My name is Eileen, first mate of our motor
vessel Mai Thai. Unlike a sailboat, she's
powered by engines—but still full of adventure! The name Mai Thai is a playful nod to the Polynesian cocktail
"Mai Tai," which means "out of this world" in Tahitian.
Once upon a time, I was a bartender, and our last name is Thai—so mvmaithai was born.
While we enjoy cocktails and wine, they don't
return the favor. Like many others of Asian descent, we experience what's known
as the “Asian flush.” Just one drink turns my face red, makes me itchy, and
sometimes... well, it's not pretty. That’s why Mai
Thai is a dry boat—safer and a whole lot more pleasant!
Mai Thai anchored in Sarasota
Mai Thai docked at St Augustine City Marina
After several years of boating in the Boston area, my husband and I fell in love with the cruising lifestyle. In 2001, we made the leap: bought a 37' powerboat, quit our jobs, sold our home, and set out on an unforgettable journey. We've since traveled up and down the U.S. East Coast, explored the Bahamas, the Florida Panhandle, and cruised the inland waterways, including the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Tennessee River.
I’ve written articles for Latitudes & Attitudes, Living
Aboard (which eventually merged back into Latitudes
& Attitudes), and the now-shuttered Yahoo!
Voices.
As a Yahoo! Travel Contributor
I’ve also shared our adventures on our blogs (mvmaithai and tenchired)
and YouTube channels (mvmaithai and tenchired11).
Mai Thai was our home and adventure vessel for many incredible
years, docked most recently along the scenic Tennessee River in Guild,
Tennessee. After 18 memorable years there, we recently sold her—a bittersweet
milestone in our journey.
These days, when I’m not writing, I enjoy cooking,
gardening, photography, videography, and birdwatching. I also volunteer with
the horticulture team at the Florida Botanical Garden.
Thanks for stopping by—cheers to new chapters
and fond memories!
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WOW, what a cool and brave move, to quit and go for such an adventure!
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