From Ramon Pdq Comments

Flanked by the Gulf Stream, La Habana is favored by sailors, for the current carries a ship seaward in no time with no dependence on wind. In no time the ship was far to sea, almost invisible, a speck. Julia clucked and raised her parasol. For a time, she watched it vanishing.
With unusual fervor, she prayed for his safe return, considering their union 'a good thing'.

It was the kind of voyage sailors hope for. The sea was smooth and flat as glass. Warm winds filled the sails and drove them on and after a while they grew used to the rocking. At night, the timbers creaked reassuringly. Strolling the deck at dawn, Ramon scanned the waves for mermaids, which he didn't believe in. Maybe on that account, he saw none.Once they overtook a pod of whales- cows and calves- whose antics drew them all to the rail.
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