One more day
It is the last day before the voyage crew arrives! This morning started with captain Eric thanking all the crew working on the Europa, getting her back into shape for the voyage to come. The amount of work it takes to keep her in shape is astounding. But somehow there are always enough skilful hands to get it done. I have been impressed watching the crew working hard to get it all done, with the departure date so rapidly approaching.
I arrived only yesterday, to find the office and wheelhouse completely deconstructed. Work was being done on the walls and floors so all furniture had to be moved out. If it had been my first trip I would probably have been surprised, especially knowing there is little time left before departure. However, I know who are responsible for getting it all back in order and have no doubts that very soon everything will look like normal again. In case you were still wondering; at the moment the ship does not look normal. It’s not just the deck filled with workbenches, wood, tools and the sound of machinery – it is also glasses that we gratefully put down like anyone on land would do. The freedom to just spread your stuff around knowing it won’t move. At home this is normal, but here, it feels peaceful. For just these few days, I can walk around with food and drinks in my hands, not needing any extra hands for balance.
There are many things I will miss coming months. My loved ones back home, my garden, the forest, internet... And yet there is also so much I am glad to take a break from - like hay-fever, doom scrolling on the internet, busy traffic, and all the stress normal life brings. There is even more to look forward to! The amazing food we all don’t have to cook. Sailing. Life without internet (it is a love-hate relationship after all). Sailing. Visiting Saint Helena. Celebrating my birthday out on the ocean. But maybe above all, the night sky.
Even though I can estimate what to look forward to, one never knows what the voyage has in storage. The jokes we will share, the wildlife we will see… And I wonder, how will I experience this trip? While learn, try new things, meet new people I change. Not only is every trip different, I am a different person on every trip. So, I cannot help but wonder: who will I be once I arrive in the Azores?
