Indeed, that experience on that magnificent 8 floor cruise ship called the “Nippon Maru” exceeded our expectations. That ship was a world in miniature with representatives of 15 different countries and what a peaceful world it was!! With all participants sharing the same notion of peace making and an open-mindedness that accepted cultural diversity, we passed by the days, charged with activities; meticulously prepared by the Japanese government on a reluctant pace, dreadful of the day when we will have to bid adieu to our cosmopolitan friends. Regardless of creed, religion, race and colour of the skin, we all lived like a family – the SWY 14 family as we used to call it! The concept of judgement was alien to us. Our harmony was absolute and nothing could disturb it. As a matter of fact, we preferred not to get in touch with outer news as it might have perturbed our peace of mind.
We were very much pampered by the “Nippon Maru” crew. It was pure delight to be on that dream ship. Either exercising on the deck early morning with the assistance of the well-built Canadian hunk, Mr Garth (Garth, if you are reading this, well, I mean it!!! J) or discussing serious matters such as the impact of the depletion of the ozone layer on our earth was sheer pleasure. We even chose not to sleep or to sleep only the strict minimum for fear of missing an event! We were undeniably enchanted by this magical world. It is a fact that even months after having left the ship, we kept talking about that breathtaking floating vessel which turned out to be the best experience ever. Indeed, we have caught the Nippon Maru bug. All those who are to participate in this wonderful event will know very soon what I’m referring to!!
Teelotma GHOORAH alias Chanda
SWY 14
