Pre-Voyage Interview - Jen

 

What are you most looking forward to/excited about?

I'm excited about embracing the adventure mindset. Bring it on!  I can't wait!

I'm also excited about deepening existing relationships with my family and people who will be traveling with us on the ship and in port. 

Morocco is my most anticipated port. Chris and are going to try to recreate the story of our Moroccan rug purchase from our visit to Marrakesh more than 20 years ago. 

What are you most nervous about?
This isn't our first rodeo. There's plenty to worry about (Euchre dying, some significant issue at home or work that we can't tend to in person, a covid/flu/RSV epidemic on the ship, etc.). That said, I know that the thing that will most likely throw off our adventure is something we aren't anticipating/expecting in this moment. I hope that no matter what happens, we have the energy and mindset to face whatever comes our way.
 
What is a risk you're going to take?

I think I'm going to do some pretty significant self reflection requiring vulnerability, which I expect will be the heaviest lift I make on this voyage.

What is the most important thing to you that we should pack?

First most important: Journal and expensive writing pens.

Second most important: Pugs on donuts onesie.

Third most important: Passports/Visas/Vaccine Cards/Jump drive with all of my academic materials

 
What are you saddest about leaving behind?

Euchre--the morning walks, the bedtime snuggles, and watching him sleep peacefully around the house.  My fingers and toes are crossed that he'll be alive (at age 16.5) to reunite with us when we return home.

15 years young!

How are you different from last time?  

For a variety of reasons, the months and years leading up to this voyage have been harder for me than the time period leading up to our first voyage. I'm showing up for this ride with a lot more fatigue and complexity of emotion. I "need" this voyage in a way that feels fundamentally different than the first time we sailed. As a result, I feel both incredibly grateful for the opportunity ahead and also slightly nervous about being "less than whole" at the onset.

 
How will you know if this adventure was a "success?"

We come home with lasting memories that we cherish for a lifetime.

Jen, age 45, dressed as Gollum from Lord of the Rings for Halloween