european cruise Follow

Hi Everybody! I am back home from my European vacation. I am still trying to get my thoughts together about the voyage. I can say this-- a cruise ship would be a great place to set a novel. There is just so much going on. The workers on the boat are from all over the world and I couldn't help but wonder what brought them to work on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Apparently, they are only allowed to go home after a ten-month stint on the boat. At the breakfast buffet, there is a man from the Philippines who greets everyone with "Happy! Happy!". Before you touch any food, he sprays your hands with Purell: "Washy! Washy!" If I were to write a novel about a cruise ship, that guy would be the narrator. (I know he MUST get tired of that gig! He's like Tattoo from Fantasy Island.) Then again, having just finished THE SILVER GIRL, I am eager to get started on a new project. It's like being on the rebound after a romantic break-up. Everything I see looks like a potential new love. I'll post photos, etc. soon. I've got to go now and get myself together. Pablo Medina and Hache Carillo are reading at Rutgers-Newark tonight. Although I am on leave this term, I am going to attend the event. It's free and open to the public, in case you happen to be in the area.