IT'S ALWAYS THE SMALL PIECES THAT MAKE THE BIG PICTURE
CANALS, CALMNESS and CHALLENGES
Paddled a lovely stretch along the "Rues de Ateliers" and entered into France. Now encountering problems with boat locks. The French forbid kayakers access to boat locks. I feel far away from the North Sea. I am at peace. Hah. The canals are pretty though not much access to the big view of the countryside. Am sitting low.
Encountered strong winds on the "Schelde Rijnkanaal" and found a safe stop in the town of Tholen. I contacted Port of Antwerp and they said I could not pass through the Port. And, further, I could not paddle on the Schelde River. Need a ride. Contacted a kayak club in Antwerp and Steve helped me out with a solution. Jean Marie came and picked me up and the day after I was on the Schelde Canal outside of Gent.....
The Piece Prize spreads hope throughout Europe
Mark Fuhrmann, a 59-year-old Canadian born father of three living in Norway since 1986, has embarked on a 5,600km solo kayak tour from Oslo to Athens, stopping in major centres to reward silent heroes with a modest Piece Prize, and promote positive values, actions and thoughts.
Silent heroes can be anyone of any age. They may run community organisations, be involved with charity work, be a friend to those in need, do good deeds, anything that promotes positive values and demonstrates compassion for others, regardless of the scale of the activity. In short, they are good neighbours, good people!
Below are brief summaries of the silent heroes recognized so far:
Giving back in Bremen
Sylvia Antoulas is a 64 year-old Swiss native married to a Greek and living in Bremen. With her two children grown, she decided to take in a foster child from West Africa. “Ironically, we had to fight the bureaucracy in order to do this good thing, but in the end we managed,” Sylvia tells.
In addition Sylvia pays weekly visits to assists a 95 year-old woman living in assisted care in Bremen. “I take her out on errands, and just talk. Getting out, having someone to talk to, those simple things make a big difference in someone’s life when they have no one else around them.”
Sylvia has also befriended two girls from Afghanistan and Syria, helping them with the local language and tackling personal issues and daily challenges. Topping her efforts off, Sylvia volunteers at a local school library. A super citizen, and a worthy recipient of a Piece Prize of EUR 1000.
Peace Attack: Ground Zero Bremen
The first Piece Prize “Peace Attack” was launched in downtown Bremen. The Peace Attack is designed to startle the citizenry, but in a good way, with surprise offerings of love, caring, and compassion. 20 students gathered in city center to distribute 200 red hearts with messages about peace and caring for others. Piece Prize founder Mark Fuhrmann reports that the first Peace Attack was a success: “We made a lot of people happy – with no injuries reported,” he smiles.
From words to action: Compassion in Copenhagen
The Silent hero in Copenhagen is Ayfer Baykal, manager of Cafe Klare, a night haven for women in distress. Baykal is a former deputy mayor of Copenhagen, so she better than most knows that words may be necessary, but actions speak the loudest.
Cafe Klare is primarily intended as a shelter for the homeless: “We have had women staying with us from ages 18 to 79,” Ayfer says. “The reasons are always different, but they all need help. We do what we can to get them to a better place.”
“Sometimes it can be difficult,” she admits. “I’m human, and you can’t put on a mask or just leave it all behind. I can’t save the whole world, but I can do my best in my own city.”
Refugee aid efforts recognized in Fredrikstad
The first Piece Prize was awarded to Eva-Lotta Sandberg of Fredrikstad, for her work with “Refugees, Welcome to Østfold!”, established to help refugees integrate into Norwegian society.
The modest prize of EUR 650 is intended to help Eva-Lotta help others, providing the necessities of life for those who have not yet gained a foothold in their new country, and to engage them in basic social activities: “Just a cup of coffee, a trip to the store, maybe sharing an extra movie ticket,” she says. “We also provide the very basics of life in Norway, like shoes and jackets, things that we take for granted, but that refugees simply do not have when they come here.”
Hometown help for those in need
The Piece Prize has donated EUR 650 to Stine Carlsen, a mother of three with a full time job who still finds time each week to volunteer in an organization called Hjelp oss å hjelpe, or “Help us to help”, in her hometown of Fredrikstad, Norway.
Help us to help was established in response to a single Facebook status post requesting warm clothing for the homeless in Oslo. The initiative quickly spread across country, and Stine Carlsen is one of those who chose to dedicate her time to helping those in need, for whatever reason.
The silent hero of Gothenburg: “It’s so easy to help!”
Rick Wood, a volunteer at a shelter for homeless women in Gothenburg, Sweden, has been recognized as a silent hero in his community. The Piece Prize awarded Rick EUR 1200 for a charity of his choice, and he chose the Rescue Mission of Gothenburg, who run the shelter.
“After I left work I figured I had to do something,” Rick recalls, “so I called the Rescue Mission and asked if they had anything for me to do.” That was nearly 11 years ago, and since then Rick has been making days a little better for people to whom life has not always been kind.
Rick is living proof of the Mission’s motto: ‘Your time can change somebody’s life’. “There are a lot of retired people with a lot of time and not that much to do,” he observes. “It’s so easy to just pick up the phone. The effort is so little compared to the response. It’s so easy to help!”
Where: Mark will be stopping at, amongst other places, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Bremen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, Nice, Genoa, Venice, Split, Budva, Tirana and Athens. His route will utilize open seas, canals, rivers and other inland water systems.
What next: The trip is scheduled to last seven months. Mark would love you to get involved. To learn more about the silent heroes and become a part of the Piece Prize initiative please see: www.pieceprize.com
Peace Attack: Ground Zero ROTTERDAM
No injuries were reported following yesterday's peace attack by 15 students at the Central Station in Rotterdam.
The attack was the third attack initiated by The Piece Prize (www.thepieceprize.com) of which is visiting 15 cities in Europe to encourage safe and peaceful local communities.
The Peace Attack is designed to startle the citizenry, but in a good way, with surprise offerings of love, caring, and compassion. The students, from the International School of Rotterdam, gathered at the Central Station to distribute over 400 red hearts with messages about peace and caring for others.
Piece Prize founder Mark Fuhrmann reports that the third Peace Attack was a success: I have held Peace Attacks in three cities and instead of sorrow we see a lot of smiling faces and people inspired to make their communities a better place,” he smiles.
15 students from the International School of Rotterdam initiate a Peace Attack to encourage safer and kinder local communities.
Am locked in. Waiting for a solution from A to B. Went for a long walk. Sometimes one just has to accept that things will settle. But it takes time. A girl called Julia is driving 150 km to help me. She arrives tomorrow and will move me from A to B. Dependent on people is difficult. Sometimes I feel merciless. Good learning experience.
APRIL 22
Spent the night at Puttgarden Campingplatz. Woke this morning to winds and sun. I like the sun. Walked some kilometers to find a coffee but no way. This is farm country. Nice though.
Thought: Keep trying. Nothing gets done unless you pursue the final destination, or result. Look at all solutions. There are many solutions that lead to the result. Pursue all avenues. Don't stop. Never quit!!
APRIL 20-21
Left Copenhagen at 13:00. Paddled through the canal and then out into the sea. I didn't get too far. In fact not far at all. High winds, amazing white cap waves and the feeling of helplessness came once again. I camped beside a factory. The next day, April 21, I pulled my kayak some 5 km to a marina. There I asked for advice. Heavy winds forecasted for the next three days. I chose to get a lift from Brøndby Marina to Rødby and catch the ferry to Germany.
I got a free ticket onboard a truck ferry (Scanlines) and crossed from Rødby to Puttgarden.
APRIL 19
Today I met a wonderful lady called Ayfer Baykal. Once a mayor of Copenhagen, she is now active in social work managing a woman's shelter. She told me that there is no formula as to why people end up on the streets. Some come from responsible homes, other from a background of tragedy. Stuck is the word I use when I cannot move forward, when I have few or no alternatives and cannot kayak from A to B. I wonder what word the homeless use, who feel as though they are the least in society.
APRIL 18, 2017
After a rather crazy entry into Copenhagen, the two days spent there were great. About 2 km out of the city, a snow storm and heavy winds came seemingly out of no where. I had to paddle around a sea wall. Though the outer tip was only 500 meters, the waves and backwash were nasty. Sometimes I fell up and down 2 meters. Another rubber duck in the washing machine experience I made it through. Arrived at Kayak Republic, said hi to Malthe who stored my kayak. A couple minutes laters, Pierre, my host in Copenhagen, picked me. He made a great home cooked meal and I rested peacefully, back in civilisation.
APRIL 17
What can I say. From Oslo to Villshäräd, Sweden, I have encountered - for me - the unimaginable. Dense fog, ferocious winds and snow storms, strong currents - the ones that take me out to sea and not in to land -, crashing waves and jagged rocks - these are some of the most perilous challenges. Oh yeah, I forgot the rescue and 70 minutes in icy waters. BUT, like life, the most important aspect of this journey are PEOPLE. Today, I paddled 7.5 km from Villshäräd to Tylösand. After facing heavy winds, I had to give up. Didn't get too far. I needed help from A to B. I reached out to several random people and eventually was sent to a white house. I knocked on the door and I met two wonderful people. Syre (Lief) and his wife Kerstin came to my rescue. I told them about my journey, my cause and my challenge. They opened their home. A warm shower, a hot meal, a nice double bed and some clean washed clothes...WOW. What a difference that makes. Totally dependent on others is not a good feeling, but when someone wishes to help, then you also have to receive it. Kerstin makes a great pasta and has a warm heart. Syre (his nickname) is a handyman, and has all the skills I wish I had. The next day Syre helped me get to Helsingborg. The winds and currents are quite treacherous around a point called Mölla, Denmark. The tide from the Baltic Sea swiftly flows through a small channel...and if kayaking at the wrong time it can be a tremendous challenge. I didn't want to take that risk. Thanks to Syre and Kerstin for making me feel welcome and reaching out. Together we are better......I am starting not only to believe this, but to experience it as well.
Syre and Kerstin to the rescue
The cat.....
EPIC on the Jeep.
APRIL 11 - 16, 2017
I had a great interview with Gothenburg's Silent Hero, Rick Wood on the 10th, and published the video on the 11th - https://youtu.be/Gw7qafYL7JI. Said goodbye to Suzann on the 12th and later that evening David helped me with some shopping and supplies. I spent the night at Escape Kayak club. On the 13th, I kayaked from Gothenburg to Bua, Tangaberg, Tronningenäs, Varberg to a little place called Bua. On the 14th I paddled to Tången and made it to Galtabäck on the 15th. The next day, 16th, I paddled 51 km to Villshäräd.
I woke up in the middle of the night to a major storm and smashing waves 25 meters away. I thought the water would flood my tent. Lesson: Camp on HIGH ground.
APRIL 9
Suzann and her friend David picked me up from the Tusevik ferry terminal, not too far from Kåringon, the Swedish Rescue Centre. Suzann put me up in her home for the next three days. Despite the loss of her husband a couple months ago and in the midst of relocating, she opened her door and smothered me with genuine hospitality. Curry, chicken and soup, she fed me while we talked about life and our journeys. Suzann made a difference for me. She also did a great job on locating a Silent Hero and also lining up an interview with SVT Radio. Her concern was motherly at times :) and constructive. A big hug to you Suzann.
David. What can I say about David. He has the world's biggest heart, likes to chatter and is genuinely concerned about helping others. I really, really like this guy. David drove to get me, bought me coffee, landed a place to store my kayak, and gave me a wealth of solid advice. He took time off work to assist me, line up a short paddle with his instructor friend, and buy supplies. David made a difference and I sincerely appreciate his caring attitudes and wealth of knowledge.
People who make a difference: Suzann and David
APRIL 10
Today I met Rick Wood, Gothenburg's silent hero. What a man. He has been cooking food in a woman's shelter for over 10 years. Gives some 6 hours a week to charity. He said the biggest thing sometimes is just to listen. People seem to have gone to far, impossible to recover, but they just need someone to look at them and listen without prejudice. He didn't want to sit at home and watch TV. He didn't. He is making a difference. Together we are better. Thanks Rick.
Rick Wood (left) retired and ready to give.
APRIL 8
On April 8th after kayaking through some hard weather, I decided to take a break. I choose an entry into land. Due to no local knowledge and no chart to show water depths, I was taken by a 5 mt. wave and capsized. Unfortunately, due to heavy conditions and personal inability, I was unable to come up in the kayak. The Swedish Rescue were notified from a hiker on one of the mountains. After 70 mins in the water, I was tired and chilled. Petter and Anders suddenly drove in out of no where and whisked me on to the rescue boat. After a brief stay in the hospital, I was released. Stayed the night with Swedish Rescue. Anders and Petter were so generous. They did not chastise me or get angry, they just offered their support and care in a professional manner. Thanks guys!!! Sometimes it isn't necessary to state the obvious. People understand when mistakes are made. And, sometimes all one needs is support, not a lecture. (Though constructive criticism is good)
Anders (left) and Petter - two cool guys with great abilities and big hearts.
April 5, 2017
Paddled from Fredrikstad in high winds. Had to keep moving. Paddled 5 km before I had to take refuge on a island called Randholmen. Big thundering clouds and rain on way, then out of the blue was a red outhouse in the middle of the bush. Ran in and kept dry. I paddled a bit further and then had to go into land again at Kuvika for three hours. Finally reached Sildebukta just before sunset. Hard day paddling.
APRIL 3, 2017.
I dag traff jeg to fantastiske damer. Eva-Lotta og Stine. Begge er aktivt engasjert i handlinger av godhet og omsorg og er en "piece" - en brikke i sin lokalsamfunn. Jeg er imponert over hva de få til. Jeg fikk lov å kjøre mat til folk som trengte det. Disse mennesker er normale hverdags Nordmenn. Hadde rørende samtaler og fikk noe fine klemmer. The Piece Prize - sammen er vi bedre. Silent Heroes, folk som jobber i stillhet for at andre skal få det bedre. Takk Eva-Lotta og Stine.
Eva-Lotta - Jobber frivillig med Norsk Folkehjelp som står sammen med mennesker på flukt. I tillegg jobber hun frivillig for Refugees Velkommen til Østfold. 'Det er mange mennesker rundt omkring i vår by som har et behov for å strekke ut en hånd' sier hun.
Stine - leading "hjelp oss å hjelpe" in Fredrikstad. "In the past few years I have delivered food to over 400 people. These are everyday Norwegians who - due to many reasons - have a need for extra support. Helping others takes only a small effort, but makes a huge difference in others lives, " Stine.
April 2, 2017. Up early to paddle. Have to stay out of the ferry lanes. So much fog that I waited for DFDS and Color Line ferries to pass. They did in 30 min intervals. The waves were at least two meters. I could hear the boats but couldn't see them. The fog is like blindness....don't have a clue where you are going after 10 minutes. Check out tracking ( https://locatoweb.com/en/map/single/223297059 ) to see that yes I did go in a circle....
The Silent Heroes tour started 12:00 from the Oslo Opera. I really appreciated the fabulous turnout of well wishers. It meant a lot to me. I said my goodbyes thinking most about the unknown ahead of me. The winds picked up around 1.5 hours into the paddle and waves and headwind slowed me down. Managed only 27 km, thus far short of my first day expectation. Found a little island set up tent and slept pretty quickly.
Norwegian song that says " Min båt er så liten og havet så stor" (my boat is so small and the ocean so large)
North of Drøbak
