So we were walking down toward UN Square back on Morocco Day 1, when as I look to the store to my right, I spot, wearing a ragged t-shirt, shorts, and a cap, H/K Utility Man 2. I yelled a loud “hoy!” and he said hello back. But then he alerted me that he wasn't going to be on the ship after this port. That was a real bummer.
Out of all the crew members, he was probably the one I got to see the most. I would always pass him and make small talk as I went to class and he was pagulo (watch that be completely wrong) with his duties on the ship. He would occasionally catch me either singing, playing ukulele, or playing piano when I hang out in the union. Out of anyone on the ship, he was the one who was very supportive of my talent, pushing me to do the talent show. He was a real friend.
Ultimately, this situation is what has to come for all these crew members one way or another. While they may return to the ship in a few months time, when the contract is up, it's time to go back home. Ronnie the head waiter has already left the ship as well- his replacement is now already on duty in the main dining room. And Assistant Housekeeper left the ship back in Istanbul. I felt bad that I didn't get to say a real goodbye.
But for H/K Utility Man 2, he has a lot to look forward to. He'll be returning to his home in the north of Luzon, he'll see his family. He also has many friends throughout the Philippines, so he gets to take some time to visit them all. But I'll miss having him around.
Heck, I guess this is as good a time as any. The students on this voyage, save for Sammy, are all departing the ship in nine days. Though I have made many friends on this voyage, I know many of them I may never see again. We may keep in touch through writing, facebook, email, and the like, but we'll never have the intimacy of travelling the world together again, unless maybe a couple of them marry each other, which I completely doubt will happen.
I wish I knew how to say goodbye in Tagalog...
(Eddie)
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