Ships log # 15
Am writing from the shipyard of Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria which is a part of Spain but is geographically located off the coast of Morocco. We completed our sail here with perfect weather and were able to enjoy worship on the bow accompanied by minki whales on one occasion.
It is a balmy 24 deg C here in Las Palmas (but not humid thank goodness) and the water temperature I understand is 21 deg C - YEH !! We docked successfully on Thurs with the help of local tugs - manoevuring us into a very tight spot (parallel parking in the real world) and then another ship has since berthed up against us - our portside sea view is now obscured by pipes, rails and rusty metal.
The summer holiday season isn't here yet so it is a pleasure to wander around feeling safe and in fresh air. Am definitely enjoying the start to my week of R+R and have booked a dive trip with UK nurse (Frances) already.
We (Frances and I) are disembarking from the ship early on Monday morning and into a local hotel until I fly back to London in a weeks time - will be able to have breakfast when and where we want - there are so many pastry and deli shops here as well as frozen yoghurt and gelato outlets !! The plan though is to walk the promenade from one end to the other BEFORE breakfast (distance as per photo above) - a great start to the day I feel. The rest of the week will see me exploring the more historic part of town, drive around the island (has good scenery and quaint villages), read yet more books, enjoy more pizza and sample the paella. I am learning a few essential spanish words and phrases from my cabin mate - greetings, how to order coffee, pastries, paella and beer - and remembering to say "Oola" instead of "bonjour", "por favor" instead of "si vous plais", "gracias" instead of "merci", and "si" instead of "oui" !! Have also learnt the first few numbers and plan to extend my brain a bit more each day - lots of fun :)
Not much to write today but will add more after my return to London as will not have much interent available this next week. It is a shame to come to the end of this portion of my African adventure but am relishing in the thought of returning and continuing where I have left off. I am a known quantity in the OR now and am looking forward to not feeling like a fish out of water (haha) but being able to orientate new crew members as I was. Still so much to look forward to. For now - adios amigo :)
Am writing from the shipyard of Las Palmas on the island of Gran Canaria which is a part of Spain but is geographically located off the coast of Morocco. We completed our sail here with perfect weather and were able to enjoy worship on the bow accompanied by minki whales on one occasion.
There was minimal issues with seasickness and several people sleeped outside with their hammocks strung up on the deck...
I just enjoyed the view and being at sea :)
It is a balmy 24 deg C here in Las Palmas (but not humid thank goodness) and the water temperature I understand is 21 deg C - YEH !! We docked successfully on Thurs with the help of local tugs - manoevuring us into a very tight spot (parallel parking in the real world) and then another ship has since berthed up against us - our portside sea view is now obscured by pipes, rails and rusty metal.
We have enthusiastically explored the local surrounds as they are VERY clean, pollution free and friendly - a stark contrast to Guinea. We enjoyed our first evening out eating fresh fish on the board walk watching local families walking, running and simply promenading (!!) in the cool (21 deg C) of the evening - we were the only people eating so early @ 6.30pm (so institutionalised). Here siesta time takes up half the afternoon (when the shops mostly close) so people don't tend to come out for dinner until 8pm. The main beach here is flanked by low rise appartment blocks with quaint adjacent streets .
The summer holiday season isn't here yet so it is a pleasure to wander around feeling safe and in fresh air. Am definitely enjoying the start to my week of R+R and have booked a dive trip with UK nurse (Frances) already.
We (Frances and I) are disembarking from the ship early on Monday morning and into a local hotel until I fly back to London in a weeks time - will be able to have breakfast when and where we want - there are so many pastry and deli shops here as well as frozen yoghurt and gelato outlets !! The plan though is to walk the promenade from one end to the other BEFORE breakfast (distance as per photo above) - a great start to the day I feel. The rest of the week will see me exploring the more historic part of town, drive around the island (has good scenery and quaint villages), read yet more books, enjoy more pizza and sample the paella. I am learning a few essential spanish words and phrases from my cabin mate - greetings, how to order coffee, pastries, paella and beer - and remembering to say "Oola" instead of "bonjour", "por favor" instead of "si vous plais", "gracias" instead of "merci", and "si" instead of "oui" !! Have also learnt the first few numbers and plan to extend my brain a bit more each day - lots of fun :)
Not much to write today but will add more after my return to London as will not have much interent available this next week. It is a shame to come to the end of this portion of my African adventure but am relishing in the thought of returning and continuing where I have left off. I am a known quantity in the OR now and am looking forward to not feeling like a fish out of water (haha) but being able to orientate new crew members as I was. Still so much to look forward to. For now - adios amigo :)
