More differences and similarities between living on a boat and on land.
Hot water: On Eidos, I don’t have hot running water, but in the house where I’m staying, by the time the hot water comes up the pipes from the heater down in the basement – I’m done with whatever I needed the hot water for in the first place. I measured it one time and four liters of cold water went down the drain before it got warm.
Heat: I have a small electric heater on Eidos and it keeps me nice and toasty (I like it warmer than most people). In a house that’s poorly insulated, I find it difficult to justify heating 1,000 sq. ft. when I’m used to living in 200 sq. ft. Luckily, the utilities are included in the rent, but I feel sorry for the landlord! Heating all that empty space.
Bath: I know, I wrote about this last winter, but having a bath is wonderful. In winter on Eidos, I use the marina or boat yard shower, which is adequate, but involves a walk back to the boat in the cold weather, or heat water on the stove, pour it into the solar shower bag and hang it in the head. Not bad, and I often do that, but compared to a luxurious bath – no comparison. Of course, in summer - swim and a rinse off on deck beat a bath any day.
Socializing: I didn’t appreciate enough being able to speak fluent English to people who understand me and whom I understand. After awhile, being a foreigner and speaking badly in the local language gets a bit tiring. Now, I enjoy going to book stores, being able to ask for information at a store, looking up a business in the Yellow Pages, making a call to book an appointment. Little things mean a lot. Yet, when I hear someone speaking Greek, Spanish or Italian at an airport or in a cafe, I long to say hello.
Fitness: And finally, I don’t need to go to a gym while living on land – I get enough exercise just making coffee in a giant kitchen! However, sailing provides me with tons of exercise.
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