The Start of It All
In a world where everything is possible and accessible through the internet, people are taking the opportunity to explore and see what life is like. That's exactly what I did.
In 2016, I randomly came across a job advertised on JobStreet, an online employment site. I applied for it without any expectations of getting accepted. I had no idea what the job role entails. I did poorly in the online interview. I had no idea I would still be offered employment. I had no idea, after the long hiring process, I would continue with the job that brings me abroad months on end to date.
I am a seafarer.
I have never introduced myself this way, neither in conversations nor in writing. Because I have a sensitive job position, which often brings up curious queries I am not sure I am able to answer freely, this is easier to explain what I do.
What is a seafarer? A seafarer is a person who is employed to work aboard any type of marine vessel. I have been a seafarer for six years now on cruise ships that have brought me to various destinations across different countries.
I work onboard for 3-6 months typically. The cruise line is based in Asia and set cruise itineraries mostly in perennial and seasonal markets, either sailing out to international waters or sailing to a few destinations, for a few days.
Being a seafarer has got me trotting around places I would not have imagined being able to. Here is the list of countries I have explored with my cruise excursions:
Hong Kong
Vietnam
China
Taiwan
Philippines
Japan
Netherlands
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Thailand
Cambodia
Brunei
Indonesia
Myanmar (Island)
That's all for now up to 2022. Before going down memory lane, I did not expect there were more than 10. Some of those countries mentioned include brief periods of time even as short as a day trip. Ha... Is it wrong to put in the list?
The next one will be big. Not to get hopes up, but 80% sure there will be travel plan for me in the next month. Wonder where will I end up?
I wonder if I'll wander.