These are stories about friends, family and people I interview along the way and various stories.
This afternoon, the decks came alive with rescue drills. This is a procedure that has to be repeated every three months. First, the lifeboat was swung out from the stern of Deck B and lowered into the water, the crane groaning slightly like my knees…
One of the first things I learned on board is that “chop chop” is not an order to hurry up. It means “have you eaten,” “do you want to go eat,” or simply “go eat.” There is usually a small hand motion to go with…
The boat has been a hive of activity today. Over the last two days, 46 pallets have been brought on board. Not dainty little parcels either. Spare parts for the engine room, endless paint, and everything we need to stay fed for the journey ahead.
I have a serious haiku habit, even though I often miscount the number of syllables. For those of you not into haiku (Caroline, I am pointing at you), please wait in anticipation for tomorrow’s post.
Busy day today. We’re still unloading iron ore from Brazil. The operation runs day and night. Two gantry cranes take turns, their massive grabs opening and shutting like mechanical jaws, dipping into the hold, scooping up a truckload of ore, and dropping it into a…
By the time I reached the bridge, I’d clocked over 9,000 steps—easily 8,000 of them on stairs. Five decks high, steep staircases, and a safety tour that looped us through the whole ship like a vertical maze. My legs were burning, but I refused to…
It’s official. I’m on board. The MV Roland Oldendorff is docked here in Rotterdam, quietly hulking beside the terminal like it has nothing to prove. She stretches out for 260 meters and feels massive up close. My cabin is comfortable, and I’m in the process…
I'm in the process of packing. Part of me is already aboard. Part of me is stuck in the past. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Undoubtedly, this will stop once I focus on getting me bags packed and let go of all the thoughts about…