Adventure On The High Seas

I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I signed on for the voyage. I envisioned sailing the seven seas and washing down stale hard-tack with a bitter rum grog while waves crashed over the fo’c’sle. I pictured myself returning a seasoned and salty seaman. But, after seven days at sea it was all I could do to waddle down the gangway. I struggled with my land-legs under the additional burden of fifty pounds. The fifty pounds I had gained from the non-stop eating at various food bars, cafeterias and dining rooms on the ship.

Each evening, in the formal dining room, it proved to be a challenge and an educational experience for myself...an accomplished “over the sink eater”. Dressed in my Sunday best I ordered from a menu coded with French words. I knew I was in trouble when the menu had no pictures nor were the items numbered. I’m more comfortable ordering the #2 with mustard, tots and a DP. No such luck.

Turns out “Vichyssoise” means cold potato soup and “ox tail soup en croute” means runny beef pot-pie. Apparently, it’s all about presentation. The food was picture perfect...I wanted to photograph and frame it...but had reservations about eating it.

The fear of the unknown worked in my favor and it helped to curtail some of my caloric intake but somehow in spite of my fear I still managed to bulk up.

I’ll start my diet tomorrow; but until then, “Bon Appetit”