Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
Thursday, November 25, 2010

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Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
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Another whole week before I start on my next crossing from Sao Nicolau to Sint Maarten. I am really looking forward to it. I should be at sea for about three weeks during which all that will really matters will be to keep going straight ahead. All along the way the wind should be coming directly from behind. But for sure it is not a bad idea to check on course from time to time. All in all it should not be too difficult. Before I go I will check everything on Guppy, and I already have bought enough provisions when I was in Gran Canary. So I have enough time in front of me to fill up with Diesel fuel here in Sao Nicolau. The mountains here are grat and the greenery is plentifull. Along with other world circumnavigating boats I am lying at anchor off shore. This afternoon I exchanged many charts with another solo sailor, a German. I also have been on a walking tour in the mountains with a couple of other sailors. I almost died from muscle soreness after that which explains why walking is not one of my favourite occupations but still it was great. Around here you get a first idea about Africa is like. The only thing 'western' here is the telephone. Besides that everything is different: the houses, the roads, the nature and the people. Everyone here lives on the street all day and seems to laugh all the time. Many girls my age already have children. I learned this when I went to play soccer with some of the girls who simply settled their kids on the sides of the playing field. It is strange to think what my life would have been like if I had I been born and then grew up here. Oh well yes, this won't happen in a zillion years!

Regards from the nice and warm Cape Verde Islands,
Laura