While I lament at the lost of a precious holiday to work, I do admit to enjoying the peace and quiet that I get onboard the ship on a Sunday; when there is no one working except for the privileged few who need to maintain the safety of the ship.

I particularly enjoy the quiet moment when I stand at the deck, enjoying the sea breeze and warm afternoon sun, with no stress or burden. Unlike normal days, I need not worry about the piling work at my desk. It is moments like this that makes me treasure life onboard a ship. Unfortunately moments like this don’t come by easy. Besides, I am not willing to sacrifice too many weekends.

I do not complain being the boss for the day. Everyone have goes out of the way to be nice. But they seem to be always calibrating their answers when we converse. Somehow the uniform makes it difficult for casual interaction.

I wonder if the private sector is the same. When the subordinates hold their superior in such high regards. Smiling at someone you don't like can be quite painful.


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We seem to wear a mask all the time. Only some we forget we are fronting a facade, and neglect that person living beneath the smile.