up thinking about this man, and have a hard time falling asleep without him. I believe in my heart that goods things will come to good people, and our time will come in many forms of love.

Love is such a sneaky thing. Sometimes can make life worth living for but also can make it very hard to live life. I know being away from all the ones I love is difficult in different ways but knowing I'm loved back is all that matters.

 1 universe 

9 planets 

204 countries

809 islands 

7 seas

and I had the privilege of meeting you...

What kind of love is in your life?

Very Far Behind - Mid Atlantic

As usual I always start out by apologizing for the lack of posts in the recent months. As much work as I've been doing, I've also been having a lot of fun along with it.

My current position is in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Hard to believe I know but this is the second crossing I have done across the Atlantic. Barely survived the first time but this 3,500 mile long trip has been much, much better. We are about two days away from some sort of land but not our final destination. We are now headed to Horta, Azores, Portugal. A little over a year ago I visited these same islands. This year we are headed to a different island in the Azores; the port is called Horta. The boat fuels back up to get into the Mediterranean Sea because after we leave Azores, it will be another eight days until we reach our final destination of La Ciatot, France. Unfortunately, the weather is predicted to be horrible for the next few days the closer to Europe we get. We will have to wait out the storm and stay in Horta for at least two days if not longer to play it safe.

Once we have left Horta, we will have another three or four day trip to get to Gibraltar, U.K. which is where I spent almost a month last year waiting for a confirmation of a charter. Luckily on Carpe Diem we will then fuel up again and head more into the Mediterranean. We will only stay a few hours. 

Since we have left the dock in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we have been lucky enough to see so many whales and dolphins. As well as seeing lots of marine life, we've also had good enough weather to be able to sun bathe on the sun deck, music blaring and kiddy pools out to cool down in. Ive also been able to get a few workouts in during the trip if the weather has been decent. We have a new treadmill, free weights, stationary bike, elliptical and a few other things to be able to stay fit. I can now say I've ran three miles while in the middle of the ocean. Some of the things I'll be able to tell my kids is going to be so cool. We were planning on stopping in Bermuda because of weather before heading across but the weather decided to opening up and we were able to just head on out to sea. We were inside the Bermuda Triangle for almost two days. Another thing I can check off my "Epic things I've done in my life" list. 

This picture was a sunset in the very center of the Atlantic Ocean. Can't complain about seeing God's perfect creations in places few people will ever get to see in their lives. I'm very lucky and each day makes me realize it more and more. 

Getting an amazing sunset view of Fort Lauderdale, Pier 66 right before we head to the Med. If you look closely, Carpe Diem is in this shot. Top of the river on the Left side and our bow is pointing towards the sunset. All white boat. 

Same view as the sunset one but this is one of the busiest times for Pier 66. All of the boats come to do all the last minute fixes and fuel up before going over to the Med or up the East Coast or whatever journey they are planning on to take. In just a month or so this place will be more or less a ghost town. 

Meg & I playing in the baby pools mid atlantic. Candid shot. 

Everyone relaxing enjoying the amazing weather. Flat clam seas, Not a cloud in the sky, cool breeze and whale watching. Couldn't ask for a better day. Side note I was asked if I had any Mexican blood in me...Starting to look like a Mexican I'm getting so dark. Dad you would be proud. 

We are currently four hours ahead of the US, once we get all the way to France we will be six hours ahead of the United States. Will be hard to communicated with everyone but I will try to at least write little blogs here and there trying to keep everyone updated as best I can. I am on a very busy charter boat and we have a full summer ahead of us but Im up for the challenge. Everything will pay off after I finish this season. I'm so excited to get over here and spend five or six solid months getting to see new and amazing places. I love my job and I want everyone reading this to understand why I love my job so much. Hard to explain every little detail but I will try my best! Once we get to France we will have about a week to turn over the boat and get it charter ready. We will pick up our first guests in Antibes (where this all started). I'm so excited to get back and see if anything has changed. 

Peace&Love

E

Eurotrip Photos

(Above) trying to work out the GoPro for the first time at the Eiffel Tower 

(Below) Don't really know where this was but we both seem to think this is going towards Interlaken, Switzerland. Somewhere in Switzerland that's all you need to know.

(Below) "Disney Castle" in Southern Germany was only built a little more than 100 years ago. We got to go inside and see where all the slaves worked and took care of the king. The king died before the castle was even finished.

(Below) Friends from Canada we met at Oktoberfest. One of the most fun day/nights we had on the trip. Such an amazing experience and the beers were as big as my HEAD!

(Below) Had some asian take our picture and boy they sure do know how to take a good picture. Loved Paris but just to now say I've done it and seen it all is good enough for me.

(Below) Dave's signature pose.

(Below) This was right before we paraglided off the top of Mount Blanc in Chamonix, France. 

(Below) This was where we landed after paragliding off the top of Mount Blanc in Chamonix, France. Stunning views from all over the mountain range. 

Day 17

Here are a few photos from Miami and Bahamas...

This is Meghaan and Kali before we went out for a big night in Miami for Kali's going away party. She was leaving the boat to go to Bali for holiday with her boyfriend. 

This is most of the crew at the time. We were missing a few people haha 

Nat, the ex chief stew and Meghann the 4th stew/sous chef.

This is at Radio bar where we all met up. Most of the crew here. Such a great night out with everyone. We had to say goodbye to people but it's not goodbye forever just see you later. This industry is so small, we will run into each other again at some point. 

After a big win with the Miami Heat. Geert (Dutch/new deckie) and Meg

Don't have many photos yet but we are currently in the Bahamas for about three weeks. We are in Freeport, Grand Bahamas at this point but then we are heading the Atlantis after a few days for a Perry trip and so on. We have been doing a lot water sports after work and finishing a little early because we won't get much time once we head to Europe. Finally getting the crew back together. We have one more person to get here (my roommate) she's from France and her name is Luce. She will be our 2nd stew. 

That's all for now. 

Peace&Love

Fun Yachting Links

Explore away:

This link below is from our Christmas/New Years charter. We had a lot of fun with our beach set ups, cool fishing trips, crew vs. guest volleyball tournament, and a big bonfire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXYZnqWZvLI

The link below shows the seahawks didn't really need to win the SuperBowl. (I still hate the Patriots)

http://www.oceanofnews.com/see-owner-seattle-seahawks-superyacht-octopus/

The link below are just some cool instagram videos of boats all over the world. The last video is of M/Y Azteca and they are sitting right next to us as we speak.

http://www.oceanofnews.com/top-10-instagram-videos-boat-yacht-superyacht-week-6/

The link below is for anyone wondering more about yachting...

https://proangels.wordpress.com/newbies-experience-exchange/

The link below is about the upcoming Miami boat show. Starting Feb. 12-16. Carpe Diem was supposed to be in Miami by this point in time but our yard period is extended for a week due to AC/engine issues.

http://www.oceanofnews.com/top-10-largest-yachts-miami-yacht-brokerage-boat-show/

Wrap your head around these numbers; $1.3 million a week to charter this baby out. She's in Fort Lauderdale right now.

http://www.oceanofnews.com/3d-printed-jaguar-hits-the-high-seas/?hvid=6c0eVf

Another fellow yacht blogger:

http://www.tatler.com/news/articles/january-2015/travel-tuesday-miranda-hart-superyacht-adventure

Steve Jobs yacht, Venus. She is such a master piece I would someday be able to work onboard her, it would be a dream come true:

http://www.cnn.com/videos/tech/2015/01/06/orig-steve-jobs-yacht-venus-npr.cnn

And the grand finale is this link; read these and don't be surprised at all...unfortunately I've had to perform worse or I've heard of worse

http://www.tatler.com/news/articles/february-2015/yacht-guide---13-crazy-on-board-requests

All these are just some websites/links I explore and learn more from every day. I learn from people posting on social media more than I do at work on a day to day basis. Pretty cool things out there though. Keeps my interested a lot longer. The boats keep getting bigger and more expensive as the years tick away.

Sickness spreading

After a long couple of weeks being sick, my 25th birthday, parents visiting and trying to juggle work and friends; I'm here to say I'm happier than I've ever been and so thankful to have everything I have.

The small things are what make me happy. For example, it's Monday, February 2, 2015...The crew all just got new bath towels and pillows. Random, I know, but just because we fought we needed new ones we all got together and decided that's something we wanted.

We now have a new first mate on board and his girlfriend is the new 4th stew. When I first joined the boat (Carpe Diem) he was on right after the crossing and she was our crew chef. The yard period is coming to an end and we are now starting to see everyone come back from their courses that they were taking and new people coming in to fill the old places. Eating lunch today was a mad house having 10 people in there eating at once when we've had only about five or six the past four weeks. People running into each other, asking for napkins while they are already sitting down, cutlery dropping on the floor, drinks spilling. We all were laughing, as if we have never all sat in a crew mess together before.

The first day my parents arrived in Fort Lauderdale, I was becoming achy and feeling like I had a horrible hangover when I hadn't had anything to drink in weeks. Family friends came all the way over from Naples and we were able to watch the last Colts game of the year all together. Monday morning came along and I felt as if a train had hit me. I was super sick and couldn't hardly work. Few more days went on and I was sent to the doctor ASAP when my parents saw me after work one day. Influenza A (worst flu you can get) and was highly contagious. Asian mask was a must then I spread it to my dad real quick. Sorry dad! Gareth was the first to spread the sickness. He didn't seem to get hit too hard but suddenly everyone starting feeling a little ill then all of a sudden EVERYONE was sick. Down for the count, the flu infected all of us real quick.

Gareth my first mate originally is leaving to go onto Perry's other 150' yacht to try to become captain which is cool. He's an amazing person and I always hope to stay in touch with him. Hey maybe a future job will come out of it if we are on the same page at the same time. As weird as it sounds, it's actually hard to find loyal people in this industry so coming across the few that I have, I'm able to say I'm going to be friends with these few people probably for the rest of my life. So many crew come and go unfortunately but I hope to stay in touch with him long after he's gone.


We've got a few more weeks here in Fort Lauderdale in the yard and once we are done here we go straight to Miami for the International boat show. Rumor has it Pitbull is coming on board to promote Carpe Diem and help us get charters for the Med season.

I was sick for over two weeks, flu one week, right when my parents got here of course. I was too sick for my parents to function so they sent me to the doctor. Ebola epidemic scared everyone so I have to wear this asian mask everywhere I went. 

This was one of the first weekends in Fort lauderdale. I was able to see one of my best friends, Daniella, from South Africa. Her boat is docked here most of the year so i've been spending most of my time with her. She's the blonde. Another stew on her boat is in the black. 

I was lucky enough to spend my birthday with my closest friends and all my crew. We went for sushi and then margaritas and tequila at Rocco's Tacos. Aino and Kali were the only ones who actually was into taking pictures. 

This is Carpe Diem on the dock in the yard. Nothing like Rybo but it's still weekends off and a lot more down time then we are used to so there's not many complaints here. 

"Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and hardest to forget"

These two girls are amazing friends I was lucky enough to meet through my few years in yachting. They are real and true. I'm very lucky to call them my friends. 

New Year Update

Here's just a few pictures to keep y'all in the loop. Sorry I've been so busy with work, parents visiting and being down and out with the flu. 

This is the interior crew on Christmas Eve on charter. (Me, Jen- American, Nat- Aussie, Kali- Aussie, Aino- Finnish) As you can tell we are all blonde. This boat on hires blondes, for reasons unknown. hahahhaha

 Carpe Diem at anchor in Europe.

 This is where I spent my Christmas Day - Carpe Diem Beach set up with everything you can think of to do and all the guests did was play a card game at the table in the shade all day long.

This contraption is called a jet-o-vator. Pretty fun, acts like you are flying.

At the moment we are in the Yard at Dania Beach, just outside Fort Lauderdale. We are here from Mid January until February 11, then straight back to Miami for the Miami boat show. We are having Pitbull on board to perform and get people to charter us for the Med season. No limit on how much we can spend as long as we are as busy as possible when we get to Europe that's all that matters. I'll try to upload more pictures soon and explain where else I am in my life. Trying to find time for myself is hard enough, let alone trying to sit down and accomplish a well thought out blog that makes sense. 

Peace&Love