Maniana?

Ahoy,


yesterday was for the most part a wasted day. Having said this I did catch up with a friend, Graham on yacht Isabella and his rather formidable looking crew. I waved them off at Marina Sucka, where I would wait for the delivery of my head gaskets, eight hours later and having twiddled the skin from my thumbs, my gaskets had not arrived and I returned to the Ol' Girl. A cab ride across town feeling frustrated, bored and very hungry.

Without a second thought as soon as I arrived at Nauta Coruna I headed straight to the bar for a cold beer and some Tapas. Before long Manolo the very sympathetic mechanic that is helping with the Ol' Girls ticker arrived, we exchanged views about Marina Sucka.

Again it seems the world did not want me to feel too low, as Monolo's wife Maria had bought some Spanish food for me, in fact the most food the Ol' Girl has ever had in her stores.

The following day Manolo unbeknown to me, took his rather swish BMW motorbike for a one hundred and forty kilometer round trip to collect the gaskets for the Ol' Girl. Unbelievable sympathy. The next surprise was that Danny, who manages the pontoons and his family had brought food for me, a shopping trolley full, this was becoming surreal, I was being treated so well and with such consideration I felt like I must be someone else, such absolute hospitality and caring.

Not one day has passed here at Nauta Coruna where I have not been surprised by a kindness from one or more people, it almost seems as though there is some social tradition, custom or etiquette concerning the kind treatment and bearing of gifts to travelers. So my sincerest thanks to Manolo, Manuel, Danny, Maria the staff at the bar and in point of fact everyone that I have met. May I apologise to everyone for not listing every gesture as the list would be so long I fear I would not be able to complete it.

Each place I have visited so far has been difficult to leave, Nauta Coruna is certainly no exception and without making this a competition, may be the most difficult to date.

Thanks to Manuel Farina Garrido or "Manolo the wizard of engine's", the engine on the Ol' Girl is not only fixed but has never sounded better, he has worked from the heart and I am unable to thank him enough.

The Ol' Girl is ready, sails are good, the tanks are full, water and diesel, the lockers are brimming with food, I have the charts (thanks Maria) and we have plenty of Earl Grey Tea.

So I am about to leave, or rather tomorrow morning I show my rudder to this Marina and all the charming people, I hope I can return one day and thank them again.