Ambergris Caye off the coast of Belize was named by 17th c. pirates. The name derives from the ambergris that was washed up on the shore. Ambergris forms when indigestible parts of squid accumulate in the digestive tract of sperm whales. By weight, ambergris is worth more than gold because it is used by the perfume industry as an ingredient in the most expensive scents. In days gone by it was also highly-prized as incense, an aphrodisiac and a medicine
During the 17th c. Ambergris Caye was a haven for pirates. Legend says that it was a prime location for staging attacks against Spanish ships and as a place to stash plunder. It is rumoured that Blackbeard loved the place, to the extent that he was moved to write a shanty. 300 years later, a lady with a pointy bra released the old song and made a flippin fortune.
Graham generally sees the funny side of life, which is just as well as he spent 35 years working for the telephone company. He started scuba diving with the British Subaqua Club at the age of 16, rode horses through his 20's, became an obsessive windsurfer in his 30's and had a go at free-diving in his 40's. While all of this was going on he rode a bike to keep fit and get to the pub. In later life, in an effort to stave off dementia he has taken up singing and dancing. You may see short stories about these pursuits, but don't expect to read about any degree of prowess as the experiences he can still remember generally relate to (in order) getting bent, crashing a horse (yes, crashing, not just falling off), Windsurfing stupidly in a storm 10, wreck diving without an aqualung, time-trialling with a hangover, singing out of tune and falling on his arse (dancing).
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Fabulous love it. Sylvia
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Thank you Sylvia; Sue and Sally came up with this song for our Sunday ‘Home Farm’ sing-song and it’s become a favourite.
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