The beautiful city of Lisbon hides at the very edge of Europe. Long ago, gypsies travelled west from India. On their long journey they reached Bessarabia and Hungary. Many of them settled there. The rest travelled on. Some settled in Bosnia, Croatia and Spain. And the most desperate made their way to Portugal. There was nowhere else to go, but the ocean. Over time, the inhabitants of these places became distinct from their neighbors. They have dark hair and curls, big eyes, and they are stately and beautiful. Their songs are special too! They smell of the steppe waddle and the scent of flowers in the mountain valleys. They have the sound of the ocean and the cries of seagulls.
Chuguev was the second mate on a refrigerated ship transporting a cargo of fish, caught by trawlers off the coast of Africa, to Lisbon. As the person responsible for unloading, he spent the day immersed in waybills and cargo manifests. When the day was over, the nervous and tired Chuguev decided to walk into town for a drink and unwind. The fourth mate, Sashka Lisovsky, and the ship’s mechanic, Karin, accompanied him.
‘Lesha, I’ve been here before,’ said Karin, slowing down and lighting a cigarette. ‘I know a place that’s neither expensive nor touristy. The vodka there is delicious, and the girls are beautiful.’ He smiled and took a drag on his cigarette.
‘No questions. Let’s go there. Pick up the pace,’ said Chuguev, patting Sashka on the shoulder and winking at Karin.
As dusk fell, the town was illuminated by red and yellow lights, making it resemble a cherry tree in full bloom. The bar or café was located on the edge of a cliff. They found a table on the veranda and ordered the only items they recognized on the menu: vodka and sturgeon. The veranda swayed gently in the evening breeze, much like the deck of a ship and it was as if they were being carried out to sea again.
The waiter pushed a trolley bearing two thick green glass vases. The vases were filled with ice chips, and a light mist hung over them. The neck of a bottle of Absolut vodka peeped out of one vase, while 50-gram shot glasses protruded from the other.
‘Mamma mia! I’ve never seen anything like it,’ said Lisovsky, his eyes widening.
‘Save your eyes for the night watch,’ Chuguev muttered. ‘You’d better fill the glasses!’
The vodka poured into the ice-cold shot glasses immediately thickened. Chuguev put his finger on the bottle.
‘Is it half a litre, buddy?’ He asked the waiter.
‘Si, señor,’ the waiter replied, bowing in readiness.
‘Let’s double it. Please bring another one,’ said Chuguev, smiling. ‘And how about the fish?’
‘The fish is being prepared for you, sir. It will be here in a few minutes.’
The waiter disappeared as quickly as mist over the vases.
The shot glasses were too small for them, and soon the bottle ran out. The second cart arrived just in time.
‘Here you go,‘ licked his lips Karin and uncorked a new bottle, ’they cook the fish especially for us! Capitalism, you know!’, he raised a finger squinting one eye, vodka was of good quality.
You say the girls here are pretty? Chuguev winked at him.
‘Ho-ho! The first man muttered the word ‘ba-boo’, snorted Karin, and they both laughed.
‘A few centuries passed and another man came up with the rhyme,’ Chuguev added:
The man who caught the fish
Should understand a simple truth
The fish is never fresh for long,
Enjoy your catch and cook a dish!
“Did Omar Khayyam say that? I thought he was an impotent philosopher,” Sashka Lisovsky woke up.
Their chatter was interrupted by a girl delivering a fish. All three fell silent, stunned. She emerged like a diva from the sea foam, her beauty seemingly unearthly. Her long, curly hair was playfully pinned up with a huge silver pin and a tiny white lily. A fragile figure, thin waist, beautiful hips, small breasts, the dark face of a Madonna.
“Your sturgeon, señores,” she quickly and skilfully arranged the plates on the table with the smooth movements of her graceful hands, “I gather from your speech that you are guests from another country, so I would like to offer you a sauce for this fish. It is only made in one village in Portugal. My grandmother lives there and every time I visit her, she gives me a basket of bottles of her sauce,” the girl smiled as she turned to leave.
“Just a moment, señorita, por favor,” Chuguev strained all his knowledge, mixing English words with Spanish and fearing to slip in some sailor’s slang, “Please, señorita, we would like to try Porto, your famous wine, for dessert…”
“Yes, of course,” the girl nodded.
“What is your name, may I ask, señorita”, Chuguev had already come to his senses.
“My name is Anna-Maria. And you are from Russia?”
“Yes, we are sailors,” it was Sashka Lisovsky, “we brought you a cargo of fish…”
‘That’s great, we don’t have Russians here that often, otherwise I would have improved my Russian,’ she smiled, “my grandfather fled your revolution. I only remember a few words from him. He loved the guitar and often hummed beautiful songs. Such sad romances! The magic of my gypsy ancestors must live in them,” her expression became detached.
‘I would like to sing such a romance for you,’ Chuguev stiffened at his own audacity. He loved the guitar, and his twelve-stringed friend was always a welcome guest at company.
‘You know, I have an idea,’ the girl’s eyes lit up, “I’ll ask our musicians to give you a microphone. Will you try?”
He was given a guitar and sat on the ramp with his legs overhanging. The guitar had six strings and he familiarized himself with the instrument by trying the chords. Playing the melody, he was looking around the room. There he saw smiling faces, and among them, he found her. She was like an angel in the night, her loose hair fluttered in the evening breeze. And he whispered the first words of the romance:
Eh, dari-dari-da.
You’re beautiful and slim
Eh, dari-dari-da
Fascination!
The guitar obeyed him and he sang:
I don’t whine about fate
Keeping in the best of you
I’m sharing now with you
My confession
I will walk through pain of wounds
Will forgive you a deceit.
You are like a gypsy song
Full of passion
Eh, dara-dara-da,
Full of passion…
The musicians grabbed a tune:
I won’t ask you to explain
Why you live like in your dream
In your sleep, you only sin,
Little dreamer
Who’s that shadow in your dream?
What a hope you keep for him
Miracles exist in sleep
Not in life, my dreamer
Eh, dari-dari-da,
Fascination!
I can only be the one
In your sleepless journey fashion
Who will make your dreams alive
With my passion
But you right, as you are young
I say nothing
Don’t afraid to burn your dream
New ones coming
Eh, dari-dari-da,
Dreams are coming
Everything I bless in you
I will poison soul with blessing
I just say that I love you
You my beautiful obsession
The guests at the bar were already dancing and singing along to the gypsy refrain:
Eh, dari-dari-da,
My obsession…!
People applauded and didn’t let him go for a long time.
“Señores, your dinner was paid, we all thank you very much for the song,” the restaurant owner bowed his head, “You asked Anna-Maria for our best Porto wine. This is her little gift to you,” he beckoned and the waiter placed a silver platter with three tiny glasses on the table. “This wine is made from a recalcitrant grape that grows on rocky sea cliffs,” the owner smiled, “it is rattled by salty storms, it has little fresh water, and only rare rains wash and nourish its berries. But this berry will never grow on plantations, will never submit to the slavery of man. It gives itself to you tonight, on this marvelous evening.”
“May I ask you something?” Chuguev timidly turned to the owner of the restaurant, but he seemed to have anticipated his question: “Anna-Maria has left on urgent business. The young people always have urgent business, you know,” the owner bowed his head again, and Chuguev saw on his face the shadow of a barely perceptible smile. As barely as the sauce that gave the sturgeon a barely savory flavor…
On the way back, Karin and Sashka Lisovsky joked and sang songs. And Chuguev was thoughtful. The restaurant owner’s story was stuck in his head.
And suddenly he had a spark… After all, in the parable of the unruly berry, an old man who had been tempted by life told them about the beautiful gypsy girl!
“And he’s right,” Chuguev smiled. “One sip is enough to appreciate the wine…”
(Original lyrics of a song by Efrem Amiramov were modified in translation)
© Copyright: Walter Maria, 2015
Certificate of Publication #215031402106
Very interesting information! Perfect just what I was looking for!
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I came across this during my hunt for something regarding this.
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own blog now 😉
Spot on with this write-up, I actually believe that this site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the advice.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written.
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thanks.
Good day! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for your great info you’ve got right here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article. Thanks for supplying these details.
After looking over a few of the articles on your site, I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon.
Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is very useful. Many thanks for sharing.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal blog now 😉
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal site now 😉
You need to take part in a contest for one of the most useful sites on the net. I am going to highly recommend this blog!
That is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
I was extremely pleased to uncover this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new information on your site.
I wanted to thank you for this fantastic read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the website is also really good.
Right here is the perfect webpage for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for many years. Wonderful stuff, just great.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes that make the greatest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Excellent article! We will be linking to this particularly great article on our site. Keep up the great writing.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thanks!!
I used to be able to find good information from your articles.
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Perfectly written!
I used to be able to find good information from your blog articles.
May I simply say what a comfort to find someone who genuinely understands what they are talking about on the net. You actually know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should look at this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular because you most certainly have the gift.
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you should publish more on this topic, it may not be a taboo matter but usually folks don’t discuss these topics. To the next! Best wishes!
May I simply just say what a comfort to uncover someone who truly understands what they are discussing on the internet. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people must check this out and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you definitely have the gift.
I really like it when individuals get together and share opinions. Great blog, stick with it!
Very good article. I definitely love this site. Keep writing!
An outstanding share!
It’s nearly impossible to find educated people on this subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I blog frequently and I really thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Hey there! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you’ve got here on this post. I’ll be returning to your web site for more soon.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I stumbled across this in my search for something relating to this.
Good write-up. I absolutely love this website. Thanks!
Good blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours these days. I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbled upon it 😉 I’m going to come back yet again since I have bookmarked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me lunch simply because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this subject here on your web site.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and also the rest of the site is really good.
Saved as a favorite, I really like your website.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this write-up plus the rest of the website is very good.
I was able to find good information from your blog posts.
This is a really good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
It’s difficult to find educated people in this particular topic, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Your style is unique compared to other folks I have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this page.
There’s definately a lot to find out about this subject. I love all of the points you have made.
You have made some really good points there. I checked on the internet to find out more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.
May I simply say what a relief to find somebody who really understands what they’re talking about online. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people need to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
I absolutely love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own site and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Kudos.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much.
You made some really good points there. I looked on the web for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
You have made some good points there. I checked on the web for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this website.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
I like it when folks come together and share ideas. Great site, keep it up.
You should be a part of a contest for one of the finest sites on the internet. I will recommend this website!
Saved as a favorite, I love your web site.
Pretty! This has been an extremely wonderful post. Thanks for supplying this information.
May I simply just say what a comfort to discover somebody that truly knows what they are discussing over the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people really need to look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.
Good day! I simply would like to offer you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you have got right here on this post.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be helpful to read articles from other authors and practice something from other sites.
I’m very pleased to uncover this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every bit of it and i also have you book marked to check out new things in your blog.
Hello there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! I appreciate you for sharing!
Having read this I believed it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide other people.
I wanted to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to look at new things you post…
I used to be able to find good information from your blog posts.
Thanks for the great article!
Very good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later!