MV Greenpeace / PC 8023
Noon Pos:
June 4, 1996
Day 19
It was full moon on the 2nd but we have hardly seen it as most of
the time the sky has been overcast. But that is O.K., as during
the day it is so hot I tell myself it would be worse without the
cloud cover.
From this evening we are in pirate watch mode, as now we approach
the Phillipine Islands the chances are higher. We take a few
extra safty precautions. Lock all doors that give access into the
ship. Have spot lights on hand. An alarm system to alert the
crew, if need be. But the reality is, if we do get boarded there
is not too much we can do, except give them what they want and
hope no one gets injured. Greenpeace ships do not carry weapons
and I find it hard to imagine anyone prepared to use
them if we did.
This evening the first glimpse of land was sighted.
Looking up in the Pilot book I read that the Phillipines together
with the Sulu Archipelago are comprised of more than 7000
islands. Mostly mountainous. The people are predominantly of
Malay origin. In 1521 the Phillipine Islands were `discovered
again' by Magellen (a portuguese navigator employed by spain) and
for 350 years Spain had a strong influence on the culture and
customs. Over 80% of the people follow the Roman Catholic
religion. In 1898 the islands were then under american control
and by 1941 the Phillipines again gained complete independence.
The peso is the monetary unit.
Only two days to go and we are preparing for civilization. The
washing machine has been busy. A few of us have been exchanging
hair cuts, some better than others. Very soon life on board and
what we are doing is going to take on a whole different
perspective.
Tanya Popp
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