Saturday, January 31, 2009

I'm going to CUBA!!!

On a routine visit to a marina, the first one I went to in Marathon, I came upon this a couple and their 8 y/o daughter from Quebec, Canada. They will be here for another week or so, doing work on their newly acquired (45 feet) sail boat, to get it sea worthy. After a brief talk with them, they agree to take me on board!!! We are headed to Cuba for a couple of weeks sailing around, then we go to Guatemala. There they will stay a little while to do the finishing work on the boat. Probably where I'll say goodbye and hit the road to Honduras.
Quick Silver by you.
This is "Quick Silver" the one who will take us southbound

When they casually agreed to take me along I did not know how to react, I was so used to "NO" that I was in shock with their reply... I remembered that around 2 months ago I had intended that I was going to travel on a sail boat of a French speaking family, we would go to Cuba then Central America... So I learnt through this experience that, good things come for those who wait...
Bird Boat by you.
An abandoned boat on the Boot Key Harbour

Since I met them I have already returned to offer my help with anything they need and since the are doing mostly specialized work with the electrical and plumbing, they encouraged me so I decided to go visit Key West, for the weekend.
An other gorgeously unique sunset by you.
Thank you Patrick, Melanie and Paciphaée for sharing this adventure with me, it will be amazing for all of us!!!


Thursday, January 29, 2009

Florida Keys

Sunset at the Conch Key by you.
Amazing sunset at the Villas

After leaving from the Ocean Reef's farmers market, where I had come down with Margie to help set up, I had great ride with the wind on my back from key Largo to Conch Key, I was just in time to get settled and catch a gorgeous sunset at Sunset Villas, Katrina and Bill's home/business. They have this beautiful property, with a few units for rent. There you see a unique but gorgeous sunset, every day!
Cyclist friends by you.
Mo and Leroy at our 15 mile ride to Marathon city

Mo and his friends are an inspiration, avid cyclists riding long distances together. Mo is 68 this year for sure I'll aspire to be like that in my older days. It was pleasure to ride around with him and Leroy. Also had the pleasure of meeting Linda, Marty, Patty, Cindie and Ken, amongst others.

the view from the hammock by you.
The View from the Hammock - Sunset Villas

I wanted to give a huge thanks to Katrina and Bill, for providing me with a place to stay in Conch Key as well as going out of their way to help me find my boat, from brainstorming crazy ideas to getting contacts in Key West for me. THANK YOU...
The Sun and the Pelicans by you.
The Sun and the Pelicans

Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Secret Revealed

Morning light
Taken in the early morning soon after sunrise...
Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

So I finally made it to the Bee Heaven Organic Produce Farm here in Homestead, Florida. Like I had previously stated, I had planned to stay one night, then head to the Keys. However, It was obvious for me as soon as I got here that this would be a chance recharge my vital energy with the earth and reconnect again with the cycles of nature... as I approached the barn on the back of the property, riding on the gravel road with lush vegetation on both sides, felt just like my childhood in Brazil... When I met everyone here and dove right into the work at hand, I noticed that this is what I was craving while in Miami - wholesome living in touch with Mother Earth -, I then decided to stay and work through the weekend to get a better feel of the farm.

Mixed green
The secret of the mixed green salad found at your local store revealed... plant all of the varieties together!

It was a great pleasure to work the last few days, we had several communal meals and lots of interesting interactions. Today (Sunday) Is more relaxed, some people went to the Farmer Market, and the rest have the day off. Therefore Miguel and Diana will come for a visit from Miami.

Packing line
Every Friday, is packing day. To your left is all the produce of that will be in the weekly box. To your right is a roller were the boxes go by and each worker places 1 or 2 item inside. At the end of the line the boxes are shut and stacked in the refrigerated truck. Hard work but FUN...

Margie is the head of the farm and organizer of the local C.S.A. (Community Supported Agriculture) where share holders support local organic farming by paying in advance. They get a weekly box of fresh, local organic produce. This way the farmer can invest money in the crop before hand, and the consumer enjoys seasonal veggies and fruits delivered to their local pick up site. Thanks Margie for making a difference and also opening your door to friendly people that want to learn/work with the land. All the people that work here, are great and unique individuals. John, Shannon, Muriel, Patrick, Ariel, Stephanie, Herlinda and Jesus. Thank you for for welcoming me to the farm and trading stories together.

John and the knife
John was cutting some strawberries, the evening quickly approaching, as the last few shards of light peeked through the barn door.
Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

I'm happy to say the Saturday evening we gathered around and I gave an introduction to the Alexander Technique workshop to my fellow co-worker. I felt great to share this with friend who could really use the work. I hope to be able to share this knowledge with other people I meet on this Journey!

Prince
This friendly toad was hanging out with the beats, when Shannon spotted it and with the help of John and Patrick. It was named Prince.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Long waited departure

Rays of light
Moments after the sun breached into the horizon...

Finally leaving Miami this morning. My Solar-Rider arrived yesterday and I'm ready to hit the road Solar Powered!
Where to next??
Well I'm headed to Key West, with two overnights in Homestead, hopefully at the Bee Heavens farm that I wanted to WWOOF at, and in the Marathon Key at Katrina's house (a good friend of Susan from Tallahassee). Then off to Key West to look for my destiny on a sailboat...

Beach party
Beach Party! the beach got invaded by the school of youth on Sunday... Playfull atmosphere, good fun to be had by all!


Me and  Migs
Best Buddies, my last day at Surfside, enjoyed some yerba-matte on the beach with Miguel. Looks like I did put of a few extra layers if I my say so myself.

Enjoy the photos and videos on my flickr page (click here)

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Caminho do Mar

she is my favorite
Estou aqui neste lugar,
onde a areia encontra o mar.
Estive aqui já faz um tempo,
observando o movimento.
Agora sei porque estou aqui,
pra aprender, ensinar e compartir.
Eu aprendi a lidar com solidão,
ensinei com muita compaixão,
e compartimos momentos de coração.
Em breve sei que vou embarcar,
no caminho do sol, do vento e do mar.
Sunrise at Surfside
This poem was written this afternoon and it marks the closing process of my stay in Miami, as I will depart towards Key West the morning after I receive the SolarRider. This is also my first non-english post, I know there will be more to come, so get your dictionaries out if you don't understand. hehe...


go to my flickr page to see all photos and videos


The Obama Man...
Super Obama
I don't really want to talk politics on this blog, how ever I did want to share this poster that is up at in the house where I've been calling home. Thanks for the extended hospitality guys! I'll be sure to leave only good memories when I leave!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Solar Rider Sponsorship

The ocean and the full moon
There is light at the end of the tunnel!
see Slideshow of all photos

Another week has gone by and here I am, still, in lovely Miami. I'm starting to really like this place, In fact there is a house for sale next door to Miguel's and I'm thinking I should put in an offer, lol... Just Kidding (-:

Skyline at dusk
Miami at night

The really good news is that after a phone call and a few emails, a small enthusiast owned and operated company called Twisted Road Cycle Gear Inc, generously sponsored Infinity Cycle by donating one of their Solar RiderTM Solar Charger and Power Pack. With it I will be able to charge most of my batteries via solar power, Thank you Michael.

Pictures at dusk, Surfside
Watching the sunset

This mean that I will be in Miami yet another week waiting for a my Solar RiderTM to arrive. Then I've decided to bike down to Key West and try my luck there!

Pool at night
Night scene by the pool

Keep Smiling, and remember to visit my flickr photo account to see more pictures!



PulsoBeat.com

I want to share with you a new blog that my friends Miguel and Carlito have launched the past week:
PulsoBeat.com, is dedicated to giving Latin American and Brazilian music, particularly lesser know talent, a global voice. If you are passionate about Latin American and Brazilian music we welcome your comments and if you are interested in writing an article please contact them at pulsobeat@gmail.com. Be aware that currently Pulsobeat's content is mostly in spanish, but there is always room for growth.

Recently Miguel wrote an article about some of my opinions of Brazilian music... check it out!

Spanish Version

English Version

Monday, January 5, 2009

What is new in 2009

Sailing at dawn
2009 started with several possibilities for me to sail southbound, boat owners actually replied to my emails and so on. I became really exited with the idea that in a short time span, I would begin the next phase of Infinity Cycle. However, the very next day, all these possibilities dissolved with in a few hours, as after I talked with each of them, new pieces of the puzzle started to reveal that neither of the contacts would come through. With all this commotion, I took a look at my belonging and saw that I would not have been ready to leave on a short notice even if I found a ride. Thus realized that: one who seeks to travel, should be ready for it whenever it comes.
I decided to pack-up and restock my gear as if I was living, as a result I started to fancy the idea of biking to the Keys to refresh my intention, interact with different faces and places.

Chair
A Chair

I got my self a new years present, a notebook dedicated to spiritual and creative writings, as I want to be more creative in 2009. Along the same lines, I am now in the presence of my "pandeiro", thanks to Chello for sending it my way, hopefully it will remain a blessing to have it with me even at times when the bike might be too heavy, That is when it is time take a break, breath in the air and make music on the road side.

One Man Band
One Man Band

I aim to leave Miami by Jan 9th, on a boat or on a bike... Thank you all for your support, I still love to receive email and comments from you.

So keep' em coming as I keep on truckin' (-:
tractor