Hummmmm, here’s a fresh topic for Project BlueSphere.
Carla and I have been together for 14 months now and have decided to take our relationship to the next level. We are planning to be married in Buenos Aires Argentina on November 23rd, 2013. No church, just a simple afternoon tea-party with a judge, family, and friends (about 60 people). We are going to bus and camp around Patagonia for a spell so we can see some of the country before the wedding and get some photographs and video.
Neither Carla or I believe in the religious or legal bonds
of matrimony. However we want to celebrate our Love before our friends and family and become family ourselves. Carla is my best friend, the editor to my writing, the music to my film, my first mate, and the companion I never thought I’d have. Most importantly we know how to take care of each other and are a team in every sense of the word.
Carla once told me Love is a simple thing, “it’s understanding”, and we have a deep understanding and caring for each other. We are both difficult and strong individuals. When you have traveled the world with no money as we have one’s 
perspective of the world becomes unique and it’s hard to relate to most people on an intimate level. Sometimes on any level. We are both governed by nature and seek harmony, not dollars, material things, status, nor “security”. We are just passengers sailing on the sea of life enjoying our time here, and now we are two.
Neither of us thought we would find someone compatible and have been given a truly beautiful gift. Many of you have been following my blog over the years, through many countries, and across vast oceans. I’ve learned enough during my travels to know I don’t know much of anything at all, but I do 
know the only reason we are here is to experience Love.
I don’t know why, but I’m the most blessed man I know. It seems that the universe lays itself at my feet and offers everything positive and beautiful on this earth. I have it all for one reason, and one reason only. I ask only for what I need from this world! And as a result I’m surrounded by freedom, love, peace, wholeness, and harmony.
I was in Panama City over the weekend as I had to see an immunologist. My asthma got out 
of control (serious breathing problems) and I’m doing a series of allergy shots (weekly) over the next year. Luckily the doctor trained me to give myself the injections as my lifestyle demands it. I went through this process when I was about 10, and again when I was about 30. The shots seem to last me about 20 years and living on a boat in the tropics is no place to suffer from allergies, especially to mold. The doctor bills, blood tests, travel, and hotel wiped out our finances however at the same time we booked another charter which is showing up this Saturday for 5 days. It’s a Canadian couple and their two children. Life is just like that. When we need something, it just appears.
I had bought two stainless steel wedding bands ($8.00) on Amazon
a few months ago as Carla and I often spoke of marriage. However I must admit I was a bit afraid of “popping the question”. I know so many people that have had such a hard time with marriage and I didn’t want to complicate my life with religious structure nor the legal system, neither of which have anything to do with two people wanting to start a family and share their Love with family and friends. I’m 47 and Carla 37, neither of us has ever been married. The rings are kind of temporary as we are going to do ring tattoos most likely in Polynesia. Neither of us really like jewelry. I literally promised Carla the world and have a tall order to fill.
We must put everything in perspective.
I was almost killed in a car accident on Sunday. I was on the highway at 5am in an SUV with 7 others heading for the San Blas. The driver was doing about 80 when we noticed 2 stopped cars (one in each lane) ahead of us. The driver locked the brakes and managed to maneuver between the two stopped vehicles (just barely). We were still doing about 70 when we noticed a truck on its side in front of us in the dark laying across all lanes. Our SUV did a few hops to one side trying to flip-over (on two wheels) as the driver tried to run us off the highway to avoid a direct collision with the underside of the truck (Gas tanks exposed to us). If we didn’t have the weight of 8 adults (and an infant) aboard our SUV surely would have flipped, rolled, and hit the 
underbelly of the capsized truck at 60-70 MPH. I was in the passenger front seat without my seatbelt. When we finally came to a stop no one was able to speak for a few minutes as it was more than obvious we cheated death by a fraction of an inch and could hear the laughter of death in the air before us. Everyone in the vehicle was shaking, white as a ghost, and in shock, not even the baby cried. I was blaring Bocceli in my ipod (thanks Chuck) to drown out the Panamanian music and it made the whole experience surreal as my life flashed before me. I must admit, given the circumstances, the 
driver did an enormous job of driving and I couldn’t have done it any better. The police had just shown up and hadn’t lit the accident yet, nor had the other two vehicles turned on their hazard lights. It was the closest of calls…, and people think the ocean is dangerous, poppycock!
Once I returned home, I slept the day away and proposed to Carla the following morning. Life is just too short to screw around with procrastination or fear as it accomplishes nothing. I love this woman and want to spend my life with her. It’s just like that.
So now I’m engaged. The journey before us has freshened like a 
stiff breeze, Love fills the hull of Splendid, and adventure lays upon our horizon. What more could a man dream of?
I am a king, I am a peasant, I am a sailor, and I am humbly a man in Love.
Peace, Love and Coconuts my friends.
May your journey light your way.
– alex