I'd like to meet:
Others interested in the history of pirates.
WILLIAM DAMPIER - English Buccaneer, naturalist, & explorer (1651-1715)who sailed around the world THREE times (not all at the same time mind you), and introduced over 1000 words into the English language (including avocado, cashew, kumquat, tortilla).
MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN - Dutch naturalist & scientific illustrator (1647-1717) who explored the jungles of the Dutch colony of Suriname for two years collecting and drawing the plants and insects
APHRA BEHN - English playwright, spy, and Lesbian (1640-1689)She also visited Suriname, and was the first woman to make her living from her writing.
MARY READ - English soldier, tavern owner, sailor & pirate (c. 1690 - 1721) She had everyone fooled that she was a man, earned commendations for her valor, and then married her tentmate. Upon his death, she put on the men's clothing again, and went to sea. There she became a pirate, fell in love again, this time with a carpenter, and fought a duel on his behalf.
ARTEMISIA GENTILESCHI - Italian early-Baroque artist (1593-1653) one of the first female artists to paint historical and religious subjects, friend of Galileo Galilei and of Michaelangelo's nephew
SEAN CONNERY - gorgeous, no matter what his age. His voice makes me melt.
SEAN BEAN - ditto (perhaps I have a thing for Seans)
