began the rounds of introducing myself to anyone and everyone who could spare the time for a cup of coffee. In those early days, the economy was flat, even melancholy, and there were many who welcomed the [...] its sodden economy. But I was indeed and the more I went about the country, and the more cups of coffee and sweet cakes I savored, the more I began to notice and appreciate that remarkable indomitable [...] was quite at home on the sea and eventually acquired a sailing vessel from Holland, aptly named De Brand van Trogen, or essentially the Fire of Troy. Perhaps a history refresher would be helpful here. As