Funny how these things happen. This year, Xmas saw 7 of Tainui’s past and present crew in Berlin for various reasons – me en route Gibraltar; Chris visiting Jasper who is studying script-writing there; Lucy making haggis and blood pudding for a Berlin Scottish restaurant (true); Dan with her, for obvious reason; Andrew and Mario long established residents; and Maxine and Dirk visiting family.
A big, noisy gathering at Clarchen Ballhaus was marred only by the absence of Captain Dave and Mike, both of them celebrating Xmas in some great yacht in the sky.
Hellishly cold and grey, but a wonderful opportunity to catch up on old crewmates, some Wagner, Donizetti and a fistful of galleries.
Looking along the dinner table I felt fortunate indeed to have had the company of these wonderful crewpersons in Tainui.