Life continues at pace - albeit quite slow at present in terms of speed. Apparently we passed Dakar at about 2 am this morning. Sorry I didn't see it but I was tucked up in bed asleep. So far the sail has been remarkably smooth for which I am very grateful. I really didn't want to see just how good my sea legs were and I'd be quite happy to not have to see how tough they are.
After the weekend it was back to work having spent time sunning myself and catching up on chores, including moving home temporarily. The bow on deck 5 has been opened up for us to use as a rest area. This is normally closed when we are in port but has a great vantage point. I have seen dolphins "riding the bow".
As we have staff new to the OR department sailing with us the opportunity of time has been used to give them a very thorough orientation. They will have to help the new staff who arrive once we are in Benin so will need to know about the paperwork and where things are. The staff development team have made sure that all staff have orientation to Benin too, so each morning this week there is an aspect of life in Benin that is being covered. Looking at cultures, security and various other matters.
Thankfully Starbucks is open as usual and as the price of an americano is not prohibitive I have one each day - just to keep up the caffeine levels! I am kept busy trying to help write new manuals with our German lead nurse for anaesthetics. This is paperwork and as such means that I have to have a drink in hand. Starbucks fits the bill nicely.
Tonight I joined with about 100 others in our international lounge to watch a film made by an american former member of the peace corps who returned to Benin and at least some more of the country. Voodoo has quite a strong influence among some of the population and we saw a little of that in the film. Earlier as an OR team we watched a DVD made about 5 years ago now onboard the Anastasis (the ship used before Africa Mercy) made by BBC3 and featuring a BBC presenter who went to the ship for 2 weeks while it was in Sierra Leone. It showed the screening days, a little of the surgery and balanced out the joys and sorrows of the work.
So tomorrow is another day and we continue to sail south....
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Hi Ali,
ReplyDeleteHope all is well with you & you have safe journey south?
I expect the weather with you is a little bit warmer, than what we are having at the moment. Few inches of snow & country at standstill again.
Fiona G sends her love as we sit here having coffee before we start another onslaught of jobs at work. Catch you soon. Don't forget if you need any essentials posting let me know, happy to oblige.
xxxshell
Hi Ali,
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear of your adventures. Just read an article about Benin in my travel mag and was thinking of you.
My news: I might be going back to Pakistan for a short visit to help make a film about the schools work out there. Exciting!
God bless you,
Rosie xx