Pala Pala – journey to the atoll

Georg I. Hindersson

Three young men with completely different backgrounds meet at Kastrup Airport. They board a plane destined for Hong Kong, where they will board the ship M/S Igadi.

On their way out to the anchored ship, the three young men spot a beautiful junk. Eventually, they realize their dream of owning one. They start their own business and buy a storm-damaged junk. They name it Silver Cloud. They fill the boat’s hold with goods that might be in demand out on the islands, and have good help from former owner Hakka, who accompanies them on the journey. Along with Hakka comes superstition, which the northerners regard as nonsense but which the locals take very seriously. Silver Cloud has a bad reputation after the storm damage and is classified as an unlucky boat.

Heikko is the captain on board and takes care of navigation. Wallter is the company’s CEO and the one who arranges the money. Red Jens does the talking and is a tough negotiator in bartering.

Eventually they reach the atoll of Pala Pala, a little gem in the Pacific, and the islanders welcome them with open arms. The men arrive just before the famous full moon celebration. The island’s place of worship is important to the islanders, which affects the course of events. Heikko, the main character, experiences beauty at its most beautiful, but also the harshness of life at its worst.

The author Georg I. Hindersson is a sea captain with many years of professional experience. Among other things, he worked for two years in the Far East. He is already known for his short stories with maritime content and for his novel “Röd Sand” (Red Sand), which was published in spring 2005. With his painterly language, he gives the reader a strong sense of presence. “Pala Pala – Journey to the Atoll” is the second independent part of an intended trilogy.