"My Chance To Shine"

I was given an opportunity to shine. I was lucky enough to be one of 5 people chosen to participate in a VIP Luncheon with the High Commissioner of Canada in New Delhi, Mr. David Malone, and the Canadian Defence Attaché to New Delhi, Col. Garry Reaume. When I was initially asked if I would like to partake in the lunch I hadn’t quite grasped the scope of the invitation. It later became apparent that only 4 other crewmembers were attending besides myself, and I was the only member a part of the junior ranks, the rest being officers and a PO1. This revelation rattled me a tad, as this was no longer seeming to be a mere friendly, social get-together with the well-humored Captain and some dignitaries, but more like a formal, political meeting of the minds. Let’s just say that I was quickly trying to do an inventory of my new “stoker vocabulary” making mental notes of what would be considered inappropriate dinner conversation, and which one was the salad fork again? Well, Mom and Dad, managed to instill in me all the necessary etiquette and dinner conversation skills for such an occasion, so I managed to calm my nerves to tackle the challenge head on – or maybe it was the glass of sherry the Captain offered me. Regardless, I was engaging both guests in spirited discussion and eating my shrimp cocktail with the best of them. The only disappointment came from the afternoon being too short for my liking. I had so many questions for these two gentlemen regarding everything from what was New Delhi like to how did you get into this line of work and likewise, how can I get into this line of work. Not to mention I became a captive audience once Garry mentioned he had spent a posting in Australia. I was unable to probe him for more information though, as David was one for the gab and continued to spur the conversation on to new topics. The food was by far the best I have yet experienced onboard, confirming my long suspicions that the officers are eating from their own menu. We were served a beautifully arranged shrimp cocktail after our Sherry. The main course was maple glazed salmon with rice pilaf and mixed fresh, steamed vegetables enjoyed with a chilled white wine. Our sweet tooth was then satisfied with cheesecake, minus the crust, drizzled with strawberry puree and sliced kiwi fruit and strawberries for garnish. Then came the fresh brewed coffee to cleanse the palates. The conversation was just as rich, providing morsels of Indian facts. For example I was amazed to learn that 75% of India’s population makes less than $2.00 per day, and yet the country is involved in supplying upwards of a billion dollars in relief funding to help rebuild Afghanistan’s infrastructure. I also managed to find out more information regarding the hotel I had booked to stay at for a night while in Goa, as both dignitaries were staying there as well. I was assured that I would enjoy it immensely and should I ever be traveling to India in the future, to look them up to enjoy their hospitality. It was a wonderful experience, one which I feel very privileged to have attended. I was truly humbled to hear from the Chief that I was a “natural choice, as you are so personable and seemed to really enjoy the last cocktail party. Think about the Blog entry you’ll get out of this one!”