Gran Canaria

Wow! Sorry! I can’t believe so much time has passed since we did a blog update.  We arrived in Gran Canaria, Spain on June 6^th.  After getting docked and having an orientation meeting  we were able to leave the ship, which almost everyone did.  We were all excited to be back in a first-world nation.  Many people walked to the mall which takes about a 45 minute which included Burger King and McDonalds which serve beer as part of the extra value meal.  We walked to the mall and wandered about.  The only thing we bought was a book entitled ‘15 Minute Spanish’ learn in just 12 weeks. We thought it may come in handy when trying to order out or get around on public transportation, and it does.  After the mall we continued walking and exploring, we came to an area we ship crew call the boardwalk which is restaurants and shops along the beach. It is about a 30 minute walk from the ship.  We finally made our way back to the ship.  In total we probably walked for about 4 hours. It was wonderful!  We saw and smelled green grass; there was no litter, trash bins placed around the city;  no one coming up to us and trying to sell us things. Nice evening.

Since then we have been out many times, done some shopping, enjoyed dinner or dessert on the boardwalk. 

Matt’s job has mostly revolved around trips to the airport. The trips are any time of day or night and everyone needs to go to the immigration office just before going to the airport.  Due to an immigration requirement a ship’s officer or ship security must escort people to immigration.  Lucky Matt, he has had the privilege of getting many of the trips.  I’m still in the dining room but about half the people to serve.

There is much construction and updating taking place during ship yard.  The old CT scanner has been removed and the new (to us) machine is now in place.  Quite the challenge, we hear, since the old machine was put in place and then ship renovations took place.  The floor is being replaced on the wards which means tearing out the old, which was placed over the train tracks (This ship was built to haul rail cars) from the old ship, meaning jack hammers.  Oh, and the galley is being renovated with all new refrigeration , so at this point the refrigerators have been removed and all cooking has been moved to the crew galley, (regular kitchen versus industrial kitchen).  This is difficult to explain but what it means is everyone needs to have patience and be flexible with what we have.  It is only for a couple months and then we are back to serve the African people.

One very cool thing is the number of people who come to serve Mercy Ships during this time.  People come to relieve the ship officers for vacation, technical people such as the electricians, plumbers and carpenters, cooks and dining room help.  Some come for two weeks others for a few months.  They all bring energy and help to revitalize those that are here.

The weather has been mostly cloudy and breezy with temperatures in the low to mid 70’s during the day. Not too bad.  Good for getting out.  Here are a few pictures from our outings.

 

 

In the village of Teror.

 

One of many cool doors we've seen.