Eugénie Guillaume

1. The most important life lesson I learnt from Mike was …

Don’t get tired and don’t sleep too much. I learned to be energetic and determined, because some people are tired their whole lives.

2. What will change in your life after this experience?

I think I’ll be more active in my life, and more critical about people I meet and what they tell me.

3. The best part of this adventure was …

When we dived at Sipadan. I was in a buddy team with Daniel and Daniel, and just before the dive Christian said we must not go deeper than 20 metres. When we checked our computer we were at 30 metres. We had a big laugh underwater and that was great. Each moment sailing was amazing too. At such moments you can feel the spirit of time.

4. The worst was …

I can’t remember one boring activity or day. Even the medical visit was interesting, in a way, as we saw part of this country’s medical system, and for me it’s very important to see a different point of view, or a different aspect of a country, so you can compare it with others. Even the Marudi Hotel was a good experience. Now I really think we can learn something every time, every day.

5. What will you miss most when you leave?

Pangaea is like a second family. The YEPs are my brothers and sisters. Some are older, who take care of us like a mom or dad, or like an uncle or aunt. We have spent a great and funny time together. I will miss this family a lot – Martin’s jokes, Garrett’s smiles, Mike’s stories, Dmitri’s pictures, and so much more!

6. What did you learn from …

• Kerstin – to be well organised.
• Michelle – how to play volleyball like a professional.
• Daniel K – how to be a perfect buddy team, how to take care of each other before a dive and underwater.
• Dongkyun – the South Korea alphabet.
• Rodrigo – meditation: close your eyes, breathe in slowly, breathe out, and think about nothing. And how to say good morning to the sun.
• Simon – how to recognise the fish.
• Garrett – how to be a perfect diplomat when you answer questions. Garrett was an angel with me: he trained me before the press conference for the worst questions you can ever imagine. And all during the expedition he took time to explain the words or sentences I didn’t understand.
• Daniel V – a lot about sailing, the names of the sails, ropes, what to do and when! In watching him I leaned not to be so shy with new people. In just a few days Daniel was perfectly integrated with our YEP team – that was amazing to me.

7. As a Pangaea ambassador, I would like to …

I would like to share my feelings about our beautiful planet and to share all the hope and enthusiasm Mike has given us.

8. What is your life philosophy?

Enjoy each second and never waste time, because now I know that time is running out.

9. The most useful thing I brought with me on expedition was …

My toothbrush!

10. This is what made me laugh the most …

Dancing with all the YEPs and Cathy.

11. This is what got me through the expedition:

The Kaptein song, too many noodles (I don’t think I can eat any more of them), and the YEP song – ‘I’m glad to say, the YEPs are ok!’ – to be continued!

12. The five words that describe me are …

Crazy, funny, French, red-head, curious.