COVID-19
Today is the first time in 22 years that we’re not at Arnold’s birthday. We called him at midnight Dutch time so we could still be there a little bit. He’s in Harlingen with Ella, and she has put up …
Summer 2019
Last week in Martinique, and the Îles des Saintes
Ah yes, the parcel. It’s now three weeks later as I sit down to write again, so I first had to read back to see where we’d left off. At the time it all sounded very simple. It was a Thursday when we sailed to …
Martinique
We were really looking forward to returning to Europe, or rather France in the Caribbean. Partly so we could use our own phones again, but definitely also for the shopping at Carrefour! And it didn’t disappoint. …
St Vincent and the Grenadines, part 2
You already got a little preview in the previous blog, and today is our last day in this island group before we head back to Europe….. The Caribbean version, that is. But first, let’s rewind to mid-January, …
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
I’m at a music festival in Bequia right now (pronounced bek-wee). Today’s theme is Soca, the Caribbean music, and I just heard such a great concert by Bequia Kids on Pan that I wanted to share a little clip. …
Last week in Suriname, we're off (the internet isn't great, so not everything works yet)
Early in the morning on 1 January we weigh anchor and head for the Commewijne River. It starts where it joins the mouth of the Suriname River in the north of the country and winds its way east. Halfway along, a branch …
Arnold and Ella in Suriname
On 23 December the day had finally come: we could pick the kids up from the airport. We were there in plenty of time and wandered around the arrivals hall, where deafeningly loud music was playing by way of welcome, …
No spang - No rush
The first Surinamese words we learn, haha. André and Eeuwe are off on a 3-day ‘school trip’. One day into the jungle, back to basics, and one day with a bit more luxury. Under the personal guidance of Rudi …
You've reached your destination
“So how does it feel?” I ask André, 140 miles out from our Suriname waypoint. “Mixed,” he replies. “On the one hand it’s a shame we’re nearly there, on the other hand I’m looking forward to roti and a …
Las Palmas - Mindelo, Cape Verde
Contrary to what we said in earlier posts, we can’t stay on the hard at the yard over Saturday after all; a few more boats are coming in for repairs. The guys there had always been very friendly, but the boss …
Back in the water after a hard day's work
We’ve been busy all day. Well, since she’s out on the hard anyway, we might as well….. Kees sealed the bow thruster, installed a non-return valve and did all sorts of odd jobs here and there. André …
Boat ashore
The boat is on the hard in Las Palmas! First they clean the hull with the high pressure, so time for some hydration of ourselves: