"The Accidentally Globetrotting Tourist" sushart's Profile

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The Mariner's Wife

I have always longed for adventure and fun. Is that why I was placed in a situation which not many women experience? I am married to a mariner. Life on a ship is not easy. I quickly realised that I was second to another woman, one who protects, nourishes and works for her men -- the ship.
She does not take kindly to another of her kind aboard so easily. Her staircases are narrow, her doors heavy, and the lifestyle rigorous. But I was not willing to bow down to her either. We had a long way to go together. We would have to be friends.
I joined a tanker vessel, with my husband in Fujairah, UAE. I was going to spend the next six months with him.
We spent the first few days anchored in Fujairah. Then a pilot boat guided us out to sea.
I watched from my porthole. Slowly the lights of the boat disappeared and she merged into the inky blackness around us. We were our own. Slowly we ploughed through the water and our journey across the world began.
We sailed through the Persian Gulf, which is supposed to be calm. But I could see the swell in the water. Everyone kept warning me that I'd get seasick. Bad weather, but I didn't get seasick! Remember, I was going to be an equal here, and not let Her rule over me.
Life can be beautiful out there at sea. It is so refreshing to stand on the deck and feel the cool breeze on your face. It's a thrill to see the ship slicing through water, leaving a frothy wake. For miles and miles around you see nothing but endless water and a big, blue sky.
The nights, especially on full moon, are surreal. The moon lights up the entire sky. The silvery waters, the soft breathing of the sea, the glow of the phosphorescence... it is like a dream.
If you go right up to the fo'c's'le , the enormity of the sea overwhelms you.
This is infinity defined. The sea and sky are one, and you are just a tiny speck in this vastness. You can see the ship striding on with a purpose. Steady and mighty.
And then you realise, it is only happening because the sea is letting it happen. If it wills, it can swallow the ship. We are always at the mercy of the sea.
From the fo'c's'le I could view nature's canvas. Each sunrise and sunset was a work of art. Truly, is there anything more spectacular, more perfect, than sunrise and sunset? Perfect performances, each different from the previous. A one-man show all the way, and didn't we know that all good things in life are free!?
It is such an amazing experience to discover that the sea is full of life. Scores of flying fish, glittering in the sun, gliding from one wave to another. Schools of dolphins, leaping, diving, dancing, swimming along with the ship. Big whales underwater, shooting spouts of water into the air. Sea snakes and jellyfish. Gulls. There is one big, happy family out there! At the Bay of Biscay. The sea turned an angry grey, with big, white, frothy waves. Waves lashed the ship incessantly. She pitched heavily, and water came gushing on to the deck. The wind howled. Visibility was almost zero due to the rain and spray.
What an experience! Wet, grey and alone, fending for yourself. Life gets depressing then. But always, always there is a brighter side. After every storm, the sun shines warmly on your shoulders.
Where else could I have attended a party on a full-moon night, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean? Where else would I have had the opportunity to talk to a dolphin? Where else would I have got to bask in the Mediterranean sun all day? Or count shooting stars all night?
You tell me, should I call myself lucky?

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Note: All the pictures and paintings and articles written are mine, unless stated.
Please do not misuse them. Enjoy my travel experiences. Thank you.

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Intro Updated Sep 7, 2004
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Comments (28)

aadil Sep 6, 2010 at 12:15 PM Report Abuse

A very Happy Birthday to you! How lucky you are to see shooting stars from a ship under dark skies in the middle of the ocean! Lovely page and great to see your stories and wonderful art on VT! May all your travel, writing and seafaring dreams come true!
afsarbaf Sep 7, 2008 at 3:52 AM Report Abuse

Hello Susmita.. Happy Birthday to you.. Your introduction to your site is so beautiful! As if I was on the voyage... Definitely I was also long ago.. Nice page... Take care....
margaretvn Sep 7, 2008 at 1:58 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday - have a great day. Enjoyed your HP and your albums
Lamb_Chop Nov 21, 2006 at 1:47 AM Report Abuse

Hope you can make it. Christmas meeting possible dates: Dec 8th or 9th. Please reply to the Cardiff forum:)
roamingpaddy Sep 7, 2006 at 7:07 AM Report Abuse

Wishing you a happy birthday,from Ireland.
dsantosh Dec 30, 2005 at 5:48 AM Report Abuse

My dear friend , wishing you a Happy New Year. May , 2006 , bring you great happiness and exciting travels . Greetings from India
Kiriel Oct 16, 2005 at 9:46 AM Report Abuse

Your pages are great! Your tips are helpful, witty and well written. Thanks for sharing your insights and photographs
Katmosphere Sep 7, 2005 at 12:44 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday from Florida!!
RickinDutch Sep 7, 2005 at 9:23 AM Report Abuse

Birthday greetings from Alaska! What great adventures. Have worked with ships for years but only once gone a long journey - will return again some day!
RAJASTHANBYCAR Sep 7, 2005 at 8:08 AM Report Abuse

I wish you a happy Birthday.I hope you will have lot of Joy and succes in the coming year.