This Friday’s post is the second in our guest series- a post from Becky, with a bit of sweet sweet friendship nostalgia mixed ❤
When Lindsay shared the news that she and Paul bought a boat, were living on it, and sailing the Caribbean, I was delighted but not surprised. It seemed like a very Lindsay thing to do, and after meeting Paul, it seems like a very Lindsay and Paul thing to do.
Being the extremely gracious hostess that she is, Lindsay messaged me that I should come visit. After reading these blog posts for a year, I knew that they were adept sailors that hadn’t sunk the Tintas and their previous visitors seem to be genuinely smiling in photos. After arranging that St. Thomas at the end of March would be the ideal conditions to meet, within 2 days my plane ticket was booked.
Lindsay & Becky on the Tintas, British Virgin Islands
I know better than to show up to someone’s home without bringing anything. I figured Lindsay and Paul must have something they miss from the contiguous USA. The ‘boat tax’ golden items seem to be Trader Joe’s bags of cashews and almonds- Thai chili & lime, mesquite smoked, buffalo style, and ‘chile’ & garlic. From Jan (Lindsay’s mom), I learned girl scout cookies will likely win you a return invite.
If I could do it over, now I know that Paul needs the travel size sriracha keychain. They can send you a special duffle to be filled with whatever flashlights, medicine, Grocery Outlet finds, and tools that would cost an arm and leg or be nonexistent overseas. The only other preparation I did was studying a video from Lindsay explaining the boat toilet. Not going to lie, I found it scary and foreign. I’m happy to report back that I did master it- the trick is to put your back into it and really pump it out with force!
When you first visit, Paul and Lindsay will likely pick you up by dinghy. Their excitement and happiness will match yours, despite them experiencing this as daily life. Then, it’s the reality of seeing if you can handle #boatlife. I’m fortunate to not experience any kind of motion or seasickness, but even I took the Dramamine. I knew not to be the person or bring anyone that would be foolish enough to be puking all over the pristine white Tintas. If you pass this simple test of being pre-emptive with your medicine, Paul and Lindsay will likely offer you the option of setting sail.
Dena, Becky, Lindsay and Paul aboard the Tintas
Life on the boat is calm, exciting, relaxing, different, and comfortable all at once. You can jump off the boat to swim. You can sit with your legs dangling in the ocean and see marine life without even going in because the water is so clear. Paul can show you how to steer the boat. Lindsay can show you how to raise the sails. We saw dolphins, sea turtles, and birds. The sunsets were orange and pink and when fish jumped out of the water. We ordered from a floating business that serves pizza from their boat. At night I liked looking at the stars before the breeze and waves lulled me to sleep. The couch was extremely easy to nap on and the beds are large.
We went into town and drank fresh fruit smoothies, ate pastries with spiced crusts, fresh sushi, and tropical flavored ice cream. We went watch shopping, into art galleries, stared at lizards crossing the street and found stray cats to pet. We tried local beers and the famous Painkiller cocktail. Lindsay and Paul told us the unfiltered, exclusive boat stories that they can’t share on this blog. We used Korean face masks to hydrate our exquisitely tanned skin.
Dena, Becky, Lindsay and Paul, St. John USVI
The boat feels like a home. It’s apparent how much care Lindsay and Paul have for the boat and for each other. They help each other finish the daily NYT crossword without fail. Paul makes everyone a refreshing cocktail and Lindsay makes sure there is a fresh pot of coffee every morning. Paul washes the deck and Lindsay uses the washing machine (there is one on board!). There are pictures and art of their loved ones. They play music and turn on fairy lights at night for a magical and romantic vibe. We even used placemats and cloth napkins for dinner.
I met Lindsay 15 years ago studying abroad in Barbados while living on the same dorm floor. We became instant friends and she felt like a big sister to me. We went all over the island together- from beaches, to town, the jungle, in caves, floating on top of the waves to diving the depths of the sea. We met all kinds of people and met different parts of ourselves. We lived life the fullest we could every day. We were in our early twenties, moving towards our lives ahead of us fueled by our passions and dreams. If I was having a rough day, Lindsay took me to the beach or on a dive. She made me pancakes.
Vintage Lindsay & Bec, Barbados 2008
Perhaps this is what makes this even more beautiful and amazing. Lindsay and Paul continue to show that it’s worth it to dream. Any fears or unknowns Paul and Lindsay work through them- together. They’re on a grand adventure- together. If they’re feeling sick or down, they take care of each other. They laugh together. They marvel together at the vast beauty the world has been showing them. It’s special for me to not only see that Lindsay still has the same thirst for life from when I met her, but she’s found the same in Paul.
A few things were obvious after Lindsay and I left Barbados long ago. Some people and places just pull a connection out of you- instantly and repeatedly throughout time. It was no question to me that we would meet, have more adventures again, and return to the Caribbean. If you are as lucky as I am to visit, it is truly an unforgettable vacation. I’m grateful for this once in a lifetime experience but even more so to continue my friendship with Lindsay and Paul.
Paul & Lindsay, BVI
The Author- Rebecca Lee first met Lindsay in 2008 in Cavehill, Barbados- and are still great friends and occasional travel buddies 🙂
TIBURON MARINO 