I’m sure many of you wonder why I haven’t been put away long before now but my days  on the boat did feel a bit like I had been  institutionalized .  I could go anywhere but off the ship and could come and go as long as I made those meals   

When I booked my passage on the Bernhard S I had envisioned total freedom. I could wander where and when I wanted to. Talk to the crew or be a total recluse 

However, what I discovered is life aboard is very regimented, which, now of course makes perfect sense. Cause it doesn’t revolve around me ..sadly..but around the work they are doing. I am essentially a high maintenance human container they are transporting. 😇 It’s a working ship and it keeps working hours and if your on it you need to follow that regiment at least when it comes to meals.  

We eat ‪at 7:30 am‬.  Then ‪11:30 am‬ and then ‪5:30‬. If you don’t make those hours you miss a hot meal and end up sorting through the walk in fridge looking at god knows what for dinner.  Ive tended to just eat lunch and then do a sandwich at night.  John would be proud of my PBJ dinners. Meals are quite heavy and bland ….definitely not Queen Mary fare. It’s like your eating at your elementary school cafeteria with large portions …everyday. It’s the worse part of the experience. To be honest as the days have dragged on I’ve come to dread the meals. The lack of variety and the strict time schedules make me feel a bit like I’m in an institution. Everyday some kind of frozen meat with some kind of frozen veggies with some canned fruit! Lol. We don’t appreciate the choice we have ! The first part of the trip people were very chatty and friendly but now the closer we get to shore the more withdrawn we all seem to be. Of my 5 constant dinner companions three will leave the ship when I do and head home after months at sea. Their thoughts are definitely turning to home and family and my mind is drifting to my friends I miss and my husband who I love and the excitement of getting to New Zealand . I’ve missed a lot of meals just walking on the deck or reading on the bridge and while no one says anything I think my absence is noted. In a way I’m the entertainment! I’ve enjoyed the solitude to be honest but I do feel the pressure to follow the regiment more closely especially because these guys are really nice and friendly and good company when we are engaged. I’ve particularly enjoyed the conversation especially with the captain and the chief engineering officer. Good guys with lots of seafaring stories.  

So when I get to NZ on the 9th I’m going to have a big Latte followed by the largest salad I can find and then a wonderful steak with perfectly cooked broccoli and a baked potato and I’m going to eat it at noon or at 2 or at 9 pm or whenever I feel !  

It was an amazing experience and I’ll write more in next few days but the food was not the highlight !