Monday 11 May 2015

And so to Sicily

In May, Proserpina's month ... I see her with blossoms in her arms ...
Things improve daily on the boat, almost all her blemishes have been smoothed over, she creaks happily in her mooring ropes anxious to be off once more.
We have filled her with soft words (and much music) and each day enjoy delicious meals and quaff a glass or two wonderful Italian wine!
If we have favouring winds we shall set off tomorrow for Sicily ... a long crossing, but our crew has many years' experience.
I still can't do much lifting or dancing, but manage to make a meal from time to time, and assiduously sweep the floor each day (always amazed by the quantity of sand, dust, hairs and breadcrumbs that accumulate in 24 hours).
I learn a lot.
Meditating as I gaze out across the wide waters...
Look forward to walking on land once more (have now been on the boat twelve days, simply pirouetting for exercise!) and have made a list of memorable sites or sights in Sicily.
Taranto, possibly, waits for a future visit...

Tuesday 5 May 2015

May Day and no marches...

We have rounded the heel of Italy and are resting in the harbour (well, one of the marinas) of the Italian Gallipoli.
Beautiful weather and brilliant sunsets.
Our crew (me included) are somewhat stymied by twisted ankle, torn tendon, and intestinal bugs.
But as I lie feeling slightly seasick during our long crossings from port to port, I have much time to muse and meditate.
So that's good, even if my pleasing conclusions don't get written down and just waft away on the wind...
Today is 5 May, Liberation Day in the Netherlands. And yesterday was Remembrance Day, recalling all those killed, murdered, and in other ways who died, in all the wars of the past centuries... (more or less).
We lowered our boat's flag to half mast and stood silent for two minutes.
We do not forget.

Wonderful weather day after day (they say, perfect for sailing!) and I sit happily, confined to the boat because of my sprained foot.
Soon we will sail on to Taranto; hoping for dances...