By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor

Life onboard Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair docked at Doha Port until October 20, is both a blessing and struggle, says Ruben Aardema, a member of the nearly 400-strong volunteer crew drawn from nearly 55 nations.
“It is a blessing that I have got a fair understanding of life in a multi-national society during the past one year while it is a struggle to adjust to the different cultures,” the 18-year-old from The Netherlands told Gulf Times.
Aardema, who came onboard in September last year upon completion of his high school, is scheduled to stay until August 2014.
“I wanted to do my ‘gap year’ onboard and pursue higher education later abroad,” said the youngster who is currently working in the book fair section of the ship since September this year.
One of the youngest volunteers currently onboard, he would like to study international relations or logistics, a decision prompted by his life on Logos Hope.
“I came to know about Logos Hope through a friend of mine whose parents were onboard,” Aardema recalled.
He has to contribute 1,000 euros a month to stay onboard. Friends and family are supporting him, with different individuals taking turns each month.
All volunteers onboard Logos Hope have to pay for their stay. The amount varies depending on their country.
Ongoing operational costs are largely met by the sponsorship of the volunteers, donations, and goodwill expressed through waivers and reductions in fees by civic and port authorities.
Apart from working on the ship, the volunteers participate in humanitarian relief activities in many countries. This includes supplying material aid, creating awareness of health risks, and donating educational literature.
Despite the diversity of the onboard population, Logos Hope’s kitchen, also manned by volunteers, serves the same menu for all.
“For example, it is a western breakfast of cereals and bread, and for lunch there will be rice and bread,” said Aardema who loves to experiment with the local cuisine at each port of call.
“I liked the Arabic food, especially shawarma, pita bread and all the sweets,” he recalled, citing his experience from Muscat, where Logos Hope docked before coming to Qatar.
Cat Tse, the ship’s media relations officer, grew up in England after her parents migrated from Hong Kong. “This is my first ever media job and but for Logos Hope I would not have got this experience,” she observed.
Tse has to pay $1,000 a month for her stay onboard. Friends and family are supporting her through monthly contributions.
Logos Hope arrived in Doha Port last Thursday carrying a stock of half a million books in more than 5,000 titles from a wide variety of topics at affordable prices.
The range of subjects covered by the book fair includes science, sports, hobbies, and family life. There will be a selection of Arabic titles too.
People can visit the ship until October 20, from 2pm to 10pm daily. There is an exclusive session for women on October 16 from 9am to noon. Entrance fee is QR2. Entry is free for children under 16, but must be accompanied by an adult.
All visitors to Logos Hope should take a shuttle bus from the parking lot of Doha Port, next to the Museum of Islamic Art. National ID or passport is needed for entry into the port.
Logos Hope, operated by GBA (Good Books for All) Ships e.V., an international, charitable organisation registered in Germany, is Qatar for a second time in three years. The ship received over 44,000 visitors during its first visit to Qatar in February 2011.
Logos Hope’s sister ships, Logos and Doulos have visited Qatar repeatedly between 1971 and 2006. Since 1970, GBA Ships has welcomed over 42mn visitors up the gangways in over 1,400 port visits in over 160 countries and territories around the world.