I'm still in a stupor; I can't believe I'm actually on the Arctic Sunrise! It's so strange for me, since I don't know anybody, but very thrilling at the same time. The crew is great, very friendly and outgoing. It's literally like a League of Nations here - I'm happy to meet so many people from so many different places.

I wasn't sure what to expect when it came to arrangements, food and work. I was hoping to lose weight while here, but I guess that ain't happening, since the food is amazing! The cabins are like closets and I happened to be assigned the "dove" room (the container) right next to the hold. I ended up getting the top bunk, which made me a little scared because I'm such a klutz, but I have been managing well so far with that.

Unfortunately, I don't have a porthole and, despite how hot it gets on the ship, I was actually a bit cold during the night. The bunk was more comfortable than I thought and when the lights are out, you can't see your hand in front of your face. I thought only caves were that dark! My cabin mate is Matt (assistant cook) and he seems pretty cool.

I completely forgot that the outlets on this ship are European, so I went into Chelsea to get an adapter. Hayden (from the D.C. office) warned me that it might blow out my cell phone charger...and it did. Thank God for CVS, I need that charger so I can actually have enough power to call my mother on my way back home to New Jersey this Saturday.

Working Onboard

On Sunday, we had an Open Boat. I met many great, interesting people. It was very nice to see so many supporters and to know that you're not alone in this fight to save the planet.

I'm usually pretty good when it comes to motion sickness, but I didn't want to chance it. So I took one Dramamine pill a half an hour before we departed from Chelsea Piers (even though you're supposed to take it an hour before movement). So far, so good! Since I'm such a spaz, I have to be extra careful on the stairs (they're pretty steep and narrow) and really watch where I'm going, especially when the ship is actually moving. The weather has been beautiful and sunny (yup, brought my SPF 50 sun block so I can stay nice and pasty).

On Monday the crew started making a banner and repainting the ship (which is done all the time). I found it kind of funny that none of us females knew how to deal with a sewing machine much, but Erkut did. The banner will be used to protest offshore drilling during a press conference in Miami.

I'm finally retaining some of the names of the crew. I'm much better with faces than with names! They have all been very helpful and so nice; I really wish I could stay on longer, so I can get to know them better.

Overall, I'm digging this experience big time. I'm so happy to be here; this is an experience of a lifetime.

-Denise
Project Thin Ice Competition Winner