One more day, day 12, november 11th 2010

We were actually menat to leave today but due to some minor missing things as registration paper, anchor device and late night light trouble yesterday we postponed our trip with one day, so we will leave tomorrow November 12^th.  We also did some final repairs on the dinghy and did a small ride in the harbor again – nice with wind in the hair in between all the incredible big expensive sailing ships.

I was out looking for repair kit for the small whole in the dinghy – no luck though and went out on mission gas for cooking which was ended up on a 1 ½ hour headhunt in gas stations.

But now we are ready!

So hereby a farewell to you dear reader – heading out for the sea, wind and new destiny. Santa Maria, Cape Verde here we come!
Make the best of it and met you again in about 10 days. 

Shopping , Day 11, November 10^th 2010

This day today was meant to be mainly shopping day. Well we did shop ½ of a Lidl store 15 min away from the harbor, but the morning became an obsession for Gunnar and me to repair the dinghy. We took the motor from each other like the good old moped days when going on a moped repair teenage school in the evening back in the 80’ies. In the end it started to work better but not complete to our satisfactory but time was over noon and we had to move towards the shopping as we needed to fill up proper provision for what could end up in 10 days on the seas. More than 80L of drinking water, soft drinks, coffee, milk, tea, 8 bottles of wine, pack of beer, vegetables, fruits, sausages, cereals, bread, rice, pasta, can food,  and a ton of snack such as chocolate, cakes, biscuits and you name it. This was just apart from what was already have inhouse the boat. It was not empty at all, so no wonder we joked about starting up a restaurant in Cape Verde - Two big carry wagons and then some – still the total price ended at €155,- which was super over big-time-Lidl-cheating-yourself-cheap. We got on a Mercedes taxi home which was pointing its nose pretty much up heavens and was stock a little in some traffic due to high waves banging in on the shore with such a power that it reached the road and had caused an accident – mighty power!
The rest of the afternoon was filled out with checking safety things, self steering system, preparing sails, checking lights etc.
To accompany our dinner we decided to test a bottle of some cheap table wine we had bought – read less than €1,- per bootle! It turned out to be über nice to that price. Not bad at all. Actually so good that Sheilah began to talk to the fishes;) No, she apparently loves fish and they were suddenly jumping around the boat… maybe because some chicken had “fallen” down from dinner;)

We were invited to Dorthe and Jespers Swan 43 food boat – beauty – and ended a new mighty fine day in a good and cosy company with wine and good stories.  

Gunnar by Afriki - just re-named to Sheilah in the harbor of Las Palmas.

A productive day and diving, day 11, November 9^th 2010.

We got up around 8.30 and Sheilah spoiled us with eggs and bacon. Just by sitting in the cockpit zipping to your hot coffee watching the sun reflecting in the calm waters you knew that this was going to be a gooood day. I started out with cleaning the front cabin where I am sleeping and taking the “madras/pillows” I am sleeping on out in the air for a refresher. My bed is very spacious, you could sleep 2 persons even if you don’t like each other that much.. you know. Gunnar even said that 2 persons and a child can sleep there but I replied that I’m do not plan to stay that long;)
A lot of dark beautiful wood is dominating the inside of the ship giving it the charm and scent this lady from 1976 possesses. Outside she is white and blue, has a big shell and I say some Venetian style… or should I say romantic curves.

After the cleaning I went with Gunnar to some of the boat stores in the harbor to buy life buoyant, reserve tank and other stuff. Next thing we did was to blow up our “dinghy” which is the small rubber boat most sailors have. This will take you around in the harbor and into land when anchoring. We got it into water and attached the 10HP Yamaha motor which is totally hip painted – Christiania in Copenhagen would love it – flowers on a pink background:) The engine had not been started for maybe a year or so but we got it running pretty quick. However it was only running when giving it plenty of gas/choker and air was disappearing from the bottom of the rubber boat. I didn’t stop Gunnar and me to take the dinghy out on a tour in the harbor (Sheilah was out fixing passport and papers for us to leave). We went to the “sail by” gas station and filled up 13L in the tank… well must admit we had to paddle some of the way cause the engine decided to pass out, but this was officially our first tour on the water.       

Safely back on gangway G again, next mission was initiated; I was going to dive under Afriki who actually was renamed the same day to “Sheilah” – the captain had gracefully decided to name the sailing boat after his soul mate on board and new name was painted in red with a little hint of orange. I loved it, not only is it a beautiful name, the boat now had both red and white which touched my national heart:) The boat was left with a great bunch of equipment including diving stuff and the oxygen cylinder was luckily all full. So I jumped in the approximately 22 degree water and although harbors not exactly are well known for clean waters you can easily spot steams of fish here so I guess the water was not that bad. It was a wonderful feeling to stick your head under water and force your brain to breathe. I got some extra weight on my belt (water is very salty which keep you floating) and went about 1,5 meters down under the boat. Fantastic. It’s just a whole new universe even though nothing exotic could be spotted. It was more low visibility and propellers of ships passing by but just to be down surrounded by sound and water was YEAH! Now as Sheilah CV (I put CV for Sheilah from Cape Verde so you know which of the Sheilahs I am talking about) has been left for sales in the harbor the last half year with no movements her belly is pretty nasty and the propeller was stuck with stone, snails and other indescribable stuff which I had to scrape off or we could possibly have problems when sailing for motor. Since it is about 10 years since I dived last time I highly enjoyed it.   

In the end of the afternoon still having my red Baywatch shorts on I decided to clean the deck which for me like vacuum cleaning comes out most satisfying when you actually can see how far you are and this was indeed one of these experiences.

When the sun went down around 19.00 we sad in a bar overlooking the harbor drinking beer and checking emails. We were supposed to go to a restaurant but had to wait for more than an hour as it only opened at 20.00! Welcome to Spain!:) Gunnar had invited and paid for the great dinner we had later on. I guess he was satisfied with my duties although it for me doesn’t directly feel like work – I am learning a lot as wished for and love my new “family” here. I worship the boat as was it mine and on top of this feel they respond to their new crew in such a motivating, free way which also include everybody sharing everything - from work to free time. No one to fine for specific duties on board. Its true teamwork and the captain as the experienced man that has been on the seven seas the last 45 years also a lot to give and best of all; he does it in a very patient smiling way.    

Perfect platform for new adventures.  

Going on board, Day 10, November 8^th 2010

I had a big time heavy walk down to the port – 90L of back pack on my back, breaking point stuffed hand bag in the front and two plastic bags with food & wine. I was heavy loaded indeed.  Reaching Afriki, Sheila and Gunnar, I installed myself in the front of the ship and was served coffee and cakes. The atmosphere was just as good and relaxed as the first day I met them and Gunnar even pointed out that contrary of what we sailors often have to face which is the fact that we actually pay for working on board and having the honor to go with a boat, he actually wanted to pay me! However that was just totally against my expectations so we concluded that we just would keep it even then. It isn’t a crucial point as good company and chemistry is but it filled me with respect and honor.

In the evening Sheilah made some really nice chicken and rice food which we enjoyed with some bubble wine. Totally relaxing and I was positive that I had found my new right home and the luckiest sailor in the harbor! I came down here trusting my destiny and I must say I am a 100% satisfied!!!

I fell asleep already around 23.00 and was surprised how quite it actually was in the front – no noises from bin collectors, dogs, shouting people, televisions, etc.. just slowly bit of rocking and something in the distance… which could also have been a “noisy” dream;)

Sunday - Day 9 – November 7^th 2010

 A real Sunday is a day where things happen slowly. There is space, well actually there are no strings attached controlling whatever wild fantasy or deep thought in your mind. On top of that they just come unfiltered out of your mouth. The body is in a mood of total relaxation eventually combined with some coke and McDonalds. This was the Sunday I woke up till and I came up with some points on when  you know the night out was a good night out:

-          You wake up with a dry taste of beeririnha in your mouth and find that your cloth is still on

-          You have to check when the last text message was send from your phone to get indications of when you went to bed

-          All pocket money is gone

-          Blurring memo clips only available

-          When you have a Swede admitting he couldn’t handle the amount of alcohol;)

A Sunday like this is very nice breeding ground for a fun day. After some light breakfast with plenty of juice the beach was the only reasonable activity of the day. Even though we only were three persons walking the 1 kilometer stretch to Cantenas Beach and back with approximately 1 hour beach time it doesn’t stop you for spending 6 hours doing that. I have to admit it includes a fast food visit, coffee stop and not forgetting the time spend deciding what to do. Note that CPU power often does not exceed 5-10% on a particular day like this.
For the log I made the following observations:

-          Even though you walk next to each other we proved that you easily can get lost from each other

-          Germans do like to play with Sunday Ice and simply do not understand the English word “girl”. They tend to hear “bird” or even “dog” instead. I tell you that is distinct German characteristics on a Sunday!      

The day beautifully faded out together with some music and that happy feeling on board.  Like what you should do every day huge warm hugs was beamed up to whoever receive stuff like that. Thanks.

Saturday night fever – Day 8 - November 6th 2010

Life is a party – especially on a Saturday. With the group of now 1 week old friends we were perfectly shaked together for the big night. First though we had a perfect warm up: chilling out by the beach of Cantenas in Las Palmas the whole afternoon, swimming (my Sanyo camera is not a virgin to water anymore;) licking up the sun, semisleeping a bit and just  watch life on the beach if you know what I mean… Like the situation which somehow reminded me of a scene in the James Bond movie “Die another day”, where Halle Berry walks out the water in Cuba in an orange bikini – gorgeous moment in the movie. Reality here though was a topless mama slowly marching up from the waves which she probably done the last 60 years – nothing wrong with that. But it did not have to be like that.. right in front of my eyes It was cruel! Ctrl-Alt-Delete; my memory will stick with Halle!! :)

Best of 007

After the whole afternoon chilling together catching some tan I came back to the email from Sheilah confirming my email with my confirmation I did send in the morning. I went straight to the supermarket and bought some champagne for the evening.

Now we were ready for some drinking I discovered that my Swedish 007 friend was positive that he could take me down in drinking. Actually so self assure that he on Facebook posted “tonight I will show the Dane how to drink and where the closet should be placed” (the closet thing I guess is a Scandinavian thing symbolizing who is in command and controlling the situation).  There were just two factors the dear Swede did not count in. Cause not only was he challenging a Viking fighting Dane, he also picked the one wearing both a black belt in Taekwondo and drinking – I guess 2 seasons on the Island of Kos, Greece as travel and party guide doing several pub crawls, and foam parties a week does make you stronger. Poor Sweden did not have any clue what he was going to face;) Of course we also in the most friendly and funny way as brothers being Scandinavian neighbors mandatorily had to play with our national muscles. I know and admit that Denmark sidewise is in the smaller league of the world countries but many forget to realize that we in the past also size wise was huge. Both in the time of the Vikings actually discovering America long time before Columbus and conqueror of northern Germany, England, US Virgin Islands, some eastern territories, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Estonia, Norway and SWEDEN!! Quite a paradox that we then in the end finish being such a small country. However it’s not the size but the heavy duty that counts right! As brother Sweden did not recognize this I at some point had to verbally show him where to sit down and therefore decided to touch ground with the mother of all national feelings; the flag. I announced that Sweden did not deserve the cross in their flag – should just be blue with some yellow spots:) It apparently was bulls eye as when he managed to stop laughing raised the white flag and stated that this was his greatest insult he had in his life! It was a proud moment:). Now we had that settled we could continue drinking and so we did. Beers mixed with wine and the other way around (even though we had the German girl trying to kindly help us out with: “beer auf wine lass das sein”) and I popped a bottle of champagne to celebrate my assignment with the Afriki.
Suddenly it was 1 o’clock and we had to move downtown – first hitting the Habana Club bar which I also visited when I arrived last Saturday. We had to indulge ourselves in a “little” caipirinha – just to prove to the others that you were all in. By that time only the very tough part of the Hostel group was left; Sweden, Germany, Holland and Denmark. To show mercy on Holland we decided to obey some dutch beers in the Heineken Bar. Pretty undercover “bar”. It was a hard pumping disco, full of vibrating life and a happy young crowd including 2 lesbian girls who were ALL over each other. We got a perfect spot on the corner of the bar where you could watch things like this and stare at dancing persons on the first floor. Here is where you need to do back up on your memory as recording often seem to be gone the day after the day.
Get yourself to Day 9…

This all took place on our beloved rooftop terrace in the hostel. Award winning atmosphere and company. Italy, Denmark, Bulgaria, Sweden, USA and Germany represented here.

Afriki from Sweden – Day 7 – November 5^th 2010

Today was dedicated to the Sailors Bar with the Swedish fellow. Sailors Bar is the place to hang out in the harbor. Lot of captains, free internet and a great sandwich for just €2.35 - then you don’t need more convincing. Five hours easily goes by with internet and good company. 

At 17.00 hours I had the appointment with the Swedish couple searching for a crewmember. I met them at port G exactly five minutes before and walked with them to the boat “Afriki”: a charming 36 foot boat with a lot of wood and scent of history inside. Sheila and Gunnar proved to be really nice and easy going couple which I immediately felt confident to be around. They had originally planned to have one of their sons on board with them but since he was occupied with his business they needed a stand in and I had no problem in being stand in for their son at all.
Afriki just finished a two year world tour with a Canadian guy who left the boat in Las Palmas where they had invested in the boat one month ago and arrived here themselves just a week ago so they were in the phase of checking up on the equipment before leaving probably around November 10^th.

What I also found positive was that being in such a tight team of just the three of us will leave me with much more experience and also great to experience their virgin tour with the boat as well.

The destination is Sal in Cape Verde where they have a house and plan to stay away from the nasty Scandinavian winter until April – not bad idea I must give them. My initial dream was to go to Brazil but after they told me about the place I felt no rush at all:) Ships pass here though going to Brazil so should also be possible to go there if I decide. Cape Verde is also Portuguese speaking so it suits me perfect to refresh that language.

Leaving the boat after 1 ½ hour of talk we decided that we both would confirm to each other tomorrow and they also had communication with someone in Sweden but I think both parties felt quite assured about the situation. I definitely felt very lucky and happy about the whole situation. Now I can’t wait until Monday when I we have agreed that I will move in if we both agree. I will be having the front cabin with double bed and quite spacious for the boats limits. My mind is already there...

Coffee and boat offer - Day 6 – November 4^th 2010

I have now officially been on the lookout for an ocean crossing sailboat in 6 days. Some days more intense than others but today I had the great pleasure to actually get on to two boats. The first one was Pinton, a Danish sailing boat waiting for their sons to join. Walking the harbor the different gangways are usually locked and you cannot actually go to the boats. But I by coincidence caught the eyes of Dorthe standing 50 meters out on the gangway, a Dane I met together with her husband in the Scandinavian club. She dropped her ongoing cloth washing and invited for coffee immediately. So nice to sit in the cockpit of their boat feeling some waves, drinking coffee and chatting in Danish. Her husband Jesper showed me their electronic equipment and the coming weather forecasts. I really appreciated their hospitality – it was “hyggeligt” as we say in Denmark (Impossible to translate but something like cozy times 10).

Me, Dorthe and Jesper in their boat

Later I was posting more flyers and at a telephone box a guy approached me. He was on the way to Fortaleza, Brazil which is exactly what I have been hoping for. I joined him to the boat together with some Swedish girls I got acquainted with and he asked me to bring them along...
The crew was from Croatia and Slovenia. 4 guys but only the one I had been talking to spoke English. The boat was a beautiful 52.5 foot Dufour which they were sailing to Brazil in order to be chartered out. As the crossing for me not is transportation only but should be a great adventure with the right company I decided not to take this opportunity. But they did offer a beer and it was surely nice to for the second time today be seated on a boat.   

For today’s hostel news I can report that three more persons arrived and quite spectacular nobody did arrive to look for a boat! Germany was represented by a girl who was purely on relaxing vacation, Italy by a salsa loving dancing guy and a fellow from Poland who wanted to find a job in the area as cook or whatever popped up. On the attractive rooftop they several times had to answer the question if they were looking for a boat. It was quite amusing the first couple of times, cause we are just living in our own maritime world and they did not have a clue about people actually come here due to the high volume of sailing boats arriving in the port. So it created fun reactions from the new comers like: “why would I look for a boat”, “why is everybody asking if I am looking for a boat?” or giving the look up and down yourself replying “do I look like I miss a boat?” :)  

Next blog about my meeting with “my” boat Afriki!

A special day - Day 5 – November 3rd 2010

This day would prove to be something very special and historic. Not only did I spoil myself with a new waterproof video camera, it was the day my future sailing destiny penetrated my consciousness.

First the camera:
Wandering around with biker Jeff from California the day before accompanying him in buying a notebook, I realized that I needed an actual video recorder as the video sequences of my Canon photo camera are somehow not sufficient on the long run and also electronics are quite cheap in the Canary Islands. Jeff ended up buying an Acer notebook for €289,- including Windows 7 Premium (so no trouble with "Starter" desktop images;) It also featured 2MB RAM which truly also was part of the reason why I needed to upgrade my notebook so he would not be better equipped:) Now after looking in a few stores I totally fell in love in a waterproof Sanyo from Japan: Sanyo VPC-CA8EX W. We are talking born for the expedition level (ok Gregers!;). Filming under water is just a whole new universe. I you have dived you know the feeling for sure. Just the possibility to film colorful fish, corals and the belly of the ships and the investment is all justified. Of course you could also think of skiing with it or film a beer from the "inside" angle;)

The rate was initially €190,- in the cheapest place. But I bundled it up with 16MB SD cart, extra battery and a tripod which summed up to €280,- according to the sailsman - however I am from Jylland so got it down to €210. I was satisfied and amazingly still seemed to be so too.

I took home the new handy Sanyo waterproof video camera

Checking my emails in the evening I found that a boat was requesting a meeting with me as they were on the lookout for a crewmember in their newly bought Ericson 36 foot sailing boat (approximately 12 meters). FANTASTIC – I got an actual response from my flyer which was quite unusual at this stage for any in the hostel. In fact it was the one I had posted in the Scandinavian club that paid off. I was so excited and could not wait to meet them and see the boat; Afriki but had to rein my curiosity 2 more days. Appointment was settled to gangway G in the harbor Friday November 5^th at 17.00 hours.

Next up is my first steps on two ships...

I had a chat with the crew on this beautiful catamaran "Sara" from Norway. Unfortunately they were not looking for any new team members. 

The last couple of days I have spend trimming my flyer and kind of tried to let it "fly" around. Also to attract more attention in this highly competitive environment I have invested money in some pink Winnie the Pooh tape. I mean which captain's lady would not think that is cute?! I got a good response from my friends in the hostel who think it is funny.
We are probably around 15 dedicated sailing boat searchers in the hostel. Even though we are "competitors" the mood in between us is really fantastic and we have fun every evening on the rooftop of the hostel where also the kitchen is. Just sitting outside in 20 degrees at 22 o'clock drinking tasty wine is so wonderful and relaxing... not that we are closed to being stressed but I really enjoy it and several "competitors" are potential long lasting friendships. Every day new persons arrive like 007 from Sweden (at least his name is Roger) who also decided to bike on a 3 wheeled bicycle from Sweden to West Sahara. So far it has been 4 months and 7000 km! Now he arrived to Las Palmas and doesn't want the adventure to stop, so he decided to like the rest of us to cross the Atlantic on the day he arrived:). He is the type that saved up a lot of money just to realize that life is precious and needs to be enjoyed here and now with lifetime memories and adventures - fantastic!:) You can check out his bike and route on www.cykeltripp.se.

I noticed an ad for the Scandinavian club just located two blocks from the hostel and teamed up with some of the others who thought it was a brilliant idea. Not only would it be good networking with possible sailor network but also opportunity to watch a movie. It turned out that it was run by Swedes with a extremely helpful attitude and local beers for just €1,- in the bar. Enjoying this offer a Czech guy Martin, came to our table and I guess he was as surprised as us realizing that we represented so many different countries.
The movies shown included his real life private movie of an ocean crossing in a 26 foot (8,5 meters) sailing boat, demonstrating the simple food on board, dolphins leading you out on the deep ocean, big waves and challenges with the equipment along the way. The filming was done in a very lets say informal way by him and his crazy looking friend who was cooking sometimes very strange looking stuff:) It was quite entertaining. Like when they arrived in the Caribbean where the sea map showed 30 meters depth but facts were actually only 2,6 meters (This happened to me also in Southern part of Denmark this summer - Steen F you remember?:). He returned alone spending 55 days, sleeping in daytime and being awake in the darkness to avoid potential ships on the route. Brave guy!

I should by the way present my notebook who lays body to my tickling writing; a Samsung N220 who with restricted but some water resistance and battery life of 10 hours is born for this expedition. It came with Windows 7 - which is best OS till date however the "starter" version has certain limitations like the most crazy one I discovered; desktop image cannot be changed. By default it has the typical Windows logo. Can I puke? Even though I am far from being a pc master I actually with my friend Google's help succeeded in overruling it!! Now it's me and my Californian babe; Chervolet Camaro on a mountain top in Death Valley (US tour description soon to be found on this blog). I am a proud man and celebration was needed so I decided to feed and upgrade the notebook in appreciation for the collaboration to 2 GB RAM. Prost!

Notice the sneaky smile on the face of the Camaro (and me;). 3,6L engine forcing 304 HP to  hit 100 km/h in  just 6 seconds. My type indeed!:)

 Stay tuned and thank you for stopping by!

Day 1 (Oct. 30th 2010)

Part of the harbor in Las Palmas

Waking up 3 seconds before the alarm started at 4.23 in the morning, is where my memory start. Less than an hour later my buddy also woke up and took me to the airport. Actually I have heard, not sure if it is an official test, but you should be able to distinguish friends from acquaintances just by asking if they can take you to the airport... its pretty simple. Ask your group of what you consider friends and you might get it narrowed down to the real-heavy-duty-friends. Thanks for the ride Mr. F1:)
I was looking forward to this flight. Not only would it take me to where my dreams would hopefully start but also it was a 100% charter flight - so 5 hours of fun with Mr. & Mrs Denmark on tour. It's totally different than a regular airliner. Here you have 6 worked out certain characteristics of the typical charter guest:

1. Prefers to stand in line for 1/2 hour for manual check in instead of immediate self check in.
2. When the screen comes down in the airplane for the first time with safety instructions they tent to look at           each other with impressive nodding looks.
3. They hit the toilet like crazy. As I was having an aisle seat I know for sure I was up at least 3 times due to my charter neighbor's "need". Impressive!
4. A flight is kind of a cozy ride. The mobile is off and vacation has officially started. In this laid back comfortable mode you need to stroll a bit around spreading the vacation happiness chatting a little here a little there. It is very common and used. Not sure the stewardesses feel the same happiness about it though.
5. A Gammel Dansk ("Old Danish" - If you like Jägermeister with your breakfast then go, if not stay faaar away!) goes along with the meal.
6. Tent to have the "me, me, me" attitude. Like trying to skip queue and board the plane with your 20A seat when only 30+ seats announced as allowed or hurrying out of the plane at the destination just to wait 30 minutes for you luggage at the end of the hallway.  

To sum it up - they are all very cute! They are just a bit insecure of what to do. Having that in mind you will never get bothered by the above. The opposite actually - It brings out smile on your face. Also the captain actually took his time explaining about the tour and facts like: we were going to spend 19.000 liters of fuel (oohh makes your green heart bleed!) and our 85 tonne starting weight would lift off the baby (Airbus 321) at 300 km/h... When did you last time experience that kind of info on a regular airliner? I recommend a charter plane next time if possible:)

So after leaving all my friends from the airplane in the hands of the smiling guides from various agencies in the arrival terminal (initiate memories of myself standing there 10 years ago) I went out in the 30 degrees Celsius, sunny weather. NICE!

After a 20 minutes bus ride to Las Palmas I checked in at the hostel Alcaravaneras and went straight out to the beach and harbor located just 2 minutes walk from the hostel. I was surprised that local women actually were topless on the beach. I mean we are used to it in Denmark (HEY maybe that’s why we are the happiest people in the world;) but I have not seen it in to that extension anywhere else, now except for Las Palmas! Anyway at the harbor I found a board where I put up my flyer in order to attract sailing boats crossing the Atlantic Ocean. I found that many are seeking a ship in the area and also talked to a young French couple who had waited in 10 days now. They were travelling on a limited budget so they were spending the nights on the beach! I guess it can be tough to be a pre-sailor.
Later I met up with a German and American couple who were BIKING around the western world. They had started in Germany and now after 5000 km they were looking for a ride over the ocean – doing it the green non-co2 polluting way. I like that!

In the evening as it was Saturday and Haloween nightlife had to be checked out and it turned out that THE place to go is called “Heineken Bar”. Excuse me, but hello Carlsberg! Why haven’t you already made something like this?!! 5 Euro entrance including a drink or Heinee not bad. But the best drink was next door in the (Miriam, if your culo reads this you will be smiling) Habana Club Bar where a refreshing caipirinha the size of a tub made the happy end of my first day.  

… to be continued.

I found a board that was not overcrowded and next to my German/US bicycle friends. Kindly notice the attractive Winnie the Pooh tape:)