Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
September 22, 2011
Translation for Zeilmeisje Laura Dekker on Facebook
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Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
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The sea is calling louder with each passing hour


It was a lot of work to get them up but in the end it was a very nice sight: Guppy covered with balloons. Actually, I had not planned to celebrate my sixteenth birthday because to me my birthday is just like any other day of the year. But then in the end it became a really special day for me. I already had received some gifts so I did not expect more but then I was surprised with flowers, a huge cake and a balloon in the shape of a pirate ship. With my father and some friends we went out for dinner in the evening, after which we went to the beach to light up some sparklers. All day I received phone calls by singing people like my sister and my grandparents did. Even my dog Spot barked to me on the phone. It is weird to be sixteen all of a sudden. Here in Darwin I could now take driving lessons to get my license. It seems that it goes quickly here since the cars only have automatic transmissions. But I won't have enough time for that since I plan to depart within a few days. We did all the maintenance work that had to be done on Guppy, and so I am now busy with the usual preparations for the coming leg, buying diesel, water and food provisions. This crossing will take me to my next destination that I am keeping a secret for now for safety reasons. So it is only a question of choosing the right day for my departure. It all depends on the winds and I don't feel like bobbing up and down on the ocean with no wind, being unable to go under sails. So I have to be patient. The last weeks spent ashore and the visit from my father have been just fantastic. But the sea is calling, louder with each passing hour. Coming!

Regards,
Laura