Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
“I understand why you are against drinking, Helena, and I am not asking you to drink if you
wish not to, but at least come and be friendly and meet these people; they are very nice,” I
tried to reason with her, but she just shook her head and looked away. I thought to myself
that she must have had a traumatic experience as a child that scarred her for life.
I joined the other guys on an oyster and mussel hunting forage, and we took off in the one
inflatable dinghy. We raced over to a group of immersed rocks, and I watched the others
lever off the oysters and giant black and green mussels off the rocks and even from the
bases of the trees. I soon got the idea and helped them gather a nice pile in the boat. The
water was cold and clear. The marine life was very prolific here in the bay as it was all over
New Zealand, and I could tell I would never go hungry.
Back on-board, I tried in vain to convince Helena to accompany me to the beach where we
were all going to meet for the barbecue. A fire had been made, and a nice, friendly little
camp had been erected. Chairs were brought from the boats as well as all the food and
drinks in two large blue cooler boxes. I looked on in dismay. I felt ridiculous. I was unable
now to continue a personal relationship with Helena as she appeared to have retreated into
her shell. My friends on shore appeared to be having a perfectly natural, fun time on the
beach, and I was stuck in the middle. This was not good enough! I decided to take a hard
line approach with the strange girl from Hungary.
“Well, Helena, if you aren't coming with me, I am going alone. I'm sorry, but this trip was
planned before I met you, and I see no harm in just sitting around on a beach with friends.
I see no evil in that; you are not being forced to drink alcohol; there are other things to
drink.”
“You go. I stay, not a problem.”
With that, I took my departure and rowed back to the beach.
I did not enjoy my evening and cut it short after we had eaten. I apologized and excused
myself, rowing back to Déjà vu full of guilt and trepidation. Helena was asleep when I
stepped down below. I turned off the little battery fluorescent light I had left on for her and
silently slipped into my bunk. She remained frigidly on her one side all night long. So now
I knew. I had made a bad error in judgment. I had learned a valuable lesson and was re-
lieved that she would not ruin my plans of my single-handed voyage back to Hawaii.
I decided to cut my weekend trip short and sail back the next morning. I was not enjoying
myself, and there was tension now between Helena and I. The others understood when I
rowed over to explain. I felt embarrassed and thought that I would never be invited again
on a similar trip.
