Sherpa is pretty shipshape now, so I can do a bit more exploring. In addition to the 24 hour market, there is a Carrefour, the large French supermarket chain, just down the way within walking distance. This is like a Walmart/Target/Safeway all combined. If they don't have it, then it probalby doesn't exist on the island. I see locals coming out with full frozen pigs, they must be doing a luau. There are restaurants and other boutiques there as well. Now I know why all the cruisers come to Taina to re-provision, like going to Costco, but twice the price.

The locals are definitely not as open and friendly as in the other islands, but still, a smile always seems to go a long ways. I meet a gentlemen at the bar, who is french, and has lived here for 30 years. He said it has changed, but still enjoys it. He gave me his number and invited he and Jonathan over to to meet his wiife if we can make. We'll see. I also met a french couple who live here as well, Jacque is 75 and is in excellent shape, he says he swims or rows everyday. He was a sculptor in France, and taught it as well. He tried to get me to join him for a game of chess, but the way he was disposing his opponents, I realized I would be no match for him. He was was young in body, mind and spirit.

The happy hour gets a bit more lively, as more cruisers arrive. After happy hour, we all move the party to Obelisk from Newport News Virginia, a Skye 51, captained by a 30 year old, who has just come up from Cape Horn with his father. We had seen them in Nuku Hiva, but had yet to meet them until now. Ahh to be young!