I'm going to miss the Marquesas. I've met fantastic people here – not only the locals but also those who came here, like me, just for a while. Bob found me a new alternator and helped me reinstall the electronics to fit it. Steve has been on a cruise around the world for 11 years and he always smiles. The Ukrainians who have captivated my heart simply being themselves...

The days have passed too quickly. Everyday I had so much to do and see. There was always someone whom I could help or someone who helped me with the repairs and then I tried to return their favour... Fortunately, people who come here usually are real cruisers and they perfectly understand the need to help others. We joke that sailing boils down to repairing yachts in exotic ports ;

It was wonderful to accept invitations for dinners, not to cook for myself – it's one of those luxuries I can't afford on the ocean... but I had problems when it was time for me to cook. Fortunately, the fishermen whom I helped a bit with the quayside gave me some fish. My guests had to bring their own plates and cutlery because I gave out most of my things to the locals as there are not many shops on the Marquesas and everything is very expensive. Once, I was invited to dinner on a huge motorboat. The owner congratulated me on my courage, and I couldn't hide my admiration for the fact that at a certain moment of his life, he was able to make the decision that he didn't want to earn more, resigned from all the luxury he had on the land and decided to spend time with his family touring the world. Congratulations! Not many of us can say: ’I’ve had enough, I don't need to have anything more.’