Reality comes alive.

‎

Tuesday, ‎05 ‎October, ‎2010
This is it. It's real. It is happening...It is just so unreal to go to sleep one night...and that next morning to wake up and be in another country. We have arrived in Sendai, Japan...and oh, what a warm welcome we've received! People dancing, playing music and cheering as if we were famous or in some sort of parade...everyone is dressed so professional and smart, even the bus drivers. I opened the gym this morning at 5:45am and as the sun was rising it is such a beautiful thing...my stomach was jumping all around and I couldn't help but to just smile.
How did I get here?! Today in Sendai, Japan...I have the rest of the morning and early afternoon off from work its been 11 days straight working 12 hours a day...I'm really looking forward to getting off the ship and walking on land! wheee! Later this morning I have to participate in a raft/boat drill just in case of emergency we are prepared and know what to do..So I won't be able to get off the ship for a couple hours. I'm going to just wander around with a friend, Julie from England...her husband works on the ship so we're just going to go and enjoy ourselves and soak it all in! Of course....take pictures, don't you worry...most of you know I am quite the photograph-lover! 

• Sendai, Yokohama(Tokyo), Shimizu & Kobe (Osaka)…JAPAN.

All of Japan was so pleasant…so clean…and so friendly. Arriving in Yokohama making our way to the train station from the complimentary bus from the port…I went with Julie and my fellow Wisconsinite, Jacqueline… and her baby Graeme…we navigated our way from the train station to get to Shibuya, Tokyo. Everything was in Japanese…I was so calm and didn’t have a worry how to get there I just knew somehow we would get there! Sure enough we figured it out someway somehow and managed quite well to get our tickets to Tokyo! Once we got to Tokyo my heart jumped out of my chest and we were engulfed in people and skyscrapers….just what I had been itching for. We obviously had to explore and I was completely at ease and so relaxed and just enjoying the moment.

 

Once we walked all over Tokyo soaking in the crowds of people and the incredible buildings we made our way back to the train station and hopped on to return to the port terminal. We weren’t done yet though…we were back in Yokohama and needed to explore more. Jackie & I went into Chinatown in Yokohama…and I’m so glad we did! We came upon a beautiful Japanese temple which immediately put you at ease with the atmosphere of it all…very peaceful.

Ahhh HA! then we had some delicious  Japanese food… Dumplings…delicious with some bubble tea…..the vendor was such a sweet man so of course we needed to snap a picture with him…he loved it! The people in Japan were so delightful…they really went above and beyond to make you feel welcome and so appreciative. AND Japan was immaculate on the streets…It was very impressing and made me want to live there…but I think I would get a little frustrated right away without knowing how to speak Japanese…not yet ;) haha. Anything is possible, right?!

Right after Yokohama we arrived in Shimizu and there really wasn’t that much to see from the outside…more of a smaller big city…there was really just a handful of small businesses and a 100 Yen store wandered around in there just amused mostly by the different ways of advertising on products. I went with a few guests up in this Farris wheel to see the view of the city and the view of Mt. Fuji! It was such a stunning view!

 

From Shimizu we headed right into Kobe (Osaka), Japan…I went with a couple of the spa girls and we just wandered around Kobe Chinatown and soaked in the culture there..yess I’m sure you’re wondering now why would you go to Chinatown when you’re in Japan? Right?! Ha…well it was a popular thing to do…everybody was doing it. Nahh I just didn’t look more into other things to do..I hadn’t quite gotten all of the details down on how to do certain tours with the crew or with the guests…still learning. However I fully enjoyed Kobe and everything it had to offer on the inside…As much as I did explore it was amusing and there were so many people it was unreal!!! Here’s just a few pictures I snapped while in Kobe…Oh my goodness and the foooood was mouthwatering in everyway possible. That’s probably one of the #1 things I look forward to when pulling into a new country is the foood! It’s so fun learning new things and soaking up the culture while you can as much as you can while you’re there.

 

Like I stated before…the people were so sweet there and just so friendly and appreciative you stopped at their shop or their restaurant or special vendor they’ve worked so hard to put together and please all of the tourists and everybody else wanting a hint of Japan. These two girls were so adorable I had to get a shot of them…they loved it it was so special! Anything to gain a smile from somebody makes me smile. 

That’s all I’ve got for Japan….definitely will be looking forward to reaching Hong Kong is the next destination I will be able to get off and go on adventures in China. Won’t be able to exit in Beijing or Shanghai….no chinese visa….yet. Anyway…Thanks for keeping up with all of my adventures and coming along on this incredible ride of life with me. xo. Cheers loves.

ship is a rockin'

28.09.10

Day 5 on board ms Amsterdam…headed to Russia start…we went through Alaska on the Pacific ocean and by golly was it sure rough waters! I was so sea-sick the first sea day…it was awful…needless to say I didn’t keep any of my meals down all day. I’m so much better now and used to the roughness of the water…and being on the bow of the ship with the fitness center its probably the worst for bad weather.

Anyway…I have been so busy and sleeping so much and not being social after work…tonight this will change. I have been getting about 10+ hours of sleep after my long 12 hour days of work…its intense! I’ve been teaching with my colleague, Wagner (from South Africa), we both split up the classes..mostly stretching-type classes along with yoga and pilates. The demographics for this ship is mostly around 65 years old++! Seldomly will you find guests around their 40’s…but it has been nice to see people around that age and chat with them! You’d be surprised on the amount of energy some of those lovely older folks have! When I’m not teaching fitness classes or doing nutrition or personal training consultations I’ll be walking around the gym mingeling with the guests…usually helping them figure out how the hell the treadmill or the bikes work haha but it’s all lovely just talking with them.

We went passed the Alusion Islands yesterday morning….they seemed beautiful but you couldn’t see much from the fog but we did pass them. Today is Thursday the 30th now….we skipped out on the 29th, Wednesday from crossing the International dateline…I will never get september 29th 2010 BACk ever again! What a terrible thing haha. Oh well, there’s always next wednesday to cherish.

I’m on my lunch break now so just trying to crank something out quickly before I have to go back. We’re headed for Petropevlok, Russia and I don’t think i’ll be able to get off the ship…I don’t have a travelers visa…unfortunately. But i have a work visa and thats what they were most concerned about….however I have applied for one so I’m able to get off in the other countries we’ll be visiting. okay lunch is OVER.



Oct 1, 2010

October already…really?! Last night I got out of my cabin and didn’t go to sleep right after work…I was invited by a couple guests to a little get together “40’s and under get together” hahah…since being on a ship where there’s mostly 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s and even older it was pretty slim pickin’s to find a couple guests attending this party. We were up in the crow’s nest and had a drink on the hostess…a lemon drop, of course cuz I miss my mama. Well these guests are just so delightful and i’m so happy to be able to be spending so much more time with them and they are always in the gym so it’s nice to be able to socialize with them…its quite a treat.

Its so interesting talking with all the different guests and learning about all the different cultures…I try to take a piece out of every one of them and something about them that resembles a loved one back home is helping being so far away from everybody. I’ve met a good handful of folks from wisconsin/minnesota…and seattle and it’s so nice to relate to them and just reminds me of a chunk from home. I’ll be spending just about 3 months with most of these guests so there’s a huge potential to build some remarkable relationships with them…and you know me, I love keeping in touch with people…always! ha.



Oct. 2, 2010

Oh my goodness my posts are so scattered!! I literally usually have just a couple minutes to crank something out quick and inform everybody what I’m up to! Today we were in Petrovalski, Russia…i didn’t get off the ship, none of the crew were allowed off unless you did a shore excursion. It was pouring rain when we pulled in…and quite foggy, then as the day went on it ended up turning into a beautiful day…I stepped outside to get some shots of the mountains and the scenery. Definitely soaked up some vitamin D!!

I had dinner with a couple guests tonight they invited me to join them…then we caught the Moscow Magic show…and my goodness..they completely blew my mind! What a great show to catch…absolutely phenomenal magicians and they’ve been performing together for 27 years…and married for 27 years as well. ha!

And now i’m just winding down from the day…its about 8:30pm and we’re moving our clocks back another hour so I gain yet another hour of sleep…gotta get up around 5am to open the gym by 5:45am and get ready for my busy day ahead!

Alright enjoy the post…hope to hear from you all who are keeping up with me on here! Love the support!!! xoxo
Cheers and Smiles, Jenna

Dreams CAME true!!!

Alright Folks....here's what we've all been waiting for...the moment of truth....

Can i get a drumroll, please??............

I leave tomorrow morning (Sept. 23, 2010) and my flight leaves from London to SEATTLE! My cruise ship is called Ms Amsterdam through Holland America!! She's beautiful...

here she is: http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Amsterdam

It is a World Cruise ship...I cannot believe this is happening. All of my hard work and dedication is paying off!! I'm the first one to leave out of my group of 25 students....Wow wow wow. This is just absolutely mind blowing...i'm just estatic!
It will be me and another fitness instructor on board...and our first world cruise is 69 days long! Love you all...thank you for the amazing support and love!
Email me if you'd like...I know i'm going to be so busy but here it is: hughes.jenna7@yahoo.com

oxoxox..CHEEERS,
Jenna

This is Mental.

Well just nearing the end of my 12th day of training academy...this is just absolutely astounding and so mind blowing. Those are the closest words I will get to describing everything that is being poured into every bit of this experience. I am being challenged in ways I had never imagined.
There have been countless laughs, teaspoons of tears, loads of sweat and plenties of determinination. I want this more than anything in the world for my dreams to come true...and I know...I know! i will get this IF i earn it...and IF i show everybody, including myself that I want it bad enough and I will do anything and everything to make this happen. To be an International Fitness Instructor on board luxury cruise ships.

Today was a test to my mental capacity...oh yes it certainly was. I presented a seminar in front of the class and in front of our ever so amazing instructor...It went alright. I must say...I really have no idea what i spoke about, I remember drawing a couple important points on the white board and talking about exercise, nutrition and detox...I did remember my name...and i smiled just like I always do. I did it. I just now need to do more of it and practice practice and get constructive criticism...so I can apply it to my weaknesses and so then I can excel in my passion of helping people.

Being away and completely out of my comfort zone is really all right...I'm with an outstanding group of peers and we're all so supportive of one another and really want the best for each other. We 'hug it out' when needed...and we mean it all. We really all pull for each other. This experience is wilder than anything I've ever done...a typical day of classes we start at 8:45am...and we're in class usually until 1030pm...then we still have 3+ hours of homework on top of that.

So my days really never end...as a result...i've been having wild dreams... The other night I dreamt of my dad and I in a high speed car chase all around some country...we were flying around driving like a maniac...and while dad was driving i was reciting my nutrition seminar to the T. haha I remained calm and in control and very confident...I suppose whenever I have a seminar to present I should apply those feelings to my nerves. Mental toughness is what the focus shall remain.
I anticipate the day my speeches to buoy with fire and passion...until then I shall remain authentic and true to my own self...then my words will have confidence.
So here I stay proud...with dignity and perserverence...this is my life...and i WILL make this happen. My hands and eyes and soul are wide open to the journey that lies before me.

Smile often, folks...maintain and gain that mental toughness that we all need in this challenging, yet beautiful life.

xo,

-J

Removing the Rubbish ;)

"I'm doin the best I can for you, love."
Sept. 05, 2010
Flying from Minneapolis to Iceland...my goodness...i maybe got 5 minutes of sleep the whole 6 hour flight. Then from Iceland to London was MUCH better, I was able to sleep almost the entire 3 hours time...which was fantastic. Much needed, considering its 6 hours ahead here.
Waiting to get through customs was incredible...we waited probably an hour or so...I was kind of in zombie mode, anyway and just super antsy to just finally get to the YMCA. Little did I know the taxi was soooooooooooo expensive...I wanted to vomit. (learned my lesson) My cute little old man driver had no idea where he was going, hahaha. He was driving around, and stopping in the middle of the street, then pulling over and tooting his horn at people walking on the sidewalk...asking them in the lovely british accent he had "do you know where the ymca is, please?" Oh my goodess...he asked probably seven different people and finally I just said I would get out and walk because I was tired of going in circles. (all of london is a one way street, haha) He just kept saying "It's up to you, love...I'm doing the best i can, love. I don't want to take you on a wild goose chase, love."
Once I walked a few blocks to the YMCA that is completely hidden, the first lift (elevator) ride was with two boys...one said "blooody good lunch today!" haah I'm just in love with all of the different accents here. Its so much fun. I'm off to meet some people and study study. Post again soon. xox Cheers.

Sept. 8, 2010
Good morning!
It is the 3rd day of training and its going absolutely fantastic! Our days are incredibly long, typically my day goes from 630am wake up, go for 30min run with a couple other fitness folks....then shower, get beautified, then mosey down to breakfast then we all head to class together as a group to get there by 8:45 as class starts at 9. So from 9am until about 5 we have class, this week we're doing Pilates and Yoga which is fantastic!! I'm quite sore from yesterdays session, but I am completely locked in and nothing is holding me back. So basically after class we can do what we want...but we have hours of homework and studying afterwards so our days don't end until 11 or later at night.
Our group of fitness instructors is such a solid group...we all get along so well and we're really all like family. We are all in this together and have a passion for fitness and helping people and traveling, i'm sure. ;) There is people from all over the world and it's so interesting to meet people from so many different places...and all the different accents!
This experience is helping me tremendously...seperating myself from the rest of the world, and I'm in this whole-heartedly and nothing is stopping me from achieving what I truly want in this life. Everyday I'm getting better and more confident with my skills and I couldn't ask for a better opportunity. Keeping my heart open to my dreams, and my eyes wide open for any challenges that may come my way. Until next time...Cheers, and smile! ;)
xoxo -J

Sept. 8, 2010 evening...

Well another day full of Pilates over and over and learning again. It was my first time in front of the class and I had high energy and I think I did very well..I think I've rushed it too much but with practice I'll get better. I'm just quickly writing this cuz I've finally got service to post things. Facebook is banned at the hostel I'm staying at...which is quite alright with me. :) So its 8:30pm here...that makes it 2:30pm for you mid-western loves. I've got loads of homework to do tonight so I've got to make this short. But i love you all and thank you for the love and support you've given me!

xo -J

London bound....tomorrow.

Where do I start?

I sit here at my parents house...unwinding, listening to relaxing music and reflecting on what this summer has brought me. An amazing group of friends threw a going away party for me last night and I honestly haven't laughed so hard it made me cry in such a long time.
At that moment, being absolutely surrounded by such a genuine, amazing and beautiful group of people...people that have been there for me and have supported me through all of this...such a blessing.
Having loved ones supporting and respecting the fact that I need to embark on this adventure...chasing my dreams and capturing them. Experiencing life with new bright, open eyes. I cannot hold back at all anymore...I must be brave, determined, and ready for anything. I am ready. My heart has been racing all day...it's really happening.

Tomorrow afternoon...I will proudly and confidently be stepping onto a plane, flying into Iceland for a layover, then I will be in London. Here we go!

As Missy Higgins says: "You have opened up a new door...So bring on the wind, fire and rain"
So that is what I shall do....

stay tuned..

Fiiiiive days. Surreal.

Fiiiive days away and I'll be packing my life into a suitcase and hopping on a plane to London!
Really? Wow.

Getting everything in order...studying, studying....and more studying. This is really happening.
Don't really know how to feel...I'm just soaking it all in and making the best of everything. It's just wild to me 4 months ago I was thinking that it would go by so slowww to finally begin my new chapter of my life and my career. It sure flew by!!

I am so excited, nervous, & anxious and every other emotion you can feel! This is going to be amazing and a ride of my life. I'm fastening my seat belt.