Life's a Stitch

The world gets smaller. On our last night at sea, admiring the moon on the water, the group of four next to us were talking about their post cruise plans. They were a Czech family, mom and dad and two grown daughters. We had the same plans and the conversation progressed. We were from Canada, all having lived on Vancouver’s North Shore at the same time. Turns out we knew their close friends from the Czech Republic who lived in our neighbourhood, directly across the street. We took a photo together to send to our former neighbours.

After six days we landed on the island of St.Maarten. Our goal was a good long walk on land, which was achieved despite the oppressive heat and humidity. We got a decent anniversary photo on the beach.

I spent the afternoon painting in air conditioned comfort. I can’t show my work as it’s a Christmas gift.

We celebrated 43 years at the onboard French restaurant with our official marriage witnesses, Ellen & Greg. It was the first time we’ve been together on the actual date.

The next day we docked at St.Thomas, V.I. that reignited childhood memories. Visiting my grandparents in Puerto Rico many years ago, my grandfather would take my cousins and sister on day trips to St.Thomas so he could stock up on duty free rum. 

I clearly remember at least four trips. The airfare was $26 on Eastern Airlines from San Juan. We also travelled on Prinair, where the seats resembled webbed patio chairs bolted to the floor. The worst trip I remember was on a ferry when the seas were rough. My cousins and I thought it would be fun to run back and forth on the bow as the boat rocked in the sea. I got seriously seasick, not a good memory.

Today was a beautiful day in St.Thomas. It was still recognizable despite the areas of development on the hills. 

We walked to the old town where a few familiar spots remain in between a crazy amount of jewelry stores. 

There used to be camera stores, one where my grandfather bought me a 35mm Minolta for my university graduation.

I am happy to say I didn’t spend a penny until we got to the Pueblo grocery store, the Puerto Rican  grocery chain where my family shopped. I bought two kinds of bouillon cubes with traditional spices.

Leaving felt quite sentimental. 

The next three days we’ll visit ports in the Dominican and Jamaica. Stay tuned.