Our first guest arrived! My first and closest friend in Germany, Marilou, and her daughter Aliyah came and spent four wonderful days with us, celebrating my birthday in the sun. Of course, we grilled our brains out and took advantage of each sunny day.
Our First Guest: Chapter 4 (German Translation…or close to it)
We tidied up the boat and prepared for our first guest. So great to see Marilou and her daughter Aliyah. Our first solo trip was with them to Roermond for a 2-hour tour. Plus, we entered our first lock that we maneuvered all by ourselves! This took an additional 30 minutes. We had a minor incident because we did not raise the fenders in time. An old battle scare repaired incorrectly was tapped against the wall, and the wound reopened (something to keep Lutz busy while I cooked). It was a great trip and very relaxing and romantic for all of us in this little harbor.
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.
cannot wait for August and my guest cruise aboard the Virus , luckily I will travel light, and wear Melinda’s clothes if I run out of clean things…I am bringing , books, books, books, and water color paper and a small set of paints, a camera, and an appetite. I look forward to no, phones, wi fi, or family emergencies. Long domino games and even some cribbage, as all good sailors play cribbage. it i9s a hard life, but someone has to do it.
Yes, it is a great relaxing time however, the locks and bridges sure interrupt your peace! You’ll have to teach this shipmate how to play cribbage. My mom never taught me…I was always cook’n something up!
You two look so adorable and happy!! I had a glorious stay aboard Virus last weekend! Maastricht was wonderful to explore and the food both in town and aboard were divine. P.S. Don’t forget sunscreen and use it!!