A day on the ship

A thoughtful friend in the OR called me up and invited me to see an operation last night. A 14 year boy showed up on the dock in severe pain from a sinus infection. The infection had travelled up into the left frontal sinus space. The pressure was causing pain, since the infection had nowhere to drain. The surgeons cut above the eye, and chiselled into the frontal sinus cavity above the eye, suctioning and cleaning the infected matter (puss) away. Puss has a very bad smell, I'd rather forget about than try to describe it. The cauterizer (hot knife) also gives out a burning flesh aroma. The surgeons were pleased that they were able to get to and clean out the spreading infection. However there is concern that the infection had breeched the brain membrane and that meningitis could take hold. Hopefully in a day his health signs will improve.













Most my work day today, was consumed with organizing and emptying oil drums (with a handy air powered pump) into the ship’s various storage tanks. The best part was that I was working with Derek. He’s a young fellow, upper 60s, from near New Castle, England. Aye, he has a strong accent. He has great stories of years past, and there's always something to learn.

Arrival in the port of Monrovia, Liberia

We approached the harbor shortly after 700 hrs on Febuary 5. The temperature was around 70, and humid.

This is the main tug boat, here it's dropping off the pilot. This person is familar with the port and helps ships manoeuvre safely. This practice is common aorund the world. This is especially important with all the sunken ships here.

I did think I'd grow a beard this winter since I won't see any snow and cold. I didn't shave while sailing, now that we're here it's gone. Most of the crew is also anxious for the hair dresser/ barber to arrive, possible next week. We haven't had one for a month.

Our dock is on the right side.

There was a big welcome party on the dock. Right now we have another ship on the dock. It was caught off the coast with 2.5 tons of cocaine by the French Navy. The drug has since been burned. Here is the more of the story. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7222809.stm

There were two African choirs welcoming us. It's good to hear their singing again.

It was a surprise that this ship has a bow out of water. It sank when it was unload incorrectly seven years ago. We hope that it will be gone soon. It's blocking priceless Liberian dock footage.

Questions from emails part 2

What type of food they serve you guys?
All kinds. We have a great cook right now, and two ovens were recently fixed (enabling the steaming feature), both have improved the food. This cheif has a blog with the menu: http://afmmenu.tyroneandstephanie.com/menu/

How are the sleeping arrangements?
There are all kinds of cabins sizes. There are family berths, 10, 6, 4, and 3 person berths. There are also couples cabins. There is a point system that helps fairly decide what cabin you live in. Length of your stay, your age, and job are the major factors. I live in a 6 berth cabin.

Do you guys get to cook for yourself if you want to?
Yes. There is a crew galley (kitchen) with refrigeration space.

What are your work hours?
Mine are 800 to 1700. The hours you work depends on your job.

Have you seen any interesting medical procedures?
Yes, I was able to in November. I look forward to seeing more.

Is it all I expected it to be?
Yes indeed. I'm glad I chose to leave and come here.

How many different nationalities are on the ship?
In November there was a count made and it was 36. It varies as people come and go. This Friday 30+ people arrive.

Have you gotten sea sick?
Luckily no. The rocking does tire me (most everyone) out a little as you counter the movement to keep yourself upright. However most people find it rocks them to sleep at night.

Did you see any dolphins?
Sure did. They show up from time to time. They like to play in the surf of the bow. During sailing, good weather and calm seas, the bow is open. Much of the crew heads out there after dinner. The other day, the dolphins put on quite a show, jumping out of the water. There were at least 15. They were probably also after the flying fish that we were seeing.

Have you gotten any care packages yet?
Yes, I have. Thank you mother and Lindsey!

Do you have any special duties?
I'm on the fire fighting crew. Since I have driving privledges, I've been volunteering to drive and pick up and drop off crew at the airports.

Tenerife, Spain, Part Three

My friend Kylie and I rented a caar and explored the island. This is toward the south of the island, Masca. After not being behind the wheel of a car for a almost 3 months, I was tickled by driving on the tight curvy mountain roads. The navigator/passenger only sighed when the obligatory ABS brake system check was preformed (warning was given). Sometime around then, I learned from Kylie that in New Zealand (and Australia) they have interesting potatoe chip flavors. One being roasted lamb with mint sauce. They also have other meat flavors including chicken. Yes, a funny bunch indeed.

On another note Kiwi fruit is growing on me. It's not as horrible as I thought it was. But I'll leave eating the fury skin to the experts.

Downtown Masca, with it's small shops and quaint cafes.

The lizards are tame, but large in Tenerife.

The peak in these two pictures is Teide. It is the tallest peak, volcano, on the island. It stands at 3,718 metres (12,198 ft) above sea level. The next post will cover the adventure climb up Teide.

Tenerife, Spain, Part Two

This was the nearby white sand beach. The sand was imported, and lovely (a discriptive word brought to you by a New Zealander). Lots of the crew spent plenty of time relaxing here. The water was a little chilly, ~19C (it's 32+C in Liberia).

Friends and I went on a few hiking expeditions into the cactus littered hills. In the background is where the ship was docked. If you follow the slanted green ridge in the center, to the left, toward the sea, there is a small blip at the end of the dock. That is the Africa Mercy.

A friend from South Africa, Lorenz.

Neville, an English gentleman. With plenty of brilliant British humour and wit.

Dan in camouflage.

Tenerife, Spain, Part One

It's been a wonderful month on Tenerife Island, Spain. I finally made the time to make a few posts! We've been sailing for a few days now and are scheduled to arrive back in Monrovia, Liberia on Febuary 5th. The seas have been smooth and ship is running well.

The last month has been great. The ship had a ten day holiday (to give long term crew a break after ten months in Liberia). For engineering the break was spread over 3 weeks, as everyone took turns with days off. We have 24 hour engine spaces watch to keep an eye on the generator engines, septic and water systems.

The last 2 weeks have been busy with receiving supplies. One day a semi truck container full of frozen chicken, beef, pork, and the dreaded lamb (mostly liked by the British, Aussies, and New Zealanders), and various vegetables arrived. We had over 50 people passing food in a long snaking line, from the dock, in to 3rd deck, down the hall and to 2nd deck, and finally into our freezers. It took most of the day to empty tons of food. About a week later a second food container of milk (non refrigerated type, ultra pasturized), flour, rice, canned goods, cereal, and so on. The last two containers were full of hospital, spare main engine parts, parts for our Landrover vehicles, parts for parts we use. You get the idea.

In this post and the next few I'll share of what's been happening.

This is a map of Tenerife Island. We were docked in the city and port of Santa Cruz, the top right yellow area.

Tenerife is part of Canary islands which are made be volcanic activity. The landscape reminds me of Japan and Hawaii with it's sharp ridges and steep valleys.

Our ship was docked at a passenger dock. Mostly on the weekends, cruise ships would stop for the day. They were mostly full of British and German folk.

On her maiden voyage, the luxurious Queen Victoria stopped in for New Year's celebrations.

Santa Cruz held a beautiful firework display.

The morning began with lots of dancing to Spanish music.