Barbados should be your 2020 Vacation Destination
We were going through security at our local airport. The security guy was trying to fit my liquids into a cellophane bag. He said he could fit everything, and he was a hoot as he tried to. I explained why I had so much aloe vera spray “aloe vera is great for sunburn” and he looked at me skeptically. “We’re going to Barbados,” I said and then he said, “that explains it! because you couldn’t possibly get sunburnt by snow”. As we crackled and exchanged jokes with Nolan, it dawned on me. I was on my way to Barbados!
First step- find a friend and a destination
I did not just wake up one morning, book flights, get on a plane, and land in Barbados, unlike YouTube vloggers who seem to do so (I shall get there). I decided I wanted to travel in December in July/August. I mentioned it to friends. One of them dropped out because she already ha her own travel plans. The other liked the idea and was eager to go. We visited one agency three times and another once and then decided to handle the logistics on our own — online. We talked to people and found out that Barbados was not a common destination in our circle, but those that had stopped by the place or heard of it thought it was a wonderful option. We found an all-inclusive deal and planned when we would have funds for the trip. Then we created a document with all the things we intended to do, which came in a bit handy.
Second step — allocate funds/save and apply for visas if you need to
We needed to get visas to return to Canada and so it began. It can seem stressful to have to apply for a visa, which is why Barbados is an excellent choice, you do not have to! Since I was no longer a student, I needed to update my documents so returning would not be a hassle. I sent my passport to CIC and the funny thing is that I got my passport in my mail box the day we intended to leave. My faith was put to the test, but I refused to be anxious (overly) or to be negative and give up. I was going on the trip. I tell you; God loves to do things at the nick of time just to remind you that he sees you and he is with you. It’s exhilarating but scary!
Here’s what we did:
The first night was spent in bed! We arrived, got picked up from the airport, checked in (we had a lovely receptionist) at the Beachclub (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZPRgI60sJc) and then we rested. It had been a long couple of hours at the Toronto airport (don’t hang around there for long layovers the seats there are extremely uncomfortable).
Then the next day, our hostess from the online agency we used met with us and showed us the things we could do. We told her what we wanted, and she made reservations for us. Then we went on our own personal tour of the city. We intended to take public transportation (buses) so we stepped out of our resort and walked towards the bus stop. A taxi man called to us but we refused his offer and continued our stroll. Then a few minutes later he pulled up next to us and said “I’m also going into town so don’t worry about the fare, you ladies can just hop in”. And we did! He turned out to be the nicest man ever. He even lent us money at some point when we were our and short on cash (story for another day).
We walked around what would be the downtown area — Bridgetown. We shopped, we talked to vendors, and we explored the markets. We had a wonderful long walk. Somehow, we found out that Davido was in town and he was performing at a concert that night so we returned to our resort and got ready!
The next day, we stayed in bed because Davido was a hit and we had gotten back at like 4 am. We were exhausted. We slept. We ate. We read!
On the third day we went on a tour of the Island. We saw monkeys, went to beaches: Miami, Bathsheba, and three others. We drove around the parishes (my favorite was ST Lucy). We went to a plantation were ‘slaves’ used to work. Then in the evening we went ‘swimming’ in the pool at our resort.
On our fourth day, and my birthday! we went on a catamaran cruise and even though I have no idea how to swim. I snorkeled! It was an amazing experience. Different kinds of fish brushed against me, stared at me underwater, and there were turtles too! Then we returned to the Beachclub and to the beach adjoining our resort. Since the resort staff knew it was my birthday, they reserved seats for us for supper that night.
In my opinion, Bhajans are the first sets of black people that I have encountered that treat other blacks better than other races.
On our fifth day we rested and packed up our belongings and soon we were heading back to the cold.
What did I value/appreciate the most (in not order of preference)?
1. The people: Bhajans are the nicest people ever!
2. The beautiful scenery: it’s all naturally beautiful and maintained well.
3. The food: I loved the meals we ate and had no complaints.
4. The activities: it’s a tourist island and they are prepared to entertain you every single day.
5. The escape: the opportunity to be away from normal life and to be in a different environment with a different rhythm.
6. Company: I was with someone who knows how to have fun. We lived together for a year, so it was like a reunion.
7. Experiencing God: From my passport getting in at the nick of time, to the people we met, and the experience we had. I experienced God and I value the moment I had with God on the way back to Bridgetown on the catamaran cruise.
