It’s been four years and 5 months since I left my home to
start yachting. I had only planned for one or two years but every good
6-month long holiday deserves another I always say.
So here I am…
It’s been fun, it’s been tough, its been eye opening and
character building. I have learned so much about myself, about people, about
money, about the spoils of travelling, the lows of home-sick Sundays, about
love, friendship and the power of a good Skype connection.
I found places that only a handful of people have seen, I
have seen life from the eyes of the rich, the famous and stinking rich, I found
the joy in the cheapest bottles of rose and the power of the ‘magnum’. I have
found friendship that will last till I’m old and grey with people from all walks
of life, from all countries, ages and wine choices.
I found love!
I have climbed the ‘metaphorical ladder’, I have learned
from my mistakes, I have chosen to make more and I have treasured every moment
in the sun, every foot in the sand, every sleepy eyed early morning road trip
to see the snow and every lie in cuddle even if it is on a bunk bed.
I have learned to love the little things, my shower is
filled with toiletries in over 3 different languages, I have mastered driving
on the wrong side of the road, I parallel parked once. I now like tea [the kind
with ice and rose in it]
I have reminded
myself that I am not lost in life but finding all the greatness it has to offer
me. I have remembered that this was my plan all along, to find the unknown, to
make a life, to love life, to love every peak and every trough. To stay smiling
and to keep laughing.
I no longer take for granted a washing machine or dishwasher
or how my clothes used to arrive back in my cupboard folded and ironed. I will
never look at a bidet the same, I will never think I missed out on childhood
fun by not having a bunk bed and I will always treasure having more than two
drawers.
I am sure to miss the toiletries cupboard that never
empties, the wine boxes that seem to be bottomless and the choccy cupboard. I
will miss the Plage Mala days and bum sliding excursions.
I will miss the
sea from this side.
I am sure not to miss the umpteen hour weeks and the seasick
days, I wont miss having an ‘owner’ or being ‘sold’ with a boat, stepping in
dog poo or the long strings that hang off those damn bin liners.
A game with walkie-talkies will never be the same and a blue
and white striped shirt will always be a bit ‘cringey’ from now on. I have
accepted that its ok to be a number and that wearing a uniform for more days
than you can remember doesn’t matter that much in the grand scheme of things.
I have found that there is very little pain that can’t be
taken away by a Comprol and that hang-overs now take up two of my days
Yachting, its been a slice! Now can I have a double bed and
a bath please.
