SAMPLES FROM MY SEA DIARIES 1949 TO 1958

By ChatGPT-Tome-Human Synthesis- 05 June 2024. Source my diaries.

ss Norefjord - Built 1910

I will come back later with the details of my first ship as a 16 year deckboy on a 7 month roundtrip Norway to Mombasa and Madagascar via the Suez canal. She was a hero from multiple convoys over the Atlantic during WWII with supplies for the allied forces fighting Germany.

Der Junge von St. Pauli (sea shanty)

ms BLACK HERON - Built 1950 - New

January 01 1951**

This has been the best New Year I've ever had. I met Jesse de Hoy, a nice girl. We'll be back very soon. I spent 100 francs here with Amina; she's so sweet. Just a girl and open to hugging.

January 2nd,

I sent messages again. Jesse dresses well and is a nice girl. I think it was love at first sight. I will see her again on the 2nd of January in Antwerp and then in Philadelphia. It will be 6 weeks till we return to Antwerp, and I can't wait that long.

DIE KLEINE KNEIPE (song)

Janary 03

Arrived Rotterdam. Today, a movie called "Lutuska" and saw the operetta "Annie Get Your Gun", a swell film. I am longing hard for you Jesse. Jesse and I watched it. It was a long film. Took out 5 guilders.

January 04

We're still in Rotterdam. I need to send a letter to Jessie and Elizabeth soon. Also to Synnoeve, I think she is waiting for it. It's a foggy and rainy day today. Was on the Ambassador. I watched a movie called "Vosnia," the dictator state. Stats Geheim.

By mid-January, our schedule was still busy. We're still docked in Rotterdam, waiting for clearer weather. The days seem to blend together, but thoughts of Jesse keep me going. She's on my mind constantly. The ship life can be monotonous, but looking forward to seeing her again gives me something to hold onto.

I'll be counting down the days until we return to Antwerp. Until then, it's all about the routine here on the ship: working, waiting, and hoping for better weather and smoother seas. The ocean can be both a friend and a foe, but right now it feels like it's keeping me away from Jesse for too long. Looking forward to calmer days and reunions with loved ones.

**5th January**

Still in Rotterdam. It's Monday, I think. Not sure. I did laundry today; I've got a dirty feeling. Cut my hair very short.

**6th January**

Worked in the mess today, gosh what a job. The weather was okay.

**7th January**

In Rotterdam. Nice weather today. The show was pretty clever. It's 10:00 PM, going to bed now. Up tomorrow morning at 4:00 AM to clear for the sea. We're leaving at 8:00 AM. I've got the 8 to 12 watch.

**8th January**

Getting off the dam for New York. Foggy, 360 degrees. It's good to be at sea again with nice weather. We’ll probably arrive in New York on the 18th of January.

**9th January**

At sea, heading for New York. Nice weather, a bit wavy. Earned 250 kroner a month with a 30 kroner deduction. An English airplane flew over us. Watched the fly inspection. Earned 103 kroner in overtime for December.

**10th January**

At sea, strong wind and moderate waves. Course 269°. The cabin is nice and clean. I must wash all my clothes too. Maybe later. Receiving a letter from Jesse in New York I hope.

**11th January**

At sea, we passed the Queen Elizabeth, at 80 thousand tons, at 11:30 AM. Course 265°, speed 2.5 knots. There was a winter storm and high seas.

**12th January**

At sea, in a little storm, speed is reduced. Talked with the captain today, funny man. We'll be in New York by Sunday. I have 76 kroner in the book. Big wash today, changed the bedclothes. Position 50° West, 20° North. Speed 15 knots. I like this ship well.

**13th January**

At sea, feeling a bit sick. I look pale and feel unwell. Wind at 50 knots. Added $20 to the list. In a storm, we've been drifting with the weather all day. We're halfway to New York. Course 248°. Full speed ahead at 14 knots. Position 15° North, 45° West. Soon we'll be off the coast of Newfoundland.

**January 12**

I’m at sea. There was a little storm today with winds at 3 knots and waves reaching 132+. The high sea made things difficult. I had some tough conversations with the captain today. I ended the day with a drink, thinking about Sunday. I spent 70 of my 38 krones. Will we be in the book for New York?

**January 13**

Still at sea. Today was laundry day. Changed the bedclothes. Our position is 50.2° West, 20° North, moving at 15 knots. The weather is nice. I’m really starting to like this ship.

**January 14**

At sea. The weather is middling, a bit windy. I felt a bit seasick. We’re moving at 15 knots with winds at 15%. I spent the day watching the sea, feeling a bit under the weather. I wrecked $20, unfortunately. Despite the conditions, we managed to drift through the day.

We’re moving along at 3 knots and are halfway to New York. Our course is 2482 at 16%. Still at sea, moving ahead at about 14 knots. Our position is 50° North, 45° West. We’re nearing the height of Newfoundland, with waves at 98+.

**January 17**

At sea. It was a foggy and rainy day, with strong winds from 8 AM to noon. We moved at 12 knots. No time for washing today as the time flies by quickly onboard. I’m thinking I might stay until Christmas and then head home until spring arrives.

**January 18**

At sea. The weather is nice and warm, with a slight sea breeze. We’re moving at 14 knots with waves at 152+. I think we’ll arrive in New York by Saturday evening. The pilot will come aboard tomorrow night. Next time, I might go out with a tanker, heading south. (Thinking of Grimstad?)

**January 19**

Still at sea. The weather is nice with no waves at all. We're moving at 15 knots. We passed Nantucket Shoals at 8 o'clock in the morning, 230 miles from Nantucket to New York. The pilot is expected tonight at 8 o'clock. We passed Paraskers Bay at 20 o'clock and arrived at the quarantine station by 21:00.

**January 20**

Arrived in New York, at Greenpoint. We reached quarantine for Greenpoint at 8:00. The weather is nice and warm, very mild. I got $20 and bought a nice thick jacket. I also bought some different items. Loaded a small cargo from 6:00 in the morning and paid for it myself. Ready for more tasks.

**January 21**

At Greenpoint. The weather looked good, but it turned out to be very cold. Yesterday felt like a summer day, but today it feels like the North Pole. I received $2 and must pay Andreas $2 for something he lent me. I took a long, refreshing walk with no letters received.

Before dinner, I walked along Manhattan Avenue. We're probably leaving tomorrow for Boston. I plan to buy something before heading back to Europe. I'm sitting onboard, feeling tired and thirsty, so now I'll rest in bed. It's work worth waiting for.

**January 22**

We left Greenpoint at 13:28 for Boston. It’s very cold, 72 degrees with 15 knots wind. I think we'll arrive in Boston around 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Upon arrival, we’ll be ready for sea from 12:30 to Quebec, which should take around 22 or 23 hours. I think we'll leave the USA around the third of February and return to Antwerp by the sixteenth of February. I spent the day writing a letter to my father.

There was some trouble in the engine room this afternoon. Something must be wrong down there, but I don't understand what's the matter. For now, I'm longing very much for Jessy. I miss her a lot and hope to see her soon. The boys brought a wish from someone who was at church on Sunday; I might see him in Philadelphia or Norfolk.

**January 23**

In the canal heading up to Boston, at 10 o'clock in the morning. The weather is nice. The nature here is very similar to Norway, with big forests and some small mountains. Turned off the engine at 7 o'clock.

We arrived at the pier at around 10 o'clock. I hope there might be some letters here. Went to the movies and had strawberries and cream. Everything is very expensive here.

**Wednesday, January 24**

It's a rainy, bad day in Boston. We’re preparing to leave Boston for Philadelphia soon, likely by tonight. No letters have arrived, and I have a hard headache. I couldn’t sleep before 1 o'clock last night because I had to be the watchman here in Boston. I owe Andreassen $3 now. I broke $3 with Andreassen.

There’s no affair with the girls. Cour, Kis, and Jakobsen had overtime: watch on deck from 17:00-19:00 (2 hours). I think I’ll go ashore tonight, just to look around. Town was slow. Jakobsen (engine) spent 60 cents on a good deal—a banana split. Wonderful, cost 40 cents. The time is 11, so I’ll be leaving Boston for Philadelphia.

**Thursday, January 25**

Middling day, spent some time on the ship, nice job. Filled up 251; I think there are no letters. I’ll get some overtime today at 4 o'clock after leaving Boston at 10 o'clock.

Arrived in Philadelphia. I might get some more letters here. Bought a carton of cigarettes today. I’ve been onboard since April 3, 1950, which makes it 84 days, with 241 days left on the voyage.

Watch tonight from 20:00 to 24:00 (4 hours). I owe $1 to one engine man, and $1 to Isaksen, $3 to Andreassen. All debts total $5.60. I’ll pay back in Philadelphia.

** January 26 **

In sea for Philadelphia. Left Boston at 01.00. Plentyof Whiskey was removed from the hatch yesterday. Good night!

Still just a few hours from Boston. Waiting for our turn to enter the canal, four hours out from Boston. It’s foggy and cold, with 15 knots of wind. We should arrive in Philadelphia at around 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. The temperature is around 0 degrees, and we’re traveling at 15 knots. Maybe we are heading to Bremerhaven after this.

**January 27**

Arrived in Philadelphia at 13:00. It’s snowing. I wonder if there will be letters here. I must write a letter to Der Bo. Spent about $10 here, and paid back Andreassen $3. Bought a photo album and some small things. Went to bed at 10:30. I’ll be the watchman tomorrow.

**January 28**

In Philadelphia. On watch duty from morning to 10 o'clock. Lent $1.80 to someone. Sent a letter to Father and Getter. It’s a rainy and foggy day.

**January 29**

Leaving Philadelphia today after taking on bunker oil. Rainy weather. We traveled 10 miles down the river. I might get some overtime today. I don’t understand why I haven’t received any letters. I hope there are some waiting in Baltimore. Longing hard for you, "Symmon." Left Philadelphia at 2 o'clock. Watch duty from 18:00 to 24:00.

####

ms ALVDAL

Saturday 17 January 1952

In New Orleans, nice weather. I got $50 yesterday, and spent all of it. Didn’t even buy a handkerchief, after all that’s a half month’s pay. Didn’t find Charles, nor Jon and Frank. You quit the River-Belle. He didn’t dare stay here, not much brandy around. His brother, Walter, and his niece, Jimmy, took over. He’s working a joint in the French town. Well, let’s hope he gets over it soon.

By the way, some nice fellows, Mez, Walter, and Jimmy, the barmaid Marilyn, offered a dollar and asked if I wanted it. I refused, of course. Donald and I at the Cadillac Club tonight, some fancy joint. There’s purple at the entrance, fare is $50, and plenty of people. Just ordinary, and I. Believe me, I danced all night, and I remember. I seldom dance at all, anyway.

18 January.

In New Orleans. Nice weather.

Do you know where I woke up this morning? In the saloon girls' cabin. What do you give some for that? I sure must have gotten dizzy when I came aboard last night and the thing is, I can’t remember anything, frying pork chops in the kitchen of the River Belle. Got bad news from home, grandfather died just before Christmas, and then I got a report from the company saying that I’m not reliable. You can imagine, I got kind of shocked when I heard that.

A good thing it was just a misunderstanding.. I told the old man to inform my father about it, and the company. Got letters from: father, Aunt Dagmar, Uncle Arne, and Barsani (Italian). Once shared a cabin with, and last but not least, a Joan. Did not expect it. Christmas card from...

19 January

In New Orleans. Grey weather. Left the pier at 9 AM. Moving to the bunker place. 10 minutes down the river, half vineyard. At 1:15 PM, we nearly had to leave without Bergen, who arrived 15 minutes before. Came to the bunker place. I don’t feel good now. 50 bucks spent, wasted dough. I managed but I could go crazy. Paid off my dues, will probably never do it again. Didn't send any mail anymore. The happy, paid-off crew this time: Omar, the steward, Signe, and Palen (Walther Bay, where I spent days in such dreams at night). Gosh, I gotta take it easy from now on. Missing the sun, for a long time.

20 January

At sea bound for Guayaquil. Cloudy weather.Temp: 22+ Putting in ribs in 1-2. I'm feeling very tired, and where is my good mood? Just can’t find myself.

21 January.

At sea, bound for Guayaquil. Nice weather. Temp. 22+ Course: 154. Put up the ribs in No.1- 2. Passed a Danish ship in the afternoon. That misunderstanding about me being a drunkard all got cleared up.The old man has written a letter to both father and the company, which says it's all nonsense. Wrote letter for cashier today. Nothing else, feeling careless about everything. Now! Stop feeling sorry for yourself, where is your spirit?

Show them you are damned sorry for your dead fighting spirit. Don’t give in, but keep going straight on and sing as an imbecile. You, Captain, you only hurt yourself. The chief mate shot and gave our guys on deck a bur (?), for past work with the rooms, nice clothes. Guess I better hit the sack, it’s late and will have to get up at 11:30 watch. Rinsing a little clothes overnight.

22 January.

At sea, bound for Guayaquil. Nice weather, some storms. Temperature: 25. Picked some rust on the masthouse. Washed the white-painted aftside on the midship. Can't find a word that expresses my feelings today. Guess terrible, it's like a nightmare that never ends. Every day and night is the same. I wish I were somewhere else. Thor Heyerdahl was sure, in Brazil, last time we were there, he's going to the Galapagos Islands. I wish I could have joined him. Some adventure that would have been, huh?

It's about time we reach Panama now. Been at sea for 3 days now. Washed some clothes today. The old man said he would ask the Agentin NYC if I can pay off now, but when will we get there?

I am having a helluva toothace tonight, got to see the dentistin NYC. It should nt be neccessary to write about such trivial mattes, but that just proves how boring and ordinary my life really is. I have lost everything one could call interest for both reading and doing other things, just work, eat and sleep, work and then sleep again, URGH!! Real exciting way of living huh?

23 January

In sea for Guayaquil. Arrived Christobal at 12 noon and anchored temporarily.

Wheing anchor at 6:00 p.m., left at 3:30 a.m. Painted from stage on starboard side. Received three letters: from father, Joanne, and the work school in Oslo. I also sent five cards: to grandmother, on a whim to Bitten, and to mother. Good night. Saw some great tankers and a couple of Japanese ships; they looked nice, moving fast now. Both Germany and Japan.

Can't imagine grandfather being dead—it came so unexpectedly. I sent the postcard to Bitten today, probably shouldn't have. After all, she owes me three letters now; she didn't even send a Christmas card. She must have been busy with something else—cooking, engaged, or married. Figuring angles, but nothing's sure. Dropped a couple of lines to my old friend Bjorn too. He'll be surprised to hear from me after all these years.

I'm feeling kind of tired, haven't slept for 24 hours. I just couldn't fall asleep, which is no good. Too bad I didn't get to send anything to Joan for Christmas, not even a Christmas card. I hope she won't be angry when she gets the letter I just mailed. Who do you think you're dealing with, angels of society? But with you anyway, getting soft-hearted and dreamy. I'd only thought of games, and the reason you're too damned interested in games and eyeballs. Once you're away from it, you miss it badly, right?

23 January

At sea for Guayaquil. Arrived Christobal at .00:50 AM and anchored.

Weiging anchor at 6:00 p.m. Finished canal at 3am next day. Painted from stage on starboard side. Received three letters: from father, Joanne, and the work school in Oslo. I also sent five cards: to grandmother, on a whim to Bitten, and to mother. Good night. Saw some great tankers and a couple of Japanese ships; they looked nice, moving fast now. Both Germany and Japan.

Can't imagine grandfather being dead—it came so unexpectedly. I sent the postcard to Bitten today, probably shouldn't have. After all, she owes me three letters now; she didn't even send a Christmas card. She must have been busy with something else—cooking, engaged, or married. Figuring angles, but nothing's sure. Dropped a couple of lines to my old friend Bjorn too. He'll be surprised to hear from me after all these years.

I'm feeling kind of tired, haven't slept for 24 hours. I just couldn't fall asleep, which is no good. Too bad I didn't get to send anything to Joan for Christmas, not even a Christmas card. I hope she won't be angry when she gets the letter I just mailed. Who do you think you're dealing with, angels of society?

But whats with you anyway, getting soft-hearted and dreamy. I'd only thought of dames, and the reason you're too damned interested in dames and higballs. Once you're away from it, you miss it badly, right? 7:30 p.m., and we're only getting as far as the middle of Florida's Gatun lock. It's a damp and wet climate here.

Dames and all, away from it you miss it badly, right? The time's 2:00 PM and we've only gotten as far as the Miraflores locks. It's damp and wet here. At sea, bound for Snaga. Nice weather, cloudy, temperature: 26°C+. Well, this was the 28th time for me through the Panama Canal. I guess I can't call the turns and bends of the canal strange anymore. It's gotten to be kind of common now.

There was something going around today about a money list. I signed in for 200 sucre (20%). Washed my face, had a shave, feel like new. That Palmolive aftershave lotion sure is a money-maker, makes you feel like the freshest man ever. It took a long time getting through the canal this time; the traffic was all jammed up.

**- 27 January!**

Tor Snapaginil. Mined at: 11:00 AM. Took in 200 sucre and lent $3 to Sjónnessen. Went out with my flower, Maria. Had some drinks at Ming's Nightclub; Isabelle's bar is the only place that's drinkable here, anyway. We (Maria and I) were out dining until 1:20 AM, went onboard at 1:51 AM. Fell in the water—or let's say jumped—with the intention of rescuing one of the guys who fell in. Guess my suit trousers are spoiled.

**28 January**

In Guayaquilt. Nice weather (for the devil, anyway). Painted the ship's side all over; she's a beauty now, our beloved Alvdal. Drank a lot of beers while working today, and caught a bad stomach ache by night. Went ashore and met my supposed becoming wife. She still wants me to marry her; what a pity that such proposals gotta be wasted. She's mid-month, and to leave her nice proposal aside, she is a nice kid though, and I simply can't stand to leaving her company.

Poor kid, I promised last time to bring her a dress, and I not even gave it a thought. It is a shame. Well, we'll see this trip if only the desire for highballs and dames doesn't get me before I hit some clothing store. Went onboard at 3:00 AM, and believe me, SOBER.

**Thursday in Guayaquil.**

Nice weather, went with a salesman eager to burn his back. Bought dozens of beers today. Saved at: 4 PM.

**29 January.**

Here we go, New Orleans in eight days again. God knows what time. I hope indeed I will get to buy some clothes, in the long run this can't I'll keep on, or I will end my days as a bum. Have told the radiooperator to send home 600 KR. This month or next, it'll be hard but I can make it. What a terrible hand- writing, never mind, nobody is going to see this Book anyway. (sure?).

**30 January**

In Puerto Bolivar. Arrived at: 00.20 A.M.

Mjölünd, Almehagen and the galleyboy came came by ferry from Guayaquil ät: 03 A.M. They remained in Guayaquil when we left last night, damned lucky they were. The watches runs". I have just finished a thriller named, Navy Colt, exciting book, well written. We're probably leaving to night, we are loading 1800 bunches of bananas, and that is 3800 bunches counting the ones we loaded in Guayaquil.

Finished painting the green belt today. Stopped work at: 4.P.M. Washed come clothes to day. My book account probably will not be too high this month, although my slappchest bill is high this month. Borroved a book in Spanish from Furuholmen, I can as well try to learn some Spanish while I am having the chance.

I intend to stay put tonight, too much shoreleave just ain't too good, and besides, whatta place, can't imagine anybody anybody likes this swamp. Know what I'd have liked right now? go hunting those big Condors outside Bolivar, in the direction af Matchala, the trees are crowded with them.

Big, evil bastards, too bad a rifle isn't allowed on the ship. I'd have chosen a Mossberg, model 46M (Tubular repeater). It's a caliber 22, short, long and long rifle cartridges. They are small and handy for small hunting. The radio they gave us as a company Christmas present works badly. There's too many disturbing noises to catch the program, even at short distances. It's a Hallicrafter model: Continental.

**31 January**

At sea, bound for New Orleans. Nice weather. The direction to open sea when leaving Bolivar is right: North. Painted the officers' bathroom midships, brushed, and greased the masthouse deck. Should've washed some clothes; better do it tomorrow. There's an old saying: Don't do today what you can do tomorrow. Looked over some snaps from Norway (home) right now, I sure would have liked to be there this summer. Got a big stack of hometown newspapers yesterday.

That didn't make it better. Homesick, huh? I'm feeling all excited to check if there are any letters from Joan this time. It's been a while. Well, just another month away from Norway. Brother!! This month sure was a slow one. I've been on board since early this year, unbelievable. It seems like it's been a year now!! Don't overdo it; it hasn't been that bad, huh?

#####

June 19, 1952 - Thursday

In New York, the temperature was a pleasant 76°F. The sailor left at 20:02 after his shift, which ran from 17:00 to 21:30. The previous day had been spent exploring the Empire State Building, a thrilling experience that contrasted with the usual monotony of life at sea. He managed to stock up on plenty of beer and even bought a bottle of cognac, small comforts for the journey ahead. I really got a bit Zig-Zag.

A letter from Edel in Vegesack was a welcome surprise, bringing a touch of warmth and connection from afar. I didnt take up any money here but $10. in Charleston. I owe the deckboy $2., Stavanger $ 1.50 and the Stewars $ 2.-, (that makes it $ 5.50)

** 20 June **

The ship's duties continued as usual. The stern deck was greased and all the decks were thoroughly washed. However, the rapid climate changes were taking a toll on his health, leaving him feeling unwell. I am affraid I dont have much to write about today unless that we have got a small brown and white cat onboard, hope they dont have to kill him.

** 21 June **

At sea, nice weather 29C, course set at 282°, 15 kn. Painted the second time around the Captains cabin+ chartroom. We are changing the company logo in the smokestack, now sailing under the name of Standard Fruit & Steamship Company flag from now on, for how long I dont know. Put some dirty clothes in the water today. They will soften til tomorrow.

The passengers are taking salt water showers on the boatdeck today, what an idea but not so silly, its quite hot now. Must send a letter to Bitten from the Panama Canal,forgot to send one from NYC. I will try to write a couple of others too. We are not going to NYC this time , it will be New Orleans again, the trip after will be to NYC. I will try to take up $ 100.- when we arrive. Must buy some clothes and possibly a Hallicrafter radio.

** 18 January **

In New Orleans. Nice weather.Do you know where I woke up this morning? In the saloon girls' cabin. What do you give some for that? I sure must have gotten dizzy when I came aboard last night and the thing is, I can’t remember anything, frying pork chops in the kitchen of the River Belle. Got bad news from home, grandfather died just before Christmas, and then I got a report from the company saying that I’m not reliable.

You can imagine, I got kind of shocked when I heard that.A good thing it was just a misunderstanding.. I told the old man to inform my father about it, and the company. Got letters from: father, Aunt Dagmar, Uncle Arne, and Barsani (Italian). Once shared a cabin with, and last but not least, a Joan. Did not expect it. Christmas card from...

** 19 January **

In New Orleans. Grey weather. Left the pier at 9 AM. Moving to the bunker place. 10 minutes down the river, half vineyard. At 1:15 PM, we nearly had to leave without Bergen, who arrived 15 minutes before. Came to the bunker place. I don’t feel good now. 50 bucks spent, wasted dough. I managed but I could go crazy. Paid off my dues, will probably never do it again. Didn't send any mail anymore. The happy, paid-off crew this time: Omar, the steward, Signe, and Palen (Walther Bay, where I spent days in such dreams at night). Gosh, I gotta take it easy from now on. Missing the sun, for a long time.

** 20 January **

At sea bound for Guayaquil. Cloudy weather.Temp: 22+ Putting in ribs in 1-2. I'm feeling very tired, and where is my good mood? Just can’t find myself.

** 21 January **

At sea, bound for Guayaquil. Nice weather. Temp. 22+ Course: 154. Put up the ribs in No.1- 2. Passed a Danish ship in the afternoon. That misunderstanding about me being a drunkard all got cleared up.The old man has written a letter to both father and the company, which says it's all nonsense. Wrote letter for cashier today. Nothing else, feeling careless about everything.

Now! Stop feeling sorry for yourself, where is your spirit? Show them you are damned sorry for your dead fighting spirit. Don’t give in, but keep going straight on and sing as an imbecile. You, Captain, you only hurt yourself. The chief mate shot and gave our guys on deck a bur (?), for past work with the rooms, nice clothes. Guess I better hit the sack, it’s late and will have to get up at 11:30 watch. Rinsing a little clothes overnight.

** 22 January **

At sea, bound for Guayaquil. Nice weather, some storms. Temperature: 25. Picked some rust on the masthouse. Washed the white-painted aftside on the midship. Can't find a word that expresses my feelings today. Guess terrible, it's like a nightmare that never ends. Every day and night is the same. I wish I were somewhere else. Thor Heyerdahl was sure, in Brazil, last time we were there, he's going to the Galapagos Islands. I wish I could have joined him. Some adventure that would have been, huh?It's about time we reach Panama now.

Been at sea for 3 days now. Washed some clothes today. The old man said he would ask the Agentin NYC if I can pay off now, but when will we get there?I am having a helluva toothace tonight, got to see the dentistin NYC. It should nt be neccessary to write about such trivial mattes, but that just proves how boring and ordinary my life really is. I have lost everything one could call interest for both reading and doing other things, just work, eat and sleep, work and then sleep again, URGH!! Real exciting way of living huh?

** 23 January **

In sea for Guayaquil. Arrived Christobal at 12 noon and anchored temporarily.Wheing anchor at 6:00 p.m., left at 3:30 a.m. Painted from stage on starboard side. Received three letters: from father, Joanne, and the work school in Oslo. I also sent five cards: to grandmother, on a whim to Bitten, and to mother. Good night. Saw some great tankers and a couple of Japanese ships; they looked nice, moving fast now.

Both Germany and Japan. Can't imagine grandfather being dead—it came so unexpectedly. I sent the postcard to Bitten today, probably shouldn't have. After all, she owes me three letters now; she didn't even send a Christmas card. She must have been busy with something else—cooking, engaged, or married. Figuring angles, but nothing's sure.

Dropped a couple of lines to my old friend Bjorn too. He'll be surprised to hear from me after all these years.I'm feeling kind of tired, haven't slept for 24 hours. I just couldn't fall asleep, which is no good. Too bad I didn't get to send anything to Joan for Christmas, not even a Christmas card. I hope she won't be angry when she gets the letter I just mailed.

Who do you think you're dealing with, angels of society? But with you anyway, getting soft-hearted and dreamy. I'd only thought of games, and the reason you're too damned interested in games and highballs. Once you're away from it, you miss it badly, right?

** 24 January **

At sea, bound for Guayaquil. Nice weather, cloudy, temperature: 26°C+. Well, this was the 28th time for me through the Panama Canal. I guess I can't call the turns and bends of the canal strange anymore. It's gotten to be kind of common now.There was something going around today about a money list. I signed in for 200 Sucre ($20). Washed my hair, had a shave, feel like new. That Palmolive aftershave lotion sure is a honey, makes you feel fresher than ever. It took a long time getting through the canal this time; the traffic was all in a jam.

** 24 January **

Scrubbed the iron-deck on the masthouse and oiled it. (just the half.) Took over a book from the canal crew. Its name: Across the River and into the Woods (Hemingway). I often catch myself wondering what became of Eli, the nurse I met in Gotenburg last winter. I haven't heard from her in 9-10 months. I don’t care, I was just wondering.

I started to wash my dungarees, tomorrow they will dry. We're probably arriving in Guayaquil on Monday morning. We're carrying five passengers this time, old folks, no chicks to neck with. If I could’ve had a wish come true, know what I’d choose? Beeing in Oslo accompanied with a lot of money, Brother, would Ive had a swell time.

The galleyboy baked some cakes today, they had much in common with rubber. To think of all the fine stuff being wasted, and all the people in Europe still starving. It makes no sense. If I am still to serve 6 months on this ship , I better start sending some money. I wont mind having some cabbage around, and then at last go on vacation. By the way, if you want to become a 3rd mate in the future, you better start practicing on your looks a little, it doesnt hurt, you know youve become dangerously careless about many things, dont let that get a hold on you.

** 25 January **

At sea, bound for Guayaquil. Cool weather, some rain, temp: 26°C. Chicken and ice cream for dinner. Well, what interesting things have happened today? Looked over my wardrobe today, it was all in a mess, got so long a shirt, I guess. Sailing more in my daily wear every day. The time is passing very slowly today; Sundays at sea always used to be like that, everybody sleeping!

Relaxing before another 6 days of work. Found an old clipping from a Norwegian magazine, it's about the M.T.B. boats and crew, and what they did for our community during the last world war. It occurs to me that most of the lieutenants or captains of those boats were just young fellows around my age.

I know that if I take the mate-school first (and make it), then join the navy, when finished I'll have a lieutenant's grade or be a map officer in the merchant navy. I think I would have enjoyed that kind of life. If I could just wake up from this dizziness I've caught and this stuff, everything would've been fine. It is now a nightmare I'm trying to get rid of that won't give me rest. My ships. Bergen is going to pay off this trip, delivered his note today.

** 26 January **

At sea bound for Guayaquil. Nice weather. Just another day, thats all. Nothing happened today that is worth writing down, washed some clothes.

** 27 January **

In Guayaquil. Arrived at 11 am. Took up 200 Sucre and and borrowed $3.- from Sjoennessen. Went ashore and met my flower Maria,had some drinks and things, Night club Isabelle. Beer is the only thing drinkable down here anyway. We (Maria and I) were out dining till 02 am and went onboard at 05 am. Fell in the water (or lets say jumped) with the intention to save one of the guys which fell in, guess my suit trousers are spoiled.

** 28 January **

Tuesday in Guayaquil. Nice weather (for the devil, anyway). Painted the ship's side all over; she's a beauty now. Was below with Hudal. Painted a lot of bars while working today, and caught a bad stomachache by night. Went ashore and met my supposed blooming wife. She still wants me to marry her, what a pity that such prospects gotta be wasted.

She's mid-month, and to leave her nice proposal aside, I simply can't stand the company. Poor kid, I promised last time to bring her over my January dress, and I might. It is a shame. Well, we'll see tonight if only the desire for sightseers and dames doesn't get me before I hit some clothing store. Went onboard at 3:00 AM, and believe me quite sober.

27 January! - 1954

In sea, bound for Guayaquil. Cloudy wather, some rain, temp: 2600. Chicken and ice-cream for dinner Well, which interesting things has papponed to day? Looked over my wardrobe to day ww all in a moss, get a ling a smit, I guess. Feeling more in mne daffy wery day. The sime is passing very slowly to day, sundays at sea allways. nsed to be like Mat, evergbely shipping! relaxing before anather & days of work.

Found An ald clipping from a nomegión magazine, it's about the M.T.B. boats and crew, what and they did for our country diüring last world war It occsires to one Mat most of the lieutenants or captions of Mise mere jirst jiing fellers around me swansigts. I know that if I'm taking the mate exam first, (and make it) I can join. the navy, when finished I'll have a lieutenants grade, or a navigations officer in the merchant navy. I think I would ne enjoyed that kind of life. If I just could wake up of this dizzyness, I've caught. an shis strings everything would've been pine, as it is nor, it's a nightmare I'm sezing to get round of, that wint give left Mis stigs.

«Bergen has signed off his slip, delivered is goingsus book today. day 26%, In xe bennd for snage. Nice sathn. first another day. That's all. Nothing Happened today that's worth writing down, washed some dothes.

27 December 1954

Continuing from the other page) Father sendt me 100 kr. in x-mas gift and promised to send my belongings right after X-mas, hope he does, soon now He is very smart my father giving those 100 kr. was like a pünch in the nose. I wrote him a nice letter about one week ago, ,"But I ain't got no answer yet."

Delivered a message for the Peoples-Register that I am to live here for a couple of years. My love for Eve grows stronger and wilder each day, she's so cute and loveable that this time I am positively sure she's the only one that will make me happy, does it sound soft? Hell, I don't care anyway, I love her and there is really no excuse for it.

My 18 months in the Navy onboard the KNM Stavanger

Jul og Nyttaar i Bergen. På dans i Turnhallen med "pus" Nyttaarsaften. Alle tiders, hun er deilig!

30.01.1955 in Bergen.

I sent an application to Molzau Line today, my only chance to get the money before the school starts. I applied for 3000 kroner. The 4th of February 1955 in Bergen. I received an answer from the company today that they unfortunately could not grant me the loan as I had not been long enough in the company. Well, there's a goose ribbed. No career to achieve for me. What now? I sent a letter to my father today. I have to see what it will bring, perhaps something positive.

6th of February 1955

Bergen at Laksevaag. Today it snows. Gosh, what a peculiar weather we're having here. One day it's raining, then the next day it snows. Well, it wasn't actually the weather I was going to write about, but one's got to start with something. Right now at 4 p.m. I'm sitting at my room at Salmon Bay and there's fine music on the radio. I hear the "Owl" out there in the passageway, an elephant would sound like a prima ballerina compared to the "Owl" and the noises she's making.

Went out to Eva this morning and ate breakfast with her and her mother. After that we went to the town. First we went out for a walk. If you ask me right now what to do about my future, I couldn't have answered you. I just don't know. I don't know.,First I've got to get another room. And they don't grow on trees nowadays. Then I'll have to get myself another job. This one I'm having now stinks.I just can't understand why luck won't stay with me.

Is it mainly a punishment for what I've done? Everything suddenly seems to go wrong. I think I'm a victim of unhappy circumstances. I feel really sorry for Eve. What she has to go through with, for my sake. It isn't her fault what I've gotten into. Delivered two advertisements for a furnished room today. Hope they'll come out with something positive. The life has its ups and downs, they say. With me now, there's lately only been downs. So if that old saying still comes, there's going to come ups soon.

Had a long distance call to father yesterday. Monday, 14 February. At the Salmon Bay. Wonderful weather, but damned cold. Father has made an arrangement for me, so that I can join this year's navigations school after all. Did I say I wasn't lucky? Well, forget it. I didn't mean it. Not now anyway. I've borrowed 3,000 kroner from the ship owner's institution and the school starts tomorrow. We are going to have a meeting at the school at 2.30 pm tomorrow, just to be informed about which books we are going to get and so on...

Boy, am I glad that the school is to be acheived after all. But really, I think that I deserve it after all the trouble I've had.Got a letter from my wife a couple of days ago saying that suddenly she doesn't want a divorce. What in heaven's name does she expect of me? I sent letters for the following Mother, Father, Aud and the Shipowners Institution at Saturday, Sunday, Monday. "Pus" and me had a wonderful dinner yesterday at the Bergen's House. I had fried chicken and she had sheep pork chops. As a dessert, we had jelly and cream. The price charge was 13 kroner. Not so bad.

The radio I bought really is good. Right now, they are playing a wonderful exotic rumba called Bahia. And of course, it's an American station. (Don't get surprised. I'm just going to try out a new way of writing, like this one, rather than the first one. Or is this one better? I don't think this one is as good as the last, but it sure looks okay both ways.) I'm all excited to see how tomorrow will be. I'm going to see Eva at 12 o'clock.

July 1956.

I got through the School of Navigation with fine results, had a vacation in Kristiansand, got a ship, in Stavanger the SS Byfjord as a third officer, went to Oslo in August, left Fornebo Airport the 7th August. We flew from there to Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Prestwick, and Ganders, and New York, and at last New Orleans, where I stayed at the St. Charles Hotel before I boarded the ship the next day.

MS Byfjord - 8th of August, 1956.

Joined the SS Byfjord of Stavanger in New Orleans on the 8th of August as 3rd Mate. At present she is chartered for the Alcoa Company in Caribbean trade that she will proceed with till April next year. When this charter is out, we may be chartered for the United Fruit Company, to which the ship earlier has been chartered.

Tuesday 21 August.

At present we are in the Southeast Caribbean, approaching to the Dragon's Mouth, which is the entrance to Port of Spain in Trinidad, to which we are bound. The weather is fine, with a moderate easterly wind, temperature 84 Fahrenheit. We reckon to arrive in Port of Spain on the 23rd August at about 05 AM. As I did not sign on the ship in Norway, I shall have to do so in Port of Spain. I had heard so many disadvantageous things about this ship that I got a pleasant surprise when I got acquainted with it. It is a good ship, not too fast at about 10 knots, but with a nice crew and a good waking condition.

I will try to make a bank deposit of 500 kroner as about $70 a month, and as I intend to stay here for two years, it leaves me 12,000 kroner plus some percent or about $1,714 when the two years have passed.

Wednesday, 28th of August.

Caribbean Sea. We are now quickly approaching the Port of Spain. We will probably have the pilot at 11.30am, and we are as usual arriving on my watch. It will be nice to meet Sigmund again. Sign down for $10. We should only stay in Port of Spain a couple of days. Good at that. Then we will have about seven days or so at sea before we arrive in Mobile. It is strange to think of. Only 14 days ago I was home drinking beer at the Pavilion, and now I am here, halfway around the world. But that is what one will have to get used to, I reckon. I sent a letter for Father, Mother, and Miss Swaba in Kingston. Arrived at about 10.45am and anchored up on the bay.

Thursday, 23rd of August.

Port of Spain. The pilot came on board at 5.30 AM and proceeded to the pier in Shed 2. We went ashore and signed on at the Norwegian Consulate. Called Sigmund on the phone. He had come to Port of Spain on Tuesday, 21st. Had some drinks and went on board for dinner. Went to the country club where we met his girlfriend, nice girl. They were going out that evening, so they drove me on board. Left town at about twenty 20.00 to load the bauxite.

Friday, 24th of August

In the Caribbean Sea. Left at about 8 AM.

Happy New Year, 1956-57, 1st of January, 1957

At sea, bound for Baltimore. Spent a New Year's Eve at sea, and am I glad, no alcohol was served at all. Got a Christmas telegram from mother and the kids today, nothing from father or anybody else. Strange, very strange. We expect to arrive in Baltimore at around 2 to 3 o'clock tonight.

Monday the 7th 1957

On the coast of Georgia, bound for Havana. Left Philadelphia on Saturday 5th, and we have had a comparatively fine trip so far. We expect to arrive in Havana on Thursday morning, and as we have only 586 tons of cargo, probably leave on Monday. Bought a nice fluorescent lamp for my writing table, looks real smart. I had written a letter to mother and father, got to Melida and Havana. Raised the allotment this month from $150 to $350 a month. Then all my debts will be paid back in July this year. There were rumors stating that Eva was throwing dice with a dentist in Bergen, married. Hope she knows what she is doing. I have decided to try to stay here till the summer 1958. Then the company will pay my ticket home.

27th Sunday, January 1957

We're at anchor off the Statue of Liberty. Grey snowy weather. We expect to go into the pier battery at 12.30 and we will not start loading before 8 tomorrow morning. Bought a nice little set in Philly. It contains one wrist watch, one tie clip, one ball pen, one pencil, two cups for only $10. I guess I will just take it easy today and go and see the dock tomorrow. I do not suppose there will be any letters for me here either. But never mind, if that is the way they want it, it's okay with me. Have written letters to EWA, Federal Tax Insurance, and to the Shipowners Trust.

I signed off the MS Byfjord on account of appendicitis. Travelled home on the passengership ss Stavangerfjord. I had a vacation for 30 days. Then joined the MS Skaubyn, a lovely emigrant ship.

Joined the Skaubryn in March 1957.

Had one trip to Australia and four trips to Canada. ( More to follow ) Then down to Aussie again where I was most unfortunate, lost the ship on the 2nd of November in Sydney, hired a flat at King's Cross and worked as a painter at Summer Hill for approximately one month. Then I joined the MS Torrance as an able seaman homeward bound.

Christmas & New Year 1958 - MS Torrance

Spent the Christmas in the Indian Ocean and the New Year in Port Said. Received telegrams from my parents.

21st February 1958. - MS Sunny Girl

Arrived in Oslo at the beginning of February. Spent a week at home before I went to England to embark the MS Sunny Girl, Olaf Pedersen's Rederi. Spent a week in May's home in Newcastle with their parents. Went to Liverpool by train and joined a ship on the 21st.

Arrived in Kingston on the 16th of March.

May came down from Vancouver by plane via Toronto and Nassau. She'd already spent a week at the Melrose Hotel when I arrived. It was wonderful to see her again after these months. Spent three days at the hotel, beautiful place, swimming pool and all. Quite expensive though.

Got married in the morning of the 18th of March.

A priest came to the hotel performing the wedding ceremony. We ordered a big wedding cake and champagne. Also had photos taken. The captain Rugaard and the radio operator Ragnhild Eitrem were "best men" also had a few of the officers from the ship. In the evening, we went to the famous Glass Bucket, a nice nightclub. The atmosphere here was typical West Indian. And of course, May and I had a little too much to drink. At about 12.30, we were very tired. After all, it's not every day we get married. We didn't bother going down to breakfast the following morning. Afterwards, we had coffee and the wedding cake in the afternoon.

OUR WEDDING IN KINGSTON JAMAICA. (Story)

Here are two beautiful poems May wrote to me at the time. Here we go.

To you

The life that I have is all that I have, and the life that I have is yours.

The love that I have and the life that I have is yours and yours and yours.

A sleep that I have and a rest that I have, yet death will be but a pause. For the peace of my years in the long green grass will be yours and yours and yours.

Signed, May Christiansen.

M.S. Sunny Girl.

Across the wide Atlantic gray, the sunny girl set sail. She rolled and pitched her weary way through fog and mist and gale.

The captain was a rugged man who ruled the drunken crew. His favorite word in ire was Fan. The retort was, same to you.

Not all the crew were quite as bad as painted up above, especially one a charming lad, my own true turtle dove.

Life to him was rather grim, a burden full of strife, until a maid so sweet and trim agreed to be his wife.

The ship before, oblique and dim, now appeared a shining light. It came a home of joy to him, a transformation bright.

Signed May Christiansen.

Here is yet another poem, handwritten by me.

Foolish Virgin Bar.

Three foolish virgins came out of the sea, each bearing a pearl as her dowry, which she traded with fishermen for butterflies, these being ecstasies well in disguise.

When the maids realized that their dowries were gone, as the fishermen sailed with the boats they were on, each mermaid swam seaward with glances at the shore, knowing perfectly well they were virgins no more.

Signed at the Virgin Isle Hotel, St. Thomas, West Indies.

September 28, 1958.

Sat. 20 Sept. 1958 - St. Martin's Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica

The diary is finished, so I'll explain as follows.

While sailing onwards on the ms Sunny Girl, we had to anchore in a bay outside the Catholic hospital in Saint Martin, Caribbean on Sat. 20 Sept., and and put ashore for operation of an infected appendicitis. As the infection was so far advanced, I was operated right away. The doctor says that if I had come later, they doubted very much that I would have survived. So I guess I was lucky.

This hospital is Catholic and everything is very friendly and hospitable and this tries to make everything as comfortable as possible for me. The Catholic priest here even drove me all over the island, which is very beautiful, with numbers, white sandy beaches. The island is half Dutch, half French, and the Dutch part has a high earning standard of everything is tax-free. The total population of the whole island is only 6,000 inhabitants, and most people live in very old, poor houses, not that they need much in this warm climate.

I wonder how May is taking the news that I am in hospital? I hope that she does not worry too much, as I feel mostly fine now. I am leaving here by plane on Friday for Montreal via San Juan to New York to re-join the ship. I hope indeed that I will be receiving a letter from May today.This is the end of my diary, but I must add that after the wedding in Jamaica, May came with me on board as a supernumery for three months, sailing up to the lakes and down to South America and far up the jungle to a bauxite mine there.

Finally she had to fly home and sometime later the ship returned across the Atlantic in mid-winter as far as I remember, and we had a terrible journey across much sea, but we arrived finally in Southampton and May was waiting for me there, and we then traveled back up to Edinburgh where we had hired a flat and we settled there.

I had a job with the Macay Brothers first, an old travel firm, and finally later on, I also worked for the American Express there. We later lived in another nice house, also at Morningside for a while. The rest of my story will appear in my already printed stories, but this is the end of the diaries. Thank you for your attention.