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Tuesday 26th June 2007

3:06 p.m. CET What I didn’t mention when updating my blog yesterday was that I was utterly drenched, owing to the torrential rain that has affected all of Humberside. It was so severe that I was already soaking by the time I had reached the freight terminal, which is literally just round the corner from the ship. It got to the stage where I admitted defeat and waded defiantly through enormous puddles regardless of the consequences. I was quite relieved when returning to the ship, and felt much better after a hot shower and a change of clothes. The lengths I will go to for free internet access! (This is small beer compared to the devastation that has struck some parts of the UK in the last 24 hours though, particularly Sheffield. On reflection I think I got off lightly!)

Yesterday evening was a pleasant night, there was a group of German students who were sat nearby for most of the evening, who were very appreciative, and made several requests. Was a refreshing change from the last couple of weeks, where the majority of the audiences have consisted of older people.

After lunch today I made a start on packing. I have to say that for the first time since beginning work on the ferries, I am feeling slightly reluctant to leave my cabin, the narrow rectangular dwelling which has been my temporary home for what will (by the time I leave) have been forty nights. Still, all being well I will be able to return to it in a matter of a few weeks time.

8:20 p.m. CET It seems that Sky News, in their haste to broadcast coverage of the widespread flooding that has occurred, may not have been vetting their contributions from the public quite as stringently as they would perhaps otherwise do. Apparently earlier, one presenter read out a text message that they had received live on air that read ‘The Bransholme area of Hull is now completely underwater. Now no-one is able to get in or out. This is probably a good thing.’

Wednesday 27th June 2007

11:45 a.m. Not the most eventful night last night; it never really got going properly, although there were a few people who were making appreciative noises. The sea was rough for the first time in a few weeks, and a lot of people went to bed early (Last night during my second set I thought of playing 'A Life On The Ocean Wave' for the comedy value, but I decided against it). Unfortunately this affected me too, and I was given to another short bout of sea-sickness. Fortunately I managed to sleep through the rest of the roughness, and felt fine when waking this morning. The weather seems to have improved since Monday, it's dry and bright at the moment. Not sure how long it will last, but having looked at the weather forecast I think I'll have to make the most of it!

Only two more round-trips to go now...