Our first port is Rota, Spain. It’s nice to be off the ship for a while, although it took a couple of days to realize the ground wasn’t moving anymore. There is a joint base here utilized by the US and Spanish militaries, and it’s not too bad. I had no idea Spain had an aircraft carrier (Google the ‘Principe De Asturias’…Prince of Asturia which is a region in Spain I think). They frown on us taking pics on the base, security issues, or I’d show you images of her (or is it he? Hmmm….). Ironically, the Spanish Officer we have on board is not a big fan of the ship, takes too much Euros away from his submarines. Different Navy, same complaints. Ha!
This is our last major opportunity to on-load any items we think we’ll need for the African part of the mission. That includes stores and personnel (I didn’t look for transfer lists or an IMS equivalent, but I’m sure they have one). After that the mass and opportunities are limited…kind of like ISS in a way…We have added Italians, Portages, more USN (two room-mates now in my stateroom) and one US Army guy. He’s actually a National Guard guy, Captain-type, who catches a lot of good-natured flak from his new squid buddies. See Dave, you could get stuck on a ship next tour!!
Rota is a smaller town and very European from what I’m told. Narrow one-way streets (made of bricks too…that’s for you Tulia folks), lots of corner café’s and cantinas, little shopping areas, etc. It has a church that is somehow involved with Columbus and a very nice beach. Too cold to enjoy properly at this point, but we’ll be back when it’s warmer.
Food and drink are good. Had the local Sangria (sp), which is a sweet wine-punch type concoction. We went to a small restaurant that made some up special for us, bueno! They also had fried ice cream, and that totally rocked. How do you fry ice cream? All in the timing they say.
My two years of high school Espanol are hard pressed to keep up, but it’s fun to practice. I think I could be pretty fluent in about a year or so. I get by with the help of one of my shipmates who’s pretty fluent, and the town is used to the Americanos being around.
Hard to believe it’s already been a month. We leave soon for the main event. Received a care package today from the family. Thanks for the stuff and drawings boys! Very cool. And Sponge Bob has arrived. Thanks Shawna and Kristi, I think.
Next stop Africa!
This is our last major opportunity to on-load any items we think we’ll need for the African part of the mission. That includes stores and personnel (I didn’t look for transfer lists or an IMS equivalent, but I’m sure they have one). After that the mass and opportunities are limited…kind of like ISS in a way…We have added Italians, Portages, more USN (two room-mates now in my stateroom) and one US Army guy. He’s actually a National Guard guy, Captain-type, who catches a lot of good-natured flak from his new squid buddies. See Dave, you could get stuck on a ship next tour!!
Rota is a smaller town and very European from what I’m told. Narrow one-way streets (made of bricks too…that’s for you Tulia folks), lots of corner café’s and cantinas, little shopping areas, etc. It has a church that is somehow involved with Columbus and a very nice beach. Too cold to enjoy properly at this point, but we’ll be back when it’s warmer.
Food and drink are good. Had the local Sangria (sp), which is a sweet wine-punch type concoction. We went to a small restaurant that made some up special for us, bueno! They also had fried ice cream, and that totally rocked. How do you fry ice cream? All in the timing they say.
My two years of high school Espanol are hard pressed to keep up, but it’s fun to practice. I think I could be pretty fluent in about a year or so. I get by with the help of one of my shipmates who’s pretty fluent, and the town is used to the Americanos being around.
Hard to believe it’s already been a month. We leave soon for the main event. Received a care package today from the family. Thanks for the stuff and drawings boys! Very cool. And Sponge Bob has arrived. Thanks Shawna and Kristi, I think.
Next stop Africa!
The heir apparent to the Spanish throne is the Prince of Asturia. So, the Spanish calling their aircraft carrier the Prince of Asturia isn't much different than the British calling one of their WWII BBs the Prince of Wales.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, the current Prince of Asturia, Prince Felipe, was part of a Soling (3-handed sloop) team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He placed 6th. Just thought you'd like to know that...
When we first moved to Texas, my wife ordered Sangria at every Mexican restaurant we ate at. I think time and Margaritas have cured her of that habit.
I'm looking forward to Spongebob the Sequel: Spongebob in Fernando Poo.
Er, Fernando Poo is the old name for the island that the capital of Equatorial Guinea sits on. Some guy named Masie Nguema Biyogo changed its name to Masie Nguema Biyogo Island. The locals renamed the place Bioko after they shot him. (I figured that there's an outside chance that you and Spongebob might call on there...)
Keep the posts coming! I mostly lurk, but definitely enjoy the news. BTW, the Google satellite image of Rota showed some serious warships in harbor - most with helo decks fore & aft. Didn't see the Prince - he/she must be hangin' with peeps in Bel Air (eye rolls are accepted as validation). Thanks again for the news & hope you've gotten your sea legs back.
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