After one week in Santa Cruz we sailed for a few rocky hours early on Monday morning for the island east of Tenerife, Gran Canaria. We arrived in the city of Las Palmas around lunch and that afternoon proceeded to be lifted out of the water and pulled by three earth movers into our spot for repairs. Please give thanks to the Lord for a safe voyage to Tenerife, safe entry into the Las Palmas dry dock and the smoothness with which operations aboard are occurring.
That evening I went out with two friends, Elbert and Manon. We walked for about 25 minutes before reaching the city central. We then took a bus- after many minutes and confusion- and went in search of a few groceries. I bought yoghurt after investigating the main street and noting that it lacked KFC.
The week in Tenerife was wonderful! I will not explain day by day what I did but I went to some interesting restaurants, shops and areas by running and tram. I met a wonderful Indian man who, unlike all the large supermarkets, sold sushi rice and nori (seaweed sheets). I have been searching for these two ingredients to make my own sushi and finally I found them.
I went to the renowned Meter Bar where sangria, beer, pizzas and sausages are served by the meter- a novel concept and perfect venue for friends’ farewells. Last week many friends went home or on holiday. Juan, a good friend and long term crew member, has allowed me to cabin sit for him. I now have a single berth to myself for over a month! And plants to water, fish to feed.
I watched the semifinal and final of the Euro Cup of in town, both of which Spain won. The celebrations were largely humorous including swimming in a large public fountain that, by day, looked most undesirable. I don’t imagine though that these celebrations were comparable with those on the Spanish mainland.
While in Tenerife I managed to receive a camping permit for my dad and me to go camping when he arrives on Wednesday. We don't have any concrete plans and I am not even sure where the ship will be when he leaves! That depends on how long we will remain in ship yard- once finished we will return to Tenerife for further repairs which are not as intensive as those we are undergoing here in Las Palmas.
On Wednesday I worked for the first time as galley team leader and will be until next month. The galley has been relocated to the far inferior crew galley. This is because the galley is undergoing some large repairs and replacements. So at least until the end of dry dock we will be cooking out of the room far smaller than the galley we are used to. Please pray for me to lead and manage the constraints well and to create good food. The first meal I had to cook was simple BBQ chicken- the ribs that were on the menu had gone off due to the intermittent power the previous two days. The next night was turkey breasts. For lunch we are serving a variety of delicious salads.
While in the Canary Islands we are blessed with a large variation of quality fruit and vegetables. I have had fresh figs, grapefruit, plums and apricots this week. I was satisfied with the fruit from West Africa but am now having a bit more luxury in that regard.
Yesterday evening four friends and I made sushi and then set off for the beautiful beach 3kms away. It drizzled as we walked but once there enjoying the sushi we had some spectacular views of the sun set.
I wish to thank the Lord for some clarity regarding next year. Although I am still unsure of where I will be studying what, the Lord has closed one door for me. May I ask that you please pray for encouragement and further clarity.
I would also like to once again thank the Lord and those who have directed funding to my crew account. I am well looked after and incredibly blessed to have people like you in my life (some of you I am unaware of due to anonymity).
Lastly, I am glad to inform you that my eczema has gone! Praise the Lord!
Thank you for reading this. I will blog again once I return from my time away with my dad!
Love Benjamin
Tenerife's 'best looking building'- a theatre and event facility.
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