I can see that everyone’s already judging me, from the way I look, from my position and from who I talk to. Fortunately, I met a number of colleagues that I used to work with on the other ship like the Master Valet (he basically serves the top 5 officers namely the captain, staff captain, doctor, safety officer and chaplain), some restaurant guys, some musicians and the First Officer. The First Officer and I never really spoke but we’d exchanged some pleasantries. Over here, he seemed like he was really glad to see me. His eyes grew wide when he met me, kissed my cheeks and then pinch it after that. That’s really nice for a change because Officers are usually quite arrogant and sleazy.

His physical stature reminded me of Marco, the previous First Officer for Engines back on the other ship Not too tall but broad shouldered, tanned, and a shock of wavy dark and grey hair would frame his temples. Very distinguished looking. Marco and I got along very well without speaking much English. I met him a month before I disembarked from my previous ship. We could connect at a level where we both shared similar perspectives in life. Those times, we would sit outside the Crew Bar, underneath the stars, and with a beer in our hands, traded stories. He would keep supporting me to write my novel and would tell me stories about his motorbike, his amazing Buddhist sister, his Sicily and his ex-wife. I think he had desired to be with me but I was with Giorgio (even though Gio wasn’t onboard at that time) and wouldn’t imagine of betraying our relationship. Marco knew that and he respected the boundaries; he remained sweet, helpful and attentive, like a good friend. We would keep chatting into the night…. those dreamy talks about our destinies and direction in life. Those were the one of the best times on the other ship.
Will I be able to find someone like that on this ship? A good friend that I could connect with without the complications of romance and physical intimacies? I wouldn’t hold my breath since it’s too vast to make any instant connections but again, time will tell. And there must be reason why I’m here…. Someone that I’ve to meet, someone to teach me a lesson, something that I need to know… hopefully, every day, a new insight will be revealed.