Idalis:
Hue, Vietnam (six weeks ago):
Sweaty and tired, after miles of walking around Hue city, dodging crazy moto drivers and storm clouds, Kevin and I find an oasis: a small Vietnamese cafe. We sit, grateful for the shade and respite. A smiling couple is sitting next to us, enjoying their Sodoku puzzles and fresh fruit shakes. We exchange greetings, where are you froms, and ridiculous travel stories. Several hours and many fruit shakes later, we've become fast friends. Darrel and Loretta, the friendly Canadian couple, are our new role models. They left Canada five years ago to live their dream: to sail around the world on their catamaran. They've been to the most exotic places imaginable (Bora Bora, San Blas,etc.) and expect to finish their first circumnavigation in a few years. After a few more weeks of overland travel in Vietnam, they'll go back to their boat, which is in Malaysia. They'll be in Pulau Langkawi for several months, so if we're interested, “Come see us on CanKata!”
Telaga Harbor, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia (six weeks later)
At the small marina, Kevin walks up the several flights to the Harbor Master's office. Tuning in to channel 69, he reads out the greeting we've been told to say, “CanKata, CanKata, CanKata. This is Vagalong!” Ten minutes later, Darrel and Loretta are picking us up in their dingy, with many adventures awaiting us!
CanKata is a beautiful boat. It is a Privelege 37 catamaran that is SPOTLESS! It has a total of three berths, two heads, lots of space on the cockpit, and my personal favorite: trampolines (not for jumping!) on the bow where you can relax and listen to the sound of the dual hauls sliding through the water. Perfect napping environment!
Our time on CanKata with Darrel and Loretta flew by. We cruised around the island of Langkawi for nine days, enjoying the knife-edged peaks and ocean waters. Our day trips were so much fun! While in Telaga Harbor, we visited a waterfall and bathed in it's cool waters. Too bad I got ten leeches on my butt from it! We hiked up a hill and at the top we were rewarded with views of . . . a U-turn sign! But bloody bottoms and anti-climactic treks couldn't spoil our mood. Kevin and I took a cable car that went up to Langkawi's highest peak and gave us aerial views of parts of the island. While docked in Tanjung Rhu, Darrel and Loretta took us on their dingy to visit some caves, see some mischievous monkeys, and watch the famous Langkawi eagles being fed. Being on their boat was so peaceful, and Kevin and I got to see secret spots and hidden coves that we would never have been able to experience otherwise.
If our day trips were fun, then our nights were a blast. Boy do “cruisers” know how to party! Darrel and Loretta introduced us to the tradition of the evening “sundowner.” One night's liberal consumption of Mekong whisky, although fun at the time, proved to be our demise the next day. We had to sail through choppy waters, and as CanKata's crew, we were all looking green around the gills! Every night was filled with laughter. We learned how to play new card games (Winners and Losers) and Farkle, a dice game that we didn't tire of! Darrel and Loretta showed off their telepathic abilities with Snaps and Clicks, and drove us crazy because we couldn't figure out their secret language! Some nights we just stayed up talking into the wee hours about everything under the sun: politics, travel, religion, and the infamous burka.
Not everything on CanKata is fun and games, though. Darrel and Loretta work hard, getting up early every morning to perform chores and keep the boat in tip top shape. Things that seem harmless on land, like salt water and heat, can wreak havoc on a boat. They've come up with a calendar system to make sure everything gets checked routinely, and their suggestions have been published as articles in cruiser magazines. Their hard work and attention to detail has paid off. CanKata is a beautiful boat, and their pride shows through in its immaculate condition.
Darrel and Loretta, Kevin and I will always be grateful for the hospitality and friendship you've extended to us. It was a pleasure and an honor being aboard CanKata. We are so happy that you two, an amazing and loving couple, are living out your dreams. Thank you so much for this opportunity and we look forward to the next barrel of laughs with you. May the rum be cheap in every port and may you never have sand in your mud! Terima kasih!
6 comments:
At first, I was shocked! I thought, "Dear Lord, the traveling has turned Kevin into a white haired old man!" Then I realized that was the picture of a monkey. Sheeew! I was so happy to see a new post. And I wondered why Idalis was posting something from so long ago when there had been posts between 6 weeks ago and now. Then I got it! It pays to read on. How wonderful that you were able to meet such a neat couple. I am so jealous of the time you got to spend on their catamaran...even if you didn't get to jump on the trampoulines. It sounds like it was wonderful. I am always so happy when I read posts in which you have met other kind people. It seems that you have been so blessed in the people you've met and the experiences you have had. Your first year of travel has been nothing short of amazing and inspiring. Keep up the good times and the posts. Keep living the dream! Love and hugs to you both!
"Wow" what a dream to be able to meet another couple (Darrel and Loretta), traveling the World in a catamaran , and to be so lucky to befriend them and get a chance to travel with them on this incredible journey around islands in malaysia. "WoW" I could be so lucky! "Hurray to our northern neighbor Canada and this friendly couple. May they be blessed of God for such a friendly offer to our two loved ones. I pray they will continue to be safe in their future travels. Each post you guys put up on this blog just keep getting better and better. You guys are incredible ambassadors to the rest of the world as you vagalong and bring us with you as you travel. It was really great to be able to speak to you guys on skype last night. We got the chance to re-introduce you to "Diti" through the camera hook-up, so glad that you could see your little girl, your nephew, sibling, and parents. Sure was great to reminence and hear about your travels, were you will be traveling to next and friends from here in the good old U.S.A. that you will be hooking up with during your travels. Adventures, Adventures, Adventures, galore. CanKata!, CanKata!, CanKata, in Pulaue Langkawi, Pulaue Langkawi, Pulau Langkawi, Telaga Harbor, Telaga Harbor, Telaga Harbor, Malaysia, Malaysia, Malaysia, This is Vagalong1, Vagalong!, Vagalong!, and just ten minutes later you are escorted in a dingy on your way to an island hopping nine day journey, all I can say is "Wow" I'm stoked.!. Idalis, I hope you didn't get any leeches while swimming the pristine ocean waters you sailed through and took dips in. I'm sure you really enjoyed the caves and monkeys,and hidden parts of that part of the world that you may not otherwise have been able to see. O.K. that's enough for now. We love you and miss you very much. Our hearts go with you on your journeys.
Love Pop-a-Long
Hey sweet both of you....after a long time I checked your blog again and it is nice to see you still enjoying your trip very much...i am fine enjoying summer in Germany and already planning my next winter trip to Mysore :) :) If any plans to come to germany (in your next trip;-)) feel always invited! I send you warm hugs and my best wishes,
KEEP IN TOUCH:) Tanja
Did Kevin get a new tat? Maybe he could do an audio article for TAT-TALK Radio.
Hey I haven't written because I know if I did you both would get so home sick you would return to Miami in days.
All good here. Flatter than ever. NO WAVES EVER!
Keep it up.
Peace and Progress!
W Y A T T
Kevin and Idalis,
What kind and wonderful words you have for the adventures you shared with my parents! I can assure you that they'll too forever cherish the time they spent with you, and will always look forward to more opportunities to drive you crazy with Snaps and Clicks.
Enjoy your travels,
Dylan
PS - I know the S&C secret, and will share it for a small fee, ha ha ha...
What a great experience! There is nothing like travelling by catamaran. Taking naps on the nets are the very best. You guys look and sound so happy. We miss you and are always excited to read about your next adventure. Big hugs,
Cristy and Gael
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