April 16, 2022

Refugees Aboard the Volendam


Refugees Aboard the Volendam
A luxurious and expensive floating device.  Pexels, Matthew Barra. 

Holland America, a well-known luxury cruise line, made a contribution to the humanitarian effort for Ukrainian refugees. In March, Holland America president Gus Antorcha was asked by Dutch government officials if any ships would be available to house Ukrainian refugees. This after the Dutch government committed to taking in 50,000 Ukrainian refugees. 

Antorcha said yes, and offered up the ship Volendam, captained by Ryan Whitaker, which will be able to provide shelter to approximately 1,500 Ukrainian refugees for about three months. The ship will be docked at Merwehaven port in Rotterdam. Not only is shelter being provided, but Holland America has vowed to provide hot meals, fitness facilities, housekeeping, and even internet access. 

The Volendam had been booked for three trips, which are now being canceled, and ticketed guests are being given other accommodations. The Volendam will resume its usual service on July 3.

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Life Stories: Original Fiction By Russian Authors

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The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.
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