It was an awesome experience. I do not know how to tell it. But simply, I want to express my awesome experience with being on the MV Doulos, the "floating bookstore," trully, the "floating United Nations."
As a communications specialist, I am very particular on the intercultural relationship the crew members have. It was--part funny, I must admit--exciting and enlightening to see how people of different culture unite to serve. A sight that particularly caught my attention was the conversation between two guys, a Spanish and a Filipino. The Spanish guy was alone in the last "station" (I don't know what to call it) and seems to want to eat. The Filipino guy came in and he heard the Spanish guy said, "Necessito comer" ("I need to eat," or something like that.), but the Filipino cannot understand what he was saying (nor can I remember). The Spanish guy repeated the expression about three times before beginning to gesture with his hands (to his mouth). "Comer, comer," the Spanish guy said. I wanted to help him but the Spanish guy was quick to understand that the Filipino doesn't understand. Finally, he (seemingly) got to remember to say "to eat." Finally, the Filipino understood.
I got a lot of books that were really new and practically free, although I went there more so that I may have the chance of interacting with the members of the crew. I was able to interact with them, however, only to ask about the price and such. I never got to interact with them on the intercultural and interpersonal level.
Well, they are currently in Subic. I don't know when they will be back, but I sure will be there next time they dock here in Manila.
