Rudi Arbella, Vicki's cousin from Sweden, joined me for a day as he came to the boat and then we had a very "spainish" and leisurely lunch....about 5 hours all told!  What a great time we had!  Rudi has been living in Gran Canaria during the winters for the past 3 years (I get why he leaves Sweden during the winter).  He has an apartment in the south of the island, but came up to spend the day.  Rudi was at the commissioning of our previous Oyster in June of 2003, and we last saw him at Amy's wedding, yet Vicki keeps in touch.  His visit was delightful!  He is the "last Arbella" (Vicki's maiden name....we named the boat to honor her father), and so we really wanted him to see the new boat bearing his name.  I hope and expect that we will have many more opportunities....in the U.S....to visit with Rudi since his travels may take him there in the next year or two.  In preparation for Rudi's visit, we rigged the "dress ship flags" which required me to go to the top of the mast....82 feet...and the few photos show the view from atop...that's our dinghy alongside the bow, with the red fuel tank!  Besides pictures of Rudi and I, for family, I have also included a picture of his mother, Karsten, who lives in Sweden.