Messy Endeavours

Dear World,

Sally here, writing from a little table in the Silja Symphony's crew mess (i.e. the cafeteria of a boat currently docked in Helsinki). Ship life is new and exciting, with rehearsals still in full swing and all the interesting foods that I'm trying in the mess.

Of course this whole blog is going to be about the food. Last night we ate at an Italian restaurant and I had gorgeous arrancini balls filled with  pesto and mozzarella, served over an aubergine (that's eggplant to you, America) stew. To die for! On a daily basis, however, the food is not so decadent. We have constant access to hazelnut biscuits and Jaffa cakes, plus the salad bar, which provides wonderfully diverse veg, fish and chicken for the avid eater. I don't eat fish or chicken, but I did put capers all over my plate thinking they were lentils. Oops! Still ate them! They have hot food options for all meals and I've been known to say, "this is the best thing I've ever tasted" in the mess. Unfortunately, Sharifa called me out, as I said it at least twice this past week, so I've been caught. My food-thusiasm is unmatched in the cast.

Being a vegetarian makes me a very contented diner. I feel like a healthier individual, and it actually helps me in deciding what to eat. As you probably are aware (if you've ever had a meal with me), id prefer trying a little bit of everything rather than honing in on one dish. Being veggie allows me that luxury without the heaviness of eating meat.

Every morning I like to start my day with two soft boiled eggs and  bread. The bread is wonderful here. I put whatever add-ons I like, including melon and pineapple. I love peeling a morning grapefruit, slowly reaping the rewards of each peeled wedge. It reminds me of Dave who's lazy and always makes me peel the grapefruit when we share at home.

A bit of a segue here but one of my friends from the cast reminds me of Dave. Not that he's anything like Dave at all, but he makes me laugh just as much as Dave does so that's a big deal.

I'm trying to publish this from my phone, so apologies that the format is even sparser than usual. I'm sure you want to hear about the performances and everything but one thing at a time! The food is way too important; it needs its own post.

Until next time, world.

Sal out