What’SUP Barbados?!

I’ve given the final hugs for this round in Oklahoma before the 26 hour journey to my next destintion. 26 hours you may wonder? This my friends, is how I’m able to save a solid amount on flights. The ticket I chose was nearly half the price of the “easier” route because I was willing to sleep in an airport.  Someday, I’m sure I won’t be so willing, but for now… bring it on! 

   
Thank you mom for the towel (dubbed napkin/head wrap/table cloth/seat cover/fruit container/camera protector/bandaid/glove/dishrag).  I love the quote and tonight it will be used as my clean pillow case as I attempt to rest on the airport floor. FYI: there are chairs and benches, but I offerred the one I was using to a family with little tikes.  Pay it forward, right?  It all comes back around. 

 
Breakfast of champions? Ummm, sure. Oats (thank you Lacie!) with some honey that I permanently borrowed from a coffee shop. 

Another hint for less expensive travel: Try to limit your… no… just avoid airport food as a whole! No exaggeration – a water bottle, sand-which with a whole piece of fruit, $17usd! That’s not even including additional treats or coffee. Pack some snacks and use the water fountains to refill your drink.  Funny how we get excited to save a handful of cash for a cheaper flight, yet spend more than we saved by not preparing for the journey. Go figure.

 
Final flight and now it has hit me like being a senior on the last day of highschool or maybe like a bride on the morning of her wedding (I wouldn’t know haha). Well shoots, probably more like a backpacker that has just arrived to her island-home away from home!

 
My dearest Barbados, I have often craved the sound of your native accent when the locals are joking with one another. I’ve longed for your sunsets that just seem brighter in the Barbadian sky. I’ve been let down abroad desperatly trying a variety of Roti’s, knowing that nothing will compare to a Trini Roti in Barbados (although I might reevaluate that once I have a Trini Roti in Trinidad!) and Doubles… nobody has ever heard of them!  Oh how I love to devour a Channa Double! 

The people who make Barbados what it is, are definitely one of a kind. Genuine is a word that comes to mind when describing a Bajan.  Some are spicy, many are sweet. Sober faced with smiling eyes and a bit feisty if necessary (and sometimes even when it’s not). Whatever personality each one holds… they are genuine to it.  Nothing to hide, no shame, they are who they are. And if you don’t like it, that’s all right with them… 

Just  “guh-long ’bout yuh bizness!“ (to be said like a proper Bajan).

For more Bajan slang and some not so well known facts, please be entertained by clicking here!

 
 
Now that I’m finally here, I’ve chosen to start not with a Roti or Soca party, not even a rum punch or Banks beer… but a sunset paddle with friends. I’ll go into description of these wonderful comrades later, as for now I just want the pictures to do the writing.

A perfect welcoming to a magical place.   

When we got back, everyone was trying their yoga stands so naturally I joined in!  Turns out a floating device on water doesn’t make for a very stable handstand surface.  Kudos to Ryan for catching the shot right before I bailed! Try, try, try again! 
    
What’SUP Barbados is a standup paddleboarding experience that should be on your “must do list” next time you’re on the island. If you desire an experience that works the body, relaxes the mind and rejuvenates the soul, please contact my amazing friend owner/operator, Ryan Rodriguez – Phone: 1(246) 243-7878.  I’m sure he’d get a kick out of a name drop too… mention herhappytrials to get an extra smile!