Angola

Last September, for about three weeks, I was assigned in one of the Floating Production Storage (FPSO) facilities located in African seas. So far, it was the farthest business trip I had and my very first time in Africa – Angola to be exact. Applying for visa was not a problem but I was required to have a yellow fever vaccination before I can proceed with the application. It was single injection but the pain can be felt for a couple of days. I was also required to pass the survival training which is a must for engineers going off-shore. Though I was kind of hesitant with the assignment at first, especially with the outbreak of the Ebola crisis, I had no choice since I was in charge of this project. 

It was a 17-hour trip from Japan to Angola. The sun was just about to set when I arrived but my eyes were closing since it’s already midnight in Japan. I didn’t have the chance to explore Luanda but during my travel from the airport to the hotel, I was able to see how vibrant the colors were, from clothes, buildings, graffiti, etc. For one night, I stayed in a city hotel in preparation for my early morning flight. I have to take a chopper as the facility (ship) is in the middle of the ocean. It was the longest two hours of my life since it’s also my first time to ride a chopper.

For the next 18 days, I found myself observing how the sea and sky meet while doing my supervisory work. The sea was relatively calm which was a good thing or else I will be constantly throwing up. Environment was quite challenging though, as you have to stay on the ship even after a 12-hour shift, but it gave me a chance to appreciate the limited environment I am in. What an escape from the busy world. The internet access was also limited and for a while, I am free from the chaos that is social media. Everything was a routine and I was embracing it.

Offshore assignment was completed in less than a month. It was definitely a different learning experience as I was able to witness oil production in the middle of the ocean. I stayed for one night at the city hotel again to have a rest before flying back to Japan. The hotel was a bit expensive, but it was cozy and newly-renovated.

As the plane took off, I wave the African sunset goodbye.

I may not know where exactly my next assignment will be, all I know is that my trip in Angola made an impact in my professional life. 

                                                                   photo by Orlan

Angola

The rays of African sunset 

filters the air, 

highlights the colors 

of the city. 

The metal hammock 

gently sways in the middle 

of the ocean, 

cradles strangers 

like Noah's ark. 

I hang my hard hat, 

wash the grease 

off my hands 

and wave goodbye 

to the rays of African 

sunset.

For Poetry Pantry 226

totomai

/2014/11/08