It’s in the Details

Nao

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Model of a “Nao”, also known as a Carrack.  The Santa María, Columbus’ flag ship, was a Nao like this although this particular model is of Magellan’s Nao “La Victoria” which is located in San Lúcar de Barameda, Spain.  Photo by Robert Carpenter

          I've learned a lot of trivia doing research for my historical novels on Spain and Columbus. Did you know:

          El silbo, a language of Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, involves a system of whistles and vowel sounds. It's still used for communicating over long distances on that rugged isle.

          The Taino Indians, nearly eradicated in the Caribbean by European diseases and cruelty, have resurfaced and are reviving their language. See link to a dictionary---

          Coffee--It didn't originate in the New World. It probably came from Ethiopia or thereabouts.

          Why is all of this important? Because a book comes alive with description and detail. We want to see the colors, feel the breeze or the raindrops, know where and when something took place, smell the creosote and salt air, and feel the heat of the fire. Description with accurate historical detail. It's important.

© Beryl Carpenter 2013 - 2020