Ship life is very powerful. If it doesn't make us think about who we are, it changes us. It changes us in ways which I find surprising, and inspiring. For example. In my comfortable life back home, I consider myself a very strong female, who is very independent, and sometimes a tad aggressive, in the way I deal with things. On the ship, my sense of strength has shifted considerably, as I encountered "alpha" females. Now, out of my comfort zone, I play a more submissive role, and watch in awe as the women around me take the lead, and tackle nautical matters I could not even imagine before I left home. I continue following their lead, which in turn inspires me to do things I never thought I would, or could, do.

Deciding to become part of the ship culture is a difficult one. Initially, I think it is easy to be carried away by the winds of excitement, adventure, and change. On the other hand, the reality of life on-board cannot be put into any logical context on land. It is something which needs to be lived, not imagined. In any case, putting life on "pause" is something many people would not consider. Putting life on "pause" and beginning a new life in a very small space with strangers, is something some people could never imagine.

In addition to personal battles and changes, and leaving a life behind for a while, there is an issue of cultural adaptation. Our Arctic Sunrise is very culturally diverse, currently sporting over 15 nationalities, in a crew of 27 people. I have been quite impressed at how well everyone has adapted to the differences in languages, customs, creeds, and habits. I am amazed how flexible and adaptable we really are.

In conclusion, I will say this. For now, this ship is my community, and Greenpeace is the toughest thread linking all of us on-board. The nature around us always inspires me, and I am always in awe as I look at yet another most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. From our direct actions (and bonding experiences leading up to them), to the little birds that visit the ship, to the beauty of the waves flowing like ribbons, to the conversations and knowledge gained from my friends here, this period in my life will be one of those moments I will always remember and talk about.

So here it is. A quick reflection of my experiences. Next time you look at a ship in a bottle, please think of us.

I think I will sneak into my oasis now, which is my cabin, and drift away in the abyss of my own bottle of memories, thinking about my love and my life at home, in Amsterdam.