The first to have taken a shower on Hera, I join the Company sitting at the table and upon cushions in the stern, and begin to explain how it’s done. Everyone looks at me patiently bemused, as everyone here either has boats or has had extensive experience on them.

Stan and Mary, always gentle, nod in approval. I met them at Hotel Peristil the day after they arrived to join the Company for the gulet journey. Long-time friends of George and Judy, they are excited about not only this journey, but the larger one they are about to undertake,

for the sale of their New Port Beach house is the only remaining thing that stands in the way of retirement. The gulet trip is just a prequel.