So – Ive barely unpacked my bags, having arrived back home from my first ever trip to a Caribbean island. I’m halfway through writing a “seeing Bajanland on a budget”-type piece that will be up later. But for now, here’s a list of random things I either learnt or was reminded again of during my trip to sunny Barbados:
- “In these harsh economic times.” How many times did I not hear that phrase during my time in Barbados? Thing is, the phrase “trouble in Paradise” is very much a reality for a lot of Bajan people. Kudos to them for their resilience in rising above it whilst acknowledging its existence – and for their humour in the face of it.
- ‘Caribbean Time’ really is a thing. When you’re in the Caribbean, just go along with it. No point in making your time here a stressful one…
- ‘I do not get lost’ is a worthy rule of life to live by. And there are ways of avoiding getting lost when in an strange land. Not being afraid to ask for help is a big one…
- Don’t be afraid to try new things.
- Free wifi is your friend (except, that is, if you’re an easily distracted writer with a deadline).
- In many ways, Barbados is SO like Sierra Leone, it’s unbelievable.
- Nothing is wasted.
- The human body is a battery. And the sun is an ideal charger for it.
- That ‘battery charger’ thing above also applies to the mind.
- I can swim in just about any depth of water.
- Perception is a funny thing.
- Life – it really is an adventure.
- Solar power and iPads don’t get on well together.
- Age really ain’t nothing but a number. And sometimes your body and the years you’ve lived in it simply do not match.
- Life is a gift. Enjoying it might not always be an option available to you, but making the most of it always is.
- Anthony T. Barrow is an awesome poet.
- It’s fun to explore.
- People are great (when they’re not being complete poo-buckets, that is).
- There are white people with Bajan accents. Don’t look so surprised…
GEORGE LUKE 