I’ve had to spend the last few days grappling with the arcane machinations of Instagram (grrr), so I’ve missed a blog post or two. Let’s have a quick catch-up!
Well, firstly, HAPPY CHRISTMAS from everyone aboard the Meteor! Although we miss family and friends back home, we know that we will soon be home again to see them.
Now, after a successful sampling run along the coast of French Guiana, we are back in Brazilian waters and have just reached the point furthest into the mouth of the Amazon and struck fresh water, which has been eluding us for some time. Happy sampling times are here! (is there a song about that?) It is currently raining and overcast, but it’s still pleasantly warm.
There are various other things to note, not in any particular order:
The Chief Scientists gave a presentation to the crew on what we have been doing, with a look at some preliminary results. Meanwhile, individual groups gave their own presentations to us all, and these were much appreciated by everyone.
The stewards put up a nice Christmas tree in the Messroom. We had some nice food and wine yesterday (24th) and we began the day today with Eggs Benedict, which is a bit of a kick start for Christmas Day.
The table tennis championship, open to both crew and scientists, is rapidly coming to a head, although every time I go down to see it, I miss it. Perhaps someone will get me some photos??
We had a great tour of the engine room(s) by the Chief Engineer Valker Hartig, which has been compiled into a two-minute Instagram video.
I had some very annoying jaw pain which the wonderful Dr Joanna Tomaschewski dealt with efficiently and effectively.
We exchanged a member of the crew at night while standing off some way from the land. It may not be uncommon for the crew, but for most of us it was an interesting exercise in waters that were a little choppy, and I’m pleased to report that the exercise was completed safely and successfully.
Two new young scientist interviews were added to the website – Neele Sander and Elias Lilie – many thanks for this.
At the end of the recent days of lengthy and productive sampling runs, we had an impromptu karaoke evening encouraged by Chief Engineer Volker, which was great fun.
I think that’s it. If I have forgotten anything, I hope I’ll be forgiven. I must go now and see what’s on the work schedule for today. Andrea will no doubt fill in the picture in her daily update (Instagram)
Below are a few photos (apart from of the table tennis championship) which I hope will be self-explanatory.
