HERE'S THE PICTURE:

You are the one selected by the King to continue the search of the century into areas uncharted. For the better part of the entire fifteenth century others have ever so slowly inched their way down the African coast. But the threat of natives made it hard to obtain neededfresh water. Plus war at home postponed the long-sought-after dream of rounding the continent.

Now you are selected to complete the mission. The light is green. It's five years before Columbus even ventured west. It's 1487.

TO CUT TO IT:

You are caught up in the horrid stormy waters. Then you realize what's happened. You are on the east coast of Africa. You've made it. Retracing your "steps" you make it back to home, telling the King of Portugal about the treacherous waters at the tip, which you call the Cape of Storms. He, however, is so elated at your find and the expectation of riches from beyond, the King re-names the tip, The Cape of Good Hope.

AFTER 12 YEARS:

You have spent on land most of this time, now you set out on your own voyage to this land beyond the tip. Alas, on May 29th the very waters that you named "stormy" were indeed that...turbulent and dangerous. You were to have been correct in your naming of these straits. For your entire ship is caught up in the seas massive swells.

FIVE HUNDRED YEARS:

Who is thinking of you, Bartholomeu Dias, today? Who is praying for your eternal soul? For the souls of those with you. Who is realizing the irony of your death. You were right. The Cape IS Stormy. Let's hope that your own soul was in the state of grace, however, and prepared to meet that sweet HOPE that lays beyond all our storms.

Well, Bartholomeu, I am praying for you today. The 500th anniversary of your death. I remember you. I salute you. I pray for you.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done.

For more information on this incredible explorer, as well as other explorers, please visit Andre Engle's Discoverer's Web

To return to Chris' page, click on the image of the mother, below.

Last updated 31 May, 2000.

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