Sunday morning. As we write, Frederic, our new Canadian activist, is giving a talk to 30 most adorable children. As always, we are prepared for another busy day full of educational talks, taking photos for the virtual march, traditional Korean drumming, and if we're lucky, ice cream. It really is quite hot.

Last night marked the two month anniversary of our Whale Embassy's illegal occupation to stop the building of this whale meat processing factory and research facility. We decided to host a pirate themed celebration. Earlier in the evening, KFEM held a symposium on Marine Protected Areas, and afterwards joined us in our dusty, cozy, loungy tent next to the dome, that we have come to call home. It was a tremendous way to unwind, celebrate, and spend time getting to know our KFEM co-workers and friends. Although our work together is far from over, we were able to thank each other for all that we have accomplished so far. Kim Chooney, KFEM's head of international programs, led the round of introductions and thank you speeches. After that we were presented with gifts on behalf of KFEM - T-Shirts, notebooks, jigsaw puzzles and boxes full of sweets and cakes.

Around 11:00pm, the pirate party started. Jo, our campaigner, surprised us with a hand crafted, colorful parrot ensemble - complete with a beautiful beak, which nobody noticed was upside down. Jordan, one of our two Dutchmen, dressed in an airplane blanket which somewhat resembled a cape, and sported a wire concocted parrot on his shoulder, comprised of different colored flags. If there were to be a captain on our 'Pirate Ship', it would have been him. Maya, our new Swiss activist, Michael, and myself were dressed in full pirate regalia - with body painted mustaches, scars and tattoos, head scarves and other pirate-y things. We provided our guests with eye patches and pirate hats, which they wore happily. This social evening was a much needed moment to reflect on the past two months and all they have brought us. With all of the struggles we have endured, we are amazed that we have been able to occupy this site for so long.

Until this point, our dialogue with the construction officials of the site has appeared to revolve only around their preparations for Ocean's Day, almost two weeks ago. Now we are seeing workers getting closer and closer to the embassy, taking measurements around our perimeters and installing phone cables. An hour long meeting with the new head of construction yesterday revealed that they are still very eager for us to leave and confirmed that the construction on the whale research facility is imminent. At the same time, he made a point of assuring us that there should be no need for any interference to our camp. How long this will be possible he did not say, we will just have to see what happens.

From our hot dome,
Kelly and Cornelia