Earlier this year, the covid-19 and the fear associated with it did not subside. Although we hoped that the Nautics Fair in Zagreb would be the first manifestation of the maritime tradition, nothing happened. The covid-19 was stronger.
A glimmer of hope was moving Nautica in a month, but again nothing.
At the same time, preparations were underway to go to Sete. And there was a big questionnaire that the French cut with a simple rule. The festival will be, and epidemiological measures will be adjusted to the current situation. We must prepare for all forms.
Airlines were canceled, the conditions for crossing borders were changed, but there was no giving up.
...
And, after about twenty hours of driving, we arrived at Sete.
The first impression was to be the appearance of large sailing ships. They are rarely seen, and when there are about thirty of them in one port, there are few that can overshadow them.
And it overshadowed them.
The hosts, residents of Sete and the surrounding area went for a walk along the waterfront, and also guests came for a walk along the waterfront. People were watching people. Large sailing ships were overshadowed by people. After two years of fighting the covid-19, avoiding any group of people as angry enemies, suspicious looks and recognizing a hidden danger, people appeared. Torrents of people, almost impassable waterfront, crowded streets, full of cafes. Conversation with strangers.
Damir talks about talking to a neighbor who paints a fence every morning. He doesn't know what he said or what he said, but they understand each other perfectly. Both are glad that the other is there. They are glad to greet a stranger and speak politely without running away from a dangerous suspect.
Our tents and barracks are surrounded by Catalans, Italians and French. They don't understand each other very well, but they come to visit each other, with us at lunch time when the environment smells of fish, juice and baking. The excellent cooking team attracted firefighters and police officers and volunteers with their magic, but the French with a delicate nose were also happy to peek to see what it smells like. They also come after dinner to sing in front of the tent because we have live music.
