What does it take to create an island paradise? (Ian Usher Paradise Delayed)

Some of you may remember reading about my friend Ian Usher, ‘the man who sold his life’ on eBay about five years ago. Regular readers will know that he spent two years achieving ‘100 goals in 100 weeks’, and that he recently bought a Caribbean Island (see post). So how’s island life going in paradise?

Island Life – Ian Usher Paradise delayed

Here’s a hint …

The task began with months of land clearing. Then there was the problem with the landing dock that needed to be rebuilt so his supplies could be delivered. Later there was the not so little task of planting 100 coconut trees and let’s see, oh yeah … buidling a self sufficient house. There’s self sufficient and then there’s, island life.

Ian Usher Paradise Delayed dock

Along the way he fought language barriers and island ideas about what constitutes a good work ethic.

Over the months he documented his steep learning curve, which understandably has resulted in a book. The title gives you an idea of how it went …

‘Paradise Delayed’,

with the subtitle …

‘the pitfalls and pleasures (mainly pitfalls) of Caribbean Island life.’

The book is a collection of stories from … how to buy a Caribbean Island, to being lost in the mangroves, and attending a Caribbean Christmas. Island life is certainly different as shown by these photos.

Ian Usher Paradise Delayed chicken

Ian Usher Paradise Delayed – transporting logs

Ian Usher Paradise Delayed

Ian Usher Paradise Delayed rest

Paradise Delayed is available on Amazon and coming out in print soon too. The links to Amazon US and UK can be found here Paradise Delayed

I haven’t had time to read it yet, but I definitely will. I did read Ian’s earlier book which left me pondering about how much time I’d wasted on trivial matters. Ian continues to be one of those amazing people who inspires me to keep going and see what can happen if you just have a go.

Stay tuned for one more part to Ian’s story in the next post.