When I sat down to tell you this story, I wasn’t sure where to begin. That’s because it’s actually two stories – one about something I did recently and, more importantly, one about friendship.
Earlier this month the Nina and Pinta were docked at Gallipolis. These replicas of the Christopher Columbus ships sail all over the Western Hemisphere, giving visitors the opportunity to climb aboard for a hands-on history lesson. Floating museums, these ships give a different perspective to the stories we learned in school about the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. In case you’re wondering, there is no Santa Maria because it didn’t survive its last voyage.
This is where the friendship story comes in. I have a friend who I met through a mutual friend on Facebook. We communicate regularly on Facebook but we had never met in person despite periodic threats to do so. Over the last five years, Johnna has been the sort of friend we all need. She is thoughtful, kind and insightful. She is the first to ask if everything is ok and offer constructive advice but the last to criticize. She is an amazing cheerleader.
Since Johnna lives in Gallipolis, we met for dinner and a tour of the ships!
The internet has taught us that you never know what someone will be like in real person but Johnna is as kind, interesting and genuine as I hoped.
My relationship with Facebook is pretty shaky. One thing I do appreciate is how social media has connected me with people I otherwise would have no way of knowing.
Touring the ships was interesting too. The Nina is the most historically accurate Columbus ship ever built and I think they said it was built by Portuguese shipbuilders who employ the same building techniques that were used in Columbus’ day. The ships are smaller than I expected given they sailed the ocean and each carried 24 men and months worth of supplies.
The crew was knowledgeable and interesting to talk to and painted a fascinating picture of life aboard Columbus’ ships. I cannot imagine journeying the high seas in either of these boats.
The ships are actually in Ashland, Kentucky now through November 18. Go see them if you can!