![\"5star-shiny-web\"](\"https:\/\/peelbooks.com\/susanjoycejourneys\/wp-content\/uploads\/5star-shiny-web-1.png\")
\nTrincomalee, Sri Lanka 1975<\/p>\n
\nTrincomalee, Sri Lanka 1975<\/p>\n
The sun lowered and began its descent. Time to stop for the day and go
\nto dinner. Alon insisted on staying with the boat, and urged Dylan to
\ngo with us and enjoy an evening out. Dylan agreed, if we could stop on
\nthe way and check on the navigational charts at the ship\u2019s agents office.
\nThe clerk was on the phone when we stopped by. Dylan suggested he
\nwait and meet us at the Chinese restaurant.<\/p>\n
He joined us a few minutes later and announced, \u201cstill no charts.\u201d
\n\u201cUnbelievable,\u201d Mia said, \u201cWe\u2019ve been waiting for weeks.\u201d
\n\u201cWhat are the charts for exactly?\u201d I asked.
\n\u201cNautical charts of the Indian Ocean, from Trincomalee to the
\nSeychelles,\u201d Dylan answered. \u201cMaps showing water depth, buoys,
\nobstructions; information which ensures safe passage.\u201d
\n\u201cThey sound essential,\u201d I said.
\nMia nodded in agreement and rolled her eyes.
\n\u201cI\u2019ll give them another week,\u201d Dylan said.<\/p>\n
A smiling waiter took our drink order.
\nDylan and Charles ordered beer. Mia ordered tea.
\n\u201cWine for me, please!\u201d I said.
\nSince Mia and Dylan had eaten here many times, we suggested they
\norder their favorite dishes.
\nThey did and more too; wanting of course to have plenty to take back
\nto the boat for Alon.
\n\u201cCan you sail without charts?\u201d I asked Dylan.
\n\u201cBest not to,\u201d he answered, \u201cbut if necessary, I can navigate by the stars.\u201d
\n\u201cCelestial navigation,\u201d Charles said. \u201cI\u2019m impressed.\u201d
\nDylan looked excited at the thought, and smiled.
\n\u201cYour eyes sparkle like Sinbad the Sailor at the idea,\u201d I said.
\nDylan laughed.
\n\u201cYou\u2019ve read about him?\u201d I asked.
\n\u201cOf course. He was a gutsy dude.\u201d
\n\u201cAnd story teller,\u201d I added.
\n\u201cFamous for his adventures and navigational skills,\u201d Charles said.
\n\u201cHe saved a ship and found a map to the hidden treasures of Alexander
\nthe Great. And he had all those fantastic adventures without charts,\u201d
\nDylan said.
\nWe laughed, clinked our glasses of drinks and toasted, \u201cL\u2019chaim!
\nWithout charts!\u201d
\nThe food was amazing. We left fully indulged, and I wondered if our
\ncuisine would be as tasty in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Somehow,
\nI doubted it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Trincomalee, Sri Lanka 1975 The sun lowered and began its descent. Time to stop for the day and go to dinner. Alon insisted on staying with the boat, and urged Dylan to go with us and enjoy an evening out. Dylan agreed, if we could stop on the way and check on the navigational charts … <\/p>\n