Five men in a boat
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he first story is about five travellers and their crew who while away a few days sailing in pacific waters among prisitine islands, ancient creatures and starry skies. Far from the everyday world, at the mercy of the waves and fate, the 'uncle', the 'girl', the 'old lady', the 'salesman' and 'Don Diego de la Vega', leave the coast of Flores Island guided by Indonesian sailors and head towards Lombok, passing by Rinca and Komodo and sailing along the coast of Sumbawa.But how did they all meet each other?
Meeting up
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t sunset a few days before our adventure in the small harbour of Labuanbajo-Flores begins, the uncle and the girl arrive in port all worn out after a 12 hour journey in a canoe. After such an undertaking they had visions of somewhere basic to sleep, but these turn out to be a mirage. So what do they do? They're walking along the main road, tired and annoyed, when they bump into three men from their homeland. Solidarity between fellow countrymen assures them a bed and plans are hatched for a boating expedition over a few beers. The group is to be composed of the following members: the 'uncle', who was given his name by the others in the team for his authority, the 'salesman', unbeatable in any business deal, the 'old lady' (very tall and thin, prim and proper with long hair), 'Don Diego de la Vega' (for his uncanny likeness with Zorro - little black beard and all), and finally the 'girl', the only woman in the group. Now they just have to find a crew and start the traditional negotiation process.The deal
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inner date with the potential sailing outfit in an inn in the hills around the bay. The captain and the deckhand introduce themselves and they've brought two women (occupations unknown) for 'dessert.' After two mugs of beer and, the salesmen, who everyone was relying on to land a good deal, loses his marbles and throws himself into a dubious chat up routine. He doesn't realise that the only thing that matters is the price. The uncle, the old lady and Don Diego take control of the situation. They cast adrift the salesman and start to bargain themselves. The girl gets bored sitting next to the deckhand who belches like a dinosaur while he speaks to her but excuses himself and hides under the table whenever he needs to blow his nose. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Sitting opposite her the old lady witnesses the goings on and gallantly trying to distract the deckhand in the hope of redirecting his gas emissions. A great big gecko hanging from the ceiling casts a shadow over the table. Everyone hopes that the pads on his feet have good suction. As the night wears on the combined blood alcohol limit goes way over the limit. The 'dessert' has changed table in search of less romantic clients on the orders of the captain. The group reaches an agreement. We leave tomorrow. A time is set to be at the docks.Departure
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n the morning our five intrepid adventurers show up together with their luggage on the dock of the small harbour of Labuanbajo for their first boat inspection. As far as size and general impression goes, it seems OK....apart from the rust. The crew will provide food as well as transport -excluding drinks..... Excluding drinks? Oh my God! The uncle and the old lady immediately set off in search of a crate of beer - fundamental for the group's survival. They walk towards the village and return heroes after about an hour spent bargaining, and carrying back the precious, heavy crate. Last checks and we weigh anchor. The coast disappears into the distance.The boat heads out into the open sea. On the inside everyone makes the sign of the cross. On the outside, everyone opens their first beer.The crossing
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he first encounter with the waves in the open sea leaves everyone a little worried. Will it be like this for five days? They'll have to wait to answer that. In the meantime, they roll around the boat from bow to stern, they take in the view, breathe the fresh, humid air of the open ocean, they follow the flight path of birds, and get hit in the face with bucketfuls of sea water. The first meal prepared by the ship's cook puts everyone in a good mood: rice, fish, spicey vegetables. We eat sitting on the deck on the bridge, chatting in different languages, sign language included.>>> next