In September 2022, Maura Mazzer joined the SeaTrek’s trip from Labuan Bajo to Bali. She was inspired and wrote two poems from her trip.*
Trekked aboard the Katharina what an awesome experience! The ship has such charm, and the crew is top-notch! There were only seven guests, which was just perfect!
We sailed from Labuan Bajo to Bali during the first part of September 2022. I have sailed on cruise ships before, but this was just—well. You need to see it and experience it for yourself!
Every day we had two activities either on land or sea. Though I love to snorkel, I tend to be a big chicken, so I was very happy just going ashore and beachcombing when others did the water activities.
The actual owner of the company was on our trip, so it made it so much more fun and we were able to give him feedback. The day we went to see the Komodo dragons was unbelievable.
The one day I did go snorkeling: we had a lady who was a chicken like me, but Dani our tour leader took a life ring, and had her hold onto it, and she was able to navigate without fear. I just held onto it lightly just knowing it was there and made me feel more comfortable. That’s the kind of guide Dani was—very accommodating and doing his very best to ensure we were all safe and had a great time.
On one of the islands, we were able to see the insides of one of the traditional ships as it was in the process of being built, which was really fascinating! I don’t know how they did it in such a small space, but the chefs did such a great job making sure we didn’t go hungry!
One night we even had a beach barbecue! I was actually so inspired by the trip, and the ship itself that I wrote two poems which I hadn’t done in a long time. So, this is definitely one of those adventures that’s kind of off the beaten path.
If you want to sit on the beach all day and fry yourself that’s one thing if you want to explore, this is the type of adventure to go on!! Hoping to do the eastern park of the Indonesian islands soon!
Two Poems by Maura Mazzer
Komodo
As I step upon the beach
Excited to finally see
This giant ancient monster
Swaying, flicking its tongue towards me
It lazily walks past my side
Its massive size so hard to believe
But this dragon can move very quickly
Don’t underestimate what he can achieve
Suddenly he stops in his tracks
“Smelling” the air with his long-forked tongue
Does he see something that I haven’t noticed?
Is it another? Now two? Should I run?
He now resumes his lumbering pace
As I continue to keep him in sight
Drool dripping from massive jaws
One bite can be deadly, gripping tight
Komodo Island is home to this lizard
He is found nowhere else on this planet
I’m so happy I was able to see him
We must protect them, don’t take them for granted
Sept 2022
Katharina
Her name is Katharina
A most magnificent vision is she
The crew take such good care of her
Her beauty reflects on the sea
She glides effortlessly through the waters
Barely a sound that she makes
A sight to behold from a distance
Crimson sails taut and straight
Her decks reflect the designs
From builders taught long ago
Intrically sawing and hammering
It all comes together—it flows
At first you have just her ribs
Which forms the basic insides
Then slowly it all comes together
Many years involved—the men’s pride
I’m so happy I had this experience
As she travels along silently
This beautiful ship Katharina
The pride of the island Bali
Sept 2022
