Hello everyone!!! We finally made it to an internet cafe. Sorry we have not been in touch for a few days, but internet connection has been complicated. I am sitting in an internet cafe in Monfalcone, Italy to do this posting as we cannot connect at the marina... very frustrating. I had to show my passport to be allowed to get onto the internet! A bit different than home. I didn't realise how reliant I was on electronic communication until I didn't have it any more.
The last few days have been challenging and fantastic all at the same time. Our last few days in Slovenia were very busy. Anthony was working like a crazy man on Shirley Valentine trying to get her ready in time. We discovered that provisioning a boat in a foreign country can be a bit challenging to say the least. Shopping was done by pictures a lot of the time and a lot of guess work. Setting up the boat to live in was like setting up a new home! We now have most of the basics including a dinghy, liferafts, lifejackets, EPIRB etc.. We took a day off to go to Venice once more before we left and caught the last day of the carnival which was spectacular. Lots of photos to come when we get our computer sorted out.
We left Slovenia on the 15th of Feb as planned and had a FANTASTIC sail down to Monfalcone (only about 2 hours to another country!!). Wind was about 10 to 15 knots. For all you sailing buffs, we got up to 8 knots in 15 knots of apparent wind. Shirley Valentine sails well and everything seems to be working OK so far.
Did I say that Anthony has been fantastic! It would be so much more difficult (almost impossible) to commission a boat over here without someone who can help with the leg work and where to source things. Sadly he had to leave us yesterday to head home.
Getting used to this life certainly has it's highs and lows. I am pretty home sick and miss my friends and family and the familiarity of home whilst enjoying the difference and novelty of things here. I am really enjoying living on a boat with hot and cold running water and an electric toilet and shower. It is a real novelty for me..
We have been in the marina at Monfalcone in Italy for 3 nights now as Anthony had to complete some of the commissioning here. Most things are finished but we have to come back next week to have the water maker fitted. We are going to head up towards the lagoons near Gardo tomorrow (weather permitting of course!) to anchor and have a bit of a look around. Looking forward to getting the dinghy out and taking it for a spin although a little nervous about getting used to handling the boat. Craig and I tend to shout a lot when we are anchoring together! :-)
Better sign off now. I have to get a taxi back to the marina as it is a long way from the city centre. Thinking of you all and missing everyone. Will keep in touch as often as possible.
xxxx
Lesley
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Hi Lesley and Craig
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I just love looking for your latest posts and reading of your most recent adventures. As I type this Fonzie is sitting on my lap and I expect to feel the warmth of his drool running down my leg at any moment!Do so hope you are able to get your onboard computer working without too many more hassles. Don't be too homesick Lesley! I know.... easy for me to say; we all miss you both, but are just so proud of you and for you that you have had the courage to make dreams come true! I think of you both very often every day, wondering what you are doing and what it must be like. We are seeing a travel consultant tomorrow with a view to putting a deposit on our tickets. How is your skin Lesley, I hope your have done something positive in order to restore your youthful dewy complexion. Have to go and mow the lawn now (I think I need a slave!) God bless and keep you both, always Love Kaath and Helen