I’m home!

And I don’t think it is the fact that I’ve been at sea for six weeks.

Aki and his crew (Masa and Phillip) went to town with me last night. We hitch-hiked into town which is about 4 kilometers to the west. We promptly got a ride in the open bed of a passing truck. A gentile rain washed our smiling faces as we took in our new surroundings. This place is mysteriously clean. The air is laden with the scent of flower, fruit, rain, and earth. A few moments passed and the truck stopped in the center of town and we hoped out. “Welcome” the driver said in a heavy French accent and waved as he drove off.

I felt like I was walking through the Shire. Every plant dawns a beautiful flower, and every tree a sweet fruit. Horses, pigs, and chickens walk the street however there are no garbage or droppings. The local faces are warm and smiling in an unselfish way. Everyone says “hello and welcome” with their eyes. The children are playful and inquisitive.

I found a bank machine and took out 10,000 franks; I think the exchange is 80 franks to a dollar. The stores were closed as this is election weekend. Phillip speaks good French and asked about a restaurant, he explained we wanted something nice to celebrate our Pacific crossing.

After a short hike up a hill we found a quant little house/restaurant overlooking the bay. After studying the menu for a moment I found steak, and then I remembered my celebratory dry steak dinner after crossing the Caribbean. Colombia is not known for their steak and one if far better off ordering pork. Polynesia in known for pork as well, however I came across goat on the menu and asked the waitress. “Goat with coconut is the specialty of the Marquesas Islands; I think you will enjoy it”. “Enough said”, I will try the goat.

I thought I would get a plate of tuff meat and rice. When the beautifully prepared plate arrived I realized I was in a French country, food is important. I wish I could describe how wonderful my goat was. The meat was tender with just the right amount of fat. It was served with basmati rice with an exquisite coconut/sherry sauce. My meal was utterly extraordinary!

After our wonderful meal, we all quietly walked the 4 clicks back to the boat. I think we all noticed how extremely tired we all were. My bones ache, and my mussels need a good stretch. I’m going to dig out my Yoga DVD and give my body a present this week.

I was out as soon as my head hit my dirty and salty pillow; I slept solid for 11 hours.

I woke up with a new found energy and have been frantically cleaning the boat all morning. I went to shore for a shower and to hand ash a load of laundry by an outdoor spigot.

It’s just approaching mid-afternoon. I’m planning on taking a nap and spending the next few days cleaning and doing damage control.

I am in paradise! Even though it is possible to fly here, I believe paradise is reserved for those who earn it. I am truly a happy man.

I wish you could all feel my feeling just for a moment.

This place is sooooo beautiful.

Peace, Love, and goat meat!

Alex