8 November 2009 Blowing the conch

Our friends Jackie and Gary came to us for dinner tonight. They fly back to Canada tomorrow for a week and have hauled their boat at a yard in Willemstad ready to paint the hull on their return. It was a fun and a funny evening. A cheeky gin and tonic as the sun was going down and then early supper as they have a very early start to the airport tomorrow. I'd dashed up a not too hot rogan josh with poppadoms as a side and, as a special treat, apple crumble for afters. David always happy when we have guests because I bother doing a pudding.

Gary brought a customised conch shell. It has one end sawn off to make it into a horn. In the Caribbean the conch shell is used for communication between islanders and, in a more modern context, to let boaters know the fishing boat is back with catch to sell. Gary used to play the French horn and could get a decent note out of the shell. David on the other hand has more aptitude for the guitar. He wasn't bad, half way there and with some practice we might be able to sell some fish. Apparently the secret is all in the lips – though not sure looking at the photo – and using them as if you're playing a trumpet. Think of blowing a raspberry with relaxed lips (I'm told this is the key) down a tube and you'll get an idea. The gauntlet was laid down and I felt honour bound to accept. Some thinking, feeling the weight of the heavy shell in my hand and then puckered up and blew a note! Was that the sound of dinghies launching coming to buy our fish? Not quite, but I got lucky. Gary has a spare shell to give us to keep then we can practice and entertain all our friends. Ha ha ha! Poor friends.