Manuel Löffler
1. The most important life lesson I learnt from Mike was …
Learning so many new things makes it hard to choose only one lesson. But I've really learned from Mike that we are actually lazy and if we learn to control our mind, our body can do nearly anything. Consequently we are able to do more, do it more efficiently and strive to be the best. So we can achieve the best for us, others and for nature.
2. What will change in your life after this experience?
I'll be even more determined about my future life and profession. I think I'm going to work even harder because this experience has added even more incentives for me to live my life to the fullest and to change something.
3. The best part of this adventure was …
Regarding physical and emotional experiences the crossing of the Homfrey Strait was a phenomenal highlight. Literally we felt that we are all in one boat. We covered a distance of nearly 30 miles together in one little dingy at night. We only saw stars all around us in the sky and reflected on the water surface. Then in the morning we woke up with the jungle and had an amazing sun rise. Shortly after when we got back on the boat we realized that we finally made it on our own together. All though there was a time at night, when our doubts almost swamped our little boat.
4. The worst was …
Leaving the boat so early, the real life we've got accustomed to. Although we also had a really good time in Calcutta we lived closer together on the boat obliged to everyone's duties and fun. At this point we had to say Goodbye to Simon, Tristan and Jacik. There has been no Barracuda fishing, no night talks and no motor kite flights with them anymore. And it was a foreboding what it could feel like when we have to part from each other in Calcutta finally.
5. What will you miss most when you leave?
To be woken up by volcano ash in the middle of the night and then go diving in the incredible reef the next morning. And with the team and my fellow Yeps even the cleaning of the boat was great fun. So of course I'm gonna miss them and the way we encouraged each other and what we've learned from each other and all the experienced and interesting crew members.
6. What did you learn from..
Catherine taught me a lot about other cultures and to be a global citizen. Realizing that her ancestors came from Germany and Persia has shown me how deep our roots are spread in the soil. The way she had designed her studies impressed me very much and talking with her is always fun because she comes up with funny facts from other countries. And of course she taught us the value of chocolates.
Valentina is a language talent and so she probably improved my skills in French and Italian. Well the most necessary basics. She really showed me how to solve communication problems following from different cultural backgrounds. It's funny because some jokes only work in the original language their told in. So it's a real challenge to translate specific terms appropriately. She gave me plan for that definitely.
Reuben taught me that there are no dumb questions. And actually there are none at all. So you just have to dare to do so. Consequently he really showed me that you also have to question yourself and what you are doing. This also opens your mind for others opinions and makes you realize that the best solution is achieved by including all positions.
Mark definitely showed me to not take everything to seriously and be more optimistic. Especially when we talked about our plans he put my doubts away and encouraged me. Moreover he taught me to appreciate holding hands with a guy when we're lost on our night dive. It was a really strong connection between two dive buddies. Maybe one day we will have also a hand in hand large scale project with our companies. Who knows?
Elena took it for the team. Unfortunately she probably got most of the bruises so she really showed endurances and that's what i really respected and learned from her. Because she worked very long and with an obsession for details. So she probably was a really good example that you should never give up.
Lucie had the good advice to order more water because of the spicy food. Although she also comes from Germany we had a lot of stuff to exchange especially regarding differences in school, culture and habits. I was really fascinated about her capability of talking many sentences in Hindi frequently and so she also had some phrases for me.
Florence has shown me that you can shine even when the sky is dark. What I admire the most is how natural and caring she is. To put it short she just has shown how a good friend should be like. Because a friend is not one who gives you chocolate but shares it with you and tells you to stop before you eat to much. Or laughs at you when you've finally eaten to much though. Because swiss chocolate is a real temptation.
Paridhi was the youngest of us all but kind of our leader as we were guests in her country. Thereby it was she who introduced us to the food and who has shown us the hospitality of India. But further she always reminded us to stop looking on issues of developing countries only with the eyes of Westerners. Moreover she made us realize that prejudice only applies for a minority of people in the majority of cases
8. As a Pangaea ambassador, I would like to …
Spread the message and especially encourage other young people to join the project. And of course as a Pangaea ambassador I'd like to raise awareness for environmental issues and local difficulties. Primarily I would like to teach young people to "Switch of and plug in" and show them that doing social, environmental and voluntary work can be even more fun than gambling.
9. What is your life philosophy?
Open your eyes and don't watch the bottom(only)
10. What was the most useful thing you brought on expedition?
I think I have to admit it was my camera. Not only for the great nature shots, but also for taking pictures of calling cards, email-ids etc. when no paper and pen was available. In addition the camera helped me pass the time while I had my "watch".
11. What made me laugh the most was …
Mark alias Steve Irwin fighting the salt water crocodile.
12. What got you through the expedition?
The will to prove myself, take as much experiences and photos as possible and to tell others about it.
13. The five words that describe me are:
Sprightly, ambitious, creative, thoughtful, spontaneous