Galley stories

Daniel in the galley

Undeniably everyone's favourite person on board would have to be the cook. We are blessed on the Esperanza with the presence of Daniel. Arriving from Mexico only days before we left Amsterdam, he is our "God of the galley". And before you ask, there is a distinct lack of tacos, tortillas and burritos.

Working tirelessly, dealing with a variety of diets, tastes and weather conditions, Daniel manages, with the help of the cook's assistant - currently Chris - to whip up magnificent meals twice a day for 36 people. Some weeks - if the crew are kind and take over the galley (kitchen) - he might get Sunday off.

Daniel was a volunteer in the Mexico office when the Arctic Sunrise was heading to Veracruz a year ago. The team pushed to get him on board and he sailed through Mexico, Brasil, Argentina and Chile on a variety of campaigns, working as a cook assistant, cook and activist.

Staying on in Chile for a month, Daniel worked on research and documentation for their new GMO campaign. Being a trained chef and involved in community development this campaign is something Daniel is particularly passionate about. Approximately 70% of the maize (corn) being consumed in Mexico is subsidised GM imported from the USA at very low prices (dumping), which drives the Mexican agriculture people to the ground and destroys the livelihood of traditional communities.

Maize is the staple diet of Mexicans. Most of the maize now grown in Mexico has been contaminated with the GM breeds, rendering the local strains infertile and ending the traditional method of saving seed for next season. Farmers cannot afford to buy the seed, fertilisers and insecticides required to grow GM maize and can't get a price on the market to make it worthwhile.

The impacts of this industry in Mexicans are devastating. The farmers feel completely alone about it and the government seems to turn its back to them -ignoring the Cartagena Protocol and opening (officially) GM maize importation from the US.

He is a strong believer in organic farming and I get the feeling when Daniel talks about this subject, he will do something about it. He intends to return to Mexico and study anthropology, organic agriculture and sustainable forestry and to use his skills and dedication to help the communities of Mexico build a better future.

He has big plans, but right now he has to feed the hungry crew of the Esperanza and it's just gone six - the smell of garlic permeates the air as dinner is served up in the mess and rest assured, it's going to be good! So if you want to be the most popular person on the ship, be the cook and be really good at it!

- Elaine

Posted by Elaine

When Daniel started thinking about changing the world, we thought we was going crazy, he had his chef degree and had a lot of work opportunities, but he didn´t stood there, he really wanted to do something to make the world better place to live, so he joined Greenpeace, and worked, worked, and worked. I remember the day that I was listening to the radio with my (our) mother and heard that there was one Mexican who was hanging from an anchor in Veracruz, to stop a ship loaded with Tansgenic corn, We were shocked when they say it was Daniel Bravo!!! we made the first pages of all the news papers in Mexico (he was making a difference!!!). We are very proud of him, and he might be your favorite person in the ship ( he is a wonderful cook and person) but he is our favorite brother, uncle, son friend, etc. lots of love from the Lechuga Family

Posted by: lori at September 10, 2004 05:26 PM

Hey there Daniel. I was second mate on the Sunrise when he sailed ith us for the first time. Happy to see that you made it on the Espy! Wish you calm seas and no vegans!!!

Posted by: Olivier at September 16, 2004 04:04 PM

Un saludo para Daniel Bravo, un gran guerreo y cocinero Mexicano. Espero que este todo saliendo de maravillas en el Esperanza. Como no olvidar tu rica comida en el Artic Sunrise, durante su estadia en Chile, como tampoco nunca olvidare aquellos momentos en el Sur de Chile, junto a todos los monos, junto a Don Diego en el Lago Caro, que lindos dias aquellos, llenos de mistica, espero que siempre los recuerdes, que te acuerdes de todas las personas que conociste durante del Verano aca en Chile, durante el Tour; sobre todo en los momentos dificiles. Siempre estaras con nosotros hermano guerrero.

Un abrazo, de tu compañero de camarote durante algunos dias en el Artic Sunrise.

Christian Varas Kallens.

Posted by: Christian Varas Kallens at September 18, 2004 05:02 PM

Hello Daniel,
I'm proud of you, although we don't know each other very well I believe in what you say and think because with your actions you make a difference in this crazy world. I hope you continue like this and never give up. Lots of love and hugs Ale

Posted by: Ale at September 21, 2004 01:31 AM