The sails are out all the way and we are edging north towars Taiwan, albeit a bit slowly.
2000 years ago ancient mariners used the North East trade winds in the South China sea for transporting chinese porcelain. Eventually this wind favoured the creation of the silk route of the sea in the 9th century. Today we follow the wind from another age as we inch our way towards Taiwan. It is strange , to reconnect with history in such a way. Following timeless winds as we sail across these waters. How many battles and travels and stories and songs has this sea been privy to. It is such a human thought, to be constantly troubled with minor ailments, Of war and sickness and disease. While the universe carries on. Completely Unruffled by our great discoveries and everchanging laws.
The sea is raging a a little with 30 knots of wind, I guess she is not particularly happy. But the smashing of the waves is sometimes punctuated with the lovely splashes and clicks of dolphins and we count ourselves lucky to witness this exciting spectacle. Some of us.
The Raibow warrior is being pounded now and then by 4-6 meter waves. She will be in Taiwan by Sunday.
Thank you butterfly. For flapping your wings.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
solitude
Its been 88 days since I left the confines of land. The comfort of my bed. The smell of warm earth.
On 12th September I boarded the Rainbow warrior , 6 days before I turned 24. Today is the 8th of December. 88 days.
Its interesting , to say the least, this life on the sea that fate has chosen for me . A great mix of environmental activism, extremely satisfying menial jobs, cleaning , and learning to live in a community full of brilliant and often crazy people.
Last week we had a onboard campaign training for Greenpeace campaigners from around the world. As we were anchored in Manila bay, these 12 people learnt how to use a greenpeace ship as an effective campaigning tool. Not to mention, how to clean toilets, wash up after themselves (and others) and How NOT to take showers between 7.30 and 9 AM.
The ship was busting with activity at all hours. and with smart beautiful women. sigh. And then as suddenly it had begun, It came to an end. One fine morning , all the bags were packed and put ashore, with people and beautiful memories. And off we went.
To the solitude of the sea. She really is beautiful. and I say this from 6 meter high waves. Beautiful she is.
Its strange though, after a week of having my cabin full of people . To wake up in the middle of the night, and hear nothing but the waves. No rustling of bedsheets . No rogue alarms. no tiptoeing into the room at 1.
Just the solitude of the waves.
On 12th September I boarded the Rainbow warrior , 6 days before I turned 24. Today is the 8th of December. 88 days.
Its interesting , to say the least, this life on the sea that fate has chosen for me . A great mix of environmental activism, extremely satisfying menial jobs, cleaning , and learning to live in a community full of brilliant and often crazy people.
Last week we had a onboard campaign training for Greenpeace campaigners from around the world. As we were anchored in Manila bay, these 12 people learnt how to use a greenpeace ship as an effective campaigning tool. Not to mention, how to clean toilets, wash up after themselves (and others) and How NOT to take showers between 7.30 and 9 AM.
The ship was busting with activity at all hours. and with smart beautiful women. sigh. And then as suddenly it had begun, It came to an end. One fine morning , all the bags were packed and put ashore, with people and beautiful memories. And off we went.
To the solitude of the sea. She really is beautiful. and I say this from 6 meter high waves. Beautiful she is.
Its strange though, after a week of having my cabin full of people . To wake up in the middle of the night, and hear nothing but the waves. No rustling of bedsheets . No rogue alarms. no tiptoeing into the room at 1.
Just the solitude of the waves.
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