by Neena Strichart
As a youngster I learned to loathe Columbus Day. It was not considered a school holiday and I had to suffer the annual taunts of “there she goes, the Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria!” Oy, it became so predictable and tedious to hear the day-long chanting. To make matters worse, my elementary school teacher had the tendency to announce to the class, “We have a celebrity with us today.” She’d then make me stand up. “Her name is Neena (sounds like Nina).” I just hated it.
Back then it was rare to have a common name with an unusual spelling, not like today with our Christine vs. Krysteene and our Christopher vs. Khristoffer, etc. It was tough enough having an oddly spelled name without the added insult of being the namesake of what I felt was some old barnacle-laden tugboat.
It appears that my ship will literally be coming in next week on Wednesday, and we will have the chance to patch up our differences. According to a press release from the Columbus Foundation, the “Nina,” a replica of what was thought to be Columbus’ favorite ship, will be open to the public beginning Wednesday, December 17. The ship is scheduled to be docked in Long Beach at the Rainbow Harbor Marina, 200 Aquarium Way, Pier Avenue Marina, until her departure on Monday January 5. The ship will be in port for less than a month after taking part in several Tall Ships Pacific Coast events. This layover is planned to be the ship’s final visit to the West Coast.
As reported in the press release, the reproduction “was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship ‘the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.’ The craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery. The ‘Nina’ was used in the production of the film 1492 starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.”
The general public is invited to go aboard the “Nina” for a self-guided tour from 9am to 5pm seven days a week from December 17 until she hoists anchor on January 5. Prices are $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and $3 for students. Children 4 and under may board for free. No reservations will be necessary. Visit their website at www.thenina.com for detailed information and photographs.
