31/05/2026
21 years ago, I sat on a bench in a small Vosges village called Chaumousey with three newfound acquaintances. Nilaya is moored in front of us.
Little was I to know, that over the intervening years, Stef, Bud, and Josef (to my left) would all go on to become friends, but more importantly ’Crew’.
Beloved by different guests at different times, they all have a special place in my heart.
Bud sadly passed away from cancer far too young, Stef became Isabelle and my ‘Best man’ at our wedding in 2013, and Josef, the environmental forest protecting Canadian eco warrior he is today.
Paths cross, lives change as a result and the effect of each and every such encounter changes the world’s future just a little bit. In my case, a lot!
That little wooden bench, like all the people on it, were huge components of my Nilaya adventure and I thank and love you all for the parts you played. Isabelle of course, the best and finest encounter ❤️
