Hello from the Spanish island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands! Africa Mercy docked on the cruise ship dock at about 1600 yesterday. I hope to blog quickly so that I might explore this city more in my time off between now and Monday- when we leave.
The sail was pleasant, so much so that we were able to arrive in Tenerife a day early. This week here on the more touristy island is to lose the weights of the Landrovers and containers so that when we go across to Las Palmas we can move straight into dry dock. Also people under 18 (and their parents) are not allowed in the dry dock and will take the cars on ferries across to Las Palmas where they will stay in hotels.
During the sail we had the Nepalese security crew cooking a few delicious curries (including peeling 400 boiled eggs!) on one night as well as the South Africans cooking bobotie and melktert on another. Both were a pleasure to help with and it just so happened that I was working on both days. I also had the privilege of eating a Korean meal prepared by a friend. Two friends and I also hosted a waffle breakfast with just about every topping one could desire. How lucky I have been in trying all these new things. Bobotie was also a first for me!
Thankfully, perhaps with the aid of sea sickness meds from which I was slowly weaned as the 10 days progressed, I was not sea sick. That was an answer to prayer- when I used the pills for fishing they were no help! From the bow of the ship we were blessed with sightings of flying fish, sunsets and dolphins. I was even able to spend one night on deck in my hammock!
The sail was largely relaxing and I managed to plough through a 500 page Bourne novel when not working or taking part in the activities such as Bingo and the pirate dress up party (for which I felt rather unprepared!)
Durbanite Ryan and myself in the dishroom
As for our arrival late yesterday afternoon, we had a briefing on the area from the director of the Spanish office. We were the free to go into town- a pleasant 15 minute walk away. Some rules regarding our time ashore have been relaxed, for example, the curfew. Now we may return as late as we wish. Last night most of my peers headed to the McDonalds. When in Spain! I settled for a bread roll instead. We then wandered around the main street looking at shops and for a Tapas bar with enough seats for all of us. Unsuccessful, we settled for ice cream followed by a sit in the gardens higher up in town. Just before heading home a friend, Elsa, and I shared Sangria at a restaurant we had been recommended. It was delicious!
This morning I went for a long run north along the coast and after the Siesta I will go and explore the town further! Tomorrow I will work again.
The dock and tenerife- was rather misty
Leaving the ship for the first time in 10 days. The port is a dream compared to those we are used to!
Thank you all for your prayers for our safe passage and my health.
Love Benjamin
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