Deepening Connections

One of the best parts of this journey has been forming real, deep connections with the people around me. Without the constant pull of social media, I have had no choice but to be fully present. Conversations are not interrupted by notifications, and moments are not lived for the sake of posting them. I have learned to listen, to ask questions, and to sit with silence without feeling awkward. What has surprised me most is how close I feel to people I have only known for a short time.

Something about sharing this ship, these sunsets, and the rhythm of the sea makes time feel different, both fast and slow at once. Days blur together, yet the bonds we have formed feel like they have taken years to build. Maybe it is because we see each other at our most real, tired, excited, homesick, or in awe, and that honesty connects us faster than anything else. I have come to realize that when you are not trying to capture every second, you actually live it. The friendships I have made feel genuine because they are built on shared experiences, not filtered versions of ourselves. Being disconnected online has helped me connect more deeply in real life, and that is something I will carry with me long after this voyage ends.

Here are some pictures I've taken of the ship that make time feel unnatural :)

Thought this pic was cool at night

Love the horrizon

Fancy dinner with friends!