Diego’s Voyage Across the Sea
Diego’s heart pounded excitedly as he stood on the docks of Palos, Spain. He was only 10, 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 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. He went to the ship and snuck on. He giggled and said, “Nobody’s gonna 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.
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 María crashed but Diego managed to get to Pinta.
