Monday, Oct. 13, 2008

We have arrived. Our first 3 - 4 days have been better than I could have expected. It's hot. It's hot and humid. Not that I didn't expect that, I just forget as I'm walking out the door, first step and I am reminded.

Alan is going to take the captain's test here in a few days. He bought 2 hideously boring books and has been studying. I am encouraging his studying by leaving the house and scouting around Ft. Lauderdale. (Love the iphone GPS/maps.)

We had a room in a house already reserved before we got here. So far, we haven't had any roommates. It's a tiny house fairly close to everything going on here. It has worked out OK. The wifi is spotty, so a bit disconcerting. I'm sitting in a French cafe taking advantage of their wifi.

Friday, Alan and I checked in with some of his old contacts. Shadow Marine, his first job, welcomed him back and offered him work. (He's there right now. It's nice to know there is a little incoming money.) We also visited 2 crew agencies, both of whom remembered Alan. That seems like a decent sign.

Yes, the economy has hit yachting. We thought that we would aim for the 80' to 120' foot yachts. They are a little less glamorous and fewer crew. Changing our minds - they seem to be the ones that are more effected right now. The megayachts (120' and up) do seem to be far less effected. Alan would qualify as a mate, not captain, on these boats. Honestly, I don't really care. On the bigger boats I would be working with other stews and get to learn from them. I might also have a chance to help in the galley.

We also had dinner with several of Alan's friends Friday night. By the end of it, we had a free place to stay for the next 3 - 4 weeks. Supposedly, we would actually being helping out Safari and Drew, our gracious hosts,  because they will be traveling and need someone to feed pets. The house is much nicer than where we are. It has lots of light and a pool and is on a waterway and comes with a car. We move tonight!

So for right now, this is how I am going to try to communicate. I know I can add photos which I will learn. There is a way for you to respond using this site, but I'm not sure how yet. You can always reach us at sailinglittles@gmail.com.