Maine Diaries: Just another day in paradise
Each spring students from
Maine Maritime Academy
set sail on their training ship the State of Maine
for a two-month cruise. One student, Paul Kemp*, has
agreed to share his experience.
May 26-We have finally reached paradise, and it comes in the form of unbearable humidity and constant thunderstorms. Not that it matters much, but we found some reassurance in the days we spent at sea with the knowledge that we will one day enter a port where we may relax and enjoy cruise.
Our first port of call is beautiful Ponce, where, we have just been informed, it is too dangerous to walk around, and, in any case, the closest town is four miles away. We have also been warned of venereal diseases from our ship’s doctor, and of which evil drinks to stay clear of for the cheap price and large alcohol content from our regimental staff. We now know exactly which women to seek out (for those who are looking) and which drinks to order for our quick early morning fixes. God I love this boat. To hell with safety, I say, as too long we have been on our small steel island and a vigorous fleeing through the underbelly of Ponce would do us good.
But no matter. We are soon on to fabulous San Juan where I plan to spend most of my day in some early morning rum tasting followed by a day of sailing and sobering so that I may blow under the vindictive level of .08. We must be sober for the days of mopping up floors that await us.
Previous posts:
May 5
May 7
May 9
May 10
May 12
May 13
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 21
May 23
*Paul Kemp is a pseudonym. The student has asked that his name be withheld out of respect for those with whom he is sailing.
May 26-We have finally reached paradise, and it comes in the form of unbearable humidity and constant thunderstorms. Not that it matters much, but we found some reassurance in the days we spent at sea with the knowledge that we will one day enter a port where we may relax and enjoy cruise.
Our first port of call is beautiful Ponce, where, we have just been informed, it is too dangerous to walk around, and, in any case, the closest town is four miles away. We have also been warned of venereal diseases from our ship’s doctor, and of which evil drinks to stay clear of for the cheap price and large alcohol content from our regimental staff. We now know exactly which women to seek out (for those who are looking) and which drinks to order for our quick early morning fixes. God I love this boat. To hell with safety, I say, as too long we have been on our small steel island and a vigorous fleeing through the underbelly of Ponce would do us good.
But no matter. We are soon on to fabulous San Juan where I plan to spend most of my day in some early morning rum tasting followed by a day of sailing and sobering so that I may blow under the vindictive level of .08. We must be sober for the days of mopping up floors that await us.
Previous posts:
May 5
May 7
May 9
May 10
May 12
May 13
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 21
May 23
*Paul Kemp is a pseudonym. The student has asked that his name be withheld out of respect for those with whom he is sailing.
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