My Dad and I visited old friends in Arkansas and Texas on our way to an Alaskan cruise departing from Vancouver. We had a sweet time of fellowship reuniting with these guys after about 10 years. This trip was the fulfillment of a promise my Dad made me 20 years ago when I was 3. We had an AMAZING journey through the beautiful “Last Frontier” of Alaska. The cruise stopped in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Seward. In Ketchikan, we saw a black bear, wild salmon, and a few bald eagles. Juneau was my favorite excursion taking a tram to the top of a mountain for a spectacular view. Skagway is known for the famous Klondike gold rush and we took an excursion through the stunning Yukon Territory. We took a bus from Seward to Anchorage for a full day of museums, walking the city, and visiting the Alaskan Zoo. The only bad things that happened this trip were issues with my technology and passport. My phone was taken (thankfully recovered), laptop stopped charging, and passport barely made it in time.
The cruise shows and activities were also tremendous. I enjoyed the Motown and juggling comedian performance the most. I got to meet a handful of people on the cruise through playing soccer, ping pong, and late-night dancing. My Dad and I probably most enjoyed the luxury of an all-you-can-eat buffet whenever we wanted. Overall, I am most thankful to spend extreme quality time with my Dad. I’m going through a life transition from school and singleness to work and wanting to start a family. I’m so blessed to have this relationship with my Dad and want to always feel comfortable talking to him about anything. I love my Dad!!
Duration
8 days
Accommodation
Cruise ship (7 nights) & Hotel (1 night)
Favorite Food
One of the seven types of cheesecakes I tried!
Favorite Site
Glacier Bay National Park
Cool Person I Met
Tek. Tek is from India and is just finishing his six month contract with Norwegian. He cleaned our hotel room. We had a pleasant conversation each time I walked past. I was fascinated to hear about the opportunity for international young adults to travel around the world practically free, serving on a cruise. I had conversations with other cruise workers from Thailand, Brazil, New Zealand, and other countries.
Highlight
I enjoyed the mountain top view of Juneau with my Dad. I hiked around the mountain to find an old erected cross and I spotted a mountain goat. I felt so small staring into the distance at other alpine mountains and looking at the small town within the valley. It was breathtaking!
Big Takeaway
Resting is super important. I have a problem with slowing down, not with doing too little. I get some of these characteristics from my parents because they’ve always been hard workers. Sometimes vacations would be slightly boring by day 4 or 5 when we aren’t doing work. This trip was an incredible time to relax by getting away from many of life’s chaos. I felt restored and strengthened to continue in activities I feel called to.
It makes me think of practicing the Sabbath. Why did almighty God rest from his activity on the seventh day? He set the example for us. We are designed as finite and cannot properly operate without rest, both daily and cyclically. I often forget my constraints, and honestly wish we had no limitations! But this isn’t God’s desire. We should take part in regular times of rest to honor Him in obedience and by strengthening ourselves to do more good work.
Your Turn
Will you make the opportunity to spend quality time with an important person before life gets too crazy?
What’s your favorite part of a cruise?
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