HOME SWEET HOME

Alright now... it's been 1 year... 2 months... 23 days... and 16 hours... since I moved to the Caribbean Island of Curacao... First off, I've found myself an opportunity to learn 3 languages, relive my 20's, hone my Latin dancing... and find MYSELF, spiritually and physically under this well built shell.  I feel compelled to start writing about this place, my home, that afforded me all these amazing gifts.  Thus far, I have continued to write about my process... however, now I've started to look around and really enjoy this place for what it is.  And given that every time I came through Immigrations I claimed to be a travel writer (until legally acquiring residency)... I ought to keep a bit of truth in that and let you all have a glimpse into my paradise, my reality... Also I now have a residency here, so, I'm clear!

It's quite amazing to feel at home some where, when you never felt it any where.  I often experience people careen over stories of their grandmothers kitchen, or the backyard bbq's, or the holidays growing up... I never had that feeling, no sob story, just isn't part of my "story" growing up.  I often searched for it, open to any and all opportunities, following the breeze as it floated me off to locations all over the US.  However, always curious of other cultures, I often had International friends, or took up learning new cultures through cooking classes or reading, as a way of curing my craving for diversity.  And now, having allowed the wind to drop me swiftly on a spot of land in the middle of the Caribbean Sea... oddly enough, I feel as though, I have found a place where, while a complete and utter foreigner, I fit in more completely than any where I have ever known, while still maintaining a bit of novel uniqueness. 

There is something to be said for a European Island... in which you get the best of a European life style, AND the laid back culture of the Caribbean.  First off, Europeans don't work too hard, they work just enough, and know how to keep a balance.  Unlike Americans, they value their time at home, with their families, lounging, not rushing off somewhere, not completely absorbed in TV, just sitting, and eating and visiting with friends and families.  They don't let work "own" their lives, they work to live, not live to work.  Now add a healthy dose of the Caribbean breeze, and Rum, and sunshine, and swaying palm trees... and you get the MOST relaxed environment known to man.  Another added bonus, we are not the most touristy island around, so we kind of keep to ourselves... no copious amounts of annoying tourist wandering around, trampling on our reality, or raising prices, or spoiling our well kept secret. 

There is enough rum, and beer, Caribbean Latin infused music to go around... Given that I am one of few Americans on the island... I am often asked when I will go back to the US... and I say if the wind blows hard enough to send me back (that would take a Tsunami btw)...plus I can't imagine living in the US again, not after this lifestyle... it's far too comfortable and manageable... I'M HERE TO STAY, YOU'RE STUCK WITH ME CURACAO (This one's for you Love).....

Cheers!

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