I am sharing a poem and the second gallery of photos of the event Sail 2015 in Amsterdam.
Ithaka – Poem by Constantine P. Cavafy
When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon – do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare
emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon – you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.
Ask that your way be long.At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy –
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centres,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.
Have Ithaka always in your mind.Your arrival there is what you are destined for.
But don’t in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn’t anything else to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn’t deceived you.So wise you have become, of such experience,
that already you’ll have understood what these Ithakas mean.
I am sharing the second gallery of the event Sail 2015 in Amsterdam. If you want to see the Day one of Sail 2015, check here.
Sights & Insights 
I love the poem. Such a wonderful message – it is the journey and not the destination that you should treasure. The picture of the mermaid on the boat is my favourite of the photos, though they’re all good as usual.
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It’s a beautiful one! Happy you liked it too. This mermaid is adorable. You’re right. Thanks for dropping by! Really appreciate your support.
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What a wonderful event to have seen Lucile – photography heaven! Intrigued by your poem too and that first image of the sails in silhouette is just gorgeous!
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Thank you, Jane. It’s a fabulous event and I miss it when it ends every five years!
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Another great pairing of poem and photography. Thank you for the poem, I love it!
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Thank you! So happy that you loved this poem.
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Jumping up and down with excitement! Gorgeous photos, Lucile! You have excelled 🙂 So many of these beauties lay at anchor in our harbour 4 years ago. 🙂 🙂 Sending hugs!
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Jo, you’re adorable. That’s a good one to visit in five years! Joining me? Sending hugs back at you! 😀
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Might just! 🙂
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Yay! That sound exciting! I’m the one jumping up and down now! 😘
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Beautiful photos Lucile. The light is stunning. And the I Amsterdam Wheel photo is fabulous! What a great vantage point. And a perfect poem to accompany it. How apt. Life is about the journey, we should treasure it. X
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Why thank you. Absolutely, lets treasure it. Xx
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So vibrant both pic and poem
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Thanks Adrianna! Hope all is well.
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Fantastic gallery! I have seen tall ships many times before, but I don’t remember them being THAT fabulous! I’d be willing to bet it’s your photographic eye that’s responsible for making them look so darn spectacular.
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I’m happy with your super generous comment, Amy. I’m improving and I owe that to people like you who taught me to see beyond my lenses.
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Now you’re just making me homesick for Amsterdam. I loved walking down that pier. I don’t think I got a good shot of any ship. But I had a good time. Do they have that Amsterdam sign along the pier there these days, or do they move it about?
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I try my best to make you homesick.
The sign moves around the city but there two permanent ones. At the airport and at the Rijksmuseum.
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Ah, I wondered. I like at the museum. One of my favorite places to sit and hang.
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It’s also a great place to watch and shoot tourists.
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yeah, when the climb in and out and sit on top…cool shots (but I don’t think I really got a good shot
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We will go there together and I’ll shot you climbing the letters. Deal?
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HA! Deal!
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I made a note of this promise.
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After a stop at a canalside cafe!
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Sounds good.
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Gorgeous pairing of poem and images.
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Thank you so much!
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Gorgeous shots of those tall ships – I have only seen them once, in Karlskrona.
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Thank you, Leya. Every five years they come here, it’s a beautiful event.
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It is.
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the poem is beautiful and so are the pictures. this must have been a great event
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Thank you! It’s a superb event and you should come next time.
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I’d love to, Stefan is a huge fan of boats and water 🙂
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Ok then pencil that down!
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