We get incredibly locked into our beliefs of how life needs to look, based on the environments we live in and the people who, like us, follow those norms.

Being here in the Caribbean reminds me again that “our life” is not the only recipe to follow. Through this boat buying process we’ve met a bunch of people who live and think differently, for whom a “corporate job” is unbearable and who are fiercely independent.

There is Brad, who’s helped me bring JACE down to Grenada. Originally from South Africa, he met his wife, a Finn, in London where they lived before going to South Africa and eventually, amidst the craziness of covid, literally escaped last minute and sailed across the Atlantic and landed on Grenada.

Here they made a life, she an acupuncturist and he looking after boats and doing delivery gigs. Their kids, 13 and 11, grow up in a unique environment. They have  me over for sundowners today. Check out their place. Incredible!

While there I meet their friend Aaron, the leading marine electrician on the island. Originally from Chicago, he was a successful expert in outfitting big new performance venues with electrics and acoustics. But he too got tired of the rat race and sailed for 6 years with his wife and young daughter to eventually land here, living next door and having his order book so full, that July is the earliest he can get to the work we’d like him to do on JACE.

Oh, and remember our nonfunctional engine? Well, this morning I meet John, and English chap who is a top marine diesel mechanic here. Otherwise same story. And yes, he had the culprit, a clogged fuel pickup line from the tank, identified and addressed in less than two hours. Cost me $75 US. At home no one even shows up for that.

So, yes, it’s been interesting to meet all these super nice and capable people and reflect a little on how we choose to live our lives and why.

But enough of that: after the engine was A-ok we bring JACE around the southern tip and to the boat yard where we will haul out tomorrow. We spend the afternoon taking the sails off her and wrestle these enormous and stiff pieces of canvas in a strong breeze and flake them into their sail bags. Then we dock at the yard, fight for a bit to get our shore power hookup to work, and after sundowners I treat myself to a nice pasta dish at the marina restaurant.

Last night onboard coming up. And tomorrow will be exciting. Stay tuned.