Ship officer: Sometimes she talks to the Adriatic Sea
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Ivana Jeličić, a ship officer on the Marko Polo ferry in Split, Croatia, observes passengers boarding.
- She notes the difference in excitement between those starting their holidays and those returning.
- Jeličić's observations highlight the human element of ferry travel, even in early spring.
From the bustling port of Split, Croatia, the Marko Polo ferry serves as a microcosm of life's journeys. Officer Ivana Jeličić, with her sun-kissed arms and keen eye, navigates the daily flow of passengers. She sees the anticipation in the faces of families embarking on vacation and the quiet weariness of those returning home. Her perspective, grounded in the everyday reality of ferry operations, offers a unique glimpse into the emotions tied to travel. While the ferry is a functional link between destinations, for Jeličić, it's a place where stories unfold, marked by the simple act of scanning tickets and observing the diverse individuals who pass through her command. The green ramp, lowered like an invitation, welcomes all aboard, each with their own reason for crossing the Adriatic. This snapshot from Die Zeit captures a moment of quiet observation, reflecting on the human connections forged in the transient world of ferry travel.
She can see who is going on vacation and who is coming back.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.