The tension mounts. We have plans and time tables. In less than 12 hours the first samples will be coming over the side. Admittedly they are “background water”, water taken well clear of any influence of the hydrothermal vents we are slowly steaming towards. Not that that matters. The kit is going in and samples should come back.
But that is in the future.
What I want to do today is turn my hand to becoming a food critic. Not sure where I’m going? Read on!. Life aboard ship can be a bit odd and with the right group, a real community spirit develops. After all as the saying goes “we are all in the same boat together”. So we have a good crack and the banter flows. The problem is it usually flows at me. Fine I’ll take give as good as I get. However, I was faced yesterday with a comment I had no comeback too! “All your write about is food” Ok they exaggerate a bit surely
Day 1 cooked breakfast, cooked lunch, chocolate, coffee and cocktails
Day 2 Steak and Curry
Day 3 Excuses for over eating
Day 4/5 Breakfast for tea and the need for exercise
So perhaps they do not exaggerate. However until the science really kicks off in less than 12 hours I’ll use this blog space to put to rest the minds of all those family. The mums, dads, husbands, wives and partners of all forms. They look after us here on the boat! They even keep track that you are turning up for dinner. Not eating is the first sign of something being wrong with a person…as the safety brief on day 1 hammers home.
So who do we blame / praise (delete as appropriate at end of cruise depending on weight gain)? John and Wally our chefs along with Graham and Stephanie the stewards (who managed to miss the photo opportunity) are who. Molly the ships doc has even chipped in in the kitchen…must have been a good health day. I hope to introduce you to more of the characters aboard as we go ….but given our theme its best to start here.
John and Wally, the guys responsible for the preservation of our taste buds
And for your gastronomic delight! Menu for the 6th Dec. An example of only one form many. The challenge it keeping it going right the way through the cruise. There are usually bets as to when the fresh fruit becomes a choice of bruised apple or a nectarine that escaped from the box. But until then enjoy…
BREAKFAST @ 07:20
Fruit Juices
Fresh Fruit (mango, kiwi, watermelon, strawberries, cherries, grapes and apples today)
Selection of Cereals (I’ve not touched yet)
Porridge
Cooked Breakfast (sausage, bacon, hash brown, black pudding, tomatoes and eggs today)
Tea, Coffee Toast and Preserves
******
LUNCH @ 11:30 (or not in my case)
Home made pumpkin and onion soup (Delish, I had it for my 03:00 snack)
Salmon fish cakes with dill sauce
Baked jacket potato
Mange-tout
Assorted cold cuts and salad (a wide range…my 00:01 snack)
Ice cream
Fresh baked rolls and assorted cheese and biscuits (my 09:00 snack)
Fresh Fruit
******
DINNER @ 17:30
Home made pumpkin and onion soup
Deep fried scampi with tartar sauce
Beef Casserole with suet dumplings
Creamed potatoes, buttered cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower florets
Assorted cold cuts and salad
Fresh strawberry cheesecake (urm…a second 00:01 snack)
Selection of Ice cream and wafers
Fresh baked rolls and assorted cheese and biscuits
Fresh Fruit
Is that the treadmill calling?
Chris