No matter where you go, there you are

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Walterpiescik

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Jun 7, 2009, 9:37:06 AM6/7/09

to Caribbean Madness google group

Some people have asked "Do you recommend cruising?

As a fun thing to do for weeks or months, YES. No doubt. See my last post.

As a longer term lifestyle it is more complicated. A few years back there
was an attempt at a cult movie named something along the lines of Buckaroo
Bonsai. As I recall, no cult formed. But Buckaroo Bonsai was fond of this
catch phrase: "No matter where you go, there you are!" and it came to mind
several times during the trip. Even though you were sitting there in a
paradise, your inclination to find fault in a situation will eventually find
its way to the surface in spite of your nearly ideal situation. You can see
it in my posts - as the novelty diminished a little over time and the
islands began to hold fewer surprises, I got bored from time to time, and
said so. So regardless of where you travel, you bring yourself and therefore
your baggage with you.

So if you are a person who already finds delight in a perfectly ripened
tomato, or finding a good parking space, long term cruising is for you.
There are so many of these little delights to be found, and many of the
things you take for granted (like good beef, good produce, easy access to
fuel, machines that do your laundry and dishes) become delights when you
find them. Of course, if you are that person, you are finding delight in
ordinary things every day, and probably have no need to cruise to be
delighted.

If you are a malcontent, and wondering if there is a better way out there,
long term cruising may not be for you, since you will revert to being
discontented after the novelty wears off. Paradoxically you are the person
who needs the stimulation and change.

The truth seems to be in between. The change of scenery and exposure to
other cultures has been helpful in putting minor irritants into perspective.
I know that the experience has helped me appreciate all we have here in the
states, and all I enjoy in my overly blessed life. But the new cruiser would
be wrong to expect cruising to be a panacea.