Cricket: a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players each on a field at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. (Thank you internet definition)
The original game itself can last anywhere between a few hours to a few days. Yes folks, that’s not a typo. In fact, the record for longest game is 150 hours and 14 minuts. The shortened version that I attended on this day was called Twenty20. Each team is allowed only one inning that’s restricted to 20 overs (google it) and tends to run about three hours. I was warned by a dear friend to bring a pillow just in case I fell asleep. We’ll see.
Walking up to any stadium always sends a unique chill throughout my body. Maybe it’s the energy from the excited fans or the view over looking the massive field. Whatever it is, I feel it.
The Kingston oval was no different as we peaked over the stairs to our seats, a childlike “goosy” sensation ran over my body.
Sitting from my seat, I was able to capture a few good shots of the field and some random entertaining pictures.
Snack time? This guy was selling peanuts and grapes. Classic.
People often ask me if I ever see hairstyles around the world that inspire new ideas. Hmmm….
The marching band certainly made a show with instrumental versions of Soca music. Good stuff!
Cheerleaders? Of course! …and look who joined them.
The mini break (I would refer to it as the half time show) consisted of hip hop dancers tumbling around the field.
Hours later of learning of runs, overs, hits and such, it came down to the last 2 pitches. Barbados needed to score 6 points with 2 balls left. If you’re not familiar with the game, this would be like an American football game with an even score at the 10 yard line with 2 seconds left. A baseball game maybe bases loaded, last inning with 2 outs. You get the drift that the crowd was on their feet waiting for the pitch. Lucky for me (and every other fan) they hit it solid and won the game! Does cricket have a new fan? Possibly.
I feel like I need to come up with a different phrase other than “thank you” for Ryan. So many experiences that I would have never been a part of without his guidance and willingness to let a happy little backpacker tag along.
How do I ever repay him for this experience and new found sport?
Haircuts for the whole family!
I didn’t bring my proper tools this trip because I carried on my bags and protective TSA (enter sarcastic smile here) would have taken my shears. I wasn’t too concerned though, as we could just use what they had, right?
Spray bottle? Nah, we have a water hose. Perfect!
An average size combing device? Umm, nope. The pink comb would have better used to brush the mane of lion and the small black one was technically for the beard/mustache. “There’s no need to fear… Erika is here!” Only funny to those of you who watched American cartoons anytime from 1964-1990.
Here’s Ryan, he went first. A pointless funny side note: Neither one of us knew about the faces we were making.
Now his sister Melodie, her husband Kris and their precious baby boy Tiernan (who’s little noggin was the perfect fit to the mustache comb).
If this beautiful family looks familiar it’s probably because in years past they’ve been a part of my Barbados journey. Quick pic recap!
Last but far from least is their mother, Barbara. Not only was she brave enough to let me play with her hair, she was kind enough to welcome us into her guest studio apartment for the last week of our stay.
Wherelse better for a Bajan haircut than under a mango tree!
Her Happy Trails 