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I packed quickly and put everything up through the hatch on deck. At 0600, I hailed a passing skiff who took me to shore. John poked his head out of the cabin and begged me to sail to Salvador. Said I was leaving him in a bind. He has to sail by Nov 14th. But he doesn't stop me. I know why it is so hard for him to find crew.
Severino is still on duty and calls a cab for me and within 20 minutes, I am on my way to the airport even though my flight is not till tomorrow. I know I can be here off the boat and off the street.
I left behind my pack boots and I think my gloves were jammed inside. I would have been happy to have left if it meant just with my passport. Strangely, I think I could do better on my own boat already. But then, I am reading "By the grace of the sea" by Pat Henry. As she solo navigates around the world, it does sound like a continuous series of near misses.
1255. The wind is blowing outside. A small tree bangs into the glass wall of the airport. The information attendant indroduces me to his relief who speaks English. I may yet go find a hotel for the night.
0245 I use the elevator to haul my two carts of luggage upstairs to get lunch. A chef stands outside a buffet and describes each dish with a lovely sounding language that conveys no meaning to me. I choose beans and rice, sliced cooked carrots and beets and a noodle dish. My plate is weighed and the price wrote down. They would not take payment though until I sat down and ate it. A large glass of pineapple juice was delivered and then taken to the right table so I went and did the point and pantomine thing until a glass arrived at my table for me. The beans and rice tasted so good I went back for more. Now they will take my payment.
I returned downstairs and went to the information booth and talked again with Jaoa. Pronounced John, he deduced that I was the Jean from the lost plane a week ago and became my best friend! His English is pretty good. He studyied with the missionaries from the USA. He had found an apartment for $60 Reals and called in a reservation for me. I took a taxi and was blissfully showered and napping within the hour.
2200. I have been reading my book since my nap and now I am ready for bed. Its three single cots with sheets and a towel and soap on each one. I only suppose I won't have roommates, I hope not. I am armed with earplugs and the white noise of the air conditioner.
