Beneath the Surface 20

Cartagena, Columbia
For the first time since arriving on board I was actually able to leave the ship. Of course there was a catch: I had to go on tour. Any potential ‘time off’ was actually spent working. Not only did I have to join the tour but I was expected to hassle the guests and photograph them whilst on tour. The previous night I got to bed at midnight and was up at six to be on the pier for seven. ‘Mysteries Of Religion,’ was the tour Robert chose on my behalf. I assumed he researched all the tours and came to the conclusion to send me on one the tour I would most dislike.
As with all cruise ship tours we raced about the city on the coach. Guests photographed points of interest through the window. Eventually we arrived at a fort where we actually got to walk for a short while. Everywhere we went the local sellers attempted to sell us emeralds, coral necklaces and local designed t-shirts. It was apparent that Cartagena was poor. What was lovely was that the people did not actually hassle you, unlike some of the Asian countries where they pulled at your clothes. In Cartagena once you said no that was it, there was no continued persuasion. Although, there was a conveyor belt of people pushing the same products. Why sell exactly the same thing? Although two oddities did capture may attention: a weathered old man with a slow moving sloth and a dressed up donkey. They were actually quite amusing and attracted the guests to pay a couple of dollars to be photographed next to them.
You know what? They tour might have been dull but my group was made up of a wonderful group of guests. The majority were in their seventies and had a real sense of humour. After trapsing up and down a fortress and being lead through the old town, one of the old men pulled me aside because he had a story to tell. ‘You know you have reminded me of something and I have to tell you,’ he said waving his friends over.
‘Do you roller blade?’
‘No,’ I responded.
‘Well I was walking Miami’s waterfront and a young woman your height rollerbladed past. She tripped and as a perfect gentleman I caught her on the way down and held her in my arms. You’re cute she said,’ he smiled and glanced at his pals for effect.
‘When a woman calls you cute you know that you’re old. At my age the mind makes promises that the body can’t keep. Of course I wanted to say to say to that young lady that I was actually simply handsome and horny! But being a gentleman I kept it to myself.’
His cronies about him laughed. What a random story, still he was a gentleman with one of those cheeky faces. He was someone who always had a story to tell. I would keep a look out for him on board.
‘So Felicity you like working on the ship?’ he said.
‘I like the travel and seeing new place,’ I responded.
‘I imagine travelling the world for free is one of the best things a young person can do,’ he said.
I wasn’t the type to share my issues. Dignity and integrity was paramount and you never shared gossip with guests.
‘I certainly recommend seeing the world,’ I responded.
‘Can I have a look at the photographs you have taken?’
I handed him the digital camera. He and his group look stunned. ‘Oh you’re a proper photograher?’
I nodded.
‘From now on we will be your photographic fans. Is that okay with you?’ he said.
Of course it was okay, in fact I loved it!
They were so sweet, the passengers on the ship were as diverse as two people could be. Some were self-made, others were from wealthy families and the majority were American. I learned very early on that when working with Americans it was always wise to blow your own trumpet very hard and very loud. So at any opportunity I was ready to discuss my previous professional life, who knew who I was going to meet? My ego was obviously scrambling to make the situation better. If it worked at least there was benefit to me. If that was the case then why did I feel guilty? I had spent my life pleasing others and now I felt like a prisoner in luxury who was suppressing the cruel truth. That truth protected others and not me. Making a deep sigh I realised I had to shift all the negativity out of my mind. I felt so ungrateful when so many people would have given anything to live such an adventurous life.
On the drive back I gazed out of the window and considered my work, my new job and the fact I was trapped. Robert’s angry red face flashed through my mind. The more time I spent with him the more it became apparent his control and power issues were based on feeling out of control and unloved. It was my opinion and he was under pressure, but still everyone chooses their behaviour. What’s more I sensed he was in desperate need of rumpy pumpy. Everything he said was turning into an innuendo. I made a loud sigh, the reality was he was obsessed with a twenty something Swedish stewardess. Jose had pointed her out when she passed through the gallery. I hoped she would oblige him.

Upon return to the ship Cartagena revealed how climate change was taking affect. When the tide was high part of the city flooded. We are not just talking a little bit of water we are talking about two foot. Most of the time only four wheel drive vehicles could make it through. Quite a few cars had broken down amongst the torrent. Drivers were climbing out of windows and wading to safety. Unfortunately the mess of cars caused a massive traffic jam and the ship was due to depart in an hour. Brilliant! No doubt it was going to lead to more trouble.
The ship’s security officers stood on the gang way. I had fifteen minutes until I had to be at work. There was a system in place that the crew had to wait for the guests to go first. Even though I had to be at work I had to wait for eight bus loads of guests to swipe through the security system. I could feel that knot forming in my intestine. I was going to get shouted at for something that was not my fault. When I did arrive on the gangway the security guard glanced at me. ‘You are not listed on tour. You are late which means your card can be locked for a port,’ he said.
‘I was on tour, that is why I am carrying this flag. Please ask the tour team,’ he studied me.
‘I will let you off this once, but if you are late again there will be another day of ‘jail’.
Punished for no misdemeanour. How fair was that?
Once onboard I ran to my cabin and changed into my evening uniform. I did not have time to shower. Even though I rushed I was still five minutes late.
‘Where have you been? If there is one thing I can not stand… That is my staff being late!’ screamed Robert.
‘I was on a tour, you put me on that tour. How could I help a bus being caught in a flooded in the city centre? You know I could not help that,’ I responded.
‘Do not… I mean do not…ever answer me back! I am your manager! You are not to question me you understand? Late is late and we are open until ten so you won’t get a break,’ he said.
‘So I had to go on tour, get up at seven and now I will work until ten without a break?’
When would I eat?
‘Ship life honey. You either hack it or leave!’ he said storming into the darkroom and slamming the door.
Rage.
What was I doing? It was so unfair.
Marrissa witnessed the onslaught, looked sympathetic and shrugged.
I didn’t need to live my life like that. I was not happy. The hours we were working were ridiculous. So far, from the day I began I had worked two fifteen hour days without breaks. Was it worth it for seven days a week? I felt awful - I didn’t need to be there - I could go home and work in an office. I was already close to resigning. It was so frustrating not being able to just walk off the ship. They had my passport and I was trapped.
For the majority of the evening I was silent, brewing. I talked to guests while my mind churned. Finally Marrissa patted me on the shoulder. ‘Felicity Robert no nice man. This no nice ship. I leave Rio in two month. I no like company - it disaster. I will survive. Felicity I left good job on other ship… I paid more, I speak espanol and work with happy people. Ken lied me too. Not nice. I sad. I know you sad. You angry but you no stay. You better than this! Disaster!’
Later that evening Marrissa snuck me some sandwiches and cookies from the mess. We were both trapped on the same ship, we had to support each other. What else could we do?