An unexpected day off. I'm not really sure how it works but I'm still getting my normal days off this Sunday and Monday.... maybe they'll work it into my next month's schedule. Actually, that should be interesting, I've taken a few days off for St Thomas with the Erm and want to ask for more when I know the schedule. So much I want to do while she's here!
Still yet to decide on my return date, and certainly won't be committing to anything right here in my blog, but I have a fair idea of when it will be. And I will give you one clue - it's a damn sight nearer to what I originally planned! I know daddy is for one pleased.
So I was meant to meet I to ride his horses by the beach in French Quarter, which I'd only ever been past in a car, but when I got to work early to check my email, he came there with some chickens for the boss so I caught a lift over there with him and O, R's boyfriend and father of their two children. Cute little rasta things that they are.
I lives in what seemed like the ghetto of the French side, all unfinished concrete houses with dirt yards and discarded piles of this n that on the roadside. Not that it makes much difference at all to me where I lives, but it was interesting to see some more of real life on the French side.
He collected his two horses, one very pregnant mare that looks so big I almost think she's carrying twins (which is rare in horses) and the stallion that decked her, just 3 years old. I ended up riding the stallion with a nice, new Western saddle and some borrowed gear from Seaside, and my workmate jumped on Little Miss Preggers bareback with just a halter on. We were only going to walk, so it wasn't so important to have all the gear on her.
The ride to the beach took us through the streets of French Quarter, where my friend knew everyone we passed, and I waited for my horse to start doing all the rearing and playing up I was warned about. None of it came, however, so he must've taken notes when being told how to treat a lady. A true Caribbean horse.
Before we reached the beach, I took me to the butterfly house where he knew the people who worked there too. Score! Free entry, even allowed to take the dog in with us. The house wasn't as big as the one in Vienna but they had more variety, and prettier colours. I am a sucker for butterflies. Got some nice pics too.
Also stopped by the "competition", the horseriding place on the French Side, Bayside Riding. It isn't as big as where I work and doesn't have the land to let its horses roam, so when we went they were all still in their boxes. They are bigger horses than ours, mostly, but a bit skinnier. Which is ironic, since I was told a while ago customers would come to this stable after seeing the horses were too skinny at my work!
At the beach, we got some burgers and a drink, then moved further down the beach so we could take the horses in the water and also get some cleaner water - it was quite murky for Caribbean standards (probably nice for most other places in the world!) near the bar. The beach itself wasn't that busy, quite a few pretty ladies and a couple of loud, American voices, and this weird couple with a kids playpen full of Chihuahuas that they held in their arms into the water at intervals.
On the further down section of the beach, my workmate did some training with the stallion in the water while the pregnant one munched away at grass. I took his waterproof camera in and got some cool shots of all the action. Also did a 90-second video I planned to send in to audition for a music TV host (only to find out later it was too big to send and therefore impossible to make today's deadline - not savvy enuf with technology to change the file size).
Hometime came as we realised time was inching forward and there was meant to be a riding lesson for the boys tonight (they separate the boys and girls I think because R reckons the guys get distracted if they're riding with girls). Thankfully got another lift from O as he was due to pick up his girlfriend from the office, but when we got there we heard the lesson was cancelled. I hope mine goes ahead tomorrow, I need to get back on Seductor. He'll be even more fresh than usual!
Must sort out this mosquito situation before E comes. Need to invest in some spray to douse the room every night, as unhealthy as that may be, because I can't seem to get rid of the fuckers. And heaven knows how they get into the net. Cos I can't see them when I search. Grrr. Outsmart me, will ya...
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Hallelujah to honeymooners
Didn't eat dinner last night. Just a bit of cake at L's house. So I woke up with a raging hunger, which was not quite filled with my usual yoghurt, muesli and fruit. How healthy am I, though?!
I was elated to see the scratches on my arms had materialised well n truly, and I now look like a self-harmer. Faaaantastic. I hope it comes across to my guests as more of a "rough n ready, born to work" kinda look. Either way, I'm taking a photo of it.
Also figured out that when I was put on more "tip" rides during my boss' holiday... I didn't get my pay cheque as they'd made it out to the wrong name (looking at my Facebook for reference perhaps??) even though surely they know what they call me every day... So thankfully I can live on my tips, otherwise I'd be broke!
Another slow day at the farm. Polly didn't follow me as she was shut in with the other dogs. I wonder if she still loves me. Just one ride booked for when I arrived, and even that didn't show. Rescheduled for later, and when she did arrive she was boring as batshit and didn't tip me a cent. Awesome. Please come again.
Got pissed off at one of the Haitian guys that work here, when - in front of me - he hit our blind horse really hard on the nose. Several things wrong with that. Firstly, the horse is BLIND for fuck's sake, secondly the thing he'd done wrong was already done so he wouldn't have understood the violence, thirdly the guy was just pissed that the horse had kicked him before and broken some ribs accidentally (probably his fault, by the looks of it anyway), and lastly if you hit an animal on the nose it can lose its sense of smell. Man, i was angry. Told the boss straight away. Hope he got an ass-whooping.
I worked my rather plentiful derriere off today, doing chores and making sure things run smoothly tomorrow on my day off. Well, kind of day off... have been asked to come in for just one private ride, fine for me since I'll be paid for my trouble and private rides are usually more fun as we go faster. The weather has fined up now so hopefully that continues through to tomorrow and I can get some beach time. Feel like doing it solo though, if L asks I'll be busy.
Woke up today with three messages from my boy, each as paranoid as the next... seems he'd finally gotten back online and had spent a torturous however many minutes catching up with all my blogs... sigh. He is NOT happy about L. I don't blame him, to be fair, although I think I would understand and trust more if he was in the same shoes. Like he says, though, it's not ME he doesn't trust... So I had some consoling to do before I started work... put a bit of a downer on the morning, to be honest. I hate hearing him so upset.
So anyway, I had another ride around sunset time, although not a sunset champagne ride (that one was for J). Did all the hard yakka of feeding (I used to get peeved off that they'd always get the boys to do the feeding like I couldn't handle it but now I'm pretty sure that's a good thing), then my ride came. The boss and his wife laughed at my legs - I was sure I'd cleaned them but mud still persisted. Although not all the marks were mud, I've got quite a stunning collection of bruises and mozzie/bug bites right now. What a treat I must look.
It was just one hour, and another good-looking, American honeymooning couple. These guys were lovely, as most of them usually are, and seemed to really enjoy their ride. They were blessed with a wonderful sunset - blazing red sun, hardly any clouds, gigantic sun rays shooting out in an almost unrealistic pattern across the sky, soft pink hues as the sun's light faded - I know I was impressed!
Maybe it was this, maybe it was because I took some great pictures of them in the water, maybe I'm just an awesome guide... but for some reason they tipped me $45!! I think that's the most a couple has ever tipped me, and for an hour ride?? Hallelujah is all I can say - after that tightass women earlier, and the recent days of little tips, I needed that. Have calculated what I want for this month and now I got four more days to get it. Oh, and maybe a bit of tomorrow...
I was elated to see the scratches on my arms had materialised well n truly, and I now look like a self-harmer. Faaaantastic. I hope it comes across to my guests as more of a "rough n ready, born to work" kinda look. Either way, I'm taking a photo of it.
Also figured out that when I was put on more "tip" rides during my boss' holiday... I didn't get my pay cheque as they'd made it out to the wrong name (looking at my Facebook for reference perhaps??) even though surely they know what they call me every day... So thankfully I can live on my tips, otherwise I'd be broke!
Another slow day at the farm. Polly didn't follow me as she was shut in with the other dogs. I wonder if she still loves me. Just one ride booked for when I arrived, and even that didn't show. Rescheduled for later, and when she did arrive she was boring as batshit and didn't tip me a cent. Awesome. Please come again.
Got pissed off at one of the Haitian guys that work here, when - in front of me - he hit our blind horse really hard on the nose. Several things wrong with that. Firstly, the horse is BLIND for fuck's sake, secondly the thing he'd done wrong was already done so he wouldn't have understood the violence, thirdly the guy was just pissed that the horse had kicked him before and broken some ribs accidentally (probably his fault, by the looks of it anyway), and lastly if you hit an animal on the nose it can lose its sense of smell. Man, i was angry. Told the boss straight away. Hope he got an ass-whooping.
I worked my rather plentiful derriere off today, doing chores and making sure things run smoothly tomorrow on my day off. Well, kind of day off... have been asked to come in for just one private ride, fine for me since I'll be paid for my trouble and private rides are usually more fun as we go faster. The weather has fined up now so hopefully that continues through to tomorrow and I can get some beach time. Feel like doing it solo though, if L asks I'll be busy.
Woke up today with three messages from my boy, each as paranoid as the next... seems he'd finally gotten back online and had spent a torturous however many minutes catching up with all my blogs... sigh. He is NOT happy about L. I don't blame him, to be fair, although I think I would understand and trust more if he was in the same shoes. Like he says, though, it's not ME he doesn't trust... So I had some consoling to do before I started work... put a bit of a downer on the morning, to be honest. I hate hearing him so upset.
So anyway, I had another ride around sunset time, although not a sunset champagne ride (that one was for J). Did all the hard yakka of feeding (I used to get peeved off that they'd always get the boys to do the feeding like I couldn't handle it but now I'm pretty sure that's a good thing), then my ride came. The boss and his wife laughed at my legs - I was sure I'd cleaned them but mud still persisted. Although not all the marks were mud, I've got quite a stunning collection of bruises and mozzie/bug bites right now. What a treat I must look.
It was just one hour, and another good-looking, American honeymooning couple. These guys were lovely, as most of them usually are, and seemed to really enjoy their ride. They were blessed with a wonderful sunset - blazing red sun, hardly any clouds, gigantic sun rays shooting out in an almost unrealistic pattern across the sky, soft pink hues as the sun's light faded - I know I was impressed!
Maybe it was this, maybe it was because I took some great pictures of them in the water, maybe I'm just an awesome guide... but for some reason they tipped me $45!! I think that's the most a couple has ever tipped me, and for an hour ride?? Hallelujah is all I can say - after that tightass women earlier, and the recent days of little tips, I needed that. Have calculated what I want for this month and now I got four more days to get it. Oh, and maybe a bit of tomorrow...
Strike a pose!
Like most other Sundays, it was pretty quiet on the ranch. Only one ride was booked, and I was to take it. So at least I had the chance of making SOME tip!! The ride was a mother and her son on a private ride, so we could go as slow or as fast they wanted. I opted to take a more reliable mount than Chico, Max, as the little boy had never been on a trail before. He was only 7.
Out on the trail, he was game enuf to try riding without a lead rope but then when I asked about trotting, the mum was dead keen but he wasn't so much. So, for the extra they paid for a full private ride to do whatever, we just ended up walking! Which is fine by me, it's their choice. Still went in the water at the end - in their classic young person manner, he was all about the water, interrupting me talking about nearby islands to ask, "When are we going in the water? Can we go to the water now?" About half an hour into the 1.5 hour ride he was asking this. I knew the mum wanted to keep riding, so I managed to stretch it out pretty much to time.
That was my only ride, but thankfully they tiipped me. A good tip. Amazing how all those rides I did the other day just amounted to $8, when some people don't hesitate to give $20 for two people on a ride. It helps when you look after their kids, though, that's always a winner. Not that I wouldn't anyway... but it helps.
Then I was given the job of rounding up the horses and cows. Those bloody cows. I tell you what, I have half a mind to bring a shotgun in on Christmas Day and have a nice big BBQ of beef. That big, black cow, she'd do nicely. The fucker, hides deep in the bushes and even when you DO find her, she runs away deeper, usually taking the calves with her. Oh help me, Lord, if I had a shotgun...
I had another "ride" I guess you would call it... a model and a photographer, wanting some photos of some clothes she was wearing on a pretty horse. I caught Paloma, our albino horse with blue eyes and white hair. She was filthy, given the recent weather, so I bathed her but she still looked a bit dirty. Anyway, it seemed good enuf for the guys so I led them out to the point for some photos before going in the water a bit. Was a pretty funny experience. The photographer didn't seem all that professional and thought he could do it all in 30 mins, so they must have been on a budget! Advertising St Maarten as a tourist destination... maybe it was government funded.
So the boss is back. All nice n relaxed after his holiday and actually finding it difficult to see faults in the way the farm is since his departure. This is a good thing. I'm just glad I kept his dogs alive for his return, or for sure there would be no job waiting for me the next morning. And hooray, no more feeding!! Bless those dogs, but responsibility, bah!
L rang me after I finished work, asking if I wanted to chill out. I had no plans so he came by to pick me up. We went to his place and just hung, didn't really do much at all... but I started to think this should not become a habit. Like I say, not that I would do anything, but I don't want him to get in the habit of asking me around. It would be SO good if there was no feelings on his side, or if he was a girl with no ill intent, or something else... he lives so close and I would love to have a good friend here that my boyfriend doesn't want to kill.
The ghetto he lives in was ON FIRE on that Sunday night! There was Spanish music, dancing, lively voices, kids play-fighting in the street... I felt like I was transported to another place. L said it was the only place like it on the island... All I could think of was, I wonder where A and I could go that we could live this life, with so much culture, life, love, breath... surely we could find an island somewhere. Oh, to soak all that up!! Made my skin tingle.
Borrowed a book about Bob Marley from L, to replace the somewhat inappropriate Great Sex Weekend I've been looking at but not really opening. Little does L know, he's now given me another reason to say no to hanging with him and staying in by myself.
Out on the trail, he was game enuf to try riding without a lead rope but then when I asked about trotting, the mum was dead keen but he wasn't so much. So, for the extra they paid for a full private ride to do whatever, we just ended up walking! Which is fine by me, it's their choice. Still went in the water at the end - in their classic young person manner, he was all about the water, interrupting me talking about nearby islands to ask, "When are we going in the water? Can we go to the water now?" About half an hour into the 1.5 hour ride he was asking this. I knew the mum wanted to keep riding, so I managed to stretch it out pretty much to time.
That was my only ride, but thankfully they tiipped me. A good tip. Amazing how all those rides I did the other day just amounted to $8, when some people don't hesitate to give $20 for two people on a ride. It helps when you look after their kids, though, that's always a winner. Not that I wouldn't anyway... but it helps.
Then I was given the job of rounding up the horses and cows. Those bloody cows. I tell you what, I have half a mind to bring a shotgun in on Christmas Day and have a nice big BBQ of beef. That big, black cow, she'd do nicely. The fucker, hides deep in the bushes and even when you DO find her, she runs away deeper, usually taking the calves with her. Oh help me, Lord, if I had a shotgun...
I had another "ride" I guess you would call it... a model and a photographer, wanting some photos of some clothes she was wearing on a pretty horse. I caught Paloma, our albino horse with blue eyes and white hair. She was filthy, given the recent weather, so I bathed her but she still looked a bit dirty. Anyway, it seemed good enuf for the guys so I led them out to the point for some photos before going in the water a bit. Was a pretty funny experience. The photographer didn't seem all that professional and thought he could do it all in 30 mins, so they must have been on a budget! Advertising St Maarten as a tourist destination... maybe it was government funded.
So the boss is back. All nice n relaxed after his holiday and actually finding it difficult to see faults in the way the farm is since his departure. This is a good thing. I'm just glad I kept his dogs alive for his return, or for sure there would be no job waiting for me the next morning. And hooray, no more feeding!! Bless those dogs, but responsibility, bah!
L rang me after I finished work, asking if I wanted to chill out. I had no plans so he came by to pick me up. We went to his place and just hung, didn't really do much at all... but I started to think this should not become a habit. Like I say, not that I would do anything, but I don't want him to get in the habit of asking me around. It would be SO good if there was no feelings on his side, or if he was a girl with no ill intent, or something else... he lives so close and I would love to have a good friend here that my boyfriend doesn't want to kill.
The ghetto he lives in was ON FIRE on that Sunday night! There was Spanish music, dancing, lively voices, kids play-fighting in the street... I felt like I was transported to another place. L said it was the only place like it on the island... All I could think of was, I wonder where A and I could go that we could live this life, with so much culture, life, love, breath... surely we could find an island somewhere. Oh, to soak all that up!! Made my skin tingle.
Borrowed a book about Bob Marley from L, to replace the somewhat inappropriate Great Sex Weekend I've been looking at but not really opening. Little does L know, he's now given me another reason to say no to hanging with him and staying in by myself.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Tightass Saturday
Saturday night. Doing the washing. Oh, what a life I lead!
Was a pretty shitty day at work today, forget Tightass Tuesday, it was Tightass Saturday fo sho. Got the least amount of tips yet - just $8! I don't know what was up with everyone today, but J didn't get much either. I think I went on 3 rides, the last just a couple who booked an hour and ended up getting me all to themselves. I always think, if it's your first time on a horse, if I make it such a friggin enjoyable experience, where's the money dawwwg??
On the other hand, it's not often you get tipped by experienced riders, especially ones who didn't read the brochure correctly. I had these 2 guys who worked with the rodeo in America disappointed it wasn't a 2-hour ride with running etc. Not sure where they got that idea from. They also tried to convince me that Wyoming was better than Colorado - where all these people think I should visit - because "in Wyoming you can find interesting types, like the man who just wears a diaper and a cowboy hat." Hold the phone, I'm booking my flight now!
Also, it rained unbelievably heavily last night - I was woken up by it! - so the ground was horrendously muddy and I was most of the day in my Crocs, which seep in the delightful mud/manure/piss/anything else mixture every time I squelch into a surprisingly deep mud pile. Sometimes you just can't tell, and then it's too late.
According to the paper, there were 8 cruise ships in today. Considering that number, we weren't at all that busy. I guess there's still a few contracts to garner for those companies.
Oh, I picked up a frog skeleton today. DIdn't actually realise that's what it was until I threw it away. Actually thought it was leftover strips of bacon fat sitting on a saddle attracting ants, and as it fell to the ground I noticed the vague shape of a head and a spine. But it was all squishy, not like bones... GROSS!!!
Got told to be a bit cleaner in the kitchen by the finicky old man that got me the gas, basically because one night I drank a beer and forgot to put the empty bottle in the bin, oh and I also sometimes leave my used matches on the bench. SHOCK, HORROR! I told him to chill out over a few matches and that I wasn't actually the only one using his stove when we didn't have gas, so whatever he was cleaning wasn't necessarily my leftovers. Fuck that, I do not like being told I'm careless and messy. They are just lucky they didn't live with those PIGS I lived with in London...
It's times like that I don't wanna hang around this island. I just want to go back to Australia, rent a flat with my boy and only have him pissing me off in my house! But then I go to the beach and look at the crystal clear water, feel the cool summer breeze and lay on the warm sand. And I could stay a little longer. Just a little.
Was a pretty shitty day at work today, forget Tightass Tuesday, it was Tightass Saturday fo sho. Got the least amount of tips yet - just $8! I don't know what was up with everyone today, but J didn't get much either. I think I went on 3 rides, the last just a couple who booked an hour and ended up getting me all to themselves. I always think, if it's your first time on a horse, if I make it such a friggin enjoyable experience, where's the money dawwwg??
On the other hand, it's not often you get tipped by experienced riders, especially ones who didn't read the brochure correctly. I had these 2 guys who worked with the rodeo in America disappointed it wasn't a 2-hour ride with running etc. Not sure where they got that idea from. They also tried to convince me that Wyoming was better than Colorado - where all these people think I should visit - because "in Wyoming you can find interesting types, like the man who just wears a diaper and a cowboy hat." Hold the phone, I'm booking my flight now!
Also, it rained unbelievably heavily last night - I was woken up by it! - so the ground was horrendously muddy and I was most of the day in my Crocs, which seep in the delightful mud/manure/piss/anything else mixture every time I squelch into a surprisingly deep mud pile. Sometimes you just can't tell, and then it's too late.
According to the paper, there were 8 cruise ships in today. Considering that number, we weren't at all that busy. I guess there's still a few contracts to garner for those companies.
Oh, I picked up a frog skeleton today. DIdn't actually realise that's what it was until I threw it away. Actually thought it was leftover strips of bacon fat sitting on a saddle attracting ants, and as it fell to the ground I noticed the vague shape of a head and a spine. But it was all squishy, not like bones... GROSS!!!
Got told to be a bit cleaner in the kitchen by the finicky old man that got me the gas, basically because one night I drank a beer and forgot to put the empty bottle in the bin, oh and I also sometimes leave my used matches on the bench. SHOCK, HORROR! I told him to chill out over a few matches and that I wasn't actually the only one using his stove when we didn't have gas, so whatever he was cleaning wasn't necessarily my leftovers. Fuck that, I do not like being told I'm careless and messy. They are just lucky they didn't live with those PIGS I lived with in London...
It's times like that I don't wanna hang around this island. I just want to go back to Australia, rent a flat with my boy and only have him pissing me off in my house! But then I go to the beach and look at the crystal clear water, feel the cool summer breeze and lay on the warm sand. And I could stay a little longer. Just a little.
Money in my hair, dawg
My day off and of course it's crappy weather! How many times will I be deprived of my good beach bakes in such circumstance??! Not that it was pouring all day, it was just "iffy". Found out the gas stove I'd been borrowing off a flatmate was using cylinder gas, not gas from a pipe, and so when it ran out I spoke to him and offered to pay for the next cannister. That was a whole 'nother drama in itself. Had to find the sometimes cranky old man to ask him to get it cheaper from his work, get someone to drop it off, walk down and pay, come back with someone to transport the full container back.... bah.
Went to work in the morning dressed to ride, as we'd spoken the night before about me taking the girl who was managing the place while the boss is away and the Dutch intern for a ride. But when I got there she'd decided it was best to do it when he got back. Little bit annoyed but I guess I understood. More annoyed the internet didn't work. So I killed time chatting with J (also off work but at work to feed the boss' birds) then went back - gas in hand - to get ready for some boat action with L.
We walked to P's house to fetch the boat, of course waiting around for whatever needed to be done once we got there (including a rain shower - grrr). One of the guys that looks after P is called Dodo - at first I wondered at the name, then upon getting to know him I see it's cos he can be kinda dumb. And act like a child. I'll explain more later. But first thing I notice is scratches and scabs on his body... seems he had a motorcycle accident. No surprises there.
First port of call in the boat was Character Beach. I'd been told about this place by some ladies on a ride, who said it was a bit of a kept secret - never too busy, nice water, cool bars. Well, I saw it from the water and actually swam to it from where we anchored the boat. That was cool. Didn't have anywhere to put the money for a beer so just stuffed it in the nest that was my hair. Worked a treat! Walked up to the bar dripping wet in my bikini and ordered a cold one. Oh, it tasted good.
While I was doing all this, L was cleaning the bottom of the boat, snorkel n all. But soon he came to the bar, complaining of stinging jellyfish in the water. Bugger, I thought, we have to swim back through that to get on board!! Survived another rain shower, sinking beers, and decided to hotfoot it to another place for food (since it was $4 for a tiny cup of fries there). I swear I got stung on the neck on the swim back.
Mullet Bay was the destination, although when we arrived we found ourselves too late for the food they usually serve on the beach. Try again! Had a nice swim around the boat - not one bit scared of sharks like usual due to the sheer crystal-clearness of the water - and then headed back towards Simpson Bay as the sun started to fade.
On the way back, I flashed a party catamaran L used to work for - big cheer there - and we sidled by some other place he used to work to get some free beer. Score! Ran into (well, not literally) H from work kayaking around the lagoon, crazy woman it was getting a bit choppy by that stage.
Back at P's, we chilled for a little bit before Dodo decided to get all funny about something not worthwhile, and ended up childishly calling L and I something like "fuckin' rasta and his dumb bitch." Oh no no, I will not be taking that. I put right in his place, told him if he didn't want to be treated like a child he shouldn't act like one, and if he has a problem, he says it right to my face rather than call me immature names. L told me after he was impressed at my little speech. Haha... little does he know what I'm really like.
Had time to get home and get ready for my workmate's birthday drinks at La Bamba, stopping for shwarma on the way. Only problem was that it was raining heavily by that stage, and as a result L didn't want to leave his house to meet me at the arranged time. I got pissed off, in the end leaving for him to catch me (and Polly the dog, following me through the rain, bless her) up. I felt sorry for N, I knew not many would make the effort since it was raining and it wouldn't go for that long, so I needed to get there.
I hadn't even changed my clothes in the end, still wearing the white kaftan with pink bikini underneath (a combo I only realised when getting home left pink breast patches on my kaftan in the rain). Got a phonecall on the way there from Dodo, apologising for acting like a child. That was nice. I stayed at La Bamba for a couple of drinks and smokes before leaving with L and R from work to go to the movies. Went by my house first for jackets as the cinema is always beyond freezing (what a waste of energy) and watched The Sitter. Well, never gonna get those 1.5 hours of my life back! Should've been called The Shitter.
On the road home, we saw it was finally opened up again after the roadworks that plagued the island for months. And on time! I couldn't actually believe it! The first thing to ever get done on time in the Caribbean. So now we won't lose so much business because of the traffic and hopefully less cheeky sods will cut through our private property to save some time. Although, knowing these folk, they'll still do it - anything to cut a corner.
Went to work in the morning dressed to ride, as we'd spoken the night before about me taking the girl who was managing the place while the boss is away and the Dutch intern for a ride. But when I got there she'd decided it was best to do it when he got back. Little bit annoyed but I guess I understood. More annoyed the internet didn't work. So I killed time chatting with J (also off work but at work to feed the boss' birds) then went back - gas in hand - to get ready for some boat action with L.
We walked to P's house to fetch the boat, of course waiting around for whatever needed to be done once we got there (including a rain shower - grrr). One of the guys that looks after P is called Dodo - at first I wondered at the name, then upon getting to know him I see it's cos he can be kinda dumb. And act like a child. I'll explain more later. But first thing I notice is scratches and scabs on his body... seems he had a motorcycle accident. No surprises there.
First port of call in the boat was Character Beach. I'd been told about this place by some ladies on a ride, who said it was a bit of a kept secret - never too busy, nice water, cool bars. Well, I saw it from the water and actually swam to it from where we anchored the boat. That was cool. Didn't have anywhere to put the money for a beer so just stuffed it in the nest that was my hair. Worked a treat! Walked up to the bar dripping wet in my bikini and ordered a cold one. Oh, it tasted good.
While I was doing all this, L was cleaning the bottom of the boat, snorkel n all. But soon he came to the bar, complaining of stinging jellyfish in the water. Bugger, I thought, we have to swim back through that to get on board!! Survived another rain shower, sinking beers, and decided to hotfoot it to another place for food (since it was $4 for a tiny cup of fries there). I swear I got stung on the neck on the swim back.
Mullet Bay was the destination, although when we arrived we found ourselves too late for the food they usually serve on the beach. Try again! Had a nice swim around the boat - not one bit scared of sharks like usual due to the sheer crystal-clearness of the water - and then headed back towards Simpson Bay as the sun started to fade.
On the way back, I flashed a party catamaran L used to work for - big cheer there - and we sidled by some other place he used to work to get some free beer. Score! Ran into (well, not literally) H from work kayaking around the lagoon, crazy woman it was getting a bit choppy by that stage.
Back at P's, we chilled for a little bit before Dodo decided to get all funny about something not worthwhile, and ended up childishly calling L and I something like "fuckin' rasta and his dumb bitch." Oh no no, I will not be taking that. I put right in his place, told him if he didn't want to be treated like a child he shouldn't act like one, and if he has a problem, he says it right to my face rather than call me immature names. L told me after he was impressed at my little speech. Haha... little does he know what I'm really like.
Had time to get home and get ready for my workmate's birthday drinks at La Bamba, stopping for shwarma on the way. Only problem was that it was raining heavily by that stage, and as a result L didn't want to leave his house to meet me at the arranged time. I got pissed off, in the end leaving for him to catch me (and Polly the dog, following me through the rain, bless her) up. I felt sorry for N, I knew not many would make the effort since it was raining and it wouldn't go for that long, so I needed to get there.
I hadn't even changed my clothes in the end, still wearing the white kaftan with pink bikini underneath (a combo I only realised when getting home left pink breast patches on my kaftan in the rain). Got a phonecall on the way there from Dodo, apologising for acting like a child. That was nice. I stayed at La Bamba for a couple of drinks and smokes before leaving with L and R from work to go to the movies. Went by my house first for jackets as the cinema is always beyond freezing (what a waste of energy) and watched The Sitter. Well, never gonna get those 1.5 hours of my life back! Should've been called The Shitter.
On the road home, we saw it was finally opened up again after the roadworks that plagued the island for months. And on time! I couldn't actually believe it! The first thing to ever get done on time in the Caribbean. So now we won't lose so much business because of the traffic and hopefully less cheeky sods will cut through our private property to save some time. Although, knowing these folk, they'll still do it - anything to cut a corner.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
I don't do dead things
The morning began with the daily feeding of the dogs, although this time it was a little different. When I went to let the dogs out from the backyard, I heard something screech and when the dogs ran to the gate, the Labrador X, Angel, came with a nice little present, a baby chicken breathing its dying breaths in her mouth. Oh dear. I yelled for her to drop, but she just ran away wagging her tail.
I went to R's dad to ask him to fetch the dead thing - since I don't do dead things and it is most certainly in my job description - but he said he was scared of Sheeba, the shepherd type dog. Seems most people are scared of that dog, but FINE with picking up a dead chicken. I'm waiting for the day she turns on me. Maybe when I stop feeding her. So we looked for the chicken but it wasn't around, so maybe Angel buried it (I found it later in the corner, Angel uses it to play with - GROSS).
So it wasn't a super busy day today... ended up getting a mild sum of tips after just 2 rides so it was nothing spectacular. Polly followed me again, this time not chasing any horses just being a cool, calm farm dog that no one had any problems being there. I really hope the boss doesn't spit chips when he comes back and she is following me everywhere.
It wasn't the COLDEST day I've had here... Seriously, I found myself sweating pretty much the entire day. Even when I was seemingly doing nothing I was sweating. These beads, they just draw from every pore in me and cascade down my body, fighting for the first chance to touch ground.
I was asked to round up the horses and cows, funny because I always seem to leave a few cows or horses (or both) behind, not really knowing at this stage which I should be counting in the paddock. I chose Tornado to do the rounding up, because he is the best. I think I've explained how good this horse is, but just to reiterate... no bit is needed to ride him. At just 4 YEARS OLD. Amazing. Only thing is, he kicks and he has a sensitive back. Otherwise, he'd be perfect.
Hung around for some beers after work, also do look at the sunset (of course), it is really stunning here. Just chilled a bit then went home. L asked if I wanted to go for drinks, seeing as I wasn't doing much else tomorrow, but I said no. Just wanted to keep it lowkey. And luckily so, my boy decided to call me at some absurd hour (11pm) to see how I was doing. I'd just been thinking about him. But MAN, was he in a paranoid mood. Thinking I was all doing wrong things n shit. Bless him, he's so far away now. What else can he does but worry??
I went to R's dad to ask him to fetch the dead thing - since I don't do dead things and it is most certainly in my job description - but he said he was scared of Sheeba, the shepherd type dog. Seems most people are scared of that dog, but FINE with picking up a dead chicken. I'm waiting for the day she turns on me. Maybe when I stop feeding her. So we looked for the chicken but it wasn't around, so maybe Angel buried it (I found it later in the corner, Angel uses it to play with - GROSS).
So it wasn't a super busy day today... ended up getting a mild sum of tips after just 2 rides so it was nothing spectacular. Polly followed me again, this time not chasing any horses just being a cool, calm farm dog that no one had any problems being there. I really hope the boss doesn't spit chips when he comes back and she is following me everywhere.
It wasn't the COLDEST day I've had here... Seriously, I found myself sweating pretty much the entire day. Even when I was seemingly doing nothing I was sweating. These beads, they just draw from every pore in me and cascade down my body, fighting for the first chance to touch ground.
I was asked to round up the horses and cows, funny because I always seem to leave a few cows or horses (or both) behind, not really knowing at this stage which I should be counting in the paddock. I chose Tornado to do the rounding up, because he is the best. I think I've explained how good this horse is, but just to reiterate... no bit is needed to ride him. At just 4 YEARS OLD. Amazing. Only thing is, he kicks and he has a sensitive back. Otherwise, he'd be perfect.
Hung around for some beers after work, also do look at the sunset (of course), it is really stunning here. Just chilled a bit then went home. L asked if I wanted to go for drinks, seeing as I wasn't doing much else tomorrow, but I said no. Just wanted to keep it lowkey. And luckily so, my boy decided to call me at some absurd hour (11pm) to see how I was doing. I'd just been thinking about him. But MAN, was he in a paranoid mood. Thinking I was all doing wrong things n shit. Bless him, he's so far away now. What else can he does but worry??
No English? No sound at all? No Problem!
Another long day in the saddle. Let me think... gotta be at least 6 hours. Got half as much tips as the day before - only $5 from an Arab/Israelian couple whose wife half had never ridden and by the end of my ride, was keen as mustard for the water. He was so earnest when he gave me the money, too, I actually double-checked my pocket when I later took out the fiver. Really? That's all your wife's enjoyment is worth?
Haha... ahh, I make myself laugh sometimes. I was speaking with these guys about marriage and proposals and all that... I asked how he did it. "Well, it wasn't really one of those kind of situations... uhh, I guess we were just introduced and said, yeah he seems nice." Wow. What a way to live a life!! Nice enuf people, just have NO desire to ever have that happen to me! My husband is going to be head over heels, beyond comparatively, sublimely happy with me. Or so I will be told.
I had a difficult situation today. Two of my guests were deaf, and therefore I had to make sure I was always in their sight when we stopped to ensure they could read my lips. I spoke slowly and deliberately to make sure they understood my little quips (of which there were many, of course, I am hilarious). One of the girls was quite scared, but then I had a little boy to keep up front, and a lady "who had ridden much before" fighting to pull back her horse at the end. It wasn't the easiest ride I'd had. They tipped me at the end, and prompted the other family of 3 to grope at their pockets in embarrassment and tell me they'd "almost forgotten to give me this". Bah! Yeah right.
It was busy today. One of those days that never seemed to end. I was on a two-hour ride that ended at 4pm and I assumed that would be my last. Oh no, when I got back I had 21 guests waiting to find hats, be divided into groups and put on horses. Phew! All guides were on board for this one, no one spared.
I lucked out with a group of non-English speaking Germans - seriously, when do you EVER come across a group of Germans who can't speak English??? - so I had to get everything translated from the one woman who seemed to be their tour guide. One woman rode in bare feet, fisherman pants, a Bob Marley t-shirt and a rasta beanie in her hand. Why she didn't have rastas was beyond me. Wonder what she thought of me.
Wasn't expecting a tip, and didn't get anything until I clocked off and R gave me an envelope with a modest sum. Well, that was nice, and better than nothing! Sometimes they walk away and never get to say goodbye, other times we are hurried back up to sort the horses out or go on another ride, so if we're lucky we have envelopes of tips waiting for us at the end.
I didn't hang around much after work - the internet didn't work (lucky my boy isn't online for another 9 nine days so he's not missing my intermittent stops online) so I packed up and walked back home with Polly the dog (she's still following me) and guide R. I wonder what will happen with that dog when the bosses come back. Today she apparently chased some horses, but I think that was alright since the horses were in the wrong place. But we'll see... if I have to tie her up again tomorrow, maybe I'll think again about letting her come every day. Bless her, she even followed me to the supermarket last night. Although when I got there I don't know where she went, just turned up later at home. She is random.
At home, I was surrounded by animals. The cat was splaying itself out on the table to get a free rub, the dog sat by my feet, the boss' other dogs barked in their enclosure above me... I felt the right old crazy cat woman. One day.... one day.
L texted me to come see his new puppies - just 2 days old!! - so he came to get me and walk me to his place in the ghetto. Now I thought I lived in the ghetto, nah uh. He is in the ghet-to. I was feeling mighty secure playing Single White Female up in there, with dogs roaming about all looking related in some way (because they are), a random group of men playing dominos, some Spanish-speaking women drunk and consoling a crying friend from a party across the way... So much to take in, then there always is in the ghetto.
L's place was cool, you could really tell he'd lived there his whole life. I looked around his room, at his paintings on the wall, the books piled high and gathering dust on the bookshelf in the corner, the startling contrast of a new Playstation in the other corner, a comfy couch you could just sink into eternity on, a stick of incense stuck horizontally into a hole in the wood by the door, the pictures of his son by his bed... Made me think of how long it'd been since I'd had such a long-term dwelling in a room. Some place to call home. Really, home.
We just chilled for a bit, listening to Aretha Franklin, smoking a joint and drinking a beer. Almost fell asleep I was so tired from work! Thought I'd maybe have postponed it for the following night when I was off, then I thought it was better I had a legit excuse to leave early. I do like L but I don't trust him completely. He knows FULL WELL how much I love A, I talk about him non-stop it would be stupid to think anything else. I just know that, given the right circumstances, he would not stop me from doing something I might regret with him. He is male, after all. Ha!
No one likes the fact I am hanging out with him - not the guys from work, not A - maybe I should listen to them. But as if, I'm too stubborn! I can handle myself. I just have to keep it all at arm's length. And never stop thinking about my baby, waiting for me so patiently on the other side of the world.
Haha... ahh, I make myself laugh sometimes. I was speaking with these guys about marriage and proposals and all that... I asked how he did it. "Well, it wasn't really one of those kind of situations... uhh, I guess we were just introduced and said, yeah he seems nice." Wow. What a way to live a life!! Nice enuf people, just have NO desire to ever have that happen to me! My husband is going to be head over heels, beyond comparatively, sublimely happy with me. Or so I will be told.
I had a difficult situation today. Two of my guests were deaf, and therefore I had to make sure I was always in their sight when we stopped to ensure they could read my lips. I spoke slowly and deliberately to make sure they understood my little quips (of which there were many, of course, I am hilarious). One of the girls was quite scared, but then I had a little boy to keep up front, and a lady "who had ridden much before" fighting to pull back her horse at the end. It wasn't the easiest ride I'd had. They tipped me at the end, and prompted the other family of 3 to grope at their pockets in embarrassment and tell me they'd "almost forgotten to give me this". Bah! Yeah right.
It was busy today. One of those days that never seemed to end. I was on a two-hour ride that ended at 4pm and I assumed that would be my last. Oh no, when I got back I had 21 guests waiting to find hats, be divided into groups and put on horses. Phew! All guides were on board for this one, no one spared.
I lucked out with a group of non-English speaking Germans - seriously, when do you EVER come across a group of Germans who can't speak English??? - so I had to get everything translated from the one woman who seemed to be their tour guide. One woman rode in bare feet, fisherman pants, a Bob Marley t-shirt and a rasta beanie in her hand. Why she didn't have rastas was beyond me. Wonder what she thought of me.
Wasn't expecting a tip, and didn't get anything until I clocked off and R gave me an envelope with a modest sum. Well, that was nice, and better than nothing! Sometimes they walk away and never get to say goodbye, other times we are hurried back up to sort the horses out or go on another ride, so if we're lucky we have envelopes of tips waiting for us at the end.
I didn't hang around much after work - the internet didn't work (lucky my boy isn't online for another 9 nine days so he's not missing my intermittent stops online) so I packed up and walked back home with Polly the dog (she's still following me) and guide R. I wonder what will happen with that dog when the bosses come back. Today she apparently chased some horses, but I think that was alright since the horses were in the wrong place. But we'll see... if I have to tie her up again tomorrow, maybe I'll think again about letting her come every day. Bless her, she even followed me to the supermarket last night. Although when I got there I don't know where she went, just turned up later at home. She is random.
At home, I was surrounded by animals. The cat was splaying itself out on the table to get a free rub, the dog sat by my feet, the boss' other dogs barked in their enclosure above me... I felt the right old crazy cat woman. One day.... one day.
L texted me to come see his new puppies - just 2 days old!! - so he came to get me and walk me to his place in the ghetto. Now I thought I lived in the ghetto, nah uh. He is in the ghet-to. I was feeling mighty secure playing Single White Female up in there, with dogs roaming about all looking related in some way (because they are), a random group of men playing dominos, some Spanish-speaking women drunk and consoling a crying friend from a party across the way... So much to take in, then there always is in the ghetto.
L's place was cool, you could really tell he'd lived there his whole life. I looked around his room, at his paintings on the wall, the books piled high and gathering dust on the bookshelf in the corner, the startling contrast of a new Playstation in the other corner, a comfy couch you could just sink into eternity on, a stick of incense stuck horizontally into a hole in the wood by the door, the pictures of his son by his bed... Made me think of how long it'd been since I'd had such a long-term dwelling in a room. Some place to call home. Really, home.
We just chilled for a bit, listening to Aretha Franklin, smoking a joint and drinking a beer. Almost fell asleep I was so tired from work! Thought I'd maybe have postponed it for the following night when I was off, then I thought it was better I had a legit excuse to leave early. I do like L but I don't trust him completely. He knows FULL WELL how much I love A, I talk about him non-stop it would be stupid to think anything else. I just know that, given the right circumstances, he would not stop me from doing something I might regret with him. He is male, after all. Ha!
No one likes the fact I am hanging out with him - not the guys from work, not A - maybe I should listen to them. But as if, I'm too stubborn! I can handle myself. I just have to keep it all at arm's length. And never stop thinking about my baby, waiting for me so patiently on the other side of the world.
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