US Thanksgiving,

[JeanneP]

I love our Thanksgiving. It's a holiday devoted to friends, family, good cheer, and lots of food without the distractions of nationalism, politics, or religion. We can all, whatever nationality, faith, or political persuasion, celebrate together.

As I get older friends and family become ever more precious to me. This is a year for which I have lots to be thankful for. The cruising community is part of my extended family, and you have all been most generous, helpful, and pleasant to know through this board, and to you all I extend my thanks.

Now for two days of a houseful of people! I love it!

Have a wonderful day to all our US friends.

Our first introduction to "Thanksgiving" was to join up with a whole bunch of Americans at a restuarant in Phuket, Thailand. We felt so honoured to be invited and had a fantastic time - experiencing pumpkin pie for the first time ever. We're absolutely "sold" on the whole wonderful experience.

We're jealous!

[Sailboatman]

The Holidays are a very special time for me and especially my wife. As we get closer to our ‘start cruising date’ there seems to be more hesitation because of the feeling of missing family and friends. Could you shed some insight as to how you have over come this and your thoughts on having a house for family to use or for us to return to.

Thank you,

Keep the water out of the boat and the boat in the water.

[Nausikaa]

Jeanne was absolutely right when writing about the holidays. As I get older, holidays and traditions become increasingly important to me too. This is especially true in our modern world where families are spread accross the globe. We must take every opportunity to gather the clans and do some serious bonding.

I remember my first Christmas without deep snowdrifts ouside the house. It was celebrated on the beach in Durban in 1971 with thousands of others. I had a great time and really appreciated the warm South African hospitality and friendship I experienced there. Since then, I have spent many a Christmas in southern Africa. I loved the Christmas mornings spent at the braai (non Afrikaans speakers read BBQ) at our house in Windhoek, preparing the gemsbok (oryx) steak which, when served, was washed down with a bottle or two of pinotage. Great times, but still not the Christmases of my childhood.

This year all the family will be gathereed to celebrate Christmas in Sweden again. In fact, it will be the first Swedish Christmas for our youngest son (7 y.o.) who was born in Africa. I am so looking forward to the event. Not only will it be an opportunity to gather the clan and enjoy just being together but it will also be a poignant reminder of those family members who are no longer with us.

Whatever holidays forum members celebrate, I hope they are great ones.

aye,

Stephen

Yacht NAUSIKAA