We're in the North Pacific and I've been wandering about checking on containers. No wonder friends worry about my travel habits.
For instance, here's a CMA CGM container on which someone, somewhere, left their mark to crisscross the world. A container can last ten years or more, which in itself is interesting, given the punishment from salt water and rough handling. Anyway, these handprints will pass through scores of countries. How many people will notice the mysterious hands? There's a story here, but I'm too lazy to write it.
Of more import (and I do mean import as in importing into the United States) is this container with Chinese characters.
Amber had more empty than full containers approaching China (including Hong Kong) and South Korea, but, heading for the States, is carrying 3,200 loaded TEU out of a possible 4,400. There's a recession and Amber isn't full, but this is the massive China-U.S. trade gap in action. Here is what the headlines are all about, the impact of economic globalization.
So, let's briefly return to Chiwan, Shenzhen's port. These terminal workers doing a hard, dangerous job (opening twist-locks) are the final Chinese hands in the process of dispatching products from China to the world.
They keep at it right through the night.
In 1865, American James Lawrence, who I quoted earlier, arrived in China:
"Our first contact with the Chinese introduced us to their indomitable energy, perseverance, and industry." (China and Japan, and A Voyage Thither 1870)
George Hamlin Fitch, a San Francisco newspaperman, visited China just after the revolution that overthrew the Ch'ing dynasty:
"What profoundly impresses any visitor to China is the stamina and the working capacity of the common people ... Certainly should they accept modern methods of work ... the markets of the world will be upset by the product of these four hundred million." (The Critic in the Orient 1913)
At the Chinese end of the supply chain that has led to the Amber, this worker deserves a short break.
I hope those workers properly secured the containers, because a strong Pacific swell means rolling. Ponderous, pronounced, heavy rolls. You think you have the movements timed, but then a sudden jerk says no. The sea isn't dramatic, but is insistent. My morning shower was exciting and crashes in the galley have Fred and Jayson tidying up. Even crew members say sleep is difficult.
Amber's on a 'great circle', taking her towards the Aleutians. A chilly sunset.
There's that damn tune again.
"Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset,
Swiftly pass the years ... "
