In 2010, my cousin Claire came to stay on Totem in Bora Bora. Three years later she’s back again, with the unique distinction of still being the only relative to have trekked the miles to visit us (at least until next month, when my parents will meet us in Langkawi!).
photo: Claire Suni
Being far away from people we love can be tough. It’s almost certainly the highest price we pay for this lifestyle. Even though email and video chat make it easier now than the cruisers of yesteryear, there’s still no substitute for being able to be right there with someone. We were in North America for most of our first two years of cruising, but have put awkward "vacation distance" between ourselves and home since then.
Claire’s visit prompted the reprise of a favorite tradition. We play a variant of rummy; an annual tournament back in Bellingham, Washington, has been our de facto annual family reunion for many years. And so it was decreed: the POCRT (Pan Oceanic Chicago Rummy Tournament) would have a regional competition in Malaysia: a championship title with medals, and of course bragging rights for all eternity.
We take card playing very seriously.
My Aunt Glenna had medals made up and delivered to Claire to pack along in her luggage to visit with us.
We needed to wrangle a few more players to get multiple tables going on a tournament, but that wasn't too hard- I think it's fair to say that cruisers are pretty active game players, be it cards, dominoes, or whatever! The good sports on Tahina and Utopia were more than game to jump in and play. They could appreciate the fine balance of friendly competition, salty snacks, and cocktails that are all important elements of POCRT.
We did decide to spare them the talent show, I did need to have a margarita.
We had a warm up day, to get in the groove... and then it was all about the cards. Vicious, sharky cards!
The fleet arrived at Tahina, where our gracious hosts Frank and Karen made extra ice to accommodate the revelers competitors.
Cards were played; games were won; tears were shed.
Jamie was our emcee for the awards ceremony.
Does anyone care to identify the classic cruising movie playing in the background?
And those tears: tears of joy… mine, anyway. For the first time in umpteen years, I won!
I proudly wore my medal into town. Actually, I kind of had a hard time *not* wearing it for a few days. My crew mates on Totem may be seeing a lot of this medal, in fact. I'd apologize, but I'm too busy reveling in the glory of my new found POCRT champion status.
photo: Claire Suni
