Boys on the bow.

It is hard to imagine what its like to grow up in a place where there are very few of the things that are so common to what the rest of the world enjoys. Cars, appliances, air conditioning, or even windows with glass panes. Then, imagine leaving that place at age nineteen and being thrust into a modern booming society with all the hustle and bustle that we all take for granted. That , in fact, is what happened to me!

We were not even to our destination, but were still on the ship from South America, when my inexperience was made evident.

One day, my four brothers, Luke, Joe, Joel and Raphael (aged 12, 10, 8 and 6 respectively) wandered to an off-limits area on the bow of the ship. Of course, they did not realize the danger they put themselves in, they had only wanted to get the best view of the ocean they could find.

They were discovered by the captain from the bridge before anyone was hurt, and were scolded very sternly. All’s well that ends well, or so one would think. But, having climbed into an area that was not intended for the travelers, the boys inadvertently got into some grease and tar

Mom was very upset as there were not a lot of clothes for the boys. The responsibility of getting the tar out was given to me. I was the oldest. Big whoop! I was sent to a room and was shown a large square concrete sink. I spent what seemed like an eternity scrubbing and washing the clothes, by hand. In vain I might add! I then gave up.

Tired and frustrated by my efforts, and lack of success, I decided to return to my cabin.

Turning from my "chamber of horrors", the sink, I noticed the rows of white metal boxes.

It was later when I was told the “white boxes” were washers and dryers.