The story of "Paglo the Explorer"
Francisco Paglo was a virtually unknown Italian explorer who first set sail as a lookout on Cadamosto's expedition to the Gambia River in 1455. Upon completion of a distance learning course in creative writing, he published a stirring account of the exploration from his viewpoint in the crow's nest, which was widely published throughout Europe. It ultimately caught the eye of Prince Henry the Navigator who was a Portuguese royal prince, soldier, and patron of explorers. Prince Henry summoned Paglo, and thanks to his generous funding, sent him on an expedition around Africa's Cape of Good Hope in 1460 to trade for spices in India. A storm pushed him off his target, and he finally dropped anchor in what is now known as New Zealand.
He never did set foot in India, but in New Zealand he remains a hero for bringing the country its first sheep, and his birthday (April 1) is celebrated every year with giant mutton pies. A growing movement has petitioned the government to officially establish the day as a national holiday — Dandy Mutton Day, in reverent appreciation for Paglo. On the eve of March 31 each year, children leave tiny bales of hay in their family rooms, hoping for the safe return of his ghost to their home and a flock of sheep for their family. Those who have been good the preceding year and have prepared fresh bales receive a bowl of lamb stew and freshly-knit wool socks and sweaters from their parents. But poor behavior and unkempt bales is frowned upon as a sign of disrespect, and these unfortunate kids receive a clump of manure.
During his extended stay in New Zealand, Paglo lost an eye wrestling a Moa, but captured the feisty 12 ft. flightless bird and rode it throughout the country as he visited various villages gathering flora and fauna samples for the prince. He finally returned to Portugal in 1461 and delivered the bird and his collection of leaves and flowers to his patron. While greatly disappointed that Paglo failed to secure any new spices, he was thrilled with the giant bird and the 10 inch and 22 pound eggs that it laid. They made for terrific omelets that could inexpensively serve most of his court.
Little is recorded of Paglo after his return, but on a subsequent exploration late in his life, he claimed to have discovered America in 1494, but this is uncertain.
