It’s been about 10 days since I last updated on our sailing journey, and in true Toujan fashion, things have been eventful. We’re back in Pattaya now, and as some of you saw, we had to haul Toujan out of the water for some much-needed boat work.

During our trip to the islands, we ran into some rudder issues that needed fixing, and since hauling out a boat is a whole mission in itself, we figured we’d give her a little extra care while we were at it. We’re moving up the antifoul line and giving her a proper polish…something that will make a world of difference when we’re scrubbing the hull in the water later. Consider it a much deserved spa day for Toujan.

At the moment, we’re staying in a hotel near the marina while the work gets done. Our plan was always to come back to Pattaya around this time since we need to do a visa run. Cambodia is up next, specifically Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, and somehow, I seem to be the only one excited about this. Angkor Wat has been on my bucket list for a while now, and I’m thrilled we can finally make it happen. If I’m being honest, it’s probably the Sunrise Temple Tour I’ve booked that’s got the boys dreading the trip. But hey, memories are made from these moments, right? (Even if those memories include sleep deprivation.)

Finding the Right Anchor Spot-A Family Negotiation

Our last few days in the islands were fairly uneventful, apart from the usual ongoing family negotiations about where we should anchor. Eissa has made it very clear that any location that doesn’t have great snorkeling is simply boring and not worth our time. (Apparently, breathtaking scenery and peaceful surroundings don’t make the cut.) So there’s always some back and forth trying to accommodate everyone’s preferences.

For me, an ideal anchorage needs at least a decent beach so I can get a run in and a café where I can grab a coffee or drink. Eissa wants reefs; I want land. And then there’s Khalid, who I think just wants a chair..somewhere he can rest his weary bones after dealing with the emotional rollercoaster that is Eissa and me on a daily basis.

The Reality of Life Aboard-It’s Not Always Smooth Sailing

As incredible as this journey is, the days seem to be passing by at warp speed, and we constantly find ourselves exhausted. Between managing school, sailing, cleaning, cooking, and all the logistics that come with this lifestyle, there’s barely a moment to catch our breath. Enjoy this video of us actually being productive under sail.

And let’s talk about cleaning. When I say it never ends, I mean it. We literally spend halfour day vacuuming and cleaning up hair that seems to materialize out of nowhere. It doesn’t matter how much we clean…there is always more. So much more. ENDLESS.

Eissa, being the practical one, has already taken matters into his own hands and shaved his head. Khalid and I, in moments of sheer frustration, have both seriously contemplated doing the same. Honestly, if this hair situation doesn’t improve soon, I might just grab the clippers and learn to embrace a big bald head.

So, that’s where we are..boat work, visa runs, never-ending cleaning, and attempting to keep everyone happy while chasing this wild dream. As exhausting as it can be, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Until next time…send caffeine, patience, and maybe a solution for the hair.

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P.S. Drop a comment if you’ve been to Angkor Wat! Or if you have any magic tricks for dealing with an absurd amount of hair on a boat. Or just say hi..I promise we want to read them all.

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