Days 1 & 2 were designated for travel and arrival. I left Boston on an 8AM MegaBus to NYC (thankyou to Mikey for getting up and eating breakfast with me), during which my mind was blown with internet on a moving bus. Upon arriving in New York, I navigated my way to Penn Station and found my way to the LIRR train to Jamaica, from which I could then transfer to the AirTrain that would take me to JFK. Despite being somewhat confused and bewildered with the NYC transit system, I managed to make it to the British Airways counter just a little after 2pm, where my aunt and uncle awaited. We went through security, and then... we waited. (Our flight was at 6) I bought James Patterson's Sundays at Tiffany's to read on the way, but unfortunately finished it a lot faster that I had hoped.
The flight to Heathrow was uneventful; I watched "Bride Wars" and "He's Just Not That Into You" (which just seems even better the second time around. I quite like it). I had a spectacular view of the moon and the clouds at one point, the moon's light reflected off the ocean pink and purple, but unfortunately I didn't take a picture because everyone was sleeping and I didn't want to wake them with the shutter noise. Anyways, Heathrow sucks. They don't decide what gate a flight will leave from until around 30 minutes before departure, at which time you must run around the terminal to get to your gate and board your plane before they close the doors, approximately 10 minutes before departure (and sometimes it takes up 15 minutes to get to your gate). Luckily... planes always seem to depart late, so this doesn't seem to be an issue.
We land in Brussels and then load onto a bus which will take us to the ship docked at Antwerp. We drive about halfway there and then have to turn back to the airport because they have forgotten 2 travellers! The entire time, no one on the bus knows what's going on, because the driver does not speak English. (The best part of this bus ride is the two chipmunks sitting on the dashboard).
When we finally arrive at the docking area, we stay inside the bus for around half an hour... with no word from anyone. Finally someone comes out of the boat with umbrellas to lead us inside. Once in, we trade our passports for our room keys, drop off our things, and are off to lunch!
On the right is Fauzi, who was our waiter during lunch the first day. He tells me, "You remind me of Mulan. I really like the dragon in that movie.. what's his name?" and from that day on, every time he saw me, he said, "Nihao, Mulan!"
In the afternoon, I went out and took some pictures of the boat and the area surrounding. Then I took a nap before the ship's briefing and port talk. Afterwards was the first dinner, which was delicious. We sat next to a Cantonese couple; the man went to NTU!
Jetlagged, I didn't manage to sleep much that night.
Day 3
Woke up at 7:15 this morning and had breakfast before the travel briefing. Signed up for most of the optional tours, and then it was off to the walking tour of Antwerp! Saw a castle, a couple cathedrals, good places to get waffles, beer, and chocolate, the Butchers' Building (the only public building built in Gothic style and "bacon style"), the city hall, some statues...
In the afternoon, went to see Diamondland, one of the largest diamond factories in the world.
Tonight was also the Captain's Welcome Dinner, and because my aunt and uncle have been on so many trips, we were invited to the Captain's Table. Unfortunately, this meant that I had to dress up and felt awkward taking pictures of the food -_-' The service, however, was amazing. 6 waiters, carrying two plates each, would come up to the table and then wait for the restaurant manager's signal before simultaneously placing the plates in front of us.
