Hello

[PsiPhi]

I think the English pulled it down again - no choice really, otherwise they have to drink Irish Whiskey

[safewalrus]

Too damn true, and it was ruining the punch ups as well! I mean by the time you'd climbed the bloody wall you was too tired to fight!

[hansp77]

Poor Manuel, who would guess at first just how 'open' the open discussion can get
this is like some sort of maritime 'meet the parents' or something... thats right we've even got the wedding- Timgoz, you guys are officially the Fockers

Welcome Manuel- don't mind these guys, their not so bad, untill you get to know them

Hans.

[safewalrus]

hey Hans nobies heard from manuel for some time, guess he's run away screaming - I guess I would!

[timgoz]

After talking to my friend Capt. Henry Webb in Nain, Labrador, we have changed our plans.

Now, at Henry's invitation, we shall stay at one of his rental homes, and then accompany him on one of his charter trips to the far north Labrador Coast. In the past I crewed for him. As long as I can still haul the anchors in quicker than the windlass ,and avoid the icebergs while at the wheel, we shall have all costs while there covered by him as a wedding gift.

That is fine with me as a free trip is like free beer; always better. Plus Soraya will get to experience a couple authentic Inuit dog sled teams.

Take care.

Tim

[Vega]

Originally Posted by Guillermo

Not all of them are that fond of the English, Max. As a matter of fact I've found portuguese people who told me that the traditional Portugal alliance with the English only brought Portugal to an under-industrialized situation at the end of the day, as the English only wanted to take from Portugal their wines and sell them all kind of manufactured goods.

Let’s say that was a convenient and long alliance. They helped us fight with success the Napoleonic invasion and most of all, helped us get reed of the Spanish that had come to Portugal by Royal succession. In 1581 Filipe II, king of Spain, was the legitimate heir of the Portuguese throne, after the death of the Portuguese king, D. Sebastião (killed very young, in battle in the North of Africa).

After 60 years the Portuguese started and fought with success a liberation war that went on for 28 years, till the final victory. The British have always given us a discreet but trustworthy support.

Of course, Napoleon was an enemy of England and defeating him in Portugal the British helped prevent an invasion of their own Island. Spanish were also traditional and mighty enemies of the British, so it was good politics to help a small nation that fought their enemies.

In the end I believe they deserve to share our wine with us.

[safewalrus]

Well said Vega - the oldest alliance in the world still stands strong despite those who do not like it and want to destroy it, and us!

[safewalrus]

Tim, sounds a sensible way to start out together, then if you find it's not for you (both of you) you've lost nothing; if it is you have more experience of what YOU (again both of you) want in your own boat - go for it buddy and enjoy!!