Archiv
CW 43 2002
06.10 - 20.10.2002
Well, and after two weeks there's finally a logbook again. I'm still on the
Isla Margarita with Silver Blue. Since the island has a lot to offer I'll
tell you all about it.
The wind-generator that should have been mounted already is still slumbering
in its box. Buying stainless steel in a quality good enough for the mounting
device is amazingly difficult. But, no haste, "manana", it will
happen some time. Well, I'm not in a hurry, after all, I want to stay here
for a little longer, and obviously I've already adopted that mentality. It
does make life so much easier.
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For those of you who don't remember what I look like, here's a picture: Compared to the usual prices in the Caribbean this island is a paradise. |
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Apart from being able to obtain all kinds of specialities and brand names
from all over the world customs free, it is impossible to spend larger amounts
of money on exquisite menus and wines. And one litre of petrol costs 7 cent.
Although, this price is probably also kept low on purpose to keep the population
quiet, since, as far as politics go, one couldn't say that everything is well
here. The unemployment rate is more than 20%, not counting all those who somehow
manage to muddle through. Nevertheless, the people radiate such pleasure at
being alive and that often leads to nice and friendly encounters.
Unfortunately, just as in other countries, there are also a few people with
evil intentions and therefore unpleasant events also happen close to Margarita.
What happened to me is actually rather funny in comparison. As I return from
a great evening in Polarmar on Saturday, the 12th, I notice that 2 pair of
very old and worn shoes are missing from the cockpit. Nothing else is missing,
apart from a little fresh water and some soap, since the thieves also treated
themselves to a long shower. Probably they were some of the children that
sometimes swim around here, in the bay of Polarmar, at night. The only bad
part is, that someone managed to get aboard Silver Blue without permission,
but I will prevent that in the future. But I'll tell you more about that at
some other time. At the same time, an armed robbery takes place on a yacht,
lying by the island Coche, about 10 miles from here. The owners, a couple,
find themselves confronted by five armed men who first steal all the electronics
and then, as a good-bye, shoot the skipper in the knee. The skipper is already
feeling better, but that really is a nightmare. In general, Venezuela is a
very safe country, but unfortunately there are places one should rather avoid.
Naturally the events are discussed in full on Sunday and support for the couple
is organized. Well, and on Sunday evening a fun night at a Hollandaise restaurant
is already taking place again. So the good and the bad very often do lie close
together.
| Margarita does offer a lot of beautiful (and safe) places, as you can easily see in the picture. |
Especially beautiful and historically remarkable is the fishermen village Juan Griego, where Silver Blue is anchored now. | |
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For a few Bolivar (of course), children loudly tell the villages story in an old fort. This fort, Fortin de La Galera, was used as a defence against the Spaniards who started a slaughter here. Today the fort is famous for its view of the magnificent sunsets.
| The village itself leaves a changing impression, due to its historical buildings | and the usual picture of modern transport, consisting of old American cars and vans. | |
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 A trip in one of those is not only very reasonable but also very funny. There's always plenty of good music and always a friendly chat. |
Beautiful days pass this way and next week there'll be another report, on the beautiful Isla Balnquilla …
… until then, take care
TOM
