Familiar Water

I never thought the Strait of Gibraltar would be familiar territory as we dock once more to fill up for gas. We did it! We sailed the Mediterranean Sea and are now headed back to the outer edges of the Atlantic Ocean as we make our way to the city of Casablanca.

I watched it for the first time last night. Casablanca, I mean. Hard to imagine for being a drama major and Bogart being one of the most exemplary actors of all time, that I would neglect to see this timeless classic. Nevertheless as Erika and I sat in the Union watching I couldn’t help but think of my Great Grandfather and his endless love for movies. It brought back memories of me as a child, sitting upstairs in his house, watching movies such as Singing in the Rain and The Ten Commandments (which I have yet to finish). I imagine that his large collection of movies has had a lot of influence on my desire to pursue the ever so intimidating career of acting. Even as I watch this movie in black and white I can imagine myself vibrantly participating in the ever so difficult art form.

I never realized how classic a film Casablanca was. The ingénue, the unrequited love,  the comedy relief and all amidst a WW II theme, you can’t get any more classic. Not to mention those famous quotes that I never knew were extracted from this famous film. “Here’s to looking at you kid,” and “We’ll always have Paris,”. I was giddy over the revelation and lured into the mystical setting of Casablanca. We’ll be there in a just a day and our second leg in Africa will kick off!

Kevin and I saw Dolphins again this morning, but this time right outside our window. They seem to love the waves created on the sides of the boat. The sun was glistening and they were having a blast in the rushing waters. Kevin was beside himself as he literally screamed with excitement every time the dolphins graced us with some high jumping flips. I guess they don’t have dolphins in Minnesota. But it was quite the show and we didn’t even have to leave the comfort of our own room. I’m going to miss having the open water as my backyard.

I recently mentioned of how much I detest the ship’s cuisine. And before today even the peanut butter was of an undesirable texture. However, a miracle has once again been performed. Both the peanut butter AND jelly are delicious. Creamy, tasteful and wonderful on toasted bread. It may be because we are so sick of the routinely choices of starch but it is an epidemic amongst us all. We go back for seconds and thirds as we stock up on this ever delicious sandwich that fills an empty hole in our stomachs and hearts. If I weren’t so full right now, I would go for yet another.

It is weird that we measure our time in countries but about 2 countries ago we were lounging poolside in the golden sands area of Bulgaria and now we sit at the connecting gates between the vast Atlantic ocean and the enclosed Mediterranean.  And about 7 countries ago we were sailing through this very same passageway to begin our adventurous travels. Now, as we just finished being prepped for our 8th and final port of call: Morocco, we wave goodbye to the Majestic Sea that we came to know and love for the past 5 weeks.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. I have to watch more movies.