My day today was rather uneventful. I had to get quite creative with what I have on hand to keep warm. 55 degrees doesn’t sound that cold, but when you’re trying to sleep, believe me it is. But, I wrote it off to the cost of boat living because it’s not like I know. I’m a land-lubber.

Today, the host contacted me to check in and see how everything was going. He asked if it got cold at night. Why, yes. Yes, it does. His reply was filled with dismay. He brought me a thick warm blanket so I won’t have to wear a sweater, use my shawl/airplane blanket/bathtowel for a blanket. SQUEE! It’s the little things.

I found out that the guy I hollered Ahoy to yesterday as he parked his sailboat wins every race he enters. He’s top notch at sailing. Really nice fellow, smiles and waves when he sees me.

OH! I also needed supplies. I needed water, some food, and a snack. I found where the local grocery was, despite the rain, I rented an electric assisted bike. I bundled up, got my grocery bags into my purse where I keep my tissues (heehee), and headed out into the drizzle.

Siri does a much better job at giving directions than Google maps does. I have my Siri set to a british male voice so I can pretend it’s Doctor Who talking to me.

Whomever was the idiot that said once you ride a bike, you always know how, did not understand how a short person like me should or could ride a bike made for “normal” height people. With the scooters and the bike, you have to push off to get going. Dudes, this was not something I expected to relearn. My front wheel was going back and forth like a sewing machine’s needle goes up and down. The road was a cobblestone/asphalt combination which made for some potholes and rough riding.

When I got to a smoother road, I was able to figure out how to tiptoe pedal. As long as I was steady pedaling, the bike pulled me forward easily (SCORE!) but the moment I stopped pedaling, the drag slowed me down equally as quick. (YIKES!) Trick: Keep pedaling steadily. Do not stop pedaling.

I got lost several times because the instructions told me to turn where there wasn’t a street. When I turned on the next possible street, her exasperated (I swear it’s true) voice corrects my lack of navigation skills even though they’re hers. But, I just kept pedaling because to stop would be to fall over.

I found the grocery, got my things I needed, exited and it was really raining. I figured I was already damp so I’d bite the pillow and just do it. But, the groceries I got, really not that much, 22 Euro 50, wouldn’t fit in the basket of the bike. I was getting soaked and uncomfortable. I walked back to the store’s overhang and called a Bolt (Eco-friendly Green) car.

A ten-minute ride and I was at the dock. She was really personable and friendly. I enjoyed her company. Her name was Ana.

And now, what happened last night? I went to a studio called The House of Tile. A local artist owns the shop and teaches people how to paint tiles in the styles of the Portuguese people. She was kind, helpful, a patient teacher, and played good music which I sang with and even danced a bit.

The class was about two hours long. There were three other people there learning how to do it. One of the techniques she taught was one that I’ve used before to get lines onto a pumpkin I wanted to carve in a non-traditional way. She had tricks and tips to make the experience an all skills activity.

Between you and me, Ana was magical. She could make things happen instantly. Her repeat phrase when questions were asked was “It’s your tile, do as you like.” She gave the tools, told and showed you how to use them, then let your creativity do the rest.

I’ll return to her studio on Wednesday afternoon to collect my fired tile. I’ll show you when it’s complete.

The first night I was on the boat, I was seasick. I slept with a trashcan on the bed next to me. Now, it would seem, I’ve got my sea-legs. I’m not at all bothered by the steady, sometimes jerky movements of the boat. The sleeping berth has a rope tied over it which is tied to the dock. It creaks and groans, stretches and relaxes. It’s oddly soothing.

May peace be with you wherever you are or go. You are loved!