Sunday, June 30, 2013

Heaven on earth

George is a  tall thin black man from Great Britain. He landed on St. Martin several years ago to live and work on the beach ... literally! During the day he built elaborate sand castles that people would snap pictures of them for tips. At night, he slept beside the giant Santa Claus or mermaids by  the sea.

A year later he progressed to renting chairs and umbrellas to visitors. At night he slept in one of the lounge chairs.

This year he is a waiter at "Andy and Cheryl's Baywatch", a popular beach shack with really good food.

"When I was 23," he says in his English accent that throws me off because of his black skin for some reason, "I wore a tie and worked in an office. I hated it so I quit. I wanted to see the beaches of the world and that's what I've spent my life doing."

Nodding in agreement, I completely understand. I live at the beach and am vacationing on my favorite beach which George calls home.

"What's the favorite place you've lived," Sarah asks.

"Bora Bora," he immediately replies. "I was there 20 years ago. I'd like to go back but you never can you know. It's too developed now. I would hate it. But back then it was the most beautiful place I've ever seen."

Bora Bora is on my bucket list and I'm distraught to hear of its development.

"I'm going to retire next year when I turn 50," George continues. Then I'm going to Australia. I haven't been there yet."

My mind reals. How do you retire at 50? Why would you stop doing what you're doing now? Why leave here when you have a job with the most incredible views?

George is suddenly my hero!

I'm often asked what is it about St. Martin that has captured me so. The island can be crowded and crazy. It takes a long time to go shopping and there are no Wall Mart's for convenience. The Euro is still smacking the dollar.

Then I get to Orient Bay and the world changes. The constant crashing of the waves on the reef. The green mountains that fall down into the Caribbean Sea. The powder white sand and constant Trade Winds. Coconuts, large green Geckos and other islands rising out of sea in the distance all take my breath away.

I try to share it with others and they often struggle with my love of this place. I don't care. This place has anchors tethered to my heart. It's hard to explain but this is my version of heaven. I can't get enough of being here and will always come back.

People talk about heaven on earth.

I've found mine.