Interview Time! MARIENUS HAZELMAN

I got to visit with 'Rienus' one recent afternoon, and when he told me where he was born, and lived, and a little about his life, well, TK just had to do a proper interview and share a little with you, my wonderful followers. Let me just say, Rienus was riveted by TK's awesome interviewing skills (watch out Barbara Walters!)

Tiny Kona: What do you do on this ship?

Rienus: I'm 3RD Officer - it has to do with the navigation of the ship.

TK: How long have you been sailing the ocean?

R: On this ship, the Amsterdam, since July, with Holland America for 2 years and 9 years total since I graduated from school. (Rienus went on to tell TK he had gotten a scholarship and had a great education and apprenticeship. He took to it all like a fish to water (pun intended) and at eighteen years old was assigned to a huge cargo ship out of Spain.)

TK: What was it that made you interested in the life of a sailor?

R: I wanted to travel, plus, my dad and grandpa were sailors. Since getting an education in the field, along with the time aboard ships, it's been a learning experience that unfolded the career in different directions-more than I expected. I like how my mind was expanded in the mental part, but also love the hands on part. Since sailing on yachts from the age of seven, I have spent a fair amount of time in the ocean.

TK: Where were you born?

R: In Port Vila, Vanuatu, moved to Fiji when I was a year old, then moved to Auckland, New Zealand.

TK :So that means you get to go home THREE times on this cruise! Have you been able to see family in any of the ports so far?

R: Both grandmas, three aunties, an uncle and four cousins were waiting for me in Suva (Fiji). I got to see the hospital where I was born, in Port Vila. I also have a sister in Brisbane, so I will be seeing her and her baby when we stop there next week. Of course, family will also be in Auckland in a couple of weeks, so I am looking forward to that.

TK: What is the furthest country you've been (from New Zealand)?

R: Denmark

TK: What place would you consider a favorite?

R: Thailand, Denmark (loved Copenhagen and areas of northern Denmark) and Bora Bora (TK lets out a sigh...)

TK: Are there any places you would like to visit?

R: I would love to go to St. Petersburg, and Northern Europe would be great. I would also love to visit Viet Nam.

TK: Sooooo, do you have a girl in every port?

R: I've got one in Auckland and one in Suva (pause) both with the last name Hazleman

TK: Are you saying you're some kind of polygaminst?!

R: No! I was referring to my mum and grandmum! (cheeky fella!)

(the bruddah*liciousness of Rienus is starting to make TK crazy so one last question)

TK: What is your cabin number?

R: (Gives TK stink eye, but then breaks in to his wide boyish grin)

TK: Just kidding, you're a little too old for me... Seriously, though, where do you see yourself in ten years?

R: Hopefully a Chief Officer (at the very least). (TK: this guy's ambitious!)

Reinus needed to get busy with work, so I thanked him for his time with TK and I and took a quick photo before he dashed away.I think he's probably one of the more interesting officers on the ship, but then again, the Captain is too busy for an interview...