Adventuriquity

One of the practices I am working on in my life is stopping, for even just a moment, and recognizing how lucky I am when I have a good thing going. Looking back at my time on Totiki, I smile knowing that I made time to stop and enjoy how good I had it along the way. While the boat itself posed all sorts of standard boat challenges throughout our trip, our crew couldn’t have worked better together to meet any issues that came our way. Kristoffer, Jorgen, and Philip all brought their own personalities to the table that kept us curious and conversations interesting. Going from complete strangers to living on a boat in small quarters for a month to being good friends is a special thing.

While I joined Totiki originally to build up some mileage for my Yachtmaster Certification, it became so much more than that. Friendship bonded over that month will certainly last well into the future and gave me a good perspective on relaxation. Sometimes it’s okay to sit back and watch the world go by. One of the aspects of sailing that I find appealing is sitting back and watching the waves. It is a mesmerizing pattern of randomness that facilitates a wandering mind trying to figure out life.

My trip with Totiki spanned the Southern Caribbean islands and lasted for roughly a month long. Islands I visited: Trinidad  -> Carriacou -> Union Island -> Tobago Cays -> Canouan -> Bequia -> St. Lucia.

The Caribbean is a truly incredible place, each island bringing its unique personality, people, and culture. One thing they have in common though, besides Christopher Columbus likely making an ill-fated visit at some point, is their relaxed view on life. Island time is in effect the moment you step outside where quick food stops can take two hours and ‘fast’ is not in their vocabulary. This was certainly a bit of a culture shock coming from an environment of efficiency and working as quickly/hard as possible to get the task done.

The Caribbean also restored some of my faith in random humanity. I’ve been conditioned over time to expect that any stranger who comes up to me with an introduction or story on the street eventually wants something or has ulterior motives. Besides a few bad apples, most everyone we met in the Caribbean was happy to help us along and were genuinely curious about where we came from and what we were doing in life without asking for money or giving us their mixtape! It was so refreshing to not have to be on guard when someone starts chatting you up because at the end they say see you around man and give you a fist bump.

After a month of relaxed Caribbean living, I headed off to the UK for the next official step in my rough six month plan, which was to attain my Yachtmaster. In the meantime, I’ll be doing my best to slow down my life Caribbean style and take it all in along the way.

My challenge to you is: Think of the last time you truly relaxed and/or looked back at the past week, month, or year to take account of what has transpired in your life? If you can’t remember the last time, then carve out an 30 mins – 1 hour this weekend to sit on a park bench, your backyard, or front porch and just relax. Watch the world go by. Think of the good and the bad things that have happened recently and be grateful for everything around you.

-Michael