My name is Sancho Panza. In my past I was the faithful squire to Don Quixote de la Mancha while he ventured the countryside and righted the wrongs of the 17th century. Amazingly, with 21st century technology, you can, what do you say?…. google me, and discover the life and times of Don Quixote, as well as the wisdom I bestowed upon the man.
Reincarnated as a majestic Scottish Highland longhorn, today I find myself newly awakened yet again but with a very different perspective. I am upon the good ship Quijote where I am observing the life and rituals of crew and skipper, while taking in unbelievable sights of glory and beauty. I am not a crew member mind you, only a wise and thoughtful observer on this voyage.
In observing the crew for the last 10-12 days, I notice a settling of behavior. To what at first appeared awkward, there is now a rhythm which carries purpose. Engine checks, hauling anchor, log entries, look-outs, chart reviews. Anchoring, tying dinghy, dropping the milk jug in the big pond. A type of white board above the galley sink displays daily departure times, tides and currents, wind directions, and a running list of desired items such as hand warmers and sandwich bags.
And the galley, oh, the galley. Full of food, full of cooking and baking apparatus and wondrous smells. Robert, some call him Bob. I cannot see the Bob in him and insist upon using his given name of Robert. Robert is a master in the galley. Wielding instruments to flip, stir, whip, crush, and mix as he sautés, fries, boils, broils, and grills delectable meals. And he keeps all on board laughing to the point of tears with his quick wit and humour. Notice the Canadian spelling of humor. How easily one transforms to their surroundings, eh?
Our good natured Skipper keeps pace with Robert's wit while keeping the good ship Quijote in top notch condition. Not only is the engine so clean one could eat from it, the electronics work, we have artificial light in the evenings, even 21st century music to dance to (however, neither crew nor Skipper seem to enjoy kicking up their heels, yet). Every night Skipper's head is in a book checking and re-checking currents, winds, sailing directions, choices for anchorages ahead. He is dedicated to Quijote's safety, and with it, the safety of the crew. He has also proved himself a competent cook and does not shy from cleaning floors and scrubbing decks. Lucky to be aboard with such a versatile, knowledgeable fellow.
Kay, with no nick name as yet, appears to be happy as a lark with whatever presents itself. Taking the helm, rowing the dinghy, scrubbing the decks. Life is grand!
This is Sancho Panza, ever-faithful servant to Quijote and crew.
Out.
