The Voyage

Spectacles

Andy and Melissa are sailing around the world on their 48-foot sailboat, Spectacle.

The Position

Bali, Indonesia

The Pictures

The Voyage of Spectacle

Calvary Cemetery and Jacques Brel

Born in Belgium in 1929, Jacques Brel may be an obscure reference for Americans, but a great many Europeans have a formative memory of him and his gift for lyricism.  Brel’s music has been translated into fifteen different languages by other world class artists such as David Bowie, the Kingston Trio, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, and Sting. 

Still in Belgium in the early 1950′s, Brel achieved minor success in music while working at his father’s cardboard factory.  Brel’s career bloomed after moving to Paris with his wife, Miche, in 1954.  He was a regular in the local clubs, and by 1956, Brel was touring through Europe with marquee names with his first real hit, “Quand on n’a que l’amour,” which means, when we only have love, and was later covered by Celine Dion.  By the late 1950′s, Brel was a bona fide success, and he started to explore different styles and themes to include rhythmic and lively pop as well as more complex melodies, ballads, and deeper themes of love, life, and despair.

In 1973, Brel sailed away to begin a circumnavigation, but by the time he reached the Canary Islands, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.  A heavy smoker, Brel returned to Paris for treatment, and continued his voyage arriving in Hiva Oa, Marquesas in 1975.  In 1977, he again returned to Paris and recorded one final, and critically acclaimed, album.  At age 49, Jacques Brel died in 1978 in the Marquesas of lung cancer.

Jacques Brel’s gravesite, just a few yards from Gauguin, is more of a modern tribute.  Like Gauguin’s grave, many pilgrims leave small notes and tributes.  Our good friend, Dominique, described to us the personal impact that Jacques Brel had on his own life growing up.  As such, Dominique carried his own guitar up to Calvary Cemetery and serenaded the grave with his favorite melodies.    

We also hit the Jacques Brel Museum which was nice but all the exhibits are in French.  It was still neat to see pictures and concert posters though.  The highlight is Brel’s private plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza named JoJo, hanging from the ceiling.  Earlier in the day, a stray dog had taken a liking to Andy and followed us around all day long, so we named him JoJo.  I am also one of two Americans to ever sign the very thick guestbook, but the other American just said, “I’m confused.  Everything’s in French.  Nice plane though.”  So, I guess I might be the only American with a serious entry in the tribute book.

Jacques Brel sings “Ne Me Quitte Pas,” which means don’t leave me, and was later covered by Nina Simone.