As unlikely as it seems

I have been soooo busy today but nothing much has happened. I haven't even had time to watch any Olympics properly!

But anyone who is planning on meeting me next week on the Good Ship Ganges will be pleased to hear she is now ship-shape and Bristol fashion*, thanks mechanic Des.


*Ship shape and Bristol fashion: The port of Bristol was once famous for importing chocolate, sherry, tobacco and... slaves. Slave ships smelled and could bring disease. They were not allowed in port until they were cleaned and made tidy. Tides, by the way, are predictable and ordered. Before entering Bristol, slave ships were rigorously inspected so as to be all "ship shape and Bristol fashion."

Alternate: This expression may well have had its origin in the 18th century when Bristol was the second most important commercial port in the United Kingdom. In those days (Bristol's docks were not constructed till 1804), the high range of tides experienced at Bristol necessitated ships berthed alongside there being left high and dry at the fall of the tide and so ships regularly trading to Bristol had to be of specially stout construction. (from www.aimshare.com)