Bob's gap years

01/03/2021

Tempus fugit and hair grows. Finally HAD to have a cut after Ali said I looked like a mad professor. Not many men’s salons here so went to the only one I could find opposite the Red Cross. Walked in and had bit of a shock. The three ‘stylists’ all had the sides and back of their heads shaved with spiky bits on top. At this point you must remember that I have an image to maintain, although I’m not quite sure what that is. While waiting I sneaked out to the street and put a few useful phrases on Google Translate - just a tidy up, not too much off etc. I refrained from any comments on their personal style. Sat down again. The only two magazines to take my mind off things were of motor bikes ✔️ and extreme tattoos ✖️. Some of their instruments looked more like garden tools. Anyway, survived and the guy was actually quite a nice bloke but the end result would not be my no 1 choice.

Maria has been anchored off Santiago and her daughter Simona and friend Jackomo were coming over from Milan so caught the 7am bus to help get her boat back to the marina here. It was a calm and sunny day so an uneventful but enjoyable motor along the coast. We were joined by a mad Italian, Roberto. Great bloke but boy, does he talk. Had a lovely cliff top walk later but ended up really cold (!) when the sun went down and a strong wind blew in our faces. The girls prepared a pasta something and brought it round to my boat (a bit more space on board) I did the antipasti and desserts.

Through a direct contact from Caroline I have been in touch with the British Consulate in Tenerife who acknowledged my situation was somewhat new to them and highly complex. I cannot say how relieved I am to feel the support they are giving. Departments here tend to be autonomous units with little or no liaison. I have to deal with three of them separately. Also it is agreed that approach must be made to the Portugese authorities in advance before I turn up in Madeira/Azores as an Illegal immigrant!! outside my 90 day Schengen allowance. Whatever happens I cannot leave for the final sail to the UK until flights start on 18th May + . It will resolve somehow and I’m still able to have a great time down here. C’est la vie. If all goes bums up I’ll give you the jail address for visits and food parcels. Thanks again to Caroline.

I have contact with a Spanish Guardia Civil officer who is mad keen to sail. I hope shortly to take him and a couple of French out for a sail. If he came with me to Portugal in full uniform and arms (the RPG variety) it might help solve the problems!

I’m looking forward to a good social week which is great. I have to keep a balance (important for an accountant)
In view of all the formal hassles here today’s picture is a very calming one taken on a recent walk.
Bestest to all and hig bugs as appropriate
Robert