The Hornet's Nest

 So I got stung by a hornet yesterday. And that’s not a euphemism for being badly beaten by the Germans at sea. Although had there been any Germans on the sailing course, I fear I may have been well thrashed but thankfully I was the only one to put out to sea. But back to the hornet. I was actually stung. It may have been somewhat down to a faulty choice of my own in trying to kill the thing. But still, you don’t expect that sort of reception from the locals as you prop up their flailing economy.

Anyway, first sailing lesson down and wasn’t so bad – but I can’t remember a thing re the names for all the parts of the boat and Markus (my instructer) will no doubt be examining me sternly tomorrow in lesson 2, him being German as well. “Schnell, schnell Neil vas is dis. Dis ist der rooder”. That’s the one I can remember – rudder! I guess because I liked the way he said it. Why can’t they just talk about left, right, front, back, small sail, big sail???

After finishing sailing, I met meine kleine deutschlanders – young Sasha and Sophia on their way to partake in a windsurfing trial. They had kindly adopted me at the BBQ the previous evening. I guess they being the youngest couple here (by a distance) and me being a sad lonely old git, together we looked somewhat more like the tight family units that seem to make up the guest-list here. Anyway that’s my take on it as opposed to them felling sorry for me!

So I went along to see how embarrased they might be by the windsurfing lark, as they had never tried before. I had been thinking of doing it (it’s free, and you know me!!) so I thought this might give me some indication. They were in with a bunch of kids but they unfortunately seemed to survive. Not so sure I will.

Today I took a bike (a bicye, not a moped) and trekked across to the next bay, about 10k. With one climb that I dare say would be classed Category A in the Tour de France. Must have gone on for all of 400 metres, with no respite. Well, there was respite for me as I stopped half way up for a drink and walked another part – but that was still a major feat in the searing heat. Once I breached the peak it was all downhill, strangely enough. It appeared easy thereafter so I kept going for some miles to find a suitable snorkelling-spot – which I did. Hadn’t countered in the wind direction mind you – when will I learn! Major effort to get back. But here I am. 

First app written – see below. John, once I get this up on the app store and  the advertisers come flocking in, I think you can rest assured that it’s easy street for the 2 of us.

Birthday tomorrow – might have a beer.