I'm pretty sure I sweated more than my entire body weight today. As usual for a Saturday, we were pretty busy for the first half of the day but once lunch hit, the rides died down. Cruises only land here for the day so the guests have a limited window of opportunity for activities like horseriding. But what made it hard was the sheer humidity. No matter what I was doing - walking, brushing horses, sitting down - I sweated. My skin was constantly wet. And I can't even count how many times I wiped my face on my t-shirt sleeve. Hideous.
Had a couple of rides, got some half-decent tips (I'm learning cruise ship people are either tight or think they've spent more than enuf on the cruise and all its related activities - forgetting completely that we have nothing to do with the cruise)... and sweated. Even my boss said this kind of weather was unusually for this time of year.
I was almost drained of energy by the day's end, but it was not over yet. I found a horse acted strange and suspected it of colic, so called the boss up to have a look. He gave her some shots and we kept her on all 4 feet, and the we decided to give tetanus shots to every horse, which at a glance is over 40. So we're going out, catching each one by one, injecting the shot, marking off the list... and sweating. I swear no one sweated quite like me. I felt like a witch melting into my skin.
My day actually ended with a postponed lesson with my female boss, A, the French lady (rumoured to be a lesbian, like it makes any difference to my life) and taught by my male boss, R. I rode Seductor again, who I learnt tonight was only about 3, and things did not go well.
I didn't fall off or anything but compared to last week's lesson - the best ever for Seductor according to R - he was a mess. Now I don't like to blame him for everything, obviously my riding wasn't that great either, but he was just not all there tonight. My hands and joints burnt a little after it was all over, and I apologised for riding badly but was warded off - "It wasn't you, he was all over the place tonight, don't worry shit happens." Well, I still felt annoyed like I hadn't done my best. I dunno, I guess I'm just that kind of person!
Worst of all, this was the lesson J decided to watch so I know I'm not gonna hear the end of it. Great that I'd organised to go out with him for his brother's belated birthday that same night... Not impressed. With any of it. Sweaty, tired and frustrated. He better not start.
Had a shower and decided that, it being the first Saturday night I actually planned on having a big night out - well, I told them I am going home at 12 because otherwise I turn into a pumpkin and can't work tomorrow - I shaved. What a mission. Love living with no one to impress. Except when the hard yakka comes in to look like a lady. Urgh.
Writing this, I'm waiting for my dinner to cool and already the sirens are starting for a Saturday evening. These people really have no sense of responsibility for their lives... I dunno, I could never live here I don't think. It's just like, these little lottery booths dotted about the place, in the most obscure of back streets even... I asked A about them, and she quite rightly observed (as a Dutch woman) that people just want to easy way around here. That sit and hope that they'll hit big one day, instead of actually working towards it and making their own success.
Not that I have that much responsibility for my life. I suppose I'm one of the biggest culprits. What the hell am I doing? Running all over the globe, taking random opportunity, one after the other? Yeah, really responsible behaviour. I can just hear my dad's voice in my ear - "What about your longterm career, furthering your education? I didn't shell out that many thousands for you to just galavant around the world at your fancy, asking me for handouts when your money runs dry."
Now that last part was poetic licence, but it something he fully believes and I flat-out refute. Next Christmas and birthday, I'm asking for nothing. Just his acceptance. If he can't give me that... well, merry Christmas to me.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Yay for staff socialising!
For all those times I've thrown a scornful glance toward a casino as I drove past in my car, I apologise. Today I had the funnest ride yet with people who were only there because they'd won big at the casino the night before, and were more than happy to share the love. Not only did I get tips after the ride, but they didn't want change when paying for the ride at the start so I had another envelope of tips to collect as well (altogether more than a whole day of riding the other day!) - and I enjoyed the ride too!
The only thing that got me thinking was when I was, as usual, gabbing about the certain romantic spots I would nonchalantly take my beau to "check out" should he get to the island... not for any reason other than enjoy the view, of course... One of the riders said she never wanted to marry, and that made me sad. Of course not everyone has to get married, but to be utterly opposed to the idea... just the way she said it, made her sound so shut off to the idea of love.
Now that I have it, I find it an incredible experience. Love, the one single emotion that has founded so many wonderful and equally as many heartbreaking songs, unforgettable poems, beautiful movies... so much artistic creation rests upon this one feeling. I always had a sneaking suspicion Hallmark was behind all of this marketing about "love"... now I know, it is real. It is lifechanging. It is, in itself, unforgettable.
Just the other day when my boy and I spoke on Skype, he said he would be on one knee at the terminal if I flew home tomorrow. Tempting... absolutely. But I need to do my 6 months here, commit to that much, to really experience life here, meet some great people, learn new skills, hone old skills... All of this I believe is essential to my being.
And at the same time, the 6 months he has away will also be key to his traveling experience. Albeit, without me, but to do things solo is such a different way of seeing the world. But it's just 6 months - after that, I'm by his side, no doubt. He ain't doing anything solo ever again! haha... maybe one fishing trip. But that's another discussion.
Went to the movies tonight, the first staff outing I have had, and it was nice (since I actually got to socialise for once!). My bosses shouted us to the 3 Musketeers, a juvenile but entertaining action film (pretty horses!), and awesome icecream afterwards from a place called Carousel that had a horse carousel out the back. I could just see me and my friend E with heads back, screaming and laughter, drunk off our minds, riding with glee... all in a few weeks...
Not sure what the others did after, but I caught a lift home with the bosses. I spent much of the night only half listening to the conversation while dreaming of my boy, and his last message of excitement about the exotic places we will live in and travel through. I must say, I am excited also. A little at a loss still about what I will do in terms of life goals, plans, etc... but for now I will be satisfied that it will be an adventure I will take with his strong hand firmly in mine. And that makes it a bit less scary.
The only thing that got me thinking was when I was, as usual, gabbing about the certain romantic spots I would nonchalantly take my beau to "check out" should he get to the island... not for any reason other than enjoy the view, of course... One of the riders said she never wanted to marry, and that made me sad. Of course not everyone has to get married, but to be utterly opposed to the idea... just the way she said it, made her sound so shut off to the idea of love.
Now that I have it, I find it an incredible experience. Love, the one single emotion that has founded so many wonderful and equally as many heartbreaking songs, unforgettable poems, beautiful movies... so much artistic creation rests upon this one feeling. I always had a sneaking suspicion Hallmark was behind all of this marketing about "love"... now I know, it is real. It is lifechanging. It is, in itself, unforgettable.
Just the other day when my boy and I spoke on Skype, he said he would be on one knee at the terminal if I flew home tomorrow. Tempting... absolutely. But I need to do my 6 months here, commit to that much, to really experience life here, meet some great people, learn new skills, hone old skills... All of this I believe is essential to my being.
And at the same time, the 6 months he has away will also be key to his traveling experience. Albeit, without me, but to do things solo is such a different way of seeing the world. But it's just 6 months - after that, I'm by his side, no doubt. He ain't doing anything solo ever again! haha... maybe one fishing trip. But that's another discussion.
Went to the movies tonight, the first staff outing I have had, and it was nice (since I actually got to socialise for once!). My bosses shouted us to the 3 Musketeers, a juvenile but entertaining action film (pretty horses!), and awesome icecream afterwards from a place called Carousel that had a horse carousel out the back. I could just see me and my friend E with heads back, screaming and laughter, drunk off our minds, riding with glee... all in a few weeks...
Not sure what the others did after, but I caught a lift home with the bosses. I spent much of the night only half listening to the conversation while dreaming of my boy, and his last message of excitement about the exotic places we will live in and travel through. I must say, I am excited also. A little at a loss still about what I will do in terms of life goals, plans, etc... but for now I will be satisfied that it will be an adventure I will take with his strong hand firmly in mine. And that makes it a bit less scary.
Friday, 4 November 2011
Riding to the Queen
My day started interestingly enuf, with a 6am wakeup call from my elderly neighbour who - while not entirely all there - seems to concern for me like a father, and was rapping at my window asking if I was OK. Turns out there was a big storm overnight which my beer-soaked brain had calmly slept through (I think I woke to the rain then realised it was a little cooler and I didn't need the fan on - even used the sheet at one point, shock horror!).
I was furious at being woken up early on my day off but resisted the temptation to get out of bed and throttle the poor man. Luckily, since when I spoke to him later that day he said he was concerned that I had been affected by the storm. I gently but firmly told him under no circumstances should I be woken like that again, unless in an emergency, and that if there WAS a problem, I would be up and about, and he'd know about it. I am not a morning person.
Walked down to Seaside in my beach wear, fully intending to go beaching with one of the guides who was also off today after I spoke to my boy on Skype, but after some observation of post-storm sky, thought against it. I have to say, it is the first day in St Maarten I have seen yet that I wouldn't actually go to the beach. Never thought I'd say that.
Next thing I know I'm scouring my suitcase for anything orange, as that's the national colour for Holland and I'm about to go riding to see the Dutch royal family. Hmmm. Random much??
So we saddled up, me in my orange fisherman pants and staff t-shirt, my boss and J carrying each a Dutch and St Maarten flag. My horse was the best one on the bit so I had him looking grand as we rode into town, literally side by side with the cars and at time with a big line of impatient cars behind us. Everyone was staring at us, taking pictures, videoing - we were superstars. And everyone knows I hate being the centre of attention ;)
The police didn't let us go to the Queen so we waited until they passed, and then they did in a small bus (a little undignified for royalty, I thought), we smiled and waved, and then we turned on our heels and took the back way home. What a beautiful way to see the island! On horseback! I swear at some points the traffic was going so slow we had the advantage.
Afterwards, I went with J and a few staff to get pizza, which turned out to be way more stressful than it needed to be. They were arguing about which pizza to get, what drink, what crust.... then the girls sat too close to the restaurant to smoke a joint and the customers complained. So then the guys were annoyed at the girls. Honestly, I was stoned by that stage so I just wanted the friggin pizza.
Back to work for the Friday grind... not usually one of our busier days and I'm working with J, so that should be a little more entertaining than the guide I usually work with. Maybe I'll take a horse for a swim on my lunch break. Then it's movie night yay! Socialising! For once!
I was furious at being woken up early on my day off but resisted the temptation to get out of bed and throttle the poor man. Luckily, since when I spoke to him later that day he said he was concerned that I had been affected by the storm. I gently but firmly told him under no circumstances should I be woken like that again, unless in an emergency, and that if there WAS a problem, I would be up and about, and he'd know about it. I am not a morning person.
Walked down to Seaside in my beach wear, fully intending to go beaching with one of the guides who was also off today after I spoke to my boy on Skype, but after some observation of post-storm sky, thought against it. I have to say, it is the first day in St Maarten I have seen yet that I wouldn't actually go to the beach. Never thought I'd say that.
Next thing I know I'm scouring my suitcase for anything orange, as that's the national colour for Holland and I'm about to go riding to see the Dutch royal family. Hmmm. Random much??
So we saddled up, me in my orange fisherman pants and staff t-shirt, my boss and J carrying each a Dutch and St Maarten flag. My horse was the best one on the bit so I had him looking grand as we rode into town, literally side by side with the cars and at time with a big line of impatient cars behind us. Everyone was staring at us, taking pictures, videoing - we were superstars. And everyone knows I hate being the centre of attention ;)
The police didn't let us go to the Queen so we waited until they passed, and then they did in a small bus (a little undignified for royalty, I thought), we smiled and waved, and then we turned on our heels and took the back way home. What a beautiful way to see the island! On horseback! I swear at some points the traffic was going so slow we had the advantage.
Afterwards, I went with J and a few staff to get pizza, which turned out to be way more stressful than it needed to be. They were arguing about which pizza to get, what drink, what crust.... then the girls sat too close to the restaurant to smoke a joint and the customers complained. So then the guys were annoyed at the girls. Honestly, I was stoned by that stage so I just wanted the friggin pizza.
Back to work for the Friday grind... not usually one of our busier days and I'm working with J, so that should be a little more entertaining than the guide I usually work with. Maybe I'll take a horse for a swim on my lunch break. Then it's movie night yay! Socialising! For once!
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Me and my menagerie
When I have pets again, like the kind you keep in a house, I'm gonna love them to death. I'm gonna hold them and hug them and squeeze them til they squirm. In a good way. I know people say that and then, 12 months later, they're inside their cosy little homes while the precious little pet is all alone outside.
Not me. I will love them til they die. Just like I did with Angie, my beautiful little best friend of 10 years. So maybe this nomad life has to stop, just for a little while. I am desperately craving pets again. I want a dog, I want a cat, I want a young horse to train (and be friends with my horsey) and I want a camel (for a start). I want them all! I want a menagerie! I'm just lucky the guy I chose to spend my life with will probably just say, "Whatever you want, sweetness, as long as you're happy."
But do I have a menagerie and ground myself somewhere? Well that's a big ask for me (and my boy) right now. We're still in that adventurous stage of our lives. Not that I've not already severely restricted the "adventure" part of my boy's time away from home now... just imagine if he went home to mum and dad, and proclaimed not only that he'd had an amazing time away but he'd finally fallen madly in love with someone who lives on the other side of the world. Yeah, they'd be thrilled. Can't wait for that family reunion.
But anyway... its all part of the 2.5 kids, picket fence dream right?? Really, the sensible thing to do would be to get all our traveling out of our systems first, establish ourselves with a house to buy or rent... But URGH doesn't that just seem the most boring of existences??? Oh, how this life eludes me.... but darn it if I won't have my animals!!
Not me. I will love them til they die. Just like I did with Angie, my beautiful little best friend of 10 years. So maybe this nomad life has to stop, just for a little while. I am desperately craving pets again. I want a dog, I want a cat, I want a young horse to train (and be friends with my horsey) and I want a camel (for a start). I want them all! I want a menagerie! I'm just lucky the guy I chose to spend my life with will probably just say, "Whatever you want, sweetness, as long as you're happy."
But do I have a menagerie and ground myself somewhere? Well that's a big ask for me (and my boy) right now. We're still in that adventurous stage of our lives. Not that I've not already severely restricted the "adventure" part of my boy's time away from home now... just imagine if he went home to mum and dad, and proclaimed not only that he'd had an amazing time away but he'd finally fallen madly in love with someone who lives on the other side of the world. Yeah, they'd be thrilled. Can't wait for that family reunion.
But anyway... its all part of the 2.5 kids, picket fence dream right?? Really, the sensible thing to do would be to get all our traveling out of our systems first, establish ourselves with a house to buy or rent... But URGH doesn't that just seem the most boring of existences??? Oh, how this life eludes me.... but darn it if I won't have my animals!!
Beware of the teef
Had my first staff meeting today, the most alarming part of which was our conversation about "untrustworthy" types hanging about for the right opportunity to swoop n steal. Or as people in the Caribbean put it, "teeves". So funny for me and my Queen's English.
Apparently crime is on the rise here in St Maarten - yippee - so we must all be vigilant and report any suspect behaviour to the boss. He even said we should be aware at all times on the trail, as guys could leap out from the bushes and pull a gun on us, robbing us of our worldly possessions. Except that not many people go on a horseride that ends in the water with their worldly possessions. Still, it put the wind up me. Never thought I'd have to be briefed on highway robbery as a horse guide.
Was pretty busy today, I had 3 rides in total except either I was a shit guide or just lucked-out with my guests. Feel like renaming today Tightass Wednesday. Got just a fraction of what J got - peeved off at that. BUT, on the other hand, I can always tell myself that that money will just be spent on me next time we go out, right? So essentially, that money will come back to me, in a way, right?
Thursday is my day off, so that means hopefully chatting with my boy, doing some housework and heading to the beach. Nothing major. Just wanna get some sun time on the sand. Don't have anyone to go with so it'll just be me and my book. Unfortunately my iPhone is still locked so I can't even use the iPod on that. Boo. I hope it gets fixed at some point, so I don't have to lug around my laptop everywhere.
So, given I have tomorrow off, I just sat around in my apartment (room.... studio... dwelling) downing the rest of the 6 pack I had in the fridge then heading to the nearby supermarket for another.... only to come back having spent almost all my measy tips from today. Now I have $2 to enjoy my day off. But at least I have beer. And in hindsight, this is kinda like my night out. So woot woot to me!
The Sheriff was at the supermarket again with his reggae playing, the other night I saw him busting a move next to his pickup... haha, only in the Caribbean. The gross, fat guy that greets me with, "Hey beautiful" every time I shop (I think he works there, not sure what he does??) asked if I was to be enjoying these beers alone. Yes, I was. Oh, and the security guard reminded me I hadn't given him my number. Yes, that's right, I haven't, and I won't be because I have a boyfriend. These people...
Now it's just me, my laptop and all its memories. No internet, just memories. Oh, and the mac n cheese dish I've craved since my workmate talked about it earlier today. I think I'll be pretty sweet. Mmm, mac n cheese. And beer.
Actually, I lie. I made besties with the neighbour's cat and thoroughly enjoyed watching her slowly manouver her way around my room with cat-like trepidation... Good to have some neutral company, at least. And with the background lightening putting on a show for this lonely little lady... Oh, how sad my life has become, thriving from feline company...
Apparently crime is on the rise here in St Maarten - yippee - so we must all be vigilant and report any suspect behaviour to the boss. He even said we should be aware at all times on the trail, as guys could leap out from the bushes and pull a gun on us, robbing us of our worldly possessions. Except that not many people go on a horseride that ends in the water with their worldly possessions. Still, it put the wind up me. Never thought I'd have to be briefed on highway robbery as a horse guide.
Was pretty busy today, I had 3 rides in total except either I was a shit guide or just lucked-out with my guests. Feel like renaming today Tightass Wednesday. Got just a fraction of what J got - peeved off at that. BUT, on the other hand, I can always tell myself that that money will just be spent on me next time we go out, right? So essentially, that money will come back to me, in a way, right?
Thursday is my day off, so that means hopefully chatting with my boy, doing some housework and heading to the beach. Nothing major. Just wanna get some sun time on the sand. Don't have anyone to go with so it'll just be me and my book. Unfortunately my iPhone is still locked so I can't even use the iPod on that. Boo. I hope it gets fixed at some point, so I don't have to lug around my laptop everywhere.
So, given I have tomorrow off, I just sat around in my apartment (room.... studio... dwelling) downing the rest of the 6 pack I had in the fridge then heading to the nearby supermarket for another.... only to come back having spent almost all my measy tips from today. Now I have $2 to enjoy my day off. But at least I have beer. And in hindsight, this is kinda like my night out. So woot woot to me!
The Sheriff was at the supermarket again with his reggae playing, the other night I saw him busting a move next to his pickup... haha, only in the Caribbean. The gross, fat guy that greets me with, "Hey beautiful" every time I shop (I think he works there, not sure what he does??) asked if I was to be enjoying these beers alone. Yes, I was. Oh, and the security guard reminded me I hadn't given him my number. Yes, that's right, I haven't, and I won't be because I have a boyfriend. These people...
Now it's just me, my laptop and all its memories. No internet, just memories. Oh, and the mac n cheese dish I've craved since my workmate talked about it earlier today. I think I'll be pretty sweet. Mmm, mac n cheese. And beer.
Actually, I lie. I made besties with the neighbour's cat and thoroughly enjoyed watching her slowly manouver her way around my room with cat-like trepidation... Good to have some neutral company, at least. And with the background lightening putting on a show for this lonely little lady... Oh, how sad my life has become, thriving from feline company...
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A lil bit o' bitching...
Today was the slowest day I've seen so far at work. My morning ride didn't show up (what is it with these people??) so I was left filling and cleaning the water drums, a task no less menial than it is necessary. My afternoon (and only) ride was OK, 4 locals that were friends with the boss that I suspected were riding either free or on a severe discount. Needless, to say, they didn't tip a dime, scabby cunts.
They also whined a little that we were only walking - as they were "experienced" riders. Well, the girl's boyfriend couldn't trot to save his life and they should have paid for a faster tour if that's what they wanted. Oh, that's right, they didn't pay.
And they were French. Oui oui. Tight tight. So no friendly facts about St Maarten for them, then. Fun times. At least I got them going a little faster when I asked for help in chasing a rouge horse back down (even though they were useless) and even got them laughing in the water. I walked a little faster through the trail also so they could trot to catch up if they wanted - or was it to make the ride finish sooner???
The guide from Guyana got a little annoying today, several times I had to say, "Uh huh, uh huh, yeah listen I gotta go over here now and do that..." He bitches about all the things wrong about the place, and that his voice is never heard etc etc. Like I can do anything about it. Keeps asking if my days off are the same as his, like we could go island exploring or something together... I'd rather explore the island with a rabid, mutant dog. At least that way I could shoot it before it bit me.
Wow, what an angry blog this turned out to be.
Well, what good things can I say... it was a beautiful blue sky today, oh except for the afternoon rain and the searing heat. OK, let's try again.
I saw a girl in overalls. That reminded me that I used to wear overalls when I was younger. They were hideous then and they're hideous now. Just a quiet observation.
Got a message last night from my co-worker, J, asking if I didn't talk to him much cos I was angry at him. Sounded more like a sulky boyfriend to me, so I didn't reply. I am not getting into that kind of friendship here.
One night this week we are trying to do a movie night with the staff. The 3 Musketeers. Maybe it's for inspiration??
Now I'm at a wifi cafe begrudgingly, hoping to have had free internet all night with my boss' plug-in dongle thing but for some reason it doesn't work with my computer. Ho hum. So I've downed a beer, cooked some spag bowl and hot-footed it up the road for another internet adventure.
They also whined a little that we were only walking - as they were "experienced" riders. Well, the girl's boyfriend couldn't trot to save his life and they should have paid for a faster tour if that's what they wanted. Oh, that's right, they didn't pay.
And they were French. Oui oui. Tight tight. So no friendly facts about St Maarten for them, then. Fun times. At least I got them going a little faster when I asked for help in chasing a rouge horse back down (even though they were useless) and even got them laughing in the water. I walked a little faster through the trail also so they could trot to catch up if they wanted - or was it to make the ride finish sooner???
The guide from Guyana got a little annoying today, several times I had to say, "Uh huh, uh huh, yeah listen I gotta go over here now and do that..." He bitches about all the things wrong about the place, and that his voice is never heard etc etc. Like I can do anything about it. Keeps asking if my days off are the same as his, like we could go island exploring or something together... I'd rather explore the island with a rabid, mutant dog. At least that way I could shoot it before it bit me.
Wow, what an angry blog this turned out to be.
Well, what good things can I say... it was a beautiful blue sky today, oh except for the afternoon rain and the searing heat. OK, let's try again.
I saw a girl in overalls. That reminded me that I used to wear overalls when I was younger. They were hideous then and they're hideous now. Just a quiet observation.
Got a message last night from my co-worker, J, asking if I didn't talk to him much cos I was angry at him. Sounded more like a sulky boyfriend to me, so I didn't reply. I am not getting into that kind of friendship here.
One night this week we are trying to do a movie night with the staff. The 3 Musketeers. Maybe it's for inspiration??
Now I'm at a wifi cafe begrudgingly, hoping to have had free internet all night with my boss' plug-in dongle thing but for some reason it doesn't work with my computer. Ho hum. So I've downed a beer, cooked some spag bowl and hot-footed it up the road for another internet adventure.
Saving dollars n dimes
Got a big compliment from the boss today, as he explained to J and me which horses we were and weren't to use in certain ways, who was pregnant, who needs a soft hand... and when he came to Seductor, the horse I rode in my lesson the other day, he said he had never seen the horse look so relaxed as when I was on him. So that's good to hear! Nice that I'm doing something right :)
Took out a family of 5 today, holidaying on the island, and had a cute-as-a-button 6-year-old on lead behind me. Nothing bad happened, although I think the grandma was a little pissed she got the horse that ate all the time. But really, any horse she was on would have done the same, she had no strength to have any control at all. Felt like putting a lead between everyone and just caravan them along like camels, ffs.
I had just that ride today, since my afternoon people failed to show - the weather wasn't so bad so I don't know what happened there. At least I got a juicy $20 tip from the earlier family, and I managed to spend not a dime today (and it is literally dimes here!) as I packed my own lunch and just drank water. So my plan of putting money aside is working so far, and it's not even high season.
My actual plan is, hopefully, that I can put aside all my salary that I get minus rent and live off my tips, in high season even putting some tips aside as well. On a normal day, I spend just a few dollars on food at Seaside, and then it's the occasional grocery shop or phone credit-top up, etc. If I manage to put aside $500 a month for 6 months, well that's $3000! But I doubt that will happen, because I do want to see some other islands etc and I'd need to dig into my savings for that.
But..... now that my mate from Oz has confirmed her flights to St Maarten for NYE, I know I'll definitely have some big parties to spend my pennies at. Although, if we play our cards right, perhaps we can get someone else to foot the bill haha! Can't wait til she gets here, I am missing my friends from back home so it'll be good to not only have her here, but be able to get out n about with someone I trust. And a girl, for once!
I enquired about inter-island travel and it seems there's only a few islands the ferries go between, namely Saba, Anguilla, St Barts and Prickly Pear. I really wanna get to St Thomas but it looks only likely with a flight. So, what I really need is to get friendly with some of these yacht owners and just jump a ride with them! Ha! What a dream. Considering I'm pretty much prisoner in my room unless my workmates take me out.
Spoke with my boss today about the contract etc, and the topic of insurance came up. I must admit, I have been a bit lax about my insurance expiring and not renewing it, so I got straight onto that. I won't be insured for a couple of months, when I'm officially on the books here, so that's a fair amount of time considering the work I'm doing. I was kinda hoping for them to insure me through work and avoid having to pay for my own insurance, but alas.
Was told things were all positive with me though, that the guests were giving great feedback and I was learning fast, or already knew a lot before I came. Also was told I was the best at riding crazy Seductor, so hopefully he can become my new little project. He is a good horse, just ridden a bit hard in the past.
Still having difficulty getting through to A, for a couple of days now he seems not to be onlinie, I know he said he had trouble the other day so maybe it's completely down for now. Poor bugger, I know he must be itching to talk with me, as I am with him. He's gonna stress himself to an early grave this way!
Took out a family of 5 today, holidaying on the island, and had a cute-as-a-button 6-year-old on lead behind me. Nothing bad happened, although I think the grandma was a little pissed she got the horse that ate all the time. But really, any horse she was on would have done the same, she had no strength to have any control at all. Felt like putting a lead between everyone and just caravan them along like camels, ffs.
I had just that ride today, since my afternoon people failed to show - the weather wasn't so bad so I don't know what happened there. At least I got a juicy $20 tip from the earlier family, and I managed to spend not a dime today (and it is literally dimes here!) as I packed my own lunch and just drank water. So my plan of putting money aside is working so far, and it's not even high season.
My actual plan is, hopefully, that I can put aside all my salary that I get minus rent and live off my tips, in high season even putting some tips aside as well. On a normal day, I spend just a few dollars on food at Seaside, and then it's the occasional grocery shop or phone credit-top up, etc. If I manage to put aside $500 a month for 6 months, well that's $3000! But I doubt that will happen, because I do want to see some other islands etc and I'd need to dig into my savings for that.
But..... now that my mate from Oz has confirmed her flights to St Maarten for NYE, I know I'll definitely have some big parties to spend my pennies at. Although, if we play our cards right, perhaps we can get someone else to foot the bill haha! Can't wait til she gets here, I am missing my friends from back home so it'll be good to not only have her here, but be able to get out n about with someone I trust. And a girl, for once!
I enquired about inter-island travel and it seems there's only a few islands the ferries go between, namely Saba, Anguilla, St Barts and Prickly Pear. I really wanna get to St Thomas but it looks only likely with a flight. So, what I really need is to get friendly with some of these yacht owners and just jump a ride with them! Ha! What a dream. Considering I'm pretty much prisoner in my room unless my workmates take me out.
Spoke with my boss today about the contract etc, and the topic of insurance came up. I must admit, I have been a bit lax about my insurance expiring and not renewing it, so I got straight onto that. I won't be insured for a couple of months, when I'm officially on the books here, so that's a fair amount of time considering the work I'm doing. I was kinda hoping for them to insure me through work and avoid having to pay for my own insurance, but alas.
Was told things were all positive with me though, that the guests were giving great feedback and I was learning fast, or already knew a lot before I came. Also was told I was the best at riding crazy Seductor, so hopefully he can become my new little project. He is a good horse, just ridden a bit hard in the past.
Still having difficulty getting through to A, for a couple of days now he seems not to be onlinie, I know he said he had trouble the other day so maybe it's completely down for now. Poor bugger, I know he must be itching to talk with me, as I am with him. He's gonna stress himself to an early grave this way!
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