Woke up to a familiar pitter-patter outside my window and my first thought - shit, all our rides are going to be cancelled. It was meant to be a really busy day, with lots of cruise ship rides and even 30 horses needed on one hour. I knew all 5 guides were asked to come in, so I just held my breath and hoped the rain would stop in time.
Walked to walk in minimal rain, my hopes still lingering, and got there to find the horses already getting caught, tied up, brushed, saddled... there were so many used we had to take a dozen down to the secondary tie-up rack usually reserved for the lesson horses. The rain started more persistently, broken up by the odd burst of sunshine or brilliant rainbow... and we held onto hope.
Then, just as we'd pretty much finished getting the horses ready, the call came in. All cruise ship rides were cancelled. Bummer. So we still had a few privately booked tours to count on for the day, but it was in no way going to be as busy as first thought. On top of this, the day was rainy and increasingly windier as the hours passed.
The first bit of the day I had no rides, just had some menial tasks (most of the guys were given the harder yakka, me, I had to sweep the tack room....) and it was way too little to occupy myself. People kept asking if I was tired and after a while I realised I was, and it was quite preferable to rest my butt while the water filled the drums itself.
At one point they asked me to help N with the camp lessons, which she really didn't need, but they were kinda looking for things for me to do... In the end, I had a quick lunch break and took a 2-hour ride out in unison with J. He volunteered me for the lead horse while he took the back end... Was he sure he didn't want to take the front, really? Sure? Sigh. I was tired. But I perked up for the 10-strong American group.
Managed to get through the 2 hours with no dramas, J running about at the end like he does, on his favourite horse Fresita that's back from mating with the stallions on the French side. He has to be careful, that horse is pregnant now and he can't be bolting her around like normal... I worry the boss is gonna take him off riding her completely, and he really loves that horse!
They tipped a decent amount, considering it was mostly one group with an Asian/American honeymooning couple at the end, thankfully since the next (and my last) ride was a group of largely non-English speaking Germans who didn't bring any extra money with them. Couldn't even contemplate buying the CD of photographs from the ride.
Wasn't really surprised I got no tips, Germans don't seem to tip and I also had to translate everything through the tour guide. I've done this trip once before, it seems the cruise ships offer one or two week trips from Germany onto their vessels but don't seem to vocalise the need to contribute to local custom through tipping! I bet they'd be pissed if they were on my wage and no one person in a 12-strong group brought an extra few dollars! My last German ride pooled their miniscule tips and ended up giving me $13, which was unexpected but nice. This time... nada.
Was an interesting end, though, when only a few of them wanted to go into the water and while we were readying them, several more jumped in and we had 7 going in. Afterwards, one of the horses' girths was hanging entirely loosely as it had slipped in the water and another young girl's stirrup had fallen out and by the time I'd fixed the girth she was wiping tears away. How to console someone in German? Fuck knows!
Had a nice apologetic message from my boy on FB, we're done n dusted with that little spat from yesterday. It's just hard with the distance sometimes, trying to guess the other half's emotions. But I know, with every passing day, that he's the one I want to spend my life with and it is only a matter of time before we start our new life together. Don't get me wrong, I fully want to utilise my time left on the island so I will be doing all the fun, touristy things but once the clock chimes, I am on that plane.
The weather is getting stupidly cold for the Caribbean, even the locals are saying it's unseasonable. Today was the worst day for horseriding I've had so far, even though the rain wasn't torrential, it was SO windy and the spitting rain just made it more undesirable to get into the water. I had to do the water part for the big American group, I made J do it for the next ride. Fuck that, I'm changing back into my jodhpurs! Hello sunshine, where did you go??
And the shower at my apartment... it taunts me with its cold.
Friday, 23 December 2011
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
The bad side of St Maarten
I had an unfortunate incident today, the first really bad side of Caribbean I've seen since coming here. I was coming back down from the horses and I heard an awful screaming from a dog, yelping and obviously in a lot of pain. I looked down to the beach and saw its owner (I assume) pulling at its leg, almost breaking it. I have no idea why the dog would have deserved that, but in my opinion there's nothing he could have done to warrant it for so long.
Given there were a lot of tourists around gasping at the scene, and the fact I'm an animal lover, I shouted at him would he mind not killing his dog on our beach. I was so angry I was physically shaking and stormed over past the bar, yelling out, "What the hell do you think you're doing??!!" only to get the bar lady telling me to be quiet, it was his dog, he could do what he wanted, it wasn't our place to yell and get angry. What, so I have to stand there while the guy practically breaks the dog's leg?? Don't think so.
So, so angry I was. Then the bar lady tells J and he starts having a go at me, telling me I'm not in Australia anymore and these kind of guys would likely come and punch me to the ground for my trouble. Awesome. Now I've got a black dot next to my name and have to be EXTRA careful on the streets. But seriously, if that's the way people in the Caribbean act with shit like this, what a fucked place to live.
Later on I told A, the boss' wife, and she being a strong-willed woman too agreed with my sentiments. Good! At least I had her on my side! I thought I was going crazy there for a second, getting vex over something like this. Brrrrr... shake it off!!
In my fury, I texted my boy to come online as I had a 2-hour lunch break and didn't mind having an ear to vent to. I did mention, in the somewhat badly worded text, that "something bad happened" so of course that got his drunk head in a tizz n he was messaging and messaging to no reply. This was because my phone has been in and out of reception recently at work so nothing came through.
Halfway through the lesson I was pulled in last minute to do with the camp kids (that was fun...), he calls me all worried and pissed off he didn't get any replies. I tried to calm him quickly as it was bad timing and he ended up just hanging up quite abruptly. Never got to text him back when I was free later, either, cos my phone wasn't working still.
So this, on top of my already annoyed mood (getting pulled off trails to cover kids riding lessons didn't do much for my tip jar), was not really something I needed. I know he was just concerned, and I'm very touched by that, considering it was pretty much my fault I got him in a tizz, but to get all angry... I'M the one who was meant to be angry in the first place! This just throws it all out of whack!
My day started out OK. Had a family of Aussies on my first ride, funnily enuf they were the least polite when it came to the end. No tip - though that was expected - but not even a thank you, they just walked off halfway through one of my sentences explaining where the bathrooms were. Geez, I hope they don't act like that everywhere! Give Aussies a bad name.
Had another ride, cruise ship as well, with a birthday boy turning 10 who was super impressed with everything on the ride. The whole time I could hear him going on about how this was the best birthday present ever, how amazing riding on his own was, how he couldn't wait for the water... Nice to hear, and surely a great memory for him and his family.
Didn't hear anything back from my travel agent, which is unusual since he is usually on the ball with these things, so no movement on booking my flight home. Days like today kinda make me wanna push it forward, but to be honest the dates I'm thinking of are not THAT far away anyway. I want to make the most of the island while I'm here. There's still that 'To Do' list to get through, after all...
The days are certainly getting colder - I sat in my wet boardshorts on lunch as I often do except today they were almost freezing on my skin. Later in the evening I put on my around-the-house summer dress and went to the megastore cash n carry place with A, freezing inside the air con place and outside with the rain and wind whipping up. She took an age to come out and when she did, the trolley was overflowing... "just need to get some dog food" I remember her saying as we walked from the car.
My boy called me while I was waiting, killed some time at least. He'd just woken up in a friend's hotel room after I night on it, had some stories to tell he couldn't tell me then, and we talked through what happened today. I am blessed to have him so concerned and I do feel bad for making him so worried. I need to sort my words out - and I'm meant to be the writer of the two of us! Next he'll be overboiling the eggs and burning the bacon!
Given there were a lot of tourists around gasping at the scene, and the fact I'm an animal lover, I shouted at him would he mind not killing his dog on our beach. I was so angry I was physically shaking and stormed over past the bar, yelling out, "What the hell do you think you're doing??!!" only to get the bar lady telling me to be quiet, it was his dog, he could do what he wanted, it wasn't our place to yell and get angry. What, so I have to stand there while the guy practically breaks the dog's leg?? Don't think so.
So, so angry I was. Then the bar lady tells J and he starts having a go at me, telling me I'm not in Australia anymore and these kind of guys would likely come and punch me to the ground for my trouble. Awesome. Now I've got a black dot next to my name and have to be EXTRA careful on the streets. But seriously, if that's the way people in the Caribbean act with shit like this, what a fucked place to live.
Later on I told A, the boss' wife, and she being a strong-willed woman too agreed with my sentiments. Good! At least I had her on my side! I thought I was going crazy there for a second, getting vex over something like this. Brrrrr... shake it off!!
In my fury, I texted my boy to come online as I had a 2-hour lunch break and didn't mind having an ear to vent to. I did mention, in the somewhat badly worded text, that "something bad happened" so of course that got his drunk head in a tizz n he was messaging and messaging to no reply. This was because my phone has been in and out of reception recently at work so nothing came through.
Halfway through the lesson I was pulled in last minute to do with the camp kids (that was fun...), he calls me all worried and pissed off he didn't get any replies. I tried to calm him quickly as it was bad timing and he ended up just hanging up quite abruptly. Never got to text him back when I was free later, either, cos my phone wasn't working still.
So this, on top of my already annoyed mood (getting pulled off trails to cover kids riding lessons didn't do much for my tip jar), was not really something I needed. I know he was just concerned, and I'm very touched by that, considering it was pretty much my fault I got him in a tizz, but to get all angry... I'M the one who was meant to be angry in the first place! This just throws it all out of whack!
My day started out OK. Had a family of Aussies on my first ride, funnily enuf they were the least polite when it came to the end. No tip - though that was expected - but not even a thank you, they just walked off halfway through one of my sentences explaining where the bathrooms were. Geez, I hope they don't act like that everywhere! Give Aussies a bad name.
Had another ride, cruise ship as well, with a birthday boy turning 10 who was super impressed with everything on the ride. The whole time I could hear him going on about how this was the best birthday present ever, how amazing riding on his own was, how he couldn't wait for the water... Nice to hear, and surely a great memory for him and his family.
Didn't hear anything back from my travel agent, which is unusual since he is usually on the ball with these things, so no movement on booking my flight home. Days like today kinda make me wanna push it forward, but to be honest the dates I'm thinking of are not THAT far away anyway. I want to make the most of the island while I'm here. There's still that 'To Do' list to get through, after all...
The days are certainly getting colder - I sat in my wet boardshorts on lunch as I often do except today they were almost freezing on my skin. Later in the evening I put on my around-the-house summer dress and went to the megastore cash n carry place with A, freezing inside the air con place and outside with the rain and wind whipping up. She took an age to come out and when she did, the trolley was overflowing... "just need to get some dog food" I remember her saying as we walked from the car.
My boy called me while I was waiting, killed some time at least. He'd just woken up in a friend's hotel room after I night on it, had some stories to tell he couldn't tell me then, and we talked through what happened today. I am blessed to have him so concerned and I do feel bad for making him so worried. I need to sort my words out - and I'm meant to be the writer of the two of us! Next he'll be overboiling the eggs and burning the bacon!
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Video in its finest form
It's funny how things here can seem so busy and planned, and then fall apart at the last minute. This happened to me on Saturday night with the dance competition and then again today, with the beach. Was meant to go with L but he was broke and I'm still not supporting his lack of employment, N was still working and L ended up having a doctor's appointment so it was off to the beach solo again.
That was fine, I am always entertained by the people-watching there, but today it seemed to be Topless Day Out. I don't know why so many people had their boobs out but they did, and old ladies too, so after a quick scout around for any prying black man eyes, I joined them. I do like doing the topless sunbake, but not when I feel people are just at the beach to check out girls.
Seriously, there were boobs everywhere. They were walking around, sitting on their towels, wading into the water... no shame. And they were not just French, American too. Oh well. Changing tide I guess! Speaking of, the water is getting rougher, the winds stronger... I thought hurricane season just ended?? Got some half decent waves now on the beaches, nice change from the gentle lapping pools these beaches usually are.
I packed some beers to drink on the beach - still on a budget, as always - and enjoyed the afternoon sun. Never feels quite as strong as Australia, and I doubt I got much colour in the couple of hours I was there but it is always nice to go to Mullet Bay. But it is getting busy. And sometimes Americans speak SO LOUD. It's hard to tune them out.
Got to the beach late because I spent a couple of hours wearing my laptop battery down talking to A on Skype. He happened to come online when I was there, so we had a nice chat before his Skype started playing up. Then he got a laptop and we VIDEO chatted.... The first time since I got to St Maarten. Man, it was good to see his face. I could hardly control my emotions, he looked so beautiful. My stomach was doing backflips.
That's a good sign, right? So if I go home earlier to him, I guess that's to be expected, right? I actually can't wait to start my new life with him, making our decisions together, working for da man and earning da cash, maybe even affording a studio apartment so we can just be... us. I would never even have to wear clothes at home. Imagine that.
Boss told me when he came home I was in for a 7am start instead of my normal 8am. Sounds like a busy day ahead. I wonder if I'll get a lunch break. It's funny how that works - usually, when I started earlier, there's less chance I'll get a lunch break even though technically I need it more! Let's just hope the tourists are feeling "tip-happy" tomorrow...
That was fine, I am always entertained by the people-watching there, but today it seemed to be Topless Day Out. I don't know why so many people had their boobs out but they did, and old ladies too, so after a quick scout around for any prying black man eyes, I joined them. I do like doing the topless sunbake, but not when I feel people are just at the beach to check out girls.
Seriously, there were boobs everywhere. They were walking around, sitting on their towels, wading into the water... no shame. And they were not just French, American too. Oh well. Changing tide I guess! Speaking of, the water is getting rougher, the winds stronger... I thought hurricane season just ended?? Got some half decent waves now on the beaches, nice change from the gentle lapping pools these beaches usually are.
I packed some beers to drink on the beach - still on a budget, as always - and enjoyed the afternoon sun. Never feels quite as strong as Australia, and I doubt I got much colour in the couple of hours I was there but it is always nice to go to Mullet Bay. But it is getting busy. And sometimes Americans speak SO LOUD. It's hard to tune them out.
Got to the beach late because I spent a couple of hours wearing my laptop battery down talking to A on Skype. He happened to come online when I was there, so we had a nice chat before his Skype started playing up. Then he got a laptop and we VIDEO chatted.... The first time since I got to St Maarten. Man, it was good to see his face. I could hardly control my emotions, he looked so beautiful. My stomach was doing backflips.
That's a good sign, right? So if I go home earlier to him, I guess that's to be expected, right? I actually can't wait to start my new life with him, making our decisions together, working for da man and earning da cash, maybe even affording a studio apartment so we can just be... us. I would never even have to wear clothes at home. Imagine that.
Boss told me when he came home I was in for a 7am start instead of my normal 8am. Sounds like a busy day ahead. I wonder if I'll get a lunch break. It's funny how that works - usually, when I started earlier, there's less chance I'll get a lunch break even though technically I need it more! Let's just hope the tourists are feeling "tip-happy" tomorrow...
Living Statues in St Maarten
Now that I've made some more certain plans in my head about my future, I spent more time than usual daydreaming about my boy. I'd find myself drifting off while people were talking, looking into the gorgeous pinky purple sunset sky or staring absentmindedly at a street dog. Then of course in the cafe we were eating, a Police song comes on the radio - and I'm back to A.
Today was my much-anticipated Sunday off. Having had a few drinks last night, I was looked forward to the sleep-in which of course never came, as the delicious combination of morning heat, 100+ roosters crowing, kids stamping about above me, dogs barking, trucks leaving and general morning noise made sure I was awake about the time I'd wake anyway for work. Except with a sore head. Brilliant.
I had an unusual craving for mac n cheese for breakfast, so I made it. Hell, it was my day off! Added tuna in there for good effect. Felt sick after I finished the massive bowl. No surprises there. Would've looked well funny to anyone walking past. Mac n cheese? For breakfast? Well, I never.
N from work had offered to take me into town for the first Living Statues Festival in Philipsburg, where she was taking photographs of the performers and the festival. The town was alive and buzzing with throngs of tourists from 3 cruise ships as well as curious locals checking out the festival. It was busy, but not crazy, annoying busy. Buzzy busy. I loved the atmosphere.
"Living Statues" are the street performers that stand still like they're a statue. This festival was a chance for local performers to give it a go and win some prizes. It's a concept brought over from Barcelona, Spain, but something I'd never seen anywhere else. Great idea, though, I really enjoyed seeing them and they were great entertainment for youngsters and even adults. There were famous people, settlers, convicts, witches, policemen... lots to see!
At the end, a marching band of kids on drums roared into the town square to give quite an impressive performance before the statues paraded in. The overall winner was an older lady who dressed as a grandma with checked paint all over her face and exposed skin who sat and read a book for most of the day. I think there is some story behind her character that I don't know, but she was quite good.
Even got tempted into one of the many jewellery stores, all of which boasted at least 70% off and all kinds of exotic gems. Now you know what I'm like with shiny things... I almost bought a simple necklace but renegged last minute... maybe I'll come back another time, maybe not. Mum and dad are giving me some cash for Christmas but I would rather use that on some fun activities on the island. Almost texted A to ask if I should just buy an engagement here, since there's so much choice... and they're quite reasonable... thought it best I didn't.
Walked down the boardwalk solo to meet the others after the jewellery store and heard a chorus of, "rasta, rasta, rasta, hey rasta"... All the sharks must hang out down there. Was asked again and again if I was "from the ship" as I looked super touristy in my summer getup, and they were delighted for a moment that I lived here, before I told them no, I wasn't single. Was I married? Was it really their business? Yes, I pretty much am.
N had her 10-year-old daughter, E, and the nanny of my boss' kids, L, so we ambled along in a group. E has boundless energy and likes to annoy her mum, which I find irritating because her mum works so hard and always seems tired, so I always find myself biting my tongue when I see the girl. But I do like N, we get along well as we're kinda the outsiders from all the Dutch women that frequent Seaside. And L is nice too, I got her number so we could hang out when I'm off. She said she saw me at the club last night... could've said hi but that's the kind of weird social etiquette around here...
Got a call from L today asking if I was still keen to go to his little son's birthday party. I was hoping he'd not call me as I'd avoided seeing him all week after A's stress about the whole situation, but I did feel bad for bailing on something I said I would do. I blamed it on not hearing from him sooner and ended up organising to check out a beach tomorrow on my other day off. Will probably go with N as well as she's free from lunch tomorrow. She actually said she'd do a photo shoot of me riding as a Christmas present, so that would be cool. I wanna ride a pretty horse bareback in my nice, flowing skirt. Pruuuuuuuudddyy....
All in all, a great day. Gorgeous weather, lots of fun in town... but my feet and back ache! Need to spend tomorrow on my back. Now that came out wrong. I meant sunbaking on my back. And front. All over. Need to top the tan up. Also heard about another casual Christmas gathering at La Bamba that I could go to after work. I'm glad there's an option like that, I like being surrounded by people on that day. Geez, this time last year I was next to my friend T chowing down on knodel in snowy Munich. How times change.
Today was my much-anticipated Sunday off. Having had a few drinks last night, I was looked forward to the sleep-in which of course never came, as the delicious combination of morning heat, 100+ roosters crowing, kids stamping about above me, dogs barking, trucks leaving and general morning noise made sure I was awake about the time I'd wake anyway for work. Except with a sore head. Brilliant.
I had an unusual craving for mac n cheese for breakfast, so I made it. Hell, it was my day off! Added tuna in there for good effect. Felt sick after I finished the massive bowl. No surprises there. Would've looked well funny to anyone walking past. Mac n cheese? For breakfast? Well, I never.
N from work had offered to take me into town for the first Living Statues Festival in Philipsburg, where she was taking photographs of the performers and the festival. The town was alive and buzzing with throngs of tourists from 3 cruise ships as well as curious locals checking out the festival. It was busy, but not crazy, annoying busy. Buzzy busy. I loved the atmosphere.
"Living Statues" are the street performers that stand still like they're a statue. This festival was a chance for local performers to give it a go and win some prizes. It's a concept brought over from Barcelona, Spain, but something I'd never seen anywhere else. Great idea, though, I really enjoyed seeing them and they were great entertainment for youngsters and even adults. There were famous people, settlers, convicts, witches, policemen... lots to see!
At the end, a marching band of kids on drums roared into the town square to give quite an impressive performance before the statues paraded in. The overall winner was an older lady who dressed as a grandma with checked paint all over her face and exposed skin who sat and read a book for most of the day. I think there is some story behind her character that I don't know, but she was quite good.
Even got tempted into one of the many jewellery stores, all of which boasted at least 70% off and all kinds of exotic gems. Now you know what I'm like with shiny things... I almost bought a simple necklace but renegged last minute... maybe I'll come back another time, maybe not. Mum and dad are giving me some cash for Christmas but I would rather use that on some fun activities on the island. Almost texted A to ask if I should just buy an engagement here, since there's so much choice... and they're quite reasonable... thought it best I didn't.
Walked down the boardwalk solo to meet the others after the jewellery store and heard a chorus of, "rasta, rasta, rasta, hey rasta"... All the sharks must hang out down there. Was asked again and again if I was "from the ship" as I looked super touristy in my summer getup, and they were delighted for a moment that I lived here, before I told them no, I wasn't single. Was I married? Was it really their business? Yes, I pretty much am.
N had her 10-year-old daughter, E, and the nanny of my boss' kids, L, so we ambled along in a group. E has boundless energy and likes to annoy her mum, which I find irritating because her mum works so hard and always seems tired, so I always find myself biting my tongue when I see the girl. But I do like N, we get along well as we're kinda the outsiders from all the Dutch women that frequent Seaside. And L is nice too, I got her number so we could hang out when I'm off. She said she saw me at the club last night... could've said hi but that's the kind of weird social etiquette around here...
Got a call from L today asking if I was still keen to go to his little son's birthday party. I was hoping he'd not call me as I'd avoided seeing him all week after A's stress about the whole situation, but I did feel bad for bailing on something I said I would do. I blamed it on not hearing from him sooner and ended up organising to check out a beach tomorrow on my other day off. Will probably go with N as well as she's free from lunch tomorrow. She actually said she'd do a photo shoot of me riding as a Christmas present, so that would be cool. I wanna ride a pretty horse bareback in my nice, flowing skirt. Pruuuuuuuudddyy....
All in all, a great day. Gorgeous weather, lots of fun in town... but my feet and back ache! Need to spend tomorrow on my back. Now that came out wrong. I meant sunbaking on my back. And front. All over. Need to top the tan up. Also heard about another casual Christmas gathering at La Bamba that I could go to after work. I'm glad there's an option like that, I like being surrounded by people on that day. Geez, this time last year I was next to my friend T chowing down on knodel in snowy Munich. How times change.
Danceoff dynamite
Still high off that generous $100 tip the night before, I hopped to work - no, wait, that was because I found several splinters in my foot from trampling around the thorns the night before - with Polly in tow. She is so cute, gets so excited to come along for the walk. I'll say it again - I can't wait to have my own dog again!
Felt a bit cold at the beginning of the day, the clouds came over and I really felt the change in the air. December is meant to be the coolest month (their "winter" I suppose), but that kinda means it's more bearable - well, except the emergence of bugs. I've bought room spray now so I am just gonna death blast them every night. The problem is, I think there's holes in my windows...
While I am settling in well here, I still feel disconnected from the island, like it isn't my home and won't ever be, well not without A anyway. As I said, I do enjoy my job - the views are incredible, the tourist for the most part enjoyable to take out, my staff are also nice and the bosses treat me well - but I can't see myself here for a long time.
I had one friend from work give some poignant advice to me today... saying that her partner of 6 years, who captains boats, has been away so long now that it's at the point they no longer connect and she doesn't see the point anymore. She sounded regretful and sad about it, like if she'd realised it sooner she could have either pulled the pin and saved the time, or tried harder to be together with him. Not that it seems she had much choice with his line of work. She stressed to me that finding someone you think is worth it, is something really important and shouldn't be taken lightly. It got me thinking.
Had 3 rides today... firstly a mother and daughter from Canada (again!), the daughter being a competitive rider and the mother a bit more tentative around horses. The daughter made some uppity comment about not needing a helmet because the horses would be "docile" so I made a point of giving her the 3-year-old. Yeah, try to find your comfort in THAT one, missy! Horse doesn't even know how to canter properly yet. We ran about a bit, leaving mum behind sometimes, and it turned out alright in the end. Got a nice tip at least.
Then I had an Asian/American couple, beginners, and a NZ couple, also beginners. The NZ couple were a 2-hour ride and - surprise, surprise - they didn't tip. They worked on the mega yachts and even told me they were paid well, surely they realise they are not in NZ anymore... I would have thought such well-traveled people would realise that. I hope I am more mindful of local custom when I travel elsewhere, now I've seen it from the other side.
OMG, I can't believe it - today I actually saw Apple Bottom Jeans! I almost asked her where her "boots with da furrr" where... But that is truly awesome. Never did I know that the clothes Flo Rida speaks of in his debut single, such a great track now let's be honest, was actually Nelly's brand. And they sell jeans with "Apple Bottom" printed across the ass pockets. And boots with fur. And even water boots (wellies, gum boots, take your pick) but apparently they come without the fur.
At the end of the day I felt kinda useless. J was walking around, feeding all the animals, after we'd gone up to do it together. I asked everyone where he went but they didn't know so I found myself sitting on the step waiting... which is super fun. I wish I could've made myself useful and maybe know what the hell order he was doing things, but when he feeds, he likes to just do it all so there seemed to be nothing for me. I tried to help out but got it wrong so almost fed the same horse twice (he would've eaten it though) so I just left.
Was annoyed and didn't see the point of me sticking around to do nothing. So whatever. Saw a beautiful sunset forming but I wanted to go home. No hanging around at the bar tonight. It was time for me to check out these danceoff finals... although the number I had for my friends doesn't seem to work so I just planned on going there solo and hoping to see them.
Heard what I thought was an Aussie accent in the supermarket today - it was Kiwi although VERY broad - and he was with a Canadian stocking up on beer. I told him what was happening at Sunset if they wanted something to do. He asked if I was going to be there, I said probably then realised maybe he was interested. So funny, I thought he was attractive but was not in the slightest ATTRACTED to him. So different to the old me. Didn't even think about wanting him. Was just a nice customer in a supermarket telling him about a party on tonight. I laughed at my changed situation as I perused the chicken section.
My horse, Chico, is getting a sore back. I thought maybe it was cos I was too heavy for him, I even weighed myself, but I think it's just cos he's been worked almost every day. So he gets some days off. Just when I was started to really enjoy riding him. Need some more training with the fluro sunset ride coolbag though, he freaked out about it last night when I was carrying it on my shoulder.
The danceoff was really good, the crews had some moves! Funnier still was sitting there on my own (and not getting picked up once!) and people watching. If I had been able to text my friends, I would have said, "You'll see me. I'm the white girl." Everyone was bootylicious black, and some of those outfits - you could poke an eye out with those curves! I felt a proper frump in my loose-fitting summer dress.
I never ended up seeing my friends, although to be honest I couldn't really remember what they looked like so I was hoping I just made eye contact with them and they responded accordingly. There were a couple of white couples in there that I looked at, and nothing. Got talking to one and they didn't seem overly keen to include me on their little love-in (platonically of course), so that didn't last long. I never wanna be one of those couples, shutting people out. Everyone welcome!
Came home and chatted with the old Greek man who lives by me, drinking a beer and texting A. I ended up calling him and using all the credit I'd bought that day (that's a new record) and probably telling him the surprise I wanted to keep as a surprise. Damn drunks, can't trust 'em with anything. But yes, been doing some major thinking and there are some changes afoot...
Felt a bit cold at the beginning of the day, the clouds came over and I really felt the change in the air. December is meant to be the coolest month (their "winter" I suppose), but that kinda means it's more bearable - well, except the emergence of bugs. I've bought room spray now so I am just gonna death blast them every night. The problem is, I think there's holes in my windows...
While I am settling in well here, I still feel disconnected from the island, like it isn't my home and won't ever be, well not without A anyway. As I said, I do enjoy my job - the views are incredible, the tourist for the most part enjoyable to take out, my staff are also nice and the bosses treat me well - but I can't see myself here for a long time.
I had one friend from work give some poignant advice to me today... saying that her partner of 6 years, who captains boats, has been away so long now that it's at the point they no longer connect and she doesn't see the point anymore. She sounded regretful and sad about it, like if she'd realised it sooner she could have either pulled the pin and saved the time, or tried harder to be together with him. Not that it seems she had much choice with his line of work. She stressed to me that finding someone you think is worth it, is something really important and shouldn't be taken lightly. It got me thinking.
Had 3 rides today... firstly a mother and daughter from Canada (again!), the daughter being a competitive rider and the mother a bit more tentative around horses. The daughter made some uppity comment about not needing a helmet because the horses would be "docile" so I made a point of giving her the 3-year-old. Yeah, try to find your comfort in THAT one, missy! Horse doesn't even know how to canter properly yet. We ran about a bit, leaving mum behind sometimes, and it turned out alright in the end. Got a nice tip at least.
Then I had an Asian/American couple, beginners, and a NZ couple, also beginners. The NZ couple were a 2-hour ride and - surprise, surprise - they didn't tip. They worked on the mega yachts and even told me they were paid well, surely they realise they are not in NZ anymore... I would have thought such well-traveled people would realise that. I hope I am more mindful of local custom when I travel elsewhere, now I've seen it from the other side.
OMG, I can't believe it - today I actually saw Apple Bottom Jeans! I almost asked her where her "boots with da furrr" where... But that is truly awesome. Never did I know that the clothes Flo Rida speaks of in his debut single, such a great track now let's be honest, was actually Nelly's brand. And they sell jeans with "Apple Bottom" printed across the ass pockets. And boots with fur. And even water boots (wellies, gum boots, take your pick) but apparently they come without the fur.
At the end of the day I felt kinda useless. J was walking around, feeding all the animals, after we'd gone up to do it together. I asked everyone where he went but they didn't know so I found myself sitting on the step waiting... which is super fun. I wish I could've made myself useful and maybe know what the hell order he was doing things, but when he feeds, he likes to just do it all so there seemed to be nothing for me. I tried to help out but got it wrong so almost fed the same horse twice (he would've eaten it though) so I just left.
Was annoyed and didn't see the point of me sticking around to do nothing. So whatever. Saw a beautiful sunset forming but I wanted to go home. No hanging around at the bar tonight. It was time for me to check out these danceoff finals... although the number I had for my friends doesn't seem to work so I just planned on going there solo and hoping to see them.
Heard what I thought was an Aussie accent in the supermarket today - it was Kiwi although VERY broad - and he was with a Canadian stocking up on beer. I told him what was happening at Sunset if they wanted something to do. He asked if I was going to be there, I said probably then realised maybe he was interested. So funny, I thought he was attractive but was not in the slightest ATTRACTED to him. So different to the old me. Didn't even think about wanting him. Was just a nice customer in a supermarket telling him about a party on tonight. I laughed at my changed situation as I perused the chicken section.
My horse, Chico, is getting a sore back. I thought maybe it was cos I was too heavy for him, I even weighed myself, but I think it's just cos he's been worked almost every day. So he gets some days off. Just when I was started to really enjoy riding him. Need some more training with the fluro sunset ride coolbag though, he freaked out about it last night when I was carrying it on my shoulder.
The danceoff was really good, the crews had some moves! Funnier still was sitting there on my own (and not getting picked up once!) and people watching. If I had been able to text my friends, I would have said, "You'll see me. I'm the white girl." Everyone was bootylicious black, and some of those outfits - you could poke an eye out with those curves! I felt a proper frump in my loose-fitting summer dress.
I never ended up seeing my friends, although to be honest I couldn't really remember what they looked like so I was hoping I just made eye contact with them and they responded accordingly. There were a couple of white couples in there that I looked at, and nothing. Got talking to one and they didn't seem overly keen to include me on their little love-in (platonically of course), so that didn't last long. I never wanna be one of those couples, shutting people out. Everyone welcome!
Came home and chatted with the old Greek man who lives by me, drinking a beer and texting A. I ended up calling him and using all the credit I'd bought that day (that's a new record) and probably telling him the surprise I wanted to keep as a surprise. Damn drunks, can't trust 'em with anything. But yes, been doing some major thinking and there are some changes afoot...
Saturday, 17 December 2011
$100 bill y'all
Today was the day I finally felt the unknown pleasure of having a $100 bill pressed into my hand at the end of a ride. But more on that later...
The nights are getting cooler now. I know this because I now sleep with the use of a sheet almost every night. Which is GREAT for the mosquito situation, as I don't lie awake waiting for the fuckers to pounce. They don't seem to go for much other than my legs, a bit discriminatory since my arms are just as lovely and full of juicy bits, I'd have thought...
We had just a few rides booked today, the first of which was mine. A 9am start, so it was a quick saddle job - well, as quick as we could, the mud still persists (although last night was the first we didn't have rainfall in a while) and the horses make sure they roll right in the middle of it before brushing time.
My 9am ride was actually an older couple from American (surprise surprise) who had been the farm a couple of days earlier to check it all out. I appreciate that (wish I had the tenacity to do it myself but really I go riding anywhere) and was glad they came back. Only for a one-hour beginners walking ride, though, as they had another younger lady with them that didn't seem to be related, just maybe a friend from their resort.
The ride wasn't that exciting, but they were nice people and told me about some good dude ranches in the States I could maybe work at. Actually, they explained what exactly a "dude ranch" was, because I didn't really understand the term. Turns out they're kinda like horse resorts, where people stay, eat and ride all in the one property. Sounds like just the kind of place A and I could work at - me on horseback, him in the kitchen. Don't worry, I've already worded him up.
My next ride was an American mother and daughter combo, with a heavier mum who I had to change a saddle for as the first one she didn't fit into. And these are western saddles we're dealing with here... so it's fair to say she wasn't going hungry anytime soon. She also had a particular aversion to going downhill so I had to restructure the 2-hour trail to include more uphill climbs and flat paths. Thankfully, we stopped to chat quite a few times so that burnt extra minutes.
Then came my sunset ride... 2 couples, also American, probably about my age and nice enuf. The weather was perfect so the fire was no problem this time, no wind or rain to contend with, and the only complaint I could find was the sunset was blocked a little by clouds. But they roasted all the marshmallows we gave them and felt tipsy before the end of 2 champagne bottles, so I guess they enjoyed their time.
At the end, one of the guys did the shifty handshake/tip-giving gesture with one note and I assumed it was a $20 or, if I was lucky, $50. Imagine that! No, no... I was way off... $100!! For a 2-hour ride for 4 people! Here I was hoping they enjoyed themselves! Maybe it was because I didn't alert them to the rat that scattered around the fire looking for leftover marshmallow, maybe they were drunk, maybe they felt sorry that I had to handle and step on mostly thorny, dry plants to make their fire or maybe they were just really generous people... but thank you, thank you, thank you!!
The nights are getting cooler now. I know this because I now sleep with the use of a sheet almost every night. Which is GREAT for the mosquito situation, as I don't lie awake waiting for the fuckers to pounce. They don't seem to go for much other than my legs, a bit discriminatory since my arms are just as lovely and full of juicy bits, I'd have thought...
We had just a few rides booked today, the first of which was mine. A 9am start, so it was a quick saddle job - well, as quick as we could, the mud still persists (although last night was the first we didn't have rainfall in a while) and the horses make sure they roll right in the middle of it before brushing time.
My 9am ride was actually an older couple from American (surprise surprise) who had been the farm a couple of days earlier to check it all out. I appreciate that (wish I had the tenacity to do it myself but really I go riding anywhere) and was glad they came back. Only for a one-hour beginners walking ride, though, as they had another younger lady with them that didn't seem to be related, just maybe a friend from their resort.
The ride wasn't that exciting, but they were nice people and told me about some good dude ranches in the States I could maybe work at. Actually, they explained what exactly a "dude ranch" was, because I didn't really understand the term. Turns out they're kinda like horse resorts, where people stay, eat and ride all in the one property. Sounds like just the kind of place A and I could work at - me on horseback, him in the kitchen. Don't worry, I've already worded him up.
My next ride was an American mother and daughter combo, with a heavier mum who I had to change a saddle for as the first one she didn't fit into. And these are western saddles we're dealing with here... so it's fair to say she wasn't going hungry anytime soon. She also had a particular aversion to going downhill so I had to restructure the 2-hour trail to include more uphill climbs and flat paths. Thankfully, we stopped to chat quite a few times so that burnt extra minutes.
Then came my sunset ride... 2 couples, also American, probably about my age and nice enuf. The weather was perfect so the fire was no problem this time, no wind or rain to contend with, and the only complaint I could find was the sunset was blocked a little by clouds. But they roasted all the marshmallows we gave them and felt tipsy before the end of 2 champagne bottles, so I guess they enjoyed their time.
At the end, one of the guys did the shifty handshake/tip-giving gesture with one note and I assumed it was a $20 or, if I was lucky, $50. Imagine that! No, no... I was way off... $100!! For a 2-hour ride for 4 people! Here I was hoping they enjoyed themselves! Maybe it was because I didn't alert them to the rat that scattered around the fire looking for leftover marshmallow, maybe they were drunk, maybe they felt sorry that I had to handle and step on mostly thorny, dry plants to make their fire or maybe they were just really generous people... but thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Friday, 16 December 2011
Death by butterfly?
I stalk my mosquito net. Looking for any unlucky fucker that thinks he's invisible against the white gridlock pattern. Come, my pretty, your destiny awaits. And so help me if I find you...
My legs are absolutely covered in bites, and now they transmit radio signal to all the little critters at work to surround me when I saddle, brush, lead the horses... I am scratching all day. Need to take spray with me. I've said it before... It's just lucky I'm not here to impress anyone.
The Christmas songs started when I was saddling. My workmate J has a thing for them, and actually ENJOYS listening to them. Freak. He has a medley that goes on seemingly forever of cheesy songs that I would never choose upon my ears, and then has the audacity to plug his phone into the main speakers of work to play it in the hut where I sit for lunch and the guests wait for their rides. Not sure which is more horrific - his playlist or Mariah Carey's Christmas hits.
Ended up being in the saddle for 5 hours today, had two 2-hour rides that kinda tired me out (there really isn't enuf land for 2 hours of riding) - although the first Canadian couple were older and fine to get off n rest a while. The second Canadian couple were younger and I had to repeat some trails a little. Didn't actually think they were going to tip me, as the girl answered, "it was... interesting" when I asked if she enjoyed herself, but I ended up with $20 in my pocket so it's not all bad.
That same girl must be the first person I've ever met that is scared of butterflies. Yeah, those harmless things that flutter about and rarely come too close in fear of our gargantuan arms smashing their delicate legs apart or rubbing off the special life dust from their wings... Those things I love! I will always remember when I was at my friend's funeral and one landed on my shoulder. Special creatures.
Actually, when I asked that same couple if they'd done any boat trips around the island, I was told, "Well, she doesn't like being on boats much." Shortly after, we were in the water and one of the horses was groaning (they sometimes do that in the water). I tried to explain it was natural, that it's just the air passing through their lungs differently... she started panicking, "But I just don't like it, I don't like it!" Really? Geez. So really, it wasn't a surprise her husband kinda pushed the money into my hand when she wasn't around. Imagine being married to that. SHE'S a special creature.
The rain that I woke to this morning thankfully cleared, but made sure the mud start hard n fast to all the areas we needed to walk through. Only those areas of course... mother fucker. Makes life so damn difficult.
My last ride was late, and as a result they kinda missed the sunset, not that they could see it much anyway behind the clouds. I had to saddled two extra horses as their friends decided to come. They were from San Fran, kinda ditzy but seemed to love the experience. We even gave them a discount. So I was kinda peeved they walked away without giving any tip. I had no time to chat really, as I was already working overtime and needed to unsaddle and let the horses go for the evening, but even when I came back down to the bar they'd left me nothing. Thanks. I always wonder about Americans that don't tip. Was I really not worth it?
Turns out it is a Dutch public holiday today, Kingdom Day or something (asked someone and they had no idea what it was about) but that means I get extra money for working a public holiday. Woot! Still haven't gotten the extra cash for working St Maarten's Day but apparently that's on its way.
Spoke to the bosses on the way home today about my future plans, and how I was liking the place. I told them through no fault of their own I would be leaving sooner than later, because I wanted to go home to my boyfriend and be a boring sappy girl. A said she understood that I shouldn't let something go that I felt so connected with, I imagined she would side with me being a woman n all, however I didn't tell them when exactly I would be going. That's mainly because I don't know.
But at least telling them is the first step. Then it's only 2 more weeks and I actually have to make the decision for real. Was looking at flights just today actually. Still seems to be cheapest to go back to LA via Puerto Rico, and could be cool to see a bit of it. Otherwise, it's just other US cities and I'm not really that excited to do that again. Was inspired to go live in Canada for a while today, speaking to all these Canadians. And they say work is plentiful, and my boy's sister lives there in a really horsey area... signs maybe??
The bosses have started locking Polly up in the day, maybe to stop her coming to the farm? Bless her, she was having such a good time chilling out there. She still loves me, I know it. They can't keep us apart.
My legs are absolutely covered in bites, and now they transmit radio signal to all the little critters at work to surround me when I saddle, brush, lead the horses... I am scratching all day. Need to take spray with me. I've said it before... It's just lucky I'm not here to impress anyone.
The Christmas songs started when I was saddling. My workmate J has a thing for them, and actually ENJOYS listening to them. Freak. He has a medley that goes on seemingly forever of cheesy songs that I would never choose upon my ears, and then has the audacity to plug his phone into the main speakers of work to play it in the hut where I sit for lunch and the guests wait for their rides. Not sure which is more horrific - his playlist or Mariah Carey's Christmas hits.
Ended up being in the saddle for 5 hours today, had two 2-hour rides that kinda tired me out (there really isn't enuf land for 2 hours of riding) - although the first Canadian couple were older and fine to get off n rest a while. The second Canadian couple were younger and I had to repeat some trails a little. Didn't actually think they were going to tip me, as the girl answered, "it was... interesting" when I asked if she enjoyed herself, but I ended up with $20 in my pocket so it's not all bad.
That same girl must be the first person I've ever met that is scared of butterflies. Yeah, those harmless things that flutter about and rarely come too close in fear of our gargantuan arms smashing their delicate legs apart or rubbing off the special life dust from their wings... Those things I love! I will always remember when I was at my friend's funeral and one landed on my shoulder. Special creatures.
Actually, when I asked that same couple if they'd done any boat trips around the island, I was told, "Well, she doesn't like being on boats much." Shortly after, we were in the water and one of the horses was groaning (they sometimes do that in the water). I tried to explain it was natural, that it's just the air passing through their lungs differently... she started panicking, "But I just don't like it, I don't like it!" Really? Geez. So really, it wasn't a surprise her husband kinda pushed the money into my hand when she wasn't around. Imagine being married to that. SHE'S a special creature.
The rain that I woke to this morning thankfully cleared, but made sure the mud start hard n fast to all the areas we needed to walk through. Only those areas of course... mother fucker. Makes life so damn difficult.
My last ride was late, and as a result they kinda missed the sunset, not that they could see it much anyway behind the clouds. I had to saddled two extra horses as their friends decided to come. They were from San Fran, kinda ditzy but seemed to love the experience. We even gave them a discount. So I was kinda peeved they walked away without giving any tip. I had no time to chat really, as I was already working overtime and needed to unsaddle and let the horses go for the evening, but even when I came back down to the bar they'd left me nothing. Thanks. I always wonder about Americans that don't tip. Was I really not worth it?
Turns out it is a Dutch public holiday today, Kingdom Day or something (asked someone and they had no idea what it was about) but that means I get extra money for working a public holiday. Woot! Still haven't gotten the extra cash for working St Maarten's Day but apparently that's on its way.
Spoke to the bosses on the way home today about my future plans, and how I was liking the place. I told them through no fault of their own I would be leaving sooner than later, because I wanted to go home to my boyfriend and be a boring sappy girl. A said she understood that I shouldn't let something go that I felt so connected with, I imagined she would side with me being a woman n all, however I didn't tell them when exactly I would be going. That's mainly because I don't know.
But at least telling them is the first step. Then it's only 2 more weeks and I actually have to make the decision for real. Was looking at flights just today actually. Still seems to be cheapest to go back to LA via Puerto Rico, and could be cool to see a bit of it. Otherwise, it's just other US cities and I'm not really that excited to do that again. Was inspired to go live in Canada for a while today, speaking to all these Canadians. And they say work is plentiful, and my boy's sister lives there in a really horsey area... signs maybe??
The bosses have started locking Polly up in the day, maybe to stop her coming to the farm? Bless her, she was having such a good time chilling out there. She still loves me, I know it. They can't keep us apart.
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