Kathryn’s Voyage Blog

Publish Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009
Location: Exumas, Bahamas

The other day we were able to use Skype to call home and check-in with family. While catching up, Grandma asked Ayla what’s her favorite part of cruising. Without missing a beat, Ayla answered “Happy Hour!”. Grandma then asked to speak to me. 🙂

Another cruising family had a similar experience, when playing a trivia game with visitors, the question was “What happens at 5 o’clock?” The kids all answered simultaneously, “Happy Hour!”. The game-makers correct answer was “rush hour.”

These answers led to lots of laughter and great conversations about what “Happy Hour” means to a cruising kid. The kids had the best insight, as often is the case. In their more “traditional” land lives, the transition between the days activities and evening events was usually blurred. They just went from school, to after school lessons and sports, to homework and school projects, to bed. Somewhere in there was dinner and household chores. On a boat, there is still school, plenty of boat chores to do, and the exploring of new places. However, almost every night there is a stopping point, with a clear transition to time with family and new friends….this time is called “Happy Hour”.

The days activities wind down and everyone gathers to watch the sunset, taking a moment to celebrate another day. It is often the time when new friends you’ve met during the day come over and share their stories of voyaging, where they’ve been and where they are going. Other times, multiple families gather to share a potluck, hopefully including “the catch of the day,” along with whatever is left in “ships stores” (often some very creative uses of black beans). A bonfire might take place on the beach, or a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit or Mexican Train. And then there are days when it’s just your family time; time to reflect on the days events, read, write blogs, or watch a movie. Whatever the activity, “Happy Hour” creates a clear transition between the work of the day, and intimate time as a family at night.

It’s easy to understand now, why the kids loves “Happy Hour!”