Cow Head in a Pickup

The local color is one of the pleasures of being in these exotic islands. Heading to shore the other day (because the Dona Olga II was in - that's the boat that brings in veggies, fruits, supplies and just about everything - including propane, fuel, even a new fire truck for the island - more on that later), there was a big crowd of locals around a little open stand. Of course we had to go over and see what was for sale - thinking it was lobster from a distance - but no, it was a beef sale. And to prove it was "fresh" there was the animal's head standing upright in the back of the pickup. They were chopping up the meat with a hatchet, machete and cleaver and people were waiting in line to purchase some fresh beef. Not for the faint of heart - but it's how you get fresh food here.

Another holiday is coming up - Independence Day. And the local Catholic School has a band that has been practicing everyday around noontime. It's a drum corps with bells, glockenspiels, and various other noisemakers. They are learning one song. So are we - as they endlessly practice it. Now we see them practicing marching as well. Can't wait for the big performance - we think it's the 20th of this month. (If we're still here).

The new red fire engine will most likely be in the parade as well. It came aboard a delivery boat to much pomp on shore. Since they got it - they drive it around the island non-stop - running the sirens and blowing the horn. It's like boys with a new toy. It's really quite fun to see how excited they are about it. The sad thing is they already put a dent in one of the fenders.

It's been raining almost daily - and we've managed to collect a lot of rainwater. That means laundry time. Unfortunately it takes days to get things dry as they almost dry and another shower comes and gets them damp again. At least everything is getting a good fresh water rinse.

Another boat has come in from Cartagena here - so new folks to meet. The Irish lad from "Escape 2" has provided us with some fish as well - he's been going out spearing with some locals and has more than he can use - and we are the grateful recipients (we saved their dinghy the other day from running away) - one of those bad cleat hitches. He gave us some Parrotfish fillets - our book says "seldom eaten" - but we do see a lot of the locals catching them and selling them so we'll try it. Plus a lovely snapper and Hog Fish - can't beat getting food (fresh fish to boot) handed to you.

The sun has come out for "Sunday" and we'll be glad to put a bit of power from the solar panels into the batteries. May actually have to start the engine today to recharge - something we haven't done for a long time.

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