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Anchored off Ilha do Boavista was a restful night, a game of Scrabble to end the evening. Pele (the stove) was shut off for the night to cool for cleaning in the morning, so a cold breakfast for the crew. Captain Eliza and I took the small boat into the village so she could do paperwork and I could find some produce. Hark! A mercado municipal! They opened at 7:30 and a few women were outside waiting, private pick ups drove up with items from local farms in feed bags, melons, vegetables, herbs and fruits. Once open, the haggling began, I'm just sorry I don't speak enough Portuguese to participate in the discussion. I had pretty well negotiated the sale of melons, tomatoes, potatoes and apples, when a handsome woman my age and size approached saying," Are you English? Can I help?" I was so relieved, what a blessing she was. A beautiful brown native BoaVistan, she took great pains to assure me that the island I see now is little like the island on which she grew. She had spent time in Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain working to live well here at home. She's living here again now to help take care of the old people, but the younger people here are part of the swell from other places. "You will know the true BoaVistans by their hospitality and kindness, the new people haven't learned our ways." She was so gracious and helpful with my conversations with the other ladies and my purchasing. I am so grateful she came forward, she truly exemplified the character of her country as warm and receiving. I also bought local bananas, papaya, cucumbers and herbs. Then I hauled it all to the dock, I must be crazy. I'm so sore now.
Returning to the boat, all the other company took off for shore; I stayed aboard and put things away. Tonight we'll have pesto with fresh basil from the mercado with blessings for Joanne and gratitude for a safe passage to our destination.
Now the sails are raised and the starboard tack is beating us silly. Soon we'll gybe and I'll be able to start dinner. My love to my people. HK
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