May 2 2008
May 2 2008
Comments from Laura Schejter:
When not eating, the science parties have been busy with geophysical surveys and more dredging
Galley
Laura Schejter queues up at the galley
Dann Blackwood enjoying his lunch! (Photo by Laura Schejter)
My name’s Laura Schejter, and I'm one of the Argentinean observers participating in this cruise. But I’m not going to talk about my participation as an observer or as a biologist sampling sponge material together with Kate Hendry for taxonomical (identification) purposes (not today, at least!).
Let’s talk about a different thing. One of the FAQ (frequently asked questions) between my friends and family, and maybe between many people reading this blog is “how is the food onboard?”
Well, first of all, I’d like to place you in this vessel, at about 11:45 pm, when the “MID RATS” meal begins… you’ll hear people saying “good morning” and “good night”, altogether at the same time… but don’t worry! We’re not going crazy because of the sea or the cold weather!
The funny fact is that half of the scientific party is waking up and ready to have a meal before starting the work day (I belong to this group), while the other half is ending the day, as they were working since midday. That’s why the “mid rats” is a breakfast for some people, while for others is most like an “after dinner” or a late dinner.
What do we eat then? well, with some additional food during lunch and dinner, all the meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and mid rats) are represented by eggs, rice, cereal, pancakes, bacon, hot dogs, meat, chicken, hamburgers and sometimes, fruit (fresh and preserved), fresh and cooked vegetables, and toast.
At lunch or dinner you can find also pasta and different sauces, fish, tacos or empanadas (depending on the day), spicy food, rice prepared in different ways … twice in the cruise I was really happy during the mid rats because I found there was pizza!!
And, finally, but not less important… the sweet things! We always have very tasty cookies, muffins and cakes, we’ve had cheesecake twice, and many people love the banana bread! (I’ve asked for the excellent recipes!). Cookies, chips, yoghurt, fresh fruit and chocolates can be eaten at all times!
One of the interesting and curious things that always happened onboard is that people, when not working, are thinking about what to eat, when is the next meal, what it is possible to eat or drink until the next real meal, and most of the time, any proposal of eating something is accepted, no matter whether you’re hungry or not! That’s why very often people get off from the ship with at least a couple of extra kilos!
We have here a great gym where you can go for some exercise (I do my physical exercise every day when I go to the bridge to say “hello” to the mate on watch, or to have a better view of the icebergs, because the bridge is quite a climb to the 5th level, and we spend most of the time on the main deck, that’s level 0, where all the laboratories are located… I don’t like the gym!)…but every time I’ve gone to the gym, the place has been empty… could it be because it’s also a little boring? Anyway, I know a few people that at least occasionally go to the gym… What about having dance lessons onboard to do some exercise and have some fun together during free time?
Well, I think I have to say “good night” to everybody, because my day is about to finish now… It could sound strange because it is just 2:30 in the afternoon! But don’t forget I’ve been in my watching period since midnight! So, I’ll probably go to the kitchen for a little juice and my “dinner” (although it’s lunch time?!) and dessert before going bed in a few minutes…
Laura Schejter
All photos by Dann Blackwood unless otherwise stated