Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“Lekker man, I've come to move onto Rubaiyat. I start work tomorrow, and the skipper
said I could move aboard this afternoon, so here I am.”
“Well, I hope you haven't made any dinner plans, I just caught a huge parrot fish, and I
need someone to help me eat it.”
“That's fantastic! I'm always hungry, and I love fish!”
She handed me her bag and deftly stepped into the dinghy, leaning on my shoulder as she
did. I thrilled to feel her touch and stole a look at her. She was wearing bright, floral shorts
and a fresh, white, tank top vest. Her hair was washed and wavy, gleaming in the afternoon
light and her large, green, beautiful eyes shone with the sparkle of youth.
I rowed Darleen over to the big, catamaran tour boat where she sprang aboard to check on
a few items and to leave her bag safely below on her allotted bunk.
“Wow,” I said, following her down. “This is a huge boat. So comfortable looking and well
made! Just look at your bunk, it's a double, but it is also very low. You are going to have to
watch out you don't bump your head.”
She finally locked up the boat, and we rowed to Déjà vu. I turned on my music tape while
Darleen prepared some vegetables for our dinner. I had gutted my catch and put the fish,
together with herbs and butter smothered in white table wine, in the cast iron roasting pot.
I turned the propane on and lit the gas stove at its lowest setting, placing the great pot care-
fully on top alongside the vegetables.
I poured myself a glass of red wine, and Darleen settled for a beer.
“I don't usually drink, but this is a special occasion, and, what the hell, we only live once,
hey.”
We had our drinks while listening to the music, and after a while we relaxed somewhat in
each others company. I poured another red wine for myself, and Darleen, to her credit, ac-
cepted another beer.
“Jurre jong, you will turn me into a alcoholic soon!” she chided me.
“An alcoholic,” I corrected her.
“Ag sorry man, an alcoholic then, is that better?”
“Much better, my girl,” I beamed.
Being somewhat of a tomboy, she gave me a playful push with her hand. Having an elder
brother, she was used to a bit of teasing and horse playing.
