We have had so many fun times since I last posted that it almost feels like its too much to capture in writing. The kids had a three-week spring break so Ila (my amazing mother-in-law) was kind enough to come out and help. Then we had overlapping guests with visits from my niece Allison, Paul accompanied by a surprise guest for the kids (Blake, Andre’s BFF), and then Alina, our German exchange daughter. Although I couldn’t participate in all the excursions due to work, activities included a plantation tour, a tram through the caves, a submarine ride down to 150 ft., a safari trip around the island, a catamaran voyage to swim with the turtles, and more. I have had a little bit of night life too; I saw Pitbull and Enrique Inglesias in concert (Pitbull can move!) and took Allison out dancing until the wee hours (her first clubbing experience). We made so many adventurous memories together.
We have only two weeks left here and our "must see/do" list on the fridge is full of check marks with only a few left unmarked. I have been reflecting on what I am going to miss about our 5 months in Barbados and will include my reflections here:
Sights I Will Miss:
Sights I Will Miss:
- The aqua blue, crystal clear water that lifts me to the surface when I swim
- The tall mahogany trees outside my windows from which adorable monkeys often leap
- The seemingly endless cane fields that blanket the rolling hills
- My joyous children frolicking in the water as the golden sun descends into the ocean
- The swaying palms and the colorful bougainvillea that drip from limestone cliffs
Sounds I Will Miss:
- The cacophony of singing frogs and various birds in our yard (including our wild “pet” birds “Tufty” and Avi”).
- The crashing waves upon pieces of sun-bleached coral, limestone rocks, and golden sand
- The rhythms of soca and reggae music spilling out of speeding yellow buses
- The friendly greetings in Bajan accent exchanged amongst both strangers and friends
Smells I Will Miss:
- The salty air thickened by the heat of the day
- The sweet damp soil after a tropical downpour
- The fragrant frangipani flower which I wish I could bottle and wear as perfume
Feelings I Will Miss:
- The peacefulness of gently floating above colorful fish and an occasional sea turtle while snorkeling near our house
- The warmth of the sun on my skin and the silken sand between my toes
- The support and encouragement from my impressive and generous colleagues Pat, Sylvia, and all the CETL staff
Tastes I Will Miss:
- The Indian-inspired rotis filled with pumpkin, garbanzo beans, and curry potatoes
- The breaded flying fish and the pickled mahi mahi with yellow bajan hot sauce and steamed veg
- Plantains either baked or fried, sweet or savory
- A light and refreshing Banks beer
Experiences I Will Miss:
- My workshops with eager and friendly UWI faculty who candidly share their teaching challenges and successes.
- My beautiful runs with the welcoming and easy-going running community, including the crazy hashers.
- My window conversations with Mandy and the delicious meals we have shared together with Martin, Pixie, and John.
- The new friendships we have gained with the big-hearted people on a tiny tropical island that will always hold a special place in each of our hearts.