Way before I knew about SSRIs or other meds, I was introduced to my friend alcohol. Like a lot of teens in the 80s, I tried wine coolers, beer, and sips of my dad’s liquor, but I never got drunk, for real drunk, until the drama club Sea Escape cruise.
Growing up in South Florida, cruises were pretty common. Sea Escape was a one-day cruise to nowhere and it was my first cruise. My friends Marilyn, Theresa, and I were taking a drama class as an elective during our freshman year. We were not really into it, but we were into fun. So, when our teacher said that anyone taking a drama class could go on the Sea Escape with the drama club, we signed up. And, since our parents were all typical 80s parents, they signed the permission slips and handed over the cash.
Marilyn, Theresa, and I set up camp on the deck. We did not splurge for the optional room for the day. We made good use of the free lockers and public showers. So, we spent most of the day in lounge chairs on the deck, with SPF hell suntan oil on. When the waiter came around and asked us if we wanted a drink, we ordered pina coladas, thinking they would probably be virgin drinks. Nope. We got the real deal. That’s when we learned the beauty of international waters.
Leave a Reply