The question above popped into my mailbox the other day, and since I am currently onboard ship, diving on sunken cities, I'm in a good position to answer it
While on board ship we work every day of the week, providing that the sea isn’t too rough. Putting an ex on that date on the calendar marks the passage of time, but doesn’t really help tell one day from the one before., and after a while, all the days seem to run together.
Over the years the following traditions have developed and they help to remind me what day of the week it is.
Tuesday Night; Dinner in the Officer’s Mess, by special invitation of the Captain…
While on board ship we work every day of the week, providing that the sea isn’t too rough. Putting an ex on that date on the calendar marks the passage of time, but doesn’t really help tell one day from the one before., and after a while, all the days seem to run together.
Over the years the following traditions have developed and they help to remind me what day of the week it is.
Tuesday Night; Dinner in the Officer’s Mess, by special invitation of the Captain…
Dinner aboard the Princess in the main salon is typically a boisterous affair that occurs in French. On the other hand the crew of the Princess, mostly Maltese Englishmen, take their dinner on the poop deck. Of course any member of either group can switch it up if they like, I made it a special occasion for Tuesdays, as an opportunity to hear the lattest news from the BBC, and argue over who wrote “Gungha Din” and how big Bucephalus’ Tomb is.
Of course I could eat there any night, but by making it once aweek… As The dive team in the main salon all speak French, and the crew of the Princess all speak English, there have always been separate messes. and then I made him invite me formally. There is no separate mess for the crew, but there is a table on the poop deck.
Wednesday; phone home night
Thursday; the mail goes out. Send postcards with the last boat heading for shore.
Friday; take our Egyptian Colleagues to the Mosque for noon Prayer. We’ll use the rubber boat to go fast to the port
Saturday; Movie night. Roland always brings the latest French Movies, plus a couple of international ones, and everybody jams into the main salon for movie night, and the inevitable discussion on the main deck when its over.
Sunday; Full English Breakfast, which I make for myself in the galley. The French just eat a slice of toasts and a cup of coffee.
Monday is laundry day. Make up a crisp bunk with fresh sheets.
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