greet & eat

Since we were planning on posting a video tour of the ship, but are not permitted to do so due to the high amount of satellite required, we are going to post pics and tidbits of info about different areas of the ship over the next few days.

So, just imagine with me walking up the gangway of steps to the ships entrance.  Upon entering the ship, you will see a long tall counter-like desk and greeted by a friendly face. This is reception.  Welcome aboard the M/V Africa Mercy! Among their many responsibilities, reception answers the direct phone line to the ship and monitors the fire panel in case of an emergency.  This is also the person you call for any questions and updated information, ectetera because the receptionist knows EVERYTHING! (just ask Tim--he worked in reception for 3 weeks :) :)  If you look at the very far left of the picture, you will see a door.  This is the Purser's office where Tim is working from now on.

We take you next to the dining hall because this is the most important place on the ship---the food of course! :)  Also, because it is directly behind reception.  One can enter the dining hall from two entrances--one on each side of reception.  This is the happening place from 6:30-730am for breakfast, 12-1pm for lunch, and 5-6pm for dinner.  It is bustling with activity, conversation, and laughter.  Meals are a time of reconnecting with others in between work, and family time for those of us with families. A cold cereal bar is served at breakfast on weekdays. Sunday mornings are a treat because a hot breakfast is served, such as eggs and bacon or pancakes.  And we bag our own lunch on the weekends.   

There are approximately 300 crew on board at present.  Once we begin our outreach, the galley staff will feed 400-500 people.  This includes the entire crew, the day workers, interpreters, and other support staff that are part of the team.  To feed all of us, the galley staff includes 2 meal teams of 3-5 workers, 4 cooks, 1 baker, and a salad team of 3 workers.  I've been told the meat served is brought in from Europe or the states.  The fruit we eat is local, so the availability is dependent on the season.  Vegetables and salads are also dependent on what is locally grown, so very limited in Africa.  Rice appears to be a staple on the ship, as in Africa :) We are pleased with the food--no room for complaining when we don't have to do any cooking!