Apart from all the practical things we needed to absorb over the last six months to adapt to sea living, I think we also came to realise some truths about ourselves:
Going back to basics. After an initial acclimatisation period of few weeks it became my second nature to feel comfortable without all the modern comforts I grew so accustomed to in London - stores with everything I need on every corner open 24/7, always a hot shower, household appliances. Instead, constant water and electricity saving, thorough provisioning and its planning, and feeling content in a small space started to feel like home. We also made a conscious choice not to have a TV onboard and no DVDs, which turned out to be a great decision both for us and for Thor. We found we suddenly had so much more time to do more creative things, spend time together and find active ways of relaxing. We also rarely browsed the net, apart from looking at the weather and the news, blogging and Skyping with the family. And the interesting thing is that now that we're back in a city, some of the good habits have stuck with us.
Connecting with people is what makes it special. I have most fond memories from our winter months. Although the weather was tougher it was much easier to meet people as we usually were the only outsiders in town. We have plenty of great memories from play parks and beaches hanging our with local parents and their kids. And on many occasions we were overwhelmed by people’s kindness, openness and generosity. Fellow sailors were also easier to connect with in the low season, and people we stayed in touch with were mostly those we met in the very beginning of our trip. Sharing our trip with other made it all the more precious for us.
There is no ‘I’ in ‘Team’. Before we set off someone told me that what we were about to do was either going to cement us as a couple, or highlight our incompatibilities. I thought that sounded a bit dramatic, after all how crazy could it be to live on a boat I thought. However, after experiencing nature it its mightiest, I now understand what they meant. On few occasions we found ourselves in situations bordering dangerous, and it’s only because we worked well as a team that we always came out on top. This is a valuable lesson that we both take forward I think.
It’s business as usual no matter where you are. I think that it’s easy to imagine, especially by looking at photos, that living on a boat is about blue skies, seeing interesting places and enjoying the water. And of course those elements are there undeniably. Many times I found myself being grateful for being right here, right now. However, what I also discovered is that everyday life happens no matter where you are, and doubly so when you are a parent. There is still things that don’t work out your way, the usual family logistics to run, stressful situations that take place, everyday frustrations, and unfriendly people that occasionally come your way. And it’s perfectly OK that way.
Oslo calling. The most interesting discovery of all however was the realisation that although the last half year has been incredibly enriching and so good for us as a new family, at the stage in our lives where we are now, we couldn’t see ourselves doing this for longer than we did. When mid-August came and we took Natalia out on land, of course it wasn’t without a certain sadness because our adventure has come to an end, but at the same time we both also felt anticipation - to be back in a social setting, in a stimulating work environment, with diverse impulses from such a diverse city as Oslo. And of course we realise how good it will be for Thor to be more with kids again. I think what made us enjoy these last months to the fullest was also the knowledge that our time on Natalia as our home wasn’t indefinite...