We were on board the boat at 0800 to ready her for the lift into the water. Only a few minutes later one of the guys from the yard came to ask if we were ready and said they would be starting in half an hour. It’s always so exciting to see the skill involved in them manoeuvring the crane into a space around the boat, with very little to spare. In a short time she was in the sling and being moved, then lowered into the receiving dock. We wondered why the controller looked to be quite deliberately positioning the bow so that the anchor would crash on the quay, until he stopped just before it touched, so we could easily step onboard. Next the sails were delivered, again to make lifting them in much easier. This was all very slick.
All went well moving to our berth and we were able to set
to with further preparations that can only be done whilst afloat.
We have found a small coffee shop, just across the road, frequented by the police and other locals. This was only the second time we’ve been in for coffee, but the proprietor remembered our order, so I think, from now on, we’ll be able to say “the usual”. I suspect it’s the mother, who brings the coffee and water to the table. It was just like “two soups”. Particularly today, a third of the coffee was in the saucer by the time it arrived. We’re now calling her Julie (Walters).
During the day the life raft and life jackets were also returned from being serviced. Regrettably Steve's jacket had a label stuck to it saying "Bugato". We inferred that the life jacket was no longer usable and immediately suggested English words that would give this meaning. You can guess at the most obvious but rather coarse equivalent.
The abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables is fabulous. There are at least three large greengrocers within 10mins walk and you can buy anything from natures harvest at it’s best.
We’re getting to know Sicilian cuisine a little better. I guess it’s not surprising that nuts, especially pistachios, feature a lot. We haven’t had a meal that is anything other than delicious anywhere.
In the restaurant last night a young Asian couple, who
had arrived on a moped, were struggling to communicate with the waiter in English, but we were able to help them by knowing the Italian for “spicy”. We
couldn’t help ourselves, after earwigging the conversation, to pipe up
“picante”. On leaving, they seemed very happy that they had got some spicy fish
and the waiter was very pleased to have learned what ‘spicy’ means.
Miles Today - 0
Miles 2022 - 0
Tricia (and Steve)
Comments
Post a Comment