When this movie was released I was preparing for my first Med cruise in the Navy. Fear ruled my every thought. The idea of journeying to foreign lands by sea didn't agree with my sense of security. While watching Shawshank I learned that everything we do (each experience) has a reason even though we feel it does not fit into our life design. I always come back to this thought: Before I came on this earth to experience my life, I signed a contract agreeing to everything that I would experience, seen or unseen. When I signed up for the Navy, I did just that. Now looking back on the Med cruise I would not have it any other way. The only regret I have concerns my lack of attention to details and not documenting the experience through photographs or journals. Relying on my memories is really not an accurate means of collecting facts.