Bunkering ( Refuelling Finished ) we left Cherbourg in the early hours and out into open sea, across the Bay of Biscay, known for it's hatred of ships.
In fact, the crossing was relatively calm and there was a call for Captains Cocktails, for all passengers,1st class one evening, 2nd class the following evening.
This was to welcome the passengers on board, those who embarked at Southampton and Cherbourg.
We as Officers, young, old, with or without seniority, queued up to be introduced to a family or individual passengers.
Known as, ( getting to know you )...........
My experience from this first Captains Cocktail party, happened to be a very nice family, mother, father and if I remember correctly 2 young daughters.
I was ushered over by a purser at the entrance of the ballroom, to meet the family, and then led away to a free spot on the dance hall area, where we were immediately approached by a waiter
offering drinks and nourishment of all kinds.
What so special about this meeting, is the following.
'' Pleased to meet you Sir, my name is Appleby, David Appleby", he said to me, priceless words I have never forgotten.
The very first time I had been called 'Sir', and the very first time I had met a complete stranger with his family, who, I found very interesting.
He explained to me everything about a simple coat hanger!!!. ( he designed them, all sorts!! )..
Mr David Appleby was taking his family on a world cruise, and a most interesting thing happened on board another ship that I was on with regards to this family, that I will explain later on.
I completed my first two Captains Cocktail party's, with a slight ignorance and inferiority, because of my young age, (21 years, approx. ) but I learnt many things during these few hours about human relationships.
Memories, never forgotten !!!
Chusan was en route for DAKAR,, our first call on the African Continent..................
Yes Sir, my very first visit to Africa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
No comments:
Post a Comment