I am in Honfluer, Northern France visiting a vessel. I am staying at the Mercure Hotel in the city centre, a small but comfortable chain establishment situated near the centre of this picturesque and village-like little town. Also staying at this hotel is a colleague of mine, a 59yr old bearded and freindly guy. There is also a Frenchman staying at this hotel.
I agreed to meet my colleague (we shall call him Tim) for breakfast at 0730hrs before heading off to the ship at 8am. Unfortuately, I had perhaps imbibed one too many beers the night before and so our breakfast meet started with a little confusion. Tim was already sitting at a table muching away by the time I got my act together and out of my room. I said "good morning" to him before heading for the buffet to load up with bread and some much needed liquids! I them proceeded to plonk myself down and to dig in with gusto. I knew I was mumbling away, something inane perhaps, I'm not sure what but it was, as far as I recall they were mumblings that required no answer.
Anyway, I got some food down inside of me and then I looked up. I noted that Tim was nearly bald! I put my head down and mulled over this fact. I was sure he had a thick mop of black hair but then again I don't know him that wellat all! Nice ham though and the orange juice was working miracles!
Tim disappeared for a couple of minutes before returning with a newspaper! Whilst munching on a badly-formed ham sandwich without butter I noted the fact that the newspaper he was now reading was in French! I started to mumble again, "I didnt know you could speak French" but at the same time I knew that something was not quite right. Pulling myself together I looked up and straight into the eyes of a young and very bemused Frenchman who perhaps was wandering if I could turn dangerous at any moment.
We both looked away quickly. I sneaked a look under my armpit for Tim and there he was in the same postion as the Frenchman but one table back. I just grabbed my plate and and ran - I coudn't look this man in the eye now could I!
Thankfully Tim had also had a few too many beers the night before and didn't note my strange behaviour! Or maybe he had but was too polite to say so!
I really like your blog. I too am a merchant mariner, also a chief engineer who likes to write and take photos. Small world.
ReplyDeleteSafe sailing to you.