So my work has continued in much the same way this week. I have continued working with the team in room 2 where there has been much plastic surgery completed and in room 1 where a general surgeon from Uganda is working. Yet again old friends have come returned - notably the general surgeon, having worked with him last year. The main focus of general surgery are hernia repairs, again a simple operation in some ways but one that makes life so much more comfortable. Oneinteresting evening was spent listening to the plastics surgeon give his story of how he started and continues to work on the ship. He comes out about twice a year usually for about 5 weeks each visit. About 8 of us just sat round on one of the outside decks to listen. A very interesting hour after working together for the day, which of course included a Starbucks 'run'.

We have tried to organise an evening out as an anaesthetic group but failed miserably this week as one can be working late and of course another is always on call. We did manage to eat together eventually but by eating on the ship at a special 'Shabbatt' meal on Friday evening. As part of a Spiritual retreat on the ship the meal commenced the weekends activities. I had reserved a table and we did manage to eat together. The tables had been laid out specially and it was a good time to just sit and talk together. Another anaesthetist had joined us just the day before but he was a 'repeat offender' - i.e. like me had been to the ship before. The rest of the evening I spent going round an interactive exhibition looking at the Tabernacle and its various parts. Someone had been very creative. On a floating metal box where space is limited it was seemingly possible to create special areas and to make good use of the available space. Much as candles are lovely there are not allowed on the ship if they produce a naked flame. There are battery operated ones available however and these were used to good effect.

Beach was asked for today and so to the beach we went. Having found a good taxi driver 5 of us piled into a car and travelled about 35 miles I guess(I didn't measure the distance) to a beautiful beach. Very quiet, sandy, a few shelters of the thatched variety and an order for lunch taken and delievered. SOunds idyllic and it was a great day apart from the rain and teenagers. Some problems are the same the world over! It was good to get away from the ship, and see the country if only in a small part. What is wonderful about being here at this time of year is seeing everything so green. It's the first time I think that I have been to West Arica and seen such vibrant green colours.