I must be dreaming because I could never have imagined what happened next in the “letter in a bottle” saga. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
E-mail dated Monday, February 1st:
“Hello,
My name is André and I am the grandson of Mr. António, now with 83 years old, the man who found the bottle with the message that you sent in 1979. Let me tell you a little more about him, our family and how he found your message.
My grandfather is from a family originate of Santa Maria island. All his life he worked as an aircraft refueler in the oil company Mobil. Santa Maria is an island of 97 km2 and about 5,000 inhabitants. It was during the 2nd world war an American aircraft basis having passed to the Portuguese government at the end of the conflict. Since then it became an Atlantic gas station since the aircraft transatlantic flights did not have enough autonomy to make intercontinental trips. My grandfather started working at Mobil at age 25 and with my grandmother Margarida, also natural from Santa Maria, had 5 children – Carlos (my father), Laura, Margarida, Paula and António Jorge. Four of them still live on the island and one, Margarida, emigrated at age 22 to the US.
Regarding your message, my grandfather always had the hobby of fishing. It was on a fishing night, in the rocks, that he found your bottle that apparently sailed for 2 years in the Atlantic Ocean until reach Santa Maria Island. My grandfather did not know how to write or read in English, so he asked a colleague to answer you (the letter that you received in 1981).
However, we end up losing touch since then until your letter from May 2015 that actually was addressed for the company’s residence at the time, which does not exist anymore. Nevertheless, as this is a small island it was not difficult for the postman to find who was Mr. Antonio and his real address.
I always remembered of my grandfather from time to time telling us about the story of your message and he always showed curiosity to know more about you and your family. If you ever consider visiting the Azores islands, please let us to know; we would be pleased to meet you. They are 9 green islands with a nice summer weather where you can spend a quiet holiday and enjoy contact with nature.”
I was speechless.
Sounds like a great adventure! Hmmm…
Have a great week,