This has been one amazing adventure and experience. It's been great meeting everyone on board and to have new friends from all over the world. I really enjoyed being part of such a big team and working together on a large issue like bottom trawling.
I never intended to be on the Esperanza but only to be helping out at the harbour in Halifax with Greenpeace Canada. It's funny how things work out. My mother happens to be on the Greenpeace International Board and she persuaded me to volunteer on the ship.
My first week was a little scary and rough, since this was my first time on a ship at sea. I was seasick for the first day and then battling with nausea on and off for a while. The waves and wind freaked me out until I realised I had nothing to worry about. The very experienced crew on the Esperanza made me feel safe.
During my volunteer time on the ship I worked in a wide range of areas from painting, to washing walls, helping with the food inventory and preparing food in the kitchen. I enjoyed doing it all because I got to work with such wonderful people.
I got to experience going out in the African Queen on an action and happened to pick a beautiful day to be out for 4 hours on the ocean. I finally was able to understand and see what deep sea trawling was all about up close and I really enjoyed being included.
I have also loved seeing dolphins play at the bow and for the first time seeing whales up close. One of my favorite places to be is on the heli deck where I enjoy looking out over the water. That's one of the things I will miss.
I was really happy to know that there was exercise equipment on board, which gave me the opportunity to exercise everyday, which is really important for me.
This time has been an amazing lifetime opportunity to become a part of the Greenpeace family. Thanks to everyone.
-Melanie
Comments
YOU GO, GIRL!!! It's awesome that you were able to get out to sea and have such a great adventure and work for such a great cause at the same time. When you step out, you really STEP OUT!! I love the ocean, and can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to spend so much time in its vastness and see what goes on "up close and personal". Great work, cousin...and that's a great picture of 'ya, too. :)
Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Williams at August 25, 2005 01:36 AM
Hi Mel,
Good on you, mate! I am on the other coast right now in Washington State but no sea adventures this time - mountains and rainforests.
See you in Toronto some time.
Best wishes....David
Posted by: David at August 17, 2005 04:41 AM
Hi Melanie
I appreciate your efforts and one day wish to join you in your efforts towards such a noble cause. God Speed.
Posted by: DWITI at August 15, 2005 09:36 PM
Hello Melanie:
I hope you remember me from Ten Days time. I read your letter with interest and felt very happy for you. You mom had in fact told me that you wer going on this adventure and it looks a marvellous experience in every aspect. I am so glad to hear that your new home in Halifax has made a world of good to you and your health. We all have ups and downs at different levels - mainthing is to handle the challenges with hopes for better.
I wish you well and also wishing you for many more similar opportunities to come.
Posted by: Ramya Henachandra at August 15, 2005 02:14 PM
Great going, Melanie, and my admiration and thanks to the crew and Greenpeace. Hope somebody listens to your recommendations about bottom trawling. It's about time.
Myriam
Toronto
Posted by: Myriam Jarsky at August 15, 2005 01:57 PM
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