Life at the YMCA


 Where am I GOING??

Wow...time couldn't go fast enough!

When I think about the months just before leaving for England; I can only remember packing-unpacking-repacking my suitcase.  Struggling to hold it up in my arms while standing on a normal house-hold scale.  It was amazing how many times I thought my suitcase was light enough but was still over 80 pounds!

I had to find a creative way to cut down all my possessions for 10 months into 2 luggages.  Who knows how us Cruise-crew do it...but we never fail!

Looking over the traveling instructions and memorizing Elemis products became a daily routine.  I wanted to be prepared!

I remember my family crying and me feeling so sick.  What an exciting day!  I had traveled before...but it was my first time on such a long flight and OVER the ocean.

After everything...I find that one of the toughest parts of the travel (both times) was getting from the airport to the YMCA.  I personally found the train/bus system in England overwhelming.  Even with all the preparation packets they gave to me...I still took the wrong bus which ended up taking 3 times as long to get to Watford....

  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

 The "Infamous" YMCA



The YMCA is a shared experience between Steiner’s…

The front desk is used to getting their weekly delivery of stressed, nervous, inexperienced and international residents.  Upon arriving they will ask for a passport photo.  They have a photo machine downstairs if necessary.  You’ll sign a few papers.

They do have a gym, but it’s not complimentary.  I can’t remember how much- but it’s was too much for a poor girl from Wisconsin to pay!  There’s always fitness trainers doing their workouts and they’re usually more than happy to have you join.

There’s a lounge area with WiFi and computers to use for 30 minutes at a time.  Yes, they had a referee.  The cafeteria is big and the WiFi works in there too.  I found that very useful…  

As for food…you will gain weight if you eat whatever you want.  Depending on what you like…you may be pleased with the choices.  Some people would only eat French fries/ chips every day.  A very very important tip from me:

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Web Cam-s!

Before leaving my home…everyone was asking how I’d be able to keep in touch…

Do they have phones on the ship? Internet? Can you bring your computer? How often will you call me?
So many questions I had NO idea how to answer!!

Your family is going to be very curious for updates on your new adventure! They may be worried…and
nervous for you too.

#1: At the YMCA- They are EXTREMELY internet friendly. It’s completely free and quite fast. There’s
the entire lounge area with tables and outlets to plug to power. The cafeteria is open until late in the
evening for a little more privacy. There is also a small room before you get to the cafeteria on your
left side. It’s small and when I was at the academy…usually empty! Seeing that I missed my handsome
man…I took that opportunity to chat for hours. It was nice to have somewhere that was quiet.

Some people are lucky enough to get WiFi reception in their room. I didn’t…but only needed to go out
in the hallway and about 4 doors down. There’s quite few floors in the YMCA…I believe 3 are occupied
by only Steiner’s. The other floors, well…we’ll save that for another post….

This is what the hallways tend to look like in the evening! :

When you go down to eat breakfast, ask for a paper  to order a salad for dinner.  You can choose from a few different types and put your name on the paper.  When you get back from Steiner Training they’ll have your salad ready!  You can still chose one side item as well.  If you’re nice to the cooks…you might get two.  ;)