OK, we are now getting to the pointy end of the business. I can tell cause some people walking around here no longer have laid back long looping strides but heads down, legs keeping up beneath. The long list of things to do........things to find ..... to duplicate.... to purchase ........ to order ....... have been work in progress for us and some boats around us. As fast as we highlight jobs of work off the evolving list, it appears there is always another to go on. We came in walking a city pace, we have now eased into the Mexican lifestyle and we are keen to maintain the 'peaceful journey' with time having learnt from the long living experts - The Mexicans. I am reinforcing this with the yoga sessions out on the dock with 8 other pace making enthusiasts reaching for the sun with limbs hinting at life's pain. Trying to maintain focus on the inner self is the key, however the lady in front who has been wearing a calendar of t 'shirts that advertise the local celebrations, of which there are many. Shame, I only just cottoned onto that human billboard, I could have been up to speed a lot earlier during the zen of our tree pose. Meanwhile he who hums has had his hands full managing the whole process from the "pequento" detail to the "mas grande" and doing a mighty dam fine job! Next on the skills list for us is the French language and since I am of "French decent" I am hoping my instinct will kick in as I approach the French Polynesia.
It has been noted that we have had every possible professional within their field working and crawling all over this boat ensuring her blue ribbon status. Embarrassing but proud - she is looking the part. Some Puddle Jumpers set off 2 weeks ago, leading the way, eager to get going, after some poor boats having to turn back last year with issues. We read/hear those stories, learning from their experiences. The bare face humbling examples are shared around and when you've experience what it takes to make this all happen you can understand the devastation. Check that list! The absolute last thing on the "personal list" is attention to the hair, god knows there won't be a Tognini's palace out in the Pacific to smarty up my featherless peacock self. So with time shedding away my fashion-loving person and taking over with far more serviceable foot attire and protective clothing. Yellow vest being somewhat a summer colour and the orange whistles come as a necklace in a perfect contrasting bright. Kidding...... I have the Gemini twin within, who keeps this all intact. However our crew WILL be getting a haircut before we depart. Actually, I am secretly thinking of starting up my own harbour salon enroot as I can see potential. What has stuck in my mind from a bus trip with some cruising companions many years back for memory went something like this.... : 2months -overgrown ear covering curls sprouting ; 6 months- crooked angles & wayward tufts appearing; 1year - by now has lost the plot; and any time beyond - ends in dreadlocks. So my friends be kind to your boat folk, it is a Buddha way of life we are embarking upon. Keep tabs on us and should we transform then our presence won't alarm you when we return. There is every chance by then it won't be bothering us. HOMmmmmm
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