...leaving its distinctive trail of white-crested waves on the hearts of all
who sailed on board Nippon Maru
by Winnie Neo (SPY 2003)
SSEAYP 2003 is indeed a truly life-changing experience!
Even a year after we bade a tearful farewell to Nippon Maru, the reminiscences still burn within us as we look through photographs and videos of those cherished times.
We laugh and cry over them as if they happened yesterday.
its own glitters... |
Nippon Maru is not just any luxurious cruise ship or even any holiday cruise trip, but a ‘home’ for all our new friends from ASEAN and Japan. For 2 months, we exchanged our thoughts, views and planned activities together. We sampled fine Japanese cuisine under twinkling chandeliers, shared family stories in bunks till we dozed off, bathed wide-eyed in the Grand Bath, traded traditional costumes to dress up for cultural nights, queued for the washing machines and shared our multi-flavoured cup noodles. From total strangers to tentative friends to brothers and sisters in games, skits and dances, cheering and singing for each other. It was a ‘home’ without borders, a ‘family’ without nationalities, a ‘mutual acceptance’ without prejudice. |
Days on board Nippon Maru were almost surreal in its glorious sunrises over blue-silk waters and daily crazy games and cheers in Dolphin Hall yet it proved possible that so many nationalities with different backgrounds could come together in creating friendships that bonded us in a very exceptional way.
its own laughters... |
As a ‘family’, we also had our minor skirmishes over differences in cultures and it was inevitable, with 300 young people living together for the first time in their lives. Yet, in the end, even these encounters became precious learning lessons for everyone. That in this present age of war and turmoil in the world, regardless of race, language or religion, mutual understanding and tolerance is key to peace and harmony. |
Bonding was indeed the underlying theme in bridging 2 special couples within SSEAYP 2003. SPYs Danny and Angie both met their respective loves, JPYs Sugano Chalo and Yamamoto Keigo, during our trip. Of course we had our fun teasing these lovebirds when we found out but our well and most sincere wishes go to them as they have dared to challenge culture and distance to be together. All the best to our dear friends!! ENDURE.....PERSEVERE... |
its own Love Stories... Ooopsssss  |
Our heartfelt thanks to those who have opened their hearts and homes to all SPYs in making this 30th Anniversary of SSEAYP an unforgettable experience. Our deepest appreciation goes to all the LWCs who worked so hard to fill our visits with wonder and charm and meaning. Words cannot do justice to the foster parents, siblings and even grandparents who have received us, cared for us and shown us your beautiful country. We are proud to have shared your roofs despite the short duration and we carry your warmth and love for us in our hearts till this day.
Thank you SSEAYP...