Trying to be more social

When I was in Sag Harbor, most Crew lived on their boats. So I had a group of friends to hang out with. Here there are very few, and most of them are Cuban, Puerto Rican or Columbian so English is limited. My boss keeps encouraging me to venture out so I have a circle of friends.

I haven’t felt the need to, as I really enjoy my alone time when I’m not working. But lately I’ve felt it’s time. I really do need to get out and get off the boat.

The only people I talk to on a daily basis are the dock hands. All very nice guys. One in particular tells me all of the time he’s going to show me miami. His English is pretty good. He’s lived here since 1987. About a month ago he was cruising by on the golf cart. I was cleaning our outdoor shower. He stopped. I mentioned, that is one thing I miss working on this boat there are only showers, no baths. Later he text me of a local hotel that has big jacuzzi bubble baths.

Day before yesterday he swings by and asks what Im doing tomorrow. I said work until 11:30. He says let’s go see miami. Not too enthused, but I do need to get off the boat. He picks me up and takes me here

He buys bubbles and I say Raul…I’m not getting in the tub. I barely know you. He said “eets okay, I stay own my sigh“. I laughed and said absolutely not Raul. I never moved from the couch in the entry way. It was a very clean, well decorated establishment that happens to rent rooms by the hour. He thought he’d need 4. I ordered some Cuban food for delivery. We ate, drank some wine and beer. Then got a knock on the door. Our 4 hours are up

THANK GOD.

He was genuinely sad that I didn’t enjoy the tub on my afternoon off the boat.