When I boarded the Elisabeth-S on May 4, 2016, a cargo ship headed to South America, I was overstressed, out of shape and desperate for a new way to live. I was moving to a country I had never set foot in before. I was traveling there in a way most have never heard of and I had never experienced. And I was doing it all alone. 

I can’t claim that an 8 day cruise aboard a cargo ship transformed me into a new human being but I can say that I arrived at my destination with a lot more courage than I had when I first boarded the ship. I was ready for anything.

I’d made the trip without being murdered and thrown over the side. That’s what everyone was thinking would happen… At least some of them anyway. In fact, the experience was the complete opposite. Most people on earth are nice people and the Captain, officers and crew on the ship were among the nicest. 

The faint outline of Cuba.

To my delight, I also experienced slight physical changes by the time my journey was over. The swollen ankles I’d had for months from sitting in a cubicle 5 days a week and eating crap food had returned to normal. I could finally get my feet into the brand new Bean boots from L.L. Bean that I couldn't get on before I left. You know, the sweet duck boots with the gusseted tongue… 

I could also fall asleep and sleep I did. I was so tired on the ship, I was sure something was wrong. In hindsight, I’m pretty sure it was some kind of withdrawal from stress and crap food.

By the 8th day of my cruise, I could also walk up and down the stairs with ease. When I first arrived, I was half dead walking up or down just one short flight of stairs. Walking the stairs every day combined with great food, good sleep and no stress made all the difference.

These health improvements would become even more dramatic and amazing in the 2 1/2 years I've lived in South America (but that’s for another article). 

Two of my closest friends gave me these cards to open each day of my journey. They were filled with love and words of encouragement. 


 

For the entire trip I felt nothing but relaxation and emotional ease. I had time to think about the new life unfolding in front of me and the freedom it represented. I could breathe.