Daniel Kotze
To sleep or not to sleep, that is the question…
1. The most important life lesson I learnt from Mike was …
One should never think too small when planning out your dreams. Also, we should think about conservation on a global scale because when there is a problem, the whole planet is affected.
2. What will change in your life after this experience?
This expedition has really opened my eyes to the world. I saw conservation problems on a large scale, but some social problems on an even larger scale. Seeing this made me thankful for what I have and also changed me in that I would like to actively partake in the saving of planet Earth, step by step.
3. The best part of this adventure was …
It was hard, but working with the turtles was very special to me. After we counted the newly laid turtle eggs, I had to carry the bag of eggs to the hatchery where we buried them. This was a strange but incredible feeling to know that in my hands I was holding the life of 79 green bundles of shell and skin, which have the potential to become one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
4. The worst was …
When I was sick and had to miss out on some activities – luckily only for a day.
5. What will you miss most when you leave?
I will miss the company of my friends most. I will miss the adventures we shared and the times we laughed together. I will even miss the toilet on the boat that does not take toilet paper!
6. What did you learn from …
- Kerstin - How to organise and take control of a situation.
- Michelle - How to be calm about everything, because getting angry does not solve anything.
- Eugénie - You are much stronger than you think you are.
- Dongkyun - Don’t take anything for granted, and when you are enjoying yourself, show it!
- Rodrigo - Do some crazy things in life. I also learned ‘voce e gostosa’, meaning ‘you are hot’. It might come in handy someday…
- Simon - Be passionate about the things you are interested in, even if it means climbing up walls to catch geckos.
- Garrett - You are never too young to be capable of great things.
- Daniel V - Work hard and never complain – you will eventually harvest the fruits.
7. As a Pangaea ambassador, I would like to …
As a Pangaea ambassador, I would like firstly to be an example to others around me through my way of living. Furthermore, I would like to promote the project through writing and presentations, but also be involved in projects concerning the environment.
8. What is your life philosophy?
Make as many memories as possible without regretting anything.
9. The most useful thing I brought with me on expedition was …
Nail clippers (seems I was the only one!)
10. This is what made me laugh the most …
Simon running all over the place looking for his geckos. The Moosecut also had me grabbing my stomach as always!
11. This is what got me through the expedition:
It really helped to sometimes go and sit on my own to read the Bible and pray. My girlfriend also gave me very cool Bible verses to read while I was on the expedition. When waiting (and there was a lot of that) I would start singing – anything from gospel to hip-hop duets with Rodrigo. Another thing that got me through was my Dentine chewing gums as brushing teeth was a luxury we only dreamed of some nights.
12. The five words that describe me are …
Original, honest, adventurous, determined and fair.