Life

I’ve been getting a lot of emails regarding my diet and cruising expenses. Funnily enough the two topics are related. I’m often pretty broke, and my diet fluctuates because of this. When I left Cartagena (3 months ago) I had provisioned pretty well, however most of all that “Super market” food is a distant memory for me. The biggest change in my diet is I’ve quit eating red meat and chicken. Originally I quit eating red meat and chicken because it’s not readily available here in the San Blas. When I was in Panama recently, I went out to have a big steak with my friend John (Little Wing), but I didn’t really enjoy it. That’s pretty strange considering the fact I have always been “Carnivore Man”. It’s like I just lost my taste for meat & chicken, but that’s cool, because I feel much better since I turned into an “almost” vegetarian. I have more energy, and I’ve lost a bunch of weight. The other good thing about my new diet is red meat and chicken are expensive and I don’t need that. I have turned into a fish nut though. I fish and spear fish every chance I get. Today I shot about a 7 pound oceanic trigger fish. Wow, what a good eating fish. It tastes like a combination of lobster & white fish, YUMMY!!!!

As far as expenses go, I don’t really have any. I need to pay for the website (Yearly contract), and pre paid minutes for my satellite phone, but that’s it, I have no other bills. I’m living on under $300.00 a month. Rice & beans are cheap, and I don’t drink a lot of alcohol or sodas which are expensive. I did however get a recipe to make sake and I’ll try making 5 gallons as soon as I find some yeast.

I haven’t been posting video because I need to get a new laptop, mine is close to the end, and can’t handle the new format (HI-DEF) I’m shooting in. I also need to get some solar panels. I’m not running my refrigerator, and it’s really hot here. Some cool water and being able to keep fish would be a treat. I’m also saving money to get through the canal. I’m really chomping at the bit to get across the Pacific. I also need the solar panels to power the auto pilot on long passages; they are a real “must” on a cruising boat.

You know what the funny thing is? No matter how much money I’ve made in the past, I’ve always been broke. I just had bigger and bigger bills every month. I’m so happy I’m not battling that rat-trap anymore.

All in all I’m just happy to have a simple life. This really works for me. I have good friends & health, and when I turn 40 in July (14th), I’ll be close to being in the best shape of my life. I eat very healthy, I swim every day, and most importantly I’m happy. I’d like to find that “special woman” at some point, but if I don’t I’m cool with that as well. I know when I get old and wrinkly I’ll have smile lines, because that’s what I do all the time, I smile, and that’s a far cry from the life I used to have. I don’t think my life is for everyone, but I’ve defiantly found my river of Chi and I’m flowing with it. At the end of the day that is what we must all do, it’s why we’re here. Milk life for all it’s worth. Let the taste of happiness drip from your lips no matter what you do. As I’m writing this I’ve realized something…, I’m a poor man, but I’m okay with that. If I die tomorrow, I’ll still have that smile on my face and I think that’s what counts. I hope in some way Project BlueSphere inspires people to follow there dreams. If I can do that, I’ll know I’m successful.

Keep sending the instant messages, I love hearing from all of you.

Peace, Love & Coconuts.

– Alex