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| 40th Cruise Departure! |
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| A teary, happy, hope filled farwell |
The Peace Boat set off on its 40th cruise on 10
December 2002 with gusto.
The bleak, wintry weather in Tokyo did little to dampen the spirits
of the 439 passengers who waved excitedly, jubilant at the realization
that their three-month odyssey around the southern hemisphere was
now starting. In Kobe, more people came aboard and the passenger list
swelled to 517 people. Aged nine months to 90 years, Peace Boat participants
on the current cruise are a blend of young and old from over ten countries,
although predominantly Japanese. In keeping with Peace Boat tradition,
a catchy departure song set the mood as hundreds of people cheered,
waved and threw colorful streamers to the other side. The 2002 World
Cup Soccer Anthem, 'Love United' is certainly a fitting theme song,
as the voices of people from over 20 countries can be heard celebrating
international cooperation and understanding. For some participants,
it is the first time to travel abroad. For nearly everyone, it is
the first time to join the Peace Boat. New experiences and opportunities
to cross all kinds of borders-including physical, cultural and educational-abound
as the Peace Boat sails to 13 countries seeking to build a culture
of peace around the world. The atmosphere inside the ship is buzzing
with activity and enthusiasm as we sail to Hong Kong, our first port
of call. |
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| Peace Boat's
40th Voyage index |
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PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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