Ocean Amazon – Ocean Amazon

The Imperfect Sailor and Imperfect Activist

Ocean Amazon — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 15:20:19 +0000

I was so excited the day I was accepted to be part of the eXXpedition crew (a pioneering all female navigators group studying plastic pollution) and participate in an incredible sailing and research voyage between Galapagos and Easter Island! I spent the rest of 2019 preparing for this trip, educating myself, fundraising, impressed by the profiles of the other SEAsters on the voyage.

The other exciting day was when we all met in the Galapagos, on the 15th of February, ready to board the boat! I finally got to meet all these exceptional women and looking forward to share 20 days together aboard eXXpedition vessel!

I was expecting spartan and quite tough sailing conditions, but nothing prepared me for this. From the moment we left Galapagos we’ve been continuously on a 30 degree inclination and this will become our normal state. Imagine doing everything, and I mean everything at such an inclination. My bunk bed was leaning towards the galley, so in order to remain in it and be able to sleep, I will be leaning against a net, locked at all times. A lot of things to get adjusted.. and my body didn’t take quite well to it. I was confronted by violent bouts of sea sickness despite the tablets being taken religiously, despite the homeopathic treatment I brought with me and despite the pressure points bracelets I’ve been wearing.. Nothing seemed to work! And I just didn’t seem to adjust to the shift times 4 hours on-duty, 8 hours pause and so on. The duties would involve anything from sailing the boat, cooking lunch or dinner, cleaning the boat’s various parts. The others seemed to adjust much faster to the rhythm and also not really affected by sea sickness.

I’ve been sailing since almost twenty years, but only in the Mediterranean sea, having experienced different type of boats, but never the Pacific Ocean and surely not this path. I learned the hard way why there are only about 20 vessels doing our route in an entire year. Our boat is incredibly safe, equipped with all sorts of back up measures and the crew very experienced. And here I am, the imperfect sailor, pushing my limits to the max and still feeling like a fraud compared to the rest of the crew.

I reached a low point on day 6th of the voyage when my body just couldn’t cope with the movement of the boat, the sailing, the round the clock schedule of duties, the ocean lack of mercy towards me.. This surely wasn’t what I was dreaming for a whole year to experience! It was tough to feel that I am not contributing enough compared with the other girls, nor doing enough for my Ocean Amazon documentary. As I was laying down on my tiny bunk bed in the night and feeling each wave moving every inch of my body, I had a revelation. I realized that as long as I will resist and react to whatever happens to me, I will be suffering, overwhelmed by the ocean’s movement, the sailing conditions and a sleeping rhythm completely different than what I was used to. In this moment, I allowed myself to be vulnerable, even in the face of fear, and surrendered to what is. I realized that although I cannot change the outside factors, there are things that I can control: my breath, my mindset, my connection to the other women on-board.

It is by looking fear in the eye and saying “not today” that helped me to break free of my suffering and allowed me to level up on my journey. It is this shift in mindset that helped me find inner strength and confidence. And I took one breath at the time, building one positive thought after another, finding strength in each act of kindness from the other women towards me, their jokes and uplifting comments. And defying my sickness, distracting myself looking at the beautiful skies full of stars, the surreal sunrises and sunsets and the wonderful bond which was creating between us on-board.

From this moment, my journey had a radical shift! I felt better, I was able to participate in all the activities and enjoy the incredible journey I was on!

Before I knew it (well, two weeks later..) we reached safely Easter Island, after having a taste of the biggest storm which went on to hit the island! Last night of our navigation was what I called “graduation” final test in navigation, with Gale winds, powerful waves and currents! It was thrilling and physical and we were one with our amazing defying boat!

What an incredible moment when we saw land on the horizon, all of us excited by touching land after 20 days on the boat and at the same time nostalgic that it all came to an end! Having shared such amazing moments with my SEAsters, building a bond and connection beyond words and committed to be agents of change back in our communities. Little did we know about the new global reality of the corona virus pandemic!

The fact I was an imperfect sailor, not really prepared for such a sailing voyage, shows even more to what extent will I go to be part of the movement to protect our oceans and planet. Pretty much as I am an imperfect activist. I think it is essential to connect the consequences of our use of plastics with the state of the ocean in order to create awareness and change.

None of us are living in the way we really need to in order to steer the future of our planet in a different direction. We are all limited by the realities of living in society as it is now: and it is the structures of that society that really need to change.

These last weeks, as the world is facing the global pandemic and each one of us is confined at home, we’ve realized the power we have individually and how much we can do if we all rise together!

I’m certainly not diminishing the role of individual actions, they matter very much. We should all be mindful of the choices we make every day, and try to make them as sustainable as we can, because they impact our environment, our ocean.

One of the great workshop we did onboard during our journey was the “Solutions Proposal” under Winnie’s guidance (Dr Winnie Courtene-Jones, the scientific mission leader of eXXpedition). Each one of us had to present solutions to protect the ocean, whether at the source or as a last resort before plastics and garbage enter it. The solutions were different for everyone. There are a myriad of things that we can do, from carrying a reusable cup to refusing plastic straws, to clean up beaches, install filters on the drainages that flow into the ocean, refuse to purchase goods packaged in single use plastics. Each and every one of these decisions is a step in the right direction – but if we can’t do as much as we’d like as an individual we shouldn’t feel disqualified from the environmental movement altogether. In fact quite the opposite.

What we need is to be able to make these individual choices easy – where it’s not more expensive or more difficult to opt for the path that is going to preserve the planet for the next generation. Our group concluded that we need to be putting pressure on governments and corporations to make decisions on a macro level which will enable us to live our lives in a way which not only protects the environment we depend on but improves it. And those governments, those corporations – they need to be putting in place policies that will maximise the potential for humans to turn this world around. It’s amazing how these conclusions resonate so much more with today’s realities!

Because it is within this decade that we shall act, before it is too late!
If we could all put our shame and paralysis to one side – our guilt for the comforts we have come to depend on, for not having taken decisive action before now – then this could be a time of great opportunity! We need to accept the realities of the lives we have led up until now, to forgive ourselves for the choices we have made. It is only when we take this step that we will be able to open our hearts to the magnitude of the challenge we are facing, and set our minds upon the epic and essential task of finding solutions. And it is important to start with the first step and then the next will follow. Not let ourselves overwhelmed by the immensity of the challenge, but enthused by the opportunity that awaits.

I am an imperfect human, sailor and activist! I believe what the world needs right now is millions of imperfect activists just like myself who can each contribute in their way every day! And if we all step up, as willing imperfect activists, then we can fight this battle together. And together we can win. We already have proven this through our amazing collective cooperation in fighting the Corona virus!

Looking back on my navigation and research with eXXpedition, I am thrilled by this incredible experience and enriched in more ways than I could have dreamed of! Very grateful for the opportunity and stronger than ever!

Was it hard? Yes!
Was it worth it? Absolutely YES!

February 10 – On Cousteau’s dive steps

Ocean Amazon — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:19:32 +0000

Ever since I was a child and watching every Sunday morning Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s underwater documentaries, I wanted to be able to see for myself these mesmerizing worlds! The legendary explorer helped me evade in a world of wonder, despite the tiny black and white TV at home.. in my mind these amazing marine creatures were vividly colored!

At 18, I got my diving license even before the driving one.. And along the years, I had the chance to dive in some of the most incredible places: Great Barrier Reef, Red Sea, Indonesia, Mexico. What I started to notice though is that in the last 10 years, one would notice more and more the impact of human, destruction of corals and marine life, pollution.

Galapagos is still one of the places where nature is winning, where animal wildlife and marine species have a fair chance. Although, talking with the diving master and his crew, they have more and more sights of plastic debris arriving from all sorts of places.

The 2 dives I did today were special, one was a wall dive allowing us to explore the rich marine life and the second dive in North Seymour had a deep sandy bottom and some current, bringing large school of fish to our attention.

Diving is not something which comes natural to me. I have to push my boundaries every time I go down, there is always a little panic and self questioning whether I can pull this through. It is not in the absence of fear that I am l doing it, but overcoming it with each calming breath I take underwater, acknowledging my intrusion in this sacred space and respecting its rules.

Javier, our diving master was not only very knowledgeable but also a sunny personality which helped relaxing the ambiance on the boat.

Cousteau’s documentaries gave me an incredible gift, to see through eyes of wonder the beautiful underwater world and for this, I will be eternally grateful! And it is now time to pay it forward! With my Ocean Amazon documentary I hope to contribute in giving more generations the gift of dreaming of adventures in exploring the oceans and discovering its beauty! Just like that little girl, on a Sunday morning!

The less known side of Galapagos

Ocean Amazon — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:45:53 +0000

This wasn’t the usual “tourist request” for a visit.. I went today to see the recycling center in Santa Cruz, Galapagos. Met Jorge, the everyday hero, who together with his team are recycling the plastic and trash of the island. After the beautiful images I shared with you last days, it may be hard to look at this but it’s important to know it exists! These paradisiaque islands are more and more victims of plastic and garbage arriving from the ocean and landing on the pristine beaches. We need to do something about it at the source.. any careless action in our day to day consumption behavior will certainly end up here and other places! The nature miracle called Galapagos belongs to all of us, and to our children, we are all responsible for its protection!

Another everyday hero I met here is Carolina, a dedicated marine biologist, who together with her husband are working hard to save one of the endangered birds of Galapagos. In addition to this amazing scientific project and to being a busy young mother, Carolina found the time and passion to bring to the island the “precious plastic” project. It is a movement created to help recycle plastic in remote areas, using an easy to assemble machine and various metal molds to re-shape the recycled plastic in beautiful objects: key holders, trays, cups and even jewelry! Her idea in creating these beautiful pieces is to have tourists buy them as souvenirs and taking some of the plastic away from the island! Also, these recycled pieces (which could be recycled over and over again) can be a reminder for all of us, when we go back to our lives, to be more responsible about our plastic usage. I received this beautiful tortoise, which will be my token from today onwards to make myself more accountable about my day-to-day behavior affecting the environment!

I am truly HOPEful that collectively we can do so much good and that every little action counts!

Tomorrow will take you on Cousteau’s foot steps, diving in an amazing location!
Yours,
Irina aka Ocean Amazon

February 6: Discovering the Charles Darwin Foundation

Ocean Amazon — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 08:20:37 +0000

A dream came true! Arriving in Galapagos and being surrounded by all its incredibly rich nature! Made few friends among the giant land tortoises, this one I named Sancho! He is huge and about 100 years old!

Big excitement to get to the Charles Darwin Foundation, where I was met by Maria Jose – the Science Director, together with the fundraising team and Macarena – the scientist in charge with the joint project with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. I learned the challenges experienced by the marine turtles and the ever increasing number of speed boats here being responsible for most of their deaths. The two foundations have jointly created a program to track and study the behavior of the turtles in order to limit the boat speeds and their course in identified areas. One more year of data is needed in order to establish a model which can be then implemented. Macarena’s eyes were lightening up as she was giving me all these details about the turtles behavior.

It was my turn then to talk about my Ocean Amazon project, how I’m counting the days before meeting my SEAsters and boarding the eXXpedition boat and how we are also contributing as “citizen scientists” to a better understanding of the plastic problem on the environment. The connection was real and words were flowing!

The day went by so quickly, far too quickly!

More adventures tomorrow!
Yours,
Irina aka Ocean Amazon

Logbook entry: Quito

Ocean Amazon — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 07:59:00 +0000

Quito met the highest expectations! When I say “highest” is also because its at a 2,800m altitude! Arriving after a long journey from Monaco, my adjustment here was a bit difficult. I’ve been gasping for air every few steps I made.. but what an interesting place! The old colonial town is a beautiful architectural collection of churches, cathedrals and state buildings! I should have had more time to visit, take time and learn all the great history of this lovely part of Quito!

The highlight of my stay in Quito was the visit of San Francisco University in Quito (USFQ) and meeting the Dean of Scientific Programs, Research and External Affairs – Mr Diego Quiroga. He is also the Director of the Galapagos Campus, a 4 year master program in Environmental and Sustainability. Stay tuned for my post on 14th of February from Galapagos and you will learn more about this project and the bridge we are creating with Monaco! Diego has all the reasons to be proud of what USFQ has achieved in the 3 decades of existence. With a campus of over 8000 students, it is truly one of the best universities in South America. Here are some pictures from my visit on the campus.

Look for my next post about my arrival in Galapagos and the exciting days ahead!

Yours Irina aka Ocean Amazon

Day 0: The Journey begins O2O2-2O2O

Ocean Amazon — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:15:55 +0000

Many people have asked me why I’ve chosen this day to start?
It’s because I wanted it to be special, very special, so that we will all remember! 0202-2020 is a palindromic date: when a date written out numerically is the same when turned back-to-front. No matter your culture and how you write the date, it will be the same: mm/dd/yyyy or dd/mm/yyyy or yyyymmdd. It happens once in the millenium! (Until 0303-3030)

This date is also a very unique and powerful day, named “imbolc day” which is the midpoint between the Soltstice and Equinox, and a celebration of Mother Earth, and is also known as “Purification Day”. And that’s what this date is about, the start of a great “purification”. Of our oceans and planet! Because everything starts with the first step in the right direction. My voyage and research have as mission to raise awareness about the state of our oceans and also raise our consciousness to make changes in our every day life to be kinder to the environment. So let’s celebrate this purification, promise of renewal, of infinite potential, of Earth awakening and the life force stirring. It is the time to let go of the past and to look to the future, clearing out the old, the pollution and plastic garbage and feel empowered of all we can achieve!

Love,
Irina aka Ocean Amazon

February 3 – Support from Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Ocean Amazon — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Extremely grateful for the support of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation!

Marking my departure with a great press release – article on the Foundation website:https://www.fpa2.org/news-7917.html

Also today, I received an amazing letter of support from Olivier Wenden – Vice President and Executive Director on behalf of the Foundation!

Journal: Ocean Amazon voyage – Day 1 Has Arrived

Ocean Amazon — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 16:53:57 +0000

Getting all my things ready, checking one more time the packing list and feeling a bit nervous..

Have I forgot something, what else would I need? I must confess, I am normally one of these people who can never travel “light”.. I always take too much luggage, “just in case”! This time is different, I will have to manage 5 weeks of travels with one medium duffel bag. You can see in the picture all my things lined up and after how it all fitted in the bag! Can you imagine I’ve got it all in there: sleeping bag, camera and its accessories, my nutritional supplements Broth By Design, a medicine bag, the flag of Prince Albert II Foundation, some clothes for all weather (from the 2,400m altitude in Quito to ocean crossing for 20 days) and even my little stuffed Snoopy – a reminder of my doggie Ever who I will miss like crazy! Talking about Ever, he looks at me like saying “You’ve got this!” He knows I’m going away and he puts on a brave face!

I’m now going one more time through travel documents, all is well!
Thank you all for following me on this incredible journey!