*socks and undies* a human interest piece...

in

I got the call to come back to work a little earlier than I expected.  It was a mad rush to get packed up and finish my errands.  I have certain ammenities that I won't compromise on.  What I would do if I ran out of Tom's of Maine toothpaste?!  My shipmates tease me profusely for having such heavy luggage but, I bet their rooms don't have twinkly lights!  Who do they come to when they want dryer sheets or shout?  I might also be the only person onboard who has a swifter sweeper.  When I'm getting ready to come back to work I have tons of little lists full of trivial items that I convince myself are show stoppers.  Packing for this last rotation was one of my all time favorite 'packing nights'.  One of my long lost Hilo girlfriends jumped in and saved the day!  She went and got take out Thai food and she vetted every item before I put it in my suitcase.  I actually had fun!  I don't think I've ever referred to a packing night as fun.  When she got to my bags of socks and undies she looked at me and said, 'really, Megan?!  really?'  Usually, at some point, I have to take things out of my bags but, on the socks and undies I held fast....I don't like laundry!  Running out of socks is terrible (not to mention undies)!  When I throw in a load of laundry out here I have to make sure that I am 100% available.  I have to be there at the exact time the wash cycle ends so that I can transfer over my load.  Then I have to be there at the exact time the dryer cycle ends (if not early in case some eager beaver thinks my clothes are dry enough).  If I'm not there to personally transfer the load of laundry then I can't be certain someones grubby paws haven't touched my socks and undies.  I habitually majorly overpack in the sock and undie department. Sitting at breakfast this morning some of my shipmates were bemoaning the fact that because the water is still out in the laundry rooms they were running out of socks and boxers (I don't think they'd appreciate me calling them undies).  I had to sit back and smirk...my bags are too heavy, huh?!  Heh heh heh.  My sock and undie bags are still half full (literally)!

potable water is soooo overrated.

in

Before I begin my rant I'd like to state for the record that while it may appear that I'm complaining I'm actually just 'venting'.  I also understand that my 'venting' is childish and selfish.  These temporary inconveniences are simply the tell tale signs of productivity and forward motion.

We are currently at a lay berth in Fujairah where our potable water system is receiving a major overhaul.  The interior of our fresh water piping is severely corroded.  This has led to rusty discolored water and very low water pressure.

The large black hose shown in the photos is being run up through the pipe trunk and is our temporary water source.  The water has been secured to one side of the vessel at a time.  For the last two days the water has been secured to the starboard side (that iswhere I live).  No big deal...I mean, who needs to flush their toilet?!

This huge task is being completed by a large amount of TCN's.  TCN is a term used in the middle east for foreign workers.  I believe it stands for Third Country National.  The majority of the workforce in Middle Eastern countries hail from India, Pakistan and the Phillipines.

One cool thing about the TCN's is that they eat really good food!  Sometimes if they are here for an extended period of time they'll supply their own cook.  He'll cook alongside our own stewards department.  This is good for us because we'll get to sample some amazing curries!  Because this is a relatively short job (and since we're pierside) they have been sending someone on food runs.  They love to share their food and get excited when you want to try new things....it's usually waaay to spicey for me!  They thought me taking photos was pretty cool.

Last night I washed my hair in the laundry room sink and this morning I brushed my teeth and washed my face in one of the QMEDs room (since he lives on the port side).  My Mantra has been "attitude:  the difference between adventure and ordeal".  I have to say though, the mantra is getting stale.  I'd really just like to flush my toilet!  I think I did a good job keeping the ranting to a minimum....