Woke up to a bit of a situation this morning. We were supposed to take the Venice city water bus to our meeting point near the bus station (on the outskirts of Venice, where cars can actually go) to catch our shuttle van to the port of Trieste, for cruise departure. But the city busses aren’t running today because there’s a boat raid on the Grand Canal. A boat raid sounds like something we should be afraid of, but it’s some kind of race that combines motorboat and oar power. And makes it nearly impossible to get around the city. A very kind concierge at our hotel found us a water taxi to share w/ another couple. Crisis averted.

Slept in the van most of the way to the Port of Trieste.

This is my first ever cruise experience, so apologies to the cruise veterans out there for what’s certainly not new to you. Cruise ships are incredibly large. Trying not to overthink HOW large. Cruise boarding process was long, tedious, and in a mercilessly hot building with no A/C. Not sure if I should talk to the Italians or Norwegian Cruise Lines about that.

Norwegian checked our Covid tests w the same degree of scrutiny as the airlines – I could have shown them my 3rd grade report card and boarded the ship.

Hung out by the pool where Haydee and I both drank delicious sugar-free strawberry-enhanced WATER, bc we are both fighting migraines. Anna and Bella are drinking “not water”.

There was group fun on the pool deck (the Cupid Shufffle) to kick off the sailing. I am mostly allergic to group fun, so fled to the spectator section with the other introverts.

There are a surprising number of jellyfish in the Adriatic Sea.

Went upstairs to the top deck of the ship. Holy WIND!! Had a slight wardrobe malfunction.

Tomorrow: Montenegro awaits.