Arriving in America after two years of sailing

Four days ago we arrived in Fort Lauderdale mooring up at the Hyatt’s Pier 66 Marina. When we first entered the marina we didn’t know how long we’d stay. Discussions were had yesterday to leave today but a tropical storm is gaining strength and instead of departing it’s going to be a waiting game.

For over two years we’ve sailed around the Mediterranean, crossed the Atlantic Ocean, sailed north along the eastern and western Caribbean and now we’re finally in my home country

First sight of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Contrary to what I thought I’d feel, described in my article Conflict! What happens when you take your sailboat home to your homeland?, since arriving I’ve been experiencing massive highs.

I’ve binged on American food and my belly is reflecting my overconsumption. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone asks how many weeks pregnant I am. So far I’ve had pizza, chicken wings, hamburgers, clam chowder, grilled cheese and bacon, potato skins, nachos and on the higher end, Oysters Rockefeller, Macadamia encrusted sea bass, prime rib and rib-eye steak. And those are just the lunch and dinners… For Breakfast I’ve sampled the entire selection of bagel, egg sandwiches at the chain Eisenstein Bros Bagels. So far the egg, spinach, bacon and special sauce combo is my favorite.

Aside from the food selection my head has been spinning at all the shops

Just going into the drugstore/pharmacy called Walgreens caused a massive overload. With so many things I spent an hour just walking along the isles.

Simon found me on the floor grabbing as many hair dye kits as I could pull out. I’m so accustomed to making multi-purchases of the same things because I often can’t ever find them again! Simon reminded me that I don’t need to buy out the store anymore – I can get hair dye anywhere and everywhere. Heck, here in America I can probably have it delivered by a drone within 15 minutes.

We visited a shopping mall, called Sawgrass Mills Mall, and I’m not kidding when I thought about calling a taxi to get back to our car.

Apparently it’s Florida’s second largest attraction behind Disney World!

From one end to the other it took us over forty minutes to walk it. The stores, the sales, the little shops in the walk way offering new hair straighteners, miracle moisturizers, teeth whitening, and on and on made my head spin. I felt almost numb. Part of me was excited, part of me wanted to go crazy and buy things and then part of me felt lost.

So the feeling of mega consumerism has caused a wide range of feelings

Added to that my father drove down to meet us at the marina.

Considering that I haven’t seen my dad in over eight years (err…actually, I think it might be ten years) and haven’t really spoke to him in over two years it was an emotional time.

My father showing his granddaughter shark teeth

Knowing that we’d be in his neck of the woods I emailed him to ask if he wanted to meet his 6-year-old granddaughter. The minute I told my dad where we were he booked a hotel and was down the very next day.

Our reunion couldn’t have been more enjoyable. My father came with his wife, Suzy, and we all had a great time. Sienna was adorable giving hugs to both of them and the conversation flowed.

There’s no definite reason why my father and I didn’t talk or see each other. Perhaps we were both scarred by life’s experiences and needed time to heal ourselves. Needless to say being with my dad was like meeting up with an old friend from school. I didn’t feel like time had passed without him.

So…food, shops, seeing my father and what else could I compact into the four days I’ve been in my home country?

Our guest, Kyle, who joined us in the American Virgin Islands, and sailed up to Florida with us just left. We were graced with his presence for three weeks and it was an amazing time.

Kyle and my husband filleting a Mahi Mahi

Another chapter aboard sailing vessel Britican has closed –  It’s hard

It was hard to see my dad and then see him go. And it was hard to say goodbye to Kyle the very next day.

Ironically for the past three days my husband Simon and I have taken our daughter to the pool. Every three hours she comes up to us and says that her new found friends are leaving and she hangs her head. Usually, within five minutes, Sienna will have a new set of friends…but for all of us I think it’s getting annoying to say goodbye to people so often.

Since we sold up and sailed away I’ve had a continuous battle with saying good-bye to people. It’s not easy and it’s not getting easier

We’re now a three-day non-stop sail to North Carolina where we’ll have the boat hauled out and spend time living at my brother’s house in Cary. I’m looking forward to getting there. I’m excited about getting off the boat and being ‘normal’ for a few weeks – perhaps longer.

While the boat is being worked on we’ll stay with my brother and then when we get it back into the water, we’ll move back onboard but perhaps stay put so we can have Sienna spend some time in a real school.

Part of me wants to ensure that I’ve taught her enough to be at a similar level to her peers

Another part of me wants Sienna to understand what a full day of school is like. She often complains about the two hours we spend and I’m thinking that time at a real school will perhaps help her to appreciate our efforts more.

Maybe I’m just very tired right now and I’ll feel find in a few days. But the way I feel now is that I just want a break. It probably seems crazy but I’m tired of resorts, pools, crappy (but good tasting) food, saying hello and goodbye to people…I’m tired of moving every few days. I’M JUST TIRED.