Thursday 14 October 2010

MS MERCURI - Hurry up and wait...

Well, it has to be said we both had a great nights sleep - The Caspian Sea had a light to moderate swell this morning causing us both to stagger about like a pair of drunks which was pretty funny. The bathroom door has also been opening and closing on its own all night, and the wooden cabin furniture creaking with each pitch and roll.

We arrived approximately 5 miles offshore from Turkmenbashi port at 1500 hrs this afternoon. Waiting, wondering and waiting some more… The ship dropped anchor shortly after we arrived, and we’ve been wondering what’s happening ever since. Nobody speaks any English, but as far we can make out we’re waiting for a slot to enter the port.

Every few hours a stern sounding Russian voice announces something over the cabin loud speaker, but we have no clue what its saying. Could be the lottery results for all we know! We have enough rations and bottled water in our rucksack for another day.

1900hrs - The passengers cafeteria just opened up downstairs for the first time. A moody Russian waitress tried her best to ignore us both, but eventually gave in and sauntered over to our table. Food! We get a plate of deep fried chicken, hand cut chips and local bread, just what the doctor didn’t order but delicious all the same. We spend the next hour sat in the canteen drinking a full pot of local tea trying to kill some time. I ask how much, first she says nothing, then a chef asks for $10. I pay and they all laugh, it goes straight into his pocket.

2100 hrs - Looks like we’re staying another night on board, no great hardship, it’s a good chance to kick back and relax.

23:00hrs - OK...Boredom is definitely kicking in now. We know our way around the ship fairly well, but I’m yet to organise a visit to the engine rooms and bridge. Tested the satellite phone on the roof of the ship, works perfectly.

Good night!

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