13 October 2010
A tot of rum and a basket of fresh fruit. This was presented to us by Suzana the minute we were rafted alongside Tzigane. We toasted each other on our latest landfall. Irene (Tucanon) was waiting on the dockside to invite us for sundowners that very night. It is so good to be amongst friends. They have invited every single boat for drinks on their arrival. Surely they will be the recipients of the ultimate rally hospitality award. They certainly get my vote....
Coming into Port Louis was a culture shock after the complete lack of sophistication and isolation of Cocos Keeling. But it was important and necessary for us to come here and not just for two weeks rest and relaxation. We needed shoreside facilities, power and water, gallons of it, to wash the boat. She was heavily caked in salt. Looking around the Caudan Marina basin, everyone was drying out. Boats were stripped of bunk cushions, carpets, lockers emptied, wet weather gear hung out to dry, lifelines festooned with laundry. Our own bow lockers were two inches deep in water. All the sail bags and spare warps were brought out on deck to dry in the sun. Paul had negotiated a brilliant deal for us. Two weeks free berthing! Being right on the waterfront we make quite a spectacle. Everyone (nearly), has dressed overall and our presence has created much interest from locals and tourists alike. Our next priority was to make repairs. We replaced a couple of suspect halyards, and the genoa pole was taken away and returned one hour later, a perfect repair. Everything is here for us. A good hotel for internet and fine dining, shopping malls, bars and restaurants and costs are very reasonable compared to the grossly inflated prices of the Cocos Islands. Every night David and I sleep like logs but still rise in the morning feeling tired. We have been living on an adrenaline high for the last two weeks. Now, metaphorically speaking, we have "come down to earth" and it will be a few more days before we are ready to see around this island.
Because the racing start was abandoned on this leg Paul and Suzana are holding a prize giving with silly prizes. I really love the silly prizes and every boat is to receive one. What I wonder will ours be? We have much to look forward to.....
Susan Mackay