Yard Fowls. It's the name Bajans give to people who behave in ways that fail to consider the consequences. The name likens people to the simple-minded chickens who walk aimlessly around the streets, campus, and even through my children's classrooms. Yes, its pejorative and I'll explain how I understand its use here. At home, I can pretty much count on consistently taking 5 minutes to get to the gym or 12 minutes to campus during certain times of the day. There is no such thing as consistent timing when driving here due to "yard fowls" apparently. For example, I was driving home from work and noticed a long line of cars behind a stopped car in the opposite lane while the cars were slowing in my lane. When I crept closer in my new wheels to the culprit, I saw a young man with a smoothie in hand leaving the smoothie truck and jumping back into his stopped car in the middle of the only southbound lane on the 2 lane highway. He actually stopped traffic to get himself a smoothie! NOBODY behind him honked. Can you believe it? But apparently, hidden behind their polite demeaner, those waiting in their cars were thinking "yard fowl!" I've seen people (including bus drivers) stop traffic on the highway to get a newspaper, talk to a friend, and even, I think, make a deal (I happened to be in the shuttle for that one and asked too many questions apparently!). The fact that such behavior is tolerated is consistent with my belief that Bajans are (generally) incredibly nice and patient people. Now, I know you may be thinking that I wear rose-colored glasses but Paul has noticed it too.
Paul's visit was fabulous (but too fast) and he was able to spend some quality time with the kids, me, and the beach (not sure what would be his order of preference here). Somehow, in the 9 days he was in Barbados, he ended up more tan than the three of us having been here for over 2 months!! Our enjoyable time together included a delicious dinner at a nearby Indian restaurant, a date night with some great local music, a lovely but grueling nearly 10-mile hash run (due to directional mishap), liming at the yacht club, and an entertaining and dance-provoking drag show performance. For all of these experiences we were joined by our lovely new local friends. Paul was also able to take in the boys practicing football/soccer, cricket, and both boys being awarded good conduct badges coincidentally on the same day at school (very rare occurrence for siblings apparently).
I am still loving the work I am doing here, although it seems I am continually getting busier and in greater demand. Can't complain. My colleague treated us to a nice day at the AgroFest, a huge festival "dedicated to all things agriculture." They actually had easter-egg colored chicks (dipped in dye at some point), zumba lessons, the expected produce, arts, and crafts, mechanical bull rides, and loads of cheap toys on sale from China. An interesting mix to say the least!
Running is going well. Last weekend, I ran across the island with Mandy, from one side of the country to the other (just 12 miles). Now I can say that I ran across a country in a day! The next day I ran to the highest point of the island (1062 ft) at sunrise and didn't realize it until after I was catching up with the fasties on the downhill and the oxygen came back into my lungs/brain! It was a lovely view albeit a tough climb, especially since I forgot my water. In racing news, I PR'ed running a flat 5K race, taking 3rd, and winning a gift certificate to a farmer's market this time. It's nice to actually win prizes here; Paul says I will have to claim them. No one's telling right? Who knew that I could be faster in the heat?!
The pictures below include a fun excursion to the flower cave at the most northern point of the island with friend Sherique (love him) and some other shots of local beauty.
It is nice to hear and see that you are having a good time down there on your island paradise! We are keeping the pot of love stew warm and simmering for you here in Humboldt County! The Shapiros
Excellent content! Thank you for sharing this wealth of information. It was very interesting and very knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Kudos!
We (Tasha, Andre, & Avery) feel so grateful to have this adventure in Barbados. This Blog will chronicle our discoveries and experiences as we become a part of Bajan culture.