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| Port of Call - Victoria |
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| A tropical storm brews over beautiful Beau Vallon beach |
Seychelles, the so-called jewel of the Indian Ocean, the unspoilt tropical paradise thousands of miles from
anywhere, where a fusion of European, African and Asian cultures make up the trilingual Seychellois people.
After a seven day stretch at sea, people onboard were jubilant at the idea of being able to go ashore to
such an idyllic, relaxed location. During the short stay participants engaged with the various aspects of the Seychelles, from handicraft shopping organized by local NGO's to sports with local youth and exploring the idyllic nature of this small island nation. |
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| Post-match handshakes between new mates
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Despite the tropical humidity, a group of largely male participants spent much of the day playing soccer
with boys from the local Seychelles football association. The sizeable players from the local team proved no major obstacle for the mostly Japanese side, which won 3-0. Peace Ball, a Peace Boat 'team'
that promotes international friendship and understanding through soccer, ensured that the interaction
between the two teams went beyond the soccer field, and invited the local group onboard the ship for some
more fun. Aside from athletic ability, many of these young people also displayed their musical talent by
playing the guitar and drums and singing a combination of songs from the Seychelles and Japan. Warm smiles
and hearty clapping were sure signs that new friendships had developed between the various nationalities.
Swapping email addresses, and affectionate handshakes and pats on the back amongst the mostly masculine
bunch also signalled the good times shared during the brief, but memorable day. |
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| Peace Ball members present a friendship banner to the Seychelles team |
For a more inclusive experience, Peace Ball is trying to encourage a greater number of girls, particularly
from the port of call team, to get involved in the international soccer exchange. Cultural norms often
prove an obstacle in that women's participation on the field may not be considered acceptable or becoming,
however, Peace Ball hopes its activities will be accessible to all people, regardless of age, nationality
or gender. As always, Peace Ball members conveyed their gratitude and sense of unity by giving the
Seychelles' team 35 Peace Ball t-shirts, some soccer balls and a friendship banner decorated by
participants. |
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| Members of Seychelles' NGO community onboard the ship |
For a few hours in the afternoon, a dozen Seychellois representing several NGOs met with International
Division staff on the ship. Marie-Nella Azemia, from the International Friendship League (IFL), a
UK-founded organization that seeks to extend friendships beyond borders, and Danny Dufresne from the
African Friendship Association (AFA) are two such people who are working towards building a stronger
relationship between Peace Boat and local Seychelles NGOs. Of great interest to all parties is for Peace
Boat to spend a longer time in the Seychelles so that a home-stay cross-cultural program can be organised.
Peace Boat's Global English Training (GET) language unit already arranges 'challenge programs' in other
English-speaking ports of call for GET students. It was thus envisaged during the meeting that setting up a
similar experience in the Seychelles may be a workable option for 2003. For example, the local camtole
dance and Creole cooking could be taught in exchange for origami or sushi classes, in a cross-cultural
festival during the day. The suggestion that several Seychellois from different fields of expertise join
Peace Boat as guest lecturers in the near future was also explored, as well as discussion relating to Peace
Boat's 20th year anniversary plans, and prospective visits to the Seychelles. |
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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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