Hmmm, maybe I have had some New Years revelations, but they were so low-key I missed them.
Being out at sea definatly has its downside. It's a tangled situation. The Outside World can seem so far away with little to no TV, radio, film, etc. At the same time the world is made accesible as we share out lives and living spaces with people from all over the globe--without the prejducice, stereotypes, and misconceptions created by our media.
Even 5-6 years ago, I would have thought that any white South African had to be a horrible person given that countries dark history. Never mind my own countries dark history that was always glossed over in our condemnation. Now, one of my best and dearest friends is just that, a white South African.
Being out here puts a human face on the world and makes it easier to remember that the actions and stances of governments and other bodies of power are not representative of every individual.
Despite my dissatisfaction with my job and other corporate bullshit, where else can I go out for drinks with a Chilean, a Romanian, and a South African? Where else can I get the chance to sail to the Meditteranean and visit Pompeii for free? Would I have ever had the chance to say that I have meet someone from every South American country, and most of Europe?
My friend told me the other night that I should NEVER Sell Myself Short and threatned me with bodily harm if I didn't go to the office and start standing up for myself and insist on being given my due and not letting myself get passed over anymore. I have a good case already, but needed a swift kick in the ass to get the motor started!
Being out at sea definatly has its downside. It's a tangled situation. The Outside World can seem so far away with little to no TV, radio, film, etc. At the same time the world is made accesible as we share out lives and living spaces with people from all over the globe--without the prejducice, stereotypes, and misconceptions created by our media.
Even 5-6 years ago, I would have thought that any white South African had to be a horrible person given that countries dark history. Never mind my own countries dark history that was always glossed over in our condemnation. Now, one of my best and dearest friends is just that, a white South African.
Being out here puts a human face on the world and makes it easier to remember that the actions and stances of governments and other bodies of power are not representative of every individual.
Despite my dissatisfaction with my job and other corporate bullshit, where else can I go out for drinks with a Chilean, a Romanian, and a South African? Where else can I get the chance to sail to the Meditteranean and visit Pompeii for free? Would I have ever had the chance to say that I have meet someone from every South American country, and most of Europe?
My friend told me the other night that I should NEVER Sell Myself Short and threatned me with bodily harm if I didn't go to the office and start standing up for myself and insist on being given my due and not letting myself get passed over anymore. I have a good case already, but needed a swift kick in the ass to get the motor started!
i too learned in a similar manner about the common ground i shared with someone i thought might have been my enemy