Pirates and Clowns

If you cross your hands over your heart, hook your thumbs together and fan out your fingers, then you have made the emblem of Albania.

I learned this from Greta (Albanian-Italian), who is the wife of Andrea (Italian), who is the friend of Axel (Austrian).  This is the story of our adventure with them, as well as Don, Roberto, Paula, Martino, Charlie, Iva, Cristian, Flavio, Pasquale, Marco, Ardor, Annie and all the other clowns, pirates, sailors, and children that we had the privilege to spend time with this week.

We had a plan.  To my knowledge there is not another phrase in the English language that makes less sense than these four words.  

Our plan was to sail from Monopoli to Brindisi, Italy, where there is a free dock, in a large, well protected harbor, to hide away during the predicted stormy weather en route to Corfu.  Axel walked by in the morning.  Michael was on deck inspecting our gooseneck which was fatally wounded underway.  I heard them talking.  Axel is the founder of Pirates of Apuglia, a humanitarian organization that was teaming up with several other organizations to bring cheer, donations, and sailboat rides to special needs children and orphans in Albania.  

“We need another boat.  Do you want to come?” he asked.  

Michael looked at me. “Say yes?” 

“Yes!” 

First we worked out the repair, because Gerty could not make the trip without a fully functioning gooseneck. 

Then came the boxes.  Lots and lots of boxes, filled with toys and clothes, were loaded onto three sailing ships, and one big ferry. 

Next came the volunteers.  Our crew grew from two to six with Ardor, Enada (Annie), Axel, and Don onboard.

On Saturday, we set sail in 20 knots NNW over a lumpy Adriatic sea.  Our crew thought it was exciting, adventurous, and nauseating! 

Upon our arrival, there was a big, noisy, festive crowd, speaking at least four different languages.  It sounded like mayhem, but it wasn’t.  The lines were secured on the dock in Vlore, the passengers disembarked, and an organized conveyor belt of hands assembled to unload the goods out of Gerty’s cabins.  The first part of our mission was complete.

The rest was easy.  Pirates arrived in drothes and Michael fit right in!  All we had to do was set sail with three pirates, two teachers, three children, and a clown named Charlie who juggled apples in Gerty’s cockpit. 

At Sarande’s orphanage (a mere three blocks from the touristic seaside promenade), dressed as pirates again, we were delighted to be part of the show.

It’s always the same with these things.  We get so much more than we give.  First and foremost, the friendships we made can’t be undone.  The tables we shared, the toasts that we made, and the songs that we sang are embedded in our minds and hearts forever.  Kazua! Salute! Auguri! Tornero, tornero, tornero!  The only way to fill the space that’s empty when we leave you, is to return again!  Arrivederci!

But there is a little bit more.  The next day, when the show was over, and the iron gates to the orphanage were closed again, we went back.  We brought thirty brand new children’s books that were donated from our friends and family back home, and watched Raviola, the young English speaking psychiatrist start a library for the kids.  It was a small, yet very special gesture, and we want to say thank you for sending your books across the ocean, because now they know that you are thinking of them.  

Last remarks

  • Thank you Axel, for inviting us in!

This Post Has 24 Comments

  1. I love hearing the story behind the pirates! What an amazing adventure! I’m so glad you were able to go back the next day to visit the orphanage to bring the books. Miss you both already!

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    2. E stato stupendo conoscervi e salire a bordo della vostra barca siete due persone fantastiche e meravigliose con un cuore grande …. Spero di rivervi per la prossima avventura in Albania !!! Vi abbraccio e quando prenderete in mano una mela per mangiarla. Ricordatevi di me !!!

      Reply

  2. This is another Gerty story that makes us love you guys even more!
    Greetings from Annapolis, Flora is floating again and so we are about to head south next week.
    Wiebke & Ralf

    Reply

  3. thanks for your nice blog, you are such a talented writer Jill (asside of many other talents you have).

    Reply

  4. This story brings tears to my eyes and also a big smile. I’m so proud to have kids that go out of their way and out of their comfort zone to bring joy to those in need. These children are lucky to have found you, and you are lucky in return for what they have given back to you. A definite win/win!

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    1. You are magic! Your family is wonderful! Grazie mille for inviting us to join your dream! We miss your gigantic hugs, your energy, and your attitude. We will remember it all, and spread your philosophy as far as Gerty will take us! (And we hope to see you next year!)

      Reply

  8. I think it’s a sign of how well I know you that my only question about this whole post is what is a gooseneck??

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    1. You are too funny. It’s the long skinny part of the goose that allows it to spin it’s head around (Michael said that, not me). It’s the part of the boat where the boom attaches to the mast (tall post in the middle). The main sail attaches to boom and mast.

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  9. What a joyful experience that must have been delivering toys, clothes and books to children! Michael, you are quite a good looking pirate! Thank you for sharing
    your very special adventures!
    Fond, regards,
    Nancy

    Reply

  10. I just caught up on a few of these posts!! The adventure continues and what a joy the trip to Albania must have been. Love it all xxoo

    Reply

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