Tuesday, our nuevo amigo, Paco told us that the mayor of Benalmádena wanted to meet el capitán (Ken) on Wednesday and that he (Paco) and the mayor would come to Moonbeam at noon. Nice! So...Wednesday morning, we all got up early to 'neatenize' the boat. It's not that it's a big mess but we are working on boat projects, and we are pre-cooking meals for the transatlantic crossing, so let's just say it's got that 'lived-in' look.

After a few hours of energy, Moonbeam was looking pretty good, so Ken went to the reception office (with good wifi) to do some business before our guests arrived. My chores were going well, ahead of schedule and I was just chillin', expecting things to proceed on 'island time'. Within minutes of his leaving, Ken was back. "The press is here." What? It's only 11:30. So much for 'island time'. Trailing him were reporters from TV, radio and the press, interviewers, photographers and marina management...and of course, Paco, who was the designated translator.

With a combo of questions in English and Spanish, the interview took place. They mostly were interested in the human interest side of the circumnavigation: why did he do it, which parts did he like best, did he encounter any bad weather, etc....actually the same questions people always ask us.

After the interview and photos were completed, the mayor, Victor Navas ("just call me Victor") arrived. He was good-looking, charming, and held up to what we had previously heard about him from locals: a concerned mayor, interested in improving the city and wanting to make things better for its citizens. What a radical approach for a politician. Maybe he could give lessons to some of our lovelies. We chatted with him for awhile, and he impressed us as being a 'rock star' ...which is ironic because....he is actually a rock star. He sings in a band. Victor and company (press, marine management and Paco) all toured Moonbeam and oohed and aahed....much to Captain Ken's delight.

Before they left, they asked us to join them in the reception office where Victor presented us with gifts: Puerto Deportivo computer bags and Snuggies (as seen on TV) for Ken and me, embroidered with the logo of Benalmádena, in navy blue (for Ken) and yellow (for me). I cracked up. Why? Our bedroom ensuite on Moonbeam is....navy blue and yellow. What a coinkydink!

I got a copy of one newspaper article online but....it's in Spanish (duh) so Guillermo had to translate it. They got it right...despite having to go through a translator. Paco did good!

The picture above is of Victor, the rock-star mayor and us.