Sailing: A Brief Summary

Every time I tell people here that I just got done sailing and I'm exhausted, they look at me like I'm crazy. Then I explain to them what my day was like, and they tell me I shouldn't say I was sailing because it sounds like I'm just sitting and cruising on a boat all day. So, I figured that I'd explain my experiences here for a greater audience to know, and also, honestly, to help me verbalize it better.

I sail on a boat called Andiamo. It is owned by a late 30s (I think) man, who is called Tails (real alias= Andrew). There is a permanent crew of 9, most of whom have been sailing with Tails since he bought the boat 12 years ago. It is a 60 ft boat (Dont remember what kind), and it has a lot of expensive and complicated accessories to make it really fast, so they typically sail with 12 people when they're not offshore, which is why I am invited along for the harbor races that they participate in most Saturdays (run through the Port Nicholson Yacht Club, the Club where I took the Skills course). When Tails bought the boat him and his friends did not know too much about sailing, which I really think is cool because they all became dedicated to becoming good at it together. They developed a system where after a race, they would have a debriefing to discuss what went wrong, and whoever messed up the most, had to take this Barbie doll with them to the bar wherever they were, and then display that Barbie doll all week at work (they even get into each other's work buildings to make sure the rules are being followed). After 12 years and many, many mistakes, but also many, many successes they are extremely accomplished sailors. Their knowledge of the wind and its affects on the boat and the surroundings is absolutely astounding, along with their knowledge of all sails and parts of the boat. Even though they are really good at sailing, they are not pretentious in any way, in fact they are often pretty vulgar, but that makes the boat fun to be on...if they didn't get a long so well- like to the point where they can openly criticize and take criticism, then it would not be a sustainable racing boat.

For me, a typical harbor racing day consists of arriving around 11. I help bring sails down from the shed and then try to help out getting the boat ready to go. Usually, I'm extremely intimidated, and try to remain out of the way because I'm not sure what to be doing. After sunscreen, filling up water and final checks, we're on our way around 12. We then sail around checking new stuff out around the harbor (boats, statues that have been put in, or last week there were dragon boat races) and then head out a little bit to start testing out the wind and figuring out how we're gonna start the course. By 1 we've usually started the race. My job is either to adjust the runners in the back, or help at the bow. I get really nervous every time I have to do my job, not because I don't know what to do, but because I feel so out of my element around these people, that I do not want to mess up. Most often, I get to my post with the correct timing and only need to be told what to do a couple of times, but those times are rather intimidating. I usually wind up with bruises all over my legs, b/c the most important thing is throwing your body over to the other side of the boat at the proper times, and getting to where you need to be, no matter who or what is in your way. Depending on my job--pulling in the sails, the kite, hoisting the sails or grinding, I usually get my heart pumping pretty fast after every tack or jibe.

The boat we're on is the biggest out of the fleet that sails in the harbor races, so the race is basically against the handicap, yet they are still very focused on the other boats making sure they're are aware of absolutely every moment. One persons sole job is to call the wind. The other boat that Andiamo used to have a rivalry with had some major crew problems a couple weeks of ago. They could no longer get along, so the owner decided to put the boat up for sail. Even though Andiamo loved to hate this boat, they were disappointed b/c it meant less real competition for them on the water. I found it interesting that they immediately began to discuss any crew they might want to grab from the boat...they decided no, because everyone on that boat had been rather disrespectful to the crew members on our boat, one throwing his beer bottle onto the dock when they were done sailing one day.

After we finish the races and derig the boat. Everyone loosens up and brings out lots of alcohol. They make rum and cokes, poor wine and serve beer while they talk about the race and everything else going on in their lives--the exchange rate, the government, moving houses, setting up a farm, their kids. It's really interesting to be a part of, and a nice change from the conversation of 20 somethings. We then close up the boat and head down the road to the yacht club. This is where everyone from the day's races gathers for more drinks, socializing, and the reading of the results. I usually only hang round for one drink b/c it gets awkward since I don't really know that many people. Around 7, I leave in a great mood, a little more bruised, but happy for doing spending the day on the beautiful harbor, racing a sail boat and learning an immense amount more about the sport.

Weekly thoughts

The past few weeks have been the type that make me never want to leave Wellington. The relaxed summer atmosphere of the town, combined with the fabulous, long sunny days and moderate temperatures. The soccer games every Thursday evening. The sailing every Saturday. My close friendship with my flatmates and other Kiwis and Americans I've met here all make me feel like I've found another place where I belong. The major drawback at the moment is the face that I'm going insane not being mentally challenged at my job. Today, b/c the database was down, I was on the verge of tears as I sat in a back closet filing papers. I did not spend hours learning over the past sixteen some years of my life to sit in a closet filing seemingly meaningless papers (they were horse passports...). While I accept the fact that I do need those little experiences to help me appreciate the bigger ones, today was rather rough. Thankfully, I had a good evening making pizza and watching House and Boston Legal with Richard and Dan so that made me end the day with a smile on my face. And, since falling asleep with a smile on one's face is the best sign of how they're doing in life, I would say I'm doing pretty well.

Yesterday evening was a summer night I will remember forever. Vault, the energy drink, sponsored a free concert in the park that is located below my flat's deck. Therefore, I spent the night outside listening to my favorite Kiwi band, Opshop, while hanging out with friends and meeting some new people (friends of friends, who all loved our prime seating!). The music and company was great, and it was a perfect way to start a week. PS I will be playing everyone Opshop's music as soon as I get back to the states, so get ready for some greatness!

This weekend, instead of sailing on Saturday (which I'm sad to pass up, as I was flattered to have been put on their schedule by the boat's 'manager') I am going to a Sheep Shearing competition. As my friend Sarah put it, this will surely be a great sociological experiment. I figured that there will be times in the future to sail in my life, but I'm not sure how many sheep shearing competitions are going to pop up. We're taking the 9am train out of the city, which I heard is a beautiful train ride and then spending the day at the farm. I will be sure to take lots of pictures.

Some Deep Thoughts...

The other day as I was "Gchatting" with Matt Hunt, he brought up a really good point that I can't seem to get out of my head. While it’s not a new point, it hit me at the exact moment that I was experiencing similar thoughts, hence why it resonated with me. What is it about our culture that we feel like we have to accomplish everything right away? Why is it that at 23, I get mini-panic attacks that I haven’t done enough yet? From the outside, it looks like I’ve done an amazing amount in my 23 years. I mean in the past two years I’ve studied at the University of Edinburgh, travelled throughout Europe, attended the Olympics, had an internship in NYC, had an amazing senior year both socially and academically, graduated with honors and the history prize, and moved to the other side of the world, by myself. Yet, there are often times when I’m walking down the street or reading an article when all of the sudden my heart will start to beat really fast, and in that instant I start to lose my normal confidence in myself. I think, ok well you’ve had all these amazing experiences. You are really fortunate to have been given such amazing opportunities, now what are you going to do with it? How are YOU going to make a lasting, positive difference in this world?
I have yet to get closer to figuring it out, but maybe that’s not the problem. Maybe figuring it out is the fun part. I learned early on it’s the journey that’s the best part. Amber and I got lost for 2 hours going to Westport. I’m sure we had a great time when we arrived at our destination, but it’s the journey I remember, and will always remember. I’m loving my journey so far, I have made, and continue to make amazing friendships. I am learning an immense amount about looking at others, and the world from variety of angles. Since I’m still in the midst of this particular journey it is too early to tell what exactly I’m getting from it, but I hope that come May I will have learned to deal with that “panicky” feeling of not accomplishing enough just yet in healthy way. I hope that I will have gained the necessary perspective to be able to step back and realize I still have a heck of a lot more ahead of me, in terms of time and more importantly, opportunity to use my experiences to make that lasting and positive impression on the world.

Funny Questions

I've decided to keep a list of the interesting questions I get while traveling:

• Do you know all the states in America? How do you know them all? Aren't there a lot?
• What's with the red cups at all the parties in American movies?
• Are you afraid someone is going to pull a gun on you when you walk down the street?
• Are all the houses like the ones on 'Desperate Housewives'?
• Are their cheerleaders like the ones in 'Bring it On'?
• Everyone in Ohio is a Bible Pusher aren't they?
• Do you have road rage in America? They probably have guns in their cars don't they?
• Are their McDonalds everywhere?
• Do you see a lot of famous people?

Valentine's Day in the Summer

Feb 14th in Wellington and its barely noticeable that it is Valentine's Day. The lack of commercialization is such a welcome change. There are a couple of hearts posted in stores, and some radio station contests to win romantic dates, but no ads, candies, flowers, cards bombarding you every where you turn to remind you that you are single, or if you're not single that you have to spend a lot of money on pointless things for this one day to prove to society you're committed to this relationship. I am not bitter about Valentine's Day, I'm just bitter about how much people spend on it, and I found it very nice here to not have that concept ruin the "Day of Love"

I spent Valentines Day at work and then playing soccer. After a fairly rough game, Dan, Richard and I drove back to the flat. In the car, Dan presented me with a card that he and Richard created for me on Photoshop, with hysterical personalized notes on the inside. We cooked a delicious dinner of chicken and pasta and then had wine and watched Californication with our other flatmate, Chris.

I am looking forward to this weekend, for a number of reasons. Dan just bought a Wii, I am sailing on Saturday, and it's Richard's birthday on Saturday night.

And I'm Back!

I've been back for a little over a week now, and despite my initial hesistations about coming back, I'm glad I did. The weather here has been lovely, and that helps a tremendous amount. Not only in terms of my mood, but also the general feeling of the entire city...there's a summer feeling all over the place. I am relishing this relaxing, casual lifestyle because I know that I will not always have this luxury.

This past week was a four day work week, and I found it rather long. Work at Equestrian Sport is pretty mundane. While I like the people I work with, its a job that is not challenging at all, and that is starting to get to me. I look forward to finding something stimulating when I get back! For now, however, I will continue to find the silver lining and focus on the other great things in life. Outdoor soccer/football started again on Thursday. It was a great time, but really, really hot and sunny, so that was pretty hard. We had no subs, and we played a pretty good team, so it got frustrating at times. I managed to get thrown to the ground 3 times and wound up with a massive black and blue on my shin (the left one this time), but I like having these battle scars, it reminds me of the fun I had out there.

Last night I met up with some friends that I had made when I stayed in a hostel for the first two weeks. It was good to change things up and hang out with other foreigners who are here for the same reason. This morning I did some window shopping on Cuba St, Wellington's eccentric street and read in a new cafe that I found.

A Very, Very Long Trip!!

As I write this entry, I am enjoying the live sounds of the Police. Yup that’s right, they are performing a few blocks away at an outdoor arena, so I can hear them loud and clear, and it’s a pretty good welcoming after the travel experience that I just finished. Many of you know that I was praying that my flight from Boston would be cancelled due to the snow storm, and now I really regret wishing that because I feel like my wishes totally backfired on me! After leaving Boston on Monday, not only on time but also extremely efficiently since like every other flight had been cancelled that day, I got to San Francisco earlier than expected. The flight West was a typical United flight, absolutely no leg room, barely able to see the TV screen and no food. But, the fact that we got there without a hitch made me think that the rest of the trip was going to go smoothly. I even started to get really excited about it because the sun/clouds/mountains out the window were stunning and that put me in a good mood. Also, I watched two podcasts from TED on Richard Branson and JJ Abrams that were so inspiring about doing extraordinary things, that I got so excited about life in general (haha so cheesy but I totally recommend downloading them for free on iTunes and you’ll see what I mean!).
I spent a lot of time reading in the San Fran airport, which was eerily empty for the evening and then all of the sudden the screen by my gate said “Flight to Sydney cancelled please go to United travel desk for further arrangements”. (At the desk we were told it was a mechanical problem, but I remain very skeptical about that). As I was walking to the desk, I immediately wondered if it was cancelled b/c the flight wasn’t going to be close to full. After waiting in line FOREVER, the United travel person gave me a voucher for the Comfort Suites and then told me to go wait for a shuttle. The shuttles were run so inefficiently that I ended up waiting for the shuttle for over an hour. Once getting to the hotel, which was totally not prepared to handle so many people (1 person checking everyone in) I waited in line there for an hour as well. Once I got into my room, I used skype (thank the lord for that invention) to call the travel company that I had booked my flight on to get from Auckland to Wellington to cancel my ticket. I then called United and spent ages on the phone with them trying to work out me getting from Sydney to Auckland whenever my San Fran flight left. That did not work very well, so I woke up early the next morning to catch the first shuttle back to the airport to talk to someone in person. More waiting ensued, until I finally spoke to a supervisor who reassured me that they would put me in a hotel in Sydney when we landed and then get me a ticket on the first flight the next day to Wellington. (Stalin-Juice almost came out before I talked to the supervisor…I knew that when I landed in Sydney it was going to be late and there was a high possibility that they would have no idea that they needed to put me in a hotel and I would be stranded).
Ok so after finally getting on the plane in San Fran, they keep telling us to hurry b/c there is a curfew for flights into Sydney. We sit on the runway for what seems like forever, and so we leave late. As we’re going, I notice that the estimated time of arrival on the tv screen seems to be getting later. The flight was painfully long, due to again no leg room, the budget tv screens that you could barely see, and the poor movies. Then all of the sudden the captain comes on and says “Long flights like this one are like a symphony, and when the symphony gets thrown off like it did in San Francisco, it is often difficult to get it back on track, and that is unfortunately the case right now. There are unexpected thunderstorms in Sydney, and so we have to land in Brisbane for the night.” Ok, so we’re not stupid, and all of us immediately suspected that it was because we were not going to make it to Sydney before the curfew. When we landed we were “greeted” by a flight interruption company, that was really ill-prepared to handle 350 jet lagged customers. After getting our bags, our flight formed a line that stretched around the entire baggage claim area and waited in line for over an hour to receive our hotel assignments. This time, however, the shuttle system was much better, since it was a company that does this all the time and we had big coach buses to bring us to our hotels. I arrived at the hotel and checked in right away (such a relief!), and ended up in an awesome room at 12:30 am Brisbane time. After showering I collapsed into bed. I then was awoken by a phone call at 5 informing me that they rebooked me on a flight to NZ that left at 11:30. I was relieved that I would have some time to relax in this awesome suite! Except at 20 of 6, I received another call saying that the shuttle to the airport was coming in 40 min. Since I had no other way of getting to the airport, and was still slightly unsure how the ticketing was going to work, I had to get on this shuttle with the rest of the group. On our ride to the airport we chatted with the bus driver about our flight issues, and we asked him if he often is shuttling people that had to land in Brisbane unexpectedly. He replied yes, all the time, because a number of flights cant make the curfew in Sydney, and its actually cheaper to fly into Brisbane, and put up everyone at hotels than to pay the fine to the Sydney airport! This angered me, but there’s nothing I could do about it except just keep trying to find the good in the situation. I felt really bad for the families with small children that were on this journey, I have no idea how they kept their sanity. I also felt bad for the airline reps that had to deal with the people that were a lot less patient than I was, and had trouble accepting that there was nothing that could really be changed by these reps.
Hungry, thirsty and out of it, all of us passengers flying to NZ (there were only about 10 of us from the whole flight) waited in the hot and humid Brisbane Airport for the Air NZ counter to open at 830…we got there at 640 (I was first J). Eventually someone from that flight interruption company found us and gave us 10 dollar vouchers since we didn’t get breakfast at the hotel which helped everyone feel a lot better about the situation. Once finally checking in, after more long lines, they delayed our flight to Auckland by an hour an half. This meant that I missed my connection to Wellington! However, the airplane that we were on from Brisbane made me so happy, that I was in a good mood the entire flight. It was brand new, lots of room, and tvs in all the head rests with tons of movies and tv to choose from. After going through customs, it hit me how out if it I was…I left my laptop at the customs scanner thingy, and then I left the cart behind as well. When I was standing at the counter waiting for the agent to approve the ticket change to Wellington, a baggage guy asked me if I was alright, I felt like I was in the twilight zone! Finally, I got on the flight to wellington that left an hour later, which was quick and had stunning views coming into the “Harbour City”. I landed at 9 and it was still light out!!
In all, I finished reading The Emperors Children, an issue of Self Magazine and Marie Claire, and read half of a new Marian Keyes book that I bought as an impulse buy while very bored in the San Fran airport (Thank goodness I bought it two because it’s the only thing that got me through all of those lines!!). Despite me not looking forward to coming back and the trip from H-E-double L, my spirits are rather high, and I think that is partly due to the great weather. Although, the wind is already annoying me with how loud it is against my room, and I think it’s going to be an ear plug night!