Starting slow

I’m meeting with Lola, my crewing officer next week. She’ll be the one handling all the formalities of getting me onboard the ship—and eventually, getting me home safely. I’ve got so many questions. I’m holding myself back.

It’s our first meeting, and what I really want is to get to know her and learn a little about what she does. So I’ll keep it simple. I can ask things like:

• What are the roles and responsibilities of a crewing manager?
• What are the next steps for my voyage?
• What information does she need from me?
• And—what’s the likelihood will be the route I will be sailing (i.e. Atlantic or Pacific)?

Other questions can wait:

• What makes her job challenging?
• What does she know about how crew members tick?
• Does she think I could help in the galley?
• What kind of electrical sockets are on board?

The main thing is to start slow. I don’t want to be a burden. There’s nothing worse than becoming the “crew member from hell,” peppering someone with too many questions before we’ve even left shore.

Maybe I’ll try to play it cool.

Although, let’s be honest—I don’t really do cool.