#3 Three Years &
on the SAILBOAT
After so many experiences in South America, I decided to take some time to just travel and get to know new cultures as much as possible. After a sabbatical year visiting 27 countries around the world, I felt a strong desire to explore and go into the unknown.
At that time of the championship I had already visited approximately 50 countries. But because they were western countries where the culture was very similar to ours, I missed getting to know something new. I felt a need to experience cultures that were completely opposite to what I knew so far.
Years ago I had the wish of live on a sailboat and be able to take my house across the seven seas. It didn't take much thought to come to the conclusion that Asia would be the best destination to make this dream come true. So on December 31st, 2012 I landed in Bangkok all alone, having never been to Asia before and determined to fulfill this dream.
I spent three long months of intense research, talking to several sailors in search of the ideal place to buy my boat. Coincidentally I ended up finding one in Malaysia, very close to where I was. I went to visit him for a weekend and as soon as my eyes caught sight of him I was sure this was what I had always dreamed of. I had never slept a night on a boat. At 16:30 in the afternoon I was making the purchase. At 5:30 pm he was already inside and did not leave for the next 3 years, living full time.
After the ecstasy of buying and realizing my dream, there I was with no bed, bathroom, kitchen, closet and nothing else inside. I had to learn about woodworking, electrical, hydraulics, painting, fiberglass, mechanics and construction in general.
Today I am very proud to say that 90% of the construction of my boat was all done with my own hands.
The biggest learning I took from all this was a total empowerment.
Today I feel capable of accomplishing anything. The boat gives you an expertise: you have to solve things the moment they happen, you can't procrastinate or you'll sink. There are no second chances at sea.
For me, life is a matter of dynamics, of always being able to move and make things happen. And for that I am very grateful to the boat, and the experience of living on it for three years. Once you've tasted the true taste of freedom, it's impossible to go back.