The Kuhn siblings

Sibling love is something outstanding, especially with the Kuhn siblings. However, it can be quite a challenge when you're caught between two stools. As of today, I'm sitting between two stools and trying not to put my foot in my mouth. Easier said than done. As of today, we have the two siblings Bärbel and Walter, known as Walle, on board. They flew to Fiji via Istanbul and Singapore to join us for three weeks. Together with Gaby, that makes three of them. For me as skipper, it's not always easy to meet everyone's wishes, especially as Gaby has a completely different approach.

Market, meeting place

The alarm clock rings at three o'clock and we are ready to leave at 3:20. It is still dark and there is still no sign of the sunrise. We struggle out of bed and drive towards the airport. At night, the countless bumpers are even less visible. When we arrive at the airport, we wait for our guests. We are not allowed to enter the arrivals hall, a member of staff points this out to us. So we wait for our visit in a separate area. The flight from Singapore arrives on time in Nadi, Fiji, and we reach our boat in the dark. In the darkness, a full-grown cow runs across the road. With the poor lighting of the vehicle and because it was unexpected, it was late to recognize it. I had hoped that a coffee shop would be open somewhere at this ungodly hour, but even at the airport I was disappointed.

Evening mood Port Denerau, Fiji

So the first thing we did on arrival was have a coffee and a proper breakfast. Bärbel, still a little unsure, and Walle, who has often been on board with us, move into their bunks. Something new for everyone and for one or two of us it becomes clear that we will now have to live in a somewhat confined space for three weeks. The first thing on the agenda is a visit to the market in Nadi. We think a market like this is the best way to get a feel for a region. The subsequent stroll along Nadi's main street shows how the clocks tick in Fiji. We are approached everywhere, whether at the market or on the street, and people give us advice on places to visit in Nadi. Unusual for a European. People talk to each other in a completely different way to in Europe. It doesn't matter whether you know each other or not. It's a kind of sales strategy to approach potential customers and engage them in conversation. For the salesperson, it doesn't really matter whether they are selling something. He has at least tried it. Sometimes interesting conversations develop from this. We buy Parma ham, salami and cheese from an Italian. It's very difficult to get something like that in Fiji. The 75-year-old has lived in Fiji for 35 years and has made a name for himself among sailors with his delicatessen. His story is very interesting in that he is one of the few, as a non-clergyman, to hold a passport from the Vatican state. Insiders know that this is only possible with a lot of money and influence. In principle, it is a sad story that tells of an escape from constant persecution. In the end, he found peace here in Fiji, if you can find peace from the (the word was never used, but certain conclusions can be drawn from the descriptions) mafia. However, he will retire next year and give up his business, which will be a great loss for the sailors who follow. At least for the European sailors who appreciate Italian cuisine. Flavio is a brilliant salesman and storyteller. In combination, this can probably be described as talent, which did not mitigate the price, but at least made it bearable. Added to this was the fact that it was Gaby's birthday and everyone involved contributed to a birthday present.

Port Denerau, Fiji

After we have finished our shopping on the boat, Walle and I set off to get some drinks. We run into Roswitha and Gottfried. They were towing Jürg, a Swiss single-handed sailor we had met in the Vuda Marina. Of course we had to celebrate the reunion first. The best way to do this in Fiji is with a bucket. The bucket contains lots of ice and five bottles of beer. Let's see if we can get Walle out of bed tonight, as a 36-hour flight and a few bottles of beer have left him feeling pretty worn out. In the meantime, the two sisters were alone on board. At least they didn't do anything wrong, although I do remember the aforementioned slip-up that I didn't want to step into.

Fire show in Denerau, Fiji

I think it's going to be an exhausting three weeks for me, but I'm looking forward to it and hope that we'll all have a lot of fun together. You can read how the story with the three Kuhn siblings will continue in the next blog. Until then, fair winds and keep a stiff upper lip.