We arrived in De Beauvoir Town, where our dear friends from Urban Upholstery have their shop. The time has arrived for the interior renovation of the boat. There was a lot of work ahead of us – carpets had to be ripped out, cladding put up, new solid wood flooring to be laid etc. One week, many tasks.

The downside was, that Natascha was diagnosed with lyme’s disease and wasn’t exactly in ‘renovation’ shape. Adnan on the other hand was in top form, cutting and hammering like there was no tomorrow, just at the paint job he wasn’t excelling. Well, that was Natascha’s task then, quietly painting the cladding. And our friends from UU upholstered the sofa, made cushions – all in all it went smoothly and Quintessence looked transformed, that stinking awful carpet was finally gone, she looks much brighter, finally a boat to live in, see for yourself:

It’s a privilege really to moor up next to “The Village Butty” the community boat for bargees and non-bargees alike. Step into the magic world of bargees, where game nights, concerts and “how to toilet composting” events take place. All very necessary, insightful and great fun. On special days you even get oysters – what a treat (for those who like ’em).

It was Adnan’s birthday and we headed to Ombra Bar for delicious food, one of our all time favourites, like in the olden days when we lived in Hackney. On the way back we went for a game night to the Village Butty – what a lovely way to celebrate a birthday!

Herdford Union really is one of the nicest canal stretch to moor up in East London. Right next to Victoria Park, this side is quiet and really handy for the cat, a huge garden to explore. And ducks to chase… And to hang out in the huge boat kitchen…

Lunch or dinner? Or both, there are three. So maybe breakfast too…

It was also time to think about the refurbishment of Quintessence. The boat painter was arranged, the wet dock booked for later on in June. The photo of the writing was for our friend to figure out how the new one could look like. A simple and neat font is what we had in mind and no scrolls, for sure. It’s a matter of taste, we think, traditions are here to challenge or transform, which doesn’t mean we don’t respect them. But if things need to be the same old way all the time, it becomes dogmatic.

It’s post Christmas, which we spent back in Switzerland in central heated homes, that was quite a treat. On top we received a very suitable present from Adnan’s brother, the treat of the treats! Le mini Raclette, candle powered. We both love this typical Swiss cheese dish, especially on a cold winter day. Thank you Nils & Amy!

We headed to Limehouse Basin and were lucky enough to find a spot overlooking the basin. As Natascha said in an earlier post, cruising through London is full of joys and that one definitely is. Easy to reach friends and work and the view is fabulous.

Then one night we wanted to charge the batteries by running the engine. Well, the engine simply ‘died’ after jolting for a minute. Adnan tried again, full throttle, nothing – nada, nichts, niente! What on earth happened?! We needed the energy as during winter our solar panels don’t produce anything, of course, so quite frankly: What the fuck?

We went out for a meal nearby and, whilst charging our computer in the restaurant, Adnan had an ‘enlightening’ moment. Diesel, maybe the tank was empty. Though we filled it up to the brim in November and that should last for a good six months if not longer. So, we went back and we took out the measuring stick and there was the result: empty tank! Somebody must have emptied our tank at some point, there are also pirates on the British Waterways, no doubt and somebody had a little refill for his/her boat.

We called Dominic, the owner of the coal, gas & fuel barge whether he will come down to Limehouse any time soon. Luckily enough he did, the following day he had to come down to refill the barge with supplies for us boaters. We got our tank filled and Dom’s advice was to get a lock for the fuel tank – we will for sure! This was perfect timing as in fact we had to move on, else, the CRT enforcement team wouldn’t have been happy.