In brief
In a whirlwind journey, Giulia Baccosi became a ship's cook after a fateful New Year's Eve decision, leading her to a life-changing six-month adventure at sea amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Far from home, she faced challenges, rescued migrants, and navigated isolation while forging a new path in life.
What would you do if you were stuck on a ship, far from loved ones, and you had no idea how - or when - you'd get home? A BBC podcast follows the story of how one young woman's life took an unexpectedly wild turn.It is New Year's Eve 2019 and Giulia Baccosi is at a party with friends when her phone pings. The 31-year-old has recently accepted a new job in Sicily, but isn't sure she's made the right call. My heart was telling me maybe I should reconsider, Giulia says. I look up at the sky and ask the universe for a sign - to let me know if I am on the right path.The message that flashes up on Giulia's phone is from a friend about a cargo ship needing a cook. Feeling adventurous, she accepts the offer, thinking it would be a short trip. However, what unfolds is a tale of unexpected challenges and profound experiences. As the ship sails south from Germany, excitement fills the air until the unraveling of a global crisis makes their journey far more complicated than anyone anticipated. Surrounded by the ocean, Giulia and her crewmates must navigate not just the waves, but the realities of a world in lockdown as the Covid-19 pandemic begins.In this gripping account, Giulia's insights on resilience, uncertainty, and the human spirit shine brightly against the backdrop of a tumultuous ocean journey that ultimately leads her homeward after 188 days at sea.
