Tania Mutch
October 11, 1995 aboard Concordia
Reflections on Italy
Yesterday morning we took 55 passengers from Cagliari on a short sail. We sailed out of the harbor, set our squares as well as the two jibs and the main staysail, and we were on our way. There wasn't very much wind, so we didn't get far before we had to tack back to the harbor, but sailing without the help of the motor was worth it. In between sail maneuvers we invited people to come below decks and see what life aboard a ship is like. Most people seemed amazed that we lived in such small quarters, but one man, who sailed around the world himself, was amazed that we had showers in every room. That's something that we take for granted. During the sail one visitor invited some of us to visit his home for an Italian meal. I was lucky enough to be included in this special treat.
His house was out in the suburbs of Cagliari. It had a beautiful backyard enclosed by a gate and there were bird cages hanging from one of the trees. We sat down in the outdoor “kitchen” space which had a roof for protection but no walls. There was also a kitchen inside to use in bad weather. We were introduced to Ana, an exchange student from Sweden who had only been in Sardinia for a month. We were very happy to find out that not only did she speak English, but she also understood Italian, so she was able to tell us what the family was saying. Until then we had been using sign language.
Dinner started with bread and olives and drinks. Next came really fat macaroni in tomato sauce, then barbecued sausage and pork chops, then a stewed beef in tomato sauce, then heart-shaped cookies that tasted like a cross between shortbread and Christmas cookies, and finally fruit. At each new course I kept trying to explain that I was very full, but the mother would say "you don't like it?" Of course I said, “oh no, it's very good,” and before I could figure out exactly what happened, I had more food on my plate. At the very end of the meal when I wasn't even sure if I could walk anymore, they came out with a pizza. I thought they expected us to eat it right then and there, but they just wanted to send it with us. Before leaving we gave them gifts and they gave us a big jar of homegrown olives and plates from Cagliari filled with those heart-shaped cookies. As we prepared to head back to the ship, we exchanged addresses, kissed everyone on both cheeks, and promised to write. I had a great time!
Colleen McCluskey
10/14/95 aboard Concordia
Concordia's Culture
Being aboard this ship, living in such close quarters, spending all of my time with these same people every day and for long periods of time, I’ve noticed that a real culture has developed. We have a schedule, rules to live by, a basic food menu and manner in which we eat. We have a distinguished language, common terms for both sailing and casual talk, a similar form of dress (especially when we wear our uniforms), arts, news,music, theater, and even an economy (based primarily on trading food). Such a community, so tightly knit, creates a closeness that any outsider who venturing into our society would definitly notice. It would probably make him or her feel like a tourist in a foreign land. It is a world like no other I have experienced.
Francesco Medde and Matteo Tamanini
10/13/95 aboard Concordia
(Editor's Note: Three students and one adult from Cagliari joined the crew of Concordia for the sail to Naples. Two of these students practiced their English by writing the following journal for the Class Afloat News.)
First of all, we are two members of 'Intercultura' (or A.F.S. in theU.S.), a student exchange association. Through this group we have done one year of study in Mexico and the USA.
Our time on the Concordia was funny and interesting. We started the trip in Cagliari (our home) and we sailed to Naples, spending four days as real members of the crew, sharing watch hours as well as sea sickness.
We had many good times, like the time when we climbed the foremast. Being part of the crew, even if it was just for few days, was a good experience -- being hosted on a ship such as Concordia doesn't happen every day. We found the way of living on the ship funny but hard. There are plenty of difficulties but we were surrounded by friends who helped us with any problems.
We found the people on the Concordia like a big family, where everyone has his own place and where all the people have to work hard. Even though we were guests we had to do our share. We worked alongside everyone in painting the ship and cleaning our rooms.
What we liked most on the ship was sitting all together talking about the day, or helping each other to try not to think about sea sickness. A good place to hang out was the mess, especially after dinner. This is when the cook went to sleep, leaving us free to listen to music, sing and dance together. And the cabins, even though very small, were comfortable, and they were good places to talk about the trip before going to sleep.
Even if it seemed that there were no problems, we know what means to miss your family, and we understand that it could be very difficult not to think about home. For this reason you must have a strong character to face an experience like this one.
We can finish our article just saying that the most important things on the ship are friendship and respect. Thanks to all the our new friends and the staff of the Concordia for letting us staying on the ship during these four days.
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