Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Translation for Zeilmeisje Laura Dekker on Facebook
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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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A shower with two bottles of water

"Laura, Laura, Laura!" Each time I paddle to shore groups of children come running forward to help me. I don't know what they are saying to me because I don't understand Creole, or Portuguese, or French or any other language they are using. It would seem that everyone here knows about me, and as I walk through thie village here on the small island of Sao Nicolau, I hear my name being called out often. Sometimes entire groups of children have fun as they walk along with me. They tell me stories of which I don't understand a single word. It makes me wonder if they should be doing something else like being in school maybe. To me this is a completely different world here, with the girls carrying heavy things on their heads, small toy cars made out of tin metal and garlands made from plastic bags during the festivals. Even though I find it all nice, I am leaving today for the one place of my whole voyage, that I already know a little about, Sint Maarten. I hope to arrive before Christmas but that depends on everything going well. It is a 2200 miles journey and there won't be much wind. According to the weather forecast this is not likely that it will change. Well, even with small winds I should make some progress. In any case if I stay here lying at anchor, I will never get there for sure. Besides, I am eager to leave so staying ashore any longer is not a real option. Guppy is crammed full with food and provisions, and I have more than enough diesel fuel that I didn't use on my last leg. Also in the last days I have brought fresh water bottles back to the boat. To refill the water tank directly here is not possible so by taking empty Cola bottles to fill up each time I went ashore it did the work. Only two water bottles are needed to take a nice fresh shower when en route.

Bom dia!

Laura