17th of August, 2009

The buoy got loose again. This time I was on the yacht. I was almost naked and I could not find any shorts since I gave them all to the laundry. As a result, I pulled those muddy ropes and I threw the anchor out wearing my beautiful (and favourite, as a matter of fact), long Zara skirt. The ship I nearly crashed into was full of sea lions which were staring at me from a very short distance. A large turtle swam by to help me, but there wasn’t much it could do. Instead, I received help from Darwin, a water taxi driver. I offered to pay him for his support, but he rejected my offer. The Galapagos people are so kind and nice.

My camera has jammed for some reason. It does take photos, but I cannot switch on  any specific functions. Did it get scared of lobsters on the fish market where I was taking pictures today? :)

The fuel issue seems to be not as easy to solve as I thought. A petrol station (and the petrol itself) are the property of the government and one has to obtain a special permission from the port authorities. I am waiting for it.
The yacht is ready to sail. I don’t want to jinx it, but I think it is the first part of my cruise when everything works.

Well, the anchor could not stand it, the fun starts all over again...
 (I think that the only piece of equipment which stands a chance (slight, but still a chance) to stay with me has to be shock- and water-resistant.)
I took fuel containers and went to the agent, then to the port authorities, then I had to look for a sergeant, and back to the office. The permission is ready, but I need to clean the mess which was made when one of the tanks broke and leaked (although it has passed an inspection!).
Later I ate dinner for $ 2,5. In a tiny street restaurant I had some cheese soup, rice, peas and chicken pieces, with juice to wash it down. A very nice place with a family atmosphere. After a whole day of running, I was very hungry and I feasted heartily. The owner lady was so touched that I got a tomato salad extra. Now, with my stomach full, I am going to sleep.