If I had known my day would include meeting some local big names in reggae, getting asked to do guest vocals and then shooting across the road to witness some stallion castrating... well, it would've been hard to believe when I woke up.
Regardless, we push on, onwards and upwards, and so it was that I found myself experiencing the first of several disappointments for my day off. The Skype date A and I had arranged never materialised because for some stupid reason, today, of all days, the internet at Seaside decided not to work on my computer. So I packed up and walked 20 mins to the nearest wifi place, which of course made me miss the boy by just 4 mins in the end. Turns out he had internet difficulties too, and was running around making his Help X host restart his router to make it work.
So that was that. I thought I'd get some more housework done before heading to the French side, since I didn't know what was happening with I, the guide from the French side I work with at Seaside. I waited FOREVER for a bus, it being a Sunday n all, and kept getting my hopes up with every people mover that drove by... alas, it was just Church groups ferrying their people from place to place. Unsurprisingly, none offered a lift and tried to convert me to their faith - it being pretty apparent I bat for the Rasta team (or so they think...).
When I was in Marigot, the main town for the French side, I saw everything was closed cos it was Sunday. But that was fine, since I didn't want to shop, just check out the side and how it differed to the Dutch. I didn't even notice when we crossed the border, there was no checks and I didn't see a sign. There is a monument but I wasn't really concentrating... So I squeezed out of the bus through all the church-goers, and wandered around looking for a beach.
What I found instead were some markets where I bought some nice Bolivian-style earrings, a small, half-decent beach, a rusty shipwreck, some cool little makeshift bars pumping loud reggae and a lot of brightly coloured iguanas scurrying around. There was definitely a different vibe here, even the men didn't really holler at me much like on the Dutch side. There was a European vibe to the air, helped along by strings of poissonneries and patisseries... like they'd just transported a little piece of France right here in the Caribbean.
The guy from work came to meet me in Marigot and we headed to where the buses pass towards the French Quarter. Except that, as a Sunday, none were coming. So we tried to hitch and then I's mate came along to save the day... he ended up being some local rapper and his music wasn't half bad. My mate mentioned that I could sing and the guy, who calls himself SM Soldier, says that he's looking for a female vocalist. So as we sat and smoked at a recording studio with Blunty, some of big rapper 'round here, I give him my details to send along any music or ideas he's thinking. Wonder if I'll ever hear from him... my mate reckons he'd call me into the studio just to see my face again! ha!
Then the call came from M, and my mate was summoned to a property to give a helping hand in some stallion castrations. Poor little foals, only 7 months and having their balls chopped off. But it's better than making babies unnecessarily. I wish more people would cut their animals' balls off and lessen the pile of unwanted pets wandering around the world. It was a ghastly process, really horrific for the horse as he was on his back with legs tied together and a rope constricting his neck should he fight back. But they are back with mummy now, a bit bloody but alive and kicking. Well, I don't think kicking will happen for a little while but they're in one piece.
The land the horses roamed was M's dad's land, with all these eery buildings that didn't look more than 5 years old but were derelict and didn't look like they'd ever been lived in at all. I asked about it and apparently it was meant to be a resort but the permit was denied. Another example of the politics of this island. What a waste of resources. Private beach, beautiful undulating hills, pretty little corner of the French side... would've been well nice to stay at.
Afterwards, we were shouted some dinner by M and I was driven pretty much home, which was lovely since it was the opposite end of the island and getting dark. The guys really take care of the women here in that regard, never let them pay for anything and always make sure they're safe etc. Chivalry is not dead here! Take note, bogan Aussies.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
The harder clients...
This Saturday was my first working, and it was pretty busy. Lots of kids running around because they had no school, lessons in the arena, cruise ship rides in the morning, more rides in the afternoon. It wasn't super busy like the other day with ride after ride, but there were things to keep me busy. In the Caribbean sense of the word, I swear since being here I have slowed down about 50% my normal workspeed. But it's just so hot.....
My favourite ride, funnily enuf, was my last one. It was a recently married American couple who were not very experienced on horseback. The man was telling me before he got on that he was really scared, and worried the horse would fall over the edge etc etc. But it ended up being his wife that was freaking out. Her horse, the biggest sweetheart of the bunch, walked over to the water bucket to drink and she started yelling, "Help help, what's he doing, ahhh!!!" So as it was, the husband sat quietly waiting for me to calm her down and I ended up putting a lead rope on this woman's horse the whole ride.
Well, I am proud to say they completed the whole ride, as well as got in the water with the horses at the very end. And they looked a helluva lot more relaxed as the ride came to an end - maybe they were just glad it was almost over. But it was a minor victory on my part, that I was able to keep them calm and get them to have this experience, I'm certain they won't forget it!
Got some good tips from them, which was nice, and I think they gave good feedback to my boss. Which reminds me, the 2 rides I took earlier that day I also got good feedback from my boss, who said they liked me, I talked the whole time, was really enjoyable etc. So that's good! It will mean that I get put on trails more often, cos there are other people who don't talk so much with the guests etc, and they're really into customer service at this place.
After work, the boss shouted me and J a beer and we chatted a short while before I had a quick shower at home, and joined J for a quick kebab dinner (super yummy) and some beers at a local sports bar. Went home about 10:30pm, thought that was about enuf for me, since J wasn't going to the dressup Halloween party at Soggy Dollar (what a name for a club!). I am not going out alone here. Would rather go home early and just read in bed. Did feel a bit mean when I woke up, though, as I read a message from after I fell asleep from J saying he couldn't get a cab or bus home. Hope he got there in the end!
My favourite ride, funnily enuf, was my last one. It was a recently married American couple who were not very experienced on horseback. The man was telling me before he got on that he was really scared, and worried the horse would fall over the edge etc etc. But it ended up being his wife that was freaking out. Her horse, the biggest sweetheart of the bunch, walked over to the water bucket to drink and she started yelling, "Help help, what's he doing, ahhh!!!" So as it was, the husband sat quietly waiting for me to calm her down and I ended up putting a lead rope on this woman's horse the whole ride.
Well, I am proud to say they completed the whole ride, as well as got in the water with the horses at the very end. And they looked a helluva lot more relaxed as the ride came to an end - maybe they were just glad it was almost over. But it was a minor victory on my part, that I was able to keep them calm and get them to have this experience, I'm certain they won't forget it!
Got some good tips from them, which was nice, and I think they gave good feedback to my boss. Which reminds me, the 2 rides I took earlier that day I also got good feedback from my boss, who said they liked me, I talked the whole time, was really enjoyable etc. So that's good! It will mean that I get put on trails more often, cos there are other people who don't talk so much with the guests etc, and they're really into customer service at this place.
After work, the boss shouted me and J a beer and we chatted a short while before I had a quick shower at home, and joined J for a quick kebab dinner (super yummy) and some beers at a local sports bar. Went home about 10:30pm, thought that was about enuf for me, since J wasn't going to the dressup Halloween party at Soggy Dollar (what a name for a club!). I am not going out alone here. Would rather go home early and just read in bed. Did feel a bit mean when I woke up, though, as I read a message from after I fell asleep from J saying he couldn't get a cab or bus home. Hope he got there in the end!
People can change
I think I'm finally realising, really grasping what it's like to not be single. It really does change your life. At least your social life. I really have a different opinion of being out n about, like for once the only aim is not to fulfill my shallow ego dimensions and ensure I am left feeling completely (un)loved by some hot guy who probably would never even remember my name the next time we met. Not that we would ever meet again. Hopefully.
I can happily take myself home at Nana O'Clock knowing that I didn't have a whole night of pulling to come. Though I must admit it was entertaining, it does leave one lusting for a little more after it all. And I am 27, I really need to start taking responsibility for my actions soon. Or maybe a little later. It's cool if it's a little later... I don't like responsibility.
My boy wonders if I've really changed - and that's a fair call. Considering my playgirl past, yeah for sure I would be worried if I was the new, "change-my-life-forever" boyfriend. Was she really telling the truth, how do I know she isn't just saying this to get in my pants??
Well, as it turns out, when I say this to my boy, I am deadly serious. And if it's hard to work out, here is my theory... Ready... The reason I played around before is that I never found anyone to keep my interest. People used to say to me, "Do you think you'll ever have a serious relationship?" And while it didn't seem possible to me at that time, I said, well when I meet the right person...
And then that right person came along. And he finds it hard to believe. So me, all this non-monogomy, only open relationship kinda girl.... suddenly she just wants one guy. Because he makes her happy like no one else has before, he fills that gap in her life. What the hell is going on?? Well, this is precisely what I was predicting, the fact that I met "the one", this person that would set my world on fire. And keep it burning into the night.
Now that I have this amazing person, unbelievable as it is, I think, will I never party again like I used to? Well, not exactly... but I will still party. He just needs to trust me. He needs to understand - now that I have - that his presence in my life constitutes a massive change in direction and there is now no incentive to go cheatin', go lookin' ,go explorin' for something new.
This is real. This is life. This is what I have been waiting for. Now just trust me.
I can happily take myself home at Nana O'Clock knowing that I didn't have a whole night of pulling to come. Though I must admit it was entertaining, it does leave one lusting for a little more after it all. And I am 27, I really need to start taking responsibility for my actions soon. Or maybe a little later. It's cool if it's a little later... I don't like responsibility.
My boy wonders if I've really changed - and that's a fair call. Considering my playgirl past, yeah for sure I would be worried if I was the new, "change-my-life-forever" boyfriend. Was she really telling the truth, how do I know she isn't just saying this to get in my pants??
Well, as it turns out, when I say this to my boy, I am deadly serious. And if it's hard to work out, here is my theory... Ready... The reason I played around before is that I never found anyone to keep my interest. People used to say to me, "Do you think you'll ever have a serious relationship?" And while it didn't seem possible to me at that time, I said, well when I meet the right person...
And then that right person came along. And he finds it hard to believe. So me, all this non-monogomy, only open relationship kinda girl.... suddenly she just wants one guy. Because he makes her happy like no one else has before, he fills that gap in her life. What the hell is going on?? Well, this is precisely what I was predicting, the fact that I met "the one", this person that would set my world on fire. And keep it burning into the night.
Now that I have this amazing person, unbelievable as it is, I think, will I never party again like I used to? Well, not exactly... but I will still party. He just needs to trust me. He needs to understand - now that I have - that his presence in my life constitutes a massive change in direction and there is now no incentive to go cheatin', go lookin' ,go explorin' for something new.
This is real. This is life. This is what I have been waiting for. Now just trust me.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Rum punched in the gut
Friday. Day off. Time to relax and take it easy, you know, get things done. Not so, it seemed. From the moment I walked down to Seaside to speak with my boy, it was disappointment after disappointment. But for some reason that didn't really colour my mood, it was just, well that's the Caribbean!
The first reason was not the Caribbean. It was an excited boyfriend getting mixed up with my schedule as he searched for the bottom of his beer bottle, and so while I rearranged my busy day, he failed on two attempts to catch me online. But I am not bitter or angry, as my writing may indicate, I understand it's a hard timezone to fit with and lord knows I know him on a Friday night. Release the week, he says! I need a beer! In fact, where's the case??! Next time he'll know to consider his loving girlfriend too, huh ;)
Then there was my "relaxing" time... well, that was marred by the 30 toddlers at the park for pony rides. Oh my, now that is contraception right there for you. So I just laid on a banana chair between grazing horses and cow shit, trying to get some shut-eye. I also tried to go snorkeling - water was too murky, and also kinda smelly and dirty this day, and the snorkeling gear didn't want to fit my bulbous head.
The boss wife also couldn't make time to come and chat with me about all things work-related, so I had a quick evaluation with R which was really about my thoughts rather than his. I have a feeling he doesn't freely communicate observations unless they are negative - so I now feel really good that I had a few small compliments on my riding on Thursday!
I actually needed my first week's pay above everything though, so I got that before I headed off and left everyone else to deal with the screaming kids (although I have to say hearing their little mini-Caribbean accents was kinda cute - until I remembered what they'll grow up to be).
Took out what I needed for rent, headed for another successful attempt to talk to A at Pineapple Pete's - made friends with the nice waiter who then asked me out, bless him he looked about 19 (see what happens when you don't come online, baby??) - dropped my laptop back and then waited what seemed like forever for a bus to Philipsburg. Dad was giving me grief about sending his keys back (that I forgot to leave in Oz) and I needed a new labret ring with an actual ball so fuck it, let's do this.
Postage and piercing work all done, I was heading back home in bumper-to-bumper traffic when M called and asked if I wanted to drink at Buccaneers tonight. It is her last weekend here, and I didn't make it out last week so I arranged to meet her and go for dinner n drinks.
Turns out we were both as tired as each other, and after being shouted dinner n drinks by a local that works at the power plant next to Seaside that she knows (sweet), we called it a night and I was dropped home by aforementioned man by 10pm. Those rum punches were making me tired and a little funny in the stomach, I really shouldn't drink so many in a night. But it was also good to get away from this nice, but talkative man - he really just went on and on. Repeating stuf as well.
Gotta work tomorrow - originally had it off but they shuffled the schedule so I have Sunday off instead which is fine since today's trip to the French side was postponed and Is can take me then instead. M is going too, so we can all convene if possible. Saturday (tomorrow) is Halloween so technically there are some themed parties going around, and I am keen as mustard to go cos as most people know, I love dressing up, but I won't go out without some of the trusted people I know. And they don't really seem Halloween types. We'll see.
The first reason was not the Caribbean. It was an excited boyfriend getting mixed up with my schedule as he searched for the bottom of his beer bottle, and so while I rearranged my busy day, he failed on two attempts to catch me online. But I am not bitter or angry, as my writing may indicate, I understand it's a hard timezone to fit with and lord knows I know him on a Friday night. Release the week, he says! I need a beer! In fact, where's the case??! Next time he'll know to consider his loving girlfriend too, huh ;)
Then there was my "relaxing" time... well, that was marred by the 30 toddlers at the park for pony rides. Oh my, now that is contraception right there for you. So I just laid on a banana chair between grazing horses and cow shit, trying to get some shut-eye. I also tried to go snorkeling - water was too murky, and also kinda smelly and dirty this day, and the snorkeling gear didn't want to fit my bulbous head.
The boss wife also couldn't make time to come and chat with me about all things work-related, so I had a quick evaluation with R which was really about my thoughts rather than his. I have a feeling he doesn't freely communicate observations unless they are negative - so I now feel really good that I had a few small compliments on my riding on Thursday!
I actually needed my first week's pay above everything though, so I got that before I headed off and left everyone else to deal with the screaming kids (although I have to say hearing their little mini-Caribbean accents was kinda cute - until I remembered what they'll grow up to be).
Took out what I needed for rent, headed for another successful attempt to talk to A at Pineapple Pete's - made friends with the nice waiter who then asked me out, bless him he looked about 19 (see what happens when you don't come online, baby??) - dropped my laptop back and then waited what seemed like forever for a bus to Philipsburg. Dad was giving me grief about sending his keys back (that I forgot to leave in Oz) and I needed a new labret ring with an actual ball so fuck it, let's do this.
Postage and piercing work all done, I was heading back home in bumper-to-bumper traffic when M called and asked if I wanted to drink at Buccaneers tonight. It is her last weekend here, and I didn't make it out last week so I arranged to meet her and go for dinner n drinks.
Turns out we were both as tired as each other, and after being shouted dinner n drinks by a local that works at the power plant next to Seaside that she knows (sweet), we called it a night and I was dropped home by aforementioned man by 10pm. Those rum punches were making me tired and a little funny in the stomach, I really shouldn't drink so many in a night. But it was also good to get away from this nice, but talkative man - he really just went on and on. Repeating stuf as well.
Gotta work tomorrow - originally had it off but they shuffled the schedule so I have Sunday off instead which is fine since today's trip to the French side was postponed and Is can take me then instead. M is going too, so we can all convene if possible. Saturday (tomorrow) is Halloween so technically there are some themed parties going around, and I am keen as mustard to go cos as most people know, I love dressing up, but I won't go out without some of the trusted people I know. And they don't really seem Halloween types. We'll see.
Friday, 28 October 2011
Alone in the Strong Morals Society
I stepped out my front door today to a sudden downpour - gotta love the tropics - and quickly retreated inside until it eased off. Not only to save my laptop from being ruined, but also to try and find my way around the instantly flooded streets. I swear, a few minutes of rain and I need to rent a kayak. Some drainage system they have here!
Ran into the 3 cheeky guides on horseback heading somewhere to exchange horses, all excited about the ride ahead. I gotta say, I wish I was with them! They're good value. They came back later with 3 new horses, all happy about their adventure. Meanwhile, I was dodging rainstorms and taking out non-tipping guests. Such is life.
Nothing that extraordinary happened today. I found the annoying guide a little less annoying and think, if we keep our boundaries, that I could actually not mind working with him. Kept joking around with the others, though, and went on a "get to know the trails" ride where I tried to absorb as much from I about the local flora and fauna.
Had a bit of a run around getting the horses back in too. I was on Muneca (doll in Spanish), who tried her darndest to keep up with Ritchie but was just too little. Bless her. Came down to the farm and pulled aside immediately by our boss, who reminded us that my horse was PREGNANT (did NOT know that) and that we should perhaps curtail the frantic dashing around, particularly when guests are wandering around. Apparently one lady dove into the kids playground when she saw us coming!
Happened upon some ducklings hatching today, pretty special moment seeing the little guys scrambling about all wet and with bits of egg on their heads. Hopefully they will all still be there in the morning, we've told the night watchman to be on guard for cheeky mongoose sharpening their claws nearby.
Participated for the first time in the weekly lessons, as last week's was canceled. Was looking forward to honing my skills and identifying my weak spots. I discussed with R which horse to take, and while he suggested I start with something a little easier, I asked for something a little more energetic and challenging, so Seductor it was.
Now this is the horse who was up on 2 legs before I'd left the stable last time, so I was determined to set things right. I will be boss. But true to form, he was very well behaved and while not the easiest horse I've ridden, was definitely better than I expected. I think if I keep using him we will both improve week on week. I even got compliments on how relaxed we both were with each other by R.
As I chugged down my out-of-date juice tonight (gotta watch it here, things get sold already past!) in the kitchen, I was asked to a wake across the road. Now I don't know if that qualifies as a date, but either way WEIRD. That same neighbour, just as I was typing that, just tried to corner me into going to the movies on the weekend with him. It got to the point where I just said, "I'm sorry I'm not going to the movies with you at any point." Get the message. Fuck, I even made sure my computer screen showed A and he even said, "Is that your boyfriend?" I swear it was in the same breath he started asking me out. Do these people have NO respect??
Today it was suggested that I "have a boyfriend here and a boyfriend there". Well, when you say it like that, how can it NOT be logical?? There's just one problem: I don't wanna ruin my chance of being happy with the person I love, now do I? Sheesh. Next!
Ran into the 3 cheeky guides on horseback heading somewhere to exchange horses, all excited about the ride ahead. I gotta say, I wish I was with them! They're good value. They came back later with 3 new horses, all happy about their adventure. Meanwhile, I was dodging rainstorms and taking out non-tipping guests. Such is life.
Nothing that extraordinary happened today. I found the annoying guide a little less annoying and think, if we keep our boundaries, that I could actually not mind working with him. Kept joking around with the others, though, and went on a "get to know the trails" ride where I tried to absorb as much from I about the local flora and fauna.
Had a bit of a run around getting the horses back in too. I was on Muneca (doll in Spanish), who tried her darndest to keep up with Ritchie but was just too little. Bless her. Came down to the farm and pulled aside immediately by our boss, who reminded us that my horse was PREGNANT (did NOT know that) and that we should perhaps curtail the frantic dashing around, particularly when guests are wandering around. Apparently one lady dove into the kids playground when she saw us coming!
Happened upon some ducklings hatching today, pretty special moment seeing the little guys scrambling about all wet and with bits of egg on their heads. Hopefully they will all still be there in the morning, we've told the night watchman to be on guard for cheeky mongoose sharpening their claws nearby.
Participated for the first time in the weekly lessons, as last week's was canceled. Was looking forward to honing my skills and identifying my weak spots. I discussed with R which horse to take, and while he suggested I start with something a little easier, I asked for something a little more energetic and challenging, so Seductor it was.
Now this is the horse who was up on 2 legs before I'd left the stable last time, so I was determined to set things right. I will be boss. But true to form, he was very well behaved and while not the easiest horse I've ridden, was definitely better than I expected. I think if I keep using him we will both improve week on week. I even got compliments on how relaxed we both were with each other by R.
As I chugged down my out-of-date juice tonight (gotta watch it here, things get sold already past!) in the kitchen, I was asked to a wake across the road. Now I don't know if that qualifies as a date, but either way WEIRD. That same neighbour, just as I was typing that, just tried to corner me into going to the movies on the weekend with him. It got to the point where I just said, "I'm sorry I'm not going to the movies with you at any point." Get the message. Fuck, I even made sure my computer screen showed A and he even said, "Is that your boyfriend?" I swear it was in the same breath he started asking me out. Do these people have NO respect??
Today it was suggested that I "have a boyfriend here and a boyfriend there". Well, when you say it like that, how can it NOT be logical?? There's just one problem: I don't wanna ruin my chance of being happy with the person I love, now do I? Sheesh. Next!
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
He rubs the lotion on my skin (Greenskeepers song reference)
4am. I'm sleeping soundly for the first in many nights, not sunburnt on a hot night, tossing and turning. Until I hear a knock. My older neighbour needs me to let him into the bathroom as the double door seems to be locked from my side. Grrr. So there goes my last two hours before my early wakeup call.
Was rostered in early today, 7am start, as we had a shitload of people booked in from cruises and regular tourists. It was my first taste of a busy day, and I liked it. Not only did I get over $30 in tips, but I got used to the whole routine of cruise ships rides, which is essentially much more simple and laidback. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, only had 1 man come off in the water as an unexpected wave knocked his horse about. I guess when I get more used to taking people into the water, I will be able to anticipate these kinds of things. My wrists were a little sore today, having cleaned 15 of the horses' feet - that's 60 feet man - and stupidly forgetting that I have bad wrists!!
At one stage, we had 15 people waiting for a ride and 14 horses saddled, so I don't know how that worked out but it did. And there were 2 more people on the way. One time I literally walked the person to the dismount block, she got off and someone else got on. Ha! The rides are only 1 hour and just walking so no dramas if the horse gets used twice. Just need to make sure they're hydrated (and me!).
So I got, uh, a little sun today. Rode in my official get-up - short, bright pink boardies, staff t-shirt and Crocs - and successfully boiled my legs almost the same colour as my boardies, as well as added some nice colour to my already Rudolfy nose. The boys love my legs, fuck knows how, I've just gotten used to the fact that my boy likes my body (well, I think so) so having people say my least favourite body part is sexy... well, that's just weird.
Came home to the same old neighbour at my door apologising for the early morning wake-up, which was nice. He also lent me his desk until I get another one from my boss, the guys upstairs. This is the same neighbour who was all finnicky about using his stuf in the kitchen so go figure. He also came in with this weird lotion from Diana (the country not a random old woman) that is meant to help with the heat off my skin. Well, he lathered that on good, but now it's soaked into my dry, perishing skin and I doubt it's doing anything at all. Just as long as I don't have to go through that rubbing in process again haha!
Had a frustrating experience last night when my boy tried to call again and again, and I knew it was him, from a private number (although I thought against saying, baby I love you, but I can't hear you to a number I wasn't sure of), which for some reason wasn't connecting properly and neither of us could hear properly. I know it put him in a pissy mood and me too, not gonna lie I shed a tear at his efforts. I'm off to the nearby internet cafe to treat my hardworking self to some dinner at the wifi restaurant. Oh, and some beer. Definitely some beer.
Was rostered in early today, 7am start, as we had a shitload of people booked in from cruises and regular tourists. It was my first taste of a busy day, and I liked it. Not only did I get over $30 in tips, but I got used to the whole routine of cruise ships rides, which is essentially much more simple and laidback. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, only had 1 man come off in the water as an unexpected wave knocked his horse about. I guess when I get more used to taking people into the water, I will be able to anticipate these kinds of things. My wrists were a little sore today, having cleaned 15 of the horses' feet - that's 60 feet man - and stupidly forgetting that I have bad wrists!!
At one stage, we had 15 people waiting for a ride and 14 horses saddled, so I don't know how that worked out but it did. And there were 2 more people on the way. One time I literally walked the person to the dismount block, she got off and someone else got on. Ha! The rides are only 1 hour and just walking so no dramas if the horse gets used twice. Just need to make sure they're hydrated (and me!).
So I got, uh, a little sun today. Rode in my official get-up - short, bright pink boardies, staff t-shirt and Crocs - and successfully boiled my legs almost the same colour as my boardies, as well as added some nice colour to my already Rudolfy nose. The boys love my legs, fuck knows how, I've just gotten used to the fact that my boy likes my body (well, I think so) so having people say my least favourite body part is sexy... well, that's just weird.
Came home to the same old neighbour at my door apologising for the early morning wake-up, which was nice. He also lent me his desk until I get another one from my boss, the guys upstairs. This is the same neighbour who was all finnicky about using his stuf in the kitchen so go figure. He also came in with this weird lotion from Diana (the country not a random old woman) that is meant to help with the heat off my skin. Well, he lathered that on good, but now it's soaked into my dry, perishing skin and I doubt it's doing anything at all. Just as long as I don't have to go through that rubbing in process again haha!
Had a frustrating experience last night when my boy tried to call again and again, and I knew it was him, from a private number (although I thought against saying, baby I love you, but I can't hear you to a number I wasn't sure of), which for some reason wasn't connecting properly and neither of us could hear properly. I know it put him in a pissy mood and me too, not gonna lie I shed a tear at his efforts. I'm off to the nearby internet cafe to treat my hardworking self to some dinner at the wifi restaurant. Oh, and some beer. Definitely some beer.
It's all just, "cock, cock, cock"
Let me in on one of my most amusing conversations with my workmates recently. We were talking about how my boss wanted to leave off feeding the chickens and roosters, as he wanted them a little hungry because there was a fight later that day. Now I've been told that this island is mad for cock fighting. They say they really like their "sport" here. Watching animals fight doesn't really fall into the category of sport for me, but each to their own. I guess fist-pumping the air does give the biceps a good workout.
The receptionist, R, is talking about how crazy these men are about cock fighting - some people live by it. And she's chatting away... "Oh, it's big 'round 'ere, sometimes it's like all them boys think 'bout is cock, cock, cock..." Yes, I looked away at that point, fearful they'd see my immature little mind ticking overtime. Ahh, the simple things in life.
So today wasn't so busy, again, but this time mainly because of the torrential rain that plagued the morning. I woke to drizzle and by the time we were ready to receive the first riders of the day, it was pouring. Needless to say, my ride never turned up so I was stuck doing menial tasks (still in the pouring rain - I suppose I could've cowered away until it stopped, but how's that for a first week of work ethic??) until something else came along.
I, the rasta guide, got nice tips from the ride that did come as he took them in the heavy rain (well, the half of them that were still keen to mount). I had just one ride, a girl who used to work at the stables and is leaving soon, and her friend (both Dutch). I have to say, they are lovely girls and it was really a nice ride - no tips though, which didn't surprise me. I would've probably felt weird accepting tips from them anyway.
Wasted a bit of time on horseback looking for a couple of cheeky horses who ended up being in the paddock the whole time. Again on Fresita, J's favourite (he was off today), we went out to collect the horses free-grazing for the afternoon. Man, that horse can fly - I held her back because I'm still unfamiliar with the tracks and it was a bit slippery from the rain. But I'd love to give her the rein. Whoooa.
Tomorrow is a busy day, lots of rides scheduled so it'll be a taste of what high season is like. Probably won't even get a lunch break. Gotta slip, slap, slop, cos my noggin is looking a little Rudolf red-nosed these days. Been told that's still cute... dammit, I am trying to look unappealing right now and I'm still told by my bosses that the boys are distracted. The price of being fresh meat, right?
October 25 - makes me think that in just 2 months it'll be Christmas here. Another Christmas away from friends and family, and now my boy. Actually, this must be the fourth Christmas in a row (fifth altogether) that I'm away. I hope it is nice here with my new friends...
The receptionist, R, is talking about how crazy these men are about cock fighting - some people live by it. And she's chatting away... "Oh, it's big 'round 'ere, sometimes it's like all them boys think 'bout is cock, cock, cock..." Yes, I looked away at that point, fearful they'd see my immature little mind ticking overtime. Ahh, the simple things in life.
So today wasn't so busy, again, but this time mainly because of the torrential rain that plagued the morning. I woke to drizzle and by the time we were ready to receive the first riders of the day, it was pouring. Needless to say, my ride never turned up so I was stuck doing menial tasks (still in the pouring rain - I suppose I could've cowered away until it stopped, but how's that for a first week of work ethic??) until something else came along.
I, the rasta guide, got nice tips from the ride that did come as he took them in the heavy rain (well, the half of them that were still keen to mount). I had just one ride, a girl who used to work at the stables and is leaving soon, and her friend (both Dutch). I have to say, they are lovely girls and it was really a nice ride - no tips though, which didn't surprise me. I would've probably felt weird accepting tips from them anyway.
Wasted a bit of time on horseback looking for a couple of cheeky horses who ended up being in the paddock the whole time. Again on Fresita, J's favourite (he was off today), we went out to collect the horses free-grazing for the afternoon. Man, that horse can fly - I held her back because I'm still unfamiliar with the tracks and it was a bit slippery from the rain. But I'd love to give her the rein. Whoooa.
Tomorrow is a busy day, lots of rides scheduled so it'll be a taste of what high season is like. Probably won't even get a lunch break. Gotta slip, slap, slop, cos my noggin is looking a little Rudolf red-nosed these days. Been told that's still cute... dammit, I am trying to look unappealing right now and I'm still told by my bosses that the boys are distracted. The price of being fresh meat, right?
October 25 - makes me think that in just 2 months it'll be Christmas here. Another Christmas away from friends and family, and now my boy. Actually, this must be the fourth Christmas in a row (fifth altogether) that I'm away. I hope it is nice here with my new friends...
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Croc of shit
One week in St Maarten. I'm feeling more settled, even wearing a staff t-shirt so I must be official. Never mind the t-shirts they gave me all seem to be "fat American tourist" size - the normal people sizes must've been snapped up.
I wore my Crocs for the first time today, they were good to get wet and dry again as I worked but I got a little rub on one foot and it was a bit uncomfortable riding in the arena. I think I will take my cowboy boots just in case still. That arena workout was also uncomfortable because it POURED during most of it, and Chico would not have a bar of it. Bucked then tried to escape route up a steep dirt hill. I don't think so, sweetheart.
Met the other worker who had just come back from holidays, I'd heard he'd been there 9 years or something so I was wondering if he'd be the nice type to teach me the ropes or an arrogant know-it-all. As it turns out, I don't like the guy. He's from Guyana, in South America, yet he reminds me more of the annoying Indian guys I've met. He talks so much but doesn't actually say anything, and I'm just not on the same level as him. If he dares get too comfortable around me to flirt like he does the other girls, I may projectile vomit. On him.
So I'm thinking this place isn't run so bad. We get our hours 7-5 with a 2 hours break (when possible) and 8-5 with a 1 hour break, and any hours we do past 5pm we get overtime for. Which is cool. And 2 days off a week, sometimes in a row. Like I got last week and will get again this week.
I can't wait for the high season, J tells me we can get over $100 in tips PER DAY - his record is $165. Crazy! That's like a week's wage here! And that will really be the only way I can come away from this island with money in my pocket. I do not want to go home broke again, if I can help it. Can just see the "told you so" smirk on dad's face now.
This is how funny it can be with tips... the other day I took 2 rides, got no tips cos they were Dutch. Today I took 1 ride, 2 American ladies - they each gave me $10. AND that was after one of their horses rolled on the sand, with her on it. Lucky she was unhurt and still could smile about it. Yeah, would be nice to be told about these little quirks the horses have. Oh well, live, learn and all that.
Now I'm back at the ranch (the apartment) where I'm sitting in the dark, illuminated only by my computer screen, with a seweragy smell seeping into the air and mozzies trying to make a meal out of my ankles, legs, arms, anything. Urgh! They attacked me last night, and I was SO HOT I couldn't use any sheets. Seriously, I was that hot that I had to get my water from the fridge and lie with it like a cold water bottle to get myself back to sleep.
My thoughts now turn to my future... our future... it's going to be a difficult next few years as one of us will surely always be sacrificing something. I really hope we can have that rare thing where we met in the middle and actually both want to do the same thing. But I know he wants to travel, make money, travel, then work on his career in the UK. I also want to travel, but there needs to be a time for me to sort my own life out. And obviously I will follow him wherever he - nay, we - go, but I worry a little how it will affect my longterm career options.
I think my own uncertainty about what career I want to have is feeding these thoughts... it really isn't that much to do with the boy. It's just so hard, not knowing what my purpose is on this earth. Hopefully we can figure it all out together. I'm certainly up for it.
I wore my Crocs for the first time today, they were good to get wet and dry again as I worked but I got a little rub on one foot and it was a bit uncomfortable riding in the arena. I think I will take my cowboy boots just in case still. That arena workout was also uncomfortable because it POURED during most of it, and Chico would not have a bar of it. Bucked then tried to escape route up a steep dirt hill. I don't think so, sweetheart.
Met the other worker who had just come back from holidays, I'd heard he'd been there 9 years or something so I was wondering if he'd be the nice type to teach me the ropes or an arrogant know-it-all. As it turns out, I don't like the guy. He's from Guyana, in South America, yet he reminds me more of the annoying Indian guys I've met. He talks so much but doesn't actually say anything, and I'm just not on the same level as him. If he dares get too comfortable around me to flirt like he does the other girls, I may projectile vomit. On him.
So I'm thinking this place isn't run so bad. We get our hours 7-5 with a 2 hours break (when possible) and 8-5 with a 1 hour break, and any hours we do past 5pm we get overtime for. Which is cool. And 2 days off a week, sometimes in a row. Like I got last week and will get again this week.
I can't wait for the high season, J tells me we can get over $100 in tips PER DAY - his record is $165. Crazy! That's like a week's wage here! And that will really be the only way I can come away from this island with money in my pocket. I do not want to go home broke again, if I can help it. Can just see the "told you so" smirk on dad's face now.
This is how funny it can be with tips... the other day I took 2 rides, got no tips cos they were Dutch. Today I took 1 ride, 2 American ladies - they each gave me $10. AND that was after one of their horses rolled on the sand, with her on it. Lucky she was unhurt and still could smile about it. Yeah, would be nice to be told about these little quirks the horses have. Oh well, live, learn and all that.
Now I'm back at the ranch (the apartment) where I'm sitting in the dark, illuminated only by my computer screen, with a seweragy smell seeping into the air and mozzies trying to make a meal out of my ankles, legs, arms, anything. Urgh! They attacked me last night, and I was SO HOT I couldn't use any sheets. Seriously, I was that hot that I had to get my water from the fridge and lie with it like a cold water bottle to get myself back to sleep.
My thoughts now turn to my future... our future... it's going to be a difficult next few years as one of us will surely always be sacrificing something. I really hope we can have that rare thing where we met in the middle and actually both want to do the same thing. But I know he wants to travel, make money, travel, then work on his career in the UK. I also want to travel, but there needs to be a time for me to sort my own life out. And obviously I will follow him wherever he - nay, we - go, but I worry a little how it will affect my longterm career options.
I think my own uncertainty about what career I want to have is feeding these thoughts... it really isn't that much to do with the boy. It's just so hard, not knowing what my purpose is on this earth. Hopefully we can figure it all out together. I'm certainly up for it.
Monday, 24 October 2011
Sunday at Mullet Bay (seriously, amazing name)
My phone rang. Well, it took a moment to realise it was my phone ringing, since I only just got a SIM card and haven't actually had a phone to ring for a while... so I pick it up, still in bed on my Sunday day off, and for a confusing couple of minutes I'm talking to who I thought was J then realised - due to hearing the same roosters crowing in his background, it was my neighbour.
There are a couple of things strange about this. 1, I never gave him my number so I can only assume when he borrowed my phone last night, the friend he rang then passed on my number. Now I might be old-fashioned, but unless someone specifically gives their number to you, I would not be calling them. Especially at 8:30am on a Sunday, my day off. Also, what was he calling me for? He lives about 5m to my right. And did I mention it was 8:30am?? I made my excuses and hung up, staying in my room until I know he had left for work.*
J phoned shortly after, a phonecall I was waiting for since we were due to snorkel together that day. Him being my workmate and what I genuinely believed a nice guy, I was looking forward to it. And I was right.
He arrived a little late, but all good. He gave me enuf extra time to get picked up by my other neighbour, who asked repeatedly for my number to the extent that it was awkward not to give it. Especially when they call it to "return the number" and I can't give a fake one. Not that I am into the fake number thing, if I don't wanna answer, I know after the first call and I will re-label him "don't answer".
That reminds me... J and I were in the cab to Mullet Bay - yes, amazing innit - and I get a phonecall from an unknown number. He starts saying, in a Jamaican sounding voice, "Yah man, so can I take some of your lunch?" I turn to J - what does he mean? Is it some primal mating call I'm unfamiliar with? No, he probably just wants some of your lunch. Urgh, J, you are hopeless!! My reaction - just say, thank you, I have no idea what you're saying, I'm gonna hang up now. J asks em why I hung up. Man, I have no idea what's going on, fuck you all!
So that was weird. OMG I hear Celine Dion AGAIN here... what's the deal?? Random. Anyway... moving on... We went to Mullet Bay - still can't get over it - and it was beautiful... a small beach with hire chairs and umbrellas... we got an umbrella and sat a while, drank some beer (beer being the beer I jokingly said I wanted in the supermarket earlier that J took literally and bought), and swam some.
He had brought snorkeling gear, but only one set, so I at one point went out and saw some fishies by the rocks, and lost my labret ring that I stupidly wear without a ball these days... We made friends with some nearby peeps - a couple about my age studying to be doctors at the local US university and an aging, overweight couple from NY thinking about buying a house here. Cool.
So, finally, after fried chicken, rice, about 8 beers including those drunk in the water, some swimming, snorkeling, a discreet tear shed about my boy and the setting sun... we left. There was a momentary thought about another bar, dismissed shortly, and we headed home.
I like being home this early. We had a short stop at the cafe with internet, that for some reason couldn't connect to my email, but other than that came back almost skulkily before realising we were super early. Before 8pm. So I started cooking a meal for J and I, then he had to leave to get the last bus... I'm now alone just eating my pasta and sausage meal. But super happy about the day. I think J and I will be great friends, I don't get a weird feeling about him at all - I mean he'd totally do it if he had the chance, but he's a gentleman. And he'd be pretty hard-assed if he tried anything after I cried on him. Yep, shed a tear in the afternoon sun. So what if I miss my boy?? I'm soft, get over it.
*Turns out it was my neighbour on a different number. Urgh, get the message!!
There are a couple of things strange about this. 1, I never gave him my number so I can only assume when he borrowed my phone last night, the friend he rang then passed on my number. Now I might be old-fashioned, but unless someone specifically gives their number to you, I would not be calling them. Especially at 8:30am on a Sunday, my day off. Also, what was he calling me for? He lives about 5m to my right. And did I mention it was 8:30am?? I made my excuses and hung up, staying in my room until I know he had left for work.*
J phoned shortly after, a phonecall I was waiting for since we were due to snorkel together that day. Him being my workmate and what I genuinely believed a nice guy, I was looking forward to it. And I was right.
He arrived a little late, but all good. He gave me enuf extra time to get picked up by my other neighbour, who asked repeatedly for my number to the extent that it was awkward not to give it. Especially when they call it to "return the number" and I can't give a fake one. Not that I am into the fake number thing, if I don't wanna answer, I know after the first call and I will re-label him "don't answer".
That reminds me... J and I were in the cab to Mullet Bay - yes, amazing innit - and I get a phonecall from an unknown number. He starts saying, in a Jamaican sounding voice, "Yah man, so can I take some of your lunch?" I turn to J - what does he mean? Is it some primal mating call I'm unfamiliar with? No, he probably just wants some of your lunch. Urgh, J, you are hopeless!! My reaction - just say, thank you, I have no idea what you're saying, I'm gonna hang up now. J asks em why I hung up. Man, I have no idea what's going on, fuck you all!
So that was weird. OMG I hear Celine Dion AGAIN here... what's the deal?? Random. Anyway... moving on... We went to Mullet Bay - still can't get over it - and it was beautiful... a small beach with hire chairs and umbrellas... we got an umbrella and sat a while, drank some beer (beer being the beer I jokingly said I wanted in the supermarket earlier that J took literally and bought), and swam some.
He had brought snorkeling gear, but only one set, so I at one point went out and saw some fishies by the rocks, and lost my labret ring that I stupidly wear without a ball these days... We made friends with some nearby peeps - a couple about my age studying to be doctors at the local US university and an aging, overweight couple from NY thinking about buying a house here. Cool.
So, finally, after fried chicken, rice, about 8 beers including those drunk in the water, some swimming, snorkeling, a discreet tear shed about my boy and the setting sun... we left. There was a momentary thought about another bar, dismissed shortly, and we headed home.
I like being home this early. We had a short stop at the cafe with internet, that for some reason couldn't connect to my email, but other than that came back almost skulkily before realising we were super early. Before 8pm. So I started cooking a meal for J and I, then he had to leave to get the last bus... I'm now alone just eating my pasta and sausage meal. But super happy about the day. I think J and I will be great friends, I don't get a weird feeling about him at all - I mean he'd totally do it if he had the chance, but he's a gentleman. And he'd be pretty hard-assed if he tried anything after I cried on him. Yep, shed a tear in the afternoon sun. So what if I miss my boy?? I'm soft, get over it.
*Turns out it was my neighbour on a different number. Urgh, get the message!!
Suicide driving
Thank FUCK I am out of that car. Now there is driving like an idiot, then there is the Caribbean. I had been warned, but to actually be in the passenger seat while a guy I thought was a pretty sweet, laidback kinda person... let me tell you, they must store all their hectic energy away so they're totally calm all day until they get behind the wheel.
I don't know if he was trying to impress me, or what, but from the moment I stepped into my neighbour's hire car, I was scared. Scared for my life, scared for his, scared for the other drivers (equally as mad) and scared for the pedestrians. Running at full speed up the ass of another car, only to slam on the brakes an inch before impact, soaring over useless speed bumps, winding along bendy stretches with one hand protectively hovering over the handbrake - should the need arise.
So my first Saturday night out was a bit of a letdown. The driving put a bit of a downer on the night. That, and the fact his Jamaican accent was so strong it was like we spoke 2 different languages, and also the fact that his "tour of the town" turned out to be just one bar, and just us 2. Oh, and let's not forget the music - reggae of course - but Christmas music in reggae?? How can that be passable, even at Christmas time?
We tried to go pick up his uncle's girlfriend, but when we got to her apartment, there was a blackout so she couldn't finish getting ready (she came out to greet us in a towel) so we cruised over to another club, only to find it closed til 11. As was the other club we tried. So the only one we ended up going to - twice - was next to the low-flying airport, which was pretty cool to sit at and watch the planes land. Even at night, you could see how clear the water is.
I didn't have much cash, so luckily he was a gentleman and paid for a couple of drinks, but at the risk of him letting me get drunk and also due to a funny tummy after the drinks, I stopped drinking after that. Around this time I also felt quite tired, and it all seemed a bit pointless. I couldn't stop thinking about my boy, and the more this boy tried to be nice, it just seemed he wanted to keep me out to keep feeling like we were on a date.
We even spoke about my boyfriend, he brought it up first - must've seen my glum face staring out the window - but I was not going let him get close, even in "friend" terms. His performance in the car severely lowered my opinion of him, and several things he said also furthered distanced him from me mentally. It is hard to make conversation with someone who openly admits they love Celine Dion and Kenny Rogers - and doesn't understand why I laugh at him.
Lucky he works at the hire car company, so he didn't waste the money on that. Bless him for trying, and to be fair the town was DEAD tonight, but.... next time it's group socialising or nothing! Too much effort!
I don't know if he was trying to impress me, or what, but from the moment I stepped into my neighbour's hire car, I was scared. Scared for my life, scared for his, scared for the other drivers (equally as mad) and scared for the pedestrians. Running at full speed up the ass of another car, only to slam on the brakes an inch before impact, soaring over useless speed bumps, winding along bendy stretches with one hand protectively hovering over the handbrake - should the need arise.
So my first Saturday night out was a bit of a letdown. The driving put a bit of a downer on the night. That, and the fact his Jamaican accent was so strong it was like we spoke 2 different languages, and also the fact that his "tour of the town" turned out to be just one bar, and just us 2. Oh, and let's not forget the music - reggae of course - but Christmas music in reggae?? How can that be passable, even at Christmas time?
We tried to go pick up his uncle's girlfriend, but when we got to her apartment, there was a blackout so she couldn't finish getting ready (she came out to greet us in a towel) so we cruised over to another club, only to find it closed til 11. As was the other club we tried. So the only one we ended up going to - twice - was next to the low-flying airport, which was pretty cool to sit at and watch the planes land. Even at night, you could see how clear the water is.
I didn't have much cash, so luckily he was a gentleman and paid for a couple of drinks, but at the risk of him letting me get drunk and also due to a funny tummy after the drinks, I stopped drinking after that. Around this time I also felt quite tired, and it all seemed a bit pointless. I couldn't stop thinking about my boy, and the more this boy tried to be nice, it just seemed he wanted to keep me out to keep feeling like we were on a date.
We even spoke about my boyfriend, he brought it up first - must've seen my glum face staring out the window - but I was not going let him get close, even in "friend" terms. His performance in the car severely lowered my opinion of him, and several things he said also furthered distanced him from me mentally. It is hard to make conversation with someone who openly admits they love Celine Dion and Kenny Rogers - and doesn't understand why I laugh at him.
Lucky he works at the hire car company, so he didn't waste the money on that. Bless him for trying, and to be fair the town was DEAD tonight, but.... next time it's group socialising or nothing! Too much effort!
A (kinda) productive Saturday
My first day off. I was looking forward to a sleep-in, but after struggling against the habitual morning noises and the rising heat and sun, I finally could keep my eyes closed no longer. It was 7:18am. 3 minutes after I usually wake up for work. Crap.
The rest of the day was a little more enjoyable... I managed to stay in bed a couple more hours, then have a leisurely breakfast before bearing the already steaming sun for another failed attempt at finding a store that sells SIM cards. Seems most shops don't open on weekends, which is GREAT considering I have the weekend off to get all the things done I'd not gotten done during the week. Welcome to Caribbean life.
I did manage to find a cafe with free wifi, which I utilized for a couple of hours, watching the traffic pass ever so slowly on the road. God, that must be frustrating. Speaking of God, and frustration, I have encountered a few times the in-your-face religiousness of some of the people here. Handing out flyers on God outside the supermarket, brandishing their SUVs with "PSALM 3:16" et al, asking me to church in the same first sentence as meeting me. Nothing like shoving a religion down my throat to turn me off it.
Had $80 in my wallet, all of which I managed to spend today on various things so that now if I do go out I have $5 to my name. Awesome.
Hopped on a bus (a minivan not unlike the "buses" of Bolivia etc which stop whenever they see someone or someone needs to get off), battled some traffic and headed to Philipsburg, the town centre of the Dutch side. There were shops galore there, mostly hideous American fashion shops and jewelers, but I did find one place that sold SIM cards. I managed to get one for $20 with $10 credit, better than the deal I would have gotten had I bought the card off the young girl I asked for directions. Trust those instincts.
Now I'm back at my work, using their internet and waiting for the latest tropical downpour to ease so I can walk back without ruining my laptop. Just watched a beautiful sunset, partially obscured by clouds, as a floating suburb cruised by. I swear I could hear the click of the passengers' cameras as they caught one of the most amazing moments nature would deliver them in their life.
I took photo after photo, in an ill-fated attempt to capture what my eyes saw through the shitty lens. And as I sat there watching the sun disappear, I wished upon all wishes that I wasn't alone watching it. That I wouldn't have to go home tonight and sleep in an empty bed. Yes, it's incredible I miss him this much.
The rest of the day was a little more enjoyable... I managed to stay in bed a couple more hours, then have a leisurely breakfast before bearing the already steaming sun for another failed attempt at finding a store that sells SIM cards. Seems most shops don't open on weekends, which is GREAT considering I have the weekend off to get all the things done I'd not gotten done during the week. Welcome to Caribbean life.
I did manage to find a cafe with free wifi, which I utilized for a couple of hours, watching the traffic pass ever so slowly on the road. God, that must be frustrating. Speaking of God, and frustration, I have encountered a few times the in-your-face religiousness of some of the people here. Handing out flyers on God outside the supermarket, brandishing their SUVs with "PSALM 3:16" et al, asking me to church in the same first sentence as meeting me. Nothing like shoving a religion down my throat to turn me off it.
Had $80 in my wallet, all of which I managed to spend today on various things so that now if I do go out I have $5 to my name. Awesome.
Hopped on a bus (a minivan not unlike the "buses" of Bolivia etc which stop whenever they see someone or someone needs to get off), battled some traffic and headed to Philipsburg, the town centre of the Dutch side. There were shops galore there, mostly hideous American fashion shops and jewelers, but I did find one place that sold SIM cards. I managed to get one for $20 with $10 credit, better than the deal I would have gotten had I bought the card off the young girl I asked for directions. Trust those instincts.
Now I'm back at my work, using their internet and waiting for the latest tropical downpour to ease so I can walk back without ruining my laptop. Just watched a beautiful sunset, partially obscured by clouds, as a floating suburb cruised by. I swear I could hear the click of the passengers' cameras as they caught one of the most amazing moments nature would deliver them in their life.
I took photo after photo, in an ill-fated attempt to capture what my eyes saw through the shitty lens. And as I sat there watching the sun disappear, I wished upon all wishes that I wasn't alone watching it. That I wouldn't have to go home tonight and sleep in an empty bed. Yes, it's incredible I miss him this much.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
My customers WILL drink in your cab!!
Yesterday I was officially a guide. Not a very good one, apparently, since neither of my rides tipped me a cent, but I guess they were interns and a little girl with a tight father. And they were all Dutch. The rides were fine, I think, just a little short on time as I need to learn to "pad" them out. There isn't a helluva lot of land to go around, so 2 hours is really a stretch, even for a walking-only trail. The only reason we have this land at all is because there's a big gas, electricity, water plant next to us - and no one wants to stay in a resort next to that!
Rode Seductor for the first time, and was warned against his rearing... he was up on 2 legs before I left the stable, and I asked if it was really a safe horse to be guiding 2 beginners. J said it was fine, so I went out. The horse and I had just one argument, he's up on his hind legs again, he wins the argument. I'm not about to fight with him with guests behind me. But it did annoy me that I listened to J against my better judgement.
I'm getting the hang of things here, and was part of my first staff meeting this day also. There was a part I didn't need to be in, so I wonder if they were discussing my progress so far. The meeting was mainly about who gives orders, chain of command kinda thing. I totally agreed with everything R was saying, it was good to see there was a sense of organisation in such a chilled environment, and it got me a little excited that once I got used to the office job, on the days R or the office lady Re was away, I would be managing everyone. Still a little whiles away, though!!
Nearly everyone smokes here. I remember to say that because as I write this, a familiar smell wafts past my nostrils. They're smoking before a ride, they're smoking in their houses, they're smoking outside the clubs... Not that I blame them, it's pretty much the perfect environment for it.
A funny thing happened when we were leaving the park last night. We were about to drive off when we saw the honeymoon couple drinking their Pina Coladas rapidly before getting in their cab. They tell us the cabbie won't let them drink inside the car. Next thing I know R is on the phone yelling at the boss of the cab company, "What asshole you got drivin' your cab, huh? I got a couple just buy Pina Coladas at my place, they can't drink them in the car?? It's cab 136... yeah... yeah... OK, great, make sure it doesn't happen again OK?" Ha! Told him!
I have the WHOLE weekend off, which is awesome except that I don't really have friends here yet! Just work people, and pretty much the whole staff are always on on Saturdays, I'm just new so was surplus this week. Don't know what I'm doing tonight, but I was talking with one of the guys I live with and he said he was going on some boat somewhere. He invited me to come, so - after several rum punches and beers - I eagerly agreed. The next morning I'm wondering what he is indeed doing, but he seems lovely and I know he wouldn't do anything to me cos I work for R and he seems to be held in pretty high regard here so anyone that messes with me messes with him. Or so I hope.
Tomorrow I have been invited snorkelling with J, but I dunno how that's gonna be organised unless I go down to Seaside to talk with him. First, though, I need to clean my room, get some things from the supermarket, find an internet place, get some Crocs (as my brother says, contraception fashion) and finally get a number for this place. Oh, speaking of phones, I have given my iPhone to J's brother and he says it will be unlocked and returned in a couple of days. So hopefully that fixes it and I can use it for the internet as well as a phone. Although having such a good phone here could be a little tempting for thieves. I'll just have to be careful with it. Yeah, right!
That gets me thinking about insurance... dad of course asked me about it, and I do want to get it but I don't know if it's possible while I'm already overseas. Maybe I'll look into it today...
Rode Seductor for the first time, and was warned against his rearing... he was up on 2 legs before I left the stable, and I asked if it was really a safe horse to be guiding 2 beginners. J said it was fine, so I went out. The horse and I had just one argument, he's up on his hind legs again, he wins the argument. I'm not about to fight with him with guests behind me. But it did annoy me that I listened to J against my better judgement.
I'm getting the hang of things here, and was part of my first staff meeting this day also. There was a part I didn't need to be in, so I wonder if they were discussing my progress so far. The meeting was mainly about who gives orders, chain of command kinda thing. I totally agreed with everything R was saying, it was good to see there was a sense of organisation in such a chilled environment, and it got me a little excited that once I got used to the office job, on the days R or the office lady Re was away, I would be managing everyone. Still a little whiles away, though!!
Nearly everyone smokes here. I remember to say that because as I write this, a familiar smell wafts past my nostrils. They're smoking before a ride, they're smoking in their houses, they're smoking outside the clubs... Not that I blame them, it's pretty much the perfect environment for it.
A funny thing happened when we were leaving the park last night. We were about to drive off when we saw the honeymoon couple drinking their Pina Coladas rapidly before getting in their cab. They tell us the cabbie won't let them drink inside the car. Next thing I know R is on the phone yelling at the boss of the cab company, "What asshole you got drivin' your cab, huh? I got a couple just buy Pina Coladas at my place, they can't drink them in the car?? It's cab 136... yeah... yeah... OK, great, make sure it doesn't happen again OK?" Ha! Told him!
I have the WHOLE weekend off, which is awesome except that I don't really have friends here yet! Just work people, and pretty much the whole staff are always on on Saturdays, I'm just new so was surplus this week. Don't know what I'm doing tonight, but I was talking with one of the guys I live with and he said he was going on some boat somewhere. He invited me to come, so - after several rum punches and beers - I eagerly agreed. The next morning I'm wondering what he is indeed doing, but he seems lovely and I know he wouldn't do anything to me cos I work for R and he seems to be held in pretty high regard here so anyone that messes with me messes with him. Or so I hope.
Tomorrow I have been invited snorkelling with J, but I dunno how that's gonna be organised unless I go down to Seaside to talk with him. First, though, I need to clean my room, get some things from the supermarket, find an internet place, get some Crocs (as my brother says, contraception fashion) and finally get a number for this place. Oh, speaking of phones, I have given my iPhone to J's brother and he says it will be unlocked and returned in a couple of days. So hopefully that fixes it and I can use it for the internet as well as a phone. Although having such a good phone here could be a little tempting for thieves. I'll just have to be careful with it. Yeah, right!
That gets me thinking about insurance... dad of course asked me about it, and I do want to get it but I don't know if it's possible while I'm already overseas. Maybe I'll look into it today...
Friday, 21 October 2011
Thank fuck it's a screw-top
So this is it. My first official "mood" on the island. You see, I had a lovely day, learning the ropes in the office, helping out on the trails, getting measly but better-than-nothing tips, alles gut. BUT, what I was really looking forward to was the lesson tonight for the laaaadies. My first chance to really get a feel for my new boss and how he likes us to ride. And totally up for brushing up my probably very rusty horseriding skills.
So you can imagine my utter elation when, at the end of the day, we sat discussing a complaint from a customer boarding her horse which ended up canceling the ride. It seems it wasn't fed on time, for several hours she watched actually, and nothing was done. Of course, I knew nothing about the feeding schedules of the animals so I was not to blame. But the 2 guys who looks after that, well they got a bit of a bollocking. But not in a yelling, nasty kinda way - the boss kept his cool and just never wanted it to happen again. And fair enuf too.
No ride. Just home. Off to think about how much I missed my boy and how much in my annoyance I would love his arms around me, cuddling me. Because I was in a MOOD when I walked home last night. Was really hoping no guy decided to say something smart. Cos he gonna get hurt a-reaaalllll bad. Little in-joke there for fans of Russell Peters.
Because not only was I pissed off about the cancelled ride, but when we were letting go all the horses I was twice told to do things that I either didn't understand or didn't want to. Like throwing the bits n bridles on the ground to sort out. Not really the way I like to treat equipment that is on show for tourists every day and also partly goes into a horse's mouth. I had a bit of a mouth-off to one of the guides, then afterwards momentarily thought if I was too harsh, then remembered - no ride. Fuck 'im.
So he saw my first mood. But the good thing 'round here is that guys get scared of girls that have strong personalities. Well, I think so, anyway. So I can speak my mind and they kinda get respect for me. I dunno, I wonder if I'm reading the situation all wrong here and they're actually getting turned on. Or just starting to hate me.
I have never loved screw-tops as much in my life. God only knows if there is a bottle opener here, and indeed whose property it is and whose life I would ruin by using it. Wow, people can be so petty.
So there you have it. My first taste of real island life, in all its glory. And not even a week in. This could get interesting.
So you can imagine my utter elation when, at the end of the day, we sat discussing a complaint from a customer boarding her horse which ended up canceling the ride. It seems it wasn't fed on time, for several hours she watched actually, and nothing was done. Of course, I knew nothing about the feeding schedules of the animals so I was not to blame. But the 2 guys who looks after that, well they got a bit of a bollocking. But not in a yelling, nasty kinda way - the boss kept his cool and just never wanted it to happen again. And fair enuf too.
No ride. Just home. Off to think about how much I missed my boy and how much in my annoyance I would love his arms around me, cuddling me. Because I was in a MOOD when I walked home last night. Was really hoping no guy decided to say something smart. Cos he gonna get hurt a-reaaalllll bad. Little in-joke there for fans of Russell Peters.
Because not only was I pissed off about the cancelled ride, but when we were letting go all the horses I was twice told to do things that I either didn't understand or didn't want to. Like throwing the bits n bridles on the ground to sort out. Not really the way I like to treat equipment that is on show for tourists every day and also partly goes into a horse's mouth. I had a bit of a mouth-off to one of the guides, then afterwards momentarily thought if I was too harsh, then remembered - no ride. Fuck 'im.
So he saw my first mood. But the good thing 'round here is that guys get scared of girls that have strong personalities. Well, I think so, anyway. So I can speak my mind and they kinda get respect for me. I dunno, I wonder if I'm reading the situation all wrong here and they're actually getting turned on. Or just starting to hate me.
I have never loved screw-tops as much in my life. God only knows if there is a bottle opener here, and indeed whose property it is and whose life I would ruin by using it. Wow, people can be so petty.
So there you have it. My first taste of real island life, in all its glory. And not even a week in. This could get interesting.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Letting out my inner black woman
I'm wet. My trousers are soaking. And it's 7pm. I ALMOST got away with not being wet today. But the little bastard J took the final "Honeymoon ride" (where couples get 2 hours of riding, champagne, sunsets and roasted marshmallows) into the water in the dark. I mean, I love riding in the water but it's madness, sheer madness, to do it after the sun goes down. But wait a minute, this place is sheer madness. I guess I'll just sit around all wet while I watch the boys have their weekly lesson from the boss.
The ladies have their lesson tomorrow. Apparently you learn some of the Spanish style, can't remember what it's called, but the boss hopes to teach everyone enuf to have some kind of show at some stage. Still a while off, though...
I kept losing my socks today - no, correction, just one sock. It kept getting blown away, dropped, carried away by a dog. Just a random observation.
Was so tired by the time I got home that I pretty much just showered, read a little and went to sleep. Slept all the way through again, well kinda was woken by the crazy early chickens but good enuf. I think I'm back in the right timezone again.
The next morning I had another encounter with M, the old man who lives in the same apartment as me. He is ultra possessive with his things, which are "OVER HERE, YOU SEE? YOU CAN'T BE USING THESE OK?? IT'S VERY IMPORTANT." Oh, also which is your shelf in the fridge?? Now fair enuf if the fridge was being used regularly by everyone, but there is NOTHING in there. A couple of packaged fishes, and a bottle of water. I am the first one to actually use it for my food. So I told him, OK that shelf right there with my things on it, yep that's my shelf. Fucking idiot.
So I have a few pots n plates for general use, maybe I can buy some cheap things to complete my dining experience from the $1 shop, and bring them back and label them JEN'S THINGS, DO NOT TOUCH, PERSONAL SPACE, PROPERTY, ALL THAT JAZZ." Fucking idiot.
But I have decided to stick around in that apartment, considering how cheap it is. To get somewhere else would be more than double the rent, and really, it is fine for what I need. 6 months there would be no dramas I don't think. And at least I know the landlords (my bosses!) and if there's any problems I can count on them. The place is kept really clean by the tenants and I just have one bedroom to keep clean so that's easy enuf.
At my second day of work I began learning about office duties, which I found out I will have a couple of days a week. Hopefully not TOO much, but when it is busy I hear they want guides more than office help, so hopefully that means I'll be sent out with the rides. And at least it means no heavy lifting for me. The boys can do all that. Love the traditional way of thinking around here. But it also means less tips for me on the days I'm in the office, so I need to watch my pennies. I don't think I'll be making quite as much as I hoped while over here, so whatever I do after this, it'll be to work. On a yacht, back home, whatever. Gotta worrrrk for da money!!! So in THAT sense, I'm not seeing myself working past high season, March-April, or at least after Carnivale. Can't leave just before Carnivale month.... haaeeellll no!
Speaking of "da money", I am LOVING this Caribbean accent!! It's awesome! All those times I've spoken like an angry black woman in jest, well it's all been training for now. I can talk like that and people don't even think I'm putting on a silly accent haha... gold. Wonder if I'll come back with a new accent, that would be hilarious.
Anyway, gonna head off now to eat some more DELICIOUS island food (that was sarcasm there), something fried in something... never really know what is started out as or what it is on my plate. At least now I have discovered I can have salad instead of fries. Being healthy is not that easy here. Especially when I get staff beers for $1. Sweet jesus they taste good at the end of the day...
The ladies have their lesson tomorrow. Apparently you learn some of the Spanish style, can't remember what it's called, but the boss hopes to teach everyone enuf to have some kind of show at some stage. Still a while off, though...
I kept losing my socks today - no, correction, just one sock. It kept getting blown away, dropped, carried away by a dog. Just a random observation.
Was so tired by the time I got home that I pretty much just showered, read a little and went to sleep. Slept all the way through again, well kinda was woken by the crazy early chickens but good enuf. I think I'm back in the right timezone again.
The next morning I had another encounter with M, the old man who lives in the same apartment as me. He is ultra possessive with his things, which are "OVER HERE, YOU SEE? YOU CAN'T BE USING THESE OK?? IT'S VERY IMPORTANT." Oh, also which is your shelf in the fridge?? Now fair enuf if the fridge was being used regularly by everyone, but there is NOTHING in there. A couple of packaged fishes, and a bottle of water. I am the first one to actually use it for my food. So I told him, OK that shelf right there with my things on it, yep that's my shelf. Fucking idiot.
So I have a few pots n plates for general use, maybe I can buy some cheap things to complete my dining experience from the $1 shop, and bring them back and label them JEN'S THINGS, DO NOT TOUCH, PERSONAL SPACE, PROPERTY, ALL THAT JAZZ." Fucking idiot.
But I have decided to stick around in that apartment, considering how cheap it is. To get somewhere else would be more than double the rent, and really, it is fine for what I need. 6 months there would be no dramas I don't think. And at least I know the landlords (my bosses!) and if there's any problems I can count on them. The place is kept really clean by the tenants and I just have one bedroom to keep clean so that's easy enuf.
At my second day of work I began learning about office duties, which I found out I will have a couple of days a week. Hopefully not TOO much, but when it is busy I hear they want guides more than office help, so hopefully that means I'll be sent out with the rides. And at least it means no heavy lifting for me. The boys can do all that. Love the traditional way of thinking around here. But it also means less tips for me on the days I'm in the office, so I need to watch my pennies. I don't think I'll be making quite as much as I hoped while over here, so whatever I do after this, it'll be to work. On a yacht, back home, whatever. Gotta worrrrk for da money!!! So in THAT sense, I'm not seeing myself working past high season, March-April, or at least after Carnivale. Can't leave just before Carnivale month.... haaeeellll no!
Speaking of "da money", I am LOVING this Caribbean accent!! It's awesome! All those times I've spoken like an angry black woman in jest, well it's all been training for now. I can talk like that and people don't even think I'm putting on a silly accent haha... gold. Wonder if I'll come back with a new accent, that would be hilarious.
Anyway, gonna head off now to eat some more DELICIOUS island food (that was sarcasm there), something fried in something... never really know what is started out as or what it is on my plate. At least now I have discovered I can have salad instead of fries. Being healthy is not that easy here. Especially when I get staff beers for $1. Sweet jesus they taste good at the end of the day...
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Slowest first day ever
Starting to get into the swing of things here, at least socially. My first non-date with a guy I met last night took me to La Bamba, a couple of beaches along, where it was pretty packed with people dancing salsa and later reggaeton. I was a little tired as I stayed awake for him to pick me up about 10:45, but the main reason for going out was to get back in the right timezone and not toss n turn cos I went to bed too early. Got a chance to clean out my laptop a bit more and make some more room on my hard drive - boring but necessary work!!
Every second person seemed to be a friend of L-I, so I met lots of people, including one Venuzualan chap sitting in his car. I did wonder why he was sitting in his car while there was a packed beach club just next door, then someone walked up and said, "Are you J-J? Uh, yeah, just wanted to pick up a 50." Ahhh, so that's why.
We smoked some of his good shit and then went to the club, had a drink and another smoke, and by that stage I could manage a few moves on the dancefloor before I retired for the night. L-I walked me home, luckily since there were some backstreets and I felt a great deal safer with a big, black man next to me. Don't feel entirely trusting of the nighttime scene here, to be honest. And being warned by a local not to walked within several metres of the road at night is also kinda indicative of the skills of the drivers around here.
I managed to get to the supermarket yesterday but it was so late that the phone card shop was closed, so that will have to wait for another day. So this is what it's become... the security guard at the supermarket hit on me, then a couple of customers, then the guys at the phone shop, then some locals on the street... today it was a few more on my way to work (the way being a 10 minute walk, which this week was shortened by a lift from someone I thought I worked with but who actually works at the power plant - ahh faces!!)... yep, they're coming at all angles.
To be honest, I think it's really the hair doing it, and my fair skin. They probably jump at anything that looks different. And the boyfriend card doesn't stop many of them. I will literally need to start saying, "I am just not interested."
I got home before 1am so I got a good few hours sleep before getting up for work, it was actually the first time I slept through the roosters crowing from 4am and the dogs and the heat and the light and the jetlag... woot! My plan worked!
My boss, R, was surprised I was going to work so early but I thought everyone started at 7am and I need to get into the swing of things asap so why not? The cruise ships were meant to come today but they're postponed til tomorrow so as a result, there has been next to nothing to do today. I took the youngsters, Regalata and Chico, for some training in the nice big arena they've got here. Both were well behaved but I think I prefer Chico - he has more spirit. Tiny horse, though, really is. I feel like I'm breaking his back.
The good thing about Chico was I'd been told he's a handful and often bucks, but he was fine with me and I felt like he was learning just in the short time in the boiling sun. I've met a couple of lovely girls here today too, which is great since I really need to be steering away from the sleazy men that just don't seem to get the picture. I know my poor boy is sweating away (even more than me in this heat!) hearing about the guys swarming around me, but fear less babycakes I only have eyes for you.
It has been 3 days since I arrived and I am getting a feel for this island, although haven't seen much of it yet. Hopefully the girl who does the rosters, R, will roster me off with her and we can go together to the French side which is said to have the prettiest beaches. Yay! Need to ask my boss to pay me day by day, or week on week for the short term. I really don't want to use all the money in my Aus account because it's good to pay my credit card and as a backup. Also thinking about not bothering to find another place to stay - it's fine where I am now, I just hope the old man who lives across the way doesn't keep pressing to take me to church one time. I think I really upset him this morning when I politely said church wasn't really my thing...
Anyway, I am writing this on my extended lunch break so I guess I better put my shoes back on and really try to at least look like I'm not blagging. Not that I have anything to do at the moment...
Every second person seemed to be a friend of L-I, so I met lots of people, including one Venuzualan chap sitting in his car. I did wonder why he was sitting in his car while there was a packed beach club just next door, then someone walked up and said, "Are you J-J? Uh, yeah, just wanted to pick up a 50." Ahhh, so that's why.
We smoked some of his good shit and then went to the club, had a drink and another smoke, and by that stage I could manage a few moves on the dancefloor before I retired for the night. L-I walked me home, luckily since there were some backstreets and I felt a great deal safer with a big, black man next to me. Don't feel entirely trusting of the nighttime scene here, to be honest. And being warned by a local not to walked within several metres of the road at night is also kinda indicative of the skills of the drivers around here.
I managed to get to the supermarket yesterday but it was so late that the phone card shop was closed, so that will have to wait for another day. So this is what it's become... the security guard at the supermarket hit on me, then a couple of customers, then the guys at the phone shop, then some locals on the street... today it was a few more on my way to work (the way being a 10 minute walk, which this week was shortened by a lift from someone I thought I worked with but who actually works at the power plant - ahh faces!!)... yep, they're coming at all angles.
To be honest, I think it's really the hair doing it, and my fair skin. They probably jump at anything that looks different. And the boyfriend card doesn't stop many of them. I will literally need to start saying, "I am just not interested."
I got home before 1am so I got a good few hours sleep before getting up for work, it was actually the first time I slept through the roosters crowing from 4am and the dogs and the heat and the light and the jetlag... woot! My plan worked!
My boss, R, was surprised I was going to work so early but I thought everyone started at 7am and I need to get into the swing of things asap so why not? The cruise ships were meant to come today but they're postponed til tomorrow so as a result, there has been next to nothing to do today. I took the youngsters, Regalata and Chico, for some training in the nice big arena they've got here. Both were well behaved but I think I prefer Chico - he has more spirit. Tiny horse, though, really is. I feel like I'm breaking his back.
The good thing about Chico was I'd been told he's a handful and often bucks, but he was fine with me and I felt like he was learning just in the short time in the boiling sun. I've met a couple of lovely girls here today too, which is great since I really need to be steering away from the sleazy men that just don't seem to get the picture. I know my poor boy is sweating away (even more than me in this heat!) hearing about the guys swarming around me, but fear less babycakes I only have eyes for you.
It has been 3 days since I arrived and I am getting a feel for this island, although haven't seen much of it yet. Hopefully the girl who does the rosters, R, will roster me off with her and we can go together to the French side which is said to have the prettiest beaches. Yay! Need to ask my boss to pay me day by day, or week on week for the short term. I really don't want to use all the money in my Aus account because it's good to pay my credit card and as a backup. Also thinking about not bothering to find another place to stay - it's fine where I am now, I just hope the old man who lives across the way doesn't keep pressing to take me to church one time. I think I really upset him this morning when I politely said church wasn't really my thing...
Anyway, I am writing this on my extended lunch break so I guess I better put my shoes back on and really try to at least look like I'm not blagging. Not that I have anything to do at the moment...
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Procrastinating getting things done...
My first proper day in the Caribbean and there are some interesting tales to tell... already. I tossed n turned from the early morning hours and of course just started to get drowsy about the time I needed to get up. The toilet is broken in the flat already, which is fine since I have traveled Thailand and know how to handle a toilet without a flush. I was kinda worried what time to get up, since I had no idea if my clock was on local time or that of LA, Miami, Australia... yep, my body is as confused as my mind.
I figured it out, though, and was even early (pretty much a crime here) to the morning ride. Made conversation with the English couple waiting to ride - made me miss my boy even more - and met I, the guide for the day. He is the rasta brother of the duo that work here, and I was quick to point out that mine were fake rastas, in the sense that they had no connection to the religion whatsoever.
So we went for a ride, it was lovely overlooking the cliffs but a bit perturbing seeing the now-empty bay to the left being bullozed to make way for yet another holiday resort. Island life hey. The English couple, about the age of my parents, were lovely. We went swimming at the end, saddles n all (and yes, apparently this wears the saddles out every couple of months) and it was a great first visit to the water on this island. I changed into shorts and bare feet, still need to get some deliciously fashionable Crocs to ride in each day. So much for bringing my cowboy and riding boots!
Enjoying the water so much, I went for a dip myself after the ride and luckily took myself out as the clouds rolled in (not that it makes much difference in the temperature!) because the water pump from the big plant next door decided to sink and burst, sending all the (clean, thankfully) water into the very beach I was swimming in. Not the most attractive look for tourists, a big, brown cloud of sandy water murkying up the formerly pristine conditions. And they really are pristine here. The water (usually) is crystal clear. I could see some of this from the plane.
Speaking of planes, man they roar above the island here!! Reminds me just of home! Dad wants me to send home pics of the planes really low flying over the beach, I will get there... Need to actually start exploring this island soon but I am kinda liking the whole sitting here, drinking beer situation.
I made friends with the rasta men from the beach, not that hard really, and have been invited out by the man that calls himself Lion-I which I mistakenly assumed was a kind of "running bull, hidden tiger" Indian naming system... they laughed when I said this so I'm not quite sure where it came from. So anyway, we're gonna check out this local reggae bar called The Alley which I'm hoping is actually a bar and not just an alleyway. Oh well, time will tell.
Just found out the rasta guide, I, can't actually swim!! Crazy for someone who grew up in the Caribbean. I said I'd teach him. Fucked if I will DR ABC his ass when his horse runs off without him in the water! So yeah, I'm off to a bar tonight, gotta start work tomorrow morning at 7 cos the cruise ships arrive, should be interesting. Will keep it tame.
Had a couple of beers and a burger. The diet here is certainly not gonna do much for my losing weight and getting fit regime. Why I thought I could possibly achieve such a plan in a place that serves food like Americans do, I don't know... Still need to get to the bank but have been lent some money by a Dutch girl to save me walking to the ATM.
Just popped off for another ride, on the little Chico again, and it was another slowie. I think they're pretty much all just walking, taking in the sights, going in the water. Which reminds me, I gotta get to the shops. Was waiting for a cooler part of the day but methinks it'll just have to be now...ish. But it's just so hot......
I figured it out, though, and was even early (pretty much a crime here) to the morning ride. Made conversation with the English couple waiting to ride - made me miss my boy even more - and met I, the guide for the day. He is the rasta brother of the duo that work here, and I was quick to point out that mine were fake rastas, in the sense that they had no connection to the religion whatsoever.
So we went for a ride, it was lovely overlooking the cliffs but a bit perturbing seeing the now-empty bay to the left being bullozed to make way for yet another holiday resort. Island life hey. The English couple, about the age of my parents, were lovely. We went swimming at the end, saddles n all (and yes, apparently this wears the saddles out every couple of months) and it was a great first visit to the water on this island. I changed into shorts and bare feet, still need to get some deliciously fashionable Crocs to ride in each day. So much for bringing my cowboy and riding boots!
Enjoying the water so much, I went for a dip myself after the ride and luckily took myself out as the clouds rolled in (not that it makes much difference in the temperature!) because the water pump from the big plant next door decided to sink and burst, sending all the (clean, thankfully) water into the very beach I was swimming in. Not the most attractive look for tourists, a big, brown cloud of sandy water murkying up the formerly pristine conditions. And they really are pristine here. The water (usually) is crystal clear. I could see some of this from the plane.
Speaking of planes, man they roar above the island here!! Reminds me just of home! Dad wants me to send home pics of the planes really low flying over the beach, I will get there... Need to actually start exploring this island soon but I am kinda liking the whole sitting here, drinking beer situation.
I made friends with the rasta men from the beach, not that hard really, and have been invited out by the man that calls himself Lion-I which I mistakenly assumed was a kind of "running bull, hidden tiger" Indian naming system... they laughed when I said this so I'm not quite sure where it came from. So anyway, we're gonna check out this local reggae bar called The Alley which I'm hoping is actually a bar and not just an alleyway. Oh well, time will tell.
Just found out the rasta guide, I, can't actually swim!! Crazy for someone who grew up in the Caribbean. I said I'd teach him. Fucked if I will DR ABC his ass when his horse runs off without him in the water! So yeah, I'm off to a bar tonight, gotta start work tomorrow morning at 7 cos the cruise ships arrive, should be interesting. Will keep it tame.
Had a couple of beers and a burger. The diet here is certainly not gonna do much for my losing weight and getting fit regime. Why I thought I could possibly achieve such a plan in a place that serves food like Americans do, I don't know... Still need to get to the bank but have been lent some money by a Dutch girl to save me walking to the ATM.
Just popped off for another ride, on the little Chico again, and it was another slowie. I think they're pretty much all just walking, taking in the sights, going in the water. Which reminds me, I gotta get to the shops. Was waiting for a cooler part of the day but methinks it'll just have to be now...ish. But it's just so hot......
An island of contradictions
It was a somewhat heartwarming experience to sit in the departure lounge, one eye fixated on the drizzling rain outside Miami airport, the other trained to the screen that proudly announced, "Temperature at St Maarten: 30 degrees, mostly sunny". This was when I really started to count down the minutes (or hours as it turned out to be).
Our plane was late. Another yayyyy for Absolute Ass airlines. When we eventually boarded, the plane was chocka-block and my "window" seat was so located that the best view I was afforded was of the plane's right wing. And nobody likes the right wing ;) Little political joke for you there...
I breezed through customs with no problems at all, not that I expected any in this chilled out corner of the world... then came the massive wait for the baggage. Seriously, there was only 2 planes to unload, come on people, pick up your game! That was my first taste of "Caribbean time".
I walked through the arrival gates, not really knowing what to expect, and found no one was waiting for me. Unalarmed, I went to put my bags down when a frazzled blonde Dutch lady clutching two adorable little daughters rushed through the door. Apologising for her lateness, because my own plane was delayed and she had to get the kids etc etc, we got off to a good start as it was.
St Maarten was undecided about what weather it was going to treat me with on my debut appearance... and soon enuf, the muggy, tropical skies opened to a quick rainshower. It being tropical n all, the shower lasted all of 5 minutes and it was back on the road to Sunny Town from there on in.
As I expected, the town is not all glitz n glamour... sure, there are ritzy hotels, massive boats and more restaurants you can poke a fishing rod at but.... there was a definite divide about locals and tourists (locals here being mostly black people descendant or thereabouts from somewhere nearby, then the Dutch, then the French on the other side of the island). I was already getting looks from the black men... Prepare fending-off stick PRONTO. Wah-pah-chaaaaang!!!
The traffic on the main rd was at a standstill, thanks to some new planning works that involves digging a tunnel under the rd for the water to flow through into the lagoon and prevent flooding. Although my new boss, X, tells me the tunnel has been built lower than the water level of the lagoon so it's just flowing the water the opposite way. Go figure.
It's the first of many observations about the idiocy of this island, which is governed on the Dutch side by the local government and on the French, by the French. Of course. They use the Euro on the French side and apparently even have police enforcement. On the contrary, X has lived on my side for 15 years and is still to be pulled over by the authorities. The discussion we have in the car focuses on these "contradictions", this unorganised infrastructure against the pull of tourism on the island.
The nightclubs are here to give you a good time, if you so want it. Some open regular hours, some never close, many offer the spectrum of good-time additives and apparently this includes South American women. I've been told many a good man has ruined himself on this island. Let's see what they can throw at me.
I asked about the general demographic of visitors to the island and at this time - not the beginning of high season as I first thought - there are mostly older people because it's cheaper. But in general, the Caribbean doesn't seem like the school-leavers' first choice. Which is good and bad for me, really. I hope I find some people my age to have a beer with on occasion.
I did meet some of the workers already, and the locals that live in the basic accommodation I'm renting from Seaside (a bed in a room, sharing facilities but at least they're CLEAN facilities) until I find something more permanent, and they seem intrigued by me. I must work the "boyfriend" angle in conversation sooner than later. But tomorrow I go on a ride with one of the guides and the tourists, so it will be a good chance to chat then. I hope that little piece of information doesn't make them MORE interested.
Our plane was late. Another yayyyy for Absolute Ass airlines. When we eventually boarded, the plane was chocka-block and my "window" seat was so located that the best view I was afforded was of the plane's right wing. And nobody likes the right wing ;) Little political joke for you there...
I breezed through customs with no problems at all, not that I expected any in this chilled out corner of the world... then came the massive wait for the baggage. Seriously, there was only 2 planes to unload, come on people, pick up your game! That was my first taste of "Caribbean time".
I walked through the arrival gates, not really knowing what to expect, and found no one was waiting for me. Unalarmed, I went to put my bags down when a frazzled blonde Dutch lady clutching two adorable little daughters rushed through the door. Apologising for her lateness, because my own plane was delayed and she had to get the kids etc etc, we got off to a good start as it was.
St Maarten was undecided about what weather it was going to treat me with on my debut appearance... and soon enuf, the muggy, tropical skies opened to a quick rainshower. It being tropical n all, the shower lasted all of 5 minutes and it was back on the road to Sunny Town from there on in.
As I expected, the town is not all glitz n glamour... sure, there are ritzy hotels, massive boats and more restaurants you can poke a fishing rod at but.... there was a definite divide about locals and tourists (locals here being mostly black people descendant or thereabouts from somewhere nearby, then the Dutch, then the French on the other side of the island). I was already getting looks from the black men... Prepare fending-off stick PRONTO. Wah-pah-chaaaaang!!!
The traffic on the main rd was at a standstill, thanks to some new planning works that involves digging a tunnel under the rd for the water to flow through into the lagoon and prevent flooding. Although my new boss, X, tells me the tunnel has been built lower than the water level of the lagoon so it's just flowing the water the opposite way. Go figure.
It's the first of many observations about the idiocy of this island, which is governed on the Dutch side by the local government and on the French, by the French. Of course. They use the Euro on the French side and apparently even have police enforcement. On the contrary, X has lived on my side for 15 years and is still to be pulled over by the authorities. The discussion we have in the car focuses on these "contradictions", this unorganised infrastructure against the pull of tourism on the island.
The nightclubs are here to give you a good time, if you so want it. Some open regular hours, some never close, many offer the spectrum of good-time additives and apparently this includes South American women. I've been told many a good man has ruined himself on this island. Let's see what they can throw at me.
I asked about the general demographic of visitors to the island and at this time - not the beginning of high season as I first thought - there are mostly older people because it's cheaper. But in general, the Caribbean doesn't seem like the school-leavers' first choice. Which is good and bad for me, really. I hope I find some people my age to have a beer with on occasion.
I did meet some of the workers already, and the locals that live in the basic accommodation I'm renting from Seaside (a bed in a room, sharing facilities but at least they're CLEAN facilities) until I find something more permanent, and they seem intrigued by me. I must work the "boyfriend" angle in conversation sooner than later. But tomorrow I go on a ride with one of the guides and the tourists, so it will be a good chance to chat then. I hope that little piece of information doesn't make them MORE interested.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Sick in the air
I know now. AA is not code for American Airlines, it is code for Absolute Ass. They charged me for a second bag (but at least it was all the way to St Maarten and not 2 separate charges) then make me wait in line at the gate again to get assigned a seat. What's the deal? It's not possible to do that task during check-in or just let people seat themselves? Works for EasyJet.
Anyway, so I'm the last to be assigned a seat and after walking the entire length of the plane, I jam myself in next to an unsurprisingly large fellow and his equally large wife, or sister, how am I to know... they're all just so large. On the bright side, it makes me feel quite the slim'un.
After a brief sleep pass-out situation, I wake feeling a bit clammy and start to get anxious. Was something in that mammoth meal making me sick?? Now freaking out on a plane is never a good thing, so before I know it I'm downing a glass of water and stumbling to the toilet, conveniently located right behind me at the back of the cabin. On the floor, head over bowl, all sorts of memories flashing before me, I am just trying to calm myself down and either vomit or not vomit - just make a decision!
With no vomit forthcoming, I try other methods of extraction - successfully - and sit there sweating and almost hyperventilating as the seatbelt sign flashes. Great, another bumpy flight. What is it about the US flight path these days??
The flight was only about 4 hours 20, but I managed to make it feel like an eternity with my little sick stunt, continuing thoughts/worries/fantasies/nightmares about my boy back in Oz and also the fact I lost the nice ribbon belt to my dress in my near-vomit experience. Managed to find it on the way off the plane, though - crisis averted.
I catch a glance at my fellow passenger's itinerary and it seems they're on my next flight, too. My first look at potential customers on the island, and it's pretty grim. Not so much for my worry-sick boyfriend but for me. If they're not fat, they're old, or worse, both. Can't even window shop. Ho hum.
Anyway, so I'm the last to be assigned a seat and after walking the entire length of the plane, I jam myself in next to an unsurprisingly large fellow and his equally large wife, or sister, how am I to know... they're all just so large. On the bright side, it makes me feel quite the slim'un.
After a brief sleep pass-out situation, I wake feeling a bit clammy and start to get anxious. Was something in that mammoth meal making me sick?? Now freaking out on a plane is never a good thing, so before I know it I'm downing a glass of water and stumbling to the toilet, conveniently located right behind me at the back of the cabin. On the floor, head over bowl, all sorts of memories flashing before me, I am just trying to calm myself down and either vomit or not vomit - just make a decision!
With no vomit forthcoming, I try other methods of extraction - successfully - and sit there sweating and almost hyperventilating as the seatbelt sign flashes. Great, another bumpy flight. What is it about the US flight path these days??
The flight was only about 4 hours 20, but I managed to make it feel like an eternity with my little sick stunt, continuing thoughts/worries/fantasies/nightmares about my boy back in Oz and also the fact I lost the nice ribbon belt to my dress in my near-vomit experience. Managed to find it on the way off the plane, though - crisis averted.
I catch a glance at my fellow passenger's itinerary and it seems they're on my next flight, too. My first look at potential customers on the island, and it's pretty grim. Not so much for my worry-sick boyfriend but for me. If they're not fat, they're old, or worse, both. Can't even window shop. Ho hum.
Old MacDonald was a black man
The program for today consisting of getting dropped at Santa Monica shopping/beach district while B went to a political discussion meeting (he invited me, I politely declined). I had a few hours to kill so I decided to walk along the mall, look in shops I couldn't possibly buy anything in, and eventually make it to the beach.
Some common occurrences in these parts: small, fluffy dogs in clothing, more fat people, loud, annoying accents and sports cars. None of which appealed to me. But it was interesting people-watching nonetheless.
There was a nice pier with some great views of the sea, a fun park with trapezes and a kind of circus area where you could use some strength-building equipment (a man wearing false dreads tried to get me on the rings by way of complimenting my real dreads, but I could see right through the nylon braids). There was even an area where it seemed performing arts types were congregating to practise and socialise. That was pretty cool.
As I headed back to meet B, I came by a panpipe player in the mall. One would think I was kinda of over panpipes, having just been to South America - and you'd be right - but there were seats there and my feet were sore. So I sat down and before I knew it, I was entertained. Not by the panpipe player, but a random black man who walked by singing, "Old MacDonald was a black man..." I could barely keep myself from laughing, what a champion!
So I met B and we drove home to freshen up before dinner. I'd had a glass of wine and some free garlic bread so I was in good spirits, even more so when I found out I could log onto wireless at B's on my laptop and use Skype to call my baby!! We chatted for over an hour before I had to sign off and go eat, and after an excessively large meal at a local restaurant I rushed back to my computer to try and catch the boy again. Only on chat this time, but better than nothing.
We are both so sad without each other, but I am excited about this new experience and I know he is about his too. We just wish we were doing it all together. Soon enuf, soon enuf.... meet you at the moon.
Dinner was at a more typical American diner, yelling above screaming children and loud-mouthed - well, Americans - while B strained his poor hearing. I tried to pay for the bill but he refused, eventually letting me give about half towards it.
Some common occurrences in these parts: small, fluffy dogs in clothing, more fat people, loud, annoying accents and sports cars. None of which appealed to me. But it was interesting people-watching nonetheless.
There was a nice pier with some great views of the sea, a fun park with trapezes and a kind of circus area where you could use some strength-building equipment (a man wearing false dreads tried to get me on the rings by way of complimenting my real dreads, but I could see right through the nylon braids). There was even an area where it seemed performing arts types were congregating to practise and socialise. That was pretty cool.
As I headed back to meet B, I came by a panpipe player in the mall. One would think I was kinda of over panpipes, having just been to South America - and you'd be right - but there were seats there and my feet were sore. So I sat down and before I knew it, I was entertained. Not by the panpipe player, but a random black man who walked by singing, "Old MacDonald was a black man..." I could barely keep myself from laughing, what a champion!
So I met B and we drove home to freshen up before dinner. I'd had a glass of wine and some free garlic bread so I was in good spirits, even more so when I found out I could log onto wireless at B's on my laptop and use Skype to call my baby!! We chatted for over an hour before I had to sign off and go eat, and after an excessively large meal at a local restaurant I rushed back to my computer to try and catch the boy again. Only on chat this time, but better than nothing.
We are both so sad without each other, but I am excited about this new experience and I know he is about his too. We just wish we were doing it all together. Soon enuf, soon enuf.... meet you at the moon.
Dinner was at a more typical American diner, yelling above screaming children and loud-mouthed - well, Americans - while B strained his poor hearing. I tried to pay for the bill but he refused, eventually letting me give about half towards it.
Parking for small brains only
I woke from my "quick nap" about 6 hours later, all groggy and with my body absolutely refusing to get up... but I forced it, because I knew if I stayed in bed, there would be no hope of ever getting to sleep again. And besides that, in this new timezone, it was about dinner time, right?
With a bit of time before dinner, I freshened up and headed the 50m down the rd to Manhattan Beach to chill on the sand and farewell the last of the sun. Walking past a massive SUV (one of many) parked in a "small cars only" bar, I found a nice place on the beach to watch the goings-on around me (so many Mexicans??) and eventually had the coast guard doing rounds around me and chatting nicely enough about LA et al. Didn't look like Hasselhoff so clearly wasn't interested. Gave me some nice tips about things to do in the "Golden State", though.
Afterwards, I headed back to the house and B and I went out to a Thai restaurant for dinner. I actually finished my meal - what a fatty, considering the size of American meals - while B took his home in a takeaway container. Nice food, though. Bless him, he paid for me too.
On the ride home I was failing miserably at keeping my eyes open in the car, trying desperately not to be rude as B took me the long way home past some nearby hot spots. I wondered where the young kids went out these days, I really would like to see that side of LA once. It really does bore me, this city. If the people aren't morbidly obese, they're fake and thin, and the houses are just as unbelievable. Every girl I walk past sounds like they're from a cheesy sitcom, all "Oh my god, awesome, that is soooo cool, no way, shutup!!" Shudder.
I took myself pretty promptly to bed to get a good kip before a big day of exploring tomorrow, yet found myself waking up just a couple hours later to toss n turn the next several hours and count the clicks on the fan above me. When I finally did fall asleep, I was so tired I slept until almost midday! There goes our early morning adventure.
With a bit of time before dinner, I freshened up and headed the 50m down the rd to Manhattan Beach to chill on the sand and farewell the last of the sun. Walking past a massive SUV (one of many) parked in a "small cars only" bar, I found a nice place on the beach to watch the goings-on around me (so many Mexicans??) and eventually had the coast guard doing rounds around me and chatting nicely enough about LA et al. Didn't look like Hasselhoff so clearly wasn't interested. Gave me some nice tips about things to do in the "Golden State", though.
Afterwards, I headed back to the house and B and I went out to a Thai restaurant for dinner. I actually finished my meal - what a fatty, considering the size of American meals - while B took his home in a takeaway container. Nice food, though. Bless him, he paid for me too.
On the ride home I was failing miserably at keeping my eyes open in the car, trying desperately not to be rude as B took me the long way home past some nearby hot spots. I wondered where the young kids went out these days, I really would like to see that side of LA once. It really does bore me, this city. If the people aren't morbidly obese, they're fake and thin, and the houses are just as unbelievable. Every girl I walk past sounds like they're from a cheesy sitcom, all "Oh my god, awesome, that is soooo cool, no way, shutup!!" Shudder.
I took myself pretty promptly to bed to get a good kip before a big day of exploring tomorrow, yet found myself waking up just a couple hours later to toss n turn the next several hours and count the clicks on the fan above me. When I finally did fall asleep, I was so tired I slept until almost midday! There goes our early morning adventure.
Saturday, 15 October 2011
New beginnings... with a heavy heart
It's been a few months coming but now that it's here, it feels like time has just flown. I'm writing from LA, where I stay for just one night before hopping on a plane to Miami and then another to the Dutch/French island just 25km across known as St Maarten (SWXM).
I hate getting to the airport.
I hate airports. Full stop.
This airport was another difficult affair, as airports so often are... we left with what we thought would be plenty of time and ended up jam-locked in traffic just metres from the international departures gate. Frustrating? Indeed. To make matters worse, my brother was in no fit state to drive after a massive night out (though I thank him for driving, he did know it was going to be that day) and I refused to drive so I could sit in the back with A. Actually, I haven't blogged since we got together, have I?? Well, that's a whole 'nother kettle of fish which I would need weeks on the blogging machine to go into. Long story short, he's the one I've been in love with since London 1.5 years ago and came to Sydney to came me... ended up living together and then finally admitting our feelings (well, him mainly, I was open the whole time).
But I digress.
Finally at the airport, mum and my bro bid me farewell and I'm left with my boy and a strange feeling of coincidence from seeing dad's car drive past on the way into the gate. A is busy making excuses while I search for the check-in gate and there he is - my daddy standing there waiting, as a surprise. I was disappointed that for the first time he hadn't offered me a lift to the airport, but I guess this is why. Bless him. Felt bad that I had to just run off straight into security check as soon as I checked in. Seriously, what kind of airline boards an hour before??!
More drama came as I went to load my bag - which turned out to be ELEVEN kgs overweight - oops. So I hot-footed it to the post office to buy a big, plastic bag to halve my clothes (apparently I can take 2 bags but not it all in the one bag, suppose it WOULD be hard to lift 34.6 into the bottom of the aircraft). No probs there, as I ran back to check-in holding up my fisherman pants and trying to distract people from looking at the guacamole stains on my shirt from my rushed attempt at breakfast. And then there were the puffy eyes. What a state I was.
So dad is snapping away farewell airport pics - I swear he should dedicate a whole office wall to these by now - and I'm loving him documenting disastrous appearance forever and amen... But bless him. I shoot through security, customs etc and only get stopped once for a random explosives check. So I looked worse than first thought then. Never knew hippies were a target group for terrorists. Didn't really think that one through, did he...
On board, I was next to a couple of nice guys about my age - the one on my left having just left his English gf for a month of travel to the States (familiar much??), the right a bit more quiet but nice, just annoying when he fell asleep with his tray table down and a full drink swaying about, mocking me that I would never be able to climb over and release my bladder. Oh, the pain. I soon sorted that out but just picking up the drink, putting up his tray table and catapaulting over him, spilling his drink on both of us in the process and waking him up. Not the most successful mission. But he had a weird sleep smell anyway so murgh!
Couldn't sleep through the whole flight - no, actually, I could but pretty much as the seatbelts sign went back on for our descent. Instead, I satisfied my bf cravings by watching film after film of romance movies... Hangover 2, Bridesmaids, Cabaret, All That Jazz... everything I touched reminded me of him. So I cried, and cried, and cried. Drank some more free booze and cried. I was a mess. The guys next to me must have been wondering who the hell would want to be with such a creature.
There was a couple of little Asians girls nearby, who also disturbed me. Definitely not cute ones. Kept squealing and screaming in delight. I'm sorry, what is wrong with expressing happiness via the regular route of LAUGHTER?? Yes, you can tell I'm a bit sleep-deprived writing this. One of the kids stared at me in a "I'm so cute" way and I cast her an evil vampire stare which sent her running for mummy in the customs line. Yep, you can fuck right off little one. I'm fucking over it.
Took FOREVER to get through LAX and to my bag, of course I got questioned like a mother at board control but since I'm just passing through on the way to a different territory, I suppose they didn't really care so much. But I passed with sailing colours and almost fell into the waiting arms of B, our lovely family friend that is putting me up for the night before I fly onwards.
This is going to be an unforgettable adventure, for more reasons than one. It will be a test of my inner strength as I learn to live again without the love of my life, and it will be a test of my mental strength re-adapting to a new lifestyle yet again. I am excited but it is a bittersweet excitement. I don't know what the future will bring but I am ready to take it on. I just hope it's not too long until my soulmate is doing the same, right by my side.
I hate getting to the airport.
I hate airports. Full stop.
This airport was another difficult affair, as airports so often are... we left with what we thought would be plenty of time and ended up jam-locked in traffic just metres from the international departures gate. Frustrating? Indeed. To make matters worse, my brother was in no fit state to drive after a massive night out (though I thank him for driving, he did know it was going to be that day) and I refused to drive so I could sit in the back with A. Actually, I haven't blogged since we got together, have I?? Well, that's a whole 'nother kettle of fish which I would need weeks on the blogging machine to go into. Long story short, he's the one I've been in love with since London 1.5 years ago and came to Sydney to came me... ended up living together and then finally admitting our feelings (well, him mainly, I was open the whole time).
But I digress.
Finally at the airport, mum and my bro bid me farewell and I'm left with my boy and a strange feeling of coincidence from seeing dad's car drive past on the way into the gate. A is busy making excuses while I search for the check-in gate and there he is - my daddy standing there waiting, as a surprise. I was disappointed that for the first time he hadn't offered me a lift to the airport, but I guess this is why. Bless him. Felt bad that I had to just run off straight into security check as soon as I checked in. Seriously, what kind of airline boards an hour before??!
More drama came as I went to load my bag - which turned out to be ELEVEN kgs overweight - oops. So I hot-footed it to the post office to buy a big, plastic bag to halve my clothes (apparently I can take 2 bags but not it all in the one bag, suppose it WOULD be hard to lift 34.6 into the bottom of the aircraft). No probs there, as I ran back to check-in holding up my fisherman pants and trying to distract people from looking at the guacamole stains on my shirt from my rushed attempt at breakfast. And then there were the puffy eyes. What a state I was.
So dad is snapping away farewell airport pics - I swear he should dedicate a whole office wall to these by now - and I'm loving him documenting disastrous appearance forever and amen... But bless him. I shoot through security, customs etc and only get stopped once for a random explosives check. So I looked worse than first thought then. Never knew hippies were a target group for terrorists. Didn't really think that one through, did he...
On board, I was next to a couple of nice guys about my age - the one on my left having just left his English gf for a month of travel to the States (familiar much??), the right a bit more quiet but nice, just annoying when he fell asleep with his tray table down and a full drink swaying about, mocking me that I would never be able to climb over and release my bladder. Oh, the pain. I soon sorted that out but just picking up the drink, putting up his tray table and catapaulting over him, spilling his drink on both of us in the process and waking him up. Not the most successful mission. But he had a weird sleep smell anyway so murgh!
Couldn't sleep through the whole flight - no, actually, I could but pretty much as the seatbelts sign went back on for our descent. Instead, I satisfied my bf cravings by watching film after film of romance movies... Hangover 2, Bridesmaids, Cabaret, All That Jazz... everything I touched reminded me of him. So I cried, and cried, and cried. Drank some more free booze and cried. I was a mess. The guys next to me must have been wondering who the hell would want to be with such a creature.
There was a couple of little Asians girls nearby, who also disturbed me. Definitely not cute ones. Kept squealing and screaming in delight. I'm sorry, what is wrong with expressing happiness via the regular route of LAUGHTER?? Yes, you can tell I'm a bit sleep-deprived writing this. One of the kids stared at me in a "I'm so cute" way and I cast her an evil vampire stare which sent her running for mummy in the customs line. Yep, you can fuck right off little one. I'm fucking over it.
Took FOREVER to get through LAX and to my bag, of course I got questioned like a mother at board control but since I'm just passing through on the way to a different territory, I suppose they didn't really care so much. But I passed with sailing colours and almost fell into the waiting arms of B, our lovely family friend that is putting me up for the night before I fly onwards.
This is going to be an unforgettable adventure, for more reasons than one. It will be a test of my inner strength as I learn to live again without the love of my life, and it will be a test of my mental strength re-adapting to a new lifestyle yet again. I am excited but it is a bittersweet excitement. I don't know what the future will bring but I am ready to take it on. I just hope it's not too long until my soulmate is doing the same, right by my side.
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