I met her in the mess room on board the MV Matsuura. A lady drinking a cup of coffee. This is not a familiar sight on board a bulk carrier.I asked her where she lived. "In Sorento" (BC), she said. "What is a person from Sorento doing on a ship like this?" I asked. "My son and daughter in law are here and I am visiting my father who is the ship's cook". was her answer. A few moments later the son and daughter in law joined us.
I introduced myself to them, and we had an interesting conversation. They had met on the internet and after a year of e-mailing, he moved to the Philippines where they married. For two and a half years they lived there, but three months ago they moved back to Sorento, BC, Canada. She admitted that it is quite an adjustment living in Canada and that she misses her family very much. (Isn't that true for every immigrant).
Father and daughter were willing to give each other a big hug so I could take a picture. The ship is still in port but it will be leaving tonight. They have to say goodbye again. I can only imagine how hard it must be. ......Soronto..........MV Matsuura........The Philippines......
