Midnight Brownie Cake Surprise
My 23rd birthday was celebrated in the most unexpected way. Just before midnight, Saeny decided to bake a special Brownie Cake for the occasion. Despite our unfamiliarity with the oven, we finally savored the delicious cake at 2:30 AM. The wait was well worth it!
Early Morning Wake-Up Call and Adventure Preparations
After only a short sleep, our morning started with Andy's infamous wake-up playlist, jolting Kevin and me out of bed at 9 AM. The day was packed with preparations as we welcomed Andi and Andrea from the airport. Although Andrea had a brief hiccup with a lost bag in Tromsø, everything was back on track soon enough.
Shopping and Bear Protection
While the girls took care of shopping, the men were tasked with securing bear protection. Borrowing rifles in Svalbard is surprisingly straightforward—like checking out a book from a library. Andy even inquired about where we could safely practice shooting, and the salesperson casually mentioned that any open space outside town would do, as long as we exercised caution.
Evening Briefing and Team Strategy
After a satisfying dinner, Andy led a structured and insightful meeting about our upcoming days at sea. We discussed the importance of conserving energy resources on board and how every action impacts our overall time at sea. The team unanimously agreed that our primary goal is to circumnavigate Svalbard—a feat not many crews have the time to accomplish.
Personal Responsibility and Team Spirit
A key part of the meeting was the emphasis on personal responsibility. We acknowledged that there’s always work to be done on board, but not everyone might know exactly what to do at any given moment. Therefore, we agreed to communicate openly and assist each other in real-time. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the discussion gave me a strong sense that we’re set to have a great time together as a team.
Conclusion
As we embark on this Svalbard adventure, I’m filled with excitement and confidence in our team. Whether it’s enjoying a late-night brownie cake or planning our navigation around the icy waters, every moment contributes to this unforgettable journey.
--- NIV
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