Liming Bequia-style
“If you enjoyed the time you wasted, then it wasn’t wasted time.” (John Lennon)
”Today is Wednesday, January 5, 2025,” I announced confidently, opening my last stint hosting the Bequia Cruisers’ Net Wednesday morning( *Cruisers’ Net: harbor-wide radio announcements, typically each weekday at 8 am in areas where a lot of cruisers gather). Wait, I thought, gripping my full coffee cup and shaking my head, my eyes widening. “Correction! Today is Wednesday, February 5, 2025. At least I have the right year!” I chuckled. “It’s like a good version of Hotel California. We never want to leave.”
It was my last morning hosting because Joe and I discussed taking the next available weather window to slowly make our way back to Grenada, taking some time to explore. We have three exciting engagements in Grenada during the month of March. First up- replacing our original Perkins 4108 engine with a shiny, new Beta 50. Second- thanks to dear, generous friends- replacing our current AGM battery system with lithium batteries, which will almost double our battery bank. Third- but not third in my heart- anticipating visits from family!
We planned to leave at the end of the week after Joe hosted his last hike, a “pub crawl,”a departure from miles of hot, hilly marches up and down the island. I wanted to attend one “last” fabulous yoga class at the outdoor yoga pavilion in Lower Bay. Of course there were chores: Joe scrubbed the growth gathering on the anchor chain and hull of the boat. Our dinghy engine needed attention. Again. We were going to need to provision, top off water, and leave with a clean boat-topsides and below deck.
We anticipated a date night, watching the first play of five hosted by the Bequia International Theatre Festival. I thought we’d slowly divest ourselves of the “community responsibilities” we’d taken on, saying good-bye to new friends and this island whose rhythms and routines have become familiar to us. We’ve begun to know the time of day, not only by the angle of the sun, but the extra-long ferry whistle at 6:30 am rousing us from sleep if we aren’t already awake. We know which vegetable vendor has fresh mint and basil on which day. When we are home, we try to be in the cockpit each evening for sunset and to watch the turtle with the 3-foot diameter shell poke their head up nearby.
We don’t remember what day we originally planned to go because it doesn’t matter. We are still here. The weather forecast deteriorated once again. Lumpy seas and rolly anchorages would make our planned stops in Mayreau and Tobago Cays less enjoyable. Remembering that old sailing adage, “Misery is optional,” we dug in. Our anchor thankfully has.
After singing our hearts out during John Lennon: A Man of the Decade, we bought tickets to the next play. To be clear to those of you who are familiar with our singing, the audience was invited-commanded even- to sing along as Randy Noojin, writer/actor/singer strummed his guitar and led us through an enchanting evening of storytelling and John Lennon’s songs. It was one of those performances that brought everyone together over “Imagine.” During Tuesdays with Morrie, we exchanged glances as tears leaked from our eyes and from those around us. Bequia. Where else can you watch great theatre that explores the meaning of life while the surf gently lapping the beach provides its own soundtrack?
The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” Morrie Schwartz
We added a two-tank dive on Thursday. About 50 feet below the surface, our dive master, Tristan, parted some plants to reveal six-inch seahorses, their regal stature defying the current that had me working to stay in place. At the wreck of a sunken sailboat, an octopus extended an arm to slap Tristan’s hand from his hiding place inside, rejecting the offer of a live conch, reminding us of a displeased toddler or a crotchety old aunt(you pick). Parrot fish were close enough for us to touch. A two-foot long barracuda regarded us curiously before moving on. The magic of being visitors in another world kept us enchanted before we reluctantly returned to the surface.
Somehow another week sped by. After our hike to Paradise Cove on Friday and doubles from local entrepreneur, Amanda, we filled our bags with produce. Joe took his first sail on our friends’ catamaran, Snoopin’ Around, on Saturday. I opted for a day of reading and quiet. The sunlight revealed that weeks of fun have happened, so I spent several hours scrubbing cabinet doors, the galley, and so on, before sketching, reading and catching up with family.
A few Fridays ago, our hike took us to Paget, the other side of the island. Much of the town and roads are said to be unchanged over the last 40 years. It is the site, however, of the local airport, and the resort, the Liming. Liming, we’ve learned, is the art of hanging around, enjoying the scene. It often takes place in a public place. The term liming even made it into Lionel Richie’s song, All Night Long. “We’re going to party, liming, Fiesta, forever. Come on and sing along.”
Bequia has been our place to do just that this winter. We watched many people sail in-and out- of the harbor. We welcomed our daughter, Britta and our friend, Patty. We celebrated Christmas, then New Year’s. Full moons. Our time is drawing to a close yet we know there is more here we want to explore. The wind, weather, and our own schedule are calling us to other ports. I have more to write about this island, but excuse me, it is time to look for that turtle and watch the splendid show the sun puts on twice daily. P.S. I have fresh mint and some limes.
Love all those Cheekie pictures! And Smilie too!
So sorry to hear about Perkins (not). He lived a good life and received more attention than was deserved, but certainly served Adiona very well for low these many decades!
Always a good read!