Archief 2011 (mei)

Kiwi slang had definitely infiltrated the Kok whanau.  Yesterday when Adam caught the Mahi mahi Pete said "Sweet as Pop!"  Today the word of choice has been mint.  It as been an amazing day of sailing.  I finally understand the concept of trade winds. We have been sailing for over 24hours with the wind now nice and steady, the sails tight, skipping along at 6 knots or more. According to Mees we need to slow down. This is actually true since we want to get there in daylight and are currently on schedule to arrive in the wee hours of the morning.  We should be ok however since the wind tends to drop off during my shift.  This is a shame since as the most inexperienced sailor on board (inclucing Mees and Pete) I have to wake up someone for an opinion on what to do. Everyone has enjoyed sailing today and Adam declares it is 'Mintified'.

 
Adam made a yummy lunch with some mahimahi, cocout cream and a mystery vegetable which we traded baby clothes for in Waterfall bay that none of us have seen before.  It looked a bit like a short chubby bumpy pale cucumber.  Once peeled chopped and cooked it had a nice texture, bit like water chestnut. While it was cooking Mees called out, 'Oooh, something smells Mint'.
Afternoon naps have become a welcome part of daily routine for me.  It's a good idea to deposit some hours in your sleep bank when you have the chance. Today the boys didnt seem sleepy so Adam entertained them while Leonie and I got some shut eye.  It was pretty hot so I wasnt sure I had slept until i realised there had been significant amount of droolage.  Since I dont do that when I'm awake I must have dozed off pretty well.

 
The afternoon for Leonie involved making paper crowns with the boys during school time. Saying grace has become a tradition with either Peteor Mees reminding us.  Today we sung grace which was a lot of fun.  After dinner, Leonie and I were discussing our favourite musicals.  This inevitably led to some singing, including some of the hits from Les Miserables and the Phantom of the Opera.  It was a bit like an american idol audition, we sung with enthusiasm but I dont think we would have made it through the first round. I enjoyed it and we didnt get any tomatoes from the audience which is a good sign.  The majority of the crowd may have been asleep by this time but I take that as a positive.
Vanuatu was a fantastic experience, and I cant wait to share some stories once I get home. Only six more sleeps!?  The time has flown by.  I will miss playing games with the boys and stretching my imagination, morning coffee with Adam, afternoon chats with Leonie and being able to see more stars on my night watch that I would have believed possible.  So far it has been Mint and I'm sure the Solomon Islands will not disappoint.

 
(Mum, you will not be surprised to learn  that Leonie has been spell checking my blogs. I am at a slight disadvantage in that the auto correction default is Dutch, but her English is still better than mine).