Every Memorial Day we focus on remembering those who have died in the service. They are the men and women who fought valiantly on the battlefield to protect the freedom we hold dear, and the liberties we enjoy every day. This time, like no other, it has been more poignant to me. Maybe it is because there has been so much pain, suffering, and loss for the past year, that recently hearing the saddest story recounted of a fallen soldier, even though I did not know him, caused tears to well up in my eyes and roll down my cheeks. This loss occurred some years ago but it is still being felt by loved ones and close friends, as it was related by a personal friend, who choked up as he told of their last encounter before deployment. The mere lad, then 19 years old, would serve and ultimately die for his adopted country before reaching his 20th birthday.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13
I am also reminded of another person who gave His life willingly for mine. He knew there was no possibility of escaping the threat of death or of returning to His home without injury. He had to die. Driven by love, He selflessly laid down His life, and paid the price for all humanity. He was young too, 33 ½ years old. What amazing love and saving grace. Because of love, He gave His life for mine.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16
Community Peeps, what pastime do you enjoy on Memorial Day? Do you enjoy the parade, outdoors, bar-be-cue, cook-out, a day at the beach or park? Whatever you choose to do, remember the fallen – gone too soon. In my past travels, I have found unique ways to pay my respect. I have visited places like: Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, Arlington National Cemetery, statues, and other significant sites that honor their memory. If you have a unique way of showing your respect, tell us how by sharing in the box below.
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Last Easter weekend, Barbadians were happy to see the return of the Flying Fish. The local delicacy had for quite some time become a scarcity, and an expensive acquirement to pair up with Cou-Cou, the national dish of Barbados (Cou-cou and Flying Fish). As I recall from my childhood, during the annual four-day holiday Easter break, most Bajans would opt to serve a fish dish. Back then the top choice would have been flying fish, or some other fishes like dolphin (mahi-mahi), red snapper, and marlin. Well, it was reported that the local fishermen brought in catches they had not seen in over 20 years. It was a welcomed surprise and most took advantage of it. The price became a bit more affordable, and the hope was and maybe still is, that the Flying Fish has finally returned to our waters again.
Now this weekend in Barbados, daylight hours are as dark as night. Due to the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St. Vincent, black ash-laden clouds cover the skies over Bim. St. Vincent is our closest island neighbor, 100 miles away. Family reports and videos show ash falling like rain, and everywhere the sooty residue can be seen on homes, vehicles, streets, plants, and trees. With the return of the flying fish last weekend and eruption of the volcano this weekend, makes me wonder if the two are not related. Is it just a coincidence or is there more to it?
It is often said, animals, and maybe fish too, respond to natural occurrences by behaving in strange ways, for example, four-legged animals tend to climb to higher ground especially before an earthquake happens. I do not know if there is any scientific explanation to back this up. I have only read the Biblical account of the world-wide Flood when the animals went into Noah’s Ark for safety. Maybe we should pay more attention to what the animals are doing 😊.
The people of St. Vincent are probably feeling like they are in hell (no pun intended), as the lava creeps down into villages and gobbles up everything lying in its path. As usual, my countrymen have opened their doors to welcome those affected and displaced because of this disaster. I know it is the thought of many, including my family members, who thinks the inconvenience of the ashes is no comparison to the loss our neighbors are experiencing at this moment.
Both Barbados and St. Vincent are tropical isles that depend on tourism as their livelihood. The volcanic activity may negatively impact the draw of visitors to these shores in the coming weeks and months ahead. As an itinerary planner, I would still recommend for the future, and when the dust settles (pun intended), that you check out both islands and consider adding them to your destination bucket list if it is not there already. Setbacks are a part of life, and while you may have had plans to visit either place at its best showing, your plans do not have to be a dream cancelled, it can be a dream deferred.
Community Peeps, have you ever travelled to a country after a natural disaster? It may not be the prettiest sight but over time people usually tend to rise from the ashes and build back better. Big island in Hawaii, for example, though covered with hardened lava in some parts is still a beautiful place to visit. Obviously, Barbados will recover from the cascade of ashes faster after a good dowsing of rain, but the impact and recovery our neighbor faces will be for the long haul. Do any of you adventure seekers have immediate plans to visit either of the two islands in the aftermath, or in the near future? I would like to hear if you are planning to go and how you plan to handle the situation. Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
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It is true that the travel industry has taken a nosedive in this pandemic. It would also be true to say that because of the adverse strain placed on travel, many have altered or shelved their vacation plans for an undetermined future date. Those affected in my family circle are no exception. Our annual travels cover distances in North America, Caribbean, and Europe. Since the pesky virus struck, the majority of our international movements have been surreptitiously curtailed. While we are longing to return to normalcy, to see familiar faces and to go to places of interest, our newest concern is the vaccine.
That conversation runs the gambit in my family’s chit chat every week, as it still monopolizes the airwaves in the USA, and in other countries around the world. Who should get it? Are there enough doses? What are the options? A plethora of questions and opinions surrounding the vaccination, among other topics, are discussed in our social media forum. The skeptic, the die-hard, the optimist, the wait-and-see, express their opinions from time to time. The memes, the videos, the satire are all part of the expressions. It is not only the funny stories that grab our attention, even though they help to ease tensions, but the latest news pertaining to the distribution of the vaccine is shared. Some kin have already received their shots because of their line of work and a few because of age.
Just recently I viewed a video clip on social media that talked of imminent changes to affect travelers. It is being considered that in the future persons will be required to present vaccination documentation before they are allowed to fly, and conversely without proof, they will be grounded.
Currently, the decision to take the vaccine is a matter of personal choice. However, for those of us living abroad that choice may soon be moot. Even though I have traversed to places most dream of, or are on a perennial bucket list, my wanderlust is far from satiated. The world is still my oyster. Indeed, I am grateful to have visited exotic destinations, experienced different cultures and explored lands where now the pandemic is raging, but when all is said and done, taking the shot may be the only way home for me.
Community Peeps, I am sure your family conversations are along the same vein. As an experienced planner, it is easy to fulfill a bespoke itinerary, but harder to recommend a safe haven from the virus. As travel bans are eased from country to country, will you renew interests in visiting those places you have always wanted to go? If necessary, are you prepared to meet any new requirements in order to travel? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below. Also, remember to stay safe, wear your mask, physical distance and sanitize.
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Travel Itineraries’ high flying wings were unceremoniously clipped due to the dreadful Covid-19 virus in 2020. Grounded in Barbados, I was able to enjoy the sea, surf, sand, and sun, which most people would consider to be the idyllic life, and what I thought was not a bad trade off. With my original plans to explore, island hop, cruise the high seas, and peregrinate from place to place tabled, I have been eagerly looking forward to revisiting my deferred travel aspirations in 2021. As usual, at the beginning of every New Year there is often anticipation that it will be better than the last. Those feelings of hope and expectancy are contagious, and I am not immune. I too, like most want this year to be better than the last.
The New Year’s hopefulness has affected my inner circle, family, and friends also. They desperately long to breathe again. For far too long, their travel balloons have been deflated, and they have become a little antsy for adventure. To add insult to injury, as of writing, two newer viruses (the British and South African strains) are making fresh inroads on the world scene. To the tourists this may signal a further setback that all contemplated or pre-planned holidays scheduled for 2021 is a no-go, but it is still too early to call. It is uncertain how it will all play out with the rollout and fulfillment of the vaccination initiative currently underway. We will have to wait and see. We must be patient.
Taking an optimistic viewpoint, every dark cloud has a silver lining ties in succinctly with my premise of hope. So, I am simply saying, “do not panic.” The days of suffering from claustrophobia exhaustion is nearing an end if you heed these directions. You can resume planning month-long getaways to exciting exotic locations. Prepare bespoke itineraries of a dream trip of a lifetime. Decide to incorporate the tips I will outline below to help keep you safe. Your safety is paramount and since returning to old norms is highly unlikely, I propose the sooner we adopt the safety measures, the sooner and safer we will get back to flying the open skies once again.
Here are a few tips to ensure you enjoy your trip abroad or nationally if you choose to travel:
Pack extra masks, disposable wipes, and sanitizers for easy access in your carry-on and handbag.
Wear a mask at all times and sanitize hands frequently.
Choose to stand a safe distance apart from others.
Take authorized virus test before and after reaching destination.
Plan to quarantine for a week at destination.
Re-take virus test a week later after initial quarantine.
If test results are negative then you are free to enjoy your vacay to the max. Remember to follow steps two and three when in the public domain.
Hear me out. These procedural suggestions are part and parcel of the lifestyle for the wanderlust sort. The sooner holidaymakers accept the guidelines, the quicker it will become a norm and no longer viewed as an irritant. Wearing a mask is a small ask when it comes to saving a life, which may be your very own.
Who would have guessed that such a small slip to cover nose and lip, would become so trendy, necessary, and handy, who would have guessed?
Community Peeps, your 2021 travel plans may seem iffy right now, but do not fear or despair. There is light at the end of the tunnel. A New Year usually projects new hopes and dreams. I pray that your travel plans will materialize, and a nice break where you can breathe, be revived, and refreshed in a location other than the confines of your home is in the offing. Let us believe, claim it and call it done, God willing. Please share your thoughts on the issue in the box below.
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This post is coming right off the cuff. Nothing fancy, no preparation, no particular plan, no rhyme, or reason. I only want to wish my followers, readers, and visitors to my website the absolute best for the holiday season. I hope your celebration whether virtual or in person, at home or work, be one that you enjoy. Like everything else this year, we have to make the best of it.
In my house we are celebrating virtually. From Barbados to England to the United States (somebody please say THANK YOU Zoom 😂). Since we cannot be physically with each other as in former times, we are all still excited to see the faces and smiles, hear the voices and peals of laughter from those that will be joining in the virtual meeting on Christmas day. I think I can speak for my family when I say, “that is all we want this Christmas.”
Community Peeps, how about you? It is my truest desire to wish you and yours the best for the season and beyond. As usual, I invite you to share how you plan to celebrate the Christmas holiday in this extraordinary year. Write your comment in the box below
Readers, as usual, I invite you to click follow to receive timely updates, select like to show your love and support. Share this post on your social media site. Write your comment in the box below. Your interest, time and attention are always appreciated. Thank you for reading. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Thankfulness is not just a feeling; it is a state of mind.
In a couple days families all across America will celebrate Thanksgiving. This particular day is one of the most anticipated, planned and heavily traveled days of the holiday season. BUT, Thanksgiving 2020 is shaping up to be anything but normal. Now more than ever, thoughtful planning and careful consideration must be incorporated into the celebration to protect the people we love most – family and friends.
Customarily, gatherings large or small would unabashedly socialize with those they had not seen all year long. The day’s activity would include hosting, dining, laughing, catching up, relaxing, and maybe watching a game of football. These are all part and parcel of what makes the day exciting, for young and old, and what makes it so special to everyone. BUT currently, new directives outline all get-togethers should be small, preferably to include only those in the immediate household or bubble.
Leading up to the merriment, retailers and supermarkets tend to pull out all the stops to ensure shoppers have their turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry, apple pie and all the fixings that go into making the feast. However, the menu I suspect with all its delectable, mouthwatering servings, is not the only reason for families wanting to come together during this stage. BUT, as health authorities would have it, they prefer outdoor assemblies versus interior, and if indoor, suggests that the count be kept to a minimum.
Besides a heightened sense of excitement, and meticulous planning, some form of transport will bring everyone home for the occasion. As of writing, the airwaves are reporting high travel volume, over 4 million persons and counting are transiting airports, bus, and train terminals. People from all walks of life are determined to reunite with relatives no matter the cost. BUT, yet again the health czars are recommending staying put.
Community Peeps, undoubtedly Covid-19 has proven to be a challenge on every front. It has impacted the way we live, work, and socialize even to the point of muting current celebration plans. BUT in all this, thankfulness should still be the mindset. Being thankful is certainly the best attitude one can have to keep a healthy outlook on life. Take the time daily to be thankful for your blessings and appreciate family. Only those above ground can do so. I am thankful for all of you. And oh, if you must travel, do so safely. I implore you to wear a mask, sanitize and physical distance. Please share what you are thankful for in the comment box below. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
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2020 has indeed been a year filled with quite a few surprises, and in a few days, all Americans can expect to be surprised one more time, one way or the other. To say this year is a tumultuous year is nothing short of an understatement. I sometimes call it the year of losses. Afterall, there has been major loss of life, jobs, finances, food, services, homes, trees, etc., of which the true extent will probably be felt for a long time. On the flipside, as I take a retrospective look from January to date it has also been a year of gains. Is this an oxymoronic way to look at it? Maybe. Am I being facetious? Certainly not. All that I am saying is, it is simply a matter of seeing the cup half full or half empty.
With just two more months to year-end, I have begun to take stock of the gains and losses I incurred since the year started. Surprisingly, the gains have outweighed the losses. Let me explain. Though I enjoy traveling, exploring bright new horizons, and planning bespoke itineraries, in the ‘new norm’ the things that brought me the greatest joys were blessings received from the tangibles and intangibles that cannot be quantified or assigned a dollar value. I will only list the ones that mean the most to me, but the list is by no means limited to just these mentions. Here is my list.
Family time – this year provided the opportunity for us to talk more, in person and on the phone. Relatives that I had not spoken to in a long time were calling to check in on us. We felt the love, care and concern flow in from every direction. We used the time to catch up on family dynamics and to renew interests.
Group exercise – although not a part of my initial plans since I do ‘my own thing’ regularly, I joined a national exercise initiative meant to jumpstart social activities after restrictions eased. Believe it or not, I found being a part of the assembly a time to relax, unwind and enjoy ‘bare laughs.’ The comradery and encouragement of the gals to go the distance, earn the burn, chase the waist, and all the other exercise cliches used as motivators was fun and rewarding.
New friends and exercise partners
New friends – always are a plus in my book. I met 11 new acquaintances of which two have become fast friends. Our similar interests and zest for life, travel and exploring are just a few of the things we share in common and enjoy talking about.
Planting crops and savanah grass with Russel in the mix
Physical labor – was a good way to get stuff done that would otherwise have languished around the home. The time spent involved in or supervising projects was definitely worthwhile. A job well done brought satisfaction and pride. Lots of time was invested in planting, harvesting, renovating and cleanups around the home. Many days the hot sun took its toll, and some days unexpected bad weather made the projects come to a screeching halt.
Top L-R: Ripe mangoes, Mango Tree, Avocado Tree Bottom L-R: Banana Tree, Fig Tree
Healthy eating – the farm to table experience was real. I often take home-grown fruits and vegetables for granted. This time I ate with gusto the fresh, organically grown fruits and greens without reservation. Mangoes, bananas, soursop, avocado, star apple, sugar apple, papaya, guinep, egg fruit, carambola, mamey apple, fig, golden apple, water melon, grape fruit and seville sweet are simply a few of the delicious fruits I enjoyed. A bonus of not having to purchase these same provisions at the supermarket helped my pocket too.
Impactful meditations – morining and evening devotions are by far the most precious enjoyment and gain in 2020. Spending time alone with God in prayer at home or in nature has revived my spiritual connection and centered me on what really matters going forward. Along with that, I treasured the times spent singing spiritual songs with my aging mom, reading scripture lessons with her, and listening to her wise counsel (wanted or unwanted 😊) are experiences that I will recall for the rest of my life..
Community Peeps, I can go on and on of experiences that I have found to be worthwhile even under the black cloud of covid-19. Hopefully by now it is obvious to you that I view the glass half full. What about you? Have you assessed the year and realized there are things you have gained irrespective of any loss incurred? If you have, please share an experience or two in the comment box below. I love to hear from you.
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September is leaving at a fast clip and I have not updated my peeps on the latest and greatest in a while, so before October arrives let me go on record and post my thoughts on a recent vidoe footage I viewed via a popular social media platform.
In previous months. there has been much talk in the news since the Covid-19 fallout, of Barbados becoming a travel destination option for privileged work-at-home persons in places like Canada, USA, and Europe. Recently, it has become more fodder for news anchors, and journalist who seem to find the novelty idea farfetched. I wonder why. Have those persons ever been to these shores? Probably not. The focus has shifted from the work-at-homers to university students, who, after doing the math, realize it would be totally worth it, and that it is cheaper to study online in paradise rather than remain at home or in their university town under lockdown, or with limited mobility/restrictions. Four such students who were interviewed, took the plunge and are currently living together on the island enjoying the benefits of being in an almost covid-free environment.
To show you what could be a big draw besides our pristine beaches, warm weather and laid back lifestyle, I have included a few pictures of scenes, one would consider off-the-beaten path. After you view the collage, tell me who wouldn’t want to move to this island? Your answer would more than likely be, “I would in a heartbeat 😆” All kudos for the photos below belong to my newest friend Chris who is an avid hiker. View and enjoy.
Off-the-beaten path
Community Peeps, the protracted existence of the Corona virus is truly testing our resolve to go the distance. The eventuality that more and more creative ideas and options will be proffered by governments to jumpstart their struggling economies, and tempt interested or tired persons to explore should not be surprising or be met with derision. After all, you can choose to take it or leave it. Are any of you considering working at a different location or in a different country if its cost effective? Would love to read your thoughts on such a move, and of the pictures. Drop your note in the comment box below.
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These days there is not a lot of exciting things to talk about regarding travel. The tourist industry has taken the hardest hit ever and most vacationers already know this. My interest was in planning bespoke itineraries and adventurous trips, but now, such activities I can only hope to resume in the future. When is anyone’s guess. In this time of uncertainty, it has become clear that an action plan is necessary in order for me to remain positive and forward thinking. Obviously, these are uncertain times, and that begs the question, where do I go from here? Here on the island, I have occupied myself with other interests such as baking, vegetable gardening, long morning walks and evening exercise classes, but there is only so much of that that I want to do. Although restrictions have all but disappeared, who really want to mix and mingle while the probability of being infected is still very much possible? I, for one do not.
It is often said, “If we fail to plan, we plan to fail.” Granted, no one could have predicted the gravity of the situation, and the extent or lengths it would take. Most believed the scourge would be short lived, and not even the toll on our mental health was a consideration at the beginning of the pandemic. However, proportionately the tide has changed on that reality.
Fixing one’s state of mind may be hard to do from person to person. Afterall, keepng a positive attitude can be a struggle for some more than others, as more and more daily stressors come to light. Of course, the protracted remedy and uncertainties of the future do not alleviate the daily anguish persons may encounter. While I do not pretend to have an answer to the anomalies and enigmas that confront us, I understand and am acutely aware that the pressure seems unending. BUT (Behold the Underlying Truth), there is a daily plan you can use that will bring you comfort, give you assurances like no other, and keep your mental health in check. That plan is spending time in the Word of God. Within the pages of the Bible are numerous promises to claim, and a solid reassurance that we are never alone, not even in this pandemic.
Community Peeps, “How are you doing?” I hope all of you are taking every precaution to be safe, wearing your mask, sanitizing, and physical distancing. Doing these things will help to protect you and someone else. Keep your mind on positive, uplifting thoughts and avoid at all cost large gatherings. Share your coping skills with me as they may have changed within the past months. Write them in the comment box below so others may benefit too.
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From east to west, and from north to south My travels have taken me seven continents about. To places of interest, distant lands, islands shore to shore Countries I had often heard spoken of or read about before.
The quest to travel started early in my teens And up to this age I am not yet weaned. The longing to see the world and explore Could not be quenched with one destination, I needed more.
First, I journeyed from Barbados to England the mother land Thereafter to commonwealth nations, all part of the plan. So, I would travel to two sometimes four Places that piqued my interest, that held a special lure.
Obviously bitten by a persistent travel bug I have learned how to navigate, pack, and lug. Tromping with bags thru Europe, the Americas North, Central and South Travel was my destiny, my passion, my love.
From Africa to Asia, the Middle East to Down Under Careful planning and bespoke itineraries made each trip a wonder. Jetting off to those horizons offered a unique thrill Before starting the holiday, I had not paid the entire bill.
Reservations were set, and I was in store To traverse like a pirate while going solo. Tours, dinners, adventures galore Are the experiences I now talk of ore and ore.
Every time I would make the trek of two weeks or four I would come back tired, weary, and sore. Options to travel by plane, train, bus, or car But more often than naught my two legs took me far.
It is more than a year, maybe two, since my last trip To Indonesia, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, hence this writ. It is high time to pack bags and be on my way Instead of watching YouTube travel sites every day.
Because of Covid-19 my travel plans have been shelved Lockdown at home and abroad has blown it all to hell. My patience is running out I am hoping to choose A trip in the near future so have me excused.
Borders are closed, commercial flights still grounded I hate to say it, but for now, nowhere I am bounded. Viewing travel videos does make me weep To see other tourists enjoying treat after treat.
The world is my oyster and all I want to see Are exotic places not just on TV. To satisfy my longings, fulfil my destiny God willing, I want a vacation before January.
Community Peeps I often reminisce and ponder Of my times perusing places of natural beauty and splendor. Taj Mahal, Sidney Opera House, Vatican, Grand Canyon Spelunking, zip lining, hot air balloon flying, and camel riding. Too many places to list and too many adventures to tell But if you like this ode to travel, I pray thee well. Leave a comment in the box that will help me feel Your love as always, encouraged, surreal.
As usual I will beg my readers, for whom I care To leave a comment, like, follow or share. It would be a treasured gift of pleasure I seek And I will sign off as always with a promise to speak.
Travel Itineraries 