I've traveled a great deal around the northern Atlantic Ocean. Both to the east in Norway and Scotland and there about and to the west in Nova Scotia and Iceland. (which I think of as more west than east). I feel very much at home in this part of the world. The sky looks 'right' to me in the land of my ancestors. It doesn't take me long once off the airplane to pick up the accents of the northern latitudes. I love the North!
But to travel in the northern waters by ship, especially a small one is a distinct experience. In Iceland at every port stop we were always greeted on the dock. Icelanders just like the people of Norway, always greet people who arrive by sea. You see them standing there as the ship is tied to the dock and the gangway set. They stand very quietly, politely. They aren't like those folks in the Caribbean who are eager to sell you something on the spot.
No these people of the North greet you with a look of longing. Perhaps they are remembering all those folks who went away by ship either for immigration or fishing and never returned. They shake your hand, perhaps give you a card with their name on it, but they are so quiet. They greet you! It's something that you never, ever forget.
When you sail away, look, someone is standing on the dock, watching, waiting. No ship should ever leave without someone to wave good-bye. It pulls at your heart and you vow to come back, to be the one who returns. Sometimes you do. But then if you are like me....you leave again.