The global financial crisis,which started in fall last year,has impacted my family's life style greatly,as well as those of my friends.As a consequence of the stock market meltdown,we have lost approximately $323 million in our investment.In addition,twelve of our investment assets,mostly large mansions in the states of California,New York,Montana,and Oregon,and one courtage in the island of Moorea in French Polynesia remain unsold.The maintenance of these properties is eating up a lot of cash we have.So we have to give up a trans-Pacific cruise this year and scale down our Antarctic adventure from a month to 10 days in February.Although we still maintain 3 ocean going yachts in Annapolis Harbor and Burmuda,we have to let some of our crew go because of tight budget.
A couple of my friends lost their businesses due to the financial turmoil early this year,because their cash flow stopped or turned negative,although they are doing OK in terms of their personal finances.My friend Scott Van Sant,who owned a charter flight company,declared bankrupcy due to lacking of business.He sold his fleet of 12 jets at an auction at a loss.
We hope this global financial crisis will not last long.The good things are that there are signs pointing a recovery in the near future,so hopefully,before the start of the hurricane season,we will be able to take one of our yacht out and sail to the British Virgin Island for my sister's wedding.
