Basketball is the national sport in the Philippines, but while at sea, many seafarers rarely get the chance to play. So it was a real joy for a group of Filipino crew members to take advantage of a longer stay in the port of Emden and finally hit the court again.

On a quiet, somewhat hidden basketball court – and in what was, by German standards, remarkably good weather – the long-awaited match took place. The day ended with a relaxed barbecue hosted by a local church community, where we shared food, stories, and laughter.

The crew is already looking forward to the next extended stay in Emden – and to the next game!