Amy, a guest on the first trip of the year, which earned the dubious title of “The Andiamo Navy Cruise”, submitted this account of the voyage as per her duties as ship’s yeoman for the tour. I appreciate her contribution to the ship’s log.

The first sail of 2010 began on January 2 with a lively international crew of exuberant strangers.

Master at Arms Steve commandeered the Andiamo Navy in short shift, nostalgically recalling his early 1980s Naval tour with Captain Tony, a fellow Naval vet. Being back on ship after 26 years roused some powerful memories and Steve stepped right back into character, assigning naval titles to all and issuing demerits for infractions like spilling drinks and falling off the boat.

Steve’s lovely First Lady Monireh admonished him and retired below to the mess deck more than once. Luckily for the Naval Crew, she spent her time down there arranging varied sumptuous colorful offerings — and soon everyone was calling her “Mama” (just like Steve does).

Intelligence Officer Fernanda and Special Services Mauricio made the first forays ashore at every stop — Carti Yandup, Kuanidup, Isla Perro and Chichime to acquire information and secure the premises. Brazilian and super sporty, they’d brought the diving bag, the portable tripod and plenty of friendly good cheer and stories. The nicest people on the boat ; )

Short-timers British Andrew and Connecticut-born wife Byrdie (now from California) took it easy, aside from making omelettes; they’d earned a rest.

Steve and Tony dubbed Myriam “the skater”, because she was always trying to skate out of duty and any real swab labor — but not for long. Myriam and Amy kept Tony up a little too late that night, sitting in the moonlight on the beach, forcing Tony to swim back and forth with Nalgene bottles full of noxious concoctions.) Poor First Mate Dino just wanted to go to bed!

Myriam quickly doffed her original title in the morning when the Mess Specialist whispered to the Master-at-Arms that she was now the Executive Officer — XO for short. Yeoman Amy tended to her study and books, nearly escaping a few demerits for swimming alone to the WANNUGGANDI boat (disguised Colombian runner?) stuck on a reef while the rest of the crew explored Caye Holandeses.

What cannot be accurately recounted here is the joy, gaiety, laughter on those four days on the Andiamo. Tony kept sarcastically remarking what a shame it was that we didn’t get along. Chores and stories were shared, alliances were made, small favors loomed larger than usual. Yeoman Amy shall never forget Master at Arms Steve prostating himself on the stern, washing out her toiletries one by one. He said he’d trade a menial chore in San Blas for any regular day at the New Jersey office.

So now we’re back in our cold homes and photos have been processed, videos have been made and remunerative thanks have been bestowed upon Mama. But several of us are already planning to return to the Andiamo, because four days at home can pass without even a memory, but our four days on the Andiamo are emblazoned in our memories with the sights, smells and sounds of San Blas.