Diego’s heart pounded with excitement as he stood on the docks of Palos, Spain. He was only ten, but he had dreamed of adventure on the open sea. Now, he watched as three grand ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—were being prepared for a great voyage. It was the year 1492, and Christopher Columbus was about to set sail to find new lands.
Diego’s father, a shipbuilder, had helped repair the ships, and Diego often visited the docks, hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous explorer. One afternoon, as he watched sailors load barrels of food and water onto the ships, a voice called out.
“You there, boy! Can you carry a bundle?”
Diego turned to see a tall, bearded man in a blue coat. It was one of Columbus’s sailors! Eager to help, Diego grabbed a small bundle of ropes and followed the man onto the deck of the Niña. His eyes widened at the sight of the towering masts and fluttering sails.
“Stay out of the way, boy,” the sailor said, smiling. “Unless you’re planning to sail with us!”
Diego grinned. Oh, how he wished he could! He imagined standing beside Columbus, looking out at the endless ocean, searching for new lands. He wouldn’t be afraid of storms or sea monsters like some sailors were. He was ready for adventure!
Though he wasn’t aboard, he knew one day, he too would sail into the unknown. Diego was eager, but he wasn’t old enough yet. So, he had to wait. The ship was about to leave. He couldn’t stop himself from running from home to it. He went to the ship and snuck on. He giggled and said, “Nobody’s goanna know.”
Hiding behind a stack of barrels, Diego peeked out as the sailors moved about, preparing to cast off. The sound of waves crashing against the hull and the smell of salt filled the air. Suddenly, a voice boomed, “All aboard! Raise the anchor!” The ship jolted, and Diego’s heart raced—he was really going!
Diego stayed hidden for days, sneaking bits of food when no one was looking. He listened to the sailors talk about the voyage, the wind, and the endless water around them. At night, he curled up near the barrels, staring at the starry sky through cracks in the deck.
One evening, a terrible storm rolled in. The ship rocked violently as thunder boomed and waves crashed over the deck. Diego clung to a wooden beam, praying he wouldn’t be thrown overboard. The crew shouted as they struggled to keep the ship steady. Water sloshed into the lower decks, and Diego had to move quickly to keep from being discovered.
Days passed, and Diego grew braver. He crept closer to the main deck, watching the crew work. He even caught a glimpse of Columbus studying his maps and speaking to the sailors. Diego wanted so badly to step forward and ask him questions, but he knew he had to stay hidden. If he was found, he might be sent back—or worse.
Weeks later, a sailor shouted, “Land! I see land!”
Diego rushed to the railing from his hiding place below deck. In the distance, a green island appeared. He had done it! He had sailed into the unknown and reached a new world. His adventure was a great point in his adventure.
As the sailors prepared to go ashore, Diego waited for his chance. When they lowered the small landing boats, he snuck into one and huddled under a tarp. As the boat reached the shore, he peeked out, his heart racing with excitement. The island was lush with tall trees, colourful birds, and unfamiliar fruits hanging from branches. The air was warm, and Diego could hear the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. But at the northern coast of Hispaniola Santa maria crashed but Diego managed to get to Pinta.
The Columbus on the day of the wreck 12/25/1492 he ordered his men to strip of wood from Santa Maria and make La Navidad.
As Columbus and his men explored, Diego slipped away. Meanwhile Columbus impressing the natives by firing at the now wrecked Santa Maria. Which was ruined by rocks thrown by Diego. But Columbus succeeded.
That night, Diego watched from the shadows as Columbus planted a flag in the ground, claiming the land for Spain.
As they continued their voyage, Diego remained hidden, sneaking aboard one of the smaller boats when the crew returned to the ship. He marvelled at how different the island was from Spain, filled with creatures he had never seen before. He wished he could stay longer, but he knew his adventure wasn’t over yet.
For weeks, the ship travelled from island to island, discovering new lands. Diego observed from his hiding spots, learning the ways of the sea and the people they encountered. He saw the sailors trade with the islanders, collect exotic goods, and map the lands they explored. He even spotted Columbus writing in his journal, recording everything they found.
One day, Diego found himself staring at a map Columbus had left on a table. He studied the markings, tracing his fingers over the drawings of islands and mysterious symbols. He felt like a true explorer, charting the unknown alongside Columbus.
As time passed, Diego grew more confident in his hiding spots. He learned when to sneak food, when to sleep, and how to stay unnoticed. The crew never discovered him, and he became a silent observer of history in the making.
One night, as Diego lay hidden among the supplies, he realized he had learned more than he ever thought possible. He had crossed the ocean, survived storms, and seen new lands with his own eyes. Though no one knew of his secret journey, he felt like a true explorer.
Christmas and Santa was named after Santa Maria.
As the ships turned to head back to Spain, Diego knew he would have to sneak off before they reached land. He couldn’t risk being discovered now. He had a story to tell—one that no one would believe! But in his heart, he knew the truth: he had sailed with Columbus, seen new worlds, and had the adventure of a lifetime.
And one day, when he was old enough, he would set sail again—not as a stowaway, but as a real explorer.
April, 2025
