3 weeks with the People
3 Weeks ago today we left LAX for Papeete (Pap - A - Et - Tay), Tahiti, the capital of French Polynesia in the Society Islands. What a 3 weeks it has been!
In the eastern Lagoon
What is amazing besides the unlimited shades of turquoise blues in the lagoon, is the peace and tranquility of the island. It took 2 weeks for me to finally relax, feel the calm of the trade winds and the sway of the cocoanut trees to be to lured into submission; eventually floating away into island life.
Is it the break from work, a respite from the hustle of life in the suburbs and the constant reminder of “things to do”. Believe me, none of this has disappeared or been forgotten. Each day I hop on the internet, working with my staff and staying up to date with the software company I started. Yet I am beginning to accept this place as home; an Island with less than 10,000 inhabitants, only one main road; where the people work half a day, maybe, and never on Sundays.
This we know, we are now welcomed temporary members of the Tahitian community, if only for another week. We have met many locals, become welcomed returning visitors to our favorite Roulette trucks and stopper-by’s of our neighboring stores and restaurants. We have made friends here. Those who know our dream are already welcoming the grand entrance of Samaritanus through the pass of Teavanue. This makes our heart so happy!
We made a list of things to be done on Samaritanus. We began to plan for the work needed this winter to get her ready to sail or sell. One thing is for certain, this year will be the tell tale for her future with us. What remains is knowing for sure the family is ready for adventure on the high seas. The looming concern of wariness from sea sickness is something that sits at the beginning of every thought. Sea trials and boat usage are what remain to test our metal, and this is weather permitting for we live in the great Northwest where the Pacific is turbulent, aggressive and unpredictable. Either way, work must be done to use her the way we want, and prepare her for the open water -or- the open market. She’s too expensive to keep her as a hobby.
Tonight we watched the sun slowly set over Mau Piti, the neighboring island. We prepared out hearts for the last few days. IT was an excellent day.