 Another
beautiful day, sun high in the sky and not a cloud in sight. This
was my last day on the island and I was determined to use my time
well. My first appointment was at the ferry terminal. I want to buy
my ticket early and have one thing less to worry about.
When
I get there, the queue is out the door and waiting is a drag. I
eventually reach the window and ask for a ticket. The woman behind
the screen talks way too fast and I am left dumbfounded. Behind
me, a kindly soul reiterates at tourist friendly speed. "No
ferry for another fifteen days - try the airport."
He
goes on to say they are waiting for parts from the mainland and
that fifteen days is an optimistic estimate. I cannot get my head
round this and go back to the Casa devastated. Rey on the other
hand is sanguine about the whole affair and suggests that we give
Angel a call in the evening. This puts my mind at ease and I try
to forget about it.
Soon
after we collect his daughter and wife and head off for a walk up
town. We end up visiting their favourite restaurant. It has a beautiful
grass roof, not dissimilar to the type of thing you see in the South
Sea Islands. Lunch itself was pork chops, rice and fried plantain.
Over dinner Rey tells me that there is an English speaking person
on the island who would like to meet me. His name is Charles and
originates from the Caymen Islands. He is blind and spends his time
opening the door for people at a local garage shop. I thought this
would have been difficult for a blind person but mentioned no more
of it.
On
the way back we dropped Rey's wife, Maria back off at work and met
Charles. But before we reached the garage, Rey suggested that I
head for the door and be very quiet on my feet. Sure enough, as
I got to the door he kindly opened it for me. I thanked him in English
and his face lit up.
"Peter,
how are you, lovely to meet you." Rey slipped off silently
and left us to chat. Charles was blind at birth and was the eldest
of three children. He had a little daughter of his own now and lived
nearby, with one of his sisters. They find day-to-day living difficult,
but seem to pull through somehow.
I tell
Charles about my life back in the UK, how I like to DJ, play Latin
Percussion and how this trip has been the realisation of a long
held dream. He then asks me to come back to his house with him.
I have to decline because I have promised Rey's family a yoga lesson.
We
shake hands and I promise to call back to say goodbye before I leave.
Back at the house, my willing students are waiting patiently for
me. I show them half a dozen basic Asanas (postures) and am amazed
at the flexiblity they display. Rey in particular is like a rubberbandman,
easily able to copy every move I do. We finished off with some relaxation
and then have supper.
Before
retiring, I phone Angel and ask him about the ferry. "Is it
true there's no boat for the next fifteen days?"
"No worry, bring me your passport and twelve dollars in the
morning. Meet me at eight thirty outside the booking office and
I will get you a ticket."
Finger s
crossed, everything will be okay…
The
views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the
opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC.
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