Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

We’re on our way home, but I’m the sort of person whose body shows up at a destination long before her mind arrives.

So while Earl and I and our carry-ons head to the Copenhagen Airport, I’m recalling faces and names from the past three weeks, wanting to let go but wanting to remember.

Jose was our cabin steward.  We’ve been on myriad cruises, but Earl and I both agree Jose was the best. One day we took time to learn about his past, his present (ten years on Princess as a cabin steward), and his goals for the future. When we left the ship I hugged Jose and said I expected I’d hugged the future President of Mexico, his native land. “Why not?” he countered.

Other stellar crew members included Vladimir from Serbia in the pizza restaurant, Wendy from Jamaica in the Crooner’s Bar, and Orlando from Nicaragua in the main dining room. You didn’t need to leave the ship to experience other countries and nationalities.

But when we did, our tour guides were equally interesting and knowledgeable. I don’t remember all their names, I’m sorry to admit; but I’ll remember their desire to share their countries’ histories and landmarks with us for days to come.