by A brief reflection on my trip thus far…
I just tossed my clothes into the dryer after a quick shower following the last acquisition of sedimentary samples from the ocean-floor. This is day eleven of living in the open seas, but it feels longer. My sense of time has shifted, almost as if I have entered a new time realm. It has helped that my cellphone service is poor and the wi-fi connectivity is limited. Checking my email reminds me there is a world out on land that continues to run at its own pace, ticking much faster than it does here. Meanwhile, out on the vessel we seem disconnected and find anything to talk about with each other to make the time enjoyable but there is a natural flow that goes with it.
I am sad now that I realize we will be on land in less than 48 hours and in less than 72 hours we will be returning to meet worldly obligations. At the same time, I feel more prepared, relaxed, and clear-minded to learn and continue my life amongst the rest of the people on land. Now that I have become aware of life on sea, I feel like I can return mentally back to the calmness of it all.
-Salvador
