A Sea Of Nausea

My eyes peeled open at 5:00am. I’d somehow slept with my back against the hull of the ship and my feet pressed against the lower partition wall the separates us and the next set of bunks. The Stahlratte can sleep thirty guests and has four double bunks, we’d chosen the double bunk closest to the steps that lead up into the kitchen and to the lower deck.

Lisa had been as sick as a dog last night and had collapsed exhausted in the bunk. I lifted my head off the pillow and slowly crawled over her, reaching for the floor with my foot. Up on deck, the sun was still below the sea horizon but painting the sky a subtle orange. The sea had calmed substantially but, last nights brutal and relentless roller-coaster ride had left it’s mark and my body, and head were still reeling. The seven sails of the ship, billowed in the wind, each one full and taught.

Looking around worn metal deck and the collection of one hundred dangling ropes, I’m transported back to simpler time. Above my head the huge seven sails push the ship forward.

A wave of nausea launched from my head to my stomach and grabs me, instantly breaking my romantic moment.

“hold it down, hold it together, don’t hurl, it’s too early” I murmured to myself as I grasped the table, scanned the horizon and curled my toes.

Today the sea’s have been kinder, and we’d hung out with Egle and Paul for most of the day, in between diving below to lay on our bunks to fight the nausea.

I’d been offered breakfast, lunch and dinner, but had refused the lot. The very idea of food made me feel worse. To Lisa’s delight she was actually doing better and certainly better than me. Hopefully I’ll do better tomorrow?

Lisa's story:

Wow – Simon was still unable to hold anything down but today I had managed a little water, dry bread and rice. Strangely that had all helped. I was rather chuffed with myself. The rest of my day was sitting on deck feeling exhausted or dozing in our bunk. I was unable to read or do anything of any use.