{***}In July 1998 I was living in Lanzarote, in a beautiful small house near to the sea. Until that time my life there was boring and quiet {***} but everything changed when I met my friend Richard. I Knew him on the harbour, just in front of his boat {***} where he was working .{***} {***}

{***}Richard was born in Vietnam but he lived all his life in France. He looks like chinese people with straight black hair and dark eyes. He was in his thirthies and was {***} {***}n´t only {***} tiny but also {***} athletic body, which make him very attractive {***}. He was always working outside his boat{***} therefore {***}he was suntanned. {***}He seemed shy and not outgoing but also friendly{***}.

He spoke with everybody in a soft voice and always offered them good advice and help, so he was the most popular sailor on the harbour {***}.

{***}All the people thought that he was charming because he was generous as well as an excellent cook {***}. He loved cooking chinese food and sometimes he invited his friend for dinner into his boat.{***} There were {***}people from everywhere wich were talking to each others, sometimes {***} french , or english as well as spanish. Often we were sailing among the islands so he loved sailing and travelling. Perhaps the most striking thing about Richard was his appearence . He looks like a tramp, however he spoke five languages and was a good reader. He also loved music and played the guitar. I think he was a valuable friend who had a great influence over me, oppening my mind{***}. {***}

Actually he is sailing by South America. Sometimes when I'm thinking about him, suddenly I'm surprised with an e-mail from him.

(Written by Irene Otermin 3ºC)